Introduction

The use of ovothiol might be useful for the prevention and treatment of pathologies associated with Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation, in particular in treating chronic hyperglycemia. It has been demonstrated that the pathway triggered by the inflammation is inhibited by ovothiol incubation in a model of endothelial cultures obtained from umbilical cords of women suffering from gestational diabetes.

Technical features

In the pharmaceutical field there is a lot of attention in the research of active ingredients of natural origin to be used as food supplements in the prevention of the onset of inflammatory diseases and as medicaments for the treatment of the same pathologies. It has been demonstrated that ovothiols, molecules of natural origin isolated from the eggs of sea urchin, do not show cytotoxic effects in vitro. At the same time, they help to reduce the inflammatory state related to several pathologies for which the drugs are often harmful over time. In particular, in the patent it has been observed that ovothiol has a protective effect on endothelial cultures obtained from umbilical cords of women suffering from gestational diabetes. Indeed, the molecule can inhibit the adhesion to monocytes in the endothelium and reduce the production of free radicals. It also potentially prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. These results may lead to a preventive and therapeutical use of ovothiols in the treatment of Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation, such as cardio- and cerebro- vascular diseases and diabetes.

Possible Applications

• Scientific research;
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sector:
  • Development of a dietary supplement for the prevention of inflammatory diseases;
  • Development of a drug for the prevention and treatment of Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation and correlated pathologies.

Advantages

• Natural molecule of marine origin;
• Absence of toxicity;
• Antioxidant effect al low doses;
• Anti-inflammatory effect at low doses;
• Potential anti-atherogenic property;