Exploring sulphated polysaccharides from marine bivalves: Unveiling potent anti-gastric cancer activity through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

This study investigates the extraction of partially purified sulphated polysaccharides from marine bivalves through enzymatic digestion followed by sequential deproteinization and evaluates their anti-gastric cancer activity. Chemical analysis confirmed high uronic acid and sulfate content, with FT-IR validating characteristic functional groups. <i>Donax variabilis</i> polysaccharide demonstrated significant, dose-dependent anti-proliferative effects against AGS cells. Mechanistic studies revealed morphological changes, ROS generation, LDH release, and mitochondrial membrane disruption, leading to apoptosis. Flow cytometry confirmed G0/G1 phase arrest. These findings suggest that <i>D. variabilis</i> sulphated polysaccharides exhibit potent anti-gastric cancer properties, likely through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, warranting further investigation for therapeutic applications.