Perna canaliculus and the Intestinal Microbiome

Abstract

Natural medicines are often an attractive option for patients diagnosed with chronic conditions. Three main classes of bioactives that have been reported from marine mussel extracts include proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Commercially, the most relevant species of marine mollusks belong to two genera, Perna and Mytilus. Specifically, the Perna canaliculus species has been repeatedly demonstrated to harbor anti-inflammatory compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) that can ameliorate pro-inflammatory conditions, or proteins that can promote thrombin inhibitory activity. Recent clinical studies have posited that extracts from green-lipped mussels may lead to prebiotic activity in the intestinal microbiome that in turn has been reported to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Prebiotics have been reported to favorably interact with the intestinal microbiome through the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut, suppressing exogenous and endogenous intestinal infections and promoting homeostasis by balancing local pro- and anti-inflammatory actions. Bioactive compounds from Perna canaliculus are functional foods and, in this regard, may positively interact with the intestinal microbiome and provide novel therapeutic solutions for intra-intestinal and extra-intestinal inflammatory conditions.

Keywords: Perna canaliculus; bioactive; functional foods; green mussel; intestinal microbiome; prebiotics.

Figure 1

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as signaling molecules affected end-organ health. The green-lipped mussel (GLM) promotes anaerobic intestinal bacteria capable of producing SCFAs through the fermentation of dietary fibers. SCFAs serve as a source of energy for epithelial cells but also act as signaling molecules. SCFAs activate various receptors including the G-protein-coupled receptors Free Fatty Acid Receptors 2 and 3 (FFAR2 and FFAR3), expressed in the intestinal mucosa and on various immune cells. The activation of FFAR2 and FFAR3 stimulate the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) in the intestine, improving insulin secretion. Hepatic uptake of SCFAs is associated with a decrease in angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4). ANGPTL4 regulates the uptake of triglycerides in adipocytes by inhibiting circulating lipoprotein lipase, thus promoting lipid clearance. The activation of FFAR2 and FFAR3 also promotes the release of noradrenalin, increasing the heart rate and energy expenditure, and further helping to maintain whole-body homeostasis [11,12].