For those of you that are scientific minded, here are a couple study
summaries that show how Limu Moui's Fucoidan Detoxify the body of
poisonous metals. ENJOY!




Biochem J 1999 Mar 1;338 ( Pt 2):553-60
Identification and characterization of a recombinant metallothionein
protein from a marine alga, Fucus vesiculosus.
Morris CA, Nicolaus B, Sampson V, Harwood JL, Kille P
School of Biosciences, University of Wales Cardiff, P.O. Box 911,
Cardiff CF1 3US, Wales, UK.

A cDNA library was constructed from macroalgae adapted to prolonged
elevated environmental copper levels. To investigate the possible
existence of a metallothionein (MT) gene, the library was screened
with degenerate probes designed using plant MT cysteine-rich motifs.
A gene was identified (1229 bp) with a putative open reading frame
(204 bp) encoding a 67-amino-acid protein exhibiting several
characteristic features of MT proteins, including 16 cysteine
residues (24%) and only one aromatic residue. Although the protein
sequence showed high identity with plant and invertebrate MTs, it
contained a unique 'linker' region (14 amino acid residues) between
the two putative metal-binding domains which contained no cysteine
residues. This extended linker is larger than the tripeptide found in
archetypal vertebrate MTs, but does not conform either with the 40-
amino-acid linkers commonly found in plant MT sequences. An S-peptide
Fucus MT fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli exhibited a
relative molecular mass of approximately 14 kDa. The recombinant
fusion bound seven Cd ions, of which 50% were dissociated at pH 4.1.
Under anaerobic conditions, the Cd ions were displaced by Cu(I),
which associated with the protein at a ratio of 13:1. Laboratory
exposure of F. vesiculosus to elevated copper resulted in induction
of the MT gene. Thus this paper describes, for the first time, an MT
gene identified from macroalgae which is induced by copper exposure
and whose encoded protein product binds cadmium and copper.

PMID: 10024535, UI: 99156759



Author Address: Gastrointest. Res. Lab., McGill Univ., Montreal,
Que., Can.


Source: BOT MAR; 21 (1). 1978 13-22


Abstract:

HEEP COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. A sulfated polysaccharide derived from
marine algae (Ascophyllum nodosum) was studied for its ability to
bind divalent metal cations (Lead in its ionized form is a hazard to
the body. Rapid conversion of Pb into a non-ionized form is of prime
importance in the treatment of Pb poisoning. Chelating agents are
employed for this purpose.) with specific reference to Pb and Ca.
Studies were carried out in vitro by ultrafiltration and in vivo by
the ligated intestinal loop technique using rats. Using the
efficiency of ion-exchange reactions with divalent cations, the order
of preferential binding was established for fucoidan. This
polyelectrolyte had the greatest affinity for lead with relatively
little binding of calcium. Studies in vivo demonstrated a 70%
reduction in the lead absorbed by the rat when using fucoidan. This
naturally occurring non-toxic polyelectrolyte is a suitable binding
agent for Pb. The insignificant binding of Ca is an important
criteria for biological and clinical application. The high biological
activity of this compound depends on position and availability of
functional groups for the ion-exchange process, and viscosity of the
solution.