Chemical characterization and biological activity of an anticancer agent of marine origin.

Clinical interest in the pharmacology of medicinals from marine organisms has heightened due to anticancer effects indicated for Mercenaria marine clam components. This report further characterizes the anticancer principle. Hydrophilic products were extracted by aqueous and/or salting-out methods followed by dialysis. Organic solvent extraction produced a new family of active agents related to the hydrophilic component. Thin layer and liquid column chromatography as well as enzymatic degradation were used to secure a more pure product for analysis. Assay included P388 leukemia and B16 melanoma. Oligonucleotide fractions and smaller components were observed to increase survival rate; treated mice remained at 67% survival when control animals had reached zero. A many-fold purified product was effectively reduced from 300 mg/kg body weight to 5 mg/kg to achieve anticancer activity. Chemical analysis suggested a product composed of carbohydrate, phosphate, peptide, and an unidentified material. Acid hydrolysis revealed the presence of hexoses, pentoses, and a full spectrum of amino acids. Several distinct components found to comprise the active samples may act as the effective product or as a carrier.