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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Molecules

Food-Derived Bioactives and the Endothelial Glycocalyx: Chemical Determinants, Molecular Mechanisms, and Translational Evidence

  • Roko Santic1,2
  • Marko Kumric1,2
  • Ivan Cvitkovic3
  • Josko Bozic1,2
  1. 1Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
  2. 2Laboratory for Cardiometabolic Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
  3. 3Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Abstract

Food-derived bioactives can modify the endothelial glycocalyx, but chemical identity, achievable exposure and the meaning of the measured response must be considered together. This narrative review integrates evidence identified through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to examine those connections. Experimental studies show reduced loss of surface glycans, altered glycosaminoglycan turnover and changes in layer hydration; selected studies also demonstrate improved permeability or flow-related signaling. These findings support glycocalyx modulation as a biological effect, while distinguishing preservation, swelling and post-injury recovery. Quantitative comparisons reveal substantial gaps between some active culture concentrations and human plasma exposure, compounded by conjugation and uncertain absorption of intact polysaccharides. Surface staining, circulating syndecan-1 and the perfused boundary region measure different processes and cannot individually establish complete restoration. Human trials show favorable surrogate outcomes for some preparations and neutral results for others; multicomponent products and small samples limit ingredient attribution, and responsive patient groups remain unestablished. The contribution of this review is to connect chemical and exposure evidence with what each endothelial endpoint can substantiate. Together, the studies support specific mechanisms of surface-layer modulation but do not yet establish sustained vascular benefit from oral glycocalyx-directed nutrition.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{santic2026foodderived,
  title = {{Food-Derived Bioactives and the Endothelial Glycocalyx: Chemical Determinants, Molecular Mechanisms, and Translational Evidence}},
  author = {Roko Santic and Marko Kumric and Ivan Cvitkovic and Josko Bozic},
  journal = {Molecules},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3390/molecules31213832},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/21/3832},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Food-Derived Bioactives and the Endothelial Glycocalyx: Chemical Determinants, Molecular Mechanisms, and Translational Evidence
AU  - Roko Santic
AU  - Marko Kumric
AU  - Ivan Cvitkovic
AU  - Josko Bozic
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/23
JO  - Molecules
DO  - 10.3390/molecules31213832
UR  - https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/21/3832
AB  - Food-derived bioactives can modify the endothelial glycocalyx, but chemical identity, achievable exposure and the meaning of the measured response must be considered together. This narrative review integrates evidence identified through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to examine those connections. Experimental studies show reduced loss of surface glycans, altered glycosaminoglycan turnover and changes in layer hydration; selected studies also demonstrate improved permeability or flow-related signaling. These findings support glycocalyx modulation as a biological effect, while distinguishing preservation, swelling and post-injury recovery. Quantitative comparisons reveal substantial gaps between some active culture concentrations and human plasma exposure, compounded by conjugation and uncertain absorption of intact polysaccharides. Surface staining, circulating syndecan-1 and the perfused boundary region measure different processes and cannot individually establish complete restoration. Human trials show favorable surrogate outcomes for some preparations and neutral results for others; multicomponent products and small samples limit ingredient attribution, and responsive patient groups remain unestablished. The contribution of this review is to connect chemical and exposure evidence with what each endothelial endpoint can substantiate. Together, the studies support specific mechanisms of surface-layer modulation but do not yet establish sustained vascular benefit from oral glycocalyx-directed nutrition.
SN  - 1420-3049
ER  -