Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Potential Anticancer Activity of the Polysaccharides of the Fungus Fomitiporia chilensis.

Fomitiporia species have aroused the interest of numerous investigations that reveal their biological activity and medicinal potential. The present investigation shows the antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activity of acidic polysaccharides obtained from the fungus Fomitiporia chilensis. The acidic polysaccharides were obtained for acidic precipitation with 2% O-N-cetylpyridinium bromide. Chemical analysis was performed using FT-IR and GC-MS methods. The antioxidant capacity of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis was evaluated by scavenging free radicals with an ABTS assay. Macrophage proliferation and cytokine production assays were used to determine the immunomodulatory capacity of the polysaccharides. Anti-tumor and cytotoxicity activity was evaluated with an MTT assay in the U-937, HTC-116, and HGF-1 cell lines. The effect of polysaccharides on the cell cycle of the HCT-116 cell line was determined for flow cytometry. Fourier Transform-infrared characterization revealed characteristic absorption peaks for polysaccharides, whereas the GC-MS analysis detected three peaks corresponding to D-galactose, galacturonic acid, and D-glucose. The secreted TNF-α concentration was increased when the cell was treated with 2 mg mL-1 polysaccharides, whereas the IL-6 concentration was increased with all of the evaluated polysaccharide concentrations. A cell cycle analysis of HTC-116 treated with polysaccharides evidenced that the acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis induce an increase in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase, increasing the apoptotic cell percentage. Results from a proteomic analysis suggest that some of the molecular mechanisms involved in their antioxidant and cellular detoxifying effects and justify their traditional use in heart diseases. Proteomic data are available through ProteomeXchange under identifier PXD048361. The study on acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis has unveiled their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings underscore the promising therapeutic applications of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis, warranting further pharmaceutical and medicinal research exploration.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Cordyceps militaris Polysaccharide on RAW 264.7 Macrophages by Regulating MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Polysaccharide is one of the principal bioactive components found in medicinal mushrooms and has been proven to enhance host immunity. However, the possible mechanism of immunomodulatory activity of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide is not fully understood. Hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation, DEAE-Sephadex A-25 chromatography, and Sephadex G-100 chromatography were used to isolate polysaccharide from C. militaris. A high-molecular-weight polysaccharide isolated from C. militaris was designated as HCMP, which had an Mw of 6.18 × 105 Da and was composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, and xylose in a mole ratio of 2.00:8.01:72.54:15.98:1.02. The polysaccharide content of HCMP was 91.2% ± 0.16. The test in vitro showed that HCMP activated mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells by enhancing phagocytosis and NO production, and by regulating mRNA expressions of inflammation-related molecules in RAW 264.7 cells. Western blotting revealed that HCMP induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Moreover, using inhibitors of MAPKs decreased the mRNA levels of inflammation-related molecules induced by HCMP. These data evidenced that the immunomodulatory effect of HCMP on RAW 264.7 macrophages was mediated via the MAPK signaling pathway. These findings suggested that HCMP could be developed as a potent immunomodulatory agent for use in functional foods and dietary supplements.

Isolation Techniques, Structural Characteristics, and Pharmacological Effects of Phellinus Polysaccharides: A Review.

Phellinus is a precious perennial medicinal fungus. Its polysaccharides are important bioactive components, and their chemical composition is complex. The polysaccharides are mainly extracted from the fruiting body and mycelium. The yield of the polysaccharides is dependent on the extraction method. They have many pharmacological activities, such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, etc. They are also reported to show minor toxic and side effects. Many studies have reported the anticancer activity of Phellinus polysaccharides. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of the current methodologies for the extraction and purification of Phellinus polysaccharides. Additionally, it delves into the structural characteristics, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action of these polysaccharides. The primary aim of this review is to offer a valuable resource for researchers, facilitating further studies on Phellinus polysaccharides and their potential applications.

Structural characterization of extracellular polysaccharides from Phellinus igniarius SH-1 and their therapeutic effects on DSS induced colitis in mice.

Phellinus igniarius is a valuable medicinal and edible mushroom, and its polysaccharides exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity. During liquid fermentation to produce P. igniarius mycelia, the fermentation liquid is often discarded, but it contains extracellular polysaccharides. To better utilize these resources, P. igniarius SH-1 was fermented in a 100 L fermenter, and PIPS-2 was isolated and purified from the fermentation broth. The structural characteristics and anti-inflammatory activity of PIPS-2 were determined. PIPS-2 had a molecular weight of 22.855 kDa and was composed of galactose and mannose in a molar ratio of 0.38:0.62. Structural analysis revealed that the main chain of PIPS-2 involved →2)-α-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-Galf-(1→, and the side chains involved α-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, α-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 3)-α-D-Manp-(1→, and α-D-Manp-(1. PIPS-2 alleviated the symptoms of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, improved the imbalance of inflammatory factors and antioxidant enzymes, and increased short-chain fatty acid contents. Combining the intestinal flora and metabolite results, PIPS-2 was found to regulate the abundance of Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides, and many serum metabolites including hexadecenal, copalic acid, 8-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, artepillin C, and uric acid, thereby ameliorating metabolite related disorders in mice with colitis. In summary, PIPS-2 may improve colitis in mice by regulating the gut microbiota and metabolites.

Effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide on mitochondrial apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.

FVP is a polysaccharide extracted from Flammulina velutipes with immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidation activities. In this study, we obtained the crude polysaccharide FVP-C from the water extract of Flammulina velutipes, and its main component FVP-S1 was obtained after further purification. Upon structural identification, we found that FVP-C is a neutral polysaccharide, and FVP-S1 was an acidic golden mushroom polysaccharide, consisting of glucuronic acid, xylose, and glucose. Lung adenocarcinoma (A549) was treated with FVP-S1 and FVP-C, respectively, and we found that FVP-S1 and FVP-C inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of tumor cells, as well as changed the morphology of the tumor cells and caused chromosome sheteropythosis, among which FVP-S1 had the best inhibition effect. The results of flow cytometry experiments and mitochondrial membrane potential, RT-qPCR, and Western blot showed that FVP-S1 and FVP-C were able to decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential, increase the expression level of apoptotic proteins Casepase-3 and Casepase-9 proteins, and at the same time, increase the ratio of Bax and Bcl-2, which promoted apoptosis of tumor cells. In conclusion, these data indicated that FVP-S1 and FVP-C were able to induce apoptosis in A549 cells through the mitochondrial pathway, which played an important role in inhibiting tumor cells.

Saccharide mapping as an extraordinary method on characterization and identification of plant and fungi polysaccharides: A review.

Saccharide mapping was a promising scheme to unveil the mystery of polysaccharide structure by analysis of the fragments generated from polysaccharide decomposition process. However, saccharide mapping was not widely applied in the polysaccharide analysis for lacking of systematic introduction. In this review, a detailed description of the establishment process of saccharide mapping, the pros and cons of downstream technologies, an overview of the application of saccharide mapping, and practical strategies were summarized. With the updating of the available downstream technologies, saccharide mapping had been expanding its scope of application to various kinds of polysaccharides. The process of saccharide mapping analysis included polysaccharides degradation and hydrolysates analysis, and the degradation process was no longer limited to acid hydrolysis. Some downstream technologies were convenient for rapid qualitative analysis, while others could achieve quantitative analysis. For the more detailed structure information could be provided by saccharide mapping, it was possible to improve the quality control of polysaccharides during preparation and application. This review filled the blank of basic information about saccharide mapping and was helpful for the establishment of a professional workflow for the saccharide mapping application to promote the deep study of polysaccharide structure.

Exploratory studies of the antidepressant effect of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide and its potential mechanism.

Cordyceps sinensis, a traditionally prized medicinal fungus, contains polysaccharides as one of its main bioactive constituents, known for their significant immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we systematically investigated the composition and structure of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide, followed by an evaluation of its therapeutic effect on depression using a chronic restraint stress-induced depression model. The polysaccharide CSWP-2, extracted via hot water, precipitated with ethanol, and purified using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography from Cordyceps sinensis, is primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose, with α-1,4-D-glucan as its major structural component. Behavioral tests, immunological profiling, metabolomics, and gut microbiota analyses indicated a notable ameliorative effect of CSWP-2 on depressive-like symptoms in mice. Furthermore, the action of CSWP-2 may be attributed to the modulation of the gut microbiome's abundance and its metabolic impacts, thereby transmitting signals to the host immune system and exerting immunomodulatory activity, ultimately contributing to its antidepressant effects.

Polysaccharides of Floccularia luteovirens regulate intestinal immune response, and oxidative stress activity through MAPK/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway in immunosuppressive mice.

This study explores the novel immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides from the rare Floccularia luteovirens, a fungus with significant potential yet unexplored bioactive components, traditionally used in Tibetan medicine. This study employs a wide array of analytical techniques, including HPGPC, HPLC, western blotting, ELISA, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, to comprehensively investigate FLP1's effects. The main structure of FLP1 was characterized by IF-TR and NMR spectrometry. The structural backbone of FLP1 was →3,6)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ and →2,3)-α-D-Manp-(1→. After immunosuppressed mice treated with FLP1, the findings demonstrated that FLP1 stimulated the production of secretory sIgA and secretion of cytokines (IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) in the intestine of Cy-treated mice, resulting in the activation of the MAPK pathway. Additionally, FLP1 protected oxidative stress by triggering Nrf2/Keap1 pathways and antioxidation enzymes (SOD, MDA, T-AOC, CAT, and GSH-Px). It also enhanced the intestinal barrier function by regulating the villous height ratio and expression of tight-junction protein. Furthermore, FLP1 remarkably reversed the gut microbiota dysbiosis in immunosuppressed mice by increasing the abundance of Oscilliospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae, and altered the fecal metabolites by increasing LysoPE (0:0/18:0); 0:0/16:0; 18:1(11Z)/0:0, LysoPG (16:0/0:0), LysoPG 18:1 (2n) PE (14:0/20:1), echinenone, 2-(2-Nitroimidazol-1-yl)-N-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl) acetamide, and suberic acid which is closely related to the immunity function. These results suggested that FLP1 may regulate the intestinal immune response by modulating the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in immunosuppressed mice thereby activating the immune system.

Physicochemical characterization and anti-angiogenesis activity of polysaccharides from Amauroderma rugosum, a medicinal and edible mushroom.

Amauroderma rugosum (AR) is commonly recognized as a medicinal fungus, often used as an alternative to Ganoderma lucidum. There is a scarcity of comprehensive and in-depth research on its bioactive polysaccharides and their associated biological activities. Herein, we isolated the polysaccharide fractions extracted from AR (ARPs) and investigated their primary structure and anti-angiogenic activities, given that various diseases are associated with excessive angiogenesis. Four polysaccharide fractions including ARP-0, ARP-1, ARP-2, and ARP-5 were heteropolysaccharides with different molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, and micromorphologies, highlighting their varying bioactive profiles. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with these polysaccharide fractions showed that only ARP-5 inhibited cell proliferation after vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation. Similarly, ARP-5 inhibited human umbilical vein endothelial cells migration, invasion, and tube formation upon VEGF (50 ng/mL) treatment. Moreover, compared with the insignificant effects of ARP-0, ARP-1, and ARP-2, ARP-5 impeded angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos. Additionally, ARP-5 downregulated the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that ARP-5 exerts its anti-angiogenic activities by blocking the VEGF/VEGFR2-mediated angiogenesis signaling pathway. Taken together, the study findings shed light on the primary structure and bioactivity of ARPs.

Armillariella tabescens-derived polysaccharides alleviated â±°-Gal-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive injury through enterocerebral axis and activation of keap-1/Nrf2 pathway.

The early symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases include oxidative stress disorder and accelerated inflammation levels. Edible fungi polysaccharides play essential roles in anti-neuroinflammation. We analyzed the regulatory mechanisms of polysaccharides from extracellular Armillariella tabescens (ATEP) in alleviating neuroinflammation in mice. Mice were induced with d-galactose and aluminum chloride to establish an animal model of Alzheimer's disease, then intragastrically treated with ATEP, which had been previously analyzed for its physicochemical properties. We assessed the critical characteristics of mice treated for neuroinflammation, including cognitive behavior, the anti-inflammatory potential of ATEP in hippocampal pathology and critical protein expression, and changes in fecal microbial composition and metabolites. ATEP intervened in oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and suppressing the Keap-1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Changing the Nrf2 content in the nucleus led to changes in the downstream oxidation-related enzymes, HO-1, NQO-1, iNOS, and COX-2, and the neuronal morphology in CA3 region of the hippocampus. Microbiome analysis revealed that ATEP remodeled the gut microbiotas and regulated the short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria. Early intervention with ATEP via active dietary supplementation may promote neuroprotection.

Revolutionizing cancer treatment: Harnessing the power of terrestrial microbial polysaccharides.

Cancer treatment faces numerous challenges, such as inadequate drug targeting, steep price tags, grave toxic side effects, and limited therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a safe and effective new drug to combat cancer. Microbial polysaccharides, complex and diverse biological macromolecules, exhibit significant microbial variability and uniqueness. Studies have shown that terrestrial microbial polysaccharides possess a wide range of biological activities, including immune enhancement, antioxidant properties, antiviral effects, anti-tumour potential, and hypoglycemic functions. To delve deeper into the structure-activity relationship of these land-based microbial polysaccharides against cancer, we conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of anti-cancer literature published between 2020 and 2024. The anticancer efficacy of terrestrial microbial polysaccharides is influenced by multiple factors, including the microbial species, existing form, chemical structure, and polysaccharide purity. According to the literature, an optimal molecular weight and good water solubility are essential for demonstrating anticancer activity. Furthermore, the addition of mannose and galactose has been found to significantly enhance the anticancer properties of these polysaccharides. These insights will serve as a valuable reference for future research and progress in the field of cancer drug therapy, particularly with regards to terrestrial microbial polysaccharides.

A review of the fungal polysaccharides as natural biopolymers: Current applications and future perspective.

As a unique natural resource, fungi are a sustainable source of lipids, polysaccharides, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients. As a result, they have beneficial medicinal and nutritional properties. Polysaccharides are among the most significant bioactive components found in fungi. Increasing research has revealed that fungal polysaccharides (FPS) contain a variety of bioactivities, including antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-aging properties. However, the exact knowledge about FPS and their applications related to their future possibilities must be thoroughly examined to enhance a better understanding of this sustainable biopolymer source. Therefore, FPS' biological applications and their role in the food and feed industry, agriculture, and cosmetics applications were all discussed in this work. In addition, this review highlighted the mode of action of FPS on human diseases by regulating gut microbiota and discussed the mechanism of FPS as antioxidants in the living cell. The structure-activity connections of FPS were also highlighted and explored. Moreover, future perspectives were listed to pave the way for future studies of FPS applications. Hence, this study can be a scientific foundation for future FPS research and industrial applications.

Effects of different fractions of polysaccharides from Dictyophora indusiata on high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice.

Dictyophora indusiata is a common edible mushroom with great potential in the field of medicine against metabolic disorders, inflammation, and immunodeficiency. Our previous studies have shown that different fractions of the polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata (DIP) have various structural characteristics and morphology. However, the impact of the structural features on the protective effects of DIP against metabolic syndrome remains unclear. In this study, three distinct polysaccharide fractions have been extracted from Dictyophora indusiata and a high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) was constructed in mice. The effects of these fractions on a range of MetS-associated endpoints, including abnormal blood glucose, lipid profiles, body fat content, liver function, intestinal microbiota and their metabolites were investigated. Through correlation analysis, the potential link between the monosaccharide composition of the polysaccharides and their biological activities was determined. The study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms and ameliorative effects of these polysaccharide fractions on MetS, thereby providing statistical evidence for understanding the relationship between monosaccharides composition of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharides and their potential utility in treating metabolic disorders.

Optimization of polysaccharide conditions and analysis of antioxidant capacity in the co-culture of Sanghuangporus vaninii and Pleurotus sapidus.

Fungal polysaccharides are commonly utilized in the food industry and biomedical fields as a natural and safe immune modulator. Co-culturing is a valuable method for enhancing the production of secondary metabolites. This study used intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) content as a screening index, co-culturing seven different fungi with Sanghuangporus vaninii. The seed pre-culture liquid culture time was selected through screening, and conditions were assessed using single factor experimentation, a Plackett-Burman (PB) design, and response surface methodology (RSM) optimization. RSM optimization was conducted, leading to the measurement of antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that the co-culture of S. vaninii and Pleurotus sapidus exhibited the most effective outcome. Specifically, pre-culturing S. vaninii and P. sapidus seed cultures for 2 days and 0 days, respectively, followed by co-culturing, significantly increased IPS content compared to single-strain culturing. Further optimization of co-culture conditions revealed that yeast extract concentration, liquid volume, and S. vaninii inoculum ratio notably influenced IPS content in the order of yeast extract concentration > liquid volume > S. vaninii inoculum ratio. Under the optimal conditions, IPS content reached 69.9626 mg/g, a 17.04% increase from pre-optimization co-culture conditions. Antioxidant capacity testing demonstrated that co-cultured IPS exhibited greater scavenging abilities for DPPH and ABTS free radicals compared to single strain cultures. These findings highlight the potential of co-culturing S. vaninii and P. sapidus to enhance IPS content and improve antioxidant capacity, presenting an effective strategy for increasing fungal polysaccharide production.

Effects of different selenium biofortification methods on Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides: Structural characteristics, antioxidant activity and binding capacity in vitro.

The effects of selenium biofortification methods involving sodium selenite and selenium yeast on the structural characteristics, antioxidant activity and binding capacity of Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides were investigated. Sodium selenite Se-enriched Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides (Se-SPEP), selenium yeast Se-enriched Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides (Se-YPEP), and Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides (PEP) had Se contents of 20.548 ± 1.561, 19.822 ± 0.613, and 0.052 ± 0.016 µg/g, respectively. Compared with PEP, Se-SPEP and Se-YPEP had lower molecular weight and contained the same monosaccharides in varying molar ratios. The results of FT-IR, PS, ZP, and SEM indicated significant alterations in structural characteristics following selenium biofortification. Se-PEPs exhibited superior activity against ABTS, DPPH, and ·OH radicals, as well as the higher binding capacity for Cd2+ and Cu2+ compared to natural polysaccharides. The binding capacity of the polysaccharides for Cd2+ and Cu2+ was higher at pH 6.8 compared to pH 2.0, while the opposite was observed for Pb2+. Furthermore, Se-PEPs exhibited a significantly higher binding capacity for Cd2+ and Cu2+ at both pH levels compared to natural polysaccharides (P < 0.05). Se-YPEP displayed higher antioxidant activity than Se-SPEP, with their binding capacities reversed. These data indicated that selenium biofortification methods have different positive impacts on the structure and activity of polysaccharides compared to natural polysaccharides, making Se-PEPs promising dietary supplements for safeguarding the body against the risks posed by food-derived heavy metals.

Glucan polysaccharides isolated from Lactarius hatsudake Tanaka mushroom: Structural characterization and in vitro bioactivities.

Commercially available mushroom polysaccharides have found widespread use as adjuvant tumor treatments. However, the bioactivity of polysaccharides in Lactarius hatsudake Tanaka (L. hatsudake), a mushroom with both edible and medicinal uses, remains relatively unexplored. To address this gap, five L. hatsudake polysaccharides with varying molecular weights were isolated, named LHP-1 (898 kDa), LHP-2 (677 kDa), LHP-3 (385 kDa), LHP-4 (20 kDa), and LHP-5 (4.9 kDa). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and atomic force microscopy, etc., were employed to determine their structural characteristics. The results confirmed that spherical aggregates with amorphous flexible fiber chains dominated the conformation of the LHP. LHP-1 and LHP-2 were identified as glucans with α-(1,4)-Glcp as the main chain; LHP-3 and LHP-4 were classified as galactans with varying molecular weights but with α-(1,6)-Galp as the main chain; LHP-5 was a glucan with ß-(1,3)-Glcp as the main chain and ß-(1,6)-Glcp connecting to the side chains. Significant differences were observed in inhibiting tumor cell cytotoxicity and the antioxidant activity of the LHPs, with LHP-5 and LHP-4 identified as the principal bioactive components. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the valuable use of L. hatsudake and emphasize the potential application of LHPs in therapeutic tumor treatments.

Anti-Photodamage Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharide on UVB-Damaged HaCaT Cells.

UVB radiation is known to induce photodamage to the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, elicit cutaneous inflammation, and accelerate the aging process. Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is an edible medicinal and nutritional fungus. One of its constituents, Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide (ABP), has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects, which suggests potential effects that protect against photodamage. In this study, a UVB-induced photodamage HaCaT model was established to investigate the potential reparative effects of ABP and its two constituents (A1 and A2). Firstly, two purified polysaccharides, A1 and A2, were obtained by DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography, and their physical properties and chemical structures were studied. A1 and A2 exhibited a network-like microstructure, with molecular weights of 1.5 × 104 Da and 6.5 × 104 Da, respectively. The effects of A1 and A2 on cell proliferation, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and inflammatory factors were also explored. The results show that A1 and A2 significantly promoted cell proliferation, enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and increased the relative content of filaggrin (FLG) and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). The down-regulated JAK-STAT signaling pathway was found to play a role in the response to photodamage. These findings underscore the potential of ABP to ameliorate UVB-induced skin damage.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of the Brown Slime Cap Mushroom Chroogomphus rutilus (Agaricomycetes) Crude Polysaccharide In Vitro and In Vivo.

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and it is very important to study new hypoglycemic active substances. In this study, we investigated the hypoglycemic effect of Chroogomphus rutilus crude polysaccharide (CRCP) in HepG2 cells and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. A glucose consumption experiment conducted in HepG2 cells demonstrated the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of CRCP. Furthermore, CRCP exhibited significant hypoglycemic effects and effectively ameliorated insulin resistance in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. In high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, after 4 weeks of CRCP administration, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutamate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and insulin resistance index significantly decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were markedly increased. Moreover, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence labeling of tissue sections indicated that CRCP attenuated the pathological damage of liver and pancreas in diabetic mice. These results indicate that CRCP is a potential hypoglycemic agent.

Structure Identification of Ganoderma lucidum Spore Polysaccharides and Their Antitumor Activity In Vivo.

Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, contains polysaccharides crucial for its efficacy. However, the complex structural nature of these polysaccharides necessitates further investigation to fully realize their potential. This study aimed to investigate the effects of acid heat treatment on Ganoderma lucidum spore polysaccharides (GLSPs) to enhance their properties and application in antitumor activity. The GLSP was obtained via acid heat treatment, concentration, and centrifugal separation. This process led to a notable reduction in polysaccharide molecular weight, increasing water solubility and bioavailability. Analytical techniques including NMR spectroscopy and methylation analysis revealed a polysaccharide composition comprising four distinct monosaccharides, with molecular weights of 3291 Da (Mw) and 3216 Da (Mn). Six different linkage modes were identified, with a molar ratio of 1:5:2:3:4:3. In vivo experiments demonstrated the GLSP's significant inhibitory effect on the growth of four tumor models (sarcoma S180, Lewis lung cancer, liver cancer H22, and colon cancer C26) in mice, with no observed toxicity. These findings suggest the GLSP's potential as an antitumor therapeutic agent for clinical use.

Selective impact of three homogenous polysaccharides with different structural characteristics from Grifola frondosa on human gut microbial composition and the structure-activity relationship.

Natural polysaccharides interact with gut microbes to enhance human well-being. Grifola frondosa is a polysaccharides-rich edible and medicinal mushroom. The prebiotic potential of G. frondosa polysaccharides has been explored in recent years, however, the relationship between their various structural features and prebiotic activities is poorly understood. In this study, three homogenous polysaccharides GFP10, GFP21 and GFP22 having different molecular weights (Mw), monosaccharide compositions and glycosidic linkages were purified from G. frondosa, and their effects on intestinal microbial composition were compared. GFP10 was a fucomannogalactan with an Mw of 23.0 kDa, and it selectively inhibited Enterobacter, while GFP21 was a fucomannogalactoglucan with an Mw of 18.6 kDa, and it stimulated Catenibacterium. GFP22 was a 4.9 kDa mannoglucan that selectively inhibited Klebsiella and boosted Bifidobacterium, Catenibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium, and prominently promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The selective modulation of gut microbiota by polysaccharides was structure-dependent. A relatively lower Mw and a high proportion of glycosidic linkages like T-Glcp, 1,3-Glcp, 1,3,6-Glcp and 1,4-Glcp might be more easily utilized to produce SCFAs and beneficial for the proliferation of Catenibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium. This research provided a valuable resource for further exploring the structure-activity relationship and prebiotic activity of G. frondosa polysaccharides.