Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Mytilus coruscus Polysaccharide on RAW264.7 Cells and DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.

Considerable literature has been published on polysaccharides, which play a critical role in regulating the pathogenesis of inflammation and immunity. In this essay, the anti-inflammatory effect of Mytilus coruscus polysaccharide (MP) on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis model in mice was investigated. The results showed that MP effectively promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells, ameliorated the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. For DSS-induced colitis in mice, MP can improve the clinical symptoms of colitis, inhibit the weight loss of mice, reduce the disease activity index, and have a positive effect on the shortening of the colon caused by DSS, meliorating intestinal barrier integrity and lowering inflammatory cytokines in serum. Moreover, MP makes a notable contribution to the richness and diversity of the intestinal microbial community, and also regulates the structural composition of the intestinal flora. Specifically, mice treated with MP showed a repaired Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and an increased abundance of some probiotics like Anaerotruncus, Lactobacillus, Desulfovibrio, Alistipe, Odoribacter, and Enterorhabdus in colon. These data suggest that the MP could be a promising dietary candidate for enhancing immunity and protecting against ulcerative colitis.

Orbitides isolated from flaxseed induce apoptosis against SGC-7901 adenocarcinoma cells.

Unique plant-derived cyclic peptides family exhibiting various key biological activities has great possibility for anticancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the effects of orbitides isolated from flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) on the growth of SGC-7901 cancer cells and the potential mechanism. Results showed that flaxseed orbitides killed off cancer cells by inducing apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which was confirmed by the appearance of nuclear shrinkage and DNA fragmentation, and the inhibitory effect was stronger than that of pure orbitide [1-9-NαC]-linusorb B2 or [1-9-NαC]-linusorb B3. Besides, the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related protein cytochrome C (Cyt C) was released from mitochondria to cytosol, associated with the activation of caspases 9 and 3, and the cleavage of PARP. Taken together, these results indicated that flaxseed orbitides induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, releasing Cyt C, increasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and elevating the expression of cleaved caspase 9 and 3 in SGC-7901 cells.

Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms of Essential Oil from Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis.

In this work, antibacterial activity of finger citron essential oil (FCEO, Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis) and its mechanism against food-borne bacteria were evaluated. A total of 28 components in the oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, in which limonene (45.36%), γ-terpinene (21.23%), and dodecanoic acid (7.52%) were three main components. For in vitro antibacterial tests, FCEO exhibited moderately antibacterial activity against common food-borne bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus. It showed a better bactericidal effect on Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative. Mechanisms of the antibacterial action were investigated by observing changes of bacteria morphology according to scanning electron microscopy, time-kill analysis, and permeability of cell and membrane integrity. Morphology of tested bacteria was changed and damaged more seriously with increased concentration and exposure time of FCEO. FCEO showed a significant reduction effect on the growth rate of surviving bacteria and lead to lysis of the cell wall, intracellular ingredient leakage, and consequently, cell death.

In vitro fermentation characteristics of polysaccharides from coix seed and its effects on the gut microbiota.

Coix seed polysaccharides had received increasing attention due to their diverse biological activities. In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide (CSPW) was extracted and purified from coix seed. Furthermore, the saliva-gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation behavior of CSPW were simulated in vitro. The results showed that CSPW was mainly composed of glucose. It cannot be degraded by the simulated salivary and intestinal digestive system, but can be degraded by the simulated gastric digestive system. After fermentation for 24 h, CSPW promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), with acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid being the main metabolites. In addition, CSPW could significantly regulate the composition and microbial diversity of gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Limosilicactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Collinsella. Finally, further analysis of functional prediction revealed that amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were the most important pathways for CSPW to promote health. In summary, our findings suggested that CSPW could potentially be used as a good source of prebiotics because it can be used by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs and regulate the gut microbiota.

Preparation Process Optimization of Peptides from Agaricus blazei Murrill, and Comparison of Their Antioxidant and Immune-Enhancing Activities Separated by Ultrafiltration Membrane Technology.

Agaricus blazei murrill (ABM), a large fungus, is reported to have extensive biological activities but the antioxidant and immune-regulatory capacities have been less studied and the components responsible for the functions are unclear. This study prepared ABM peptides (ABMP) using ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) strategy and cascade ultrafiltration (UF) membrane technology. The UAEE extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with four factors and three levels to achieve the maximum ABMP yield (34.03%); the optimal conditions were an enzyme amount of 4%, ratio of ABM to water of 1:30, ultrasonic power of 360 W, and ultrasonic time of 30 min. Four ABMP fractions were obtained after UF with different pore size and their antioxidant and immune-regulatory abilities were evaluated and compared. The results showed that they could effectively scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals, especially for ABMP-2; the scavenging rate of the above radicals were 79.31%, 63.60%, and 96.08%, respectively. In addition, four ABMP fractions also activated macrophage activity through strengthening phagocytosis and the production of NO, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the ABMP-2 fraction with a MW of 3-5 kDa and peptide purity of 82.88% was found to have the best effect, showing the maximum phagocytosis (189.37%) as well as NO (7.98 µM), IL-6 (195.05 pg/mL), IL-1ß (876.15 pg/mL), and TNF-α (1620 pg/mL) secretion at a treatment concentration of 150 µg/mL. The findings indicated that the ABMP, especially for the separate ABMP-2, could be used as dietary supplements and have the potential to be exploited as immune-enhancing agents.

Effect of neoadjuvant cetuximab, capecitabine, and radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: results of a phase II study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant cetuximab, capecitabine, and radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: Sixty-three eligible patients were selectively enrolled in this study. Neoadjuvant treatment consisted of cetuximab and capecitabine for 6 weeks and radiotherapy for 5 weeks. Surgical resection was performed 6-8 weeks after the completion of neoadjuvant treatment. KRAS mutation statuses were analyzed retrospectively after the cetuximab treatment. All the patients underwent a standardized postoperative follow-up for at least 3 years. RESULTS: A pathological complete response (pCR) was achieved in eight patients (12.7 %). Overall down-staging was found in 49 patients (77.8 %). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate was 76.2 % and 81.0 %, respectively. The most common adverse events during neoadjuvant treatment were acneiform skin rash (82.5 %), radiodermatitis (46.0 %), and diarrhea (36.5 %). KRAS mutations were detected in 19 of 63 (31.2 %) tumors. The down-staging rate in patients with KRAS wild-type (WT) was significantly higher than patients with KRAS mutation (P = 0.020). There was no significant difference in the pCR rate, 3-year DFS rate or 3-year OS rate between KRAS WT patients and KRAS-mutated patients. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant treatment with cetuximab and capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy is safe and well tolerated. The pCR rate, 3-year DFS rate and OS rate are not superior to the rate of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy using two or more cytotoxic agents. The KRAS WT is highly associated with tumor down-staging to cetuximab plus capecitabine-based CRT in patients with LARC.

Chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of crude water soluble polysaccharides from four common edible mushrooms.

Four crude water soluble polysaccharides, CABP, CAAP, CFVP and CLDP, were isolated from common edible mushrooms, including Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricula, Flammulina velutipes and Lentinus edodes, and their chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties were determined. Fourier Transform-infrared analysis showed that the four crude polysaccharides were all composed of ß-glycoside linkages. The major monosaccharide compositions were D-galactose, D-glucose and D-mannose for CABP, CAAP and CLDP, while CFVP was found to consist of L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-glucose and D-mannose. The main molecular weight distributions of CABP and the other three polysaccharides were <5.1 × 10(4) Da and >66.0 × 10(4) Da, respectively. Antioxidant properties of the four polysaccharides were evaluated in in vitro systems and CABP showed the best antioxidant properties. The studied mushroom species could potentially be used in part of well-balanced diets and as a source of antioxidant compounds.

Solid-state-cultured mycelium of Antrodia camphorata exerts potential neuroprotective activities against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced toxicity in PC12 cells.

Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) is an edible fungus containing various bioactive compounds generally used for health benefits. This study aimed to explore the potential neuroprotective activities of solid-state-cultured mycelium of A. camphorata (SCMAC) against Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as the underlying mechanism using an in vitro 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PC12 cell model. The results showed that SCMAC extracts alleviated cell toxicity induced by 6-OHDA and the loss of dopaminergic neurons, which was confirmed by the increase of cell viabilities, inhibition of cell apoptosis, the upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels and the downregulation of α-Synuclein level. After purification, 11 compounds were identified by the NMR technique, including a quinone, four phenolic acid derivatives, three ubiquinone derivatives, two alkaloids, and a triterpenoid. The present study suggests that SCMAC could be an attractive candidate for the prevention or treatment of PD. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Parkinson's disease seriously affects the lifetime and quality of the elder population for a long history. Long-term consumption of L-DOPA will result in side effects, such as developing abnormal involuntary movements called dyskinesia. This study showed that natural SCMAC extracts could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorder.

Formation of sweet potato starch nanoparticles by ultrasonic-assisted nanoprecipitation: Effect of cold plasma treatment.

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) were produced from sweet potato starches by ultrasonic treatment combined with rapid nanoprecipitation. The starch concentration, ultrasonic time, and the ratio of starch solution to ethanol were optimized through dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique to obtain SNPs with a Z-average size of 64.51 ± 0.15 nm, poly dispersity index (PDI) of 0.23 ± 0.01. However, after freeze drying, the SNPs showed varying degrees of aggregation depending on the particle size of SNPs before freeze-drying. The smaller the particle size, the more serious the aggregation. Therefore, we tried to treat SNPs with dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma before freeze drying. Properties including morphological features, crystalline structure and apparent viscosity of various starches were measured by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and rheometer, respectively. The results showed that, after cold plasma (CP) treatment, the aggregation of SNPs during freeze drying was significantly inhibited. Compared to the native sweet potato starch, SNPs showed a higher relative crystallinity and a lower apparent viscosity. After CP treatment, the relative crystallinity of CP SNPs was further higher, and the apparent viscosity was lower. This work provides new ideas for the preparation of SNPs and could promote the development of sweet potato SNPs in the field of active ingredient delivery.

Physicochemical properties and immune-enhancing activity of graded polysaccharides from the peels of stem lettuce (Lactuca sativa) by cascade membrane technology.

In this study, cascade membrane technology was applied to classify polysaccharides from the peels of stem lettuce (PPSLs), and three graded polysaccharides (PPSL100, PPSL10, and PPSL1) were obtained using ultrafiltration membranes of 100, 10, and 1 kDa in sequence. The physicochemical properties and immune-modulatory activity of three PPSLs fractions were analyzed and compared. Results showed that all three fractions have characteristic absorption peak of polysaccharides determined by FT-IR, and their monosaccharide composition only consisted of glucose determined by HPLC. PPSL10 had the highest contents of total sugar (88.09 ± 3.52%), uronic acid (2.55 ± 0.10%), and sulfate group (4.15 ± 0.20%). Besides, all three fractions exhibited immune-enhancing activities using RAW264.7 macrophages model, and PPSL10 was the best able to promote phagocytosis of neutral red and nitric oxide generation, which might relate to the high contents of above compositions and medium molecular weight (32 kDa). The findings indicated that PPSL10 could be developed as immune-modulator in the field of functional foods.

Cloning, expression and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) gp45 ectodomain.

Like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) belongs to the lentivirus genus. The first successful lentiviral vaccine was developed for EIAV. Thus, EIAV may serve as a valuable model for HIV vaccine research. EIAV glycoprotein 45 (gp45) plays a similar role to gp41 in HIV by mediating virus-host membrane fusion. The gp45 ectodomain was constructed according to the structure of HIV gp41, with removal of the disulfide-bond loop region. The protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and crystallized following purification. However, most of the crystals grew as aggregates and could not be used for data collection. By extensively screening hundreds of crystals, a 2.7 Šresolution data set was collected from a single crystal. The crystal belonged to space group P6(3), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 46.84, c = 101.61 Å, α = ß = 90, γ = 120°. Molecular replacement was performed using the coordinates of various lengths of HIV gp41 as search models. A long bent helix was identified and a well defined electron-density map around the long helix was obtained. This primary model provided the starting point for further refinement.

SPRY4-AS1, A Novel Enhancer RNA, Is a Potential Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

A growing number of evidence have demonstrated the involvement of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) in tumor progression. However, the possible functions of eRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclear. Our present research aimed to screen critical eRNAs and to further delve into the clinical significance of eRNAs in HCC patients. In this study, we identified 124 prognosis-related eRNAs by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Among them, SPRY4 antisense RNA 1 (SPRY4-AS1) may be a key eRNA involved in HCC progression. SPRY4 was a regulatory target of SPRY4-AS1. High SPRY4-AS1 expression was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) assays revealed that the mainly enriched biological process included Human papillomavirus infection, Hippo signaling pathway, and Proteoglycans in cancer. Besides, RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining confirmed SPRY4-AS1 as an overexpressed eRNA in HCC specimens. The pan-cancer assays revealed that SPRY4-AS1 was associated with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), brain lower grade glioma (LGG) and mesothelioma(MESO). Positive associations were observed between SPRY4-AS1 and SPRY4 (its target gene) in 16 tumor types. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel eRNA SPRY4-AS1 for HCC progression and suggest that SPRY4-AS1 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Effects of ultrasonic pre-treatment on physicochemical properties of proteins extracted from cold-pressed sesame cake.

Sesame is an oil crop with high nutritional value. Protein is one of the main ingredients of sesame, however research on protein of cold-pressed sesame cake is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasonic pre-treatment (UPT) on physicochemical properties of proteins (yield, solubility, amino acid composition, surface properties, structural and thermal stability) extracted from the cold-pressed sesame cake, after removing lignans by ultrasonic-assisted extraction. By comparison, the extraction yield of protein was significantly (p ＜ 0.05) increased from 22.24% (without UPT) to 25.95% (with UPT), while the purity (54.08% without UPT, 55.43% with UPT), total amount of essential amino acids (22.48% without UPT, 23.10% with UPT) and non-essential amino acids (37.48% without UPT, 36.54% with UPT) were not significantly influenced. Besides, UPT slightly reduced the solubility, foaming capacity and stability (FC and FS) of protein. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermal stability (TG) analysis demonstrated that UPT could disorder and loose protein molecular structure, resulting in the change of morphology, secondary structure and thermal stability. In conclusion, this study provides a way for the separation and future application of sesame cake protein. UPT is a good option to remove the lignans from sesame cake proteins.

[Study on the characteristic peaks of infrared spectra from Ganoderma lucidums].

Infrared spectroscopy and dual-indicator sequence were used to study their IR characteristic peaks of Ganoderma lucidums from different places and species. The experimental results showed that the majority of Ganoderma lucidum from different places and species had the similar characteristic peaks of infrared spectra, Their common peak ratio could reach more than 91.67%, but the common peak ratio of mycelium was 52.94%-58.82%, and variant peak ratio was 29.41%-66.67%. The main variation peak was in the fingerprint regions 1 460.9-1 423.7 cm(-1) with ladder peaks. The IR characteristic peaks of Ganoderma lucidum obviously appear as the main characteristic peaks with the type of polysaccharide and protein bands. There was obviously a wide and strong absorption peak in 3 377.8-3 396.5 cm(-1), a small acromion in 2 924.2-2 925.1 cm(-1), a medium intensity absorption peak in 1 635.8-1 650.3 and 1 372.5-1 375.2 cm(-1), a strong absorption bifurcate peak in 1 074.8-1 075.3 and 1 043.2-1 045.2 cm(-1), a obvious weak peak in fingerprint regions 891.0-894.8 cm(-1), and a medium intensity absorption peak in 563.10-574.7 cm(-1).

[Study on the structure and constituents of polysaccharide from ganoderma lucidum].

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides were extracted by boiling water from the fruiting bodies of red ganoderma lucidum, then protein was removed by Sevage reagent, with ethanol precipitation, run water dialysis, centrifugation and freeing-drying. Monosaccharides were acetylated and quantified by external standard, and the polysaccharides the amount of total carbohydrates was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid method. The monosaccharide constituents, structure and Mw distribution were analyzed by UV-Vis, IR, GC, GC-MS and HPSEC with ELSD. The results demonstrated that ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides were beige, the yield was about 2%, and the content > or = 43%. IR spectrometry showed that the structure of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide was pyranoid glucan with beta-glycosidic bond. The quantitative result of external standards indicated that the monosaccharide constituents were mainly composed of glucose, at about 89% percent, and contained a small amount of D-arabinose, D-xylose, D-mannose and D-galactose. It was a homogeneous polysaccharide with the amorphous structure, attributed to biological macromolecules, its Mw distribution was at 80-2000 Kda, and a primary Mw at 2000 Kda.

Protective effect of seleno-amino-oligosaccharide on oxidative damage of IPEC-1 cells by activating Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

The aim of the study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of seleno-amino-oligosaccharide (Se-AOS) on intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-1). MTT assay showed that Se-AOS had no effect on the viability of IPEC-1 cells up to a concentration of 9200 µg/L and Se-AOS significantly increased the viability of IPEC-1 cells compared to cells exposed to H2O2 alone. Se-AOS significantly increased the level of superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and decreased the levels of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in IPEC-1 cells. The gene expression levels of different antioxidant enzymes dramatically increased by the pretreatment of Se-AOS compared to H2O2 treatment. In addition, the results indicated that Se-AOS up-regulated the intracellular Nrf2 and down-regulated the level of Keap1 by western blot. Taken together, these findings suggested that Se-AOS can protect IPEC-1 cells from oxidative damage through activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

[Evaluation of the renal replacement therapy on the liver transplant patients with acute renal failure].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the preoperative risk factors on liver transplant recipients with acute renal failure(ARF), and to evaluate renal replacement therapy (RRT) as a transitonary therapy before liver transplantation. METHODS: Liver transplant recipients with acute renal failure treated with renal replacement therapy between January 1st, 2001 and January 1st, 2008 in our center were retrospected. Clinical characteristics, the kinds of RRT and prognosis were analyzed; Logistic regression was applied to analyze the parameters that can forecast the motality of the liver transplant recipients with acute renal failure. RESULTS: Of the patients who received RRT, 30% survived to liver transplantation, 67.5% died while waiting for liver transplantation. The dead had a higher multiple organ dysfunction score (MODS), and lower mean arterial pressure than those survived to liver transplantation. There was no significant difference in the duration of RRT between continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) patients and hemodialysis patients. CRRT patients had a higher MODS, lower mean arterial pressure, lower serum creatinine than hemodialysis patients. Lower mean arterial pressure was statistically associated with higher risk of mortality. CONCLUSION: Though mortality was high, RRT helps part (30%) of patients survive to liver transplantation. Therefore, considering the high mortality without transplantation, RRT is acceptable for liver transplant recipients with ARF.

[Analysis of twenty trace elements in ling zhi by ICP-AES].

Twenty trace elements, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se and Zn were determined by ICP--AES with wet digestion from two kinds of different ling zhi fruitbody materials (Zhongzhi and Xianyuan), Ling Zhi root, ling zhi mixture, unbroken and broken ling zhi spore powder. The common feature about the element content showed that there were rich trace elements in different Ling Zhi materials, and the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, P and S in all kinds of ling zhi samples were relatively high. Besides, there were trace elements, Cu, Co, Grand Ni, and potentially physiologically toxic elements, Al, As, Hg, Pb and Cd, in all samples. Elements Se and Ge with anticancer efficacy were not found in ling zhi samples. The concentrations of heavy metal elements were lower in spore powders than in other ling zhi samples. Trace element contents in the broken and unbroken spore powders showed minor difference, The concentrations of Fe and Se in ling zhi mixtures were obviously higher than in other kinds of Ling Zhi samples, due to factitious addition of these elements to Ling Zhi mixture sample. There was some difference between two kinds of Ling Zhi fruitbody from deferent plant places, which may have some relations with the soil and environment. The concentrations of Ca, Cu and Zn in ling zhi root were higher than in other ling zhi materials. According to the analyses, these elements in ling zhi were helpful to improving cardiovascular function.

Chemically modified polysaccharides: Synthesis, characterization, structure activity relationships of action.

Polysaccharides are a major class of biomacromolecules. Their bioactivities depend on chemical structure, which includes monosaccharide composition, linkages below sugar residues, and solution conformation. Many researchers report that chemical modifications of polysaccharides lead to a significantly increase in the structural diversity, promoting bioactivity and even add new bioactivities, including antioxidant and anti-tumor properties as well as anticoagulant and immunoregulatory activities. This paper reviews the recent progress of chemical modification of polysaccharides, including i) the common synthetic methods of chemical modification; ii) their structural characterization; iii) their bioactivities; and iv) the structure activity relationships of these modified polysaccharides. This review also suggests future directions for researchers and new applications for chemically modified polysaccharide derivatives in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Structure, bioactivities and applications of the polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis mushroom: A review.

Tremella fuciformis is an important edible mushroom that has been widely cultivated and used as food and medicinal ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. In the past decades, many researchers have reported that T. fuciformis polysaccharides (TPS) possess various bioactivities, including anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, repairing brain memory impairment, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic. The structural characteristic of TPS has also been extensively investigated using advanced modern analytical technologies such as NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS and FT-IR to dissect the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the TPS biomacromolecule. This article reviews the recent progress in the extraction, purification, structural characterization and applications of TPS.