[Gastroprotective and antidepressant-like effect of plum pectin (Prunus domestica L.) under water-immobilization stress in laboratory mice].

Stress effects activate the processes of free radical oxidation in the organism, lead to hyper production of reactive radicals and oxidative stress, provoking the development of an inflammatory process in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Pectin polysaccharides together with the enzyme components of the endogenous antioxidant system contribute to the elimination of the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants in the tissues of stressed animals and have a gastroprotective and antidepressant-like effect. The aim of the research was to evaluate the gastroprotective, antioxidant and antidepressant-like effect of plum pectin orally administered to white laboratory mice before stressful exposure. Material and methods. In the experiment on white BALB/c mice weighing 20-25 g (90 males, 10 in each group), pectin isolated from fresh plum fruits in an artificial gastric environment was used. It was administered orally to mice 24 h before the onset of stress exposure or behavioral activity asessment. 50 animals were subjected to 5 h of water immersion stress. After this corticosterone concentration in blood plasma, and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the tissue supernatants of the gastrointestinal tract were determined, and the condition of the gastric mucosa was also assessed. Behavioral activity of experimental mice (n=30) was assessed in the open field and forced swimming tests. Results. The stress effect was accompanied by an increase in plasma corticosterone concentration (more than 3 fold), in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in the tissues of the stomach wall and small intestine (17.9-28.6%) and destructive damage in the gastric mucosa compared with the indices of intact animals. Preliminary oral administration of plum pectin to animals at a dose of 80 mg per 1 kg of body weight helped to reduce the level of corticosterone and the number of stress-induced hemorrhages on the gastric mucosa, normalized the activity of antioxidant enzymes and also decreased the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test. Preliminary oral administration of plum pectin to animals at a dose of 80 mg per 1 kg of body weight prevented an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, corticosterone in the blood and the development of stress-induced hemorrhages on the gastric mucosa, and reduced the time of immobility of mice in the forced swimming test. Conclusion. Plum fruit pectin pre-administered into mice before stress prevents stress-induced damage in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to an increase in the body's resistance to the stress factor. Plum pectin has an antioxidant, gastroprotective and antidepressant-like effect and can be used as an ingredient in functional foods that reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract under stress.

Xylogalacturonan-enriched pectin from the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata: Structural characterization and antidepressant-like effect.

The low methyl-esterified and acetylated xylogalacturonan (DM 20 %, DA 2 %, Mw ∼ 58 kDa) was isolated by water extraction for 4 h × 2 at 50 °C (yield 23 %) from the pulp of baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.). Subsequent tightening of the conditions for water extraction by mean increasing the temperature to 70 °C and time to 12 h led to the co-extraction of small amounts of starch components and RG I with xylogalacturonan. Structural analysis (DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography, HPSEC, monosaccharide analysis, NMR spectroscopy) revealed that about 12 mol. % of 1,4-linked α-GalpA residues were substituted by single ß-Xylp residues at the O-3 position. The xylogalacturonan was found to possess an antidepressant-like effect in mice. The study offers using the baobab fruit as a rich source of soluble dietary fiber - water-soluble pectin with beneficial physiological effect.

[Anti-inflammatory activity of high and low methoxylated apple pectins, in vivo and in vitro].

One of the possible mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory action of pectins is associated with the inhibition of excessive pro-inflammatory activity of macrophages - the cells that regulate inflammation intensity and reparative regeneration. It has been found that pectins with a low degree of methyl esterification of the carboxyl groups of the galacturonan core of the macromolecule exhibit this effect. In addition to leukocytes, intestinal epithelial cells are also involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, to date, there have been insufficient studies of the effect of pectin methyl esterification on the inflammatory response of enterocytes. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of the degree of pectin methyl esterification on inflammation of the colon in mice after oral administration and on the inflammatory response of human colon epithelium cells of the Caco-2 line in vitro. Material and methods. In a prospective study, 40 male BALB/c mice weighing 20-25 g were used, 10 animals in each group. Solutions of apple pectins (200 mg/0.2 ml) were orally administered to mice through a plastic catheter 24 h before the induction of colitis. The control mice received water, and prednisone administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight was used as a positive control. Colon inflammation in mice was induced by a single rectal administration of 5% acetic acid (0.1 ml). A day later, the degree and area of the lesion was assessed using a light microscope, the activity of myeloperoxidase in the wall of the colon was determined by spectrophotometry. The effect of pectins on metabolic activity, intercellular permeability, Tumor Necrosis Factor α generation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in Caco-2 cells was assessed. Results. It was found that low-methyl esterified pectin AU701, which contains more than 70% of free carboxyl groups, inhibited colon inflammation in mice. High methyletherified pectin AU201, in which more than 70% of the carboxyl groups are replaced by methyl ester, didn't affect inflammation. It was revealed that pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with AU701 and AU201 pectins prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in intercellular permeability and reduced the pro-inflammatory response of Caco-2 cells to LPS. After incubation of Caco-2 cells with AU701 pectin, the rate of hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (an alkaline phosphate substrate) increased by 40%. Pectin AU201 had no effect on the alkaline phosphatase activity of enterocytes. Conclusion. Thus, it was found that low-methyl esterified pectin AU701 inhibits inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. High-methyl esterified pectin AU201 suppresses pro-inflammatory reactions only in vitro. The ability of pectins to inhibit intestinal inflammation has a multifactorial nature, and is due, inter alia, to their ability to stimulate the expression of alkaline phosphatase by enterocytes.

[The effect of agar-pectin gels on the eating behaviour of fasted and fed mice].

A diet rich in non-digestible plant polysaccharides (dietary fibers) leads to effective appetite suppression and reduces food intake. The mechanical properties of food contribute to the satiating effect of food. It is known that solid food satiates to a greater extent than liquid, as the duration of food processing in the oral cavity increases. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of mechanical properties of agar-pectin gels on the feeding behaviour of mice Material and methods. The gels were prepared by dissolving the corresponding weights of agar, pectin and sucrose in 100 ml of water: gel 1 contained 6 g of agar, 3 g of pectin, gel 2 - 20 g of agar, 1 g of pectin and 0.03 M CaCl2, gel 3 - 20 g of agar, 1 g of pectin (without the addition of calcium ions). All gels contained an equal amount of sucrose (15 g per 100 ml of water). The mechanical properties of the gels (strength, Young's modulus and elasticity) were determined on a texture analyzer. Mice with an initial body weight of 32.9±0.5 g (n=8 in each group) received gels once a day for four days. Each day, animals were individually placed in experimental cages for 60 minutes: in the first 30 min, they were given test gels and for the next 30 min standard rodent food. The first two days were training. Before the third gel presentation, the animals were previously completely restricted in food for 14 hr (fasted mice), and before the fourth gel presentation, the mice received food ad libitum (fed mice). The eating behaviour of the mice, the amount of gel eaten and standard feed eaten were determined. Mice that were not exposed to gels were used as control. Results and discussion. Gel 3 was the hardest (251±3 kPa) in comparison with gel 1 (44±1 kPa) and 2 (141±3 kPa). Fasted mice that received gel 3 ate 36% less food (p<0.05), and the total energy intake was 19% lower (p<0.05) compared to the control. Fasted mice that received gels 1 and 2 ate the same amount of food as the control animals. Gel 3 significantly reduced feeding time by 19% (p<0.05) in fasted mice. Gels 1 and 2 did not alter the eating behaviour of fasted mice. Fed mice that received gels ate as much food as in the control. Gels failed to affect the eating behaviour of fed mice. Conclusion. Overall, solid gel 3 reduced food intake and time spent on feeding after 14 h of complete food restriction. The effect of the gel on the feeding behaviour of animals and the amount of food eaten is determined by the hardness of the gel and does not depend on the ratio of the components of the gel and its resistance to in vitro simulated gastric and intestinal fluids.

[The effect of pectin of tansy, Tanacetum vulgare L., on anxiety and overeating food rich in fats and sugars in mice in modelling binge eating].

Binge eating is repeated episodes of eating large amounts of sweet and fatty food in short periods. Dietary fibers, including pectin, significantly reduce the subjective ratings of hunger, and the amount of food eaten. However, studies showing the effect of dietary fibers on satiety use juices or yoghurts with added dietary fiber, or a kissel-like food. Thus, there is a lack of data on the effect of dietary fibres on binge eating of palatable food. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of tansy pectin on anxiety and the binge eating of palatable food in mice. Material and methods. 64 mice weighing 33.3±0.6 g were divided into two groups. Binge eating was induced in forty mice of the first group by consumption of sunflower halva (SH) in addition to regular chow for 24 h once a week. The total energy intake and separately the consumption of regular chow (RC) and SH were monitored. Tansy pectin in the form of an aqueous solution was administered to the mice using a gastric feeding tube (50 mg/kg body weight) before the last presentation of SH. Blood was obtained by cardiac puncture at the end of the last 24 h SH access period. The concentration of insulin and ghrelin in plasma samples were determined by the enzyme immunoassay. In animals of the second group, 24 hours after the administration of pectin, the level of anxiety and depression of mice was assayed with an open field test, a light-dark box test, an elevated plus-maze test, and a forced swim test. Throughout the study, water was used as a negative control, and imipramine at a dose of 20 mg/kg was used as a positive control. Results. Mice treated with tansy pectin ate 2.6 fold less SH within 3 h and 1.4 fold less within 24 h after oral administration of tansy pectin compared to control (water administration). Consumption of RC did not differ within 3 or 24 h. The total energy intake was 1.9 fold lower within 3 h in mice treated with tansy pectin. Within 24 h after pectin oral administration the total energy intake did not differ from control. Insulin plasma level was 2.5 fold lower and ghrelin plasma concentration was 25% higher in the mice that received pectin compared to control, at the end of the 24 h SH access period. The administration of tansy pectin was found to decrease anxietyrelated behaviour in mice. Its administration significantly increased the time spent in the central sector of the open field apparatus by 87%, the time spent in the light area of the light-dark box by 31%, and the time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze by 22% compared with the control. Conclusion. Overall, tansy pectin reduced the binge eating of SH representing highly palatable, sweet, and fatty food. Reduced intake SH lead to a decrease in insulin concentration. Blood level of ghrelin was increased in mice treated with tansy pectin at the end of the sweet and fatty food presentation period. Tansy pectin reduced the level of anxiety in mice.

[A comparison between enucleation of the prostate using holmium and thulium laser in volume over 80 cc: retrospective clinical study with 12-months follow-up].

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate efficiency of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 112 patients with BPH who underwent ThuLEP (n=60) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) (n=52) at our institution from January 2017 to June 2017 was carried out. The perioperative data and complication rate were assessed. Severity of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) was evaluated after 1, 6 and 12 months using International Prostate Symptom Score [I-PSS], quality-of-life [QoL] score and maximum flow rate [Qmax]. To shorten learning curve, we modified the technique and simplified the intervention. To reduce noise during surgery, we performed ThuLEP using Vela XL. RESULTS: There were significant differences in pre- and perioperative parameters, including operative time (113.15+/-12.14 vs. 118.08+/-15.76 min, p=0.46), decrease in serum sodium concentration (3.49+/-0.83 vs. 3.48+/-0.84 mmol/L, P=0.97), hemoglobin drop (1.37+/-0.18 vs. 1.43+/-0.38 g/dL, p=0.65), catheterization time (2.15+/-0.38 vs. 2.27+/-0.39 days, p=0.52) and hospital stay (6.95+/-0.82 vs 7.56+/-1.36 days, p=0.25) between the two groups (ThuLEP and HoLEP). Compared with the HoLEP group, intraoperative noise was lower in ThuLEP group (47.22+/-10.31 vs. 59.45+/-9.65 db, p<0.05). At 1-, 6- and 12 months follow-up, the LUTS severity (I-PSS, QoL score and Qmax) were significantly improved in both groups in comparison with the baseline values. Furthermore, there was no difference in LUTS severity between two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: ThuLEP is comparable to the holmium laser in terms of efficiency, safety and indications and represent minimally invasive treatment option for patients with LUTS secondary to BPH.

Structural, rheological and antioxidant properties of pectins from Equisetum arvense L. and Equisetum sylvaticum L.

The pectins were isolated from sterile stems of E. arvense (EA, yield 5.9%) and E. sylvaticum (ES, yield 4.8%) (Equisetaceae) using ammonium oxalate extraction after preliminary treatment with dilute HCl (рH 4.0). The pectins possessed high molecular weight (Mw, 340-360 kDa), high GalA content (ca. 85%), low degrees of methyl-esterification (14-16%) and acetylation (3-8%). NMR analysis indicated extensive regions of partially methyl-etherified and 3-O-acetylated HG and minor regions of low branched RG in the fragment isolated after hydrolysis of pectin EA by pectinase. Pectin EA produced a higher viscosity solution, formed a stronger and more rigid ionotropic hydrogel than pectin ES. The pectins scavenged DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, but not the superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide. Phenolic compounds (0.11 and 0.23%) associated with polysaccharide moieties were apparently responsible for the differences in the anti-DPPH scavenging activity of pectins EA and ES (63 and 49%). The findings suggested that pectin from E. arvense should be more perspective than pectin from E. sylvaticum on their use as components of wound healing remedies.

Effect of Pectin Gel Particles on Endotoxemia Induced by Restraint Stress in Mice.

We studied the effect of pectin gel particles on endotoxemia in mice induced by restraint stress. It was shown that the concentration of LPS in mouse blood increased during restraint stress, which was associated with memory impairment. Pectin gel particles prevented the development of stress-induced endotoxemia and memory impairment in mice.

Polypotency of the immunomodulatory effect of pectins.

Pectins are the major component of plant cell walls, and they display diverse biological activities including immunomodulation. The pectin macromolecule contains fragments of linear and branched regions of polysaccharides such as homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I, xylogalacturonan, and apiogalacturonan. These structural features determine the effect of pectins on the immune system. The backbones of pectic macromolecules have immunosuppressive activity. Pectins containing greater than 80% galacturonic acid residues were found to decrease macrophage activity and inhibit the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. Branched galacturonan fragments result in a biphasic immunomodulatory action. The branched region of pectins mediates both increased phagocytosis and antibody production. The fine structure of the galactan, arabinan, and apiogalacturonan side chains determines the stimulating interaction between pectin and immune cells. This review summarizes data regarding the relationship between the structure and immunomodulatory activity of pectins isolated from the plants of the European north of Russia and elucidates the concept of polypotency of pectins in native plant cell walls to both stimulate and suppress the immune response. The possible mechanisms of the immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of pectins are also discussed.

[Results of monopolar versus quasibipolar transurethral resection of the prostate and urinary bladder].

We compared efficacy and safety of mono- vs quasibipolar transurethral resection (TUR) for 198 patients treated with TUR. The patients were randomized into two groups by the TUR variant: mono-or quasibipolar. Comparison ofpre- and postoperative examinations data in the above two groups demonstrated: blood sodium decreased more in patients from monopolar TUR group, the absence of TUR-syndrome and less frequent and severe symptoms of obturator nerve irritation after quasibipolar TUR. Use of salt solution in quasibipolar TUR allowed us to avoid such a severe postoperative complication as TUR-syndrome. Thus, transurethral resection in physiological solution is an operation of choice in surgical treatment of prostatic adenoma and superficial cancer of the urinary bladder.

Chemical characterization and anti-inflammatory effect of rauvolfian, a pectic polysaccharide of Rauvolfia callus.

The pectic polysaccharide named rauvolfian RS was obtained from the dried callus of Rauvolfia serpentina L. by extraction with 0.7% aqueous ammonium oxalate. Crude rauvolfian RS was purified using membrane ultrafiltration to yield the purified rauvolfian RSP in addition to glucan as admixture from the callus, with molecular weights 300 and 100-300 kD, respectively. A peroral pretreatment of mice with the crude and purified samples of rauvolfian (RS and RSP) was found to decrease colonic macroscopic scores, the total area of damage, and tissue myeloperoxidase activity in colons as compared with a colitis group. RS and RSP were shown to stimulate production of mucus by colons of the colitis mice. RSP appeared to be an active constituent of the parent RS. The glucan failed to possess anti-inflammatory activity.

[Inhibition of neutrophil adhesion by pectic galacturonans].

The inhibition of the adhesion of neutrophils to fibronectin by the fragments of the main galacturonan chain of the following pectins was demonstrated: comaruman from the marsh cinquefoil Comarum polustre, bergenan from the Siberian tea Bergenia crassifolia, lemnan from the duckweed Lemna minor, zosteran from the seagrass Zostera marina, and citrus pectin. The parent pectins, except for comaruman, did not affect the cell adhesion. Galacturonans prepared from the starting pectins by acidic hydrolysis were shown to reduce the neutrophil adhesion stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1.625 microM) and dithiothreitol (0.5 mM) at a concentration of 50-200 microg/ml. The presence of carbohydrate chains with molecular masses higher than 300, from 100 to 300, and from 50 to 100 kDa in the galacturonan fractions was proved by membrane ultrafiltration.

[Complex therapy of chronic bacterial prostatitis using matrix-urologist laser therapy].

A total of 49 patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) were divided into two groups matched by age, the disease duration and severity of clinical symptoms. The study group consisted of 27 CBP patients who received antimicrobial therapy with sparfloxacine (fluoroquinolone of the third generation) and impact of vibromagnetolaser head of the VMLG-10 unit. The control group consisted of 22 CBP patients given antimicrobial therapy with sparfloxacine and 10 sessions of manual massage. Eradication of the bacteria was achieved in 25 (92%) patients of the study group and 19 (86.4%) patients of the control group. The treatment significantly attenuated the symptoms, normalized leukocyte count in the prostatic secretion, reduced size of the gland. Thus, application of the vibromagnetolaser head VMLG-10 of the laser therapy unit Matrix-urologist raises treatment efficacy in CBP patients.

Branching of the galacturonan backbone of comaruman, a pectin from the marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre L.

Galacturonan, the main constituent of the backbone (core) of the comaruman macromolecule, a pectin from the marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre L., was obtained on partial acid hydrolysis of the pectin. Using atomic force microscopy and methylation analysis of the galacturonan, the backbone of the comaruman macromolecule was shown to contain branches as side chains consisting of alpha-1,4-linked residues of D-galactopyranosyl uronic acid attached to the 2- and 3-positions of the galacturonic acid residues of the core, in addition to linear regions of alpha-1,4-D-galacturonan. A few side chains appear to attach to 2,3-positions of the D-galacturonic acid residues.

Immunostimulating activity of pectic polysaccharide from Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch.

The pectic polysaccharide named bergenan BC was obtained using extraction of the green leaves of Siberian tea Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch. by an aqueous ammonium oxalate. The polysaccharide obtained was proved to comprise mainly d-galacturonic acid, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose and glucose residues and appeared to be pectin. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to aggregated ovalbumin (agOVA) was found to increase in mice that received bergenan solution (2 mg/mL) for 3 weeks. Bergenan BC was observed to enhance the uptake capacity of human neutrophils at a concentration 100 microg/mL and to stimulate the generation of oxygen radicals by mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Bergenan BC was found to increase the spontaneous adhesion of peritoneal leukocytes and failed to influence adhesion stimulated by PMA or adhesion of peritoneal leukocytes incubated in the presence of 5 mm EDTA. Bergenan failed to show cytotoxic action. The viability of peritoneal leukocytes was estimated to be equal to 91% +/- 8% and 90% +/- 7%% in the control and in the pectin solution at a concentration of 1 mg/mL.Thus, bergenan was shown to possess immunostimulating activity in relation to DTH response in vivo and phagocytic activity in vitro.

[Prostanorm in the treatment of chronic non-infectious prostatitis].

AIM: To try efficacy of prostanorm against chronic non-infectious prostatitis (CNIP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty two 25 to 48 year old patients with CNIP received prostanorm treatment: 2 tablets, 3 times a day 30 min before meal or 40 min after meal for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Prostanorm relieved symptoms significantly and improved quality of life, reduced prostatic size, increased maximal volumic speed of urine flow according to uroflowmetry. CONCLUSION: Prostanorm is an effective and safe drug for treatment of patients with CNIP.

Antiinflammatory activity of the pectic polysaccharide from Comarum palustre.

A pectic polysaccharide named comaruman (CP) was extracted from the aerial part of Comarum palustre with 0.7% aqueous ammonium oxalate and subsequent precipitation with ethanol. Oral administration of comaruman (5-100 mg/kg) was found to reduce a paw edema observed 24 h after injection of 2% formalin in mice. A fraction of comaruman (CP-H9) exhibited a similar antiinflammatory activity. Comaruman, CP deprived of lipid, CP purified by proteins and CP fractions obtained with acidic hydrolysis inhibit spontaneous and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-activated adhesion of peritoneal leukocytes in vitro.

Adhesion of human neutrophils to fibronectin is inhibited by comaruman, pectin of marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre L., and by its fragments.

Earlier, we detected antiinflammatory action of comaruman, pectin of the marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre L. This effect can be explained by new data concerning inhibition of adhesion of human neutrophils to fibronectin by comaruman and its fragments. The galacturonan backbone fragment of molecular mass >10 kD appears to be the active region of the comaruman macromolecule. Comaruman CP (50-200 microg/ml) was found to decrease adhesion of neutrophils stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1.625 microM) and by dithiothreitol (DTT, 0.5 mM). The fragments of comaruman CP-H (100 kD), CP-H1 (10-50 kD), and CP-H2 (100 kD) obtained by acidic hydrolysis and representing regions of linear polygalacturonan are shown to inhibit neutrophil adhesion more than the crude pectin. A fragment CP-E (<10 kD) obtained using pectinolysis and representing a branched region of the comaruman macromolecule failed to influence cell adhesion. The parent comaruman CP as well as fragments of its polygalacturonan backbone diminish PMA-initiated generation of oxygen radicals in neutrophils.

[The isolation, preliminary study of structure and physiological activity of water-soluble polysaccharides from squeezed berries of Snowball tree Viburnum opulus]. / Vydelenie i predvaritel'noe issledovanie stroeniia i fiziologicheskoi aktivnosti vodorastvorimykh polisakharidov iz shrota iagod Kaliny obyknovennoi Viburnum opulus.

Water-soluble polysaccharide fractions VO1-VO4 were isolated from the squeezed berries of snowball tree (Viburnum opulus) by successive extraction with water at various temperatures and pH and with aqueous solutions of ammonium oxalate. These fractions were purified by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose, and the homogeneity of the purified polysaccharides was determined by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-500. Acidic polysaccharides close to pectins in their sugar composition were found in all the extracts (fractions VO1-1, VO2-1, VO3-2, and VO4-2). Residues of galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose, and (to a lesser extent) rhamnose are their main constituents. Neutral polysaccharides composed mainly of galactose and mannose residues were additionally found in fractions extracted with acidified water (pH 4.0) and with aqueous ammonium oxalate solutions. Partial acidic hydrolysis and digestion with pectinase of acidic polysaccharides indicated that their carbohydrate backbone consists of alpha-1,4-linked residues of D-galacturonic acid. NMR spectra of acidic polysaccharides (fractions VO3-2 and VO3-3) confirmed this and demonstrated that their side oligosaccharide chains are composed of beta-1,4-linked galactopyranose residues and of terminal and 2,5- and 3,5-substituted residues of alpha-arabinofuranose at a Gal: Ara ratio of 3:1. Some polysaccharides from V. opulus were found to possess an immunostimulating activity: they enhance phagocytosis, in particular, the phagocytic index and the secretion of lysosomal enzymes with peritoneal macrophages. Calcium ions were found to be necessary for the appearance of the stimulating effect of acidic polysaccharides from V. opulus.