Research Progress of Bioactive Components in Sanghuangporus spp.

The species in Sanghuangporus are a group of edible mushrooms with a long history of oral use in East Asia as a health-improvement method. They should be classified under the genus Sanghuangporus rather than mistakenly in Phellinus or Inonotus. The major components in this genus consist of polysaccharides, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, all of which exist in the fruiting bodies and mycelia. For extraction, studies have shown methods using hot water, ethanol, DES solvent, and alkaline, followed by purification methods including traditional anion column, Sevag solution, macroporous resin, and magnetic polymers. Proven by modern medical technology, these components possess promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antitumor, and immunoregulation effects; additionally, they have health-improving effects including pulmonary protection, hypoglycemic properties, sleep improvement, gout mitigation, antiaging, neuroprotection, and muscle-strengthening abilities. Several toxicity studies have revealed their safety and recommend a dose of 1 g/kg for mice. As a newly emerged concept, functional food can provide not only life-sustaining nutrients but also some health-improving effects. In conclusion, we substantiate Sanghuang as a functional food by comprehensively presenting information on extraction and purification methods, component medical and structural properties, and nontoxicity, hoping to benefit the development of Sanghuang species as a group of functional food.

CD36: The Bridge between Lipids and Tumors.

It has been found that the development of some cancers can be attributed to obesity, which is associated with the excessive intake of lipids. Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, shifting from utilizing glucose to fatty acids (FAs) for energy. CD36, a lipid transporter, is highly expressed in certain kinds of cancer cells. High expressions of CD36 in tumor cells triggers FA uptake and lipid accumulation, promoting rapid tumor growth and initiating metastasis. Meanwhile, immune cells in the tumor microenvironment overexpress CD36 and undergo metabolic reprogramming. CD36-mediated FA uptake leads to lipid accumulation and has immunosuppressive effects. This paper reviews the types of FAs associated with cancer, high expressions of CD36 that promote cancer development and progression, effects of CD36 on different immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the current status of CD36 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of tumors with high CD36 expression.