Structural characterization of water-soluble polysaccharide from Arctium lappa and its effects on colitis mice

A Potential Role of Plant/Macrofungi/Algae-Derived Non-Starch Polysaccharide in Colitis Curing: Review of Possible Mechanisms of Action

Multiple in vitro and in vivo model investigations have suggested a broad spectrum of potential mechanisms by which plant/macrofungi-derived non-starch polysaccharides may play a role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This article reviews the in vivo and in vitro evidence of different plant-derived polysaccharides for IBD therapy. Their underlying mechanisms, particularly the molecular mechanisms associated with protective effects in the treatment and prevention of IDB, have been well summarized, including anti-inflammatory, epithelial barrier repair, and the regulation of intestinal flora. Emerging studies have observed the potent role of probiotics in IBD, particularly its ability to modulate gut microbiota, a well-known key factor for IBD. In summary, plant/macrofungi-derived polysaccharides have the potential to be a promising agent for the adjuvant treatment and prevention of IBD and will contribute to the design of well-designed clinical intervention trials that will ultimately improve the therapy of IBD.

Ovalbumin and its Maillard reaction products ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by mitigating the imbalance of gut microbiota and metabolites

The Maillard reaction reduces the gastrointestinal digestibility of ovalbumin (OVA) in vitro. However, the regulatory effects of OVA and its Maillard reaction products (MRPs) on gut microbiota disorders remain unknown. In this study, the influence of OVA and its MRPs on the modulation of gut microbiota in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis was investigated. The results revealed that OVA and its MRPs intake could alleviate the symptoms of colitis and improve the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota. Moreover, the results revealed that the Maillard reaction would block the release of lysine and essential amino acids in vivo, but they variously regulated the gut microbiota and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) due to their indigestible properties. These findings provide a basic theory for the rational utilization of OVA and its MRPs as nutraceutical food ingredients in regulating the gut microbiota for maintaining intestinal health.

Pumpkin Skin Polysaccharide–Zn(II) Complex: Preparation, Characterization, and Suppression of Inflammation in Zebrafish

In this study, pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) skin polysaccharide–zinc(II) (PSP−Zn) complex was successfully prepared. The structure and physicochemical properties of PSP and PSP−Zn were analyzed. The anti-inflammatory activity of PSP and PSP−Zn was investigated in zebrafish larvae induced by copper sulphate. PSP and PSP−Zn consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid. The molecular weight (Mw) of PSP and PSP−Zn were 3.034 × 10⁶ and 3.222 × 10⁶ Da, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) analysis results suggested that the chemical modification of zinc might occur through hydroxyl groups of PSP. The PSP−Zn complex had lamellar texture, smooth surface morphology, and larger particle size. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that both PSP and PSP−Zn were semi-crystalline substances. PSP−Zn solution showed superior stability in a weak acid and alkaline environment, especially at pH = 6.0. Moreover, PSP and PSP−Zn showed a good inhibitory effect on inflammation cells in zebrafish. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result suggested that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of PSP and PSP−Zn were through downregulation of the expression of nitric oxide synthase 2b (nos2b), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B2 (NF-κB2). The present study indicated that PSP−Zn is expected to be a safe and efficient novel zinc supplement with anti-inflammatory activity.

Influence of Foods and Nutrition on the Gut Microbiome and Implications for Intestinal Health

Food components in our diet provide not only necessary nutrients to our body but also substrates for the mutualistic microbial flora in our gastrointestinal tract, termed the gut microbiome. Undigested food components are metabolized to a diverse array of metabolites. Thus, what we eat shapes the structure, composition, and function of the gut microbiome, which interacts with the gut epithelium and mucosal immune system and maintains intestinal homeostasis in a healthy state. Alterations of the gut microbiome are implicated in many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is growing interest in nutritional therapy to target the gut microbiome in IBD. Investigations into dietary effects on the composition changes in the gut microbiome flourished in recent years, but few focused on gut physiology. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the impacts of major food components and their metabolites on the gut and health consequences, specifically within the GI tract. Additionally, the influence of the diet on the gut microbiome-host immune system interaction in IBD is also discussed. Understanding the influence of the diet on the interaction of the gut microbiome and the host immune system will be useful in developing nutritional strategies to maintain gut health and restore a healthy microbiome in IBD.

Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for synergistic treatment of ulcerative colitis

The purpose of this study was to construct Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nano-drug delivery systems (PRP2-SeNPs-H/Aza-Lips) for synergistically alleviating ulcerative colitis and to investigate the important roles of Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nanocarriers in PRP2-SeNPs-H/Aza-Lips. Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide (PRP2) was isolated and used for the preparation of Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide selenium nanoparticles with low selenium content (PRP2-SeNPs-L) and high selenium content (PRP2-SeNPs-H). Based on the electrostatic attraction between PRP2-SeNPs-H and azathioprine liposomes (Aza-Lips), PRP2-SeNPs-H/Aza-Lips were constructed for precise delivery of the model drug azathioprine (Aza) to colon lesions. Results showed that PRP2 significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms and colon tissue damage and down-regulated the levels of inflammatory factors in serum and colon, demonstrating beneficial effects on mice with ulcerative colitis. PRP2-SeNPs-L had better relieving effects on ulcerative colitis. Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nanocarriers may protect azathioprine liposomes against gastrointestinal digestion, enhance the therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis, and significantly reduce liver damage from azathioprine, which helps to improve the efficacy and toxicity of clinical drugs.

The Function of Natural Polysaccharides in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that is persistent and nonspecific. There are several medications available for the treatment of UC. However, conventional UC medications have substantial adverse effects, low clinical effectiveness, and a high recurrence rate. Therefore, it is critical to discover new medicines that are both safe and effective for UC patients. Natural polysaccharides offer a wide range of pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, anti-tumor, anti-aging, immune enhancement, and gut flora regulation. In the therapy of UC, natural polysaccharides can modulate inflammatory factors, the immune system, and intestinal flora, and preserve the intestinal mucosa. It demonstrates a good curative effect and is of safety to use, thereby being a potential treatment for UC patients. This paper covers the structure, the pharmacological effects on UC, and the mechanisms of natural polysaccharides. Finally, limitations, challenges, and perspectives are discussed. It is hoped that the findings of this publication will inspire more natural polysaccharides research and provide a theoretical foundation for the creation of new UC medications.

Xuanfei Baidu decoction attenuates intestinal disorders by modulating NF-κB pathway, regulating T cell immunity and improving intestinal flora

BACKGROUND

A number of studies have shown that gastrointestinal manifestations co-exist with respiratory symptoms in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Xuanfei Baidu decoction (XFBD) was recommended by the National Health Commission to treat mild and moderate COVID-19 patients and proved to effectively alleviate intestinal symptoms. However, the exact mechanisms remain elusive.

PURPOSE

This study aimed at exploring potential mechanisms of XFBD by utilizing a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute experimental colitis, mimicking the disease conditions of intestinal microecological disorders.

METHODS

The network pharmacology approach was employed to identify the potential targets and pathways of XFBD on the intestinal disorders. Mice with DSS-induced intestinal disorders were utilized to evaluate the protective effect of XFBD in vivo, including body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, spleen weight, and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. Colon tissues were used to perform hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, western blot analysis, and transcriptome sequencing. Macrophages, neutrophils and the proportions of T helper cell (Th) 1 and Th2 cells were measured by flow cytometry. Intestinal contents were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis indicated that XFBD inhibited the progression of COVID-19-related intestinal diseases by repressing inflammation. In mice with DSS-induced intestinal inflammation, XFBD treatment significantly reduced weight loss, the spleen index, the disease activity index, TNF-α levels, and colonic tissue damage, and prevented colon shortening. Transcriptomics and flow cytometry results suggested that XFBD remodeled intestinal immunity by downregulating the Th1/Th2 ratio. Western blot analysis showed that XFBD exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Indicator analysis of microbiota showed that 75 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were affected after XFBD administration. Among them, Akkermansia, Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Enterorhabdus were simultaneously negatively correlated with intestinal disorders' parameters, and Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, Eubacterium nodatum,Turicibacter, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1, showed positive correlations with intestinal disorders' parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that XFBD treatment attenuated intestinal disorders associated with inhibiting inflammation, remodeling of intestinal immunity, and improving intestinal flora. These findings provide a scientific basis for the clinical use of XFBD and offer a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with intestinal symptoms.

Bioactive polysaccharides and oligosaccharides from garlic (Allium sativum L.): Production, physicochemical and biological properties, and structure-function relationships

Garlic is a common food, and many of its biological functions are attributed to its components including functional carbohydrates. Garlic polysaccharides and oligosaccharides as main components are understudied but have future value due to the growing demand for bioactive polysaccharides/oligosaccharides from natural sources. Garlic polysaccharides have molecular weights of 1 × 10³ to 2 × 10⁶  Da, containing small amounts of pectins and fructooligosaccharides and large amounts of inulin-type fructans ((2→1)-linked β-d-Fruf backbones alone or with attached (2→6)-linked β-d-Fruf branched chains). This article provides a detailed review of research progress and identifies knowledge gaps in extraction, production, composition, molecular characteristics, structural features, physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and structure-function relationships of garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides. Whether the extraction processes, synthesis approaches, and modification methods established for other non-garlic polysaccharides are also effective for garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides (to preserve their desired molecular structures and bioactivities) requires verification. The metabolic processes of ingested garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides (as food ingredients/dietary supplements), their modes of action in healthy humans or populations with chronic conditions, and molecular/chain organization-bioactivity relationships remain unclear. Future research directions related to garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides are discussed.

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of a pectin polysaccharide HBHP-3 from Houttuynia cordata

In this study, a hot buffer soluble Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HBHP-3) with a molecular weight of 397.4 kDa was isolated from H. cordata. HBHP-3 was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, galactose and galacturonic acid with molar ratio of 16.0:12.6:4.6:18.1:15.6. Structural analysis showed that the main chain of HBHP-3 was composed of →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→ and →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→. There were branched chains of α-L-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Galp-(1→ connected to the O-4 positions of →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→. HBHP-3 effectively inhibited the secretion of NO and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner in macrophages. HBHP-3 inhibited the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα proteins as well, illustrating that HBHP-3 exerted its anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway.

Intervention and potential mechanism of non-starch polysaccharides from natural resources on ulcerative colitis: A review

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology that affects the colon and rectum. It has evolved into a global burden due to the high incidence in developed countries and the highly-increased incidence in developing countries. Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) from natural resources, as a type of functional carbohydrates, have a significant therapeutic effect on UC because of their good anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Based on the etiology and pathogenesis of UC, this review summarizes the intervention effects and mechanisms of NSPs in the prevention and treatment of UC. The results showed that NSPs can improve UC by protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, regulating the immune response of the intestinal mucosa, and remodeling the intestinal flora and metabolites. These contents provide theoretical basis for the application of polysaccharides in the prevention and treatment of UC.

Morus macroura Miq. Fruit extract protects against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats: Novel mechanistic insights on its impact on miRNA-223 and on the TNFα/NFκB/NLRP3 inflammatory axis

Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-1 containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)/nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) inflammatory pathway is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Inversely, miRNA-223 can exert counter-regulatory effect on NLRP3 expression. The mulberry tree (Morus macroura) fruit is attaining increased importance for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in addition to its high safety profile. Accordingly, we attempted to explore the possible protective effect of mulberry fruit extract (MFE) in acetic acid (AA)-induced UC rat model. Phytochemical constituents of MFE were characterized using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). In the in vivo study, three doses of MFE were orally given for seven days before intra-rectal induction of UC by AA on day eight. Screening study revealed that MFE (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced macroscopic and microscopic UC scores. Biochemically, MFE ameliorated oxidative stress, levels of TNFR1, NLRP3, p-NFκB p65, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-18, caspase-1 activity, but enhanced miRNA-223 expression. In conclusion, our study provided a novel protective impact for MFE against UC, in which miRNA-223 and TNFα/NFκB/NLRP3 pathway are involved. These results provide a promising step that might encourage further investigations of MFE as a protective agent in UC patients.

Structural characterization of a polysaccharide from bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot and its prevention effect on colitis mouse

A water-soluble dietary fiber named BSDF-1 (polysaccharide) was isolated from the bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot. BSDF-1was characterized as a backbone consisting predominately of 1,4-linked Glcp, and the protective effects and mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity were investigated using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. BSDF-1 administration significantly reduced colonic pathological damage, inhibited the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-kappa B and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasomes pathways. It restored the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1, claudin-1, and occludin. Furthermore, BSDF-1 treatment reduced Parabacteroides, Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus levels, whereas high-dose BSDF-1 treatment increased Prevotella, Alitipes, Anaerostipes, Odoribacter, Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Lactobacillus levels. In conclusion, BSDF-1 can inhibit the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and restore the intestinal barrier function. Thus, BSDF-1 may be a valuable food supplement or nutraceutical to manage and prevent ulcerative colitis.

Bachu Mushroom Polysaccharide Alleviates Colonic Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Objective

This study was to define the protective effect of purified Helvella leucopus polysaccharide (p-HLP) against dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis.

Methods

The novel p-HLP was isolated from Bachu mushroom through hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and column chromatography. Then, we evaluated the potential effects of p-HLP on colonic histopathology, inflammation, and microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice.

Results

p-HLP was a homopolysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 39.14 × 10⁸ Da. Functionally, p-HLP significantly attenuated DSS-induced body weight loss and colon shortening. The histological score of the colon lesion was significantly decreased upon p-HLP treatment. Also, p-HLP treatment led to decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, and COX-2 and iNOS) and increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the colon tissues. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that p-HLP modulated the composition of the gut microbiota.

Conclusion

p-HLP is a potent regulator that protects the lesions from DSS-induced colitis.

Modulatory effects of polysaccharides from plants, marine algae and edible mushrooms on gut microbiota and related health benefits: A review

Naturally occurring carbohydrate polymers containing non-starch polysaccharides (NPs) are a class of biomacromolecules isolated from plants, marine algae, and edible mushrooms, and their biological activities has shown potential uses in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Importantly, NPs serve as prebiotics to provide health benefits to the host through stimulating the proliferation of beneficial gut microbiota (GM) and enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The composition and diversity of GM play a critical role in regulating host health and have been extensively studied in recent years. In this review, the extraction, isolation, purification, and structural characterization of NPs derived from plants, marine algae, and edible mushrooms are outlined. Importantly, the degradation and metabolism of these NPs in the intestinal tract, the effects of NPs on the microbial community and SCFAs generation, and the beneficial effects of NPs on host health by modulating GM are systematically highlighted. Overall, we hope that this review can provide some theoretical references and a new perspective for applications of NPs as prebiotics in functional food and drug development.

Current advances in the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, multifactorial and inflammatory disease occurring in the colon tract. Bioactive polysaccharides from natural resources have attracted extensive attention due to their safety, accessibility and good bioactivities. In recent years, a variety of natural bioactive polysaccharides have been proven to possess anti-inflammatory effects on treating acute colitis. The objective of this review was to give an up-to-date review on the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides on acute colitis. The anti-inflammatory effects of natural polysaccharides on acute colitis concerning clinical symptoms amelioration, colon tissue repairment, anti-oxidative stress alleviation, anti-inflammation, immune regulation, and gut microbiota modulation were comprehensively summarized. In addition, inducible murine models for assessing the anti-inflammatory effects of natural polysaccharides on acute colitis were also concluded. This review will offer the comprehensive understanding of anti-inflammatory mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in acute colitis, and render theoretical basis for the development and application of natural polysaccharides in drug and functional food.

Structure analysis and anti-inflammatory effect of a polysaccharide from Hippocampus mohnikei

The purpose of this study was to analyze the structure of a polysaccharide (HMP-1) from Hippocampus mohnikei, and to explore its anti-inflammatory effect. HMP-1 was obtained from Hippocampus mohnikei by ethanol sedimentation and secondary column chromatography purification. Its structural characteristics were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Results showed its molecular weight (Mw) was 7296 Da, and it mainly consisted of six residues, 1,3-β-Glcp, 1,4-α-Manp, 1,4-α-GalpA, 1,4-β-GlcpA2S, 1,4-α-Galp3S, 1,4-β-GlcNAc. HMP-1 could protect RAW246.7 cells from the cytotoxic effect induced by LPS. HMP-1 also could reduce the levels of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species produced by LPS stimulation, suggesting that HMP-1 has anti-inflammatory activities within a certain concentration range.

Protective and restorative effects of sophorolipid on intestinal dystrophy in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mouse model

The public has gradually begun to regard inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a crucial health issue; however, its mode of action has not been fully elucidated. Sophorolipid (SPL), a glycolipid-type biosurfactant, could be used as a potential treatment in physical intestinal dystrophy. We conducted a 2 × 2 factorial experiment to investigate the protective effect of SPL in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model (first factor, presence of SPL in feed; second factor, presence of DSS in water). Forty C57BL/6 mice (8-week-old) were used, and they were allocated to treatments according to their initial body weight. After a 7 d adjustment period, the DSS treatment was initiated in specific groups. At day 14, DSS was withdrawn from mice, and half of the mice were randomly selected and euthanized to collect colon and colon content samples. Three days after the end of DSS treatment, the rest of the mice were euthanized to investigate the therapeutic effect of SPL. Dietary SPL improved the growth performance in 3 d after DSS treatment, and the histopathological score was lower in the DSS-treated SPL group than in the DSS-treated control group. Mucosal thickness and goblet cell numbers significantly increased in the SPL-supplemented groups compared to in the control group. Similarly, SPL supplementation upregulated the gene expression levels of mucin-2, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-β, and increased the concentration of short chain fatty acid compared to the control groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SPL attenuated the pathological response against acute and chronic inflammation by the maintenance of the mucosal barrier and wound healing capacity.

Impact of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) polysaccharides on the fecal metabolome in a murine colitis model

Purple sweet potato polysaccharides (PSPP) play an important role in regulating the gut microbiota, modulating intestinal immunity and ameliorating colonic inflammation. In this study, the impact of two PSPPs (PSWP-I and PSAP-I) on the metabolomic profiling of feces from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice was evaluated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS). Results indicated that there were twenty-five metabolites with significant changes and four remarkable metabolic pathways, i.e., cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid biosynthesis, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Two key biomarkers of oleic acid and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were screened that responded to PSPPs in colitis mice. The identified metabolites were correlated with the amelioration of intestinal immune function and the modulation of the gut microbiota. Nine pro-inflammatory and eight anti-inflammatory compounds responded to PSPPs, which were related to Bacteroides, norank_f__Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, unclassified_o__Bacteroidales, Rikenella and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001. Moreover, PSWP-I and PSAP-I had different regulating effects on intestinal metabolites. Our results revealed a possible metabolomic mechanism of PSPPs to regulate intestinal inflammation function.

Purple sweet potato polysaccharides (PSPP) play an important role in regulating the gut microbiota, modulating intestinal immunity and ameliorating colonic inflammation.

Burdock Fructooligosaccharide Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress Injury in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress injury are thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Attenuating high glucose (HG)-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury has become a potential approach to ameliorate DN. In recent years, burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO), a water-soluble inulin-type fructooligosaccharide extracted from burdock root, has been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic activities. However, the role and mechanism of BFO in rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E cells) have rarely been investigated. The present study investigated the protective effect of BFO on HG-induced damage in NRK-52E cells. BFO could protect NRK-52E cells against the reduced cell viability and significantly increased apoptosis rate induced by HG. These anti-oxidative stress effects of BFO were related to the significant inhibition of the production of reactive oxygen species, stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities. Furthermore, BFO increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of Bax. In conclusion, these findings suggest that BFO protects NRK-52E cells against HG-induced damage by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Natural Polysaccharides as Preventive and Therapeutic Horizon for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a serious and widespread global public health burden amongst aging populations. The total estimated worldwide global cost of dementia was US$818 billion in 2015 and has been projected to rise to 2 trillion US$ by 2030. While advances have been made to understand different neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, effective therapeutic strategies do not generally exist. Several drugs have been proposed in the last two decades for the treatment of different types of neurodegenerative diseases, with little therapeutic benefit, and often with severe adverse and side effects. Thus, the search for novel drugs with higher efficacy and fewer drawbacks is an ongoing challenge in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. Several natural compounds including polysaccharides have demonstrated neuroprotective and even therapeutic effects. Natural polysaccharides are widely distributed in plants, animals, algae, bacterial and fungal species, and have received considerable attention for their wide-ranging bioactivity, including their antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, anticholinesterase and anti-amyloidogenic effects. In this review, we summarize different mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases and the neuroprotective effects of natural polysaccharides, highlighting their potential role in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disease.

Probiotic Bacillus cereus Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice through Improvement of the Intestinal Barrier Function, Anti-Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Dysbiosis leads to continuous progress of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, current therapeutic approaches for IBD have limited efficacy and are associated with various side effects. This study focused on exploring the positive effect of a new Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) strain (HMPM18123) in a colitis mouse model and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The colitis symptoms were alleviated by the B. cereus administration as evidenced by decreased body weight loss, colon length shortening, disease activity index score, and histopathological score. The B. cereus mitigated intestinal epithelial barrier damage by upregulating tight junction protein expression. Moreover, B. cereus exerted anti-inflammatory effects by regulating macrophage polarization and suppressing the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. B. cereus also rebalanced the damaged gut microbiota. Thus, the molecular mechanism of alleviating colitis by B. cereus treatment involved the regulation of the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways in intestinal mucosal barriers by modulating gut microbiota composition.

A Predictive Model Based on the Gut Microbiota Improves the Diagnostic Effect in Patients With Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant hepatic tumor with a poor prognosis, which needs early diagnosis urgently. The gut microbiota has been shown to play a crucial role in the progression of liver cancer. Here, we explored a gut microbiota model covering genera Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcus_1 (B-F-R) for CCA early diagnosis. A case-control study was conducted to enroll 53 CCA patients, 47 cholelithiasis patients, and 40 healthy controls. The feces samples and clinical information of participants were collected in the same period. The gut microbiota and its diversity of individuals were accessed with 16S rDNA sequencing, and the gut microbiota profile was evaluated according to microbiota diversity. Finally, four enriched genera in the CCA group (genera Bacteroides, Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Muribaculum, and Alistipes) and eight enriched genera in the cholelithiasis group (genera Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Agathobacter, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Faecalibacterium, Subdoligranulum, Collinsella, Escherichia-Shigella) constitute an overall different microbial community composition (P = 0.001). The B-F-R genera model with better diagnostic value than carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) was identified by random forest and Statistical Analysis of Metagenomic Profiles (STAMP) to distinguish CCA patients from healthy controls [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.973, 95% CI = 0.932–1.0]. Moreover, the correlative analysis found that genera Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). The significantly different microbiomes between cholelithiasis and CCA were found via principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), and Venn diagram and LEfSe were utilized to identify four genera by comparing microbial compositions among patients with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ-Y) or not (MOJ-N). In brief, our findings suggest that gut microbiota vary from benign and malignant hepatobiliary diseases to healthy people and provide evidence supporting gut microbiota to be a non-invasive biomarker for the early diagnosis of CCA.

Pharmacological Investigations in Traditional Utilization of Alhagi maurorum Medik. in Saharan Algeria: In Vitro Study of Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperglycemic Activities of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides Extracted from the Seeds

The anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic effects of polysaccharides extracted from Alhagi maurorum Medik. seeds, spontaneous shrub collected in Southern of Algerian Sahara were investigated. Their water extraction followed by alcoholic precipitation was conducted to obtain two water-soluble polysaccharides extracts (WSPAM1 and WSPAM2). They were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, ¹H/¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Size Exclusion Chromatography coupled with Multi-Angle Light Scattering. The capacity of those fractions to inhibit α-amylase activity and thermally induced Bovine Serum Albumin denaturation were also investigated. WSPAM1 and WSPAM2 were galactomannans with a mannose/galactose ratio of 2.2 and 2.4, respectively. The SEC-MALLS analysis revealed that WSPAM1 had a molecular weight of 1.4 × 10⁶ Da. The investigations highlighted antinflammatory and antihyperglycemic effects in a dose-dependant manner of WSPAM1 and WSPAM2.

Structural characteristics, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory activities of a purified polysaccharide from Lactarius volemus Fr

Lactarius volemus Fr. is an edible mushroom widely consumed in China. Polysaccharide is an important nutritional component of L. volemus. This research aimed to isolate the polysaccharide from L. volemus and study its structure and bioactivities. A purified polysaccharide was identified and named as LVF-I whose primary structure was proposed considering the comprehensive results of monosaccharide composition, periodate oxidation-smith degradation, methylation analysis, FT-IR and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy. Then the immunomodulation of LVF-I and its inhibition effect on H1299 and MCF-7 cells were investigated. Results showed that LVF-I (12,894 Da) contained fucose, mannose, glucose and galactose. It had a backbone consisting of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Manp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → and →4)-β-D-Manp-(1→. And its side chains were branched at C2 of →4)-β-D-Manp-(1 → by →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, α-D-Glcp-(1→, α-D-Galp-(1 → and α-L-Fucp-(1→. LVF-I (250-1000 μg/mL) could inhibit the proliferation of H1299 and MCF-7 cells, while enhance the proliferative response of splenocyte and the phagocytic ability of RAW264.7. Furthermore, LVF-I (250-1000 μg/mL) significantly induced the secretion of nitric oxide, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by up-regulating their mRNA expression in macrophages. These results suggested that LVF-I had the potential to be developed as antitumor or immunomodulatory agents by inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells and stimulating macrophages-mediated immune responses.

Structural characterization of polysaccharide from yellow sweet potato and ameliorates DSS-induced mice colitis by active GPR41/MEK/ERK 1/2 signaling pathway

A polysaccharide isolated from yellow sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) consisted of Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, GalA, GlcA with the ratio of 1.00, 2.00, 3.63, 1.21, 1.17, 1.14, respectively. The molecular weight (Mw) of RSPP-A was determinted to be 2.51×10⁶ kDa. Methylation, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) (1D & 2D) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated that RSPP-A possessed six glycosidic bonds including α-L-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →3)-α-L-Rhap-(1→. In dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced mouse-acute-colitis model, the results indicated that RSPP-A could down- regulate the secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β, and promote the secretion of IL-10 in serum and colon, which also suggested that RSPP-A could enhance the contents of short chain fatty acids(SCFAs) and up-regulate the expression of G protein-coupled receptor (GPR41) in colon. Moreover, the expression of Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were up-regulated in colon after intervention with RSPP-A, result from above suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity might be related to the production of SCFA, activating GPR41/MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Jellyfish skin polysaccharides enhance intestinal barrier function and modulate the gut microbiota in mice with DSS-induced colitis

Jellyfish skin polysaccharides (JSP) were isolated from Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye and contained 55.11% polysaccharides and 2.26% uronic acid. To examine the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of JSP in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were induced to develop ulcerative colitis by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and the roles of dietary JSP supplementation in modulating colitis were explored. JSP supplementation reduced the symptoms of colitis in mice, increased colon length, protected goblet cells, and improved intestinal epithelial integrity and permeability. JSP modulated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which was demonstrated by reduced MPO activity, NO level, and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in mice. JSP suppressed NF-κB signaling pathways as evidenced by lower levels of phosphorylated p65 and IKB. Moreover, JSP supplementation enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins, and modulated the composition of the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids. Taken together, these results reveal the anti-inflammatory effect of dietary JSP in vivo, suggesting the potential of JSP as a nutritional supplement or adjunct strategy in preventing or ameliorating colitis.

Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide alleviates colitis via modulation of gut microbiota and SCFAs metabolism

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) afflicted individual and most medications have side-effects. Crataegus pinnatifida (Hawthorn), which is a safe medicine and food homolog plant, has been reported to prevent colitis in murine. Yet the bioactivity component and the underlying molecular mechanism remain unclear. Here, we established a direct link between colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in mice and polysaccharide HAW1-2 isolated from hawthorn. Our results showed HAW1-2 restored the pathological lesions in colon and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Meanwhile, IKKα/β, IκBα, NF-κB and the phosphorylation levels were inhibited significantly. These findings suggested HAW1-2 could alleviate the inflammation of colon. Further, we found the composition of gut microbiota was modified and Bacteroides including Alistipes and Odoribacter were significantly enriched. Besides, we showed Alistipes and Odoribacter were positively co-related with acetic acid and propionic acid while were negatively co-related with inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we demonstrated the anti-inflammation activity of HAW1-2 might be induced by acetic acid. Together, the present data revealed HAW1-2 could directly modify the gut microbiota, especially for Bacteroides, and generate SCFAs to inhibit colitis. It also implies microbiota-directed intervention in IBD patients should be particularly given more attention.

Natural Food Polysaccharides Ameliorate Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Mechanisms

Natural polysaccharides and their metabolites’ short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have attracted much attention. Recently, they have shown great potential in attenuating systemic inflammation activities, especially in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a complex pathological process and is related to epithelial damage and microbiota imbalance in the gut. Recent studies have indicated that natural polysaccharides could improve IBD recovery by different mechanisms. They could not only influence the ratio of intestine microbiota, but also regulate the secretion levels of immunity cytokines through multiple pathways, the latter including modulation of the TLR/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways and stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Moreover, they could increase intestinal integrity and modulate oxidative stress. In this review, recent research about how natural polysaccharides impact the pathogenesis of IBD are summarized to prove the association between polysaccharides and disease recovery, which might contribute to the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, improve intestine epithelial damage, reduce oxidative stress, sustain the balanced microenvironment of the intestines, and finally lower the risk of IBD.

Natural-Derived Polysaccharides From Plants, Mushrooms, and Seaweeds for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease impairing the gastrointestinal tract, and its incidence and prevalence have been increasing over time worldwide. IBD greatly reduces peoples' quality of life and results in several life-threatening complications, including polyp, toxic colonic dilatation, intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cancerization. The current therapies for IBD mainly include drugs for noncritical patients and operation for critical patients. However, continuous use of these drugs causes serious side effects and increased drug resistance, and the demand of effective and affordable drugs with minimal side effects for IBD sufferers is urgent. Natural-derived polysaccharides are becoming a research hotspot for their therapeutic effects on IBD. This study focuses on the research progress of various natural polysaccharides from plants, seaweeds, and mushrooms for the treatment of IBD during recent 20 years. Regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory status, gut microbiota, and immune system and protection of the intestinal epithelial barrier function are the underlying mechanisms for the natural-derived polysaccharides to treat IBD. The excellent efficacy and safety of polysaccharides make them promising candidates for IBD therapy.

Structural differences of polysaccharides from Astragalus before and after honey processing and their effects on colitis mice

Honey-processed Astragalus is a dosage form of Radix Astragali processed with honey, which exhibits better efficacy of tonifying Qi than the raw product. Polysaccharides are its main water-soluble active components. This work was designed to study the structural differences of homogeneous honey-processed Astragalus polysaccharides (HAPS3a) and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS3a) and their effects on colitis mice. The results showed that HAPS3a (Mw = 2463.5 kDa) and APS3a (Mw = 3373.2 kDa) differed in molecular weight, monosaccharide compositions, glycosidic bonds and degree of branching (DB). Notably, the molar ratios of galactose and galacturonic acid in HAPS3a were 22.66% and 33.24%, while those in APS3a were 11.87% and 49.55%, respectively. The uronic acid residues 1,4-β-GalpA and 1,6-α-GlcpA of the backbone in APS3a were converted into the corresponding neutral residues in HAPS3a after honey processing. The different DB of HAPS3a (15.35%) and APS3a (25.13%) suggested that the chain conformation became smoother. The anti-inflammatory effects on colitis mice revealed that HAPS3a exhibited better effects than APS3a by protecting intestinal mucosa, regulating the expression of cytokines and influencing microbiota diversity. Taken together, the differences in anti-inflammatory activity might be related to structural differences caused by honey processing. Our findings have laid a foundation for the processing mechanism of Astragalus.

Polyphenols from Arctium lappa L ameliorate doxorubicin-induced heart failure and improve gut microbiota composition in mice

In this study, the ameliorative effect of purified polyphenols from Arctium lappa L (ALPP) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induce heart failure was investigated. Results indicated that ALPP pretreatment significantly reduced the activities of casein kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, lowered the levels of inflammatory indexes (TNF-α and NO), and alleviated antioxidant stress in DOX-induce mice, thus leading to a reduced heart failure syndrome. In addition, according to 16s high-throughput sequencing, the increased abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Ruminococcaceae and the decreased abundance of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaee, and Escherichia_Shigella were observed in ALPP treatment group. ALPP could significantly enhance the abundance of bacteria producing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and then promote the increase of SCFAs. Consequently, ALPP might be a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of DOX-induced heart failure. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The effect of Arctium lappa L (ALPP) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced heart failure was investigated. It provided experimental basis for further studies on the biological activity of polyphenols from ALPP. The results demonstrated that ALPP could significantly ameliorate DOX-induced heart failure and improve the gut microbiota composition. The obtained results could provide the potential application of ALPP as an alternative therapy for heart failure in the functional food industry.

The Immunomodulatory Properties of β-2,6 Fructans: A Comprehensive Review

Polysaccharides such as β-2,1-linked fructans including inulin or fructose oligosaccharides are well-known prebiotics with recognised immunomodulatory properties. In recent years, other fructan types covering β-2,6-linked fructans, particularly microbial levans, have gained increasing interest in the field. β-2,6-linked fructans of different degrees of polymerisation can be synthesised by plants or microbes including those that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for these β-2,6 fructans in modulating immune function. Here, we provide an overview of the sources and structures of β-2,6 fructans from plants and microbes and describe their ability to modulate immune function in vitro and in vivo along with the suggested mechanisms underpinning their immunomodulatory properties. Further, we discuss the limitations and perspectives pertinent to current studies and the potential applications of β-2,6 fructans including in gut health.

Effect of Drying Methods on Volatile Compounds of Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) Root Tea as Revealed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) is one of the nutritional foods widely planted in many countries. Dried burdock root (BR) is available as a herbal tincture and tea in many Asian countries with good flavor and taste. In this study, the volatile components in dried BR were identified and the effects of different drying methods on the volatile components were investigated by HS-GC-MS method. A total of 49 compounds were identified. Different drying methods including hot-air drying (HD, at 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C), vacuum drying (VD, at 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C), sunlight drying (SD), natural drying (ND), and vacuum freeze drying (VFD) were evaluated by HS-GC-MS-based metabolomics method. Results showed that different drying methods produced different effects on the volatile compounds. It was observed that 2,3-pentanedione, 1-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-ethanone, furfural, and heptanal were detected at higher concentrations in HD 80 and VD 70. The traditional HD and SD methods produced more flavor substances than VFD. The BR treated by the VFD method could maintain the shape of the fresh BR pieces while HD50 and VD80 methods could maintain the color of fresh BR pieces. These findings could help better understand the flavor of the corresponding processed BR and provide a guide for the drying and processing of BR tea.

Structural characterization and antioxidant activities of one neutral polysaccharide and three acid polysaccharides from the roots of Arctium lappa L.: A comparison

In this work, we comparatively analyzed the structure and antioxidant activities of different polysaccharide fractions from Arctium lappa L. A total of four water-soluble polysaccharide fractions (ALP-1, ALP-2, ALP-3 and ALP-4) were obtained from the roots of Arctium lappa L. They differed in monosaccharide composition, molecular weight and linkage mode. ALP-1 and ALP-2 mainly consisted of fructose, with average molecular weights of 2.676 × 10³ and 2.503 × 10⁴ g/mol, respectively. ALP-3 and ALP-4 were mainly composed of fructose, arabinose and galactose, with average molecular weights of 9.709 × 10⁴ and 6.790 × 10⁴ g/mol, respectively. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, methylation analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggested that the main polysaccharide ALP-1 had a linear chain of (1 → 2)-linked β-D-Fructofuranosyl backbone (n ≈ 15) linked to a terminal (1 → 2)-linked α-d-Glucopyranosyl at the non-reducing end. All five polysaccharides displayed high antioxidant ability, especially ALP-4 in H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cell model and ALP-1 in metronidazole [MET]-induced zebrafish model. These findings provided comparative information on the structure and biological activity of different burdock polysaccharides and highlighted their potential as antioxidants in functional foods.

Pu-erh tea ameliorates obesity and modulates gut microbiota in high fat diet fed mice

Obesity is regarded to be associated with fat accumulation, chronic inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Raw and ripened pu-erh tea extract (PETe) have the effect of reducing body weight gain and fat accumulation, which are associated with gut microbiota. However, little is known about the difference of raw and ripened PETe on the regulation of gut microbiota. Here, our results suggested that supplementation of raw and ripened PETe displayed similar anti-obesogenic effect in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice, by attenuating the body weight gain, fat accumulation, oxidative injury, and low-grade inflammation, improving the glucose tolerance, alleviating the metabolic endotoxemia, and regulating the mRNA and protein expression levels of the lipid metabolism-related genes. 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples indicated that raw and ripened PETe intervention displayed different regulatory effect on the HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis at different taxonomic levels. The microbial diversity, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as well as F/B ratio were reversed more closer to normal by ripened PETe. Phylotypes of Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, and Rikenellaceae which are negatively correlated with obesity were enhanced notably by the intervention of ripened PETe, while Erysipelotrichaceae and Lactobacillaceae which have positive correlation with obesity were decreased dramatically. In addition, the treatment of ripened PETe had better effect on the increase of benefical Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Akkemansia and decrease of obesity associated Faecalibaculum and Erysipelatoclostridium (p < 0.05). These findings suggested that pu-erh tea especially ripened pu-erh tea could serve as a great candidate for alleviation of obesity in association with the modulation of gut microbiota.

Periplaneta americana Oligosaccharides Exert Anti-Inflammatory Activity through Immunoregulation and Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Acute Colitis Mice Model

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) are increasing around the world due to bacterial infection, abnormal immune response, etc. The conventional medicines for IBD treatment possess serious side effects. Periplaneta americana (P. americana), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat arthritis, fever, aches, inflammation, and other diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of oligosaccharides from P. Americana (OPA) and its possible mechanisms in vivo. OPA were purified and biochemical characterization was analyzed by HPGPC, HPLC, FT-IR, and GC–MS. Acute colitis mice model was established, the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were tested in vivo. The results showed OPA with molecular mass of 1.0 kDa were composed of 83% glucose, 6% galactose, 11% xylose, and the backbone was (1→4)-Glcp. OPA had potent antioxidant activities in vitro and significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms of colitis, relieved colon damage without toxic side effects in vivo. OPA exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by regulating Th1/Th2, reducing oxidative stress, preserving intestinal barrier integrity, and inhibiting TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, OPA protected gut by increasing microbial diversity and beneficial bacteria, and reducing pathogenic bacteria in feces. OPA might be the candidate of complementary and alternative medicines of IBD with low-cost and high safety.

Neutrophil elastase inhibitor (MPH-966) improves intestinal mucosal damage and gut microbiota in a mouse model of 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis

BACKGROUND

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy is first-line chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. However, 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis (FUIIM) is a common adverse effect that severely impairs drug tolerance and results in poor patient health.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were given 5-FU (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and treated with MPH-966 (5 and 7.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for five days. The body weight loss and the amount of food intake, and histopathological findings were recorded and analyzed. In addition, the neutrophil infiltration, levels of neutrophil serine proteases and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and tight junction proteins expression in intestinal tissues were determined. The ecology of gut microbiota was performed through next-generation sequencing technologies.

RESULTS

Neutrophil elastase (NE) overexpression is a key feature in FUIIM. This study showed that treatment with the specific NE inhibitor MPH-966 (7.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly reversed 5-FU-induced loss in body weight and food intake; reversed villous atrophy; significantly suppressed myeloperoxidase, NE, and proteinase 3 activity; and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in an FUIIM mouse model. In addition, MPH-966 prevented 5-FU-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, as indicated by the modulated expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludin-1 and occludin. MPH-966 also reversed 5-FU-induced changes in gut microbiota diversity and abundances, specifically the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio; Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Eggerthellaceae abundances at the family level; and Candidatus Arthromitus abundance at the genus level.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that NE inhibitor is a key treatment candidate to alleviate FUIIM by regulating abnormal inflammatory responses, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbiota imbalance.

Pectic polysaccharides from edible halophytes: Insight on extraction processes, structural characterizations and immunomodulatory potentials

The preparation, chemical properties and bio-activities of polysaccharides derived from halophytes have gained an increasing interest in the past few years. Phytochemical and pharmacological reports have shown that carbohydrates are important biologically active compounds of halophytes with numerous biological potentials. It is believed that the mechanisms involved in these bio-activities are due to the modulation of immune system. The main objective of this summary is to appraise available literature of a comparative study on the extraction, structural characterizations and biological potentials, particularly immunomodulatory effects, of carbohydrates isolated from halophytes (10 families). This review also attempts to discuss on bioactivities of polysaccharides related with their structure-activity relationship. Data indicated that the highest polysaccharides yield of around 35% was obtained under microwave irradiation. Structurally, results revealed that the most of extracted carbohydrates are pectic polysaccharides which mainly composed of arabinose (from 0.9 to 72%), accompanied by other monosaccharides (galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose and xylose), significant amounts of uronic acids (from 18.9 to 90.1%) and some proportions of fucose (from 0.2 to 8.3%). The molecular mass of these pectic polysaccharides was varied from 10 to 2650 kDa. Hence, the evaluation of these polysaccharides offers a great opportunity to discover novel therapeutic agents that presented especially beneficial immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, reports indicated that uronic acids, molecular weights, as well as the presence of sulfate and unmethylated acidic groups may play a significant role in biological activities of carbohydrates from halophyte species.