Polysaccharide biological response modifiers

Glucose-rich polysaccharide from dried 'Shixia' longan activates macrophages through Ca2+ and CR3- mediated MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways

A water-soluble glucose-rich polysaccharide from dried 'Shixia' longan pulp (LPsx) has been isolated for the first time, and its structure and immuno-regulatory mechanism were studied. LPsx is a hetero-polysaccharide with the average molecular weight 4102 g/mol. It was mainly consisted of glucose (95.9%), and small proportions of arabinose (2.1%), galactose (1.0%), mannose (0.6%), and xylose (0.4%). As analyzed by NMR, LPsx was mainly composed of (1 → 6)-α-d-glucose and (1 → 6)-β-d-glucose, branched with α-d-glucose-(1→. The immunomodulatory activity study showed that LPsx significantly increased the phagocytosis of macrophages, and strongly promoted the production of NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Moreover, LPsx could inhibit the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide. The immuno-regulatory mechanism of LPsx was studied using RNA- sequencing and receptors activity analyses. It was found that LPsx induced macrophage activation via Ca²⁺ and CR3-mediated MAPKs and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. The results would be helpful for revealing the health promoting mechanism of dried 'Shixia' longan in traditional Chinese medicine.

Combined Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Potential Mechanism of Coloration and Fruit Quality in Yellow and Purple Passiflora edulis Sims

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) can be divided into yellow and purple varieties. However, information about coloration and fruit quality between the two varieties is limited. To reveal the underlying mechanism of color formation in this fruit, a combined analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome was conducted in this study. The results showed that most of the evaluated flavonols, anthocyanins, and flavanols were significantly upregulated in purple fruit compared to their levels in yellow fruit. Flavonoid and flavonoid carbonoside accumulation was markedly higher in yellow fruit than in purple fruit. The accumulation of organic acids, phenolic acids, lipids, sugars, and lignans was significantly different in the yellow and purple varieties. These results were consistent with the results from the RNA-Seq profile. This study will enable us to identify genes for targeted genetic engineering to improve the nutritional and market value of passion fruit. In addition, the peel and pulp of passion fruit contained certain health-promoting compounds, highlighting the potential application of passion fruit as a functional food and providing direction for future breeding programs and production.

Sulfated polysaccharides and its commercial applications in food industries-A review

Polysaccharides a large chain of simple sugars covalently linked by glycosidic bonds which are obtained from living organisms and microbes commercially used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Marine macroalgae or seaweed is an unexploited natural source of polysaccharides, which contains many variant phytonutrients whose cells are enriched with sulfated polysaccharides which have been progressively read these days for their potential value in food and pharmaceutical applications. This review aims the exploration of these polysaccharides in food applications, with a focus on its types and biological properties in the view of food application.

Concentration of exopolysaccharides produced by Fusarium fujikuroi and application of bioproduct as an effective bioherbicide

Exopolysaccharides are secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms and are a subject of research in many fields of science and industry due to some of their confirmed properties, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical areas. In this context, the objectives of this work were to evaluate the potential of Fusarium fujikuroi for producing exopolysaccharides and to concentrate such compounds in order to increase the herbicidal activity. Exopolysaccharides were produced by submerged fermentation and different concentration methods (membranes, lyophilization, and evaporation) were evaluated. The phytotoxic effects were assessed through absorption assays in detached leaves of Cucumis sativus and evaluated on the seventh day after application. The surface tension was evaluated for each concentration method. The production of exopolysaccharides in the crude broth without concentration was 5.94 g/L. When using the lyophilization method, a maximum yield of exopolysaccharides of 10.64 g/L was obtained. The membranes also presented satisfactory results of exopolysaccharides: 9.60 g/L. The increase of bioherbicidal activity and the lower surface tension are proportionally related to the increase of the concentration of exopolysaccharides.

Comparison of Physicochemical Characteristics and Macrophage Immunostimulatory Activities of Polysaccharides from Chlamys farreri

To address the structure-activity relationship of Chlamys farreri polysaccharides on their immunostimulatory efficacy, two polysaccharides (CFP-1 and CFP-2) were extracted from Chlamys farreri by hot water extraction, and separated through column chromatography. The isolated CFPs were chemically analyzed to clarify their physicochemical characteristics and cultured with murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, in order to evaluate their immunostimulatory efficacy. Despite the fact that both CFP-1 and CFP-2 were mainly comprised of glucose lacking the triple-helix structure, as revealed through preliminary physicochemical analyses, obvious differences in regard to molecular weight (Mw), glucuronic acid content (GAc) and branching degree (BD) were observed between CFP-1 and CFP-2. In in vitro immunostimulatory assays for macrophage RAW264.7 cells, it was demonstrated that CFP-2 with larger Mw, more GAc and BD could evidently promote phagocytosis and increase the production of NO, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β secretion, by activating the expression of iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β genes, respectively. Hence, CFP-2 shows great promise as a potential immunostimulatory agent in the functional foods and nutraceutical industry, while CFP-1, with lower molecular weight, less GAc and BD, displays its weaker immunostimulatory efficacy, based on the indistinctive immunostimulatory parameters of CFP-1.

Surface modification engineering of two-dimensional titanium carbide for efficient synergistic multitherapy of breast cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of human mortality. Given that it is difficult for conventional therapeutic approaches to effectively eradicate tumors and inhibit their recurrence and metastasis, new therapeutic strategies for solving this problem are urgently needed. In this work, we report the development of a two-dimensional titanium carbide nanocomposite drug delivery system. The system can be used for the synergistic treatment of tumors through photothermal/photodynamic/chemotherapy and can also inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis by activating the immune system. A surface modification engineering strategy has been elaborately designed to realize the multifunctionalization of an MXene, Ti3C2. In this strategy, the nanocomposite drug delivery system (Ti3C2@Met@CP) was established via layer by layer adsorption of metformin (Met) and compound polysaccharide (CP) on the surface of Ti3C2 nanosheets. Among these materials, the synthesized (AlOH)4--functionalized Ti3C2 nanosheets possess strong near-infrared absorption (extinction coefficient of 36.2 L g-1 cm-1), high photothermal conversion efficiency (∼59.6%) and effective singlet oxygen generation (1O2). Compound polysaccharide (CP) is a new immunomodulator formed by mixing lentinan, pachymaran and tremella polysaccharides in optimal proportions. Especially, the decoration of CP onto the Ti3C2 nanosheets endows Ti3C2 with a well-defined shell, improves its tumor site aggregation and biocompatibility, and activates the host's immune functions. The synergistic eradication and inhibition of tumor recurrence and metastasis have been systematically evaluated by in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Dietary plant extracts modulate gene expression profiles in alveolar macrophages of pigs experimentally infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

BACKGROUND

Our previous study showed that 3 plant extracts enhanced the immune responses and growth efficiency of weaned pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which is one of the most economically important disease in swine industry. However, each plant extract differently effected on growth efficiency and immune responses. Therefore, the objective of this study was conducted to characterize the effects and investigate the potential underlying mechanisms of 3 plant extracts on gene expression of alveolar macrophages in weaned pigs experimentally infected with PRRSV.

RESULTS

PRRSV infection altered (P < 0.05) the expression of 1,352 genes in pigs fed the control (CON; 755 up, 597 down). Compared with the infected CON, feeding capsicum (CAP), garlic botanical (GAR), or turmeric oleoresin (TUR) altered the expression of 46 genes (24 up, 22 down), 134 genes (59 up, 75 down), or 98 genes (55 up, 43 down) in alveolar macrophages of PRRSV-infected pigs, respectively. PRRSV infection up-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes related to cell apoptosis, immune system process, and response to stimulus, but down-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes involved in signaling transduction and innate immune response. Compared with the infected CON, feeding TUR or GAR reduced (P < 0.05) the expression of genes associated with antigen processing and presentation, feeding CAP up-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes involved in antigen processing and presentation. Supplementation of CAP, GAR, or TUR also enhanced (P < 0.05) the expression of several genes related to amino acid metabolism, steroid hormone synthesis, or RNA degradation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that 3 plant extracts differently regulated the expression of genes in alveolar macrophages of PRRSV-infected pigs, especially altering genes involved in immunity.

Beta-glucan's varying structure characteristics modulate survival and immune-related genes expression from Vibrio harveyi-infected Artemia franciscana in gnotobiotic conditions

β-Glucans have long been used as an immunostimulant in aquaculture. However, the relationship of its structure to its immunomodulatory properties are poorly understood. In this study, the particle size and chemical structure of β-glucans extracted from wild-type strain of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and its null-mutant yeasts Gas1 were characterised. Using Sigma β-glucan as a reference, the immunomodulatory properties of these polysaccharides in the germ-free Artemia franciscana model system in the presence of Vibrio harveyi bacterial challenge were investigated. The survival of the A. franciscana nauplii, upon challenge with V. harveyi, was significantly higher in all three glucan-treated groups compared to the control. The glucan Gas1 with a lower degree of branching and shorter side chain length had the most prominent V. harveyi-protective effects. The particle size did not affect the nauplii survival when challenged with V. harveyi. Results also showed that the salutary effect of the tested glucans was associated with the upregulation of innate immune genes such as lipopolysaccharide and β-1,3-glucan-binding protein (lgbp), high mobility group box protein (hmgb), and prophenoloxidase (proPO). Interestingly, the up-regulation of superoxidase dismutase (sod) and glutathione-s-transferase (gst) was only observed in Gas1 treated group, indicating that Gas1 could function to induce higher reactive oxygen species and stronger immunomodulatory function in A. franciscana, and therefore higher survival rate. The expression of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), peroxinectin (pxn), and down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (dscam) remain unaltered in response to glucan treatment. Taken together, this study provides insights into the structure-function relationship of β-glucan and the results confirmed that β-glucan can be an effective immunostimulant in aquaculture, especially the Gas1 glucan.

Intrathoracic infusion therapy with Lentinan and chemical irritants for malignant pleural effusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 65 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Aderivative of Shiitake mushrooms, Lentinan is used to control malignant pleural effusion (MPE) through intrathoracic infusion.

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical response, survival and safety of Lentinan plus chemical irritants, and the optimal combinations with chemical irritants, indication, threshold and optimal regimen for achieving the desired responses.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a new systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines.

METHODS

We collected all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding Lentinan plus chemical irritants from Chinese and English electronic databases (from inception until March 2019). We evaluated their bias risk, synthesized data using meta-analysis, and summarized evidence quality following the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

We included 65 RCTs involving 4,080 patients and nine chemical irritants. Most trials had unclear bias risk. Lentinan with cisplatin significantly improved complete response [Risk ratio (RR) = 1.68, 95% confidence intervals (CI) (1.51 to 1.87), p < 0.00001, Fig.3a] and quality of life [RR = 1.51 95% CI (1.41 to 1.62), p < 0.00001, Fig.4], and decreased the risk of treatment failure, myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reaction, and chest pain. For patients with moderate to large volume of the pleural effusion, primary treatment, KPS score ≥ 50-60, or anticipated survival time ≥ 3months, Lentinan (3-4 mg/time, once a week for three to four times) withcisplatin (30-40 mg/m2 or 50-60 mg/m2) significantly improved complete response and decreased failure. Most results were robust and moderate quality.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that Lentinan with chemical irritants, especially cisplatin is beneficial to the patient with MPE, and provide evidence for the indication, threshold, and optimal regimen that may achieve success and decrease failure.

Quality control and immunological activity of lentinan samples produced in China

Lentinan is widely used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of malignant tumors in clinical practice. The chemical structure of lentinan is highly associated with its biological activity. In this study, the correlation between the structure of lentinan and its immune activity was investigated to assess the function of key parameters that can influence quality control of lentinan. The results showed that the batch-to-batch consistency of two lentinan samples was satisfactory, indicating the stability of production process of lentinan. However, although the chemical composition and triple-helical conformation (THC) of the tested samples were relatively similar, their Mw, polydispersity index (PDI), and Rg_z remarkably varied due to different production processes. In vitro immunomodulatory assay reflects that lentinan could stimulate the macrophages phagocytic capacity. Meanwhile, lentinan samples could improve the spleen and thymus indices, promote the proliferation of lymphocytes and adjust for the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vivo. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effect of lentinan sample B (Mw: 650,700 g/mol) was superior than that of the sample A (Mw: 4,818,700 g/mol). It was noted that the Mw should be detected as a necessary index for quality control of lentinan to ensure stability and effectiveness of the production process.

Pharmacodynamic material basis of traditional Chinese medicine based on biomacromolecules: a review

Biomacromolecules, the first components of bioactive substances in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have wide bioactivity-related efficacy but have not yet been fully appreciated compared to small molecule components. The present review brings a novel and systemic point of view to deepen the understanding of the pharmacodynamic material basis of TCM based on biomacromolecules (polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids). Biomacromolecules have been, are and will have considerable roles in the efficacy of Chinese medicine, as evidenced by the number of biological activities related to traditional clinical efficacy. The direct and indirect mechanisms of biomacromolecules are further accounted for in a variety of neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune substances to maintain immune function in both sensitive and stable equilibrium. The biological functions of biomacromolecules have been elaborated on in regard to their roles in the process of plant growth and development to the relationship between primary metabolism and secondary metabolism and to the indispensable role of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids in the quality formation of TCM. Understanding the functional properties and mechanisms of biological macromolecules will help to demystify the drug properties and health benefits of TCM.

Recent Advances in Chain Conformation and Bioactivities of Triple-Helix Polysaccharides

Natural polysaccharides derived from renewable biomass sources are regarded as environmentally friendly and sustainable polymers. As the third most abundant biomacromolecule in nature, after proteins and nucleic acids, polysaccharides are also closely related with many different life activities. In particular, β-glucans are one of the most widely reported bioactive polysaccharides and are usually considered as biological response modifiers. Among them, β-glucans with triple-helix conformation have been the hottest and most well-researched polysaccharides at present, especially lentinan and schizophyllan, which are clinically used as cancer therapies in some Asian countries. Thus, creation of these active triple-helix polysaccharides is beneficial to the research and development of sustainable "green" biopolymers in the fields of food and life sciences. Therefore, full fundamental research of triple-helix polysaccharides is essential to discover more applications for polysaccharides. In this Review, the recent research progress of chain conformations, bioactivities, and structure-function relationships of triple-helix β-glucans is summarized. The main contents include the characterization methods of the macromolecular conformation, proof of triple helices, bioactivities, and structure-function relationships. We believe that the governments, enterprises, universities, and institutes dealing with the survival and health of human beings can expect the development of natural bioproducts in the future. Hence, a deep understanding of β-glucans with triple-helix chain conformation is necessary for application of natural medicines and biologics for a sustainable world.

A first checklist of macrofungi for South Africa

Macrofungi are considered as organisms that form large fruiting bodies above or below the ground that are visible without the aid of a microscope. These fungi include most basidiomycetes and a small number of ascomycetes. Macrofungi have different ecological roles and uses, where some are edible, medicinal, poisonous, decomposers, saprotrophs, predators and pathogens, and they are often used for innovative biotechnological, medicinal and ecological applications. However, comprehensive checklists, and compilations on the diversity and distribution of mushrooms are lacking for South Africa, which makes regulation, conservation and inclusion in national biodiversity initiatives difficult. In this review, we compiled a checklist of macrofungi for the first time (excluding lichens). Data were compiled based on available literature in journals, books and fungorium records from the National Collection of Fungi. Even if the list is not complete due to numerous unreported species present in South Africa, it still represents an overview of the current knowledge of the macromycetes of South Africa. The list of names enables the assessment of gaps in collections and knowledge on the fungal biodiversity of South Africa, and downstream applications such as defining residency status of species. It provides a foundation for new names to be added in future towards developing a list that will be as complete as possible, and that can be used by a wide audience including scientists, authorities and the public.

Structural Elucidation of Immunomodulators, Acetylated Heteroglycan and Galactosamine, Isolated from Aloe arborescens Leaves

Plant polysaccharides gained extended scientific attention for their immunomodulatory effect. However, few scientific studies structurally defined polysaccharides in relation to their biological modifier response. Therefore, the study explored the effect of structurally identified isolated macromolecules from Aloe arborescens against cytokine modulation (interferon [IFN-γ], interleukins [IL-2 and IL-12], and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]) in vitro. The structures were elucidated by GC, GPC, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1D NMR, COSY, HMBC, and HSQC. Two acetylated glucomannans (AANP4 and AAAP6), one deoxy-glucogalactan (AANP5), and one deoxy-N-acetyl-[1-4]-galactosamine (AANP2) were isolated. The results showed significant induction for all cytokines and the most potent component was AAAP6; acetylated phenolic glucomannan with a (1 → 3)-linked glucose-mannose and (1 → 4)-linked mannose backbone, which stimulated IL-12 by more than 10-fold compared with phytohemagglutinin (positive control). In conclusion, A. arborescens polysaccharides could be a landmark for development of effective immunotherapeutics against cancer and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Physicochemical characterization, potential antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharide from Sargassum pallidum

A polysaccharide, designated as PSP-1, was isolated and purified from Sargassum pallidum. Physicochemical characterization showed that PSP-1 with the average molecular weight of 1.036 × 106 Da was composed of fucose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 18.45:2.15:19.06:1.89:16.07:1.00:5.74:20.09. The results of antioxidant assays indicated that PSP-1 had good DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, cellular antioxidant activity, and reactive oxygen species inhibition activity, and could significantly improve cellular antioxidant enzymes of ABAP-induced HepG2 cell model. The results of hypoglycemic assays showed that PSP-1 possessed favorable α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and could remarkably enhance glucose consumption, glycogen synthesis and the activities of pyruvate kinase and hexokinase in insulin-resistance HepG2 cells. The results suggest that PSP-1 can be exploited as a potential antioxidant and hypoglycemic candidate for functional and nutraceutical applications.

Binding of the polysaccharide from Acanthopanax giraldii Harms to toll-like receptor 4 activates macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional Chinese medicine, Acanthopanax giraldii Harms, is commonly used to treat arthralgia due to wind, cold and dampness, as well as weakness in the feet and knees. Its other reported effects include eliminating flatulence, strengthening muscles and bones, and delaying aging. The polysaccharides in A. giraldii Harms are the major bioactive substances that confer the herb's antioxidant properties as well as anticancer and antiviral effects.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the underlying mechanism and signaling cascade involved in the homogeneous A. giraldii Harms polysaccharide II (AHP-II)-mediated immunomodulation of mice macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phagocytosis of neutral red and the production of nitric oxide, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were measured to determine AHP-II-induced macrophage activation. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to confirm the binding of AHP-II to macrophages. The involvement of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in AHP-II-induced macrophage activation was demonstrated using antibody blocking and macrophages from C3H/HeJ TLR4-mutant mice. Western blotting was used to map AHP-II-induced downstream signaling pathways.

RESULTS

AHP-II increased the phagocytosis of macrophages and the release of nitric oxide, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines. Direct, saturable and reversible binding of AHP-II to macrophages was observed, while it can be inhibited by the anti-TLR4 antibody. In addition, the presence of the anti-TLR4 antibody inhibited AHP-II-induced macrophage IL-6 and TNF-α production in the peritoneal macrophages of C3H/HeJ mice. Moreover, AHP-II-TLR4-stimulated macrophages activate the downstream intracellular ERK and JNK/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways. In addition, the AHP-II-mediated regulation of IL-6 and TNF-α production from macrophages was greatly affected by specific ERK, JNK and NF-κB inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Our study elucidated the immunomodulatory mechanism of AHP-II in macrophage activation and identified TLR4 as the main receptor coordinating AHP-II binding. Our findings suggest AHP-II may be used as a novel immunopotentiator for medical purposes.

Glycan Utilisation and Function in the Microbiome of Weaning Infants

Glycans are present exogenously in the diet, expressed and secreted endogenously by host cells, and produced by microbes. All of these processes result in them being available to the gut microbiome, firmly placing glycans at the interface of diet–microbe–host interactions. The most dramatic shift in dietary sources of glycans occurs during the transition from the milk-based neonatal diet to the diverse omnivorous adult diet, and this has profound effects on the composition of the gut microbiome, gene expression by microbes and host cells, mucin composition, and immune development from innate towards adaptive responses. Understanding the glycan-mediated interactions occurring during this transitional window may inform dietary recommendations to support gut and immune development during a vulnerable age. This review aims to summarise the current state of knowledge on dietary glycan mediated changes that may occur in the infant gut microbiome and immune system during weaning.

Hypoxia protects against the cell death triggered by oxovanadium-galactomannan complexes in HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND

Polysaccharides from various sources have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The beneficial pharmacological effects of plant-derived polysaccharides include anti-tumor activity.

METHODS

Here, we evaluated the anti-cancer effect of the MSAGM:VO complex under hypoxic conditions (1% oxygen). MSAGM:VO is a complex of the hydrolysate of galactomannan (MSAGM) from Schizolobium amazonicum with oxovanadium (IV/V). The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line HepG2 was selected as HCC are one of the most hypoxic solid tumors.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the strong apoptotic activity of MSAGM:VO observed in HepG2 cells under normoxic conditions was completely lost under hypoxic conditions. We found a dynamic balance between the pro- and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family. The expressions of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL increased in hypoxia, whereas the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax decreased. MSAGM:VO strongly induced autophagy, which was previously characterized as a pro-survival mechanism in hypoxia. These results demonstrate total elimination of the anti-cancer activity of MSAGM:VO with activation of autophagy under conditions of hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

Although this study is a proof-of-concept of the impact of hypoxia on the potential of polysaccharides, further study is encouraged. The anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides could be achieved in normoxia or through raising the activity of the immune system. In addition, combination strategies for therapy with anti-autophagic drugs could be proposed.

Supplementation with compound polysaccharides contributes to the development and metabolic activity of young rat intestinal microbiota

Compound polysaccharides may be used as a functional food to modulate the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota, and to help maintain the health of the intestinal microecosystem.

Crude Polysaccharides from Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus) Grown in Indonesia Enhance the Immune Response due to Bacterial Infection

Okra pods were widely consumed by Indonesians to maintain health. The aim of this study was at investigating the potential of crude polysaccharides from okra pods on immune response in mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Thirty male Balb/C mice were divided into six groups: normal control, negative control, and treatment groups (administration of crude polysaccharides at doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg). Crude polysaccharides were administrated for fourteen days. Furthermore, mice were exposed to S. aureus at the fifteenth day. Two weeks after the end of treatment, the parameters were measured. This study showed that crude polysaccharides at a dose of 75 and 100 mg/kg improved phagocytic activity, spleen index, and splenocytes proliferation. Rising of TNF-α levels was shown in groups treated with crude polysaccharides at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. All treatment groups showed a decreasing level of IL-17. Crude okra polysaccharides also showed a slight increase in NK cells activity and IFN-γ level. Thus, crude okra polysaccharides could act as an effective material to enhance immune response including phagocytic activity, spleen index, splenocytes proliferation, and control immune responses through cytokine production.

Polysaccharide isolated from seeds of Plantago asiatica L. induces maturation of dendritic cells through MAPK and NF-κB pathway

Plantago species are used as traditional medicine in Asian and Europe. Polysaccharide isolated from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. could stimulate maturation transformation of bone-marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs). We found that blocking p38, ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK signal transduction could significantly decreased the PLP-2 induced expression of MHC II, CD86 surface molecules on DCs. Blocking p38 and JNK signal also significantly inhibited the cytokine secretion of TNF-α and IL-12p70 as well, while blocking ERK1/2 signal only decreased the secretion of TNF-α. Meanwhile, DCs in the three MAPK signal-blocking groups showed dramatically attenuated effects on stimulating proliferation of T lymphocytes. Similarly, blocking signal transduction of NF-κB pathway also significantly impaired the phenotypic and functional maturation development of DCs induced by PLP-2. These data suggest that MAPK and NF-κB pathway mediates the PLP-induced maturation on DCs. Especially, among the three MAPK pathways, activation of JNK signal transduction is the most important for DCs development after PLP-2 incubation. And PLP-2 may activate the MAPK and NF-κB pathway by triggering toll-like receptor 4 on DCs.

Immunomodulatory activity of exopolysaccharide from the rhizobacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa CCM 1465

Bacterial polysaccharides are promising stimulants of protective functions in humans and animals. We investigated the ability of exopolysaccharide from the rhizobacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa CCM 1465 to induce nonspecific resistance factors in the macroorganism. We examined in vitro the effect of the exopolysaccharide, produced with different carbon sources, on the phagocytic activity of murine macrophages, on the generation of reactive oxygen species and of enzymes (acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase), on the proliferation of murine splenocytes, and on the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)] by human mononuclear cells. The exopolysaccharide promoted the phagocytosis of bacterial cells, activated metabolic processes in human and animal leukocytes, and moderately affected the production of TNF-α and IL-1β. The exopolysaccharides produced on media with glucose and sucrose differed in their effect on the immune cells, possibly owing to their different compositions, structures, and properties. The results validly indicate that the exopolysaccharide of P. polymyxa CCM 1465 promotes nonspecific immunity. Therefore, it can find application as a biologically active immunomodulatory substance.

Structural Properties and Macrophage Activation of Cell Wall Polysaccharides from the Fruiting Bodies of Hericium erinaceus

In this study, water-soluble and alkali-soluble cell wall polysaccharides were obtained from fruiting body extracted residual micropowders of Hericium erinaceus, harvested at seven different growing stages. The structural properties and in vitro immunity activities of cell wall polysaccharides extracted successively by hot water and sodium hydroxide solution were studied, and the results indicated that the yield and content of polysaccharides increased during the reproductive growth stage and decreased with the maturity of the fruiting body. Water-soluble cell wall polysaccharides mainly composed of glucose and galactose at a molar ratio of 3.4⁻14:1.0, and also contained a small ratio of glucuronic acid. The alkali-soluble cell wall polysaccharides were glucans with lower molecular weight and higher macrophage activation activity in vitro than water-soluble ones. Our findings suggest that the growth stages (H4 and H5) are suitable for harvesting H. erinaceus fruiting bodies with higher cell wall polysaccharide yield and functional benefits.

Plant-derived polysaccharides activate dendritic cell-based anti-cancer immunity

Today, cancers pose a major public health burden. Although a myriad of cancer treatments are available, only a few have achieved clinical efficacy. This is partly attributed to cancers capability to evade host immunity by converting dendritic cells (DCs) from potent stimulators to negative modulators of immunity. Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy attempts to resolve this problem by manipulating the functional characteristics of DCs. Plant-derived polysaccharides (PDPs) can stimulate the maturation of DCs conferring on them the capacity to present internalised tumorigenic antigens to naïve T cells and subsequently priming T cells to eliminate tumours. PDPs have been used as immune modulators and later as anti-cancer agents by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners for centuries. They are abundant in nature and form a large group of heterogeneous though structurally related macromolecules that exhibit diverse immunological properties. They can induce antigen pulsed DCs to acquire functional characteristics in vitro which can subsequently be re-introduced into cancer patients. They can also be used as adjuvants in DC-based vaccines or independently for their intrinsic anti-tumour activities. Clinically, some in vitro generated DCs have been shown to be both safe and immunogenic although their clinical application is limited in part by unsatisfactory functional maturation as well as impaired migration to draining lymph nodes where T cells reside. We review the relative potencies of individual PDPs to induce both phenotypic and functional maturation in DCs, their relative abilities to activate anti-cancer immunity, the possible mechanisms by which they act and also the challenges surrounding their clinical application.

Exopolysaccharide from Marine Bacillus velezensis MHM3 Induces Apoptosis of Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells through a Mitochondrial Pathway

Objective: The production of new natural pharmaceutical agents that increase the efficiency of chemotherapy without affecting the normal cells is the goal of all researchers. Therefore, the present study expects to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer studies against MCF-7 cell lines of EPS produced by novel Egyptian marine bacterial strain. Methods: Marine bacterium was isolated, purified and identified by 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequence analyses. MHMEPS (the produced EPS) was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR), monosugars identification by HPLC, molecular weight estimation and sulfur content were determined. While, in-vitro antioxidants characters was determined using various methods and anticancer studies against MCF-7 cell lines. Results: Bacillus velezensis MHM3 produced 5.8 g/L of MHMEPS. The chemical analysis of MHMEPS showed 24% uronic acid and 18.19% sulfate and monosugars glucuronic acid, glucose, fructose and rhamnose with molar ratio of 4.00: 2.00: 1.00: 0.13, correspondingly, with an overall weight average molecular weight Mw of 1.145×104 g/mol and the number average of molecular weights Mn of 5.155 ×103 g/mol. The FTIR analysis and periodate oxidation indicate the existence of β-(1–4) linkage acidic polysaccharide. MHMEPS showed antioxidant scavenging activity against DPPH•, H2O2 and Metal chelating activity, respectively. So, reducing power method give high activity at 500 μg/ml. MHMEPS hinder the proliferation of MCF-7 cells at 5-80 μg/ml compared to the control group. Moreover, induced apoptosis was associated with activation of caspase-3. Also increased cytochrome C levels significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control. The Caspase-3 activity was raised in MHMEPS treated MCF-7 cells compared with the control (p<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the result of DNA fragmentation was confirmed by DNA ladder assay. We presume that MHMEPS has high potential at its low concentration, as a novel restorative agent for the treatment of MCF-7 cells, with no cytotoxicity against normal cells.

Effect of germination on composition profiling and antioxidant activity of the polysaccharide-protein conjugate in black soybean [Glycinemax (L.) Merr.]

Black soybeans are commonly consumed as health foods and used in traditional Chinese medicine, but they are rarely cultivated as edible sprouts. During germination, the composition of seeds undergoes distinct changes that cause variations in bioactivities. In this study, the water-soluble black soybean polysaccharide (BSPS) was isolated from sprouts harvested at two-day intervals during the first week of seedling growth. The chromatographic profiles of the BSPS in ungerminated seeds showed fraction 1 (F1, about 64kDa) and fraction 2 (F2, <1kDa) that degraded during germination. The polysaccharide in F1 fraction of ungerminated seeds was covalently associated with the protein and mainly contained arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid at various levels during germination. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activities and the reducing power of F1 were highest on the seventh day of germination. The phenolic and flavonoid content significantly increased after the fifth day of germination, suggesting that these ingredients also contributed to the antioxidant activities. During long-term germination, the polysaccharide-protein conjugate in the F1 fraction with enhanced antioxidant activities is regarded as a potential natural antioxidant for the development of functional foods.