Polysaccharides inLentinus edodes: Isolation, Structure, Immunomodulating Activity and Future Prospective

Proteomics reveals the function reverse of MPSSS-treated prostate cancer-associated fibroblasts to suppress PC-3 cell viability via the FoxO pathway

Prostate cancer‐associated fibroblasts (prostate CAFs) are essential components of the tumor microenvironment and can promote tumor progression through their immunosuppressive functions. MPSSS, a novel polysaccharide purified from Lentinus edodes, has been reported to have anti‐tumor activity. MPSSS could also inhibit the immunosuppressive function of prostate CAFs, which has been demonstrated through that the secretome of MPSSS‐treated prostate CAFs could inhibit the proliferation of T cells. However, how the secretome of MPSSS‐treated prostate CAFs influence prostate cancer progression is still unclear. Interestingly, we found that the low molecular weight (3–100kD) secretome of prostate CAFs (lmwCAFS) could promote the growth of PC‐3 cells, while that of MPSSS‐treated prostate CAFs (MT‐lmwCAFS) could inhibit their growth. We carried out comparative secretomic analysis of lmwCAFS and MT‐lmwCAFS to identify functional molecules that inhibit the growth of PC‐3 cells, and proteomic analysis of lmwCAFS‐treated PC‐3 cells and MT‐lmwCAFS‐treated PC‐3 cells to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. These analyses suggest that TGF‐β3 from MT‐lmwCAFS may inhibit the growth of PC‐3 cells. The validated experiments revealed that TGF‐β3 from MT‐lmwCAFS activated p21 expression in PC‐3 cells by regulating the FoxO pathway thereby inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of PC‐3 cells. Overall, our data demonstrated that MPSSS reversed the ability of prostate CAFs to suppress the cell viability of PC‐3 cells, which might provide a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent prostate cancer progression.

Mycomedicine: A Unique Class of Natural Products with Potent Anti-tumour Bioactivities

Mycomedicine is a unique class of natural medicine that has been widely used in Asian countries for thousands of years. Modern mycomedicine consists of fruiting bodies, spores, or other tissues of medicinal fungi, as well as bioactive components extracted from them, including polysaccharides and, triterpenoids, etc. Since the discovery of the famous fungal extract, penicillin, by Alexander Fleming in the late 19th century, researchers have realised the significant antibiotic and other medicinal values of fungal extracts. As medicinal fungi and fungal metabolites can induce apoptosis or autophagy, enhance the immune response, and reduce metastatic potential, several types of mushrooms, such as Ganoderma lucidum and Grifola frondosa, have been extensively investigated, and anti-cancer drugs have been developed from their extracts. Although some studies have highlighted the anti-cancer properties of a single, specific mushroom, only limited reviews have summarised diverse medicinal fungi as mycomedicine. In this review, we not only list the structures and functions of pharmaceutically active components isolated from mycomedicine, but also summarise the mechanisms underlying the potent bioactivities of several representative mushrooms in the Kingdom Fungi against various types of tumour.

Immunomodulatory effects of wheat bran arabinoxylan on RAW264.7 macrophages via the NF-κB signaling pathway using RNA-seq analysis

Arabinoxylan (AX) extracted from wheat bran has attracted much attention due to its immunomodulatory activity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this activity remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptional study to investigate genetic changes related to AX and identified 2325 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology classification revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in a series of immune-related processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that immune-related pathways were significantly enriched in top 20 pathways, including the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and the TNF signaling pathway. Validation using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed dynamic changes in the mRNA levels of immune-related Cd40, Csf1, Csf2, Fas, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-5, Irf1, and Tnfaip3, which were significantly up-regulated in the AX-treated group. Moreover, AX treatment led to the up-regulation of the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and its upstream target proteins such as PDK1, Akt, IκB-α, and GSK-3β. The dataset compiled from this study provides valuable information for further research on the complex molecular mechanisms associated with AX and the identification of target genes.

Beta-1,6 glucan converts tumor-associated macrophages into an M1-like phenotype

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with an M2-like phenotype have been linked to immunosuppression and resistance to chemotherapies of cancer, thus targeting TAMs has been an attractive therapeutic strategy to cancer immunotherapy. We have reported that the β-D-(1→6) glucan (AAMP-A70) isolated from Amillariella Mellea could promote macrophage activation. The present study showed that the β-1,6-glucan could promote the transformation of M2-like macrophages to M1-like phenotype and inhibit the viability of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. On a cellular mechanistic level, the β-1,6-glucan reset tumor-promoting M2-like macrophages to tumor-inhibiting M1-like phenotype via increasing the phosphorylation of Akt/NF-κB and MAPK. Further, TLR2 was identified as the receptor of β-1,6-glucan in the transformation effect. In addition, a very similar β-1,6-glucan with side chains of β-Glc or α-Galρ which was purified from Lentinus edodes showed same activities with those from Amillariella Mellea. Our findings shed light on the action mode of β-1,6-glucan in cancer immunotherapy.

Autohydrolysis of Lentinus edodes for Obtaining Extracts with Antiradical Properties

The autohydrolysis of Lentinus edodes was proposed for the extraction of components with antioxidant properties. Operation under non-isothermal conditions was evaluated and compared with isothermal heating. The influence of process severity was assessed in the range of 0.18 to 4.89 (temperature between 50 and 250 °C), up to 80% (d.b.) The influence of process severity during the autohydrolysis of Lentinus edodes was assessed in the range -0.3 to 4.89 (temperature between 50 and 250 °C). Up to 80% (d.b.) of the initial raw material could be solubilized at 210 °C. The different behavior of the saccharide and phenolic fractions was observed with the treatment temperature. Whereas the highest concentration of the saccharide components (mainly glucooligosaccharides) was found at 210 °C, the maximum phenolic yield was identified at 250 °C. The phenolic content and the antiradical properties of the extract showed a continuous increase with the temperature range studied, and at 250 °C, showed antiradical properties comparable to synthetic antioxidants. Autohydrolysis liquid fractions were used as solvents in the formulation of bioactive starch-based hydrogels, identifying a positive correlation between the gel softening and the extracts' bioactivity features.

Natural polysaccharides with different conformations: extraction, structure and anti-tumor activity

Natural polysaccharides as sustainable polymers are rich sources with good biological safety and various biological functions, which are important research topics in the fields of food and medicine.

Combined Effect of Lentinan and Cisplatin on Cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in Tumor Therapy

Lentinan is a biologically active ingredient isolated from the fruiting body of Lentinula edodes (shiitake) and has antitumor properties. Cytokines, at the same time, are a key factor in regulating immune responses in physiological and pathological states. Many cytokines have shown positive effect on different malignancies in clinical trials. Studies have shown that such cytokines as IL6, TNF-α, and TGF-β play a quite important role in the formation of tumor microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of combined medication of lentinan and cisplatin, another antitumor drug, and its impact on cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β in the treatment of tumor. The results showed that lentinan enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on tumor cells. Furthermore, it was proved that the combined treatment of lentinan and cisplatin enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on the expression of IL-6, TNF- α, TGF-β and tumor growth in mice bearing human ovarian cancer xenograft, human prostate tumor xenograft, and human non-small cell lung cancer xenograft.

Increased Efficacy of Oral Fixed-Dose Combination of Amphotericin B and AHCC® Natural Adjuvant against Aspergillosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis represents one of the most serious fungal infections among immunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to analyze the in vivo efficacy of prophylactic oral amphotericin B (AMB) encapsulated in modified chitosan-nanoparticles (Nanomerics’ Molecular Envelope Technology (MET)) supplemented with a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia (AHCC^®) in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis. We determined fungal burden and survival of mice and additionally, we carried out a cytokine analysis in an attempt to understand the immunomodulation of the extract. Our results evidenced equivalent efficacy between orally administered AMB-MET and the intravenous liposomal AMB marketed formulation. Addition of the AHCC^® supplement significantly improved efficacy in terms of burden reduction and survival increase of both oral and intravenous AMB therapies compared to the untreated control group. Moreover, a protective effect of the extract was observed in terms of weight loss. Regarding the cytokine profiles, the Th1 immune response was stimulated in treated animals when compared to the control group. This response was marked by an enhancement in the MCP-1, GM-CSF, VEGF, RANTES and IL-17 levels and a decrease in the IL-6, a biomarker related to the severity of the infection.

Structural characterization and determination of biological activities for different polysaccharides extracted from tree mushroom species

Chemical composition and structural characterization of polysaccharides of Fomes fomentarius (FF), Fuscoporia torulosa, Ganoderma adspersum, Ganoderma applanatum (GAP), Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus igniarius, Pleurotus ostreatus (PO), and Porodaedalea pini (PP) tree mushrooms with antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities were determined in this research. Total carbohydrate contents of the polysaccharides were ranged between 65.06 ± 6.76 and 88.27 ± 5.15 µg/mg and total protein contents were ranged between 3.18 ± 0.72 and 6.56 ± 1.25 µg/mg. Galactose, glucose, and mannose were identified as major monosaccharides in all polysaccharides using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. FT-IR analysis showed the characteristic peaks of the polysaccharides and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection was used to determine the molecular weight of the polysaccharides. In β-carotene-linoleic acid assay FF (IC₅₀ : 2.55 ± 0.40 µg/ml) displayed the highest antioxidant activity, whereas GAP indicated the highest antioxidant activity in cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (A_0.50 :59.90 ± 0.53 μg/ml), ABTS^•+ (IC₅₀ : 16.62 ± 0.31 μg/ml), and DPPH^• (IC₅₀ : 45.58 ± 0.21 μg/ml) assays. In cholinesterase inhibitory activity test, PO (56.31±0.0.74%) showed significant inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase enzyme. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Polysaccharides from mushrooms are the major class of bioactive compounds with various biological activities. Several studies were performed on the biological activity of the polysaccharide extracts from different mushrooms. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical composition, structural characterization, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of extracted polysaccharides from studied mushrooms in detail. This investigation shows that polysaccharide extracts obtained from tree mushrooms show a significant bioactivity and these polysaccharides might be used as bioactive natural sources in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

GPP (Composition of Ganoderma Lucidum Poly-saccharides and Polyporus Umbellatus Poly-saccharides) Enhances Innate Immune Function in Mice

Modern research has found that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) and Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharides (PUP) mainly exhibit immunoregulation. However, the immune function of a polysaccharide composition consisting of GLP and PUP has not been studied. In this study, we developed a polysaccharide composition consisting of GLP and PUP in a ratio of 3:1 (named GPP). The immunoregulation of GPP was detected in RAW264.7 macrophages. Then, the acute oral toxicity of GPP and the effect of GPP on immunoregulation in mice was detected. The results showed that GPP enhanced the function of macrophage RAW264.7 cells through improving phagocytic ability, nitric oxide (NO) production and the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. GPP belonged to the non-toxic grade in mice. Moreover, GPP significantly improved macrophage phagocytic function and the activity of natural killer (NK) cells after being administered to mice at a dose of 0, 3.6, 120, 360 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg BW) orally for 30 days. Taken together, these findings suggested that GPP moderately regulated immune function in mice, which contributes to the further development and utilization of GLP and PUP in immune function.

Promotion of the growth and plant biomass degrading enzymes production in solid-state cultures of Lentinula edodes expressing Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene

Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb), encoded by the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene (vgb), is highly effective at binding oxygen and delivering it to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes under hypoxic conditions. In this study, we introduced the vgb gene into shiitake mushrooms, and the mycelia of the transformatants grew faster. In particular, they spread into the solid substrate located in the lower part of the test tubes and bags where the oxygen was hypoxic and produced more β-glucan and plant biomass degrading enzymes compared to the original strain. The maximum growth rate of the transformants was 8.5%-15.9% higher than that of the original strain on sawdust-based cultures in plastic bags. The laccase and amylase activities were 17.7%-40.3% and 16.7%-37.9% higher than that of the original strain, respectively. In addition, the β-glucan contents of the transformant mycelia from the submerged fermentation were 12.9%-24.0% higher than that of the original strain. These results reveal that the expression of VHb in mushroom fungi promots the mycelial growth in solid-state cultures under the hypoxic condition as well as enhances β-glucan and plant biomass degrading enzymes production.

Analysis of volatile compounds of Lentinula edodes grown in different culture substrate formulations

Volatile compounds of Lentinula edodes grown in different culture substrate (CS) formulations were analyzed to reveal (i) the relationship between volatile compound production and CS formulations, (ii) the contribution of volatile compounds to L. edodes flavor, (iii) the activities of LOX and γ-GGT enzymes, (iv) γ-GGT gene expression, and (v) the correlation between enzyme activity and volatile compound production. Our results showed that 82 kinds of volatile compounds were analyzed; 25 volatile compounds were considered key flavor components, and sulfur containing compounds, eight-carbon compounds, and aldehyde compounds also had great contributions to mushroom flavor. Bagasse could be used as a partial substitute for sawdust as a carbon source. LOX and γ-GGT activities showed a weak correlation with the volatile end products. The results indicated that the mechanisms by which CS formulations influence volatile compounds production were complex.

Lentinan inhibits oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production induced by benzo(a)pyrene in human keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Benzo(a)pyrene, a major environmental pollutant, is known to accelerate skin aging through oxidative stress, increase the production of inflammatory mediators, and cause skin cancer. Lentinan, prepared from Lentinus edodes (Shiitake mushroom), has been reported to exhibit anti-coagulant, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and anti-coagulant effects. However, the effect of lentinan on human keratinocytes treated with benzo(a)pyrene is unknown.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to explore whether lentinan inhibits benzo(a)pyrene-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production in human keratinocytes.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of lentinan on benzo(a)pyrene-induced oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). We also assessed the production of inflammatory factors interleukin-8 and chemokine ligand-2 induced by benzo(a)pyrene exposure at both mRNA and protein levels.

RESULTS

Lentinan inhibited oxidative stress induced by benzo(a)pyrene, as shown by the concentration-dependent reduction in reactive oxygen species in HaCaT cells. In addition, malondialdehyde levels were reduced to 53% of those of cells treated with benzo(a)pyrene without lentinan. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were approximately 18- and 2.7-fold higher in benzo(a)pyrene-treated cells with lentinan than in those without lentinan. Moreover, lentinan significantly reduced interleukin-8 and chemokine ligand-2 mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that lentinan has two biological activities that are potentially useful for managing inflammatory skin diseases or disorders related to oxidative stress induced by benzo(a)pyrene. Therefore, cosmetics containing L edodes have promising dermatological applications, with potential utility in protecting the skin against environmental pollutants.

The Effect of Hemicellulose and Lignin on Properties of Polysaccharides in Lentinus edodes and Their Antioxidant Evaluation

Lentinus edodes, whose polysaccharides possess diverse bioactivities, commonly grows on hardwood sawdust composed of hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose. In this study the effect of hemicellulose and lignin on the growth of mycelia, as well as the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from L. edodes mycelia (LEPs) were investigated. The antioxidant properties of LEPs were evaluated through radical scavenging assays in vitro and through the Caenorhabditis elegans model in vivo. The results showed that hemicellulose at a concentration of 4% increased the yield of the mycelia biomass to twice that of the control group. Meanwhile, when cultured with 4.0% hemicellulose, the polysaccharide content of the mycelia was raised by 112.2%. In addition, the appropriate concentration of lignin could stimulate mycelia growth and polysaccharide biosynthesis in L. edodes. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that a higher content of xylose was found when mycelia were cultured with higher concentrations of hemicellulose. The molecular structure, including the molecular weight distribution and configuration type, was affected by hemicellulose and lignin. Antioxidant assays indicated that LEPs supplemented with hemicellulose and/or lignin possessed higher radical scavenging abilities in vitro and exhibited a thermal resistance effect on C. elegans, implying that the antioxidant effect is potent in vivo. In summary, the addition of hemicellulose and lignin improved the biosynthesis and bioactivity of LEPs.

Lentinan inhibits tumor angiogenesis via interferon γ and in a T cell independent manner

Background

Antiangiogenic agents are commonly used in lung and colon cancer treatments, however, rapid development of drug resistance limits their efficacy.

Methods

Lentinan (LNT) is a biologically active compound extracted from Lentinus edodes. The effects of LNT on tumor angiogenesis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in murine LAP0297 lung and CT26 colorectal tumor models. The impacts of LNT on immune cells and gene expression in tumor tissues were determined by flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISA. Nude mice and IFNγ blockade were used to investigate the mechanism of LNT affecting on tumor angiogenesis. The data sets were compared using two-tailed student’s t tests or ANOVA.

Results

We found that LNT inhibited tumor angiogenesis and the growth of lung and colon cancers. LNT treatments elevated the expression of angiostatic factors such as IFNγ and also increased tumor infiltration of IFNγ-expressing T cells and myeloid cells. Interestingly, IFNγ blockade, but not T cell deficiency, reversed the effects of LNT treatments on tumor blood vessels. Moreover, long-lasting LNT administration persistently suppressed tumor angiogenesis and inhibited tumor growth.

Conclusions

LNT inhibits tumor angiogenesis by increasing IFNγ production and in a T cell-independent manner. Our findings suggest that LNT could be developed as a new antiangiogenic agent for long-term treatment of lung and colon cancers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0932-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Conformation-Dependent Manipulation of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Fibrillation by Shiitake-Derived Lentinan

Misfolding and aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) into fibrils are important contributions to the pathology of type 2 diabetes. Developing effective inhibitors of protein aggregation and fibrillation has been considered a promising therapeutic approach to preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Herein, we report that Shiitake-derived polysaccharide lentinan manipulates in vitro hIAPP fibrillation and modulates IAPP-induced cytotoxicity in a conformation-dependent manner. In its triple-helical conformation, lentinan effectively inhibits hIAPP fibrillation, either in bulk solution or in the presence of lipid membrane, suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and attenuates hIAPP-induced cell toxicity. In contrast, lentinan accelerates hIAPP aggregation when it exists in a random-coil conformation and shows no suppression on hIAPP-mediated ROS production. Further investigation shows that the interaction between triple-helical lentinan and monomeric hIAPP is more favorable than the intermolecular binding of hIAPP, which redirects hIAPP aggregates to discrete nontoxic nanocomposites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to report a conformation-dependent inhibition of hIAPP aggregation, which will provide new insights for our understanding of the manipulation mechanisms on hIAPP by natural polysaccharides and open a new avenue for designing and screening potential amyloid inhibitors against type 2 diabetes.

Polysaccharides as vaccine adjuvants

Adjuvant is a substance added to vaccine to improve the immunogenicity of antigens, and it can induce stronger immune responses and reduce the dosage and production cost of vaccine in populations responding poorly to vaccination. Adjuvants in development or in use mainly include aluminum salts, oil emulsions, saponins, immune-stimulating complexes, liposomes, microparticles, nonionic block copolymers, polysaccharides, cytokines and bacterial derivatives. Polysaccharide adjuvants have attracted much attention in the preparation of nano vaccines and nano drugs because natural polysaccharides have the characteristics of intrinsic immunomodulating, biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and safety. Moreover, it has been proved that a variety of natural polysaccharides possess better immune promoting effects, and they can enhance the effects of humoral, cellular and mucosal immunities. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the recent studies on polysaccharides with vaccine adjuvant activities, including chitosan-based nanoparticles (NPs), glucan, mannose, inulin polysaccharide and Chinese medicinal herb polysaccharide. The application and future perspectives of polysaccharides as adjuvants were also discussed. These findings lay a foundation for the further development of polysaccharide adjuvants. Collectively, more and more polysaccharide adjuvants will be developed and widely used in clinical practice with more in-depth investigations of polysaccharide adjuvants.

Antioxidant action and protective and reparative effects of lentinan on oxidative damage in HaCaT cells

BACKGROUND

Lentinus edodes is one of the largest edible fungi. Lentinan, extracted from its fruiting body has clinically significant anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticoagulant effects; however, its preventive effects on skin oxidative damage are unclear.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidation capability of lentinan and its protective and reparative effects on a model of cell oxidative damage.

METHODS

We evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential of lentinan by assessing its free-radical quenching ability using DPPH and ABTS and superoxide anions. Using the HaCaT cell line as the experimental system, we tested the protective and reparative effects of lentinan on a model of H₂ O₂ -induced cellular oxidative damage through assessment of cell survival rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.

RESULTS

Lentinan displayed high antioxidant potential: DDPH and ABTS quenching rates were above 60%; superoxide anions, approximately 18%. Furthermore, lentinan could dose-dependently prevent the reduction of activity in HaCaT cells by H₂ O₂ , reduce MDA formation, and increase SOD activity. Moreover, lentinan showed not only a protective effect against oxidative damage but also reparative effects to a certain extent, in HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the ability of lentinan to enhance cellular tolerance to oxidative damage, stress resistance, and to have protective and reparative effects on damaged cells. Therefore, with L. edodes as a source for antiaging substances, cosmetics with homology to foods have great potential clinical applications.

Lentinan dose dependence between immunoprophylaxis and promotion of the murine liver cancer

Lentinan could exhibit significant biological activity favorable for human health and disease control such as the recovery of patients with liver cancer. In order to investigate the effect of lentinan dose dependence between immunoprophylaxis and promotion of cancer cell proliferation of the murine liver cancer, different concentrations of lentinan were prepared for the test in vitro (MTT assay) and in vivo (cumulative survival assay, spleen lymphocyte proliferation tests and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis assays). New emerging proteins of the H22 cell incubated with lentinan was demonstrated by MS analysis and protein database searching. Lentinan was non-toxic for HL7702 cells but inhibited H22 cells proliferation obviously in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, the proliferation of H22 hepatocarcinoma cells was inhibited by lentinan 0.4mg/kg body weight (L2, survival rate, 20%, PPP<0.01). Six proteins 60Sacidic ribosomal protein P2, Peroxiredoxin-2, Annexin A5, PDZ and LIM domain protein 1, Src substrate cortactin and Moesin were found as emerging proteins of the H22 cell incubated with high dose lentinan which related to cancer promotion closely. In conclusion, Thelentinan was relatively safe and could inhibit the proliferation of H22 cancer cells through immunity improvement when it's intake was in proper quantity.

Bioactive Mushroom Polysaccharides: A Review on Monosaccharide Composition, Biosynthesis and Regulation

Mushrooms are widely distributed around the world and are heavily consumed because of their nutritional value and medicinal properties. Polysaccharides (PSs) are an important component of mushrooms, a major factor in their bioactive properties, and have been intensively studied during the past two decades. Monosaccharide composition/combinations are important determinants of PS bioactivities. This review summarizes: (i) monosaccharide composition/combinations in various mushroom PSs, and their relationships with PS bioactivities; (ii) possible biosynthetic pathways of mushroom PSs and effects of key enzymes on monosaccharide composition; (iii) regulation strategies in PS biosynthesis, and prospects for controllable biosynthesis of PSs with enhanced bioactivities.

Macromolecular properties and hypolipidemic effects of four sulfated polysaccharides from sea cucumbers

The present study investigates the relationship between the high-order structure and hypolipidemic activity of four well-defined sulfated fucans from sea cucumber. The chain conformation, determined by a combination of AFM and SEC-MALLS-RI, indicate that fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (fCS) from Pearsonothuria graeffei (fCS-Pg) and Isostichopus badionotus (fCS-Ib), and fucoidan from P.graeffei (fuc-Pg) were assigned as a random coil conformation with polysaccharide chain outstretched, while I. badionotus (fuc-Ib) was assigned as a spherical conformation and exhibited high viscosity. Fuc-Pg and fuc-Ib with higher molecular weights had a greater impact in inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. However, fCS-Pg, fCS-Ib and fuc-Pg with random linear conformation exhibited excellent hypolipidemic activity in Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) fed on high-fat diet (HFD), whereas fuc-Ib showed only a modest effect. Our results indicate that structural characteristics, including side branch and sulfation pattern can affect the chain conformation of polysaccharides, which determine their physicochemical properties and hypolipidemic activity.

Advances in antitumor polysaccharides from phellinus sensu lato: Production, isolation, structure, antitumor activity, and mechanisms

Edible and medicinal fungi (mushrooms) are widely applied to functional foods and nutraceutical products because of their proven nutritive and medicinal properties. Phellinus sensu lato is a well-known medicinal mushroom that has long been used in preventing ailments, including gastroenteric dysfunction, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and cancers, in oriental countries, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. Polysaccharides represent a major class of bioactive molecules in Phellinus s. l., which have notable antitumor, immunomodulatory, and medicinal properties. Polysaccharides that were isolated from fruiting bodies, cultured mycelia, and filtrates of Phellinus s. l. have not only activated different immune responses of the host organism but have also directly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis. Studies suggest that polysaccharides from Phellinus s. l. are promising alternative anticancer agents or synergizers for existing antitumor drugs. This review summarizes the recent development of polysaccharides from Phellinus s. l., including polysaccharide production, extraction and isolation methods, chemical structure, antitumor activities, and mechanisms of action.

A polysaccharide derived from Lentinus edodes impairs the immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells via the p38 pathways

MPSSS may reverse the function of the MSC2 cells through p38 activation and ERK suppression and provide a novel anti-cancer strategy by targeting myeloid immune suppressor cells.

The structure of mushroom polysaccharides and their beneficial role in health

Mushroom is a kind of fungus that has been popular for its special flavour and renowned biological values. The polysaccharide contained in mushroom is regarded as one of the primary bioactive constituents and is beneficial for health. The structural features and bioactivities of mushroom polysaccharides have been studied extensively. It is believed that the diverse biological bioactivities of polysaccharides are closely related to their structure or conformation properties. In this review, the structural characteristics, conformational features and bioactivities of several mushroom polysaccharides are summarized, and their beneficial mechanisms and the relationships between their structure and bioactivities are also discussed.

Latcripin-13 domain induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in human lung carcinoma A549 cells

Latcripin-13 domain, isolated from the transcriptome of Lentinula edodes C91-3, contains a regulator of chromosome condensation (RCC1) domain/β-lactamase-inhibitor protein II (BLIP-II) and a plant homeodomain (PHD). Latcripin-13 domain has been shown to have antitumor effects. However, the underlying molecular pharmacology is largely unknown. We report here that Latcripin-13 domain induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and caused the apoptosis of human lung carcinoma A549 cells via the GSK3β-cyclin D1 and caspase-8/NF-κB signaling pathways. Western blot analysis showed that Latcripin-13 domain decreased cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), while it increased the ratio of GSK3β/phosphorylated GSK3β. Importantly, Latcripin-13 domain induced nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation in the A549 cells. In addition, treatment of the A549 cells with Latcripin-13 domain resulted in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, accompanied by an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9. Intriguingly, western blot analysis revealed that NF-κB was significantly downregulated by Latcripin-13 domain. These results demonstrated that Latcripin-13 domain induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase in the A549 cells, providing a mechanism for the antitumor effects of Latcripin-13 domain.