Purification of a polysaccharide from Boschniakia rossica and its synergistic antitumor effect combined with 5-Fluorouracil

Combining cashew gum with cyclophosphamide in murine melanoma model: A strategy for the reduction of side effects

The understanding of cancer immunity and antitumor factors generated by natural polysaccharides is not yet fully comprehended. Polysaccharides, like cashew gum (CG), can exhibit immunomodulatory action and may assist in the antitumor process and side effects relieve. This study aimed to determine the antitumor effect of CG alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide (CTX), and its interactions with immune cells, in a murine melanoma model, using the B16-F10 cell line. Tumor growth inhibition, hematological, histopathological, ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR analyses were performed to elucidate the antitumor potential, involvement of immune cells, and potential toxic effects. CG showed significant tumor growth inhibition, reaching up to 42.9 % alone and 51.4 % in combination with CTX, with mild toxicity to organs. CG enhanced leukocyte count, even in the presence of CTX. Furthermore, CG influenced the activation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), characterized by an increase in Il4, as well as a reduction in Ifng, Il1b, Tgfb, and Il6 gene expression. Nevertheless, these effects did not compromise the antitumor activity of CG. In summary, the combination of CG with CTX is a promising approach for leukopenia, one of the most important side effects of cancer treatment and deserves further investigation.

The ameliorative effect on chemotherapy-induced injury and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment of the polysaccharide from the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC

Combined medication has attracted increasing attention as an important treatment option for tumors due to the serious adverse effects of chemotherapy. In this study, as a new therapy strategy, a combination treatment of MDP (a polysaccharide from the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC.) with cyclophosphamide (CTX) was investigated. The results showed that combination treatment with MDP and CTX exerted a significantly synergistic anti-tumor effect in Lewis tumor-bearing mice, improved CTX-induced emaciation and hair loss, as well as increased the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and platelets in the peripheral blood. In addition, compared with CTX alone, the thymus index and spleen index of the MDP + CTX group were increased, the number of CD3 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, white blood cells and B cells in spleen also increased significantly. MDP could also ameliorate the increase in liver and kidney index caused by CTX. In the Lewis lung cancer model, MDP showed a certain degree of anti-tumor effects, which may be related to its promotion of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to M1 phenotype polarisation, enhancement of the number of T cells in tumor tissues and promotion of Th cells in tumor tissues to Th1 phenotype polarisation, thus alleviating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in tumor tissues. This study laid the foundation for the development of MDP as a polysaccharide drug for the treatment or adjuvant therapy of tumors and has important significance for the further clinical application of polysaccharides.

Attenuation effect of a polysaccharide from large leaf yellow tea by activating autophagy

Chemotherapy, the most common class of anticancer drugs, is considerably limited owing to its adverse side effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect and mechanism of action of large-leaf yellow tea polysaccharides (ULYTP-1, 1.29 × 104 Da) against chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu). Structural characterisation revealed that ULYTP-1 was a β-galactopyranouronic acid. Furthermore, ULYTP-1 promoted autolysosome formation, activating autophagy and reducing the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by 5-Fu. Our in vivo study of 4 T1 tumour-bearing mice revealed that ULYTP-1 also attenuated 5-Fu toxicity through modulation of the gut microbiota. Moreover, ULYTP-1 effectively protected immune organs and the liver from 5-Fu toxicity, while promoting its tumour-inhibitory properties. The current findings provide a new strategy for optimising chemotherapy regimens in the clinic.

Co-existing polysaccharides affect the systemic exposure of major bioactive ingredients in Chang-Kang-Fang, a multi-herb prescription for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chang-Kang-Fang (CKF) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in China. Decoction is the administration form of CKF in clinical practice. Previously, CKF has been confirmed with activities of releasing pain and reversing disorders of intestinal propulsion. And alkaloids, monoglycosides, chromones were found as the main bioactive components potentially contributing to the efficacy of CKF. Polysaccharide was also a major constituent in CKF. But if and how polysaccharides influence the systemic exposure of bioactive components in CKF is unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the contribution of the co-existed polysaccharides on the systemic exposure of the major bioactive components from CKF in normal and IBS model rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An UPLC-TQ-MS with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan method was developed and validated for quantifying six major small molecular bioactive ingredients of CKF in the plasma samples, including magnoflorine (MAG), berberine (BBR), albiflorin (ALB), paeoniflorin (PAE), 5-O-methylvisamminol (5-OM) and prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG). The rats received CKF decoction (CKF) and CKF small molecule portion (knockout of polysaccharides, CKFSM), respectively. IBS model rats were induced by daily bondage and gavage of Sennae Folium decoction (derived from the leaf of Cassia angustifolia Vahl). The effects of the co-existing polysaccharides on the pharmacokinetic parameters of six small molecular bioactive components in normal and IBS model rats were systematically evaluated. The potential gut microbiota involved mechanisms of the effects was validated by broad-spectrum antibiotic (ABX) treatment.

RESULTS

The selectivity, precision, accuracy, recovery and matrix effect of the established quantification method were all within acceptable limits of biological sample. In normal rats, the co-existing polysaccharides significantly reduced the AUC_(0-t) of MAG and PAE compared with CKFSM group. The C_max and AUC_(0-t) of other four compound were not influenced by co-existing polysaccharides. However, in IBS model rats, compared with CKFSM group, the C_max and AUC_(0-t) of the six ingredients significantly increased in CKF group. For CKF + ABX group, the C_max of six ingredients decreased significantly when compared with CKF group, and the AUC_(0-t) of MAG, BBR, ALB, PAE also reduced with significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

A reliable and sensitive UPLC-TQ-MS method was successfully developed and validated for evaluating influence of co-existing polysaccharides on pharmacokinetic behavior of six major small molecules components in CKF. The co-existing polysaccharides enhanced the systemic exposure of six bioactive small molecules in CKF under IBS pathological state potentially via gut microbiota involvement.

Polysaccharide-Rich Fractions from Ganoderma resinaceum (Ganodermataceae) as Chemopreventive Agents in N-Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Wistar Rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal diseases worldwide. Its treatment remains ineffective and the prognosis remains severe, thus favoring the emergence of a preventive approach. Mushroom-derived polysaccharides offer great opportunities because of their less toxicity and bioactivities. The present study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of water-soluble polysaccharides from Ganoderma resinaceum on HCC. Two G. resinaceum polysaccharide-rich fractions (GRP I and GRP II) were obtained following hot water and alcohol precipitation. Their proteins, phenol compounds, and total neutral sugar content were assayed. The in vitro antiproliferative effect was assessed in MDA-MB 231, Hela, and HepG₂ using the MTT assay. Further, for the in vivo study, seven groups of nine rats each received N-diethylnitrosamine (100 mg/kg BW), vehicle (NaCl 0.9%), doxorubicin (10 mg/kg BW), or G. resinaceum polysaccharides (125 and 250 mg/kg BW). Liver cancer initiation and progression was assessed by evaluating histomorphology of liver section, hepatic injury markers, hematology, cytokines/chemokines levels, and stress oxidative markers. GRP II presented higher protein and sugar and lower phenol compound content than GRP I. GRP exhibited CC₅₀ of 340 and 261.7 in HepG₂ cells after 48 h. Moreover, GRP I and GRP II (125 and 250 mg/kg) prevented the alteration of the histoarchitecture of the liver induced by the DEN. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), proinflammatory cytokines (G-CSF, IFNγ, and TNFα), and chemokines (eotaxin and fractalkine) levels were significantly decreased in the GRP I- and GRP II-treated groups, while anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-12p70) levels were increased. The antioxidant defense was also stimulated by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO₂) levels, increasing catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and reducing glutathione (GSH) levels. Our results indicate that GRP I exhibits chemopreventive effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and restoring liver architecture, antioxidant enzymes, and cytokines/chemokines balance.

Protective effects of a polysaccharide from Boletus aereus on S180 tumor-bearing mice and its structural characteristics

A polysaccharide from the aqueous extract of Boletus aereus fruit (BAP) was isolated. The antitumor activities of BAP and/or cyclophosphamide (CTX) were investigated using the model of S180 tumor-bearing mice. Results indicated that BAP could effectively inhibit the growth of S180 solid tumors and protect the immune organs. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential analysis demonstrated that BAP could induce the apoptosis of S180 tumor cells. In combination with CTX, BAP exhibited a significant synergistic antitumor effect on S180 cells. Furthermore, a novel polysaccharide, namely, BAPF, was purified from BAP by using DEAE Cellulose-52 column and Sephadex G-100 gel column. Structural characterization revealed that BAPF was primarily composed of mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose at a proportion of 12.98:1:16.8:16.48:1.08:9.1. Its average molecular weight was 1.79 × 10⁶ Da. FTIR and NMR analyses demonstrated that BAPF was a pyranose with α-type and β-type glycosidic residues.

Anti-cancer effects of Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides on human colon cancer cells via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis without causing adverse effects in vitro

In this study, the anticancer effects of Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides (PHPs) on human colon cancer cells and non-cancerous cells were evaluated. PHP was extracted by an ultrasonic/microwave-assisted method, and three fractions of polysaccharides (PHP-F1, PHP-F2 and PHP-F3) were obtained through a DEAE-52 cellulose ion-exchange column. The results of the cytotoxicity test showed that all of the PHP fractions had inhibitory effects on the growth of colon cancer cells HT-29, LoVo and SW-480, but no toxic effects on the normal human cells HaCaT. The fractions PHP-F2 and PHP-F3 had the most significant cytotoxicity on HT-29 cells. Studies on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cell apoptosis, the apoptosis index (using Hoechst 33342 staining) and analysis of cell cycle arrest using flow cytometry revealed that the fractions PHP-F2 and PHP-F3 could apparently induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in HT-29 cells and cause cell G0-G1 phase arrest. These findings suggest that polysaccharides from P. haitanensis have anticancer effects on human colon cancer cells and therefore might be regarded as new candidates for the prevention and treatment of colon cancers.

What Has Come out from Phytomedicines and Herbal Edibles for the Treatment of Cancer?

Several modern treatment strategies have been adopted to combat cancer with the aim of minimizing toxicity. Medicinal plant-based compounds with the potential to treat cancer have been widely studied in preclinical research and have elicited many innovations in cutting-edge clinical research. In parallel, researchers have eagerly tried to decrease the toxicity of current chemotherapeutic agents either by combining them with herbals or in using herbals alone. The aim of this article is to present an update of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, or mere changes in the bioactive compounds, along with herbal edibles, which display efficacy against diverse cancer cells and in anticancer therapy. It describes the basic mechanism(s) of action of phytochemicals used either alone or in combination therapy with other phytochemicals or herbal edibles. This review also highlights the remarkable synergistic effects that arise between certain herbals and chemotherapeutic agents used in oncology. The anticancer phytochemicals used in clinical research are also described; furthermore, we discuss our own experience related to semisynthetic derivatives, which are developed based on phytochemicals. Overall, this compilation is intended to facilitate research and development projects on phytopharmaceuticals for successful anticancer drug discovery.

Biological activities and pharmaceutical applications of polysaccharide from natural resources: A review

Pharmacotherapy using natural substances can be currently regarded as a very promising future alternative to conventional therapy. As biological macromolecules, polysaccharide together with protein and polynucleotide, are extremely important biomacromoleules which play important roles in the growth and development of living organism. Polysaccharide is important component of higher plants, membrane of the animal cell and the cell wall of microbes. It is also closely related to the physiological functions. Recently, increasing attention has been paid on polysaccharides as an important class of bioactive natural products. Numerous researches have demonstrated the bioactivities of natural polysaccharides, which lead to the application of polysaccharides in the treatment of disease. In this paper, the various aspects of the investigation results of the bioactivities of polysaccharides were summarized, including its diversity pharmacological applications, such as immunoregulatory, anti-tumor, anti-virus, antioxidation, and hypoglycemic activity, and their application of polysaccharides in the treatment of disease are also discussed. We hope this review can offer some theoretical basis and inspiration for the mechanism study of the bioactivity of polysaccharides.

Combination of calcineurin B subunit (CnB) and 5-fluorouracil reverses 5-fluorouracil-induced immunosuppressive effect and enhances the antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma

Five-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for digestive system tumors; however, continuous use of 5-FU may cause severe side effects, including myelosuppression and immunosuppression. Our previous study revealed that calcineurin B subunit (CnB), an innovative genetic engineering antitumor protein, possesses tumor-suppressive effects with low toxicity. CnB can bind to and activate integrin αM on macrophages, subsequently promoting the expression, and secretion of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, a specific proapoptotic cytokine. In the present study, whether the combined use of CnB and 5-FU can reverse the myelosuppression, and immunosuppressive effects of 5-FU by reactivating the immune system thus increasing antitumor efficacy, was investigated. It was demonstrated that combined treatment of 5-FU and CnB led to increased tumor-suppressive effects, as indicated by reduced tumor volume and weight when compared with 5-FU or CnB treatment alone in a hepatoma xenograph model. In addition, it was demonstrated that combined treatment inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells. Notably, the addition of CnB to 5-FU-based therapy completely reversed the immunosuppressive effect of 5-FU. The spleen index and total number of white blood cells in the combination group were higher compared with that of the 5-FU alone group. Furthermore, pathological examinations indicated that CnB attenuated 5-FU-induced organ damage. Based on these findings, it is proposed that CnB may serve as a novel and promising drug candidate for the improvement of 5-FU-based chemotherapy.

Purification, Preliminary Characterization and Hepatoprotective Effects of Polysaccharides from Dandelion Root

In this study, purification, preliminary characterization and hepatoprotective effects of water-soluble polysaccharides from dandelion root (DRP) were investigated. Two polysaccharides, DRP1 and DRP2, were isolated from DRP. The two polysaccharides were α-type polysaccharides and didn't contain protein. DRP1, with a molecular weight of 5695 Da, was composed of glucose, galactose and arabinose, whereas DRP2, with molecular weight of 8882 Da, was composed of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose. The backbone of DRP1 was mainly composed of (1→6)-linked-α-d-Glc and (1→3,4)-linked-α-d-Glc. DRP2 was mainly composed of (1→)-linked-α-d-Ara and (1→)-linked-α-d-Glc. A proof-of-concept study was performed to assess the therapeutic potential of DRP1 and DRP2 in a mouse model that mimics acetaminophen (APAP) -induced liver injury (AILI) in humans. The present study shows DRP1 and DRP2 could protect the liver from APAP-induced hepatic injury by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. These conclusions demonstrate that the DRP1 and DRP2 might be suitable as functional foods and natural drugs in preventing APAP-induced liver injury.

Antitumor Effects and Mechanism of n-butanol Fraction from Aril of Torreya grandis in H22 Mice

BACKGROUND

To determine the antitumor effects and its mechanism of n-butanol fraction from aril of Torreya grandis (BFAT) on H22 mice models of liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty ICR male mice were used to establish H22 mice models of liver cancer and then randomly divided into six groups, the normal control group, the model control group, the positive group (cyclophosphamide [CTX]), the BFAT-treated group (high, 4 g/kg, medium, 2 g/kg, and low, 1 g/kg). The animals were sacrificed 15 days after oral administration, and tumors were taken out for the tumor weights and antitumor rates, while thymus and spleen were taken for thymus index and spleen index. Blood in eyeball was collected for the determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (Alb), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GSH-Px), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and IL-10 in serum. Sections of tumor tissue were prepared, and morphological changes in tumor tissue cells were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining technique.

RESULTS

Compared with the model control group, the tumor inhibition rate of the high-dose administered group is 60.15%, which is quite closed to the effect of CTX. Moreover, the tumor weight is decreased, the indexes of spleen, thymus were increased significantly. Furthermore, the administration of BFAT significantly enhanced the activities of TNF-α, IL-2, SOD, and GSH-Px and reduced the levels of AST, ALT, MDA, Alb, TGF-β1, and IL-10 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that n-butanol fraction from aril of T. grandis showed out antitumor activity without obviously liver damage through potentiating immunologic function and antioxidant activity of tumor-bearing mice and which may become one potential as anticancer drug alternatives or supplements.

SUMMARY

High and medium groups could significant elevate the thymus and spleen indexes and the interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α level in serum of H22 micen-butanol fraction from aril of Torreya grandis (BFAT) could ameliorate the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and albumin to almost normal, and increase the concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme, decrease the malondialdehyde level in serum of mice significantlyBFAT may indirectly play the role of antitumor activity through improving immunologic functionBFAT had potent antitumor properties without obviously liver damage. Abbreviations used: DDP: Cisplatin; CTX: Cyclophosphamide; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; Alb: Albumin; MDA: Malondialdehyde; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; GSH-Px: Glutathione peroxide enzyme; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-2: Interleukin-2; TGF-β1: Transforming growth factor-β1; IL-10: Interleukin-10; HE: Hematoxylin and eosin; PBS: Phosphate-buffered saline; PFAT: Petroleum ether fraction from aril of Torreya grandis; EFAT: Ethyl acetate fraction from aril of Torreya grandis; BFAT: N-butanol fraction from aril of Torreya grandis.

Boschniakia Rossica Polysaccharide Triggers Laryngeal Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis by Regulating Expression of Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and P53

BACKGROUND Laryngeal cancer is a malignant head and neck tumor with high morbidity and high mortality in humans. Recently, treatments with Chinese medicines and their extracts have gradually received great attention, and studies suggest that Boschniakia rossica polysaccharide (BRP) has potential anti-tumor activity. Therefore, this study investigating the role of BRP in inducing apoptosis in human laryngeal carcinoma cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS The BRP was extracted with organic solvent and HR column. We treated Hep2 laryngeal carcinoma cells with different concentrations of BRP, then assessed cell growth inhibition rate by flow cytometry and apoptosis index by TUNEL staining. The protein expression of p53, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS Flow cytometry results showed that BRP inhibited Hep2 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05), and TUNEL staining indicated that BRP significantly increased Hep2 apoptosis index (p<0.05). Western blot results showed that the expression levels of p53 and activation of caspase-3 in Hep2 cells were significantly up-regulated (p<0.05), while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BRP might induce cell apoptosis by regulating the expression level of cell apoptosis-associated proteins, suggesting strong anti-laryngeal cancer activity.

Anti-tumor effect of polysaccharide from Hirsutella sinensis on human non-small cell lung cancer and nude mice through intrinsic mitochondrial pathway

Our previous works had proved the structural properties of Hirsutella sinensis polysaccharide-III(HSP-III). Herein, its anti-tumor effect on lung cancer correlated with mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was investigated. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that HSP-III induces the apoptosis of H1299 cells; however the proliferation viability of normal lung epithelial cells is not affected. HSP-III treatment collapses the H1299 cell mitochondrial membrane potential, and western blot analysis of cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 further indicates that apoptotic effects induced by HSP-III is through the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, we found the apoptotic effects of HSP-III are triggered by Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Blue native Polyacrylamide Gel-Electrophoresis (PAGE) showed the expressions of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I-V were also decreased. Taken together, anti-tumor effect of HSP-III is through intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis mechanism pathway and involving ROS increasing. Finally, in vivo nude mice experiment, HSP-III attenuated the growth of tumor compared with control. In contrast, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) could restore the cell apoptosis effects induced by HSP-III. These findings suggest that HSP-III induce apoptosis of H1299 cells and attenuated growth of nude mice tumor in vivo through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway and stimulating ROS. HSP-III could be a composition for lung cancer treatment.

The genus Boschniakia in China: An ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a group of important medicine plants, Boschniakia rossica (Cham. et Schltdl) Fedtsch. and B. himalaica Hook．f．et Thoms, which are the only two species in the genus Boschniakia (Orobanchaceae), have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their multiple therapeutic uses related to enhanced renal function, erectile dysfunction, defaecate and hepatoprotective. Additionally, the two species are also used as dietary supplements in wine, cosmetics, and other healthy food.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

By providing comprehensive information and data of genus Boschniakia on botany, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological research and toxicology, this review aims to summary the group of natural compounds from Boschniakia discovered so far. The other aims are to reference research findings of their biological activities and functions in medicine, physiology, and cell biology to highlight the compound candidates which can be used for further drug discovery in several pharmaceutical areas including antioxidation, anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-senile, and immunology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All of the available information on B. rossica and B. himalaica was collected from the electronic resources (such as PubMed, SciFinder Scholar, CNKI, TPL (www.theplantlist.org), Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and Web of Science).

RESULTS

After a comprehensive analysis of the literatures from available online sources, the results show that both species of genus Boschniakia are valuable and popular herbal medicines with potentials to cure various ailments. The phytochemical studies revealed that the chemical compositions of this genus were mainly iridoid glycosides and phenylpropanoid glycosides. To date, 112 compounds have been isolated from the genus, while their crude extracts and purified compounds have been found to possess a wide range of biological activities including anti-senile, antitumor and anticancer, anti-inflammatory, protecting liver, boost memory, anti-oxidation, anti-lipid peroxidative, and antiviral activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing traditional uses of the genus Boschniakia have been evaluated, and the properties of the genus are summarized based on botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological research, and toxicology. This review aims to introduce the utilization and application of the genus Boschniakia to modern drug discovery, traditional medicinal plant utilization, herbal species conservation, and the development of medicinal and health-maintaining products.

Purification and characterization of a novel polysaccharide-peptide complex from Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves

A novel polysaccharide-peptide complex CNP-1-2 with molecular weight of 9.17 × 10(4) Da was obtained from Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and purification with Superdex 200 and DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. CNP-1-2 exhibited the highest growth inhibitory effect on human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 with inhibition ratio of 92.34% and stimulated activation of macrophages with NO secretion level of 47.53 μmol/L among the polysaccharide fractions. CNP-1-2 comprised approximately 87.25% carbohydrate and 9.37% protein. Monosaccharide analysis suggested that CNP-1-2 was composed of L-rhamnose, l-arabinose, D-mannose, D-glucose and D-galactose with a molar ratio of 1.30:1.00:2.56:4.95:5.09. Methylation analysis, FT-IR, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy analysis revealed that CNP-1-2 might have a backbone consisting of 1,4-linked Glcp, 1,3-linked Glcp, 1,3-linked Manp, 1,4-linked Galp, 1,2,6-linked Galp and 1,2,6-linked Galp. Its side chain might be composed of 1-linked Araf, 1,6-linked Galp and 1-linked Rhap residues. AFM (atomic force micrograph) analysis revealed that CNP-1-2 had the molecular aggregation along with branched and entangled structure.

Polysaccharides from Cymbopogon citratus with antitumor and immunomodulatory activity

Abstract Context: Most of the present studies on the antitumor efficiency of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Gramineae) are limited to its low-mass compounds, and little information about the antitumor activity of polysaccharides from this plant is available.

OBJECTIVES

This study focused on the potential antitumor and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides (CCPS) from C. citratus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CCPS was isolated using the water extraction-ethanol precipitation method. The sarcoma 180 (S180) cells-inoculated mice were intraperitoneally administrated with CCPS (30-200 mg/kg/d) for seven consecutive days. The effects of CCPS on tumor growth, thymus and spleen weights, splenocyte proliferation, and cytokine secretion in the tumor-bearing mice were measured. The cytotoxicity of CCPS (50-800 μg/mL) towards S180 cells was also studied.

RESULTS

CCPS significantly inhibited the growth of the transplanted S180 tumors, with the inhibition rates ranging from 14.8 to 37.8%. Simultaneously, CCPS dose-dependently improved the immunity of the tumor-bearing mice. With the highest dose of 200 mg/kg/d, the thymus and spleen indices were increased by 21.9 and 91.9%, respectively; ConA- and LSP-induced splenocyte proliferations were increased by 32.7 and 35.3%, respectively. The secretions of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 2 (IL-12), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were increased by 103.2, 40.2, 23.6, and 26.3%, respectively. Nevertheless, almost no toxicity of CCPS towards S180 cells was observed, with the maximal inhibition rate less than 15% at the CCPS concentration of 800 μg/mL.

CONCLUSION

CCPS exhibited antitumor activity in vivo, and this activity might be achieved by immunoenhancement rather than direct cytotoxicity.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antitumor activity of sulfated polysaccharide from Sargassum horneri

Three water-soluble polysaccharide fractions (SHP30, SHP60, and SHP80) extracted from the Sargassum horneri were obtained by water extraction and radial flow chromatography. The high-performance gel-permeation chromatography analysis showed that the average molecular weight (Mw) of three polysaccharides were approximately 1.58×10(3), 1.92×10(3) and 11.2KDa, respectively. Their in vitro antioxidant activities, antitumor activities were investigated and compared. Among these three polysaccharides, SHP30 with the highest sulfate content and intermediate molecular weight exhibited excellent antioxidant and antitumor activities in the superoxide radical assay, hydroxyl radical assay, reducing power assay, and MTT assay. Then, flow cytometry assay and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis suggested that the accumulation of cells in G0/G1 and S phase effecting apoptosis-associated gene expressions such as Bcl-2 and Bax might account for the growth inhibition of DLD cells by SHP30. Based on these results, we have inferred that sulfate content and molecular weight were the factors influencing antioxidant and antitumor activities.

BRP, a polysaccharide fraction isolated from Boschniakia rossica, protects against galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide induced hepatic failure in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of BRP, a polysaccharide fraction isolated from Boschniakia rossica, against galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide induced fulminant hepatic failure. Mice were injected with a single dose of galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide with or without pretreatment of BRP. Results showed marked reduction of hepatic necrosis, serum marker enzymes and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in BRP pretreated mice when compared with galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-challenged mice. Mice pretreated with BRP decreased the activation of caspases-3 and caspase-8, and showed a reduced level of DNA fragmentation of liver cells. BRP also reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation, increased potential of hepatic antioxidative defense system, and reduced hepatic nitric oxide level which was elevated by galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide injection. Immunoblot analysis showed down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 proteins of liver tissues in BRP pretreated group when compared with galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-challenged group. Furthermore, treatment with galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide markedly increased toll-like receptor 4, nuclear level of nuclear factor-κB, and phosphorylation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in liver tissues. However, these increases were attenuated by pretreatment with BRP. The results suggest that BRP alleviates galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury by enhancing antioxidative defense system, suppressing inflammatory responses and reducing apoptotic signaling.

Enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effect of Schisanreae polysaccharide in 5-Fu treated Heps-bearing mice

Previous study indicated that the refined polysaccharide from Schisandra could improve the CTX-induced inhibition of T and B lymphocytes proliferation. Accordingly, the enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effects of a low molecular weight purified polysaccharide from Schisandra (SCPP11) were investigated in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) treated Heps-bearing mice. The results revealed that the SCPP11 (oral administration) exhibited a significant enhanced effect of antitumor activity when combined with 5-Fu. Moreover, a increased effect was also observed in boosting immunity functions when the Heps-bearing mice receiving SCPP11 combination with 5-Fu administration, including increased in thymus indexes and enhancing serum IL-2 and TNF-α secretion. In addition, SCPP11 could ameliorate the hematological and biochemical parameters changes induced by 5-Fu to normal level, and reduce the formation of MDA and enhance the activities of SOD in liver to against 5-Fu induced free radical damage. The above results suggested that the SCPP11 combined with 5-Fu presented enhanced effects on antitumor activity and the SCPP11 could attenuate the 5-Fu-induced toxicity effect. It could serve as a new and promising adjuvant for chemotherapy drugs.

In vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities of different sulfated polysaccharides isolated from three algae

Three sulfated polysaccharides(Ulva fasciata (UFP), Gloiopeltis furcata (GFP), Sargassum henslouianum (SHP))were isolated from three algae including green alga Ulva fasciata, red alga Gloiopeltis furcata and brown alga Sargassum henslouianum by ultrasonic extraction and radial flow chromatography. Their in vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities were investigated and compared. Among these three polysaccharides, UFP, with relatively lower sulfate content, exhibited excellent antioxidant activities in superoxide radical assay, ABTS assay and DPPH assay; however, it demonstrated the minimal inhibitory effects on growth of MKN45 gastric cancer cells and DLD intestinal cancer cells. SHP with the lowest sulfate content gained relatively lower radical scavenging rates but showed significantly higher antitumor activities. These results indicated that the in vitro antitumor and antioxidant activities of the three polysaccharides may be related to combined effects of sulfate content and uronic acid content.

Immunological response in H22 transplanted mice undergoing Aconitum coreanum polysaccharide treatment

In this study, a polysaccharide (ACP-a1), with a molecular weight of 3.2×10(5)Da, was successfully purified and identified from the roots of Aconitum coreanum (Lèvl.) Rapaics. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis indicated that ACP-a1 was mainly composed of β-d-mannose and β-d-glucose in a molar ratio of 1.2:3.5. The effects of ACP-a1 on the tumor growth and immune function were assessed in hepatoma H22 bearing mice. Results showed that ACP-a1 significantly inhibited the growth of hepatoma H22 transplanted in mice and prolonged the survival time of H22 tumor-bearing mice. Besides, the body weight, peripheral white blood cells (WBC), thymus index and spleen index of H22 tumor-bearing were also improved after ACP-a1 treatment. Furthermore, ACP-a1 could promote the secretion of serum cytokines in H22 tumor-bearing mice, such as IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Taken together, our results indicate that ACP-a1 inhibits tumor growth in vivo at least partly via improving immune responses of host organism, and seems to be safe and effective as a novel agent with immunomodulatory activity for the use of anti-tumor therapy.

Immunopontentiating and antitumor activities of a polysaccharide from Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel

One water-soluble polysaccharide (PCPw) was isolated and purified from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis by DEAE cellulose-52 and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography, and its antitumor activity was evaluated on 4T1 tumor-bearing mice through transplantable animal tumor. After 10 days of PCPw (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) treatment once daily in tumor-bearing mice, PCPw oral administration could not only significantly inhibit the growth of transplantable 4T1 tumor in mice but also promote concanavalin A (Con A), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated splenocytes proliferation, the serum lysozyme level and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions, especially at the dose of 100 mg/kg. Meanwhile, significant improvements in peripheral blood abnormality and anemia were observed in PCPw-treated group. These results suggested that PCPw could improve both cellular and humoral immune response and might be explored as a potential natural antitumor drug.

Anticancer polysaccharides from natural resources: a review of recent research

Taking into account the rising trend of the incidence of cancers of various organs, effective therapies are urgently needed to control human malignancies. However, almost all of the chemotherapy drugs currently on the market cause serious side effects. Fortunately, several previous studies have shown that some non-toxic biological macromolecules, including polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes, possess anti-cancer activities or can increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Based on these encouraging observations, a great deal of effort has been focused on discovering anti-cancer polysaccharides and complexes for the development of effective therapeutics for various human cancers. This review focuses on the advancements in the anti-cancer efficacy of various natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide complexes in the past 5 years. Most polysaccharides were tested using model systems, while several involved clinical trials.

Antitumor and immunomodulating activity of a polysaccharide from Sophora flavescens Ait

The immunostimulatory activity of Sophora flavescens polysaccharide (SFPW1) was evaluated by using in vitro cell models and in vivo animal models. The results demonstrated that SFPW1 could effectively inhibit the tumor growth in H22 tumor-bearing mice and promote the splenocyte proliferation, thus resulting in a prolonged life survival. For assay in vitro, SFPW1 significantly strengthened peritoneal macrophages to devour H22 tumor cells and stimulated macrophages to produce nitric oxide (NO) via up-regulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) activity. However, no direct cytotoxicity against H22 tumor cells was observed in vitro. These results suggest that SFPW1 might be a strong natural immunomodulator and the antitumor effect of this polysaccharide is associated with its potent immunostimulating effect.