Anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities of a purified polysaccharide from flesh of Cipangopaludina chinensis

Wine fermentation process evaluation through NMR analysis: Polysaccharides, ethanol quantification and biological activity

Winemaking production is old knowledge of the combination of saccharification and fermentation processes. During the fermentation process, ethanol concentration is one of the main key parameters that provides the quality of wine and is linked to the consumption of carbohydrates present in wine. In this work was determined the better fermentation time, where the wine retains its highest concentration of ethanol and a higher concentration of the polysaccharides of Bordo wine of Vitis labrusca by 1D and 2D NMR measurements. The study provides information on the polysaccharide content for improving features and quality control of winemaking. Moreover, following previous studies by our group (de Lacerda Bezerra et al., 2018, de Lacerda Bezerra, Caillot, de Oliveira, Santana-Filho, & Sassaki, 2019; Stipp et al., 2023) showed that the soluble polysaccharides also inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and mediator (NO) in macrophage cells stimulated with LPS, bringing some important health benefits of wine.

Anti-Vasculogenic, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Sulfated Polysaccharide Derived from Codium tomentosum: Pharmacokinetic Assay

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities of sulfated polysaccharide from C. tomentosum (PCT) using carrageenan (CARR)-induced paw edema in a rat model and anti-vasculogenic activity on a chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) model. Based on in vitro tests of anti-radical, total antioxidant, and reducing power activities, PCT presents a real interest via its antioxidant activity and ability to scavenge radical species. The in vivo pharmacological tests suggest that PCT possesses anti-inflammatory action by reducing paw edema and leukocyte migration, maintaining the redox equilibrium, and stabilizing the cellular level of several pro-/antioxidant system markers. It could significantly decrease the malondialdehyde levels and increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione activities in local paw edema and erythrocytes during the acute inflammatory reaction of CARR. PCT pretreatment was effective against DNA alterations in the blood lymphocytes of inflamed rats and reduced the hematological alteration by restoring blood parameters to normal levels. The anti-angiogenic activity results revealed that CAM neovascularization, defined as the formation of new vessel numbers and branching patterns, was decreased by PCT in a dose-dependent manner, which supported the in silico bioavailability and pharmacokinetic findings. These results indicated the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides from C. tomentosum and their possible use as anti-proliferative molecules based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activities.

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activities of a purified polysaccharide from fruits remnants of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith

We reported here an interesting source of Alpinia zerumbet Polysaccharides (named AZPs) from the residues after extracting essential oil by steam distillation from Alpinia zerumbet fructus. After a series of purifications, a homogeneous polysaccharide (AZP-2) of molecular weight 1.25 × 105 Da was obtained. Structure, anti-inflammatory activity, and anti-inflammatory mechanism were investigated. AZP-2 was mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, xylopyranose, glucose, and galacturonic acid. The main linkage structure of AZP-2 was determined after integrating the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and methylation analysis, and the structure was comparatively complex. The results indicated that AZP-2 significantly decreased the production of NO and ROS in the inflammatory model established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7, particularly at the concentration of 200 μg/mL. Furthermore, AZP-2 significantly modulated the secretion of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Notably, the mechanism of AZP-2 exhibiting inhibitory effects was related to regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, AZP-2 could be used as a potential anti-inflammatory agent for further in-depth studies.

Carboxylated Pocoa polysaccharides inhibited oxidative damage and inflammation of HK-2 cells induced by calcium oxalate nanoparticles

The inhibitory effects of Chinese medicine Pocoa (PCPs) with different carboxyl group (-COOH) contents on oxidative damage and inflammatory response of renal epithelial cells and the influence of -COOH content in polysaccharides were investigated. HK-2 cell damage model was established by nanocalcium oxalate crystals (nanoCOM), and then PCPs with -COOH contents of 2.56% (PCP0), 7.48% (PCP1), 12.07% (PCP2), and 17.18% (PCP3) were used to protect the cells. PCPs could inhibit the damage of nanoCOM to HK-2 cells, increase cell viability, restore cytoskeleton and morphology, and improve lysosomal integrity. PCPs can reduce the oxidative stress response of nanoCOM to cells, inhibit the opening of mPTP and cell necrotic apoptosis, reduce the level of Ca2+ ions in cells, the production of ATP and MDA, and increase SOD expression. PCPs can also reduce the cellular inflammatory response caused by oxidative damage, and reduce the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1, as well as the content of inflammasome NLRP3. After protection, PCPs can inhibit the endocytosis of nanoCOM crystals by cells. With the increase in -COOH content in PCPs, its ability to inhibit nanoCOM cell damage, reduce oxidative stress, reduce inflammatory response, and inhibit crystal endocytosis increases, that is, PCP3 with the highest -COOH content, shows the best biological activity. Inhibiting cell damage and inflammation and reducing a large amount of endocytosis of crystals by cells are beneficial to inhibit the formation of kidney stones.

Chemical Composition and Potential Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Essential Oil from Fruits of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm. was extensively used in traditional medicine for its several properties, but continuous investigation is needed to discover the properties of its essential oils (EOs). This work evaluated the properties of an EO obtained by steam distillation (named ESD) as well as extracts obtained by petroleum ether (named EP) both from Alpinia zerumbet fruits. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was chosen to identify the composition, and eleven compounds were identified as the main components of the EO and EP of Alpinia zerumbet fruits. The antimicrobial properties were investigated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the inhibition area. The results identified the differences in antimicrobial activities attributed to different extraction methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western Blot (WB) assay were conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of ESD. In conclusion, our study suggested that EO from Alpinia zerumbet fruits might be a prospective candidate for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Structural Characteristics of Polysaccharides Extracted from Lobonema smithii Jellyfish

Crude polysaccharides were extracted from the white jellyfish (Lobonema smithii) using water extraction and fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography to obtain three different fractions (JF1, JF2, and JF3). The chemical characteristics of four polysaccharides were investigated, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. All samples mainly consisted of neutral sugars with minor contents of proteins and sulphates in various proportions. Glucose, galactose, and mannose were the main constituents of the monosaccharides. The molecular weights of the crude polysaccharides and the JF1, JF2, and JF3 fractions were 865.0, 477.6, 524.1, and 293.0 kDa, respectively. All polysaccharides were able to decrease NO production, especially JF3, which showed inhibitory activity. JF3 effectively suppressed iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression, while IL-10 expression was induced. JF3 could inhibit phosphorylated ERK, JNK, p38, and NF-κB p65. Furthermore, flow cytometry showed the impact of JF3 on inhibiting CD11b and CD40 expression. These results suggest that JF3 could inhibit NF-κB and MAPK-related inflammatory pathways. The structural characterisation revealed that (1→3)-linked glucopyranosyl, (1→3,6)-linked galactopyranosyl, and (1→3,6)-linked glucopyranosyl residues comprised the main backbone of JF3. Therefore, L. smithii polysaccharides exhibit good anti-inflammatory activity and could thus be applied as an alternative therapeutic agent against inflammation.

Bioactivity of polysaccharides derived from bivalves

Bivalves have high diversity, widely distributed in various aquatic environments, including saltwater, brackish water and freshwater. Bivalves are known to rich in polysaccharides and have wide applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial research. Despite many relevant reports are available, the information is poorly organized. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a comprehensive scientific review on the potential bioactivity of polysaccharides derived from bivalves. In general, the polysaccharides derived from bivalves possess various bioactive properties, including anticancer, antioxidant, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory activities. The bioactivity of these biomolecules highly depends on the bivalve species, extraction methods, purification methods, dosages, etc. The information in this study can provide an overview of the bioactivities of bivalve polysaccharides. This is very useful to be used as a guide for identifying the health benefits of polysaccharides derived from different bivalve species.

[Molecular basis of biological activity of polysaccharides in COVID-19 associated conditions]

The review considers the main molecular biological features of the COVID-19 causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 virus: life cycle, viral cell penetration strategies, interactions of viral proteins with human proteins, cytopathic effects. We also analyze pathological conditions that occur both during the course of the COVID-19 disease and after virus elimination. A brief review of the biological activities of polysaccharides isolated from various sources is given, and possible molecular biological mechanisms of these activities are considered. Data analysis shows that polysaccharides are a class of biological molecules with wide potential for use in the treatment of both acute conditions in COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome.

Preparation and Characterization of Ginger Peel Polysaccharide-Zn (II) Complexes and Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The present study aimed to explore the improvement of the bioactivity of ginger peel polysaccharides (GPs) by the modification of zinc after structural characterization. The obtained GP-Zn (II) complexes consisted dominantly of glucose and galactose in a mass proportion of 95.10:2.10, with a molecular weight of 4.90 × 10⁵ Da and a Zn content of 21.17 mg/g. The chelation of GPs and Zn (II) was mainly involved in the O-H of hydroxyl groups, and this interaction reduced the crystallinity and decreased the asymmetry of GPs, with a slight effect on the thermal stability. The administration of GPs and their Zn (II) complexes effectively alleviated CuSO₄-induced inflammatory response in zebrafish (Tg: zlyz-EGFP) via down-regulating the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α) and upregulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Furthermore, the modification of Zn (II) enhanced the inflammation-inhibiting effect of polysaccharides. Therefore, GP-Zn (II) complexes could be applied as a candidate anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of chronic inflammation-related diseases.

A review on shellfish polysaccharides: Extraction, characterization and amelioration of metabolic syndrome

Shellfish are diverse, widely distributed organisms that are a rich source of biological resources. Polysaccharides are an important components in shellfish, hence a great deal of attention has been directed at isolation and characterization of shellfish polysaccharides because of their numerous health benefits. Differences in shellfish species, habits, and environment result in the diversity of the structure and composition of polysaccharides. Thus, shellfish polysaccharides possess special biological activities. Studies have shown that shellfish polysaccharides exert biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, immune-regulation, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, and antihyperglycemic effects, and are widely used in cosmetics, health products, and medicine. This review spotlights the extraction and purification methods of shellfish polysaccharides and analyses their structures, biological activities and conformational relationships; discusses the regulatory mechanism of shellfish polysaccharides on hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia caused by lipid metabolism disorders; and summarizes its alleviation of lipid metabolism-related diseases. This review provides a reference for the in-depth development and utilization of shellfish polysaccharides as a functional food to regulate lipid metabolism-related diseases. To achieve high value utilization of marine shellfish resources while actively promoting the development of marine biological industry and health industry.

Property of arylsulfatase and β-glucuronidase extracted from digestive tracts of Cipangopaludina chinensis and their cleavage performance on conjugated natural estrogens

Arylsulfatase and β-glucuronidase are the two substantial enzymes having a significant role in the cleavage of conjugated natural estrogens (C-NEs). The present study reports that arylsulfatase and β-glucuronidase have been abundantly found in the digestive tracts of Cipangopaludina chinensis; in which, their corresponding activities were 60 and 5 U/g wet waste, respectively. The arylsulfatase from Cipangopaludina chinensis could show high activity at low temperatures. Hence, its activity still remained at 53.2% of maximal activity even at an extremely low temperature of 4 ℃; while the corresponding activities of arylsulfatase from Helix pomatia or activated sludge were less than 20% and 10%, respectively. The arylsulfatase and β-glucuronidase from Cipangopaludina chinensis could efficiently cleave C-NEs suggesting that they could be alternative enzymes derived from Helix pomatia that are used for cleavage of conjugated compounds in environmental or biological sample analysis. Meanwhile, they might also be used to enhance the cleavage of C-NEs in municipal wastewater.

Acidic polysaccharides from Buddleja officinalis inhibit angiogenesis via the Nrf2/ARE pathway to attenuate diabetic retinopathy

The purpose of this study was to verify that acid polysaccharides from Buddleja officinalis Maxim (APBOM) could relieve diabetic retinopathy (DR) through inhibition of angiogenesis via activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Transgenic db/db mice were used to establish a DR model, and it was found that APBOM could improve levels of blood glucose, blood lipids and insulin, and further improve pathological retinal tissue structure as well as vascular network structure. Moreover, APBOM could lessen the amount of angiogenesis by reducing the expression of CD34 and VEGF, and then delay the development process of DR. In in vitro mechanistic experiments, the generation of ROS was inhibited after APBOM intervention, and the expression of CD34, CD31 and VEGF was decreased. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of HO-1, NQO1, SOD and Nrf2 were increased, which indicated that APBOM might promote expression of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Overall, APBOM might alleviate DR by inhibiting angiogenesis and activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Multimode ultrasonic extraction of polysaccharides from maca (Lepidium meyenii): Optimization, purification, and in vitro immunoregulatory activity

This study evaluates the effect of multimodal ultrasound on the extraction efficiency and immunoregulatory activity of polysaccharides from Lepidium meyenii Walp. (LMP). The separation and purification of maca polysaccharides were investigated by the DEAE-52 cellulose column, and the monosaccharide compositions were identified by HPGPC. Their immune activity was analyzed by the secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) from RAW 264.7 macrophage. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were energy aggregation alternation dual-frequency ultrasound (EADU) with frequency combinations of 20/35, extraction time of 15 min, material/water ratio of 1:10 g/mL, ultrasonic power intensity of 150 W/L, intermittent time ratio of 4 s/3 s, and extraction temperature of 50 ℃. The extraction rates of purified polysaccharides (US3) increased by 44.90%. The LMP extracted by EADU contained arabinose, galactose, and glucose in the molar ratios of 2.9:2.72:5.05. In addition, US3 promoted the release of TNF-α and IL-6 from RAW 264.7 better than RS3 (purified polysaccharides extracted by hot water), which indicated that US3 exerted remarkable immune activity. It could be an excellent functional additive in food or medicine.

A Novel Polysaccharide From Heimioporus retisporus Displays Hypoglycemic Activity in a Diabetic Mouse Model

A novel polysaccharide, Heimioporus retisporus Polysaccharide (HRP) was extracted from the edible mushroom Heimioporus retisporus. HRP had weight-average molecular weight 1,949 kDa and number-average molecular weight 873 kDa, and its major components were arabinose (0.71%), galactose (12.93%), glucose (49.00%), xylose (8.59%), mannose (17.78%), and glucuronic acid (10.99%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that HRP was composed of 1,3-linked β-D-glucose, 1,6-linked β-D-mannose, 1,6-linked β-D-galactose, 1,4-linked β-D-galactose, 1,4-linked β-D-xylose, and 1,5-linked α-L-arabinose. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that degradation temperature (T₀) of HRP was 200°C. In an STZ-induced diabetic mouse model, oral administration of HRP (40 mg/kg/d) for 28 days significantly reduced blood glucose levels, and reduced heart organ index by decreasing expression of IL-6 and TNF-α. Our findings indicate hypoglycemic effect of HRP, and its potential application as a hypoglycemic agent.

SMRT Sequencing Reveals Candidate Genes and Pathways With Medicinal Value in Cipangopaludina chinensis

Cipangopaludina chinensis is an economically important aquatic snail with high medicinal value. However, molecular biology research on C. chinensis is limited by the lack of a reference genome, so the analysis of its transcripts is an important step to study the regulatory genes of various substances in C. chinensis. Herein, we conducted the first full-length transcriptome analysis of C. chinensis using PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology. We identified a total of 26,312 unigenes with an average length of 2,572 bp, of which the largest number of zf-c2h2 transcription factor families (120,18.24%) were found, and also observed that the majority of the 8,058 SSRs contained 4-7 repeat units, which provided data for subsequent work on snail genetics Subsequently, 91.86% (24,169) of the genes were successfully annotated to the four major databases, while the highest homology was observed with Pomacea canaliculata. Functional annotation revealed that the majority of transcripts were enriched in metabolism, signal transduction and Immune-related pathways, and several candidate genes involved in drug metabolism and immune response were identified (e.g., CYP1A1, CYP2J, CYP2U1, GST, ,PIK3, PDE3A, PRKAG). This study lays a foundation for future molecular biology research and provides a reference for studying genes associated with the medicinal value of C. chinensis.

Inhibitory effects of a water-soluble jujube polysaccharide against biofilm-forming oral pathogenic bacteria

Oral diseases caused by infectious pathogens raises significant concerns in public health. In the light of side effects of current antibiotics therapy and growing drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria, natural products have become attractive alternatives for antibiotics agents in dental practice. This current study investigated the effects of polysaccharides extracted from Zizyphus jujuba Mill. on three major oral biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria including caries-inducing Streptococcus mutans, lesions-causing MRSA, and periodontitis-related Porphyromonas gingivalis, as well as general oral microbiota. Our results demonstrated that jujube polysaccharide prepared in this study was mainly composed by galacturonic acid with an average molecular weight 242 kDa, which were further characterized for structural features by FT-IR spectra and NMR spectroscopy analysis. This jujube polysaccharide was shown to exhibit remarkable inhibitory effects against all the tested oral bacterial pathogens through various mechanisms including growth inhibition, biofilm prevention and disruption, intervention of bacterial infection (adhesion and invasion), attenuation of cytotoxicity, modulation of excessive inflammatory response of LPS-stimulated and MRSA-infected macrophages as well as positive regulation of oral microbiota. The present study paves the way to explore jujube polysaccharides for the prevention and treatment of oral infectious diseases. Graphic Abstract.

A review on plant polysaccharide based on drug delivery system for construction and application, with emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharide

Carbohydrate polymers with unique chemical composition, molecular weight and functional chemical groups show multiple potentials in drug delivery. Most carbohydrate polymers such as plant polysaccharides exhibit advantages of biodegradability, ease of modification, low immunogenicity and low toxicity. They can be conjugated, cross-linked or functionally modified, and then used as nanocarrier materials. Polysaccharide drug delivery system can avoid the phagocytosis of the reticuloendothelial system, prevent the degradation of biomolecules, and increase the bioavailability of small molecules, thus exerting effective therapeutic effects. Therefore, they have been fully explored. In this paper, we reviewed the construction methods of drug delivery systems based on carbohydrate polymers (astragalus polysaccharide, angelica polysaccharide, lycium barbarum polysaccharide, ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide, bletilla polysaccharide, glycyrrhiza polysaccharide, and epimedium polysaccharides, etc). The application of polysaccharide drug delivery systems to deliver small molecule chemotherapeutic drugs, gene drugs, and metal ion drugs was also briefly introduced. At the same time, the role of the polysaccharide drug delivery system in tumor treatment, targeted therapy, and wound healing was discussed. In addition, the research of polysaccharide delivery systems based on the therapeutic efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine was also summarized and prospected.

Current trends in the anti-photoaging activities and mechanisms of dietary non-starch polysaccharides from natural resources

Photoaging is a complex and multistage process triggered mainly by ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to exposure to sunlight. Photoaging induces DNA damage and oxidative stress that initiate an inflammatory response and an increase of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression, which results in cumulative changes in skin appearance, structure, and functions, and eventually causes skin carcinogenesis. Dietary polysaccharides from bio-resources have been utilized as functional ingredients in healthy food, cosmetics, and drug due to their good bioactivities. However, a systematic introduction to their effects and underlying mechanisms in anti-photoaging is limited. This review discusses the damage and pathogenesis of UV-induced photoaging and summarizes the up-to-date advances in research on the anti-photoaging activity of non-starch polysaccharides from natural edible resources considering the influence of oxidative stress, DNA damage, MMPs regulation, inflammation, and melanogenesis, primarily focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms. This paper will help to understand the anti-photoaging functions of dietary non-starch polysaccharides from natural resources and further application in drug and functional food.

Polysaccharides obtained from natural edible sources and their role in modulating the immune system: Biologically active potential that can be exploited against COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The global crisis caused by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, better known as COVID-19, brought the need to improve the population's immunity. The foods rich in polysaccharides with immunomodulation properties are among the most highly rated to be used as immune response modulators. Thus, the use of polysaccharides obtained from food offers an innovative strategy to prevent serious side effects of viral infections.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

This review revisits the current studies on the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2, its characteristics, target cell interactions, and the possibility of using polysaccharides from functional foods as activators of the immune response. Several natural foods are explored for the possibility of being used to obtain polysaccharides with immunomodulatory potential. And finally, we address expectations for the use of polysaccharides in the development of potential therapies and vaccines.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

The negative consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic across the world are unprecedented, thousands of lives lost, increasing inequalities, and incalculable economic losses. On the other hand, great scientific advances have been made regarding the understanding of the disease and forms of treatment. Polysaccharides, due to their characteristics, have the potential to be used as potential drugs with the ability to modulate the immune response. In addition, they can be used safely, as they have no toxic effects, are biocompatible and biodegradable. Finally, these biopolymers can still be used in the development of new therapies and vaccines.

Impacts of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on angiogenic activities

It has been proved that chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has a more favorable therapeutic applications such as wound healing and anti-tumor treatment, and can affect angiogenesis. For better understanding the effect of COS on angiogenic activities at cellular level, COS with different concentration and degree of polymerization (DP) were used to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in this work. Cell proliferation activity, cell morphology, cell migration and angiogenesis associated factor expression of HUVECs were evaluated. The results indicated that COS at a high concentration of 400 μg/mL (COS(400)) and DP of 6 (Chitinhexaose Hydrochloride, COS6) had inhibitory effect on angiogenic activities of HUVECs. Specifically, COS(400) and COS6 inhibited cell proliferation activity, cell migration, and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) expression of HUVECs. While COS at a low concentration (<400 μg/mL) and suitable polymerization degrees (DP < 6) had little significant effect on cell proliferation, migration, and VEGF expression of HUVECs, showing dose-dependent effect. These findings provided insight for the potential use of COS, for broadening its future applications in biomedical fields and functional materials area. It also helped guide the design and synthesis of chitosan-based materials as an angiogenesis inhibitor for anti-angiogenic therapy.

Extraction, Purification, Characterization, and Antiangiogenic Activity of Acidic Polysaccharide from Buddleja officinalis

Firstly, optimal parameters of crude polysaccharide from Buddleja officinalis were obtained as follows: ratio of water to raw material of 26 : 1, ultrasonic power of 240 W, ultrasonic time of 45 min, and ultrasonic temperature of 62°C. Secondly, acidic polysaccharide (APBOM) from Buddleja officinalis was successfully acquired with the yield of 9.57% by using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 gel column chromatography. Then, we found that total polysaccharide content of APBOM was 94.37% with a sulfuric acid group of 1.68%, uronic acid content of 17.41%, and average molecular weight of 165.4 kDa. Finally, APBOM was confirmed to have significant antiangiogenic effects.

Microwave-assisted extraction, characterization and immunomodulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells of polysaccharides from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seeds

Microwave-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seeds (TKMSP) was optimized using Response surface methodology (RSM) base on Central composite design (CCD). The optimum extraction conditions are detailed as follows: liquid-solid ratio 42 mL/g, extraction temperature 80 °C, microwave power 570 W, extraction time 26 min. Under this conditions, the mean value of TKMSP yield 2.43 ± 0.45% (n = 3), which was consistent closely with the predicted value (2.44%). The five polysaccharides (TKMSP-1, TKMSP-2, TKMSP-3, TKMSP-4 and TKMSP-5) were isolated from TKMSP by DEAE-52. TKMSP-1, TKMSP-2 and TKMSP-4 were common in containing Man, Rib, Rha, GluA, GalA, Glu, Gal, Xyl, Arab and Fuc. However, there was no Fuc in TKMSP-3, while TKMSP-5 lacked GluA, GalA and Fuc. UV–vis and FT-IR analysis combined with molecular weight determination further indicated that the five fractions were polydisperse polysaccharides. A significant difference was achieved in the structural characterization of these five fractions. TKMSP exhibited immunosuppressive activity on RAW264.7 cells. It can be applied as a potential immunosuppressant agent in medicine.

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Microwave-assisted extraction of TKMSP optimized by RSM base on CCD.

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The five polydisperse polysaccharides were isolated from TKMSP.

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The structure characterizations of the five polysaccharides were analyzed.

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TKMSP-3 exhibited significant inhibition of RAW264.7 proliferation.

Extraction, purification and characterization of sulphated polysaccharide from Bellamya quadrata and its stabilization roles on atherosclerotic plaque

The aim of this paper was to investigate the extraction, purification and characterization of sulphated polysaccharide (BQPS) from Bellamya quadrata and its stabilization roles on atherosclerotic plaque. Firstly, crude polysaccharide (CBQP) from Bellamya quadrata was extracted by protease enzyme assisted extraction. Moreover, its optimal parameters were obtained by the response surface method as follows: the ratio of water to raw material of 24:1, enzyme dosage of 285 U/g, enzymolysis pH value of 4.7 and temperature of 67 °C. Secondly, CBQP was further purified to obtain the target polysaccharide BQPS by Q Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephacryl S-400 gel column chromatography. Then, the characterization of BQPS revealed that it possessed a total polysaccharide content of 91.88 ± 1.23%, sulfuric acid group content of 9.12 ± 1.59% and molecular weight of 91.1 kDa. BQPS was only consisted of glucose without any proteins. Finally, BQPS was confirmed to have a significant stabilizing effect on atherosclerotic plaque and its mechanism was related to the selective promotion of autophagy with the precisely right strength.

Antitumor evaluation of carboxymethyl chitosan based norcantharidin conjugates against gastric cancer as novel polymer therapeutics

Novel polymer-drug conjugates (CNC) were prepared from carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and norcantharidin (NCTD) via amidation reaction and characterized by FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to elucidate the antitumor efficacy of CNC on gastric cancer and the possible underlying mechanisms. The CNC conjugates possessed significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and suppressed the migration as well as tube formation of HUVECs. Besides, Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI detection suggested that the conjugates were more effective in triggering apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells compared with free NCTD. Moreover, CNC remarkably reduced systemic toxicity and enhanced the antitumor efficacy in vivo with a tumor suppression rate of 59.57% against SGC-7901 gastric tumor in BALB/c nude mice. Further investigation about the underlying mechanisms indicated that CNC could upregulate expressions of TNF-α and Bax, and downregulate expressions of VEGF, Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9, thereby inhibiting tumor metastasis and inducing apoptosis in vivo. Overall, our results demonstrated that CNC might be a promising and feasible polymer therapeutics for gastrointestinal tumor therapy.

Ginkgo biloba sarcotesta polysaccharide inhibits inflammatory responses through suppressing both NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Polysaccharides, common components of natural products extensively studied as dietary supplements and functional foods, have been found to have various activities. In the present study, a water-soluble polysaccharide, namely GBSP3a, was isolated and purified from G. biloba sarcotesta. The anti-inflammatory activity of GBSP3a in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms were then assessed.

RESULTS

GBSP3a exerted its anti-inflammatory effect by remarkably inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Excessive mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were dose-dependently inhibited by GBSP3a in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further research suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect of GBSP3a can be attributed to the modulation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

GBSP3a exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and exerts its anti-inflammatory effect probably through suppressing both NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway, indicating that GBSP3a could be used for the development of anti-inflammatory agent or nutraceuticals. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of polysaccharide from Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus on urinary incontinence

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects and mechanism of polysaccharide (PAOF) from Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus on urinary incontinence (UI) in old-age hydruric model rats (OHMR). Results suggested that PAOF can significantly reduce the urination volume, Na⁺, Cl^- emission and increase K⁺ excretion of OHMR. In addition, PAOF can increase the content of aldosterone (ALD) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in blood of OHMR. The coefficients of spleen, thymus and adrenal of OHMR were improved by PAOF. Furthermore, PAOF can not only elevate significantly the expression of β3-adrenoceptor mRNA in bladder detrusor of OHMR, but also increase the content of adenylate cyclase (AC), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) in bladder detrusor of OHMR. Meanwhile, PAOF can elevate significantly the expression of PKA protein in bladder detrusor of rats with polyuria. The data implied that PAOF may offer therapeutic potential against UI.

Immunostimulatory Effects of Chitooligosaccharides on RAW 264.7 Mouse Macrophages via Regulation of the MAPK and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways

Chitooligosaccharides (COS), the hydrolyzed products of chitin and chitosan, can be obtained by various methods. In this study, water-soluble COS were prepared from α- and β-chitosan by microwave-assisted degradation and their immunostimulatory effects were investigated in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that α-COS were more active than β-COS in promoting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting indicated that COS also enhanced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and TNF-α. Further analyses demonstrated that COS induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, p85 and Akt, and the nuclear translocation of p65, indicating that they are able to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways dependent on nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. In conclusion, COS activate RAW 264.7 cells via the MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and are potential novel immune potentiators.

Protective activities of polysaccharides from Cipangopaludina chinensis against high-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis via regulating gut microbiota in ApoE-deficient mice

The supplementation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from C. chinensis slows down the development of atherosclerosis caused by high-fat-diet-induced AS via regulating gut microbiota.

Characterization of a P-selectin-binding moiety from Bupleurum chinense polysaccharide and its antagonistic effect against P-selectin-mediated function

P-selectin is a promising therapeutic target for acute inflammation-related diseases, and interest has been growing in the search for high-affinity glycoconjugate ligands that can target the initial P-selectin-mediated recruitment of neutrophils to the site of inflammation. In our previous study, we isolated a water-soluble polysaccharide (BCPS) from Bupleurum chinense and showed that it exhibits anti-inflammatory effect by antagonizing P-selectin-mediated adhesion of HL-60 cells to CHO-P cells. In this study, we prepared a P-selectin-based affinity chromatography medium and used it to purify the P-selectin-binding moiety of BCPS. The purified P-selectin-binding moiety of BCPS, designated as BCPS-m, was mainly composed of arabinose, galactose and glucose, and had a relative molecular weight of 3600 Da. The backbone of BCPS-m was composed of 1,5-linked arabinose, 1,4-linked and 1,4,6-linked glucose, and with branched 1-linked glucose or galactose terminal. BCPS-m could disrupt the P-selectin-mediated binding of HL-60 cells to CHO-P cells (CHO cells that stably expressed an exogenous P-selectin). It also blocked the interaction between P-selectin and its physiological ligand PSGL-1 significantly, resulting in much greater reduction (77%) in P-selectin-PSGL-1 binding than that caused by BCPS (35%). The data suggested that BCPS-m could be the key P-selectin-binding moiety of BCPS, and that it may be a better P-selectin antagonist than BCPS.