Immunomodulatory activities on macrophage of a polysaccharide from Sipunculus nudus L

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation on the physicochemical, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory ability of polysaccharides from Lvjian okra

Okra polysaccharides exhibits a range of biological activities. To date, its processing using microbial fermentation has not been explored. This study investigated the fermentation of okra juice with various lactic acid bacteria, followed by the extraction and characterization of crude polysaccharides (termed OPS-F), in contrast to their non-fermented counterpart (OPS). Changes in physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory ability were noted. The results demonstrated that OPS-F had a 7.42-12.53 % increase in total polysaccharides content compared to OPS. However, high-performance size-exclusion chromatography indicated a reduction in the molecular weight of OPS-F (7.9-9.5 × 105 Da) relative to OPS (1.66 × 106 Da). Compared to OPS, OPS-F had reduced levels of mannose, glucose, glucuronic acid and arabinose, but increased rhamnose, galacturonic acid and galactose, exhibiting enhanced solubility and lower apparent viscosity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed minimal changes in polysaccharide structure post-fermentation. Moreover, despite a decrease in antioxidant activity post-fermentation, OPS-F exhibited superior immunomodulatory potential. In conclusion, fermenting okra juice with lactic acid bacteria alters the physicochemical properties of crude polysaccharides and enhances their immunomodulatory activity, offering a promising approach for developing new functional food resources.

Purification and characterization of a glycoprotein from Sipunculus nudus and its immune-enhancing activity to RAW 264.7 macrophages

Sipunculus nudus, an edible marine invertebrate, has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine in folk remedies. In order to assess the immunoregulatory activity of glycoproteins in Sipunculus nudus and conduct a structure-activity relationship, a glycoprotein (SGP1) with molecular mass of 9.26 kDa was purified from Sipunculus nudus, and its chemical structure as well as immune-enhancing activity was investigated in this study. Structure analysis revealed that SGP1, a protein-dominate glycoprotein with O-glycosidic bonds, contained 92.8 % protein and 3.1 % saccharide. GC-MS result indicated that the saccharide moieties of SGP1 basically consisted of lyxose (Lyx), xylose (Xyl) as well as glucose (Glu) at a molar proportion of 0.87:4.16:1.36. The fourier transform infrared specoscopy (FT-IR) result proved that SGP1 have a typical characteristic of glycoprotein. Besides, circular dichroism (CD) result showed that SGP1 contained 4.1 % α-helix, 42.5 % β-sheet, 21.4 % β-turn, and 32.0 % random coil, indicating it's mainly a β-sheet glycoprotein. The amino acid sequence of SGP1 shared a similarity to the Myohemerythrin (sp|Q5K473|HEMTM) with protein sequence coverage of 28.3 %. Moreover, the activity evaluation results showed that SGP1 exhibited significant immune-enhancing activity to the RAW 264.7 macrophages by promoting macrophages proliferation, enhancing phagocytic capacity, and simultaneously stimulating the secretions of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) via NF-κB pathways. In this study, SGP1 as a novel glycoprotein had an obvious immune-enhancing activity to macrophages, and thus could be applied in the functional foods as a potential immunopotentiator for the hypoimmune population.

The Immune-Enhancing Properties of Hwanglyeonhaedok-Tang-Mediated Biosynthesized Gold Nanoparticles in Macrophages and Splenocytes

Background

Despite great advances in the field of immunotherapy, there is still a need for novel and effective immunostimulants to overcome challenges, such as instability and autoinflammatory toxicity, associated with conventional immunostimulants. Nanotechnology provides the possibility to overcome these challenges. The well-known classical Chinese formula, Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang (HHT) has been widely used to treat immune-related diseases in clinical practice.

Methods

We developed novel gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) utilizing one-pot synthesis with the herbal formula-HHT. The optimal conditions for HHT-AuNP biosynthesis were established, and physicochemical properties of the optimized HHT-AuNPs were identified using various spectrometric and microscopic techniques. Bio-TEM analysis revealed that HHT-AuNPs were highly engulfed within RAW264.7 cells without inducing cytotoxicity. The effect of HHT-AuNPs on immunostimulatory activity was evaluated in innate and adaptive immune cells (RAW264.7 macrophages and ICR mice splenocytes) using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and ELISA.

Results

The HHT-AuNPs remarkably increased the nitric oxide (NO) and immune-related cytokines production by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, HHT-AuNPs exerted immunostimulatory effects on mouse splenocytes by priming T/B-cells and macrophages.

Discussion

The present study is the first to demonstrate that HHT-AuNPs could be utilized as immunostimulators to activate both innate and adaptive immune systems. These results provide a foundation for the application of traditional Chinese medicinal formulae in the field of nanomedicine.

Bioactive Properties of Peptides and Polysaccharides Derived from Peanut Worms: A Review

Peanut worms (Sipunculids) are unsegmented marine worms that usually inhabit shallow waters. Peanut worms are good source of bioactive compounds including peptides and polysaccharides. Many recent studies have investigated the bioactive properties of peptides and polysaccharides derived from peanut worms in order to enhance their applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The peptides and polysaccharides isolated from peanut worms have been reported to possess anti-hypertensive, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-hypoxia and wound healing activities through the modulation of various molecular mechanisms. Most researchers used in vitro, cell culture and animal models for the determination of bioactivities of peanut worm derived compounds. However, studies in humans have not been performed considerably. Therefore, it is important to conduct more human studies for better utilization of marine bioactive compounds (peptides and polysaccharides) derived from peanut worms. This review mainly focuses on the bioactive properties of peptides and polysaccharides of peanut worms and their molecular mechanisms.

Structural characterization and immunoregulatory activity of polysaccharides from Dendrobium officinale leaves

In this study, two kinds of polysaccharides from leaves of Dendrobium officinale, namely DLP-1 and DLP-2, were obtained by hot water extraction, ethanol sedimentation, and chromatographic separation using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 columns. They were composed of different monosaccharides and the content of monosaccharides varied significantly while DLP-1 (M_w 1.38 × 10⁶  Da) was mainly composed of mannose (71.69%) and glucose (22.89%), and DLP-2 (M_w 1.93 × 10⁶  Da) was constituted by rhamnose (35.05%), arabinose (24.12%), and galactose (25.65%). A triple-helical conformation was exhibited by both of them. The scanning electron microscope image of DLP-1 showed an irregular and large lamellar shape, as well as a smooth surface and a porous interior, illustrating they had an amorphous structure. In contrast, DLP-2 revealed a rough, loose, and uneven surface consisting of large sponge-like particles. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that (1→4)-β-D-Manp, (1→4)-β-D-Glcp, and (1→4)-2-O-acetyl-β-D-Manp were the main linkage types of DLP-1, whereas DLP-2 was constituted by a large amount of (1→4)-β-D-Manp, (1→4)-β-D-Glcp, and other residues. Besides, DLP-1 and DLP-2 stimulated the proliferation and phagocytic capacities of RAW 264.7 cells and improved the production of nitric oxide, interleukin-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. These results proved that both DLP-1 and DLP-2 possessed excellent immunoregulatory bioactivities and could be functional food or adjuvant drug. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The leaf of Dendrobium officinale is a by-product with huge biomass. The lack of systematic research on its chemical composition and pharmacologic effect, leading to a great waste of resources. In order to maximize the value of D. officinale, this study aimed to investigate the structural characteristics and immunologic effects of two polysaccharide fractions (DLP-1 and DLP-2) from D. officinale leaves, showing that DLP-1 and DLP-2 in D. officinale leaves could be used as anti-inflammatory agents to avoid wasting.

Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Inflammatory Activities of a Novel Sulfated Galactofucan from Saccharina japonica

Seaweed of Saccharina japonica is the most abundantly cultured brown seaweed in the world, and has been consumed in the food industry due to its nutrition and the unique properties of its polysaccharides. In this study, fucoidan (LJNF3), purified from S. japonica, was found to be a novel sulfated galactofucan, with the monosaccharide of only fucose and galactose in a ratio of 79.22:20.78, and with an 11.36% content of sulfate groups. NMR spectroscopy showed that LJNF3 consists of (1→3)-α-l-fucopyranosyl-4-SO₃ residues and (1→6)-β-d-galactopyranose units. The molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect in RAW264.7 demonstrated that LJNF3 reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), and down-regulated the expression of MAPK (including p38, ENK and JNK) and NF-κB (including p65 and IKKα/IKKβ) signaling pathways. In a zebrafish experiment assay, LJNF3 showed a significantly protective effect, by reducing the cell death rate, inhibiting NO to 59.43%, and decreasing about 40% of reactive oxygen species. This study indicated that LJNF3, which only consisted of fucose and galactose, had the potential to be developed in the biomedical, food and cosmetic industries.

Novel polysaccharide extracted from Sipunculus nudus inhibits HepG2 tumour growth in vivo by enhancing immune function and inducing tumour cell apoptosis

A novel polysaccharide was extracted from Sipunculus nudus (SNP). The molecular weight (MW) of SNP was determined to be 9223 Da by high‐performance gel permeation chromatography analyses, and the structure of the SNP repeat units was determined to be →3,4‐β‐D‐GlcpNAC (1→ and →4) ‐α‐D‐Glcp (1→ in the ratio of 15:1; →2) ‐α ‐D‐Galp ‐ (1→ as a side chain; and β‐D‐Galp‐(1→ and α‐ D‐Glcp ‐ (1→ as end groups by GC‐MS analysis and NMR assays. The effect of SNP on hepatoma HepG2‐bearing mice was analysed to verify its potential in the clinical treatment of liver cancer. A total of 90 male athymic nu/nu mice were divided into therapeutic and preventive groups and fed with different amounts of SNP. The antitumour effect of SNP on HepG2‐bearing mice and mechanism of such were studied by analysing the tumour size, spleen index, thymus index, immune factors in the blood, tumour apoptosis factors, etc. The results suggest that SNP not only increased the index of immune organs in the body, but also enhanced the secretion of immune factors, including interleukin‐2, interferon gamma and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha in the serum. SNP induced the apoptosis of tumour cells via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, which upregulated caspase‐3, caspase‐8, caspase‐9 and BCL2‐associated X, but downregulated B‐cell lymphoma‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression. In conclusion, SNP inhibited tumour growth by enhancing immune function and inducing tumour cell apoptosis in HepG2‐bearing mice. Therefore, SNP may be further investigated as a promising candidate for future antitumour drugs.

Proteomic analysis of body wall and coelomic fluid in Sipunculus nudus

In order to make clear the protein compositions of Sipunculus nudus and investigate its immune-related proteins, proteomic analysis was performed on body wall and coelomic fluid of Sipunculus nudus. A total of 1659 proteins were identified, and 539 proteins were differentially expressed in the coelomic fluid compared to those in the body wall, of which 415 proteins were up-regulated while 124 proteins were down-regulated. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the GO terms involved in the two parts of Sipunculus nudus were similar, with metabolic processes, catalytic activity and cell occupying the top categories of biological process, molecular function and cellular component, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis showed that 49 pathways in body wall and 48 in coelomic fluid were mapped respectively, and these pathways were mainly related to cellular processes, environmental information processing, genetic information processing and metabolism. The COG analysis showed that 757 proteins from body wall and 889 from coelomic fluid were classified into 26 COG categories, respectively. Pfam annotation revealed the mainly immune-related proteins contained in Sipunculus nudus, such as insulin-like growth factor binding protein, catalase, basement membrane proteoglycan, titin. Our research provides the first proteomic information of Sipunculus nudus, which contributes to the study of functional proteins in Sipunculus nudus and is of great significance for the application of Sipunculus nudus in functional foods and medicines.

Collagen Peptides Derived from Sipunculus nudus Accelerate Wound Healing

Marine collagen peptides have high potential in promoting skin wound healing. This study aimed to investigate wound healing activity of collagen peptides derived from Sipunculus nudus (SNCP). The effects of SNCP on promoting healing were studied through a whole cortex wound model in mice. Results showed that SNCP consisted of peptides with a molecular weight less than 5 kDa accounted for 81.95%, rich in Gly and Arg. SNCP possessed outstanding capacity to induce human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human skin fibroblasts (HSF) cells proliferation and migration in vitro. In vivo, SNCP could markedly improve the healing rate and shorten the scab removal time, possessing a scar-free healing effect. Compared with the negative control group, the expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the SNCP group was significantly down-regulated at 7 days post-wounding (p < 0.01). Moreover, the mRNA level of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (Smad7) in SNCP group was up-regulated (p < 0.01); in contrast, type II TGF-β receptors, collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin were significantly down-regulated at 28 days (p < 0.01). These results indicate that SNCP possessed excellent activity of accelerating wound healing and inhibiting scar formation, and its mechanism was closely related to reducing inflammation, improving collagen deposition and recombination and blockade of the TGF-β/Smads signal pathway. Therefore, SNCP may have promising clinical applications in skin wound repair and scar inhibition.

Structure, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity of a polysaccharide extracted from Sacha inchi seeds

In this study, a novel water-soluble polysaccharide (PVLP-1) was extracted and purified from Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) seeds and the structure, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity of PVLP-1 were investigated. PVLP-1 (144 kDa) consisted of glucose (69.76%), mannose (14.86%), arabinose (10.53%), galactose (2.42%), ribose (1.23%), rhamnose (0.27%) and xylose (0.93%). PVLP-1 displayed characteristic polysaccharide bands in Fourier transform NMR spectra and infrared. The primary structure of PVLP-1 was a heteropolysaccharide with a backbone of (1 → 6)-linked glucose, sidechains of (1 → 4)-linked mannose, (1 → 4)-linked glucose and (1 → 3, 6)-linked mannose and a residue unit of →1)-linked arabinose as revealed the methylation analysis. PVLP-1 possessed good water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC) and antioxidant capacities. Besides, PVLP-1 induced the proliferation of RAW264.7 cell and enhanced the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-alpha(TNF-α) and IL-1 beta (IL-1β). The present study indicated that PVLP-1 possessed immune-enhancing bioactivities and could be functional food or adjuvant drug to improve biological immunity of immunodeficiency diseases and hypoimmunity.

An immune-stimulating proteoglycan from the medicinal mushroom Huaier up-regulates NF-κB and MAPK signaling via Toll-like receptor 4

Trametes robiniophila Murr. (Huaier) is a mushroom with a long history of use as a medicinal ingredient in China and exhibits good clinical efficacy in cancer management. However, the antitumor components of Huaier and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we isolated a proteoglycan with a molecular mass of ∼5.59 × 10⁴ Da from Huaier aqueous extract. We named this proteoglycan TPG-1, and using FTIR and additional biochemical analyses, we determined that its total carbohydrate and protein compositions are 43.9 and 41.2%, respectively. Using biochemical assays and immunoblotting, we found that exposing murine RAW264.7 macrophages to TPG-1 promotes the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent activation of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Of note, the TPG-1 treatment significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells likely at least in part by increasing serum levels of TNFα and promoting leukocyte infiltration into tumors in nude mice. TPG-1 also exhibited good antitumor activity in hepatoma H22-bearing mice and had no obvious adverse effects in these mice. We conclude that TPG-1 exerts antitumor activity partially through an immune-potentiating effect due to activation of the TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK signaling cassette. Therefore, TPG-1 may be a promising candidate drug for cancer immunotherapy. This study has identified the TPG-1 proteoglycan as an antitumor agent and provided insights into TPG-1's molecular mechanism, suggesting a potential utility for applying this agent in cancer therapy.

Immunomodulatory activity of non starch polysaccharides isolated from green gram (Vigna radiata)

Green gram, rich in dietary fiber is known to enhance the function of immune system. However information pertaining to the immunomodulatory potential of its non starch polysaccharides (NSPs) is scanty. Hence, five different NSPs were extracted successively using water (WSP), hot water (55 ^o C, HWSP), EDTA (0.5%, Pectins) and alkali (10%, Hemicellulose A and B) which varied in their arabinose to galactose ratio, sugar, protein, uronic acid contents, molecular weight distribution and immunomodulatory activity. Hemicellulose B was relatively rich in carbohydrate content (~95%) and also possessed potent immunomodulatory activity among the various NSPs. Hemicellulose B was further fractionated on DEAE-cellulose column into six different fractions by eluting step-wise with water, ammonium carbonate (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 M AC) and sodium hydroxide (0.1 and 0.2 M NaOH). 0.1 M AC eluted fraction was found to be the major one amounting to ~ 50% yield and showed relatively significant (p < 0.001) activity towards splenocyte proliferation and macrophage activation as compared with rest of the DEAE eluted fractions.

Structural Characterization and Immunostimulatory Activity of Polysaccharides from Brassica rapa L.

Two neutral polysaccharides (BRNP-1, 6.9 kDa; BRNP-2, 4.8 kDa) were purified from the common edible plant Brassica rapa L. via the combined techniques of ion-exchange chromatography and high-performance gel permeation chromatography. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 were composed of glucosyl residues. Methylation and 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses revealed that both BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 contained a backbone chain that was composed of α-D-(1 → 4)-linked Glcp residues and side chains that were composed of terminally linked Glcp residues attached at the O-6 position of backbone-glycosyl residues. BRNP-1 and BRNP-2, however, differed in branch degree and molecular weight. Bioassay results showed that treatment with the higher dosage (400 μg/mL) of BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 stimulated the proliferation, NO release, and cytokine secretion (IL-6 and TNF-α) of RAW264.7 macrophages. These results suggested that BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 may enhance macrophage-mediated immune responses.

Characterization and immunostimulating effects on murine peritoneal macrophages of a novel protein isolated from Panax quinquefolius L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax quinquefolius L. has been used as a proverbial tonic in oriental countries for hundreds of years. It is used as a traditional medicinal herb to nourish vitality.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of our study was to inquiry the activation effects on murine peritoneal macrophages of a novel protein separated from the roots of Panax quinquefolius L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our work, a novel protein of the roots of American ginseng (AGNP) was separated and purified from the roots of Panax quinquefolius L. The characteristic was investigated with SDS-PAGE, high pressure gel filtration chromatography (HPGFC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass (MALDI-TOF-MS) spectrometry method. The method of neutral red was carried out to investigate the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages. And Griess method and colorimetry were executed to detect the level of nitric oxide and iNOS activity respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that the subunit molecular weight of AGNP determined by SDS-PAGE was 15kD and the content of proteins determined by Bradford assay was 2.31mg/mL. The molecular weight of the AGNP was15, 114Da both of electrophoresis and MS purity. And the result of HPGFC showed that the molecular weight of AGNP was 31,086Da, Immunological studied indicated that AGNP could conspicuously increase phagocytosis of macrophages, facilitate the nitric oxide production, Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 production. What is more, AGNP dose-dependently stimulated NO formation through the up-regulation of iNOS activity.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, AGNP had good immunoregulatory effects supporting the traditional claims and may provide a valuable therapeutic strategy to promoting immune function and metabolism.

Mechanism of the immunostimulatory activity by a polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata

Dictyophora indusiata, an edible mushroom, is widely used not only as health foods but also as traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the immunostimulatory activity of a polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata (DIP) in RAW264.7 cells. Results indicated that DIP induced the up-regulation of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) production as well as the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages. Furthermore, the functional blocking antibodies against TLR4 could markedly suppress DIP-mediated NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production. Flow cytometry and confocal laser-scanning microscopy analyses confirmed that DIP could bind specifically to target cells, and the binding could be inhibited by anti-TLR4 monoclonal antibodies. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 was significantly induced by DIP. Therefore, the DIP-induced macrophage activation may be mediated via the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Immunomodulatory activity on macrophage of a purified polysaccharide extracted from Laminaria japonica

In this work, a novel water-soluble homogeneous polysaccharide (LJP-31) with a molecular mass of 2.24 × 10(6) Da was isolated and purified from Laminaria japonica using DEAE-cellulose and Sephacryl S500 chromatography. Results showed that LJP-31 mainly consists of arabinose, mannose, glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 1.0:7.8:6.6:0.8. LJP-31 exhibited significant stimulation on macrophages and enhanced the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 as well as the up-regulation of their gene expressions. Western blot analysis suggested that LJP-31 has the positive effects on the translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus and the phosphorylation of IκBα, ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and P38 in macrophages. Flow cytometric and confocal laser-scanning microscopy analysis indicated that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was at least one of the recognition receptors of LJP-31 on the plasma membrane of macrophages. Taken together, LJP-31 may exert its immunostimulating potency via TLR4 activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Stimulation of RAW264.7 macrophages by sulfated Escherichia coli K5 capsular polysaccharide in vitro

The aim of the present study was to explore the immunomodulatory effects of sulfated K5 polysaccharide derivatives on RAW264.7 macro-phage cells, and to further elucidate the structure‑activity relationship. In the present study, chemically sulfated polysaccharides were derived from Escherichia coli K5 capsular polysaccharide (K5PS), and molecular weight determination, sugar analysis, and other physical and chemical characterizations were performed on the derived polysaccharides. Enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that K5‑OS2 stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells to release TNF‑α and IL‑1β proinflammatory cytokines. K5‑OS2 also induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase iNOS, which is responsible for the production of nitric oxide. In addition, K5‑OS2 markedly induced macrophage‑mediated cytotoxicity against cancer cells and promoted the phagocytic activity of the RAW264.7 cells. Therefore, K5‑OS2 activated macrophages and acted as a potent immunomodulator. Observations of the present study also indicated that sulfation modification enhanced the immune‑enhancing activity of K5PS, and that the high sulfation in the O‑position of K5PS may be required for the immunomodulatory activities of the Escherichia coli K5 capsular polysaccharide.

Radioprotective effects of Sipunculus nudus L. polysaccharide combined with WR-2721, rhIL-11 and rhG-CSF on radiation-injured mice

This study investigated the radioprotective effect of Sipunculus nudus L. polysaccharide (SNP) in combination with WR-2721, rhIL-11 and rhG-CSF on irradiated mice. A total of 70 Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice were divided into seven groups: the control group, the model group and five administration groups. All groups, except the control group, were exposed to a 5 Gy (60)Co γ-ray beam. Blood parameters [including white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts and hemoglobin level] were assessed three days before irradiation, and the on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after irradiation. Spleen, thymus and testicular indices, DNA contents of bone marrow cells, bone marrow nucleated cells, sperm counts, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone and estradiol levels in the serum were assessed on the 14th day after irradiation. The combined administration of SNP, WR-2721, rhIL-11 and rhG-CSF exerted synergistic recovery effects on peripheral blood WBC, RBC and platelet counts and hemoglobin levels in irradiated mice, and synergistic promotion effects on spleen, thymus, testicle, bone marrow nucleated cells and sperm counts in irradiated mice. The synergistic administration increased the serum SOD activities and serum testosterone content of irradiated mice, but synergy decreased the content of serum MDA and estradiol in irradiated mice. These results suggest that the combined administration of SNP, WR-2721, rhIL-11 and rhG-CSF should increase the efficacy of these drugs for acute radiation sickness, protect immunity, hematopoiesis and the reproductive organs of irradiated-damaged mice, and improve oxidation resistance in the body.

Structural identification and immunostimulating activity of a Laminaria japonica polysaccharide

In the present study, a new water-soluble polysaccharide (LJP-11) was obtained from Laminaria japonica by anion exchange DEAE-cellulose chromatography and Sephacryl S-500 chromatography. The average molecular weight of this polysaccharide was estimated to be about 2.89×10(6) Da by high performance liquid chromatography system. Gas chromatography showed that LJP-11 was composed of arabinose, mannose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1.0:1.16:6.33. LJP-11 contains a long backbone consisting of (1→4)-β-D-GlcpAc, (1→4)-α-D-Glcp, (1→6)-β-D-Glcp and (1→3,6)-α-D-Manp. The 1-linked β-L-Araf was linked to the C-6 of (1→3)-α-D-Manp and the sulfate group was attached to the C-4 of (1→6)-β-D-Glcp. Pharmacological tests displayed that LJP-11 can stimulate macrophages to release NO, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 as well as the up-regulation of their gene expressions, indicating LJP-11 has beneficial effects on immunostimulation. Moreover, LJP-11 exhibited positive effects on the translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus and the phosphorylation of IκBα, ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and P38 in macrophages. These results suggested that the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways is one of the mechanisms responsible for the immunostimulating activity of LJP-11.

Activation of macrophages stimulated by the bengkoang fiber extract through toll-like receptor 4

Bengkoang (Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban) is an edible root tuber containing fairly large amounts of carbohydrates and crude fibers. Our previous studies showed that the bengkoang fiber extract (BFE) stimulates activation of macrophages, leading to induction of phagocytotic activity and cytokine production. In the present study we investigated the mechanism underlying activation of murine macrophages by BFE. BFE increased production of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide by J774.1 cells. In addition BFE also facilitated the gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase. We examined the effect of a TLR4 inhibitor on cytokine production to investigate the membrane receptor of macrophage activation by BFE. Treatment of J774.1 cells with the TLR4 inhibitor significantly inhibited production of IL-6 and TNF-α, suggesting that TLR4 is the target membrane receptor for BFE. The main signal molecules located downstream of TLR4 such as JNK, p38, ERK, and NF-κB were activated by BFE treatment. The immunostimulatory effect of BFE was cancelled by the pectinase treatment, suggesting that the active ingredient in BFE is pectin-like molecules. Overall results suggested that BFE activates J774.1 cells via the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Effects of drying methods on physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharide-protein complexes from litchi pulp

Dried litchi pulp has been used in traditional remedies in China for many years to treat various diseases, and the therapeutic activity has been, at least partly, attributed to the presence of bioactive polysaccharides. Polysaccharide-protein complexes from vacuum freeze-(VF), vacuum microwave-(VM) and heat pump (HP) dried litchi pulp, which were coded as LP-VF, LP-VM and LP-HP, were comparatively studied on the physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties. LP-HP had a predominance of galactose, while glucose was the major sugar component in LP-VF and LP-VM. Compared with LP-VF and LP-VM, LP-HP contained more aspartate and glutamic in binding protein. LP-HP also exhibited a stronger stimulatory effect on splenocyte proliferation at 200 μg/mL and triggered higher NO, TNF-α and IL-6 secretion from RAW264.7 macrophages. Different drying methods caused the difference in physicochemical properties of polysaccharide-protein complexes from dried litchi pulp, which resulted in significantly different immunomodulatory activity. HP drying appears to be the best method for preparing litchi pulp to improve its immunomodulatory properties.

Purification, characterization and immunomodulating activity of a polysaccharide from flowers of Abelmoschus esculentus

A water-soluble polysaccharide (OFPS11) was obtained from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) flowers using aqueous extraction and purification with DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephacryl™ S-500 column. Its preliminary characterization and immunomodulating activity were investigated. Results showed that OFPS11 is mainly composed of galactose and rhamnose in a molar ratio of 2.23:1 with molecular mass of 1,700 kDa. RAW264.7 cells pretreated with OFPS11 significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG-2 cells. Additionally, OFPS11 enhanced the phagocytic ability and induced the elevation of NO production, TNF-α and IL-1β secretion of RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, OFPS11 promoted both the expression of iNOS protein and of iNOS and TNF-α mRNA. OFPS11 can strongly increase NF-κB levels in nucleuses, which is an important transcription factor that can modulate expressions of iNOS, NO and TNF-α. These outcomes support that OFPS11 exerts its antitumor activity by probably stimulating macrophage activities through nuclear NF-κB pathway.

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of a water-soluble low molecular weight polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill

A water-soluble low molecular weight polysaccharide (SCPP11) was extracted and purified using DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Its in vivo and in vitro antitumor and immunomodulatory activity were investigated. The results showed that SCPP11 with a molecular weight of 3.4×10(3)Da exhibited indirect cyctotoxic activity against tumor cells in vitro, but could significantly inhibit the growth of Heps cells in vivo at dose of 50mg/kg, and its inhibition rate is higher than that in the positive group. Moreover, SCPP11 could ameliorate the hematological and biochemical parameters to almost normal and no significant changes in organ weight, and could increase the body weight. In addition, SCPP11 (at 50mg/kg) could also increased in thymus indexes as well as IL-2 and TNF-α levels in serum in vivo and significantly enhance the phagocytosis activity and the productions of NO of RAW264.7 in vitro. The results indicated that antitumor properties of SCPP11 might be achieved by improving immune response. It could be explored as a potential adjuvant against cancer used in the health food and pharmaceutical therapy.

Isolation and characterization of exopolysaccharide with immunomodulatory activity from fermentation broth of Morchella conica

Background and the purpose of this study

Mushroom polysaccharides have traditionally been used for the prevention and treatment of a multitude of disorders like infectious illnesses, cancers and various autoimmune diseases. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that certain polysaccharides affect immune system function. Morchella conica (M. conica) is a species of rare edible mushroom whose multiple medicinal functions have been proven. Thus, the objective of this study is to isolate and characterize of exopolysaccharide from submerged mycelial culture of M. conica, and to evaluate its immunomodulatory activity.

Methods

A water-soluble Morchella conica Polysaccharides (MCP) were extracted and isolated from the fermentation broth of M. conica through a combination of DEAE-cellulose and Sephacryl S-300 HR chromatograph. NMR and IR spectroscopy has played a developing role in identification of polysaccharide with different structure and composition from fungal and plant sources, as well as complex glycosaminoglycans of animal origin. Thus, NMR and IR spectroscopy were used to analyze the chemical structure and composition of the isolated polysaccharide. Moreover, the polysaccharide was tested for its immunomodulatory activity at different concentrations using in vitro model.

Results

The results showed that MCP may significantly modulate nitric oxide production in macrophages, and promote splenocytes proliferation. Analysis from HPLC, infrared spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that MCP was a homogeneous mannan with an average molecular weight of approximately 81.2 kDa. The glycosidic bond links is →6)-α-D-Man p-(1→.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the extracted MCP may modulate nitric oxide production in macrophages and promote splenocytes proliferation, and it may act as a potent immunomodulatory agent.

Antitumor and immunostimulatory activity of a polysaccharide-protein complex from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch in tumor-bearing mice

Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch has been used for cancer treatment in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. In this study, the effects of a polysaccharide-protein complex from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch (SPPC) on the tumor growth and immune function were assessed in sarcoma S180 and hepatoma H22 bearing mice. Results showed that SPPC significantly inhibited the growth of S180 transplanted in mice and prolonged the survival time of H22- bearing mice. In S180-bearing mice, it promoted specific and nonspecific immune response as evidenced by enhancing the activities of natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines, and increasing the percentages of CD4(+) T cells, B cells and NK cells. Furthermore, SPPC not only significantly inhibited mRNA expression and production of the immunosuppressive cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), but also diminished arachidonic acid (AA)-metabolizing enzymes (COX-2 and CYP4A) and their products (PGE(2) and 20-HETE) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Taken together, our results indicate that SPPC inhibits tumor growth in vivo by improving antitumor immune responses at least partly via downregulating AA-metabolic pathways in TAMs, and could act as an anti-tumor agent with immunomodulatory activity.