Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of modified polysaccharides from Coprinus comatus in mice with alcohol-induced liver injury

Preparation, Structural Identification, and Screening of Egg-Derived Peptides with Facilitating Alcohol Metabolism Activity

The aim of this study was to obtain egg-derived peptides with facilitating alcohol metabolism (EPs) by enzymolysis, to identify their structures, and screen small polypeptides with higher activity by molecular docking. The optimum conditions for preparing EPs with facilitating alcohol metabolism were obtained by a single factor experiment, adding 2% Protamex and performing enzymolysis for 3 h with a liquid-material ratio of 35:1. The dose-response relationship experiment showed that 800 mg/kg·bw EPs played a better role in facilitating alcohol metabolism. EPs contained 40% hydrophobic amino acids (HAA), including 9.24% Leu. Eighty-four peptides were identified by HPLC-MS/MS and four peptides with potential activation of alcohol dehydrogenase were further selected by molecular docking. The tetrapeptide Trp-Ile-Val-Asp (WIVD) with the highest binding energy reached -7.16 kcal/mol. These findings suggest that egg is a good source for the preparation of peptides with facilitating alcohol metabolism activity.

Astragaloside IV ameliorate acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice via modulating gut microbiota and regulating NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a natural saponin substance extracted from the plant Radix Astragali with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and liver-protecting effects. This study was to evaluate the liver protection effect of AS-IV on mice after acute alcohol stimulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were orally administrated with AS-IV (50, 150, and 500 mg/kg, respectively), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, 50 mg/kg) daily for 7 days, before giving five alcohol-intragastric injections.

RESULTS

Results suggested that the levels of serum ALT and AST, liver SOD, GSH-PX, 4-HNE, and MDA, serum and liver TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), diamine oxidase (DAO) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO), the mRNA and protein expression of hepatic NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly decreased in AS-IV-treated mice compared with the model group. Moreover, the effect of AS-IV on histopathology of liver tissue confirmed its protective function. Furthermore, AS-IV ameliorated the gut microbiota imbalance and adjusted the abundance of the following dysfunctional bacteria closer to the control group: Butyricicoccus, Turicibacter, Akkermansia, Anaerotruncus, and Mucispirillum. A strong correlation between intestinal bacteria and potential biomarkers was found.

CONCLUSION

Together, our findings indicated that AS-IV exert the hepatoprotective effect by modulating the gut microbiota imbalance and regulating NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

Effect of natural polysaccharides on alcoholic liver disease: A review

In this study, we systematically collected relevant literature in the past five years on the intervention of natural polysaccharides in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and reviewed the pharmacological activities and potential mechanisms of action. Natural polysaccharides are effective in preventing liver tissue degeneration, inhibiting the alcohol-induced expression of inflammatory factors, inactivation of antioxidant enzymes, and abnormal hepatic lipid deposition. Natural polysaccharides regulate the expression of proteins, such as tight junction proteins, production of small molecule metabolites, and balance of intestinal flora in the intestinal tract to alleviate ALD. Natural polysaccharides also exert therapeutic effects by modulating inflammatory, oxidative, lipid metabolism, and other pathways in the liver. Natural polysaccharides also inhibit alcohol-induced intestinal abnormalities by regulating intestinal flora and feeding back into the liver via the gut-liver axis. However, existing research on natural polysaccharides has many shortcomings: for example, most of the natural polysaccharides for testing are total polysaccharides or crude polysaccharides, progress in research on in vivo metabolic processes and mechanisms is slow, and the degree of industrialisation is insufficient. Finally, we discuss the difficulties in studying natural polysaccharides and future directions to provide a theoretical basis for their development and application.

Protective Effect of Polyphenols, Protein, Peptides, and Polysaccharides on Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Review of Research Status and Molecular Mechanisms

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has emerged as an important public health problem in the world. The polyphenols, protein, peptides, and polysaccharides have attracted attention for prevention or treatment of ALD. Therefore, this paper reviews the pathogenesis of ALD, the relationship between polyphenols, peptides, polysaccharides, and ALD, and expounds the mechanism of gut microbiota on protecting ALD. It is mainly found that the hydroxyl group of polyphenols endows it with antioxidation to protect ALD. The ALD protection of bioactive peptides is related to amino acid composition. The ALD protection of polysaccharides is related to the primary structure. Meanwhile, polyphenols, protein, peptides, and polysaccharides prevent or treat ALD by antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptosis, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota regulation. This contribution provides updated information on polyphenols, protein, peptides, and polysaccharides in response to ALD, which will not only facilitate the development of novel bioactive components but also the future application of functional food raw materials will be promoted.

Comparison of chemical property and in vitro digestion behavior of polysaccharides from Auricularia polytricha mycelium and fruit body

The antioxidant activity of Auricularia polytricha is associated tightly with its polysaccharide concentration, molar mass and architecture. This study aims to explore the differences in structural and physicochemical traits and oxidation resistances between the polysaccharides from fruit body (ABPs) and mycelial (IAPs) of Auricularia polytricha. The results showed that ABPs and IAPs were constituted by glucose, glucuronic acid, galactose and mannose. However, the molecular weight distribution of IAPs (3.22 × 10⁴ Da (52.73%) and 1.95 × 10⁶ Da (24.71%)) was wider than that of ABPs (5.4 × 10⁶ Da (95.77%)). The shear-thinning performance and viscoelastic behavior of both IAPs and ABPs are representative. IAPs are scattered in sheets, with folds and holes, and have a triple helix structure. ABPs are compact in structure and clear in texture. The main functional groups and thermal stability of both polysaccharides were similar. Concerning the in-vitro oxidation resistance, both of the studied polysaccharides exhibited the potent potential to scavenge hydroxyl radicals (IC₅₀ = 3.37 ± 0.32 and 6.56 ± 0.54 mg/mL, respectively) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (IC₅₀ = 0.89 ± 0.22 and 1.48 ± 0.63 mg/mL, respectively), as well as the moderate reduction power. In addition, IAPs and ABPs were both completely undigested in simulated contexts of saliva, small intestine and stomach, and the two polysaccharide types maintained high DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. DDPH scavenging rate during digestion was positively correlated with uronic acid content. To conclude, this study suggests the potential of IAPs as an equivalent alternative to ABPs.

Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide ameliorates liver fibrosis through TGF-β1-mediated the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and modulating gut microbiota

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide (AMP) on TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice and its mechanism, as well as the changes in intestinal flora in vivo. This was established with a dose of 200 mg/kg TAA (i.p) once every three days, lasting for eight weeks. Colchicine with 0.4 mg/kg, and AMP (200 and 400 mg/kg) were given by intragastric administration (i.g) after 28 days of intraperitoneal injection of TAA. AMP treatment significantly inhibited the activities of liver injury markers ALT and AST in serum. Histopathological staining demonstrated that AMP significantly reversed TAA-induced hepatocyte necrosis and collagen deposition. In addition, AMP treatment block TGF- β1/Smads pathway inhibited the production of ECM and alleviates liver fibrosis. Furthermore, AMP treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and decreased the expression of its downstream apoptosis-related proteins in liver, thus effectively alleviating TAA-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis showed that AMP treatment helped restore the imbalanced ecosystem of gut microbes, increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, and increased species richness. Above findings clearly show that AMP is an effective method for treating liver fibrosis, possibly by improving the gut microbiota.

Oudemansiella raphanipies Polysaccharides Improve Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Murine High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Oudemansiella raphanipies, also called “Edible Queen,” is a mushroom that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor and immunity-enhancing properties. The present study aimed to assess the effect of O. raphanipies-derived polysaccharide (ORPS) on the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. We studied the structure of ORPS-1 by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), ion chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). ORPS-1 mainly comprised galactose, fucose, glucose, mannose, and xylose, following an 18:6:6:4:1 molar ratio. In addition, the therapeutic effect as well as a potential mechanism of ORPS-1 in the treatment of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD were investigated. The results showed that ORPS-1 improved liver function, ameliorated liver steatosis, and reduced lipid droplet accumulation in HFD mice. A metabolomics approach with GC-MS was utilized to evaluate liver improvement by ORPS-1 treatment. Principal component analysis showed that liver metabolic profiling was significantly altered by HFD feeding or treatment with an intermediate dose of ORPS-1 in mice compared with that of control mice. By investigating the metabolic pathways with identified biomarkers, various pathways such as steroid biosynthesis, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, glyceride metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism in HFD mice were observed to be significantly influenced by ORPS-1 treatment. The results indicate ORPS-1 metabolic effects on liver tissues, provide methods for assessing the molecular impact of ORPS-1 on NAFLD, and suggest the potential mechanism underlying its health benefits.

The Regulatory Roles of Polysaccharides and Ferroptosis-Related Phytochemicals in Liver Diseases

Liver disease is a global health burden with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Liver injuries can develop into severe end-stage diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, without valid treatment. Therefore, identifying novel drugs may promote liver disease treatment. Phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, are abundant in foods and medicinal plants and have various bioactivities, such as antioxidation, immunoregulation, and tumor killing. Recent studies have shown that many natural polysaccharides play protective roles in liver disease models in vitro and in vivo, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and liver cancer. The mechanisms of liver disease are complex. Notably, ferroptosis, a new type of cell death driven by iron and lipid peroxidation, is considered to be the key mechanism in many hepatic pathologies. Therefore, polysaccharides and other types of phytochemicals with activities in ferroptosis regulation provide novel therapeutic strategies for ferroptosis-related liver diseases. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms of ferroptosis and liver injury and compelling preclinical evidence of natural bioactive polysaccharides and phytochemicals in treating liver disease.

Non-Alcoholic Components in Huangjiu as Potential Factors Regulating the Intestinal Barrier and Gut Microbiota in Mouse Model of Alcoholic Liver Injury

Different alcoholic beverages and drinking patterns might exert divergent impacts on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) progression. Whether the abundant non-alcoholic components (NAC) in fermented wine could alleviate ethanol (EtOH)-induced adverse influences on the liver remains unknown. Hence, the chronic ALD mouse model was established to compare the effects of Huangjiu (a typical fermented wine) and EtOH feeding on the liver, intestinal barrier, gut microbiota, and intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content. Although Huangjiu intake led to slight hepatic steatosis, it mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal damage relative to EtOH intake. In comparison with EtOH feeding, Huangjiu significantly improved the intestinal barrier integrity and reduced hepatic lipopolysaccharide levels by up-regulating the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and antimicrobial activity peptides (Reg3β and Reg3γ). The administration of Huangjiu NAC partially restored alcohol-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis via recovering the abundance of Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, and Akkermansia. Moreover, mice receiving Huangjiu showed higher SCFAs levels (such as acetic acid and butyric acid) than those receiving EtOH. Huangjiu consumption resulted in lower hepatotoxicity than pure EtOH, at the same alcohol dose. The NAC in Huangjiu might attenuate the progression of ALD by regulating intestinal barrier function and microbiota-meditated gut ecology.

Synergistic hepatoprotective effect of combined administration of Lachnum polysaccharide with silymarin

In recent years, combination therapy has gradually become one of the hot spots. As a new therapy strategy, we investigated the combination treatment of polysaccharide from Lachnum sp. (LEP-2b) with silymarin and compared the effects with mono-therapy. In this study, combining high-dose LEP-2b with silymarin (CH) significantly reduced serum biochemistry indexes (ALT, AST, AKP, LDH), hepatic inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and improved the antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GSH, MDA and T-AOC), in which its effect on TNF-α was very significant (P < 0.001). Therefore, the expressions of related proteins in the JNK/p38 signaling pathway associated with TNF-α were examined. The result showed that CH treatment markedly increased the expression of p-p38 and inhibited the JNK phosphorylation. TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical staining and western blot assays demonstrated that the hepatoprotective effect of CH treatment was probably related with inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis. In summary, combination of high dose LEP-2b with silymarin would be a more effective method to protect liver injury than mono-therapy.

Wheat embryo globulin protects against acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice

Wheat Embryo Globulin (WEG) is a high-quality plant-derived protein with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunity enhancement effects. WEG was prepared and characterized using free amino acid analysis, circular dichroism (CD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The liver protection effect of WEG on mice after acute alcohol stimulation was also investigated. Male KM mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10). Animals were orally administrated with WEG (60 mg/kg), silymarin (50 mg/kg), and the same volume of saline solution daily for 30 days, before administering an alcohol-intragastric injection. Results displayed that the liver index, the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), serum triglyceride (TG), liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and the mRNA expression of CYP2E1were significantly decreased in WEG-treated mice compared with the model group. Meanwhile, the levels of serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the mRNA expression of ADH₂ and ALDH₂ were remarkably increased. Effect of WEG on histopathology of liver tissue confirmed its protective function. Meanwhile, GSH level of ileal was significantly increased, MDA was remarkably decreased in WEG-treated mice, which also indicated that WEG possessed a positive effect on intestinal micro ecological environment health to some extent. In conclusion, WEG is a promising agent for the prevention of acute alcoholic liver injury.

Comparison of the structures and prebiotic-like effects in vitro of polysaccharides from Coprinus comatus fruit body and mycelium

Many effects of Coprinus comatus are attributed to its polysaccharide components. Therefore, the aim of this article is to take Coprinus comatus polysaccharides as the research topic to estimate the difference between the polysaccharides of Coprinus comatus fruiting bodies (CBPs) and the intracellular polysaccharides of liquid fermentation (ICPs). The total carbohydrate contents, monosaccharide compositions, molecular weights, functional groups, microstructures and functional properties of the two prepared polysaccharides were evaluated. At the same time, the influences of the two polysaccharides on the proliferation of lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in vitro were compared. The structural analysis exhibited that there were slight differences in the two prepared polysaccharides. However, both ICPs and CBPs could be utilized by these two strains. Furthermore, the effects of the two prepared polysaccharides on the proliferation of the selected probiotics were dose-dependent manners within the scope of the experiment, and the ICPs group and CBPs group had no significant difference (P > 0.05). Therefore, this work demonstrates that ICPs could be an equivalent replacer for CBPs.

The Prebiotic-Like Effects of Coprinus comatus Polysaccharides on Gut Microbiota in Normal Mice and Those with Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury: A Comparative Study

This study aims to investigate the prebiotic-like effects of Coprinus comatus polysaccharides (CCP) on gut microbiota. Mice were divided into four groups: normal group (NG), alcohol group (AG), polysaccharides group (PG), and alcohol + polysaccharides group (APG). The gut microbiota structure of feces was analyzed by determining the V3-V4 region sequence in 16S rDNA. The results showed CCP could increase the diversity of gut microbiota. Compared with NG, PG had a significantly higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillaceae and a lower abundance of Rikenellaceae. These changes in gut microbiota result in positive effects on gut due to a series of prebiotic-like effects of CCP. At the same time, CCP could improve some adverse changes in gut microbiota caused by acute alcohol intake, such as the increased proportion of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Muribaculaceae, and Lachnospiraceae and the decreased proportion of Rikenellaceae. In conclusion, the CCP has certain prebiotic effects not only on normal mice but also on mice with acute alcoholic liver injury.

The structural characteristics, antioxidant and hepatoprotection activities of polysaccharides from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. leaves

This work aimed to investigate the structural characteristics, antioxidant activities and hepatoprotection effect of Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. leaves polysaccharides (COP) on alcohol-induced oxidative damage in mice. Physical and chemical analysis showed that COP contained four monosaccharides including arabinose (Ara), mannose (Man), glucose (Glu) and galactose (Gal), with mass percentages of 26.6%, 5.1%, 32.2% and 36.0%, respectively, which was a heteropolysaccharide with both α- and β- configurations. In vivo experiments indicated that oral administration COP significantly reduced the levels of ALT, AST and MDA in serum, and significantly increased the activity of SOD and GSH-Px. Mice pretreated with COP had a higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in liver and lower content of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the liver and serum when compared with alcohol exposure. In addition, the liver histopathological changes induced by alcohol returned to normal in the COP pretreatment group. These results suggest that COP has a protective effect on acute liver injury induced by alcohol.

The two faces of Coprinus comatus-Functional properties and potential hazards

Mushrooms have been used for centuries not only as food but also in traditional medicine as a source of components with pro‐health activity. One of them is Coprinus comatus (O.F.Müll.) Pers. also called shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig. In Asian countries, C. comatus (CC) is approved as edible mushroom and often cultivated for consumption, whereas in many other countries, although it is widespread, it is unrecognized and not used. In this review, for the first time, we discussed about the composition related to functional properties as well as the potential risks associated with consumption of CC by reviewing scientific literature. The information has been collected in order to get to know this species thoroughly. Various studies show many of the physiological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiandrogenic, hepatoprotective, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antibacterial, antifungal, antinematode, and antiviral. Besides positive physiological properties, CC has also negative features, for example, skin reactions in patients with dermatitis and atopic predisposition, risk of confusion with poisonous mushrooms, quick autolysis after collection, and contamination of toxic elements.

Effects of Food Processing on In Vivo Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Properties of Green Tea Extracts

Food processing can affect the nutrition and safety of foods. A previous study showed that tannase and ultrasound treatment could significantly increase the antioxidant activities of green tea extracts according to in vitro evaluation methods. Since the results from in vitro and in vivo experiments may be inconsistent, the in vivo antioxidant activities of the extracts were studied using a mouse model of alcohol-induced acute liver injury in this study. Results showed that all the extracts decreased the levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase in serum, reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and triacylglycerol in the liver, and increased the levels of catalase and glutathione in the liver, which can alleviate hepatic oxidative injury. In addition, the differences between treated and original extracts were not significant in vivo. In some cases, the food processing can have a negative effect on in vivo antioxidant activities. That is, although tannase and ultrasound treatment can significantly increase the antioxidant activities of green tea extracts in vitro, it cannot improve the in vivo antioxidant activities, which indicates that some food processing might not always have positive effects on products for human benefits.

Comparative study on hepatoprotection of pine nut (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) polysaccharide against different types of chemical-induced liver injury models in vivo

A novel polysaccharide (PNP80b-2) was obtained from Pinus koraiensis pine nut, which has been proved to possess good hepatoprotective effects in vitro. This study comprehensively investigated its hepatoprotective activities against different types of chemical-induced liver injury in vivo. Carbon tetrachloride, alcohol and acetaminophen were used as hepatic toxicants to establish chemical pollutant-induced liver injury (CILI) model, alcohol induced-liver injury (AILI) model and drug-induced liver injury (DILI) model, respectively. The results showed that PNP80b-2 prevented elevation of biomarkers for liver injury in each model, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (TBIL). The expression of cytochrome P450 in damaged hepatocytes was also downregulated. Additionally, PNP80b-2 enhanced hepatic antioxidant capacity through upregulating the expression of NRF2 and HO-1, thereby increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The uncontrolled production of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in CILI, AILI and DILI models was also suppressed by PNP80b-2. By contrast, PNP80b-2 exerted the strongest hepatoprotection against AILI model, through improving hepatic antioxidant capacity via NRF2/ARE pathway and regulating inflammation response. Thus, PNP80b-2 is a promising functional food to prevent AILI.

Protective effects of polysaccharides on hepatic injury: A review

Chronic hepatic injury caused by hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection, high fat diet and alcohol intake has increased to be the critical promoter of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These high risk factors set into motion a vicious cycle of hepatocyte death, inflammation and fibrosis that finally results in cirrhosis and HCC after several decades. However, the treatment options for HCC are very limited. Therefore, early treatment of liver injury may reduce the incidence and probability of HCC or delay the progression of HCC. Substantial ongoing research has focused on nontoxic biological macromolecules, mainly polysaccharides, which possess prominent efficacies on hepatoprotective activity. Based on these encouraging observations, a great deal of effort has been devoted to discovering novel polysaccharides for the development of effective therapeutics for hepatic injury. This review focuses on the protective effects of polysaccharides on liver injury, including hepatitis virus infection, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and other hepatic injuries, and describes the underlying mechanisms.

Antioxidation, hepatic- and renal-protection of water-extractable polysaccharides by Dictyophora indusiata on obese mice

The present work aimed to investigate the antioxidation, hepatic- and renal-protection of water-extractable polysaccharides (WPS) by Dictyophora indusiata fruiting body on high-fat emulsion-induced obese mice. The structural analysis indicated that WPS was the α-configurational heteropolysaccharide with the major monosaccharides of mannose and glucose, and the polydispersity of 1.77. The in vivo results showed that WPS administration could improve obesity-associated hepatic and renal metabolic impairment, reduce body weight and ameliorate oxidative stress of liver and kidney by down-regulating serum enzyme activities and hepatic lipid levels, stabilizing serum lipid status, enhancing antioxidant abilities and decreasing insulin and leptin resistance. The in vitro experiments showed that WPS had potential abilities to scavenge free radicals. The conclusions demonstrated that WPS might be used as a salutary food and natural medicine for preventing obesity-associated damage and its complications.