The hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury rats

Analysis of the liver-gut axis including metabolomics and intestinal flora to determine the protective effects of kiwifruit seed oil on CCl4-induced acute liver injury

The hepatoprotective effects of kiwifruit seed oil (KSO) were evaluated on acute liver injury (ALI) induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in vivo. Network pharmacology was used to predict active compounds and targets. Metabolomics and gut microbiota analyses were used to discover the activity mechanism of KSO. KSO improved the liver histological structure, significantly reduced serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, and increased liver antioxidant capacity. The metabolomics analysis showed that KSO may have hepatoprotective effects by controlling metabolites through its participation in signaling pathways like tryptophan metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, galactose metabolism, and bile secretion. The gut microbiota analysis demonstrated that KSO improved the composition and quantity of the gut flora. Network pharmacological investigations demonstrated that KSO operated by altering Ptgs2, Nos2, Ppara, Pparg and Serpine1 mRNA levels. All evidence shows that KSO has a hepatoprotective effect, and the mechanism is connected to the regulation of metabolic disorders and intestinal flora.

Anti-inflammatory properties of polysaccharides from edible fungi on health-promotion: a review

Edible fungus polysaccharides have garnered significant attention from scholars due to their safety and potential anti-inflammatory activity. However, comprehensive summaries of their anti-inflammatory properties are still rare. This paper provides a detailed overview of the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of these polysaccharides, as well as their impact on inflammation-related diseases. Additionally, the relationship between their structure and anti-inflammatory activity is discussed. It is believed that this review will greatly enhance the understanding of the application of edible fungus polysaccharides in anti-inflammatory treatments, thereby significantly promoting the development and utilization of edible fungi.

Study of growth-improving and sporophore-inducing endobacteria isolated from Pleurotus pulmonarius

Several Pleurotus species (oyster mushrooms) are commercially cultivated in India owing to the favorable tropical agro-climatic conditions. However, there are only a few studies on the microbiome of mushrooms, especially oyster mushrooms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of endobacteria on mycelial growth, spawning, sporophore development, and proximate composition of P. pulmonarius. We isolated several bacterial strains from the sporophores of P. pulmonarius and assessed the in vitro production of indole acetic acid, ammonia, and siderophores. The selected bacteria were individually supplemented with spawn, substrate, or both for sporophore production. Three of 130 isolates were selected as mycelial growth-promoting bacteria in both solid and submerged fermentation. These bacterial isolates were identified through Gram staining, biochemical characterization, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Isolate PP showed 99.24% similarity with Priestia paraflexa, whereas isolates PJ1 and PJ2 showed 99.78% and 99.65% similarities, respectively, with Rossellomorea marisflavi. The bacterial supplementation with spawn, substrate, or both, increased the biological efficiency (BE) and nutrient content of the mushrooms. The bacterial supplementation with substrate augmented BE by 64.84%, 13.73%, and 27.13% using PJ2, PP, and PJ1, respectively; under similar conditions of spawn supplementation, BE was increased by 15.24%, 47.30%, 48.10%, respectively. Overall, the supplementation of endobacteria to improve oyster mushroom cultivation may open a new avenue for sustainable agricultural practices in the mushroom industry.

The phytochemicals and health benefits of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja

Cyclocarya paliurus (C. paliurus), a nutritional and nutraceutical resource for human and animal diets, has been constantly explored. The available biological components of C. paliurus were triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. Recent studies in phytochemical-phytochemistry; pharmacological-pharmacology has shown that C. paliurus performed medicinal value, such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunological activities. Furthermore, C. paliurus and its extracts added to drinks would help to prevent and mitigate chronic diseases. This review provides an overview of the nutritional composition and functional applications of C. paliurus, summarizing the research progress on the extraction methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities. Therefore, it may be a promising candidate for developing functional ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. However, a more profound understanding of its active compounds and active mechanisms through which they perform biological activities is required. As a result, the plant needs further investigation in vitro and in vivo.

Physicochemical properties and protective effects on UVA-induced photoaging in Hs68 cells of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharides by fractional precipitation

The development of natural ingredients protecting skin from UVA-induced photoaging is widely expected. The present study investigated the physicochemical properties, antioxidant, moisturizing, collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities, and protective effect on UVA-induced photoaging in Hs68 cells of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharides (POPs). POP-40, POP-60, and POP-80 were extracted by gradient precipitation of 40 %, 60 %, and 80 % ethanol, which could be prepared in large quantities. The results showed that POPs had good DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities, water retention capacity, and collagenase and elastase inhibition effects. POP-80 had the best efficacy. Further determined the anti-inflammatory and antisenescence activities of POPs in Hs68 cells. The results indicated that after UVA irradiation, the contents of ROS, senescent cells, NF-κB activity, and proinflammatory cytokines increased in Hs68 cells. However, cells pretreated with 50 μg/mL POPs significantly decreased the contents of ROS and the number of senescent cells, reduced NF-κB activity, and inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α production. There was no significant difference in reducing the accumulation of ROS and senescent cells between POP-80 and the common anti-inflammatory substance quercetin. The results suggested that POP-80 may be potential cosmeceutical ingredients as it can protect Hs68 cells from photodamage.

Combination of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 alleviates acute liver injury by regulating gut microbiota in mice

BACKGROUND

Polysaccharides and probiotics can play an outstanding role in the treatment of liver disease by regulating gut microbiota. Recently, the combined therapeutic effect of probiotics and polysaccharides has attracted the attention of researchers. Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) combined with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 was used to prevent carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ )-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice, and its effect on gut microbiota regulation was explored.

RESULTS

Results showed that, in mice, HCP combined with L. plantarum P101 significantly alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in the liver by activating Nrf2 signals and inhibiting NF-κB signals. The analysis of gut microbiota revealed that the combination of HCP and L. plantarum P101 increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Alloprevotella, Roseburia, and Akkermansia, but reduced that of the pro-inflammatory bacteria Alistipes, Enterorhabdus, Anaerotruncus, and Escherichia-Shigella. Correlation analysis also indicated that the expression of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB was connected to the changes in gut microbiota composition. Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide combined with L. plantarum P101 can regulate the gut microbiota and then mediate the gut-liver axis to activate the antioxidant pathway and inhibit inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating CCl₄ -induced ALI.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided a new perspective on the use of polysaccharides combined with probiotics in the treatment of liver disease. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides Modulate Gut Microbiota and Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Injury in Mice

A carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury mouse model is used to study the regulation of gut microbiota and hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes (FVPs). The hepatoprotective effect of the FVPs leads to reduced levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total bile acid (TBA) content, and change in liver histopathology. Their anti-oxidant activity is exhibited by decreased levels of hepatic malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) content and increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content. The anti-inflammatory ability of the FVPs is reflected in a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α). 16S rRNA sequencing shows that the FVPs change the composition of the gut microbiota. A subsequent metabolomics analysis of the gut bacteria (UHPLC-MS/MS-based) revealed that fatty acid biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 play important roles in the hepatoprotective effect. This study provides a potential way to modulate gut microbiota and manage liver diseases using natural products.

Geniposide Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis Through Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Respose, Inhibiting Apoptosis and Modulating Overall Metabolism

Liver fibrosis is a progressive liver damage condition caused by various factors and may progress toward liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Many studies have found that the disfunction in metabolism could contribute to the development of liver fibrosis. Geniposide, derived from Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, has been demonstrated with therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of such liver-protection remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explored the effect of geniposide on metabolic regulations in liver fibrosis. We used carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) to construct a mouse model of liver fibrosis and subsequently administered geniposide treatment. Therapeutic effects of geniposide on liver fibrosis were accessed through measuring the levels of hepatic enzymes in serum and the pathological changes in liver. We also investigated the effects of geniposide on inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis in liver. Furthermore, serum untargeted metabolomics were used to explore the metabolic regulatory mechanisms behind geniposide on liver fibrosis. Our results demonstrated that geniposide could reduce the levels of hepatic enzymes in serum and ameliorate the pathological changes in liver fibrosis mice. Geniposide enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreased methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) levels in liver. Geniposide treatment also decreased the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) in liver tissue homogenate. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining demonstrated that geniposide could reduce the apoptosis of hepatocytes. Geniposide increased the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and downregulated the protein expression of Bcl-2 Associated X (Bax), cleaved-Caspase 3, and cleaved-Caspase 9. Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated that geniposide treatment improved the metabolic disorders including glycerophospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the protective effects of geniposide on liver fibrosis. We found that geniposide could treat liver fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing inflammatory response and apoptosis in the liver, and modulating glycerophospholipid, and arginine, proline, and AA metabolism processes.

Advances in the regulation of natural polysaccharides on human health: The role of apoptosis/autophagy pathway

Due to the multiple biological activities of polysaccharides, their great potential as "natural drugs" for many diseases has been the subject of continuous exploration in the field of food and nutrition. Apoptosis and autophagy play a key role in mammalian growth, development and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that apoptosis/autophagy may be the key regulatory target for the beneficial effects of polysaccharides. However, the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy by polysaccharides is not consistent in different disease models. Therefore, this review outlined the relationship between apoptosis/autophagy and some common human diseases, then discussed the role of apoptosis/autophagy pathway in the regulation of human health by polysaccharides, Furthermore, the application of visualization, imaging and multi-omics techniques was proposed in the future trend. The present review may be beneficial to accelerate our understanding of the anti-disease mechanisms of polysaccharides, and promote the development and utilization of polysaccharides.

Bioactive components of mushrooms: Processing effects and health benefits

Mushrooms have been recognized for their culinary attributes for long and were relished in the most influential civilizations in history. Currently, they are the focus of renewed research because of their therapeutic abilities. Nutritional benefits from mushrooms are in the form of a significant source of essential proteins, dietary non-digestible carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, minerals, as well as various vitamins, which have enhanced its consumption, and also resulted in the development of various processed mushroom products. Mushrooms are also a crucial ingredient in traditional medicine for their healing potential and curative properties. The literature on the nutritional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic potential of mushrooms, and their use as functional foods for the maintenance of health was reviewed, and the available literature indicates the enormous potential of the bioactive compounds present in mushrooms. Future research should be focused on the development of processes to retain the mushroom bioactive components, and valorization of waste generated during processing. Further, the mechanisms of action of mushroom bioactive components should be studied in detail to delineate their diverse roles and functions in the prevention and treatment of several diseases.

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.

Tandem mass tag-based proteomics for studying the effects of a biotechnologically produced oyster mushroom against hepatic steatosis in obese Zucker rats

Hepatic steatosis is a very common response to liver injury and often attributed to metabolic disorders. Prior studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a biotechnologically produced oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju, PSC) in alleviating hepatic steatosis in obese Zucker rats. This study aims to elucidate molecular events underlying the anti-steatotic effects of PSC. Tandem mass tag (TMT) peptide labeling coupled with LC-MS/MS/MS was used to quantify and compare proteins in the livers of lean Zucker rats fed a control diet (LC), obese Zucker rats fed the same control diet (OC) and obese Zucker rats fed the control diet supplemented with 5% PSC (OPSC) for 4 weeks. Using this technique 3128 proteins could be quantified, out of which 108 were differentially abundant between the OPSC and OC group. Functional enrichment analysis of the up-regulated proteins showed that these proteins were mainly involved in metabolic processes, while the down-regulated proteins were involved in inflammatory processes. Results from proteomic analysis were successfully validated for two up-regulated (carbonic anhydrase 3, regucalcin) and two down-regulated (cadherin-17, ceruloplasmin) proteins by means of immunoblotting. SIGNIFICANCE: Valorization of low-grade agricultural waste by edible fungi, such as the mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju (PSC), represents a promising strategy for the production of protein rich biomass since they boast of a unique enzyme system that has the ability to recover nutrients and energy from biodegradable waste. Herein, we describe the metabolic effects of PSC feeding using a combined quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics approach. In total, 108 proteins were identified to be regulated by PSC feeding in the liver of the obese rats. Complementary usage of a bioinformatics approach allowed us to decipher the mechanisms underlying the recently observed lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory activity of PSC feeding in obese Zucker rats, namely a reduction of fatty acid synthesis, an improvement of hepatoprotective mechanisms and an enhancement of anti-inflammatory effects.

Exopolysaccharide-peptide complex from oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) protects against hepatotoxicity in rats

Liver damage involves oxidative stress and a progression from chronic hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The increased incidence of liver disease in Egypt and other countries in the last decade, coupled with poor prognosis, justify the critical need to introduce alternative chemopreventive agents that may protect against liver damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of exopolysaccharide-peptide (PSP) complex extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus as a hepatoprotective agent against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄)-induced hepatocellular damage in rats. The levels of liver injury markers (ALT, AST and ALP) were substantially increased following DEN/CCl₄ treatment. DEN/CCl₄ - induced oxidative stress was confirmed by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione. PSP reversed these alterations in the liver and serum, and provided protection evidenced by reversal of histopathological changes in the liver. The present study demonstrated that PSP extract from P. ostreatus exhibited hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects against DEN/CCl₄-induced hepatocellular damage in rats. Given the high prevalence of HCV-related liver damage in Egypt, our results suggest further clinical evaluation of P. ostreatus extracts and their potential hepatoprotective effects in patients with liver disease.

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Polysaccharo-peptide complex from Pleurotus ostreatus in Egypt is cytotoxic in the liver cancer cell line HepG2

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Polysaccharo-peptide complex protects against chemically induced liver damage in rats

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Polysaccharo-peptide complex activates the antioxidant system in the liver

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Polysaccharo-peptide complex reverses the chemically induced hematotoxicity

Structural characterization of phosphorylated Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide and its hepatoprotective effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice

This study aimed to explore the basic structural features of phosphorylated Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (PPOP) and study the protective effect of PPOP on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in male Kunming mice. The phosphorylated polysaccharide was prepared from the natural polysaccharide extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus (POP). The structures of PPOP and POP were characterized by FT-IR, ESEM spectroscopy, and Congo red test. Chemical composition analysis revealed that PPOP was mainly composed of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, and xylose in a molar ratio of 0.10: 1.98: 1.00. Structural analysis indicated that PPOP had multi-strand structure and the absorption peaks of PO and P-O-C. Furthermore, animal experiments showed that the hepatoprotective effect of PPOP against liver injury was reflected by decreasing the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, trilaurin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum, increasing the content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and albumin in blood, reducing the content of malondialdehyde and promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes in liver. PPOP exhibited stronger hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activity in vivo than POP. The final results indicated that PPOP could be used in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity based on the above biological research.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Pleurotus ostreatus Protein Hydrolysates Yielded by Pepsin Hydrolysis

Pleurotus ostreatus protein extract (POPE) was prepared by the alkali precipitation method with 0.3% (w/v) NaOH. POPEP-III with a MW of 3000–5000 Da was acquired by pepsin enenzymatic hydrolysis. POPEP-III displayed noteworthy effects of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH and H2O2 scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity, and metal reducing power. The administration of POPEP-III in mice significantly prevented prior CCl4-induced strengthen serum ALT and AST activities, changing from 365.44 ± 36.87 IU/L to 220.23 ± 22.27 IU/L and 352.52 IU/L to 206.75 ± 17.26 IU/L, respectively (p < 0.001), and suppressed hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) formation from 15.28 ± 3.47 nmol/mg prot to 10.04 ± 2.06 nmol/mg prot (p < 0.001). Mice treated with POPEP-III demonstrated augmented activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver, from 187.49 ± 19.81 U/mg prot to 233.35 ± 34.23 U/mg prot, and of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), from 84.01 ± 14.54 U/mg prot to 115.9 ± 16.57 U/mg prot (p < 0.05). POPEP-III also prevented CCl4-induced oxidative liver histological alteration. The results suggest that POPEP-III can protect the liver from CCl4-induced oxidative damage.

Nephroprotective effect of Pleurotus ostreatus extract against cadmium chloride toxicity in rats

Cadmium, present in the environment, accumulates in different organs of animals and humans, and has deleterious effects on the kidney. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of the methanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus in comparison with silymarin on renal function in cadmium-intoxicated rats for five days. Rats intraperitoneally injected with cadmium chloride (1 mg/kg). These rats were treated with either P. ostreatus extract (200 mg/kg) or silymarin to investigate the protective effects of the extract. Cadmium treatment induced significant histopathological impairments and increased cadmium levels, DNA fragmentation, and renal oxidative stress. However, treatment with P. ostreatus extract or silymarin improved the pathology, reduced the level of cadmium in renal tissue, and restored DNA fragmentation. In addition, a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels, and a significant increase in the levels of glutathione and catalase activity were observed. Thus, protective effects of P. ostreatus extract to its components. Chromatographic analysis of the P. ostreatus confirmed the presence of five phenolics (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, propyl gallate, and cinnamic acid) that exhibit strong antioxidant properties as free radical scavengers. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that treatment with P. ostreatus extract protects against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats.

Metabolic Response of Pleurotus ostreatus to Continuous Heat Stress

Heat stress seriously threatens the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus. Various studies have been performed to study the resistance of P. ostreatus to heat stress. Here, the metabolome was evaluated to determine the response of P. ostreatus mycelia to heat stress at different times (6, 12, 24, 48 h). More than 70 differential metabolites were detected and enriched in their metabolic pathways. Dynamic metabolites changes in enrichment pathways under heat stress showed that heat stress enhanced the degradation of unsaturated fatty acids and nucleotides, increased the content of amino acids and vitamins, and accelerated glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in P. ostreatus. The time course changes of P. ostreatus metabolites under continuous heat stress demonstrated that amino acids continuously changed with heat stress, nucleotides clearly changed with heat stress at 12 and 48 h, and lipids exhibited an increasing trend with prolonged heat stress, while few types saccharides and vitamins changed under heat stress. Additionally, heat-treated P. ostreatus produced salicylic acid and other stress-resistant substances that were reported in plants. This study first reported the metabolites changes in P. ostreatus mycelia during 48 h of heat stress. The metabolic pathways and substances that changed with heat stress in this research will aid future studies on the resistance of P. ostreatus and other edible fungi to heat stress.

Protective effects of Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharides against apoptosis induced by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone in 3D4/21 cells

This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGPS) on carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP)-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in 3D4/21 cells. Apoptosis-related indicators such as cell viability, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptosis-related protein were examined. Results indicated that PGPS_t can inhibit CCCP-induced cell damage, with cell-survival rate reaching 81% and apoptotic rate decreasing to 23%. Nuclear deformation was also significantly reduced in the PGPS_t group, and changes in MMP were inhibited by PGPS_t. Further analyses showed that the protein expression of Caspase-9 and Bcl-2 increased and the expression of cleaved Caspase-3 decreased, indicating that PGPS_t significantly inhibited the CCCP-induced change in apoptotic protein expression. All these results suggested that PGPS_t can antagonize 3D4/21 cell apoptosis by restoring MMP, protecting the integrity of nuclear morphology, and increasing Bcl-2 expression.