Apios americana Medik flowers polysaccharide (AFP) alleviate Cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in ICR mice

Modulating butyric acid-producing bacterial community abundance and structure in the intestine of immunocompromised mice with neutral polysaccharides extracted from Codonopsis pilosula

Codonopsis pilosula, an important medicinal and edible plant in traditional Chinese medicine, is used widely as a tonifying herb for various immunodeficiency diseases. A neutral polysaccharide (CPPs-D1N1) was purified from C. pilosula, composed of fructose and glucose in a molar ratio of 97.28:2.72, with an average molecular weight of 5.985 kDa. Structural analysis revealed a backbone composed of →1)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → units with some β-D-Fruf-(2 → linkages. In a murine immunosuppression model induced by cyclophosphamide injection, oral treatment with C. pilosula polysaccharide was administered, investigating changes in gut microbiota during therapy. The polysaccharide modulated serum immunoglobulins (Ig-G, Ig-M), cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNFα), and spleen and thymus indices in immunodeficient mice. Additionally, functional gene primer sequencing enrichment methods revealed alterations in abundance, diversity, and structure of butyrate-producing bacterial populations in the gut, with primary differential genera identified as Butyribacter, Rumanococcus, Dysosmobacter, and Ruseburia. This study provides in vivo evidence supporting the beneficial effects of C. pilosula polysaccharide oral therapy in improving gut microbiota, particularly butyrate-producing bacteria, during treatment of immunosuppressive diseases.

Stability of oil-in-water emulsion and immunomodulating activity in S180 tumor-bearing mice

The stability and nutritional integrity of emulsions are susceptible to various factors including thermal treatment, solid-liquid ratio, and sterilization. In this study, the physicochemical stability and immunomodulatory activities of an oil-in-water emulsion containing immune peptides (TUFSE) were assessed through particle size, zeta potential, related cytokines, and so on. When the temperature was 70°C and a solid-liquid ratio of 1:4, the emulsion revealed stability at high-pressure homogenization, with the small particle size. The loss rates of vitamins were 8.57%-62.26% in 6 months at 25°C. After treatment with cyclophosphamide (CTX), lymphocyte proliferation activity in TUFSE-H group increased (p < 0.05), and immune globulin levels were notably elevated (p < 0.05) in TUFSE groups compared to model group. It confirms the parameters of the emulsion, suggesting its ability to be prepared with minimal vitamin loss while simultaneously improving the disease status in CTX-treated tumor-bearing mice. It shows potential as an immune-enhancing supplement with significant potential value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study validated the parameters of the oil-in-water emulsion and showed that it can be stably prepared with minor vitamin loss while simultaneously improving the disease status in CTX-treated tumor-bearing mice. TUFSE-H group exhibited a notable increase in lymphocytes proliferation activity, whereas serum cytokines and immune globulin levels were elevated compared to MC group, indicating its potential as an immune-enhancing supplement with substantial value.

An alkali-extracted neutral heteropolysaccharide from Phellinus nigricans used as an immunopotentiator in immunosuppressed mice by activating macrophages

A neutral heteropolysaccharide (PNANb) was isolated with alkali (0.1 M NaOH) from mycelia of Phellinus nigricans, and the structure, immunostimulating activity and some of the underlying molecular mechanisms of action of PNANb were explored in the current study. PNANb (14.95 kDa) predominantly consisted of Gal, Glc, and Man with minor Fuc. GC-MS and NMR analyses indicated that the backbone of PNANb was mainly composed of 6-α-Galp, 2,6-α-Galp with minor 3,6-β-Glcp, which was substituted with complex side chains at C-2 of 2,6-α-Galp and C-3 of 3,6-β-Glcp. Notably, PNANb (50 or 100 mg/kg) possessed immunoprotective effects in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed C57BL/6 mice, which was supported by evidence including the enhancement of spleen and thymus indices, levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10), and macrophage activity. However, the immunostimulation effects of PNANb were decreased when macrophages were depleted, underscoring the essential role of macrophages in the beneficial effects of PNANb in Cy-induced immunosuppressed mice. Further investigations in vitro indicated that PNANb activated macrophages through MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways mediated by Toll-like receptor 4. Therefore, PNANb can serve as a prospective immunopotentiator in immunosuppression.

Prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by polysaccharides from Apocynum venetum flowers via enhancing immune response, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating gut microbiota in mice

Introduction

Emerging proof suggests that Apocynum venetum flowers polysaccharide (AVFP) has immunomodulatory effects in vitro. However, the action mechanism of AVFA is still unclear in vivo. The purpose of this study is to probe into the potential mechanism of AVFA in immunosuppressed mice by investigating organ index, cytokine levels, anti-oxidative stress capacity, transcriptomics, and gut microbiota.

Methods

Immunocompromised mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) were divided into six groups. The enzyme-labeled method, hematoxylin and eosin, transcriptomics, and high-throughput sequencing were used to detect the regulatory effects of AVFP on immunocompromised mice and the function of AVFP on the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the intestinal microbiota and biochemical indexes.

Results

The experimental results illustrated that AVFP has protective effects against CTX-induced immunosuppression in mice by prominently increasing the organ index and levels of anti-inflammatory factors in serum in addition to enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the liver. Meanwhile, it could also signally decrease the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum, the activity of transaminase in serum, and the content of free radicals in the liver, and alleviate the spleen tissue damage induced by CTX. Transcriptomics results discovered that AVFP could play a role in immune regulation by participating in the NF-κB signaling pathway and regulating the immune-related genes Bcl3, Hp, Lbp, Cebpd, Gstp2, and Lcn2. Gut microbiota results illustrated that AVFP could increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria, and regulate the metabolic function of intestinal microorganisms while dramatically improving the content of SCFAs, modulating immune responses, and improving the host metabolism. The Spearman analysis further evaluated the association between intestinal microbiota and immune-related indicators.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that AVFP could enhance the immune effects of the immunosuppressed mice and improve the body's ability to resist oxidative stress.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a polysaccharide from Dioscotea opposita

The purified polysaccharides fraction, DOP-2, was prepared from Dioscorea opposita Thunb (D. opposita). This study combined in vitro and in vivo experiments to comprehensively investigate the index changes in RAW264.7 cells and immunocompromised mice under DOP-2 intervention, aiming to elucidate the potential mechanisms of immunomodulatory effects of DOP-2. DOP-2 (10 ∼ 500 μg/mL) significantly elevated the levels of NO, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) factors secreted by RAW264.7 cells, and restored the body weight of immunosuppressed mice and improve the degree of injury to the immune organ index, resulting in significant immunomodulatory effects. Notably, DOP-2 promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in immunosuppressed mice and modulated the composition of their gut microflora. These findings highlight the potential benefits of DOP-2 therapy in improving immune function and gut health, and will provide a theoretical basis for the application of D. opposita polysaccharides as an immunomodulatory adjuvant.

Crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides regulate intestinal immune and gut microflora in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice colitis

BACKGROUND

The global incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have been increasing. Epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and animal experiments have indicated a negative association between the consumption of tea and IBD. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides (CTPS) on experimental colitis, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

The administration of CTPS significantly alleviated IBD in the mouse model, and was found to regulate T-cell mediated immune responses in the colon by modulating cytokine production associated with T cells. Furthermore, CTPS demonstrated a positive impact on the gut microbiota, reversing the increase in pathogenic Helicobacter and enhancing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae, and Odoribacter. Oral administration of CTPS also led to an improvement in intestinal metabolism, specifically by increasing the levels of short-chain fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first in vivo evidence of the protective effects of CTPS on colitis in mice. The effects are likely facilitated through the regulation of T cell-mediated responses and modulation of the gut microbiota, suggesting that CTPS may be a potential preventive and therapeutic approach for IBD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Modulating Effects of Turmeric Polysaccharides on Immune Response and Gut Microbiota in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

Turmeric, a traditional medicinal herb, is commonly used as a dietary and functional ingredient. This study aimed to investigate the effect of turmeric polysaccharides (TPs) on intestinal immunity and gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. We verified that the oral administration of TPs-0 and TPs-3 (200 and 400 mg/kg, bw) improved thymus and spleen indexes, increased the whole blood immune cells (WBC) and lymph count index, and stimulated the secretion of serum immunoglobulin IgG. More importantly, TPs-0 and TPs-3 could repair intestinal immune damage and reduce intestinal inflammation. The specific mechanism is ameliorating the intestinal pathological damage, promoting CD4+ T cell secretion, regulating the expression of related cytokines, and reducing the level of critical proteins in the NF-κB/iNOS pathway. Interestingly, the intake of TPs-0 and TPs-3 significantly increased the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Moreover, TPs-0 and TPs-3 relieved the intestinal microbiota disorder via the proliferation of the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bacteroides and the inhibition of Staphylococcus. Cumulatively, our study suggests that TPs-0 and TPs-3 can relieve intestinal immune damage by repairing the immune barrier and regulating intestinal flora disorders. TPs have potential applications for enhancing immunity as a functional food.

Research Progress on Immunomodulatory Effects of Poly (Lactic-co- Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers

Immunomodulatory mechanisms are indispensable and key factors in maintaining the balance of the environment in humans. When the immune function of the immune system is impaired, autoimmune diseases occur. Excessive body fatigue, natural aging of the human body, malnutrition, genetic factors and other reasons cause low immune function, due to which the body is prone to being infected by bacteria or cancer. Clinically, the existing therapeutic drugs still have problems such as high toxicity, long treatment cycle, drug resistance and high price, so we still need to explore and develop a high efficiency and low toxicity drug. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) refers to a nontoxic polymer compound that exhibits excellent biocompatibility. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers come from natural plants, and have the characteristics of high efficiency and low toxicity. Applying PLGA to TCM monomers can make up for the defects of traditional dosage forms, improve bioavailability, reduce the frequency and dosage of drug use, and reduce toxicity and side effects, thus having the characteristics of sustained release and targeting. Accordingly, PLGA nanoparticles loaded with TCM monomers have been the focus of development. The previous research on drug loading advantages, preparation methods, and immune regulation of TCM PLGA nanoparticles is summarized in the following sections.

Green tea extracts alleviate acetic acid-induced oral inflammation and reconstruct oral microbial balance in mice

Oral cavity contains the second largest microbial community in the human body. Due to the highly vascularized feature of mouth, oral microbes could directly access the bloodstream and affect the host healthy systemically. The imbalance of oral microbiota is closely related to various oral and systemic diseases. Green tea extracts (GTE) mainly contain tea polyphenols, alkaloids, amino acid, flavones, and so on, which equipped with excellent anti-inflammatory activities. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of GTE on oral health. However, most researches used in vitro models or focused on limited microorganisms. In this study, the regulatory effect of GTE on oral microbiome and the alleviative effect on oral inflammation in vivo were evaluated. The results showed that GTE could efficiently alleviate the inflammations of the tongue, cheek pouch, as well as throat. GTE effectively inhibited the activation of NF-κB through the upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10, consequently leading to reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. The indexes of spleen and thymus were also elevated by GTE in stomatitis mice. Moreover, GTE promoted the growth of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bacillus, inhibited the reproduction of pathogens Achromobacter, reversing the microbiota disorders in oral cavity. This study not only presents a novel approach for enhancing oral microecology but also facilitates the wider adoption of tea consumption.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) alleviates the inflammatory response and recovers oral microbiota in acetic acid-induced oral inflammation mice

The oral microbiota, the second largest microbiome in the human body, plays an integral role in maintaining both the local oral and systemic health of the host. Oral microecological imbalances have been identified as a potential risk factor for numerous oral and systemic diseases. As a representative component of tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has demonstrated inhibitory effects on most pathogens in single-microbial models. In this study, the regulatory effect of EGCG on more complex oral microbial systems was further explored through a mouse model of acetic acid-induced oral inflammation. Acetic acid induces histological damage in the cheek pouch, tongue, and throat, such as broken mucosa, submucosal edema, and muscular disorders. These detrimental effects were ameliorated significantly following EGCG treatment. Additionally, EGCG reduced the levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α to alleviate the inflammation of the tongue, cheek pouch, and throat. According to the 16S rDNA gene sequencing data, EGCG treatment contributed to increased diversity of the oral microbiota and the reversal of oral microecological disorder. This study demonstrates the regulatory effect of EGCG on dysregulated oral microbiota, providing a potential option for the prevention and treatment of oral-microbiota-associated diseases.

Immune Enhancement of Clam Peptides on Immunosuppressed Mice Induced by Hydrocortisone

Clam peptides, marine-derived biological peptides, have been broadly investigated and applied as health foods, among which immunomodulation is one of their biological activities that cannot be ignored in vivo. In this study, we concentrated on exploring the effects of Ruditapes philippinarum peptides (RPPs) on immunomodulation and the balance of intestinal microbiota in hydrocortisone (HC)-induced immunosuppressed mice. The results revealed that RPPs could increase the thymus and spleen indices and number of white blood cells, promote the secretion level of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ), repair the morphology of the spleen and thymus, and enhance the proliferation of T-lymphocyte subsets in immunosuppressed mice. Moreover, RPPs improved the abundance of beneficial bacteria and preserved the ecological equilibrium of the gut microbiota. In conclusion, RPPs have significant immunomodulatory effects on immunosuppressed mice and may be developed as immunomodulators or immune adjuvants in functional foods and drugs; they are also beneficial to the utilization of the high value of marine shellfish.

Early-life prophylactic antibiotic treatment disturbs the stability of the gut microbiota and increases susceptibility to H9N2 AIV in chicks

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are widely used for prophylactic therapy and for improving the growth performance of chicken. The problem of bacterial drug resistance caused by antibiotic abuse has previously attracted extensive attention; however, the influence of early-day use of prophylactic antibiotics on the gut microflora and on the disease resistance ability in chicks has not been explored. Here, we comprehensively evaluate the growth performance, gut microbial dynamics, level of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbial community, and resistance to H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) in chickens following long-term and short-term early-day prophylactic antibiotic treatment.

RESULTS

Unexpectedly, long-term prophylactic enrofloxacin treatment slowed the growth rate of chickens, whereas short-term antibiotics treatments were found to increase the growth rate, but these changes were not statistically significant. Strikingly, expansions of Escherichia-Shigella populations were observed in early-life prophylactic antibiotics-treated groups of chickens, which is in contrast to the general perception that antibiotics should control their pathogenicity in chicks. The gut microbiota composition of chickens treated long term with antibiotics or received early-day antibiotics treatment tend to be more dramatically disturbed compared to the gut microbiome of chickens treated with antibiotics for a short term at a later date, especially after H9N2 AIV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide evidence that early-day and long-term antibiotic treatments have a more adverse effect on the intestinal microbiome of chickens, compared to short-term late age antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, our metagenomic data reveal that both long-term and short-term antibiotic treatment increase the relative abundance of ARGs. Our findings highlight the adverse effects of prophylactic antibiotic treatment and provide a theoretical basis for the cautious administration of antibiotics in food-producing animal management. Video Abstract.

Ginsenosides and Polysaccharides from Ginseng Co-Fermented with Multi-Enzyme-Coupling Probiotics Improve In Vivo Immunomodulatory Effects

The active components of ginseng, such as ginsenosides and polysaccharides, have high therapeutic value in treating cancer, decreasing obesity, and enhancing immunity. However, simple primary ginseng treatment cannot maximize this medicinal potential. Therefore, in this study, Panax ginseng was co-fermented with multi-enzyme-coupling probiotics to obtain a fermentation broth with higher levels of ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and probiotics. When compared to other treatment methods for cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice, the results reveal that the P. ginseng fermentation broth treated with multi-enzyme-coupling probiotics could significantly improve the immune function of immunosuppressive mice and restore intestinal flora stability. Overall, this processing method will provide a novel strategy for promoting the application of ginseng and the relief of immunosuppression.

Network Pharmacology Combined with an Experimental Validation Study to Reveal the Effect and Mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Polysaccharide against Immunomodulation

In the present study, the immuno-enhancing effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaf polysaccharide (ELP) was investigated in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). To evaluate the immune enhancement mechanism of ELP, the immunoregulation effect of ELP was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. ELP is primarily composed of arabinose (26.61%), galacturonic acid (25.1%), galactose (19.35%), rhamnose (16.13%), and a small amount of glucose (12.9%). At 1000~5000 μg·mL^-1, ELP could significantly enhance the proliferation and the phagocytosis of macrophages in vitro. Additionally, ELP could protect immune organs, reduce pathological damage, and reverse the decrease in the hematological indices. Moreover, ELP significantly increased the phagocytic index, enhanced the ear swelling response, augmented the production of inflammatory cytokines, and markedly up-regulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA levels. Furthermore, ELP improved phosphorylated p38, ERK1/2, and JNK levels, suggesting that MAPKs might be involved in immunomodulatory effects. The results provide a theoretical foundation for exploring the immune modulation function of ELP as a functional food.

Heterogalactan WPEP-N-b from Pleurotus eryngii enhances immunity in immunocompromised mice

This study reports on in vivo immunomodulatory activities mediated by WPEP-N-b, a heterogalactan from Pleurotus eryngii. Using cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice, we demonstrate here that WPEP-N-b enhances immunity as determined by the immune organ index, peripheral blood immune cell content, splenocyte proliferation, NK cell activity and T lymphocyte subpopulations. WPEP-N-b prevented apoptosis of bone marrow cells induced by CTX. The level of cytokines (i.e. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and macrophage activity in these immunocompromised mice were restored upon treated with WPEP-N-b. Mechanistically, it appears that WPEP-N-b enhances splenocyte proliferation and NK cell activity might through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-PKC signaling axis, and increases macrophage activity by activating JNK, p38 and NF-κB signaling pathways and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is the possible receptor of WPEP-N-b in macrophages. Our findings indicate that WPEP-N-b may function as a natural immune stimulant.

The Interaction between Mushroom Polysaccharides and Gut Microbiota and Their Effect on Human Health: A Review

Mushroom polysaccharides are a kind of biological macromolecule extracted from the fruiting body, mycelium or fermentation liquid of edible fungi. In recent years, the research on mushroom polysaccharides for alleviating metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, cancers and other symptoms by changing the intestinal microenvironment has been increasing. Mushroom polysaccharides could promote human health by regulating gut microbiota, increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, improving intestinal mucosal barrier, regulating lipid metabolism and activating specific signaling pathways. Notably, these biological activities are closely related to the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and type of the glycosidic bond of mushroom polysaccharide. This review aims to summarize the latest studies: (1) Regulatory effects of mushroom polysaccharides on gut microbiota; (2) The effect of mushroom polysaccharide structure on gut microbiota; (3) Metabolism of mushroom polysaccharides by gut microbiota; and (4) Effects of mushroom polysaccharides on gut microbe-mediated diseases. It provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of mushroom polysaccharides for regulating gut microbiota and gives a reference for developing and utilizing mushroom polysaccharides as promising prebiotics in the future.

Effects of collagen peptides from Micropterus salmoides skin on oxidative damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

To investigate the protective effect of collagen peptide from Micropterus salmoides skin (CPMs) on oxidative damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. Balb/c female mice were divided into blank, model (cyclophosphamide, CTX), positive control (levamisole hydrochloride), and collagen peptide low-, medium-, and high-dose groups. The results showed that CPMs increase the body mass and immune-related organ indexes, such as liver and kidneys of immunosuppressed mice. The activities of ALT, AST, UA, BUN, and MDA in the liver and kidney tissues decreased significantly, while those of SOD and GSH-Px increased significantly. CPMs can relieve the pathological damage to immune organs. CPMs significantly increase the activities of IL-2, IgG, and TNF-α in serum and SOD activity, while the MDA content was decreased compared to the model group. CPMs can exert a protective effect on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative damage and have application prospects in the field of health food.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Broth and Histidine Dipeptides on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Mouse Model

The carnosine and anserine, which represent histidine dipeptides (HD), are abundant in chicken broth (CB). HD are endogenous dipeptide that has excellent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The immunomodulatory effect of CB hydrolysate (CBH) and HD in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice was examined in this study. CBH and HD were given to mice via oral gavage for 15 days, accompanied by intraperitoneal CTX administration to induce immunosuppression. CBH and HD treatment were observed to reduce immune organ atrophy (p < 0.05) and stimulate the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes (p < 0.05) while improving white blood cell, immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgA levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, CBH and HD strongly stimulated interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by up-regulating IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA expression (p < 0.05) while inhibiting interleukin-10 (IL-10) overproduction and IL-10 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In addition, CBH and HD prevented the inhibition of the nitric oxide (NP)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cGMP-cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway (p < 0.05). These results indicate that CBH and HD have the potential to prevent immunosuppression induced by CTX. Our data demonstrate that CBH can effectively improve the immune capacity of immunosuppressed mice similar to the same amount of purified HD, which indicates that CBH plays its role through its own HD.

A Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from the Fibrous Root of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. and Its Immune Enhancement Effect in Vivo and in Vitro

Background

The fibrous roots of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (FRAAB) are byproducts of the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Some studies have revealed secondary metabolic small molecules in FRAAB, but there are few reports on the polysaccharides of FRAAB (PFRAAB). Aim of the Study. The present study aimed to investigate the preliminary characterization and underlying mechanism of immune stimulation of PFRAAB.

Materials and Methods

The crude polysaccharide of FRAAB was obtained by hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation, and PFRAAB was purified by a diethylaminoethyl-52 (DEAE-52) cellulose chromatographic column and graphene dialysis membrane. The preliminary characterization of PFRAAB was studied by ultraviolet (UV) scanning and Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection (FTIR). The molecular weight and composition of PFRAAB were analysed by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The immune stimulation of PFRAAB was investigated by using cyclophosphamide- (CCP-) treated mice and RAW264.7 cells.

Results

A water-soluble PFRAAB was obtained with a molecular weight of 115 kDa and was mainly composed of arabinose (ara), galactose (gal), glucose (glc), and mannose (man). Compared with CCP-induced mice, PFRAAB significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) increased the spleen and thymus index, ameliorated injury to the spleen and thymus, and evaluated immunoglobulin levels. In addition, PFRAAB also increased the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells and upregulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Myd88, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) P65, p–NF–κB P65, IKB-α, and p-IKB-α.

Conclusion

PFRAAB possesses immune stimulation activity and can be used as a potential resource for immune-enhancing drugs. Our present study provides a scientific basis for the comprehensive development of Anemarrhena asphodeloides medicinal plant resources.

Structure Characterization, Immunological Activity, and Mechanism of a Polysaccharide From the Rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural characterization and immunological activity in vitro and in vivo of a polysaccharide from the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum. A new polysaccharide named MDP was isolated from the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange, and gel-filtration chromatography. MDP was homogeneous and had a molecular weight of 6.16 ×103 Da, and it was an α-D-glucan containing a (1 → 6)-linked backbone, with a glucosyl residue at the C-3 position along the main chain. MDP exhibited immunological activity in vitro, which could significantly promote the proliferation and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 factors. For immunological activity in vivo. MDP could significantly increase the thymus and spleen indices, enhance the macrophage function, increase the level of cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) and immunoglobulin IgM in the serum and regulate T lymphocyte subsets. Furthermore, MDP elevated the expression of the critical nodes in the TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathways in vivo. These results support the concept that MDP may exhibit immunological activity through TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway in vivo.

Effects of Fucoidan Isolated From Laminaria japonica on Immune Response and Gut Microbiota in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice

The effects of Laminaria japonica fucoidan (LF) on immune regulation and intestinal microflora in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-treated mice were investigated in this work. Results indicated that LF significantly enhanced the spleen and thymus indices, promoted spleen lymphocyte and peritoneal macrophages proliferation, and increased the immune-related cytokines production in serum. Moreover, LF could regulate intestinal flora composition, increasing the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Alistipes, and inhibiting Erysipelotrichia, Turicibacter, Romboutsia, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Faecalibaculum. These results were positively correlated with immune characteristics. Overall, LF could be useful as a new potential strategy to mitigate CTX immunosuppression and intestinal microbiota disorders.

The immunoenhancement effects of sea buckthorn pulp oil in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

In this study, the immunomodulatory effect of sea buckthorn (SBT) pulp oil was elucidated in immunosuppressed Balb/c mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). The results showed that SBT pulp oil could reverse the decreasing trend of body weight, thymus/spleen index and hematological parameters induced by CTX. Compared with immunosuppressive mice induced by CTX, SBT pulp oil could enhance NK cytotoxicity, macrophage phagocytosis, and T lymphocyte proliferation, and regulate the proportion of T cell subsets in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and promote the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and TNF-α in the intestines. In addition, SBT pulp oil can promote the production of short fatty acids (SCFAs), increase the diversity of gut microbiota, improve the composition of intestinal flora, increase the abundance of Alistipes, Bacteroides, Anaerotruncus, Lactobacillus, ASF356, and Roseburia, while decreasing the abundance of Mucispirillum, Anaeroplasma, Pelagibacterium, Brevundimonas, Ochrobactrum, Acinetobacter, Ruminiclostridium, Blautia, Ruminiclostridium, Oscillibacter, and Faecalibaculum. This study shows that SBT pulp oil can regulate the diversity and composition of intestinal microflora in CTX-induced immunosuppressive Balb/c mice, thus enhancing the intestinal mucosa and systemic immune response. The results can provide a basis for understanding the function of SBT pulp oil and its application as a new probiotic and immunomodulator.

Sodium Alginate Modulates Immunity, Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function, and Gut Microbiota in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed BALB/c Mice

This study investigated the protective effects of sodium alginate (SA) on the gut microbiota, immunity, and intestinal mucosal barrier function in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. SA alleviated spleen tissue damage and restored impaired immune functions, such as increasing the immune organ index, decreasing splenic T lymphocytes, and markedly increasing the secretion of serum immunoglobulins and cytokines in immunosuppressed mice. In addition, SA reversed the intestinal mucosal injury and increased the intestinal permeability by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins. Moreover, SA decreased gut inflammation by reducing serum d-lactic acid (D-LA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations and downregulating toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mapk) pathway expression. Furthermore, SA significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136) and decreased pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacter, Peptococcus, and Tyzzerella) in the intestine as determined by 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. In conclusion, our study provides a scientific basis for SA as a functional food in modulating gut microbiota and protecting against intestinal mucosal injury and indicates that SA has potential application for enhancing immunity.

Immunomodulatory effects of Nigella sativa seed polysaccharides by gut microbial and proteomic technologies

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) was used to establish the immunosuppressive mice model. The immune organ viscera index, phagocytes vitality, the levels of cytokines in serum, the oxidative stress resistance, proteomics and intestinal flora in mice were investigated to evaluate the effect of immune regulation of Nigella sativa seed polysaccharide (NSSP). The results showed that the high-dose NSSP group could significantly increase the thymus and spleen index. The levels of ACP, LDH, T-AOC, SOD, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 were significantly increased and the levels of TNF-α and MDA were reduced. All evidences indicated that NSSP could improve the immune effects of the immunosuppressed mice. Proteomics investigation showed that NSSP could improve the immune by regulating the differential proteins of PI3K and PTEN, and regulating the metabolism-related pathways such as autoimmune diseases and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. of Gut microbes analysis showed that NSSP could exert immunomodulatory effects by improving the structure of the intestinal flora, increasing the diversity of the flora, and regulating metabolic pathways such as lipid metabolism, polysaccharide synthesis and signal transduction by the prediction of flora metabolic functions. In addition, NSSP could regulate intestinal environment by regulating the content of short chain fatty acids.

Groundnut (Apios americana Medik) Extract Enhances the Osteoblast Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 Cells

The effects of groundnut ( Apios americana Medik) extract on osteoblast differentiation were examined using MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with the crude extract along with other differentiating reagents. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of cells cultured in a differentiation medium supplemented with 0.01% crude groundnut extract was 1.5‐1.6 times higher than that of cells cultured in a differentiation medium without the extract. Crude groundnut extract was further separated into aqueous and methanol fractions. The methanol fraction enhanced ALP activity, osteocalcin, integrin-binding sialoprotein, and type I collagen expression, and calcium mineralization. Conversely, the aqueous fraction did not show such effects. Groundnut extract may enhance osteoblast differentiation, and this effect is likely conferred by water insoluble substance(s).

The immunoenhancement effects of starfish Asterias rollestoni polysaccharides in macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mouse models

The water-soluble polysaccharide, SF-2, obtained from starfish (Asterias rollestoni), belongs to the group of polysaccharides known as mannoglucan sulfate. It is composed of mannose as well as glucose and contains 13.85% SO₄^2-. We aimed to detect the immunoenhancement effects of SF-2 in macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppression mouse models. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were treated with SF-2 for different periods of time (0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 9 h) and the results showed that SF-2 promoted the production of nitric oxide and up-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and related proteins, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, MMP-9, and iNOS in a time-dependent manner. In addition, SF-2 activated NLRP3 inflammasome and the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus promoting its immunoenhancement effects. Moreover, we co-cultured the primary peritoneal macrophages with SF-2 for 6 h and found that SF-2 enhanced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and the release of cytokines. Furthermore, SF-2 significantly increased the body weight, spleen index, thymus index, and inflammatory cell counts in CYP-induced immunosuppression mouse models. These results indicate that SF-2 is a potential immunoenhancement mediator that acts by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Preparation and antitumor evaluation of quercetin nanosuspensions with synergistic efficacy and regulating immunity

To study the effect of quercetin (QUR) on modulating immune effects, enhancing anti-tumor activity, and reducing drug related side effects, three QUR nanosuspensions (QUR-NPs) with different particle sizes were prepared by a microprecipitation-high pressure homogenization method using mPEG-DCA as a stabilizer. Dynamic light scattering was used to analyze the particle sizes of the three QUR-NPs. The results of stability tests showed that the three QUR-NPs had good storage and plasma stability. It was confirmed that plasma protein adsorption occurred for all three QUR-NPs. The results of DSC, DTG, XRPD, and Raman spectroscopy showed that there was no significant change in the crystal form of QUR for any of the three QUR-NPs compared with the commercial QUR. The in vitro dissolution rate of the three QUR-NPs was significantly faster than that of the micronized QUR, with the dissolution rate increasing as particle size decreased. All three QUR-NPs showed stronger in vitro inhibitory activity on MCF-7 cells than the pure QUR solution, with the largest NPs having the strongest inhibitory effect. The pharmacokinetic parameters in rats showed that the MRT and t_1/2 of the QUR-NPs increased as particle size increased. QUR-NPs and the pure QUR solution showed obvious anti-tumor effects against murine hepatic carcinoma H22 model in vivo, although they were not as effective as cyclophosphamide (CTX). However, the anti-tumor effect of the large QUR-NPs combined with CTX was the strongest among all the tested groups. From the results of the thymus and spleen index, it was found that the QUR-NPs could not only regulate the immunity of tumor-bearing mice, but also alleviate the immunosuppression caused by CTX and protect normal tissues, all while enhancing the anti-tumor effect. The immunomodulatory effect of the QUR-NPs on tumor-bearing mice was significantly better than that of the pure QUR solution. Therefore, nanosuspensions can be used as a new drug delivery system for QUR to assist tumor therapy and regulate immunity.

Treatment with Subcritical Water-Hydrolyzed Citrus Pectin Ameliorated Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and Modulated Gut Microbiota Composition in ICR Mice

Subcritical water can effectively hydrolyze pectin into smaller molecules while still maintaining its functional regions. Pectic heteropolysaccharide can mediate immune regulation; however, the possible effects of subcritical water-hydrolyzed citrus pectin (SCP) on the immune response remain unclear. Therefore, the effects of SCP on immunomodulatory functions and intestinal microbial dysbiosis were investigated using a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mouse model. In this research, immunosuppressed ICR mice were administrated with SCP at dosages of 300/600/1200 mg/kg.bw by oral gavage, and body weight, immune organ indexes, cytokines, and gut microbiota were determined. The results showed that subcritical water treatment decreased the molecular mass and increased the content of galacturonic acid in citrus pectin hydrolysates. Meanwhile, the treatment with SCP improved immunoregulatory functional properties and bioactivities over the original citrus pectin. For example, SCP protected immune organs (accelerated recovery of immune organ indexes) and significantly enhanced the expression of immune-related cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α). The results of the 16S rDNA sequencing analysis on an IlluminaMiSeq platform showed that SCP normalized Cy-induced gut dysbiosis. SCP ameliorated Cy-dependent changes in the relative abundance of several taxa, shifting the balance back to normal status (e.g., SCP increased beneficial Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Prevotellaceae while decreasing pathogenic Brevundimonas and Streptococcus). The results of this study suggest an innovative application of citrus pectin as an immunomodulator.