Effects of WSG, a polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, on suppressing cell growth and mobility of lung cancer

Traditional Chinese medicine in lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite significant advancements in treatment, challenges such as drug resistance, side effects, metastasis and recurrence continue to impact patient outcomes and quality of life. In response, there is growing interest in complementary and integrative approaches to cancer care. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its long history, abundant clinical experience, holistic perspective and individualized approach, has garnered increasing attention for its role in lung cancer prevention and management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in TCM for lung cancer treatment, covering its theoretical foundation, treatment principles, clinical experiences and evidence supporting its efficacy. We also provide a systematic summary of the preclinical mechanisms, through which TCM impacts lung cancer, including the induction of cell death, reversal of drug resistance, inhibition of metastasis and modulation of immune responses. Additionally, future prospects for TCM in lung cancer treatment are discussed, offering insights into its expanded application and integration with modern medicine to address this challenging disease.

F2-sulfated polysaccharides of Laetiporus sulphureus suppress triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through the EGFR-mediated signaling pathway

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) are a unique secondary metabolite isolated from Laetiporus sulphureus. This study examined the detailed molecular mechanisms of action of F2, a medium molecular weight SPS of L. sulphureus, on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and metastasis. Results showed that the sulfate and protein content of F2 were 2.1 % and 15.6 %, respectively. F2 had a molecular weight of 23.8 kDa and did not contain a triple helix conformation. The monosaccharide composition of F2 was mannose, galactose, glucose, and fucose. F2 inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation mainly by blocking the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, which was attributed to the down-regulation of CDK4 and cyclin D1 and the up-regulation of p21 protein expression. F2 suppressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated intracellular signaling events, such as phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and GSK-3β and activation of NF-κB and β-catenin, resulting in the cell cycle arrest. Moreover, F2 significantly reduced the EGFR phosphorylation and expression, and the level of mutant p53 protein. F2 also effectively inhibited breast cancer cell migration and invasion through down-regulating MMP-9 and MMP-2 protein expression. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that F2 exhibited anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities against MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting the activation of EGFR-mediated signaling pathways.

Medicinal and edible homologous poly/oligo-saccharides: Structural features, effect on intestinal flora and preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, and their applications: A review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the third most common chronic metabolic disorder worldwide and seriously dangerous. Novel therapeutics are sought due to the paucity of safe and effective metabolic disorder-related diabetes medicines. Intestinal flora impacts glucose and lipid balance, making it a unique T2DM therapeutic target. Due to gut fermentation, poly/oligo-saccharides are highly beneficial prebiotic carbohydrates for intestinal health. Moreover, supplementation with naturally occurring medicinal and edible homologous traditional Chinese medicines (MEHTCM) poly/oligo-saccharides has significant antidiabetic effects with few side effects. Now, a comprehensive review of research developments of MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharides was presented to explore their prospects. We outlined the structural characteristics, structure classification, and structure-activity relationships. Notably, structure-activity relationships illustrated that molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond type could influence the hypoglycemic activity and prebiotic effect of MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharides. Additionally, the review systematically summarized the effect and potential mechanism of MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharide on T2DM, focusing on gut microbiota. The potential applications in formulations for special medical purposes, common food, health care product, agriculture and other fields have also been summarized. This review emphasizes MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharides' potential as prebiotics for T2DM treatment. This information provides new insights and a theoretical foundation for MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharide nutritional and medicinal research.

A review of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum: Preparation methods, structural characteristics, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships and potential applications

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), commonly known as "fairy grass", is a saprophyte fungus belonging to the Polyporaceae family with a lengthy history of use as a food ingredient and traditional medicine in China. G. lucidum is abundant in diverse chemical compounds that encompass polysaccharides, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, proteins, as well as amino acids. Among these, polysaccharides as the main active ingredients prepared from G. lucidum have exhibited a multitude of biological activities, such as anti-tumor effect, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic effect, anti-inflammatory effect, immune regulation and so forth. The main methods for extracting GLPs are hot water extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and enzyme-assisted extraction. The research on GLPs poses challenges, especially in optimizing extraction and purification processes to enhance the yield and preserve the structural characteristics. Furthermore, it remains ambiguous whether the bioactivities of GLPs are closely related to their extraction methods and structural characteristics, necessitating further exploration and elucidation of the structure-activity relationships. This review comprehensively and systematically outlines an overview of the preparation methods, structural characteristics, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships and potential applications of GLPs. The review emphasizes their therapeutic potential and health functions, providing a reference for further exploitation and application in various fields of GLPs.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activity, mechanism of action and application of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum: A review

Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional tonic medicine in China, known as the "fairy grass" and "spiritual grass". It contains various chemical components, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, alkaloids, nucleosides, sterols, and acid compounds, which have the effects of tonifying qi and calming the mind, stopping cough and asthma, and are used to treat restlessness, lung deficiency cough and asthma, fatigue and shortness of breath, and lack of appetite. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) are one of the main bioactive ingredients and are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional medicine fields. They have shown good medicinal value in enhancing immunity, inhibiting tumor cell growth, delaying aging, lowering blood sugar, lowering blood lipids, protecting the heart, anti-radiation, anti-fatigue, and other aspects. This article reviews the research progress on the extraction and purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activity, and mechanisms of GLPs, as well as their applications in industries such as medicine, food, and daily chemical products. The aim is to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations and lay the foundation for the potential value development of Ganoderma lucidum products.

Targeted isolation and AI-based analysis of edible fungal polysaccharides: Emphasizing tumor immunological mechanisms and future prospects as mycomedicines

Edible fungal polysaccharides have emerged as significant bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic potentials, including notable anti-tumor effects. Derived from various fungal sources, these polysaccharides exhibit complex biological activities such as antioxidant, immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. In cancer therapy, members of this family show promise in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis through mechanisms like apoptosis induction and modulation of the immune system. This review provides a detailed examination of contemporary techniques for the targeted isolation and structural elucidation of edible fungal polysaccharides. Additionally, the review highlights the application of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to facilitate efficient and accurate structural analysis of these polysaccharides. It also explores their interactions with immune cells within the tumor microenvironment and their role in modulating gut microbiota, which can enhance overall immune function and potentially reduce cancer risks. Clinical studies further demonstrate their efficacy in various cancer treatments. Overall, edible fungal polysaccharides represent a promising frontier in cancer therapy, leveraging their natural origins and minimal toxicity to offer novel strategies for comprehensive cancer management.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Linear β-(1→6)-D-Glucan from Agaricus bisporus on Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer Cells

Mushroom β-D-glucans can be isolated from several species, including the widely consumed Agaricus bisporus. Besides immunomodulatory responses, some β-D-glucans may exhibit direct antitumoral effects. It was previously observed that a β-(1→6)-D-glucan (BDG16) has indirect cytotoxicity on triple-negative breast cancer cells. In this study, the cytotoxicity of this same glucan was observed on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Cell viability was determined by multiple methods to assess metabolic activity, lysosomal membrane integrity, and adhesion capacity. Assays to evaluate cell respiration, cell cycle, apoptosis, necroptosis, and oxidative stress were performed to determine the action of BDG16 on MCF-7 cells. A gradual and significant cell viability reduction was observed when the cells were treated with BDG16 (10-1000 µg/mL). This result could be associated with the inhibition of the basal state respiration after incubation with the β-D-glucan. The cells showed a significant arrest in G1 phase population at 1000 µg/mL, with no induction of apoptosis. However, an increase in necrosis and necroptosis at the same concentration was observed. No difference in oxidative stress-related molecules was observed. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that BDG16 directly induces toxicity in MCF-7 cells, primarily by impairing mitochondrial respiration and promoting necroptosis. The specific mechanisms that mediate this action are being investigated.

Targeting TGFβ receptor-mediated snail and twist: WSG, a polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, and it-based dissolvable microneedle patch suppress melanoma cells

Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal skin cancer variant with pronounced aggressiveness and metastatic potential. However, few targeted medications inhibit the progression of melanoma. Ganoderma lucidum, which is a type of mushroom, is widely used as a non-toxic alternative adjunct therapy for cancer patients. This study determines the effect of WSG, which is a water-soluble glucan that is derived from G. lucidum, on melanoma cells. The results show that WSG inhibits cell viability and the mobility of melanoma cells. WSG induces changes in the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers. WSG also downregulates EMT-related transcription factors, Snail and Twist. Signal transduction assays show that WSG reduces the protein levels in transforming growth factor β receptors (TGFβRs) and consequently inhibits the phosphorylation of intracellular signaling molecules, such as FAK, ERK1/2 and Smad2. An In vivo study shows that WSG suppresses melanoma growth in B16F10-bearing mice. To enhance transdermal drug delivery and prevent oxidation, two highly biocompatible compounds, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), are used to synthesize a dissolvable microneedle patch that is loaded with WSG (MN-WSG). A functional assay shows that MN-WSG has an effect that is comparable to that of WSG alone. These results show that WSG has significant potential as a therapeutic agent for melanoma treatment. MN-WSG may allow groundbreaking therapeutic approaches and offers a novel method for delivering this potent compound effectively.

Revolutionizing cancer treatment: Harnessing the power of terrestrial microbial polysaccharides

Cancer treatment faces numerous challenges, such as inadequate drug targeting, steep price tags, grave toxic side effects, and limited therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a safe and effective new drug to combat cancer. Microbial polysaccharides, complex and diverse biological macromolecules, exhibit significant microbial variability and uniqueness. Studies have shown that terrestrial microbial polysaccharides possess a wide range of biological activities, including immune enhancement, antioxidant properties, antiviral effects, anti-tumour potential, and hypoglycemic functions. To delve deeper into the structure-activity relationship of these land-based microbial polysaccharides against cancer, we conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of anti-cancer literature published between 2020 and 2024. The anticancer efficacy of terrestrial microbial polysaccharides is influenced by multiple factors, including the microbial species, existing form, chemical structure, and polysaccharide purity. According to the literature, an optimal molecular weight and good water solubility are essential for demonstrating anticancer activity. Furthermore, the addition of mannose and galactose has been found to significantly enhance the anticancer properties of these polysaccharides. These insights will serve as a valuable reference for future research and progress in the field of cancer drug therapy, particularly with regards to terrestrial microbial polysaccharides.

Physicochemical Properties of Different Sulfated Polysaccharide Components from Laetiporus sulphureus and Their Anti-Proliferative Effects on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Laetiporus sulphureus is an edible and medicinal mushroom widely used in folk medicine for treating cancer and gastric diseases. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of different sulfated polysaccharide (SPS) components (F1, F2, and F3) isolated from L. sulphureus and evaluate their activity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell proliferation. Compared with F1 and F3, the results showed that F2 exhibited the most potent anti-proliferative activity on MDA-MB-231 cells, which could be attributed to the sulfate and protein contents, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition. F2 inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation by blocking the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase but not triggering cell apoptosis. In addition, F2 also showed selective cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells. It modulated the expression of proteins involved in G0/G1 phase progression, cell cycle checkpoints, DNA replication, and the TGFβ signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells. This study demonstrated that F2, the medium-molecular-weight SPS component of L. sulphureus, possessed the most potent inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. The main factors contributing to the differences in the potency of anti-breast cancer activity between F1, F2, and F3 could be the sulfate and protein contents, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition of SPS.

Impacts of preparation technologies on biological activities of edible mushroom polysaccharides - novel insights for personalized nutrition achievement

Edible mushroom polysaccharides (EMPs) as a natural macromolecular carbohydrate have a very complex structure and composition. EMPs are considered ideal candidates for developing healthy products and functional foods and have received significant research attention due to their unique physiological activities such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor/cancer, gut microbiota regulation, metabolism improvement, and nervous system protection. The structure and monosaccharide composition of edible mushroom polysaccharides have an unknown relationship with their functional activity, which has not been widely studied. Therefore, we summarized the preparation techniques of EMPs and discussed the association between functional activity, preparation methods, structure and composition of EMPs, laying a theoretical foundation for the personalized nutritional achievements of EMP. We also establish the foundation for the further investigation and application of EMPs as novel functional foods and healthy products.

The function and application of edible fungal polysaccharides

Edible fungi, commonly known as mushrooms, are precious medicinal and edible homologous gifts from nature to us. Edible fungal polysaccharides (EFPs) are a variety of bioactive macromolecular which isolated from fruiting bodies, mycelia or fermentation broths of edible or medicinal fungus. Increasing researches have confirmed that EFPs possess multiple biological activities both in vitro and in vivo settings, including antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and regulating intestinal flora activities. As a result, they have emerged as a prominent focus in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Fungal EFPs have safe, non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties with low immunogenicity, bioadhesion ability, and antibacterial activities, presenting diverse potential applications in the food industries, cosmetic, biomedical, packaging, and new materials. Moreover, varying raw materials, extraction, purification, chemical modification methods, and culture conditions can result in variances in the structure and biological activities of EFPs. The purpose of this review is to provide comprehensively and systematically organized information on the structure, modification, biological activities, and potential applications of EFPs to support their therapeutic effects and health functions. This review provides new insights and a theoretical basis for prospective investigations and advancements in EFPs in fields such as medicine, food, and new materials.

Sulfation on polysaccharides from Zizania latifolia extracted using ultrasound: Characterization, antioxidant and anti-non-small cell lung cancer activities

Zizania latifolia is a highly nutritious vegetable being praised as "Ginseng in Water". Polysaccharides are the main bioactive ingredients in Z. latifolia, but there have been no reports on the yield- and activity-guided ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), sulfation and anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activity. In this study, Z. latifolia polysaccharides (ZLP) were extracted using UAE under an optimized power, followed by sulfation to give three derivatives (SZLP-1 ∼ 3). After characterization, the antioxidant and anti-NSCLC activities were evaluated. The optimal ultrasonic power for ZLP extraction was screened out to be 300 W, under which the yield was 16.9 ± 2.10 %, and the scavenging rate against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical was 63.3 ± 5.71 %, significantly higher than those of other powers and hot-water extraction. A series of characterizations fully confirmed the sulfated modification of ZLP. Sulfation improved the antioxidation of ZLP and was positively proportional to the degree of substitution (DS), of which SZLP-2 with a DS of 15.1 ± 2.50 elicited strong hydroxyl and DPPH radicals-scavenging capacities. Meanwhile, SZLP-2 also exerted promising anti-NSCLC potency via inhibiting A549 cell proliferation, with a median inhibition concentration (IC50) of 0.57 ± 0.01 mg/mL at 72 h, markedly smaller than that of unmodified ZLP (0.78 ± 0.04 mg/mL). In summary, the yield- and activity-guided UAE led to the ZLP with high yield and strong antioxidation. Further sulfation enhanced the bioactivities and produced the promising SZLP-2, which showed great potential in the development of novel antioxidant and anti-NSCLC drug.

Exploring the anti-cancer potential of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) and their versatile role in enhancing drug delivery systems: a multifaceted approach to combat cancer

There has been a growing global interest in the potential health benefits of edible natural bioactive products in recent years. Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom, has gained attention for its decadent array of therapeutic and pharmaceutical compounds. Notably, G. lucidum exhibits significant anti-cancer effects against various cancer types. Polysaccharides, a prominent component in G. lucidum, are pivotal in conferring its diverse biological and medicinal properties. The primary focus of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer activities of G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), with particular attention to their potential to mitigate chemotherapy-associated toxicity and enhance targeted drug delivery. Our findings reveal that GLPs exhibit anti-cancer effects through diverse mechanisms, including cytotoxicity, antioxidative properties, apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and anti-proliferative effects. Furthermore, the potential of GLPs-based nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery vehicles for bioactive constituents was explored. These GLPs-based NPs are designed to target various cancer tissues, enhancing the biological activity of encapsulated compounds. As such, GLPs derived from G. lucidum represent a promising avenue for inhibiting cancer progression, minimizing chemotherapy-related side effects, and supporting their utilization in combination therapies as natural adjuncts.

A review of anti-tumour effects of Ganoderma lucidum in gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the most common cancer in the world and one of the main causes of cancer-related death. Clinically, surgical excision and chemotherapy are the main treatment methods for GI cancer, which is unfortunately accompanied with serious adverse reactions and drug toxicity, bringing irreversible damage to patients and seriously affecting the quality of life. Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has a long history of medicinal and edible use in China. Its bioactive compounds mainly include polysaccharides, triterpenes, and proteins, which have potential anti-tumor activities by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and regulating autophagy. Currently, there is no in-depth review on the anti-tumor effect of G. lucidum in GI cancer. Therefore, this review is an attempt to compile the basic characteristics, anti-GI caner mechanisms, and clinical application of G. lucidum, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the role of G. lucidum in the prevention and treatment of GI cancer from the perspective of traditional Chinese and western medicine.

Recent Advances in the Preparation, Structure, and Biological Activities of β-Glucan from Ganoderma Species: A Review

Ganoderma has served as a valuable food supplement and medicinal ingredient with outstanding active compounds that are essential for human protection against chronic diseases. Modern pharmacology studies have proven that Ganoderma β-d-glucan exhibits versatile biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, as well as gut microbiota regulation. As a promising polysaccharide, β-d-glucan is widely used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. In recent years, the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies, mycelia, spores, and fermentation broth of Ganoderma species have received wide attention from scholars globally. Unfortunately, comprehensive studies on the preparation, structure and bioactivity, toxicology, and utilization of β-d-glucans from Ganoderma species still need to be further explored, which may result in limitations in future sustainable industrial applications of β-d-glucans. Thus, this review summarizes the research progress in recent years on the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and bioactivity mechanisms of Ganoderma β-d-glucan, as well as its toxicological assessment and applications. This review is intended to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the development and application of β-d-glucan in the fields of pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics.

A review of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: Health benefit, structure-activity relationship, modification, and nanoparticle encapsulation

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides possess unique functional properties. Various processing technologies have been used to produce and modify G. lucidum polysaccharides to improve their yield and utilization. In this review, the structure and health benefits were summarized, and the factors that may affect the quality of G. lucidum polysaccharides were discussed, including the use of chemical modifications such as sulfation, carboxymethylation, and selenization. Those modifications improve the physicochemical characteristics and utilization of G. lucidum polysaccharides, and make them more stable that could be used as functional biomaterials to encapsulate active substances. Ultimate, G. lucidum polysaccharide-based nanoparticles were designed to deliver various functional ingredients to achieve better health-promoting effects. Overall, this review presents an in-depth summary of current modification strategies and offers new insights into the effective processing techniques to develop G. lucidum polysaccharide-rich functional foods or nutraceuticals.

Significance of culture period on the physiochemistry and anti-cancer potentials of polysaccharides from mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GPS) have many functions. Polysaccharides are abundant in G. lucidum mycelia, but it is unclear whether the production and chemical characteristics of polysaccharides are related to the liquid cultural periods of mycelia. This study harvests G. lucidum mycelia at different cultural stages and isolates GPS and sulfated polysaccharides (GSPS) separately to determine an optimum cultural duration. After 42 and 49 days of mycelia are found to be the best times to harvest GPS and GSPS. Characteristic studies show that glucose and galactose are the main sugars in GPS and GSPS. The molecular weights of various GPS and GSPS are mainly distributed at >1000 kDa and from 101 to 1000 kDa. The sulfate content of GSPS at Day 49 is greater than that at Day 7. GPS and GSPS at 49 days exhibits a good anticancer effect but does not affect normal fibroblasts. GPS and GSPS that is isolated on day 49 inhibits lung cancer by suppressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFβR)-mediated signaling networks. These results show that the mycelia of G. lucidum that are cultured for 49 days exhibit the best biological characteristics.

ZnF3, a sulfated polysaccharide from Antrodia cinnamomea, inhibits lung cancer cells via induction of apoptosis and activation of M1-like macrophage-induced cell death

Sulfated polysaccharides (Ac-SPSs) of Antrodia cinnamomea present anti-cancer activity. However, the anti-cancer mechanism of Ac-SPSs is not fully understood and remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identify an Ac-SPS with 7.9 kDa, noted ZnF3, and aim to examine the dual anti-cancer functions of ZnF3 on inhibiting cancer cells and activating macrophages. A biological study shows that ZnF3 inhibits lung cancer cells by inducing subG1 population and apoptosis. ZnF3 downregulates the expression of TGFβ receptor in lung cancer cells. In parallel, ZnF3 activates macrophages via induction of TNF-α and IL-6 secretion, NO production and phagocytosis. ZnF3 activates AKT/mTOR pathway and induces M1 type macrophage polarization. Cancer cells co-cultured with ZnF3-stimulated macrophages, leading to inhibition of lung cancer cells. This study demonstrates that ZnF3 not only directly inhibits cancer cells but also activates macrophages-mediated cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Moreover, ZnF3 may be a supplement for suppressing lung cancer cells.

Shenlingcao oral liquid for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Low quality of life (QoL) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection is a major global health issue. High-quality evidence for the effectiveness of Shenlingcao oral liquid (SOL) as a complementary treatment in this patients is lacking at present.

PURPOSE

To determine whether complementary SOL treatment in NSCLC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy would yield greater improvements in QoL than chemotherapy alone.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of stages IIA-IIIA NSCLC patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy in seven hospitals.

METHODS

Using stratified blocks, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive SOL combined with conventional chemotherapy or conventional chemotherapy alone. The primary outcome was the change in global QoL from baseline to the fourth chemotherapy cycle, and intention-to-treat analysis was applied with a mixed-effect model. Secondary outcomes were functional QoL, symptoms, and performance status scores at the 6-month follow-up. Missing data were handled with multiple imputation and a pattern-mixture model.

RESULTS

Among 516 randomized patients, 446 (86.43%) completed the study. After the fourth chemotherapy cycle, in comparison with the control group, patients receiving SOL showed a lower reduction in mean global QoL (-2.76 vs. -14.11; mean difference [MD], 11.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.28 to 14.41), greater improvement in physical function (MD, 11.61; 95% CI, 8.57 to 14.65), role function (MD, 10.15; 95% CI, 5.75 to 14.54), and emotional function (MD, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.85 to 7.57), and greater improvements in lung cancer-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and appetite loss) and performance status during the 6-month follow-up period (treatment main effect, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SOL treatment for NSCLC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve QoL and performance status within 6 months after radical resection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03712969.

GMI, a fungal immunomodulatory protein, ameliorates SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein-induced inflammation in macrophages via inhibition of MAPK pathway

Clinically, COVID-19 is often accompanied by a severe immune response (cytokine storm) which produces a large number of cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12, and consequently causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). GMI is a type of fungal immunomodulatory protein that is cloned from Ganoderma microsporum and acts as modulating immunocyte for various inflammatory diseases. This study identifies GMI as a potential anti-inflammatory agent and determines the effects of GMI on the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine secretion. Functional studies showed that SARS-CoV-2 envelop (E) protein induces inflammatory process in murine macrophages RAW264.7 and MH-S cells and in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated human THP-1 cells. GMI exhibits a strong inhibitory effect for SARS-CoV-2-E-induced pro-inflammatory mediators, including NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 in macrophages. GMI reduces SARS-CoV-2-E-induced intracellular inflammatory molecules, such as iNOS and COX-2, and inhibits SARS-CoV-2-E-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and P38. GMI also downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in lung tissue and serum after the mice inhale SARS-CoV-2-E protein. In conclusion, this study shows that GMI acts as an agent to alleviate SARS-CoV-2-E-induced inflammation.

Suppressive effects of bioactive herbal polysaccharides against different cancers: From mechanisms to translational advancements

BACKGROUND

Fueled by rapidly evolving comprehension of multifaceted nature of cancers, recently emerging preclinical and clinical data have supported researchers in the resolution of knowledge gaps to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms. The extra-ordinary and bewildering chemical diversity encompassed by biologically active natural products continues to be of relevance to drug discovery. Accumulating evidence has spurred a remarkable evolution of concepts related to pharmacological target of oncogenic signaling pathways by polysaccharides in different cancers.

PURPOSE

The objective of the current review is to provide new insights into study progress on anticancer effects of bioactive herbal polysaccharides.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and other databases were searched for articles related to anticancer effects of polysaccharides. Searches were conducted to locate relevant publications published up to October 2022.

RESULTS

Polysaccharides have been reported to pleiotropically modulate TGF/SMAD, BMP/SMAD, TLR4, mTOR, CXCR4 and VEGF/VEGFR cascades. We have also summarized how different polysaccharides regulated apoptosis and non-coding RNAs. Additionally, this mini-review describes increasingly sophisticated understanding related to polysaccharides mediated tumor suppressive and anti-metastatic effects in tumor-bearing mice. We have also provided an overview of the clinical trials related to chemopreventive role of polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

Genomic and proteomic findings from these studies will facilitate 'next-generation' clinical initiatives in the prevention/inhibition of cancer.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has great potential as candidate drugs for lung cancer: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

With high mortality and morbidity rates, lung cancer (LC) has become one of the major threats to human health. The treatment strategies for LC currently face issues, such as drug resistance and body tolerance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by novel pharmacological mechanisms, low toxicity, and limited side effects. TCM includes a substantial number of biologically active ingredients, several of which are effective monomeric agents against LC. An increasing number of researchers are focusing their efforts on the discovery of active anti-cancer ingredients in TCM.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this review, we summarized the anti-LC mechanisms of five types of TCM monomeric compounds. Our goal is to provide research ideas for the identification of new prospective medication candidates for the treatment of LC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected reports on the anti-LC effects of TCM monomers from web databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Europe PubMed Central. Among the keywords used were "lung cancer," "traditional Chinese medicine," "pharmacology," and their combinations thereof. Then, we systematically summarized the anti-LC efficacy and related mechanisms of TCM monomers.

RESULTS

Based on the available literature, this paper reviewed the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of five types of TCM monomers on LC. The characteristics of TCM monomers include the capabilities to suppress the tumor cell cycle, inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, promote autophagy, inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and enhance efficacy or reduce drug resistance when combined with cytotoxic agents and other methods to arrest the progression of LC and prolong the survival of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM contains numerous flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and other active compounds that are effective against LC. Given their chemical structure and pharmacological properties, these monomers are suitable as candidate drugs for the treatment of LC.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides ameliorate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute pneumonia via inhibiting NRP1-mediated inflammation

CONTEXT

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP), from Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. (Ganodermataceae), are reported to have anti-inflammatory effects, including anti-neuroinflammation and anti-colitis. Nevertheless, the role of GLP in acute pneumonia is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the protective role of GLP against LPS-induced acute pneumonia and investigate possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GLP were extracted and used for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis after acid hydrolysis and PMP derivatization. Sixty C57BL/6N male mice were randomly divided into six groups: Sham, Model, LPS + GLP (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/d administered intragastrically for two weeks) and LPS + dexamethasone (6 mg/kg/d injected intraperitoneally for one week). Acute pneumonia mouse models were established by intratracheal injection of LPS. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was examined to evaluate lung lesions. ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to assess inflammatory factors expression. Western blots were carried out to measure Neuropilin-1 expression and proteins related to apoptosis and autophagy.

RESULTS

GLP suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration. In BALF, cell counts were 1.1 × 10⁶ (model) and 7.1 × 10⁵ (100 mg/kg). Release of GM-CSF and IL-6 was reduced with GLP (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment. The expression of genes IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and Saa3 was reduced. GLP treatment also suppressed the activation of Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), upregulated the levels of Bcl2/Bax and LC3 and led to downregulation of the ratio C-Caspase 3/Caspase 3 and P62 expression.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

GLP could protect against LPS-induced acute pneumonia through multiple mechanisms: blocking the infiltration of inflammatory cells, inhibiting cytokine secretion, suppressing NRP1 activation and regulating pneumonocyte apoptosis and autophagy.

An Overview of Antitumour Activity of Polysaccharides

Cancer incidence and mortality are rapidly increasing worldwide; therefore, effective therapies are required in the current scenario of increasing cancer cases. Polysaccharides are a family of natural polymers that hold unique physicochemical and biological properties, and they have become the focus of current antitumour drug research owing to their significant antitumour effects. In addition to the direct antitumour activity of some natural polysaccharides, their structures offer versatility in synthesizing multifunctional nanocomposites, which could be chemically modified to achieve high stability and bioavailability for delivering therapeutics into tumor tissues. This review aims to highlight recent advances in natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide-based nanomedicines for cancer therapy.

Comparative Mitogenomic Analysis Reveals Intraspecific, Interspecific Variations and Genetic Diversity of Medical Fungus Ganoderma

Ganoderma species are widely distributed in the world with high diversity. Some species are considered to be pathogenic fungi while others are used as traditional medicine in Asia. In this study, we sequenced and assembled four Ganoderma complete mitogenomes, including G. subamboinense s118, G. lucidum s37, G. lingzhi s62, and G. lingzhi s74. The sizes of the four mitogenomes ranged from 50,603 to 73,416 bp. All Ganoderma specimens had a full set of core protein-coding genes (PCGs), and the rps3 gene of Ganoderma species was detected to be under positive or relaxed selection. We found that the non-conserved PCGs, which encode RNA polymerases, DNA polymerases, homing endonucleases, and unknown functional proteins, are dynamic within and between Ganoderma species. Introns were thought to be the main contributing factor in Ganoderma mitogenome size variation (p < 0.01). Frequent intron loss/gain events were detected within and between Ganoderma species. The mitogenome of G. lucidum s26 gained intron P637 in the cox3 gene compared with the other two G. lucidum mitogenomes. In addition, some rare introns in Ganoderma were detected in distinct Basidiomycetes, indicating potential gene transfer events. Comparative mitogenomic analysis revealed that gene arrangements also varied within and between Ganoderma mitogenomes. Using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods with a combined mitochondrial gene dataset, phylogenetic analyses generated identical, well-supported tree topologies for 71 Agaricomycetes species. This study reveals intraspecific and interspecific variations of the Ganoderma mitogenomes, which promotes the understanding of the origin, evolution, and genetic diversity of Ganoderma species.

Research Progress on the Anticancer Activities and Mechanisms of Polysaccharides From Ganoderma

Cancer ranks as a primary reason for death worldwide. Conventional anticancer therapies can cause severe side effects, and thus natural products may be promising drug candidates for cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence has verified the prominent anticancer properties of Ganoderma polysaccharides, suggesting that Ganoderma polysaccharides may be effective chemopreventive agents of natural origin. Based on their abilities to prevent cancer development by regulating the DNA damage response, cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, host immunity, gut microbiota and therapeutic sensitivity, there has been increasing interest in elucidating the clinical implication of Ganoderma polysaccharides in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize recent findings pertaining to the roles of bioactive polysaccharides from Ganoderma in cancer pathogenesis, discuss the multifarious mechanisms involved and propose future directions for research. A more sophisticated understanding of the anticancer benefits of Ganoderma polysaccharides will be helpful for improving current treatments and developing novel therapeutic interventions for human malignancies.

Current Advancements in Antitumor Properties and Mechanisms of Medicinal Components in Edible Mushrooms

Edible and medicinal fungi, a group of eukaryotic organisms with numerous varieties, including Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Grifola frondosa, have been demonstrated to possess a board range of pharmaceutical properties, including anti-virus, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection. Moreover, edible and medicinal fungi have been traditionally consumed as food to provide multiple nutrients and as drugs owing to having the activities of invigorating blood circulation, reinforcing the healthy qi, clearing away heat, and eliminating stasis for thousands of years in China. Malignant tumors, well-known as the second leading cause of death globally, accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Thus, in-depth exploration of strategies to prevent and treat cancer is extremely urgent. A variety of studies have reported that the main bioactive components of edible and medicinal fungi, mainly polysaccharides and triterpenoids, exhibit diverse anticancer activities via multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, reversing multidrug resistance, and regulation of immune responses, thus suggesting their substantial potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Our review summarizes the research progress on the anticancer properties of edible and medicinal fungi and the underlying molecular mechanism, which may offer a better understanding of this field. Additionally, few studies have reported the safety and efficacy of extracts from edible and medicinal fungi, which may limit their clinical application. In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.

The Pharmacological Rationales and Molecular Mechanisms of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides for the Therapeutic Applications of Multiple Diseases

As a versatile Chinese herb, Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst (G. lucidum) has been applied to treat multiple diseases in clinics and improve the quality of life of patients. Among all of its extracts, the main bioactive components are G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), which possess many therapeutic effects, such as antitumor, immunoregulatory, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects and neuroprotection activities. This review briefly summarized the recent studies of the pharmacological rationales of GLPs and their underlying molecular signaling transmission mechanisms in treating diseases. Until now, the clear mechanisms of GLPs for treating diseases have not been reported. In this review, we used the keywords of "Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides" and "tumor" to search in PubMed (years of 1992-2020), then screened and obtained 160 targets of antitumor activities in the literatures. The network pharmacology and mechanism framework were employed in this study as powerful approaches to systematically analyze the complicated potential antitumor mechanisms and targets of GLPs in cancer. We then found that there are 69 targets and 21 network pathways in "Pathways in cancer". Besides, we summarized the effects of GLPs and the models and methods used in the research of GLPs. In conclusion, GLPs have been studied extensively, but more in-depth research is still needed to determine the exact mechanisms and pathways. Therefore, this review might provide new insights into the vital targets and pathways for researchers to study the pharmacological mechanisms of GLPs for the treatment of diseases.

WSG, a Glucose-Rich Polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, Combined with Cisplatin Potentiates Inhibition of Lung Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Lung cancer has the highest global mortality rate of any cancer. Although targeted therapeutic drugs are commercially available, the common drug resistance and insensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, a common clinical treatment for lung cancer, have prompted active research on alternative lung cancer therapies and methods for mitigating cisplatin-related complications. In this study, we investigated the effect of WSG, a glucose-rich, water soluble polysaccharide derived from Ganoderma lucidum, on cisplatin-based treatment for lung cancer. Murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells were injected into C57BL/6 mice subcutaneously and through the tail vein. The combined administration of WSG and cisplatin effectively inhibited tumor growth and the formation of metastatic nodules in the lung tissue of the mice. Moreover, WSG increased the survival rate of mice receiving cisplatin. Co-treatment with WSG and cisplatin induced a synergistic inhibitory effect on the growth of lung cancer cells, enhancing the apoptotic responses mediated by cisplatin. WSG also reduced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in both macrophages and normal lung fibroblasts. Our findings suggest that WSG can increase the therapeutic effectiveness of cisplatin. In clinical settings, WSG may be used as an adjuvant or supplementary agent.

Physicochemical properties, structural characterization and biological activities of polysaccharides from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds

In this paper, membrane separation technology was employed to separate polysaccharide fractions from the water extract of quinoa seeds. The chemical composition, structure characteristic and morphology were analyzed by chemical methods and instrumental analysis including HPLC-DAD, UV, FT-IR, Congo red test, SEM, AFM, XRD, TGA and NMR. Results indicated that three polysaccharide fractions named as QPs-I, QPs-II and QPs-III were successfully separated using microfiltration and ultrafiltration membrane with MWCO of 300 and 10 kDa in sequence. The Mw and polysaccharide content of three fractions were QPs-I (4609 Da, 33.75%), QPs-II (15,932 Da, 45.31%) and QPs-III (960,895 Da, 34.65%), respectively. The polysaccharide in three fractions was heteropolysaccharide that mainly consisted of glucose, galactose and arabinose, with their combined monosaccharide percentage being 91.17% in QPs-I, 87.81% in QPs-II, and 91.72% in QPs-III, respectively. All three polysaccharide fractions contained triple-helix structure. Biological experiment showed that antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in dose-dependent manners and also revealed immunoregulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells. These results indicated that QPs has the potential to be used in a natural agent in antioxidant, antidiabetic and immunoregulation functional food.

WSG, a glucose-enriched polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, suppresses tongue cancer cells via inhibition of EGFR-mediated signaling and potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis

Tongue cancer, a kind of oral cancer, is common in Southeast Asian countries because of dietary habits. However, there is no specific targeted drug that could effectively inhibit oral cancer. WSG, as a water soluble glucose-enriched polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, exerts excellent pharmacological efficacy of anti-lung cancer. However, its anticancer functions and mechanisms in human tongue cancer need to be further explored. Herein, we showed that WSG dramatically reduced cell viability and colony formation of tongue cancer cells. WSG increased subG1 and G2/M populations as well as induced apoptotic responses. In parallel, WSG enhanced apoptosis-related Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Mechanistic studies showed that WSG reduced phosphorylation of EGFR and AKT. In addition, we found a synergistic effect of WSG with cisplatin in inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis. WSG significantly reduced the inhibition concentration 50% (IC₅₀) of cisplatin. More importantly, WSG ameliorated cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in normal human oral epithelial SG cells. In conclusion, our findings provided important insights into the anti-tongue cancer effects of WSG via inhibition of EGFR/AKT axis and induction of apoptosis, which indicated that WSG could be a promising supplement for tongue cancer treatment.

Lysosome-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis induced by tea polysaccharides promotes colon cancer cell death

The release of lysosomal hydrolase into the cytoplasm is accompanied by several systems of apoptosis signal transduction, and the imbalance between cell viability and apoptosis induces tumorigenesis. Tea polysaccharides (TPs) are the main bioactive components in green tea with hopeful anti-tumor efficacy, while their mechanism is still unclear. Here, TPs significantly promoted the death of colon cancer cell line CT26. RNA-seq results showed that the signal pathways up-regulated by TPs included lysosome pathways, apoptosis, the release of mitochondrial pigment c and programmed cell death. Among them, the results of AO-EB and annexin V-FITC/PI double staining indicated that TPs significantly up-regulated apoptosis. In addition, TPs significantly disrupted the function of lysosomes, which would cause mitochondrial damage. Intriguingly, TPs treatment increased the expression of Bak1, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3, but decreased the level of Bcl-2 and mitochondrial membrane potential, which indicated that TPs induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, TPs ameliorated the reduced lysosomal numbers by Baf A1 (lysosomal inhibitor). Therefore, our data indicated that TPs targeted lysosomes and induced apoptosis by a lysosomal-mitochondrial pathway mediated caspase cascade, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of CT26 cells. In short, the data would help the development of TPs as potential cancer drug therapeutics.

Ganoderma formosanum Exopolysaccharides Inhibit Tumor Growth via Immunomodulation

Ganoderma formosanum (GF) is a medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan. Previous research established the optimal culture conditions to produce exopolysaccharide rich in β-glucan (GF-EPS) from submerged fermentation of GF. The present study investigated the antitumor effects of GF-EPS in a Lewis lung carcinoma cell (LLC1) tumor-bearing mice model. In the preventive model, GF-EPS was orally administered to mice before LLC1 injection. In the therapeutic model, GF-EPS oral administration was initiated five days after tumor cell injection. The tumor size and body weight of the mice were recorded. After sacrifice, the lymphocyte subpopulation was analyzed using flow cytometry. Spleen tissues were used to analyze cytokine mRNA expression. The results showed that GF-EPS (80 mg/kg) effectively suppressed LLC1 tumor growth in both the preventive and therapeutic models. GF-EPS administration increased the proportion of natural killer cells in the spleen and activated gene expression of several cytokines. Our results provide evidence that GF-EPS promotes tumor inhibition through immunomodulation in tumor-bearing mice.

Characteristics and antifatigue activity of graded polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum separated by cascade membrane technology

In this paper, cascade membrane technology was utilized to classify polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum (GLPs). The properties and antifatigue activity of graded polysaccharides were identified and compared. GLPs were separated using cascade ultrafiltration membranes of 100 kDa, 10 kDa and 1 kDa in sequence. The molecular weights of polysaccharides in these GLP fractions were approximately 322.0 kDa, 18.8 kDa and 6.4 kDa, and all polysaccharides were in active β-configurations. This showed that all graded GLPs could elongate swimming time, improve endurance and promote fatigue recovery, especially polysaccharides with molecular weights above 10 kDa. This demonstrated that GLPs could decrease the activities of SUN and CK and the levels of MDA and BLA. They also increased the level of Gly, accelerated fat transformation, and improved the activities of GPx, SOD and LDH in all treated mice. Accordingly, GLPs above 10 kDa might be potential agents with antifatigue activity.

Self-Assembled pH-Sensitive Nanoparticles Based on Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide-Methotrexate Conjugates for the Co-delivery of Anti-tumor Drugs

In tumor therapy, polymer nanoparticles are ideal drug delivery materials because they can mask the disadvantages of anti-tumor drugs such as poor solubility in water, high toxicity, and side effects. However, most polymer-based nanoparticles do not themselves have anti-tumor properties. Herein, a novel pH-sensitive nanoparticle drug delivery system based on Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), which have demonstrated anti-tumor activities, was designed to enable the delivery of methotrexate (MTX) and 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) to tumor cells, where they could exert synergistic anti-tumor effects. The prepared nanoparticles were irregularly spherical in shape with a uniform particle size of ∼190 nm, and they exhibited a high drug-loading capacity (MTX 21.5% and HCPT 22.6%) and excellent biocompatibility. Moreover, the loaded MTX and HCPT units were rapidly released under acidic conditions within the tumor cells while remaining stable under normal physiological conditions. Meanwhile, compared to free MTX and HCPT, the GLP-APBA-MTX/HCPT nanoparticles presented exhibited better tumor suppressive effects and fewer side effects in vivo, which indicates that they may be an effective anti-tumor treatment strategy.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide modulates gut microbiota and immune cell function to inhibit inflammation and tumorigenesis in colon

This study investigated the effects of water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from the sporoderm-removed spores of Ganoderma lucidum (GLP) against AOM/DSS-induced inflammation, tumorigenesis, and gut microbiota modification, which has never been reported before. Our data revealed that GLP (200 and 300 mg/kg) decreased AOM/DSS-induced colitis and tumorigenesis, manifested by significantly reduced disease activity index score, and total number and size of tumors. Furthermore, GLP ameliorated AOM/DSS-induced microbiota dysbiosis, increased short-chain fatty acid production, and alleviated endotoxemia by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. Besides, GLP profoundly improved gut barrier function as evidenced by increased numbers of goblet cells, MUC2 secretion, and tight junction protein expressions. GLP treatment inhibited macrophage infiltration and downregulated IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2 expressions. Additionally, GLP inhibited lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation markers and MAPK (JNK and ERK) activation in macrophage RAW264.7, intestinal HT-29, and NCM460 cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that GLP is a promising prebiotic for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Effects of Medicinal Fungi-Derived β-Glucan on Tumor Progression

β-Glucans have been studied in animal species, from earthworms to humans. They form a heterogenous group of glucose polymers found in fungi, plants, bacteria, and seaweed. β-Glucans have slowly emerged as an important target for the recognition of pathogens. In the current review, we highlight the major roles of mushroom-derived β-glucans on cancer progression.