Physicochemical characterization and hypoglycemic potential of a novel polysaccharide from Polygonatum sibiricum Red through PI3K/Akt mediated signaling pathway

Effect of ultrasonic degradation on the physicochemical characteristics, GLP-1 secretion, and antioxidant capacity of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic degradation on the physicochemical and biological characteristics of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (PCP, 8.59 kDa). PCP was subjected to ultrasonic treatment for 8, 16, and 24 h and yielded the degraded fractions PCP-8, PCP-16, and PCP-24 (5.06, 4.13, and 3.69 kDa), respectively. Compared with the intact PCP, PCP-8, PCP-16 and PCP-24 had a reduced particle size (decrements of 28.03 %, 46.15 % and 62.54 %, respectively). Although ultrasonic degradation did not alter the primary structure of PCP, its triple helical and superficial structures were disrupted, with degraded fractions demonstrating reduced thermal stability and apparent viscosities compared with those of the intact PCP. Furthermore, the functional properties of the degraded fractions were different. PCP-16 most favourably affected GLP-1 secretion, while PCP-8 and PCP-24 exhibited the strongest antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, respectively. Hence, controlled ultrasound irradiation is an appealing approach for partially degrading PCP and enhancing its bioactivity as a functional agent.

KCD: A prediction web server of knowledge-based circular dichroism

We present a web server that predicts the far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra of proteins by utilizing their three-dimensional (3D) structures from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The main algorithm is based on the classical theory of optical activity together with a set of atomic complex polarizabilities, which are obtained from the analysis of a series of synchrotron radiation CD spectra and their related 3D structures from the PDB. The results of our knowledge-based CD method (KCD) are in good agreement with measured spectra that could include the effect of D-amino acids. Our method also delivers some of the most accurate predictions, in comparison with the calculated spectra from well-established models. Specifically, using a metric of closeness based on normalized absolute deviations between experimental and calculated spectra, the mean values for a series of 57 test proteins give the following figures for such models: 0.26 KCD, 0.27 PDBMD2CD, 0.30 SESCA, and 0.47 DichroCalc. From another point of view, it is worth mentioning the remarkable capabilities of the recent approaches based on artificial intelligence, which can precisely predict the native structure of proteins. The structure of proteins, however, is flexible and can be modified by a diversity of environmental factors such as interactions with other molecules, mechanical stresses, variations of temperature, pH, or ionic strength. Experimental CD spectra together with reliable predictions can be utilized to assess eventual secondary structural changes. A similar kind of evaluation can be done for the case of an incomplete protein structure that has been reconstructed by using different approaches. The KCD method can be freely accessed from: https://kcd.cinvestav.mx/.

Structural characterization and in vitro fermentation properties of polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema

Polysaccharides, the major active ingredient and quality control indicator of Polygomatum cyrtonema are in need of elucidation for its in vitro fermentation characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the structural characteristics of the homogeneous Polygomatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (PCP-80 %) and its effects on human intestinal bacteria and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production during the in vitro fermentation. The results revealed that PCP-80 % was yielded in 10.44 % and the molecular weight was identified to be 4.1 kDa. PCP-80 % exhibited a smooth, porous, irregular sheet structure and provided good thermal stability. The analysis of Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) suggested that PCP-80 % contained six glycosidic bonds, with 2,1-linked-Fruf residues accounted for a largest proportion. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) provided additional evidence that the partial structure of PCP-80 % probably consists of →1)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → as the main chain, accompanied by side chains dominated by →6)-β-D-Fruf-(2→. Besides, PCP-80 % promoted the production of SCFAs and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Megamonas, Bifidobacterium and Phascolarctobacterium during in vitro colonic fermentation, which changed the composition of the intestinal microbiota. These findings indicated that Polygomatum cyrtonema polysaccharides were able to modulate the structure and composition of the intestinal bacteria flora and had potential probiotic properties.

Preclinical pharmacokinetics-related pharmacological effects of orally administered polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicines: A review

Polysaccharides (TCMPs) derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), such as Ganoderma lucidum, Astragalus membranaceus, Lycium barbarum, and Panax ginseng, are considered to be the main active constituents in TCMs. However, the significant pharmacological effects of orally administered TCMPs do not align well with their poor pharmacokinetics. This article aims to review the literature published mainly from 2010 to 2022, focusing on the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects. It has been found that unabsorbed TCMPs can exert local pharmacological effects in the gut, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, regulation of intestinal flora, modulation of intestinal immunity, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. Unabsorbed TCMPs can also produce systemic pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor activity and immune system modulation, by regulating intestinal flora and immunity. Conversely, some TCMPs can be absorbed and distributed to various tissues, especially the liver, where they exhibit tissue-protecting effects against inflammation and oxidative stress-induced damage and improve glucose and lipid metabolism. In future studies, it is important to improve quality control and experimental design. Furthermore, research on enhancing the oral bioavailability of TCMPs, exploring the activity of TCMP metabolites, investigating pharmacokinetic interactions between TCMPs and oral drugs, and developing oral drug delivery systems using TCMPs holds great significance.

Metabolic Composition and Quality Traits of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from Different Germplasms and Age Sections Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analysis

Polygonatum rhizomes are rich in various compounds with many biological activities and are widely used in functional foods and pharmaceutical products. In order to screen for superior Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (P. cyrtonema) germplasm and also to elucidate the nutritional and medicinal values of rhizomes, the metabolic composition and quality traits of rhizomes from different germplasms and age sections of P. cyrtonema were analysed by widely targeted metabolomics, and the molecular mechanism of triacylglycerol synthesis was explored. The results showed that the different germplasms and age sections of P. cyrtonema were rich in different nutritional and medicinal components. Of these, the broad-leaved green stem (GK) germplasm is rich in polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lipids; the pointed-leaved green stem (JL) germplasm is rich in flavonoids, steroids, and amino acids, while the pointed-leaved purple stem (JZ) germplasm contains more phenolic acids. The one-year (AT) age section is rich in polysaccharides, steroids, organic acids, and lipids; the three years (CT) age section contains more flavonoids, alkaloids, and amino acid metabolites. Lipids were significantly enriched in the broad-leaved green stem germplasm and the one-year age section. Interestingly, the highest accumulation of triacylglycerols, an important component of lipids, was also found in the GK germplasm and the AT age section. Nineteen, 14, and 13 members of the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAT), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) gene families, respectively, involved in triacylglycerol synthesis were also identified. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results further suggested that the differentially expressed PcDGAT1, PcDGAT2.4, PcGPAT9.1, PcLPAT2.9, and PcLPAT4.3 genes may play important roles in triacylglycerol synthesis in P. cyrtonema. Therefore, this study provides a new theoretical reference for product development and the breeding of new varieties of Polygonatum species.

Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr polysaccharides ameliorates hyperglycemia by regulating hepatic glycogen metabolism in type 2 diabetic mice

INTRODUCTION

Drug monotherapy was inadequate in controlling blood glucose levels and other comorbidities. An agent that selectively tunes multiple targets was regarded as a new therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes. Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr polysaccharide (ATMP) is a bio-macromolecule isolated from Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr and has therapeutic potential for diabetes management due to its anti-hyperglycemia activity.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in mice using streptozotocin, and 40 and 80 mg/kg ATMP was administered daily via the intragastric route for 8 weeks. Food intake, water intake, and body weight were recorded. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS) and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed. Histological changes in the liver and pancreas were analyzed by H&E staining. The mRNA and the protein levels of key factors involved in glycogen synthesis, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis were measured by quantitative real time PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that ATMP could effectively improve glucose tolerance and alleviate insulin resistance by promoting insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon secretion. In addition, ATMP decreases glycogen synthesis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling, reduces glycogenolysis via suppressing cAMP/PKA signaling, and suppresses liver gluconeogenesis by activating AMPK signaling.

CONCLUSION

Together, ATMP has the potential to be developed as a new multitargets therapeutics for type 2 diabetes.

Anti-Diabetic Activity of Polysaccharides from Auricularia cornea var. Li

Auricularia cornea var. Li. polysaccharide (ACP) has many important biological activities and has potential application value in food engineering, pharmaceutical science, and health care. The results were as follows: the extraction rate of ACP was 28.18% ± 1.41% and the purity of ACP was 86.92% ± 2.80%. ACP contains mannitol 32.41%, glucuronic acid 6.96%, rhamnose 0.32%, glucose 42.35%, galactose 0.77%, xylose 16.83%, and fucose 0.36%, without galacturonic acid and arabinose. In addition, the results of an animal test of diabetes mellitus II (DM II) with ACP showed that the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting blood glucose and water in the serum of mice with ACP were significantly lower than those in the model group; the serum SOD, hepatic glycogen, and insulin of mice added with ACP were significantly higher than those in the model group. More importantly, ACP had no significant adverse effects on organ index and liver and kidney tissue morphology in mice. These results suggest that ACP can be used as a potential functional food component for the prevention or treatment of diabetes.