Immunomodulatory effect of Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide on immunosuppressed chickens

Prebiotic characteristics of degraded polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide on broilers gut microbiota based on in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low molecular weight Acanthopanax polysaccharides on simulated digestion, probiotics, and intestinal flora of broilers in vitro. The experiments were carried out by H2O2-Vc degradation of Acanthopanax polysaccharides, in vitro simulated digestion to evaluate the digestive performance of polysaccharides with different molecular weights, in vitro probiotic evaluation of the probiotic effect of polysaccharides on lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in vitro anaerobic fermentation and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to study the impact of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the intestinal flora of broilers, and the effect of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the short-chain fatty acids of intestines were determined by GC-MS method. The results showed that the molecular weight of Acanthopanax polysaccharide (ASPS) was 9,543 Da, and the molecular weights of polysaccharides ASPS-1 and ASPS-2 were reduced to 4,288 Da and 3,822 Da after degradation, and the particle sizes, PDIs, and viscosities were also significantly decreased. ASPS-1 has anti-digestive properties and better in vitro probiotic properties. The addition of ASPS-1 regulates the structure of intestinal microorganisms by regulating fecalibacterium to produce short-chain fatty acids, promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as fecalibacterium, paraprevotella and diminishing the prevalence of detrimental bacteria such as Fusobacteria. Interestingly the ASPS-1 group found higher levels of Paraprevotella, which degraded trypsin in the gut, reducing inflammation, acted as a gut protector, and was influential in increasing the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and total SCFAs in the fermented feces. Therefore, the degraded ASPS-1 can better regulate the structure of intestinal flora and promote the production of SCFAs, creating possibilities for its use as a potential prebiotic, which is conducive to the intestinal health of poultry.

Modulation of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and intestinal flora in broiler by deep eutectic solvent extracted polysaccharides of Acanthopanax senticosus

Introduction

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the modulation effect of Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide (ASPS-PD) extracted with deep eutectic solvent on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in broilers and its modulation of the gut microbiota of broilers.

Methods

The 108 one-day-old broilers were divided into six groups, including the control group, the Cyclophosphamide (CY) model group, the ASPS-PD control group, the ASPA-PD high and low dose groups and the Astragalus polysaccharide group. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and immune organ index of broilers at 7, 14, and 21 days were determined; IL-2, IFN-γ, and lgG1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Broiler caeca feces were analyzed by amplification and 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

The results showed that ASPS-PD can restore growth performance, increase immune organ index and improve serum cytokine levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and immunoglobulin lgG1 levels in CY-treated broilers. The analysis of cecum flora showed that ASPS-PD can promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and reduce the number of harmful bacteria, regulating intestinal flora.

Discussion

Therefore, ASPA-PD may be a potential novel immunomodulator to ameliorate CY-induced immunosuppression and intestinal flora dysregulation in broiler.

A review of the extraction and purification methods, biological activities, and applications of active compounds in Acanthopanax senticosus

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a geo-authentic crude medicinal plant that grows in China, Korea, Russia, and Japan. AS contains bioactive compounds such as eleutherosides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. It is also a key traditional herb in the Red List of Chinese Species. AS is mainly distributed in Northeast China, specifically in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces. Its active compounds contribute to significant biological activities, including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and antitumor effects. However, the extraction methods of active compounds are complex, the extraction efficiency is poor, and the structure-activity relationship is unclear. This study focused on the nutrients in AS, including protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. Particularly, the active ingredients (eleutherosides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids) in AS and their extraction and purification methods were analyzed and summarized. The biological activities of extracts have been reviewed, and the mechanisms of anti-oxidation, antitumor, anti-inflammation, and other activities are introduced in detail. The applications of AS in various domains, such as health foods, medicines, and animal dietary supplements, are then reported. Compared with other extraction methods, ultrasonic or microwave extraction improves efficiency, yet they can damage structures. Challenges arise in the recovery of solvents and in achieving extraction efficiency when using green solvents, such as deep eutectic solvents. Improvements can be made by combining extraction methods and controlling conditions (power, temperature, and time). Bioactive molecules and related activities are exposited clearly. The applications of AS have not been widely popularized, and the corresponding functions require further development.

Acanthopanax senticosus cultures fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus enhanced immune response through improvement of antioxidant activity and inflammation in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been recognized as safe microorganism that improve micro-flora disturbances and enhance immune response. A well-know traditional herbal medicine, Acanthopanax senticosus (As) was extensively utilized in aquaculture to improve growth performance and disease resistance. Particularly, the septicemia, skin wound and gastroenteritis caused by Aeromonas hydrophila threaten the health of aquatic animals and human. However, the effects of probiotic fermented with A. senticosus product on the immune regulation and pathogen prevention in fish remain unclear. Here, the aim of the present study was to elucidate whether the A. senticosus fermentation by Lactobacillus rhamnosus improve immune barrier function. The crucian carp were fed with basal diet supplemented with L. rhamnosus fermented A. senticosus cultures at 2 %, 4 %, 6 % and 8 % bacterial inoculum for 8 weeks. After trials, the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly increased, especially in LGG-6 group. The results confirmed that the level of the CAT, GSH-PX, SOD, lysozyme, and MDA was enhanced in fish received with probiotic fermented product. Moreover, the L. rhamnosus fermented A. senticosus cultures could trigger innate and adaptive immunity, including the up-regulation of the C3, C4, and IgM concentration. The results of qRT-PCR revealed that stronger mRNA transcription of IL-1β, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and MyD88 genes in the liver, spleen, kidney, intestine and gills tissues of fish treated with probiotic fermented with A. senticosus product. After infected with A. hydrophila, the survival rate of the LGG-2 (40 %), LGG-4 (50 %), LGG-6 (60 %), LGG-8 (50 %) groups was higher than the control group. Meanwhile, the pathological damage of the liver, spleen, head-kidney, and intestine tissues of probiotic fermentation-fed fish could be alleviated after pathogen infection. Therefore, the present work indicated that L. rhamnosus fermented A. senticosus could be regard as a potential intestine-target therapy strategy to protecting fish from pathogenic bacteria infection.

Mulberry leaf polysaccharide improves cyclophosphamide-induced growth inhibition and intestinal damage in chicks by modulating intestinal flora, enhancing immune regulation and antioxidant capacity

Polysaccharides are generally considered to have immune enhancing functions, and mulberry leaf polysaccharide is the main active substance in mulberry leaves, while there are few studies on whether mulberry leaf polysaccharide (MLP) has an effect on immunosuppression and intestinal damage caused by cyclophosphamide (CTX), we investigated whether MLP has an ameliorative effect on intestinal damage caused by CTX. A total of 210 1-day-old Mahuang cocks were selected for this experiment. Were equally divided into six groups and used to evaluate the immune effect of MLP. Our results showed that MLP significantly enhanced the growth performance of chicks and significantly elevated the secretion of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), immunoglobulins and antioxidant enzymes in the serum of immunosuppressed chicks. It attenuated jejunal damage and elevated the expression of jejunal tight junction proteins Claudin1, Zo-1 and MUC2, which protected intestinal health. MLP activated TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, which served to protect the intestine. 16S rDNA gene high-throughput sequencing showed that MLP increased species richness, restored CTX-induced gut microbiome imbalance, and enhanced the abundance of probiotic bacteria in the gut. MLP improves cyclophosphamide-induced growth inhibition and intestinal damage in chicks by modulating intestinal flora and enhancing immune regulation and antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, this study provides a scientific basis for MLP as an immune enhancer to regulate chick intestinal flora and protect chick intestinal mucosal damage.

Two plants improve stress response of a subterranean herbivore by downregulating amphetamine addiction pathways

Introduction

Captivity serves as the primary method for enhancing animal survival and productivity. However, the stress induced by confinement can hinder animal growth and reproduction. The administration of drugs to captive animals can effectively regulate their stress response and can also be used inartificial breeding, reproduction, and experimental animalization of wild species. The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi), a subterranean herbivore, experiences significant stress during the captive process owing to its unique habitat.

Methods

In our study, we utilized Radix astragali (RA) and Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) extracts to intervene in the stress response of plateau zokors.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that RA and AS treatment considerably improved food intake and reduced weight loss, stress-related behavior, and stress hormone levels in plateau zokors. Furthermore, the excitatory pathway of amphetamine addition in the hypothalamus was suppressed by RA and AS treatment, acting through the Grin and Prkc gene families. Notably, after RA treatment, the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathway, enriched by the Col1a1/3a1/1a2/6a1 gene, was significantly upregulated, potentially enhancing the immune function of captive plateau zokors.

Discussion

In conclusion, our research demonstrates that RA and AS treatment can effectively alleviate the stress response of plateau zokors in captive environments. The downregulation of the excitation pathway and upregulation of the immune pathway offer valuable insights into the response and potential mechanisms of plant-based drugs in mitigating animal stress.

Immunomodulatory effect of Atractylodis macrocephala Koidz. polysaccharides in vitro

Vaccination is still the main method of preventing most infectious diseases, but there are inefficiencies and inaccuracies in immunization. Studies have reported that Atractylodis macrocephalae Koidz. polysaccharides (RAMP) have immunomodulatory effects, but the mechanisms involved in whether they can modulate the immune response in chickens are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RAMP on lymphocytes functions by analyzing cell proliferation, cell cycle, mRNA expression of cytokines and CD4 +/CD8 + ratio. To identify potential molecules involved in immune regulation, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome profiling of chicken lymphocytes. In addition, the adjuvant effect of RAMP was evaluated by detecting indicators of hemagglutination inhibition. When lymphocytes were cultured with RAMP in vitro, the proliferation rate of lymphocytes was increased (P < 0.01), more cells in S phase and G2/M phase (P < 0.01) and the mRNA expression of IFN-γ was upregulated (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression of TGF-β (P < 0.01) and IL-4 (P < 0.05) was downregulated and the CD4 +/CD8 + ratio was increased (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic results showed that RAMP increased the expression of HIST1H46 (P < 0.05) and CENPP (P < 0.05). Validation of qPCR showed that RAMP may play an important role in regulating cellular immunity by downregulating the Notch pathway. The results also showed that RAMP could increase the serum Newcastle disease virus antibody levels in chickens. These data suggest that RAMP could enhance immune function of lymphocytes and was a candidate vaccine adjuvant in chickens.

Optimization of Enzyme-Assisted Aqueous Extraction of Polysaccharide from Acanthopanax senticosus and Comparison of Physicochemical Properties and Bioactivities of Polysaccharides with Different Molecular Weights

To obtain the optimal process for the enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction of polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus, and study the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides of different molecular weights, the extraction of Acanthopanax polysaccharides was optimized using the BBD response surface test. The polysaccharides with different molecular weights were obtained by ethanol-graded precipitation at 40%, 60%, and 80%, which were presented as ASPS40, ASPS60, and ASPS80. The polysaccharides were analyzed by HPGPC, ion chromatography, FT-IR, UV, SEM, TGA, XRD, Congo red, and I2-KI tests. The antioxidant assay was used to evaluate their antioxidant properties in vitro. The findings demonstrated that the recovery rate of Acanthopanax polysaccharide was 10.53 ± 0.682%, which is about 2.5 times greater compared to the conventional method of hot water extraction. Based on FT-IR, TGA, polysaccharides with different molecular weights did not differ in their structure or thermal stability. The XRD suggests that the internal structure of ASPSs is amorphous. Congo red and I2-KI showed that all three polysaccharides had triple helix structures with longer branched chains and more side chains. Furthermore, the antioxidant results showed the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides is not only related to the molecular weight size but also can be related to its composition and structure. These studies developed a green, and scalable method to produce polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus and evaluated the properties of Acanthopanax polysaccharides of different molecular weights.

Research progress on the mechanisms underlying poultry immune regulation by plant polysaccharides

With the rapid development of poultry industry and the highly intensive production management, there are an increasing number of stress factors in poultry production. Excessive stress will affect their growth and development, immune function, and induce immunosuppression, susceptibility to a variety of diseases, and even death. In recent years, increasing interest has focused on natural components extracted from plants, among which plant polysaccharides have been highlighted because of their various biological activities. Plant polysaccharides are natural immunomodulators that can promote the growth of immune organs, activate immune cells and the complement system, and release cytokines. As a green feed additive, plant polysaccharides can not only relieve stress and enhance the immunity and disease resistance of poultry, but also regulate the balance of intestinal microorganisms and effectively alleviate all kinds of stress faced by poultry. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of different plant polysaccharides (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz polysaccharide, Astragalus polysaccharides, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide, and alfalfa polysaccharide) in poultry. Current research results reveal that plant polysaccharides have potential uses as therapeutic agents for poultry immune abnormalities and related diseases.

Effects of polysaccharides from Yingshan Yunwu tea on free amino acids, flavor nucleotides and antioxidant abilities in chickens

Tea polysaccharides possess a variety of physiological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, and cation chelating ability, which have been proved a promising feed additive. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of polysaccharides from Yingshan Yunwu tea (GTPS) on free amino acids, flavor nucleotides and antioxidant ability in chickens. A total of 200 chickens were randomly divided into to 4 groups. Chickens were fed chicken basal diet with GTPS (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg). The results showed that GTPS increased body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake in chickens. Moreover, GTPS increased the total amount of free amino acids of meat, and increased the content of histidine, leucine, serine, glutamic acid and alanine. GTPS also increased contents of inosine monophosphate and guanylic monophosphate, which improved the meat flavor of chickens. In addition, GTPS significantly increased (P < 0.05) contents of GSH-Px, SOD and T-AOC, and reduced content of MDA. It also increased Nrf2, NQO-1 and HO-1 mRNA expressions, and decreased Keap1expression. GTPS increased Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels, and decreased Keap1 level. The above findings indicated that GTPS could be a promising natural feed additive in poultry industry.

Dietary Enteromorpha Polysaccharide Enhances Intestinal Immune Response, Integrity, and Caecal Microbial Activity of Broiler Chickens

Marine algae polysaccharides have been shown to regulate various biological activities, such as immune modulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic. However, litter is known about the interaction of these polysaccharides with the gut microbiota. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of marine algae Enteromorpha (Ulva) prolifera polysaccharide (EP) supplementation on growth performance, immune response, and caecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 200 1-day-old Ross-308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into two treatment groups with ten replications of ten chickens in each replication. The dietary treatments consisted of the control group (fed basal diet), and EP group (received diet supplemented with 400 mg EP/kg diet). Results showed that chickens fed EP exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) body weight and average daily gain than the chicken-fed basal diet. In addition, significantly longer villus height, shorter crypt depth, and higher villus height to crypt depth ratio were observed in the jejunal and ileal tissues of chickens fed EP. EP supplementation upregulated the mRNA expression of NF-κB, TLR4, MyD88, IL-2, IFN-α, and IL-1β in the ileal and jejunal tissues (P < 0.05). Besides, we observed significantly higher (P < 0.05) short-chain volatile fatty acids (SCFAs) levels in the caecal contents of the EP group than in the control group. Furthermore, 16S-rRNA analysis revealed that EP supplementation altered gut microbiota and caused an abundance shift at the phylum and genus level in broiler chicken. Interestingly, we observed an association between microbiota and SCFAs production. Overall, this study demonstrated that supplementation of diet with EP promotes growth performance, improves intestinal immune response and integrity, and modulates the caecal microbiota of broiler chickens. This study highlighted the application of marine algae polysaccharides as an antibiotic alternative for chickens. Furthermore, it provides insight to develop marine algae polysaccharide-based functional food and therapeutic agent.