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

A fructan-type garlic polysaccharide upregulates immune responses in macrophage cells and in immunosuppressive mice

The anti-inflammatory effects of plant polysaccharides are well known. However, the stimulatory effects of polysaccharides under immunosuppressive conditions and their link with the polysaccharide structure is underexplored. In this work, the immune modulatory effects of a garlic polysaccharide (GP) are investigated via in vitro and vivo methods. It is observed that GP enhance the immune response of macrophages (RAW264.7) as indicated by the elevated levels of nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-6. The observation that GP are able to stimulate the immune response in vitro was then explored with the use of an immunosuppressed mouse model. Surprisingly, GP exhibited dose-dependent up-regulatory impacts on the cyclophosphamide (CTX) suppressed levels of cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-6 and immunoglobulins (e.g. IgA and IgG). The GP intervention reversed histopathological damage to the small intestine and spleen and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid levels. Moreover, GP modulates the gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of immunogenic bacteria such as g__norank_f__Erysipelotrichaceae, while inhibiting the over-abundance of g_Bacteroides. Functional predictions indicated that gut biomarkers of GP possessed the functions of glycoside hydrolase family 32 (GH32) and β-fructofuranosidase. It is concluded that GP is a promising immunostimulant for immune-compromised individuals.

Ginseng-DF ameliorates intestinal mucosal barrier injury and enhances immunity in immunosuppressed mice by regulating MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways

PURPOSE

Dietary fiber (DF) has a good application prospect in effectively restoring the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Ginseng-DF has good physicochemical properties and physiological activity and shows positive effects in enhancing immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Ginseng-DF on intestinal mucosal barrier injury induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in immunosuppressed mice and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

The effects of Gginseng-DF on immune function in mice were studied by delayed-type hypersensitivy, lymphocyte proliferation assay and NK cytotoxicity assay, the T lymphocyte differentiation and intestinal barrier integrity were analyzed by flow cytometry and western blot.

RESULTS

Ginseng-DF (2.5% and 5%) could attenuate the inhibition of DTH response by CTX, promote the transformation and proliferation of lymphocytes, and stimulate NK effector cell activity. At the same time, Ginseng-DF could restore the proportion of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes induced by CTX to different extents, improved spleen tissue damage, promoted the secretion of immunoglobulin IgG, and enhanced body immunity. More importantly, Ginseng-DF could up-regulate the contents of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-1β in serum and intestine of immunosuppressed mice to maintain the balance between Th1/Th2 cytokines, and improve the permeability of intestinal mucosal barrier. Meanwhile, Ginseng-DF could reduce intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and improve intestinal adaptive immunity in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice by regulating MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Ginseng-DF can be used as a safe dietary supplement to enhance body immunity and reduce intestinal mucosal injury caused by CTX.

Revealing the effect of sea buckthorn oil, fish oil and structured lipid on intestinal microbiota, colonic short chain fatty acid composition and serum lipid profiles in vivo

In this study, the effects of sea buckthorn oil (SBO), fish oil (FO) and an enzymatically synthesized structured lipid (SL) on serum, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal microbiota in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were investigated. The results demonstrated that FO, SBO, and SL effectively reduced the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum of SD rats. SBO increased serum triglyceride levels, while FO elevated total cholesterol levels. Furthermore, all three dietary lipids decreased short-chain fatty acid production and enhanced intestinal microbiota diversity. FO increased the abundance of intestinal microbiota including Romboutsia, Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Conversely, all three dietary lipids reduced the abundance of Klebsiella and Blautia. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the functionality of SBO and FO as well as their potential application in synthesizing novel SLs to regulate intestinal microbiota.

Network pharmacology combined with an experimental validation study to reveal the effect and mechanism of Lonicera japonica Thunb. extracts against immunomodulation

Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJT) is known for its valuable medicinal properties that highlight its potential application in the pharmaceutical and health food industry. We predict that LJT polyphenols by network pharmacology may be involved in immunomodulation, and the study of LJT polyphenols regulating immunity is still insufficient; therefore, we experimentally found that LJT enhances immunity by promoting the proliferation and phagocytic activity of RAW246.7 cells. A model of an immunosuppressed mouse was constructed using cyclophosphamide-induced, and LJT was extracted for the intervention. We found that LJT restored immune homeostasis in immune deficiency mice by inhibiting the abnormal apoptosis in lymphocytes, enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity, promoting T lymphocyte proliferation, and increasing the CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in quantity. Moreover, LJT treatment modulates immunity by significantly downregulating lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and oxidative stress levels. We verified the immunomodulatory function of LJT through both cell and animal experiments. The combination of potential-protein interactions and molecular docking later revealed that LJT polyphenols were associated with immunomodulatory effects on MAPK1; together, LJT intervention significantly modulates the immune, with the activation of MAPK1 as the underlying mechanism of action, which provided evidence for the utilization of LJT as a nutraceutical in immune function.

Sciadonic acid ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression by modulating the immune response and altering the gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is a frequently used chemotherapeutic drug, but long-term Cy treatment can cause immunosuppression and intestinal mucosal damage. The intestinal mucosal barrier and gut flora play important roles in regulating host metabolism, maintaining physiological functions and protecting immune homeostasis. Dysbiosis of the intestinal flora affects the development of the intestinal microenvironment, as well as the development of various external systemic diseases and metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

The present study investigated the influence of sciadonic acid (SA) on Cy-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results showed that SA gavage significantly alleviated Cy-induced immune damage by improving the immune system organ index, immune response and oxidative stress. Moreover, SA restored intestinal morphology, improved villus integrity and activated the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway, stimulated cytokine production, and reduced serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis indicated that SA increased t beneficial bacteria (Alistipes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Rikenella and Odoribacter) and decreased pathogenic bacteria (norank-f-Oscillospiraceae, Ruminococcus and Desulfovibrio) to maintain intestinal homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

The present study provided new insights into the SA regulation of intestinal flora to enhance immune responses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sodium acetate and sodium butyrate attenuate diarrhea in yak calves by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites

Diarrhea is a severe issue in calves that causes fertility problems and economic issues worldwide. Sodium acetate/sodium butyrate (SA/SB) alleviates diarrhea in mice; however, little information is available about the preventive effect of SA/SB on diarrheic yak calves living on the Tibet plateau. Yak calves (n = 19) of age ≥4 months and weight 37 ± 2 Kg were randomly divided into control (C, n = 10) and supplement groups (S, n = 9). Yaks belonging to the supplement group were given sodium butyrate (10 g/kg) and sodium acetate (5 g/kg) for 28 days, along with normal feed, seasonal grasses, pasture, and water. The blood and fecal samples from yak calves were collected for assessment of antioxidant capacity, inflammatory cytokines, microbiome, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration analysis. Results of this study revealed that a lower diarrhea rate, higher weight, and net weight gain were recorded in yaks belonging to group S supplemented with SA/SB. Similarly, increased antioxidant capacity with higher levels of T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-px and decreased inflammatory reactions by decreasing both TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations were recorded in yaks of group S. The concentration of SCFAs was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in yaks from group S than group C. Microbiome analysis revealed that 8 phyla and 54 genera were significantly different (p < 0.05) in both yak groups, with increased probiotics (Akkermansia, Oscillospira), SCFAs producing genera (Oscillospira, ASF356, Anaerosporobacter and Phascolarctobacterium), and decreased inflammatory related genus (Flavonifractor, Fournierella) and harmful bacteria (Oscillibacter, Achromobacter) in group S. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that SA and SB could decrease diarrhea rates in yak calves on the plateau via increasing antioxidant ability and SCFAs, while decreasing inflammatory responses in yaks by moderating gut microbiota. The current results provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea in yaks.

The Immunomodulatory Effects of A2 β-Casein on Immunosuppressed Mice by Regulating Immune Responses and the Gut Microbiota

The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of A2 β-casein (β-CN) in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. Experiments conducted in vitro revealed that A2 β-CN digestive products have potent immunostimulatory activities. Animal studies demonstrated that A2 β-CN improved the immunological organ index reduction trend caused by cyclophosphamide, reduced the pathological damage to the spleen tissue in immunosuppressed mice, increased the release of IL-17A, IgG, and IgA, and reduced the production of IL-4. By regulating the relative abundance of advantageous bacteria like Oscillospira, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacteria and harmful bacteria like Coprococcus and Desulfovibrionaceae, A2 β-CN improved gut microbiota disorders in immunosuppressed mice. Moreover, A2 β-CN promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids and increased the diversity of the gut microbiota. Therefore, ingestion of A2 β-CN is beneficial to the host's immune system and gut health. These findings provide insights for the future application of A2 β-CN-related dairy products.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory effect of a starch-like Grifola frondosa polysaccharides on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice

In this study, a pure Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP-1) was extracted and purified from Grifola frondosa. By HPLC, GC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR analysis, GFP-1 was determined to be a starch-like polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 3370 kDa. It included three monosaccharides, i.e., glucose, galactose, and mannose. The backbone of GFP-1 consisted of →4)-α-Glcp-(1→ and →4,6)-α-Glcp-(1 → . The side branches were composed of →6)-α-Galp-(1→, α-Glcp-(1→, and a small amount of α-Manp-(1 → . By using a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice model, we evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of GFP-1. The results showed that GFP-1 increased the thymic and spleen indices, promoted the level of IgG and IgA in serum, and activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in CTX-induced mice. Also, GFP-1 significantly promoted the mRNA expression of intestinal barrier factors and protected intestinal structural integrity in immunosuppressed mice. In conclusion, the data presented here suggested that GFP-1 might be a potential immune-enhancing supplement.

In Search of Authenticity Biomarkers in Food Supplements Containing Sea Buckthorn: A Metabolomics Approach

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) (SB) is increasingly consumed worldwide as a food and food supplement. The remarkable richness in biologically active phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, vitamins) is responsible for its purported nutritional and health-promoting effects. Despite the considerable interest and high market demand for SB-based supplements, a limited number of studies report on the authentication of such commercially available products. Herein, untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+MS) were able to compare the phytochemical fingerprint of leaves, berries, and various categories of SB-berry herbal supplements (teas, capsules, tablets, liquids). By untargeted metabolomics, a multivariate discrimination analysis and a univariate approach (t-test and ANOVA) showed some putative authentication biomarkers for berries, e.g., xylitol, violaxanthin, tryptophan, quinic acid, quercetin-3-rutinoside. Significant dominant molecules were found for leaves: luteolin-5-glucoside, arginine, isorhamnetin 3-rutinoside, serotonin, and tocopherol. The univariate analysis showed discriminations between the different classes of food supplements using similar algorithms. Finally, eight molecules were selected and considered significant putative authentication biomarkers. Further studies will be focused on quantitative evaluation.

Lactoferrin deficiency during lactation increases the risk of depressive-like behavior in adult mice

BACKGROUND

Lactoferrin is an active protein in breast milk that plays an important role in the growth and development of infants and is implicated as a neuroprotective agent. The incidence of depression is currently increasing, and it is unclear whether the lack of lactoferrin during lactation affects the incidence of depressive-like behavior in adulthood.

RESULTS

Lack of lactoferrin feeding during lactation affected the barrier and innate immune functions of the intestine, disrupted the intestinal microflora, and led to neuroimmune dysfunction and neurodevelopmental delay in the hippocampus. When exposed to external stimulation, adult lactoferrin feeding-deficient mice presented with worse depression-like symptoms; the mechanisms involved were activation of the LPS-TLR4 signalling pathway in the intestine and hippocampus, reduced BDNF-CREB signaling pathway in hippocampus, increased abundance of depression-related bacteria, and decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings reveal that lactoferrin feeding deficient during lactation can increase the risk of depressive-like behavior in adults. The mechanism is related to the regulatory effect of lactoferrin on the development of the "microbial-intestinal-brain" axis.

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.

Effects of different steaming times on the composition, structure and immune activity of Polygonatum Polysaccharide

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a commonly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Polygonati Rhizoma has high medicinal value, it can enhance the immune capacity of the body, regulate the metabolism of blood glucose and lipids, treat weakness of the stomach and intestines and physical fatigue, and so on. There are three plant varieties of Polygonati Rhizoma recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, including Polygonatum sibiricum Red., Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl. and Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, compared with the first two, Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is less studied. Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is one of the basal plants of the Chinese herb Polygonati Rhizoma, that strengthens the spleen, moistens the lungs, and benefits the kidneys. Polygonatum polysaccharide is the main active substance of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, which has various biological effects of regulating immune system, anti-inflammatory, anti-antidepressant, antioxidant and other effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In order to analyze the necessity and scientificity of multiple cycles of steaming during the traditional nine-steaming and nine-drying process of the concoction of Polygonatum, we investigated the changes in the composition and structure of polysaccharides, and explored its immunomodulatory activity and molecular biological mechanism.

METHODS

The structural characterization and molecular weight of polysaccharides were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-performance size exclusion chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPSEC-ELSD) and Matrix.assisted laser resolutionu ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The composition and proportion of monosaccharides were determined by PMP-HPLC method. A mouse immunosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide to compare the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of different steaming times of Polygonatum, The changes of body mass and immune organ indices of mice were measured; the secretion levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon γ (IFN-γ) and the expression levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and then flow cytometry was used to detect T-lymphocyte subpopulations to evaluate the differences of immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides during the processing and preparation of Polygonatum. Finally, the Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform was used to analyze short-chain fatty acids and to investigate the effects of different steaming times of Polygonatum polysaccharides on immune function and intestinal flora in immunosuppressed mice.

RESULTS

The structure of the Polygonatum polysaccharide with different steaming times changed significantly, the relative molecular weight of Polygonatum polysaccharide decreased significantly, and the monosaccharide composition of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua with different steaming times was the same but the content was different. The immunomodulatory activity of the Polygonatum polysaccharide was enhanced after concoction, which significantly increased the spleen index and thymus index, and increased the expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, IgA and IgM. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio of Polygonatum polysaccharide also increased gradually with different steaming times, indicating enhanced immune function and significant immunomodulatory effect. The content of short-chain fatty acids in the feces of mice in both six steaming six sun-drying of Polygonatum polysaccharides (SYWPP) and nine steaming nine sun-drying of Polygonatum polysaccharides (NYWPP) groups increased significantly, including the content of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid, and also had a good effect on the regulation and improvement of microbial community abundance and diversity, SYWPP and NYWPP increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and the ratio of Bacteroides and Firmicutes (B:F), while SYWPP significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Alistipes and norank_f__Lachnospiraceae, but the effect of raw Polygonatum polysaccharides (RPP) and NYWPP was not significant than SYWPP.

CONCLUSION

Overall, both SYWPP and NYWPP could significantly enhance the immune activity of the organism, improve the imbalance of intestinal flora in immunosuppressed mice, and increase the content of intestinal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), it is noteworthy that SYWPP has a better effect on the improvement of the immune activity of the organism. These findings can explore the stage of the concoction process of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua to achieve the best effect, provide a reference basis for the development of quality standards, and at the same time promote the application of new therapeutic agents and health foods in raw and different steaming times of Polygonatum polysaccharide.

Immunostimulant potential of Moringa Oleifera leaves alcoholic extract versus Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in broilers chicks

The current study was conducted to evaluate the immunoenhancement effect of Moringa oleifera leaves alcoholic extract (MOLE) versus Oregano essential oil (OEO) against cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression in broilers chicks. A total of a three hundred one-day-old chicks were assigned randomly into three main dietary groups, control, MOLE, and OEO for 14 days. After 14 days the three main experimental groups were subdivided into six groups, control, cyclophosphamide, MOLE, MOLE and Cyclophosphamide, OEO, and OEO and cyclophosphamide. Each group of these six groups was subdivided into three subgroups. Supplementation of broiler chicks with MOLE and OEO for 14 days significantly increased body weight compared to the control group. However, injection of broiler chicks with cyclophosphamide significantly induced body weight loss, impaired immunological response represented by decreasing total leukocytic count, differential leukocytic count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and hemagglutinin inhibition titer for New Castle disease virus, lymphoid organs depletion, and increased the mortality rate. In contrast, supplementation of cyclophosphamide treated chicks with MOLE and OEO significantly reduced cyclophosphamide induced body weight loss and impaired immunological responses, as it showed significant increase in body weight, total leukocytic count, differential leukocytic count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and hemagglutinin inhibition titer for New Castle disease virus, lymphoid organs proliferation, and reduced the mortality rate. This study indicated that MOLE and OEO supplementation ameliorated cyclophosphamide induced body weight loss and impaired immunological responses.

Immunoenhancing Effects of Cyclina sinensis Pentadecapeptide through Modulation of Signaling Pathways in Mice with Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression

Our study aimed to investigate the immune-enhancing mechanism of the pentadecapeptide (RVAPEEHPVEGRYLV) from Cyclina sinensis (SCSP) in a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced murine model of immunosuppression. Our results showed that SCSP treatment significantly increased mouse body weight, immune organ indices, and the production of serum IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in CTX-treated mice. In addition, SCSP treatment enhanced the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages, as well as phagocytosis of the latter in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SCSP elevated the phosphorylation levels of p38, ERK, JNK, PI3K and Akt, and up-regulated IKKα, IKKβ, p50 NF-κB and p65 NF-κB protein levels, while down-regulating IκBα protein levels. Our results indicate that SCSP has immune-enhancing activities, and that it can activate the MAPK/NF-κB and PI3K/Akt pathways to enhance immunity in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Soups Prepared with the Native Cage-free Chickens and the Commercial Caged Broilers

The objective of this study was to compare the immunomodulatory effects of the chicken soups prepared with the native free-range chickens and the commercial caged broilers in the immunosuppressive mice. The immunosuppressive mice model was established by the intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg of cyclophosphamide (CTX) per kg body weight. The powders of Gushi Chicken Soup (GCS), Honglashan Chicken Soup (HCS), and Cobb Broiler Soup (CBS) were prepared by high-pressure stewing followed by spray drying. The chicken soups' nutrient content and the effects of three chicken soups on the body weight, organ index, blood index, and serum cytokine and immunoglobulin contents in the immunosuppressive mice were determined. The three chicken soups promoted the recovery of immunosuppressive mice, but the expression mechanisms were different. The GCS was more effective than the HCS and CBS in restoring blood index, promoting cytokine secretion, and increasing immunoglobulin content (P < 0.05). The HCS stimulated the Th1-type immune response and promoted immunoglobulin secretion (P < 0.05), while the CBS increased the production of CD4⁺ and promoted the T-cell functions better than other soups (P < 0.05). Although soups from the native free-range chickens and the commercial caged broilers showed distinctly different mechanisms in promoting immunity, both could be used as potential immunomodulators.

Antioxidant and Immunostimulatory Activities of Fermented Sour Soybean Milk Added With Polypeptides From Pleurotus eryngii

The improved quality of sour soybean milk by adding polypeptide from Pleurotus eryngii was investigated in this study, and the immunomodulatory effect of sour soybean milk fermented with polypeptides from P. eryngii was also evaluated in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide. Results showed the physicochemical property of sour soybean milk fermented with small-molecular-weight polypeptide (<3 kDa) were superior to the others including the decrease of pH, and increase of acidity, water-holding capacity and lactic acid bacteria count. The animal experiment demonstrated that sour soybean milk with polypeptide could effectively reverse the decreasing trend of thymus/spleen index and hematological parameters, enhance murine immune functions including serum hemolysin and splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and inhibit oxidative stress. In addition, sour soybean milk fermented with polypeptide could increase the diversity of intestinal flora, and increase the abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus. Taken together, it could provide a theoretical basis for developing an immunomodulatory agent or functional food additives with antioxidant activity.

Immunoenhancement Effects of the Herbal Formula Hemomine on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice

Hemomine is an herbal blend comprising Angelicae Gigantis Radix and other herbs known to have immunomodulatory effects. We examined the immunopotentiating effect of this herbal blend on cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced immunosuppression. Male mice were assigned to one of six groups: the intact control and five CPA treatment groups (one control, one reference (β-glucan), and three with the application of hemomine at different concentrations; 4, 2, or 1 mL/kg; n = 10 per group). Mice were injected with CPA to induce myelosuppression and immunosuppression, after which they received one of the experimental treatments. In immunosuppressed mice, hemomine treatment alleviated the noticeable reductions in body, spleen, and submandibular lymph node weights caused by CPA; caused changes in hematological markers; induced the reduced levels of serum IFN-γ and spleen TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 by CPA; improved natural killer cell activities in the spleen and peritoneal cavity; and also improved lymphoid organ atrophy in a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrate that hemomine, a mixture of six immunomodulatory herbs, is an effective immunomodulatory agent, with the potential to enhance immunity.

Lactobacillus paracasei CCFM1229 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CCFM1228 Alleviated Depression- and Anxiety-Related Symptoms of Chronic Stress-Induced Depression in Mice by Regulating Xanthine Oxidase Activity in the Brain

Depression is a common mood disorder that affects around 350 million people worldwide. We studied the effect of supplementation with Lactobacillus strains for the treatment of depression. Except for control group (n = 8), C57BL/6J mice were treated with Lactobacillus during six weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (depression group: n = 9, Lactobacillus intervention group: n = 7). L. paracasei CCFM1229 and L. rhamnosus CCFM1228 significantly reduced depressive behaviour in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, significantly reduced anxiety behaviour in the open field test, and reduced anxiety behaviour in the marble burying test and light/dark box test. L. paracasei CCFM1229 and L. rhamnosus CCFM1228 significantly increased the brain serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations, and CCFM1229 significantly decreased the serum corticosterone concentration, all of which are closely associated with the relief of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, CCFM1229 and CCFM1228 were shown to regulate purine metabolism in mice, as indicated by decreases in brain xanthine oxidase activity and an increase in liver adenosine deaminase activity. Anxiety- and depression-related indicators were significantly associated with xanthine oxidase activity in the cerebral cortex. The strains CCFM1229 and CCFM1228 reduced anxiety- and depression-related behaviour in a mouse model of chronic stress-induced depression, which may be achieved by regulating the activity of brain xanthine oxidase.

Albuca Bracteata Polysaccharides Attenuate AOM/DSS Induced Colon Tumorigenesis via Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Mice

Inflammation is an important risk factor in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Accumulating evidence indicates that some phytochemicals have anti-cancer properties. Polysaccharides extracted from Albuca bracteata (AB) have been reported to possess anti-neoplastic activities on colorectal cancer (CRC) models. However, it is still unclear whether they exert therapeutic effects on colorectal cancer. In this study, we investigate the properties of polysaccharides of A. bracteate, named ABP. The average molecular weight of ABP was 18.3 kDa and ABP consisted of glucose, mannose, galactose, xylose, galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid at a molar ratio of 37.8:8:2.5:1.7:1:1. An Azoxymethane/Dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) induced CAC mouse model was established. The CAC mice treated with ABP showed smaller tumor size and lower tumor incidence than untreated ones. ABP increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, inhibited secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), mitigated oxidative stress by increasing GSH and decreasing MDA levels, suppressed the activation of STAT3 and expressions of its related genes c-Myc and cyclin D1. Moreover, ABP treatment increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (f_Ruminococcaceae, g_Roseburia, g_Odoribacter, g_Oscillospira, and g_Akkermansia) and the levels of fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) in CAC model mice. In summary, our data suggest that ABP could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating CAC.

Fabrication of a Silk Sericin Hydrogel System Delivering Human Lactoferrin Using Genetically Engineered Silk with Improved Bioavailability to Alleviate Chemotherapy-Induced Immunosuppression

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for cancer; however, it usually causes severe atrophy of immune organs and self-immunity damage to patients. Human lactoferrin (hLF) is a multiple biofunctional protein in regulating the immune response and thus holds great promise to alleviate chemotherapy-caused immunosuppression. However, a sufficient hLF resource and efficient delivery of hLF remain a challenge. Here, we provide a useful strategy to simultaneously solve these two problems. A silk sericin hydrogel system delivering recombinant hLF (SSH-rhLF) was fabricated to alleviate the chemotherapeutic drug-caused side effects by rhLF-carrying silk cocoons, which were cost-effectively produced by a transgenic silkworm strain as the resource. SSH-rhLF with a uniform porous microstructural morphology, a dominant β-sheet internal structure, adjustable concentration and sustainable release of the rhLF, and non-cytotoxicity properties was demonstrated. Interestingly, the sericin hydrogel showed effective protection of the rhLF from degradation in the stomach and small intestine, thus prolonging the bioactivity and bioavailability of rhLF. As a result, the oral administration of SSH-rhLF with a low rhLF dose showed significant therapeutic effects on enhancing the immune organs of cyclophosphamide (CTX)-treated mice by protecting the splenic follicles, promoting the expression of immunoregulatory factors, and recovering the intestinal flora family from CTX-induced imbalance, which were similar to those achieved by oral administration of a high dose of free hLF in the solution form. The results suggest that the strategy of producing rhLF silk cocoons via feeding transgenic silkworms overcomes well the shortage of rhLF resources, improves the bioavailability of oral rhLF, and alleviates the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on immune organs. The oral SSH-rhLF will be promising for applications in cancer chemotherapy and immunity enhancement of patients.