Hyperlipidemic Inhibitory Effects of Phellinus pini in Rats Fed with a High Fat and Cholesterol Diet

Hypoglycemic effect of the Phellinus baumii extract with α-glucosidase-inhibited activity and its modulation to gut microbiota in diabetic patients

Phellinus baumii extract (PBE) possesses considerable α-glucosidase-inhibited activity. This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect in vitro and in vivo using a glucose consumption assay in HepG2 cells, intragastric administration for ten weeks in STZ-induced mice, and intestinal flora fermentation in patients with type 2 diabetes to reveal the possible underlying mechanisms. PBE was prepared, including α-glucosidase-inhibited ethanol extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE). In vitro, PBE promoted glucose consumption and enhanced glycogen content and hexokinase activity but lowered phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase activity in HepG2 cells. In vivo, PBE treatment significantly reduced the body weight (p < 0.05) and fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic mice (p < 0.01), with the lowest blood glucose level observed in the EE+AE group. Furthermore, the serum insulin levels and insulin resistance index (HOMA) of PBE-treated groups decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Moreover, gene expression levels of the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT pathway were significantly upregulated by PBE treatment (p < 0.01). In vitro fermentation demonstrated that EE significantly inhibited the production of H₂S and NH₃ in the intestinal flora fermentation model in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was reduced, the growth of Lactobacillus and Prevotella 9 was promoted, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inhibited. This study provides new insights and clues for using PBE as a functional food and clinical drug for glycemic control.

In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Digestive Enzymes Inhibition Activities of Hydro-Ethanolic Leaf and Bark Extracts of Psychotria densinervia (K. Krause) Verdc

Psychotria densinervia hydro-ethanolic leaf extract (PHELE) and bark extract (PHEBE) were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and inhibition of digestive enzymes activities. The antioxidant activity was characterized by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was characterized by protein denaturation and antiproteinase tests, while the inhibition of the enzymes was assessed using α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and cholesterol esterase activities. PHELE presented low ( $p<0.001$ ) IC50 (59.09 ± 5.97 μg/ml) for DPPH compared with ascorbic acid (71.78 ± 6.37 μg/ml) and PHEBE (115.40 ± 1.21 μg/ml). The IC50 of PHELE (262.4 ± 4.46 μg/ml) and PHEBE (354.2 ± 1.97 μg/ml) was higher ( $p<0.001$ ) than that of catechin (33.48 ± 2.02 μg/ml) for ABTS. PHELE had high ( $p<0.001$ ) FRAP (341.73 ± 21.70 mg CE/g) than PHEBE (150.30 ± 0.32 mg CE/g). PHELE presented ( $p<0.001$ ) high TPC (270.05 ± 7.53 mg CE/g) and TFC (23.43 ± 0.032 mg CE/g) than PHEBE (TPC: 138.89 ± 0.91 and TFC: 20.06 ± 0.032 mg CE/g). PHELE showed antiprotein denaturation with IC50 (257.0 ± 7.51 μg/ml) ( $p<0.001$ ) and antiproteinase activity (74.37 ± 1.10 μg/ml) lower than PHEBE (316.1 ± 6.02 μg/ml and 177.6 ± 0.50 μg/ml), respectively. Orlistat inhibited lipase ( $p<0.001$ ) activity with IC50 (37.11 ± 4.39 μg/ml) lower than PHELE and PHEBE (50.57 ± 2.89 μg/ml and 62.88 ± 1.74 μg/ml, respectively). PHELE inhibited cholesterol esterase with IC50 (34.75 ± 3.87 μg/ml) lower than orlistat (54.61 ± 2.56) and PHEBE (80.14 ± 1.71 μg/ml). PHELE inhibited α-amylase IC50 (6.07 ± 4.05 μg/ml) lower than PHEBE (19.69 ± 6.27 μg/ml) and acarbose (20.01 ± 2.84 μg/ml). Acarbose inhibited α-glucosidase ( $p<0.001$ ) activity with IC50 (4.11 ± 3.47 μg/ml) lower than PHELE (24.41 ± 2.84 μg/ml) and PHEBE (38.81 ± 2.46 μg/ml). PHELE presented better antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibition activity than PHEBE.

Selected Species of the Genus Phellinus - Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Medicinal Applications

This study presents the current knowledge on chemical composition, biological activity, and possible medicinal applications of Phellinus igniarius, Phellinus pini, Phellinus pomaceus, and Phellinus robustus. These inedible arboreal species are phytopathogens that cause the enzymatic decomposition of wood. These species belong to the medicinal mushrooms and have been known for centuries in the traditional medicine of the Far East. They have been used as an effective remedy for stomach and intestinal ailments, diarrhea, and hemorrhages. Mycochemical studies have proved the presence of polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. These compounds show biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and antiviral. Research studies conducted using modern analytical methods have advanced the knowledge on the potential therapeutic use of compounds isolated not only from the fruiting bodies but also from biomass obtained with in vitro biotechnological methods.

Aromatic Cadinane Sesquiterpenoids from the Fruiting Bodies of Phellinus pini Block SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 Interaction

The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 inspires the development of effective inhibitors to block the SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE2 interaction. A chemical investigation on the fruiting bodies of Phellinus pini led to the isolation of five aromatic cadinane sesquiterpenoids including four new ones, named piniterpenoids A-D (1-4), as well as three known lignans. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis including HRMS and 1D and 2D NMR. All of the aromatic cadinane sesquiterpenoids inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE2 interaction, with IC50 values ranging from 64.5 to 99.1 μM. A molecular docking study showed the disruption of the interaction of compound 1 via hydrogen interactions with Arg403, Asp405, and Arg408 of SARS-CoV-2 RBD and Arg393 and His34 residues of ACE2. These results suggested that aromatic cadinane sesquiterpenoids might be useful in developing agents for COVID-19.

Separation, characterization and hypoglycemic activity in vitro evaluation of a low molecular weight heteropolysaccharide from the fruiting body of Phellinus pini

Edible mushrooms have potential in anti-diabetic phytotherapy. They are rich in natural compounds such as polysaccharides, which have been known to have antihyperlipidemic effects since ancient times. A polysaccharide fraction of PP80 and a contained low molecular-weight (Mw), water-soluble polysaccharide (PPW-1, Mw: 3.2 kDa) were isolated from the fruiting body of Phellinus pini. Both PP80 and PPW-1 possess α-glucosidase inhibition and glucose consumption amelioration in an insulin-resistant HepG2 cell model. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of PPW-1 (IC50 = 2.2 ± 0.1 mg mL-1) is significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those of PP80 (IC50 = 13.1 ± 0.5 mg mL-1) and acarbose (IC50 = 4.3 ± 0.2 mg mL-1), behaving in a non-competitive inhibition manner. The structural characterization results indicated that PPW-1 is a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide composed of d-glucose, d-mannose, d-galactose and l-rhamnose. The major backbone of PPW-1 is primarily comprised of 1,6-linked glucopyranose, every third residue of which is branched at the O-3 position by a side chain consisting of 1,3-linked and terminal glucopyranose. In addition, small amounts of 1,2-linked-α-d-Manp, 1,6-linked-3-O-Me-α-d-Galp and rhamnose exist in PPW-1. In summary, PPW-1 is a novel heteropolysaccharide with potent in vitro hypoglycemic activity, and it may be a potential dietary component for improving glucose homeostasis.

Maternal soy protein isolate diet during lactation programs deleterious effects on hepatic lipid metabolism, atherogenic indices, and function of adrenal in adult rat offspring

The benefits of consuming soy and its protein have been reported in many studies. However, its phytoestrogen content raises concerns about consumption during lactation and gestation We therefore examined the effects of soybean or soy protein isolate on the parameters-related cardiovascular pathophysiology in lactating mothers and their offsprings at weaning and adulthood. Lactating rats were divided: casein control (C); soy protein isolate (SPI); and soybean (S). At weaning, half of the litter received commercial ration up to 150 days. The levels of 17-β-estradiol and superoxide dismutase were low in the S mothers. For the SPI mothers, we observed a reduction of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). At weaning, atherogenic indices [1 = total cholesterol (TC)/HDL; 2 = LDL/HDL; 3 = TC-HDL/HDL)] decreased in the S and SPI offsprings compared to the casein control group; TBARS and antioxidant enzymes increased in the S offspring, while reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio increased in the SPI offspring, indicating lower oxidative stress. In adulthood, the SPI offspring showed an increase in liver cholesterol and atherogenic index 1 and 3 (vs. C and S) and 2 (vs. S). In addition, we found a decrease in catecholamines in the adrenal medulla and an increase in caffeine-stimulated secretion, but tyrosine hydroxylase expression remained constant. Maternal consumption of SPI during lactation worsened atherogenic indices of the offsprings in adulthood, which was associated with increased liver cholesterol and decreased catecholamines in the adrenal medulla. Soy consumption had no consistent long-term effects on the evaluated parameters compared to casein consumption. The data suggest that the consumption of SPI during lactation should be done with caution.

Repeatedly heated mix vegetable oils-induced atherosclerosis and effects of Murraya koenigii

Background

Statins are considered as standard drugs to control cholesterol levels, but their use is also associated with renal hypertrophy, hemorrhagic stroke, hepatomegaly, and myopathy. Murraya koenigii is an herb that is used in traditional cuisine and as a medicine in South Asia. Here we assessed the antidyslipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of this spice in repeated heated mix vegetable oils (RHMVO)-induced atherosclerotic models.

Methods

Aqueous extract of M. koenigii leaves (Mk LE) was prepared and its phytoconstituents were determined. Rabbits were divided into 5 groups (n = 10). Except for the control group, all the other four groups were treated with RHMVO for 16 weeks (dose = 2 ml/kg/day) to induce dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. These groups were further treated for 10 weeks either with 300 and 500 mg/kg/day Mk LE, lovastatin, RHMVO, or left untreated. Body and organ weights were measured along with oxidative stress and tissue damage parameters. Lipid profile and hepatic function markers were studied. Atheroma measurement and histopathological examination were also performed in control and treated groups.

Results

Mk LE significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated RHMVO-induced dyslipidemia and atheroma formation. Furthermore, fat accumulation and lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissues were reduced by Mk LE in a dose-dependent manner. Our results indicated that the antidyslipidemic effects of Mk LE in 500 mg/kg/day dose were comparable to lovastatin. Additionally, oxidative stress markers were reduced much more significantly in Mk LE-500 than in the statin group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study recommends Mk LE as a potent antioxidant and lipid-lowering natural medicine that can attenuate the RHMVO-induced atherosclerotic in optimal doses and duration. Therefore, Mk LE can be accessible, cheap, and free of adverse effects alternate to statins.

Historical and current perspectives on therapeutic potential of higher basidiomycetes: an overview

Mushrooms are macroscopic fungi which can be either epigeous or hypogeous and is estimated to be 140,000 on earth, yet only 10% are known. Since ancient time, it played a diverse role in human history for mycolatry, mycophagy and as medicine in folklore and religion. Many Asian and western countries consider mushrooms as panacea for a large number of diseases and utilized for consumption as a gourmet food for its taste as well as flavor. In recent years, scientific research fraternities have confirmed that various extracts and metabolites of mushrooms used traditionally are able to treat a wide range of diseases due to their balanced modulation of multiple targets thereby providing a greater therapeutic effect or equivalent curative effect to that of modern medicine. Medicinal mushrooms especially those belonging to higher basidiomycete groups are reservoir of bioactive compounds with multiple therapeutic properties. The present review provides historical importance as well as an updated information on pharmacologically relevant higher basidiomycetes belong to the genus Agaricus, Auricularia, Phellinus, Ganoderma, Pleurotus, Trametes and Lentinus and their biologically active secondary metabolites. This will help the researchers to understand various type of secondary metabolites, their therapeutic role and related in vivo or in vitro work at a glance. The mounting evidences from several scientific community across the globe, regarding various therapeutic applications of mushroom extracts, unarguably make it an advance research area worth mass attention.

Generation of hyperlipidemic rabbit models using multiple sgRNAs targeted CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system

OBJECTIVE

To generate novel rabbit models with a large-fragment deletion of either LDL receptor (LDLR) and/or apolipoprotein (apoE) genes for the study of hyperlipidemic and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

CRISPR/Cas9 system directed by a multiple sgRNAs system was used in rabbit embryos to edit their LDLR and apoE genes. The LDLR and apoE genes of founder rabbits were sequenced, and their plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles on a normal chow diet were analyzed, western blotting was also performed to evaluate the expression of apolipoprotein. Sudan IV and HE staining of aortic were performed to confirm the formation of atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

Six knockout (KO) rabbits by injection of both LDLR and apoE sgRNAs were obtained, including four LDLR KO rabbits and two LDLR/apoE double- KO rabbits. Sequence analysis of these KO rabbits revealed that they contained multiple mutations including indels, deletions, and substitutions, as well as two rabbit lines containing biallelic large fragment deletion in the LDLR region. Analysis of their plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles of these rabbits fed on a normal chow diet revealed that all of these KO rabbits exhibited remarkable hyperlipidemia with total cholesterol levels increased by up to 10-fold over those of wild-type rabbits. Pathological examinations of two founder rabbits showed that KO rabbits developed prominent aortic and coronary atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSION

Large fragment deletions can be achieved in rabbits using Cas9 mRNA and multiple sgRNAs. LDLR KO along with LDLR/apoE double KO rabbits should provide a novel means for translational investigations of human hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.