PADI4 mediates autophagy and participates in the role of ganoderic acid A monomers in delaying the senescence of Alzheimer's cells through the Akt/mTOR pathway

The anti-Alzheimer's disease effects of ganoderic acid A by inhibiting ferroptosis-lipid peroxidation via activation of the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive and memory abilities, social disorders, and behavioral abnormalities. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent type of programmed cell death, is closely associated with the pathogenesis of AD. Ferroptosis is characterized by the accumulation of iron within cells, leading to increased oxidative stress, and ultimately lipid peroxidation and cell death. Ganoderic acid A (GAA), one of the major pharmacologically active components in Ganoderma lucidum, exhibits an excellent neuroprotective effect against AD. However, it is unclear whether GAA improves the symptoms of AD by inhibiting ferroptosis. This study investigated the anti-AD effects of GAA through both in vivo and in vitro experiments, and determined its molecular mechanism from the perspective of ferroptosis modulation. The results showed that GAA administration attenuated hippocampal neuronal loss, improved mitochondrial ultrastructure, and enhanced the memory and learning ability of the AD mice. In vitro assays suggested that GAA effectively protected HT22 AD cells against ferroptosis-related morphological damage, enhanced their antioxidant capacity, maintained their iron metabolism, and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the immunofluorescence and western blotting results showed that the levels of NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2 (NRF2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) both in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and amyloid beta (Aβ)25-35-induced HT22 AD cells were markedly enhanced after GAA administration. In summary, these results revealed that GAA improves AD by activating on the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis to inhibit ferroptosis-lipid peroxidation.

High-content screening identifies ganoderic acid A as a senotherapeutic to prevent cellular senescence and extend healthspan in preclinical models

Accumulated senescent cells during the aging process are a key driver of functional decline and age-related disorders. Here, we identify ganoderic acid A (GAA) as a potent anti-senescent compound with low toxicity and favorable drug properties through high-content screening. GAA, a major natural component of Ganoderma lucidum, possesses broad-spectrum geroprotective activity across various species. In C. elegans, GAA treatment extends lifespan and healthspan as effectively as rapamycin. Administration of GAA also mitigates the accumulation of senescent cells and physiological decline in multiple organs of irradiation-stimulated premature aging mice, natural aged mice, and western diet-induced obese mice. Notably, GAA displays a capability to enhance physical function and adapts to conditional changes in metabolic demand as mice aged. Mechanistically, GAA directly binds to TCOF1 to maintain ribosome homeostasis and thereby alleviate cellular senescence. These findings suggest a feasible senotherapeutic strategy for protecting against cellular senescence and age-related pathologies.

Ganoderic acid a alleviates Aβ25-35-induced HT22 cell apoptosis through the ERK/MAPK pathway: a system pharmacology and in vitro experimental validation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that occurs with aging. Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis.) P. Karst. (G. lucidum) is a traditional medicinal fungus believed to nourish the brain and anti-aging. Ganoderic acid A (GAA), a triterpenoid from G. lucidum, has demonstrated natural neuroprotective effects. This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of GAA on AD. Systematic network pharmacology identified 95 targets, 8 biological functions, and multiple pathways. The results highlighted MAPK family members as core genes, with MAPK1 (ERK2) showing the highest binding affinity to GAA in molecular docking. In vitro experiments revealed that GAA dose-dependently increased the viability of Aβ25-35-injured HT22 cells and inhibited MAPK pathway-related protein expression. Similar to FR180204, 100 µM GAA significantly reversed ERK protein expression, oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial damage in AD cell model. GAA also downregulated cleaved caspase-3 protein levels, apoptosis rates, Aβ and p-Tau expression by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway. The therapeutic effect of GAA on AD was predicted and validated through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. The ability of GAA to inhibit apoptosis via the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway positions it as a promising candidate for AD treatment.

Research Progress on the Biological Activity of Ganoderic Acids in Ganoderma lucidum over the Last Five Years

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a traditional edible and medicinal mushroom in China. The main bioactive components in G. lucidum include triterpenoids, polysaccharides, steroids, and sterols. Ganoderic acids (GAs) are one of the most abundant triterpenoids found in G. lucidum, garnering significant attention from researchers in the fields of medicine and health care. We summarize the extensive studies on the physiological function of GAs in anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, radiation protection, anti-aging, liver protection, anti-microbial, and neuroprotection areas, among others. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the bioactivities and pharmacological mechanisms of GAs, aiming to delineate the current research directions and the state of the art in this field. This analysis helps to rapidly identify new bioactivities of GAs and understand their mechanisms, leading to more effective treatments for various diseases.

The Biological Activity of Ganoderma lucidum on Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Interplay between Different Active Compounds and the Pathological Hallmarks

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a cluster of conditions characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system. Despite significant advancements in understanding these diseases, therapeutic options remain limited. The medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum has been recognized for its comprehensive array of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, which possess potential neuroprotective properties. This literature review collates and examines the existing research on the bioactivity of active compounds and extracts from Ganoderma lucidum in modulating the pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. The structural information and preparation processes of specific components, such as individual ganoderic acids and unique fractions of polysaccharides, are presented in detail to facilitate structure-activity relationship research and scale up the investigation of in vivo pharmacology. The mechanisms of these components against neurodegenerative diseases are discussed on multiple levels and elaborately categorized in different patterns. It is clearly presented from the patterns that most polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum possess neurotrophic effects, while ganoderic acids preferentially target specific pathogenic proteins as well as regulating autophagy. Further clinical trials are necessary to assess the translational potential of these components in the development of novel multi-target drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.

Therapeutic potential of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum against Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a high-incidence neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cognitive impairment, memory loss, and psychiatric abnormalities. Ganoderma lucidum is a famous medicinal fungus with a long history of dietary intake, containing various bioactive components, and have been documented to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory effects, among others. Recent studies have shown that G. lucidum and its components have promising therapeutic potential against AD from various aspects, which can delay the progression of AD, improve cognitive function and quality of life. The underlying mechanisms mainly include inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, inhibiting Aβ formation, affecting activated microglia, regulating NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway, inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, modulating immune system, and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, etc. This paper systematically reviewed the relevant studies on the therapeutic potential of G. lucidum and its active components for treatment of AD, key points related with the mechanism studies and clinical trials have been discussed, and further perspectives have been proposed. Totally, as a natural medicinal mushroom, G. lucidum has the potential to be developed as effective adjuvant for AD treatment owing to its therapeutic efficacy against multiple pathogenesis of AD. Further mechanical investigation and clinical trials can help unlock the complete potential of G. lucidum as a therapeutic option for AD.

Ganoderic Acid A: A Potential Natural Neuroprotective Agent for Neurological Disorders: A Review

Ganoderic acid A (GAA) is one of the major triterpenoids in Ganoderma lucidum (GL). Accumulating evidence has indicated that GAA demonstrates multiple pharmacological effects and exhibits treatment potential for various neurological disorders. Here, the effects and mechanisms of GAA in the treatment of neurological disorders were evaluated and discussed through previous research results. By summarizing previous research results, we found that GAA may play a neuroprotective role through various mechanisms: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, protection of nerve cells, and regulation of nerve growth factor. Therefore, GAA is a promising natural neuroprotective agent and this review would contribute to the future development of GAA as a novel clinical candidate drug for treating neurological diseases.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potentials of Mushroom Bioactive Compounds in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a prevailing neurodegenerative condition (NDs), leading to the gradual deterioration of brain cells and subsequent declines in memory, thinking, behavior, and emotion. Despite the intensive research efforts and advances, an effective curative treatment for the disease has not yet been found. Mushrooms, esteemed globally for their exquisite flavors and abundant nutritional benefits, also hold a wealth of health-promoting compounds that contribute to improving AD health. These compounds encompass polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, terpenoids, phenols, and various other bioactive substances. Particularly noteworthy are the potent neuroprotective small molecules found in mushrooms, such as ergothioneine, erinacine, flavonoids, alkaloids, ergosterol, and melanin, which warrant dedicated scrutiny for their therapeutic potential in combating AD. This review summarizes such positive effects of mushroom bioactive compounds on AD, with a hope to contribute to the development of functional foods as an early dietary intervention for this neurodegenerative disease.

Multiple Metabolites Derived from Mushrooms and Their Beneficial Effect on Alzheimer's Diseases

Mushrooms with edible and medicinal potential have received widespread attention because of their diverse biological functions, nutritional value, and delicious taste, which are closely related to their rich active components. To date, many bioactive substances have been identified and purified from mushrooms, including proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and vitamins. More importantly, molecules derived from mushrooms show great potential to alleviate the pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which seriously affects the health of elderly people. Compared with current therapeutic strategies aimed at symptomatic improvement, it is particularly important to identify natural products from resource-rich mushrooms that can modify the progression of AD. This review summarizes recent investigations of multiple constituents (carbohydrates, peptides, phenols, etc.) isolated from mushrooms to combat AD. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms of mushroom metabolites against AD are discussed. The various mechanisms involved in the antiAD activities of mushroom metabolites include antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, apoptosis inhibition, and stimulation of neurite outgrowth, etc. This information will facilitate the application of mushroom-derived products in the treatment of AD. However, isolation of new metabolites from multiple types of mushrooms and further in vivo exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying their antiAD effect are still required.

Role of the PADI family in inflammatory autoimmune diseases and cancers: A systematic review

The peptidyl arginine deiminase (PADI) family is a calcium ion-dependent group of isozymes with sequence similarity that catalyze the citrullination of proteins. Histones can serve as the target substrate of PADI family isozymes, and therefore, the PADI family is involved in NETosis and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the PADI family is associated with the development of inflammatory autoimmune diseases and cancer, reproductive development, and other related diseases. In this review, we systematically discuss the role of the PADI family in the pathogenesis of various diseases based on studies from the past decade to provide a reference for future research.

Ganoderic Acid A To Alleviate Neuroinflammation of Alzheimer's Disease in Mice by Regulating the Imbalance of the Th17/Tregs Axis

Ganoderic acid A (GAA) is a kind of lanostane-type triterpenoid isolated from Ganoderma lucidum. Imbalance of the Th17/Tregs axis exists in the progress of neuroinflammation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, the alleviating neuroinflammatory effect of GAA on d-galactose mice was studied from the aspect of regulating the imbalance of the Th17/Tregs axis. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive ability of AD mice. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ in peripheral blood. Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess the cerebral mitochondrial ultrastructure. Metabolomic analysis based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the mitochondrial dysfunction metabolism. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expressions of cytokines secreted by Th17 cells and Treg cells in the brain. As the results show, GAA has an alleviating neuroinflammatory effect on AD mice via regulating the imbalance of the Th17/Tregs axis. The potential mechanism was related to inhibition of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway induced by Th17 cells and enhancement of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by regulating Treg cells, thereby improving mitochondrial dysfunction of AD mice.