Shrimp peptide hydrolysate modulates the immune response in cyclophosphamide immunosuppressed mice model

Lentinan's effect on gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokines in 5-FU-induced mucositis mice

Chemotherapeutic therapies for cancer are frequently associated with cytotoxic side effects that can be harmful to human health, including the development of intestinal mucositis (IM). It mostly affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing ulceration, inflammation, and the formation of lesions in the colon. Surprisingly, despite the frequency of IM, therapeutic choices remain restricted. In our search for new intestinal mucositis therapies, we wanted to see how Lentinan (LT), derived from Lentinus edodes, would fare in mouse models of intestinal mucositis. To create the intestinal mucositis model in mice, we gave them intra-peritoneal doses of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (50 mg/kg) and then tested the effects of Lentinan on intestinal mucositis. This examination required constant monitoring of several factors, such as body weight fluctuations, food consumption, and diarrhea. In addition, we measured the levels of certain inflammatory cytokines (Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10), looked at the expression of tight junction proteins (Zonula Occludens-1(ZO-1), Claudin-1), measured mucin-2 levels, and looked into changes in the gut flora. In the mouse model of intestinal mucositis, our findings showed that LT effectively reduced weight loss, increased food intake, and relieved diarrhea. Concurrently, we saw a decrease in the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, as well as a considerable increase in the concentration of IL-10. Furthermore, LT reduced intestinal mucositis by increasing the length and structural integrity of the colon. Furthermore, increased expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-1), mucin-2, and an increase in the number of goblet cells all confirmed our previous findings. Notably, the makeup of beneficial bacteria in the stomach increased as well. Finally, our findings suggest that LT can effectively prevent 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in mice by improving immune function, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and rebalancing gut microbial flora.

Sea conch (Rapana venosa) peptide hydrolysate regulates NF-κB pathway and restores intestinal immune homeostasis in DSS-induced colitis mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) was produced by enzymatic digestion of fresh conch meat with trypsin enzyme. To analyze the molecular composition, functional groups, and structural morphology of the hydrolysate, we employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results confirmed that crude protein could be effectively digested by enzymes to generate peptides. In this study, we evaluated the bioactivities of CPH on dextran sulfate solution (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The findings demonstrated that CPH supplementation improved body weight, food and water intake, and colon length. The therapeutic efficacy and immunoregulatory effect of CPH were further determined. Our results exhibited that CPH treatment significantly ameliorated pathological symptoms by enhancing intestinal integrity, mucin production, and goblet cell count. Moreover, the immunoregulatory effect of CPH on mRNA expression levels of different pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was determined. Results exhibited a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines in the colon. Additionally, the CPH administration modulates the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, preventing DNA damage and cell death. Assays for apoptosis and DNA damage revealed that CPH reduced oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis. These findings highlight the immunomodulatory and treatment amelioration effect of CPH in reducing the severity of colitis.

New Insights into the Structure-Activity Relationship of a Novel Immunomodulatory Peptide (HPHPHLSF) from Casein Hydrolyzed by Kluyveromyces marxianus JY-1: Molecular Docking, Interaction Evaluation, and HOMO Analysis

Casein is rich in immunomodulatory peptides. In this study, the release of casein-derived immunomodulatory peptides by Kluyveromyces marxianus JY-1 was investigated for the first time, and an immunosuppressive mouse model was used to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity in the casein hydrolysate. The results showed that the cellular and humoral immunity of immunosuppressed mice could be significantly enhanced by casein hydrolysate. Peptide HPHPHLSF with high immunomodulatory activity from casein hydrolysate was screened using the virtual screening technique. HPHPHLSF possessed strong immunomodulatory activity and significantly upregulated the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Next, the interaction of HPHPHLSF with TLR2/4 on the cell surface of RAW264.7 cells was further elucidated by molecular docking and combined analysis of double-stranded small interfering RNA and receptor inhibitors. Further, the results of the highest occupied molecular orbital energy distribution elucidated that the histidine active site C48═O49 played an important role in the immunomodulatory activity of HPHPHLSF. This study confirmed that casein hydrolyzed by K. marxianus JY-1 was a natural immunomodulator, while the structure-activity relationship analysis provided new theoretical and technical support for the targeted preparation and screening of casein-derived immunomodulatory peptides.

Exploration of the underlying mechanism of Astragaloside III in attenuating immunosuppression via network pharmacology and vitro/vivo pharmacological validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (AM, recorded in http://www.worldfloraonline.org, 2023-08-03) is a kind of medicine food homology plant with a long medicinal history in China. Astragaloside III (AS-III) has immunomodulatory effects and is one of the most active components in AM. However, its underlying mechanism of action is still not fully explained.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The research was designed to discuss the protective effects of AS-III on immunosuppression and to elucidate its prospective mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular docking methods and network pharmacology analysis were used to comprehensively investigate potential targets and relative pathways for AS-III and immunosuppression. In order to study and verify the pharmacological activity and mechanism of AS-III in alleviating immunosuppression, immunosuppression mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in vivo and macrophage RAW264.7 cell model induced by hypoxia/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro were used.

RESULTS

A total of 105 common targets were obtained from the AS-III-related and immunosuppression-related target networks. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking demonstrate that AS-III may treat immunosuppression through by regulating glucose metabolism-related pathways such as regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, central carbon metabolism in cancer together with HIF-1 pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that AS-III has good binding relationship with LDHA, AKT1 and HIF1A. In CTX-induced immunosuppressive mouse model, AS-III had a significant protective effect on the reduction of body weight, immune organ index and hematological indices. It can also protect immune organs from damage. In addition, AS-III could significantly improve the expression of key proteins involved in energy metabolism and serum inflammatory factors. To further validate the animal results, an initial inflammatory/immune response model of macrophage RAW264.7 cells was constructed through hypoxia and LPS. AS-III improved the immune function of macrophages, reduced the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, PDHK-1, LDH, lactate, HK, PK and GLUT-1, and restored the decrease of ATP caused by hypoxia. Besides, AS-III was also demonstrated that it could inhibit the increase of HIF-1α, PDHK-1 and LDH by adding inhibitors and agonists.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the main targets of AS-III for immunosuppressive therapy were initially analyzed. AS-III was systematically confirmed to attenuates immunosuppressive state through the HIF-1α/PDHK-1 pathway. These findings offer an experimental foundation for the use of AS-III as a potential candidate for the treatment of immunosuppression.

Effects of Huangqi Gancao Decoction on intestinal immunity and microbiota in immunocompromised mice models

Background

The classical medicinal formula Huangqi Gancao Decoction (HQGCD), originating from the medical book" Yi Lin Gai Cuo". Up to now, the studies focusing on the immunoenhancement effects of HQGCD are few, and the actionpathway is not yet clear.

Method

In this study, SPF male KM mice were utilized as a model for immunosuppression. Comprehensive observations were made regarding the general behavior and condition of the mice, in addition to monitoring fluctuations in body weight and food intake. The blood routine index was measured, and morphological changes in the ileum and colon tissues were examined. The level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in ileum and colon tissues were quantified. Additionally, the bone marrow total DNA index was assessed. Flow cytometry analyzed the proportions of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T lymphocytes in small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). Lastly, the composition and diversity of the cecal microbiota were evaluated using 16S rDNA sequencing technology.

Results

After HQGCD intervention, there were no significant changes in the mice's feed intake and body weight. However, the tissue structures of the ileum and colon showed recovery. In the blood routine index, there was an increase in the total white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, red blood cell count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin content. Additionally, the bone marrow total DNA index was elevated. Level of SOD and sIgA in ileum and colon tissues increased, while the level of MDA decreased. The proportions of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes within IELs increased, along with an increase in DP T lymphocytes in IELs (DP IELs), whereas the proportion of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes decreased. The cecal microbiota underwent changes, with an increase in the variety and number of beneficial microbiota.

Conclusion

HQGCD could restore the intestinal immune function of immunocompromised mice, and had a certain positive effect on cecal microbiota.

Immunoenhancement effect of cinobufagin on macrophages and the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mouse model

Cinobufagin (CBG) is a natural active substance. Although its various pharmacological activities have been explored, the immunomodulatory activity of CBG remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of CBG ex vivo and in vivo. The immunomodulatory activity of CBG was investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. CBG showed no significant toxicity to cells. Additionally, 0.5-8 μg/mL CBG significantly increased the phagocytosis ability of macrophages and the secretion levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Thus, it exerted immunomodulatory effects. We established the immunosuppressive model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice and studied the immunomodulatory activity of CBG in vivo. The experimental results showed that the intervention of CBG alleviated the CTX-induced weight loss, restored the lymphocyte nuclear cell number, and promoted the secretion and mRNA expression of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12. Moreover, CBG increased the immune organ index, protected the growth of the spleen and thymus, and improved the pathological changes in immunosuppressed mice. Western blot results showed that different concentrations of CBG upregulated the phosphorylation level of PI3K/Akt/mTOR in the spleen of CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. This suggests that the immunomodulatory effect of CBG may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing CBG immune enhancers and opens up new ideas for the comprehensive utilization and development of CBG in factories.

Plant sources, extraction techniques, analytical methods, bioactivity, and bioavailability of sulforaphane: a review

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate commonly found in cruciferous vegetables. It is formed via the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoraphanin by myrosinase. SFN exerts various biological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory effects, and is widely used in functional foods and clinical medicine. However, the structure of SFN is unstable and easily degradable, and its production is easily affected by temperature, pH, and enzyme activity, which limit its application. Hence, several studies are investigating its physicochemical properties, stability, and biological activity to identify methods to increase its content. This article provides a comprehensive review of the plant sources, extraction and analysis techniques, in vitro and in vivo biological activities, and bioavailability of SFN. This article highlights the importance and provides a reference for the research and application of SFN in the future.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa ZTHY2 Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (R. mucilaginosa) can enhance the immune and antioxidant function of the body. However, whether R. mucilaginosa has an immunoregulatory effect on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed animals remains to be clarified. In this study, the R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 that we isolated from the coastal waters of the South China Sea previously was prepared in order to investigate its immunoprotective effect on CTX-induced immunosuppression in mice, and the effects were compared to those of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) (a well-known probiotic). Seventy-two male SPF mice were divided into six groups: The C group (control); IM group (immunosuppressive model group) (+CTX); Rl, Rm, and Rh groups (+CTX+low, medium, and high concentration of R. mucilaginosa, respectively); and PC (positive control) group (+CTX+LA). After a 28-day feeding trial, blood samples were taken for biochemical and serum immunological analysis, and the thymus and spleen were collected to analyze the organ index, lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, and antioxidant capacity. The findings showed that R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 improved the spleen and thymus indices, effectively attenuated immune organ atrophy caused by CTX, and enhanced the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes induced by ConA and LPS. R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 promoted the secretion of cytokines and immunoglobulins and significantly increased the contents of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgA, IgG, IgM, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD20 in serum. The proportion of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, and CD20+ lymphocytes in spleen, thymus, and mesenteric lymph nodes were increased. In addition, R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels. Our results indicated that R. mucilaginosa ZTHY2 can significantly enhance the immune function of immunosuppressed mice, and improving antioxidant capacity thus attenuates CTX-induced immunosuppression and immune organ atrophy.

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.