Protective Effects of Phellinus linteus Mycelium on the Development of Osteoarthritis after Monosodium Iodoacetate Injection

A review on the cultivation, bioactive compounds, health-promoting factors and clinical trials of medicinal mushrooms Taiwanofungus camphoratus, Inonotus obliquus and Tropicoporus linteus

Medicinal mushrooms, such as Taiwanofungus camphoratus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tropicoporus linteus, have been used in traditional medicine for therapeutic purposes and promotion of overall health in China and many East Asian countries for centuries. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated the large amounts of bioactive constituents (such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds) available in these medicinal mushrooms and their potential therapeutic properties. Due to the rising demand for the health-promoting medicinal mushrooms, various cultivation methods have been explored to combat over-harvesting of the fungi. Evidence of the robust pharmacological properties, including their anticancer, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiviral activities, have been provided in various studies, where the health-benefiting properties of the medicinal fungi have been further proven through numerous clinical trials. In this review, the cultivation methods, available bioactive constituents, therapeutic properties, and potential uses of T. camphoratus, I. obliquus and T. linteus are explored.

Protective Effects of an Oligo-Fucoidan-Based Formula against Osteoarthritis Development via iNOS and COX-2 Suppression following Monosodium Iodoacetate Injection

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disorder characterized by cartilage degradation and chronic inflammation, accompanied by high oxidative stress. In this study, we utilized the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA model to investigate the efficacy of oligo-fucoidan-based formula (FF) intervention in mitigating OA progression. Through its capacity to alleviate joint bearing function and inflammation, improvements in cartilage integrity following oligo-fucoidan-based formula intervention were observed, highlighting its protective effects against cartilage degeneration and structural damage. Furthermore, the oligo-fucoidan-based formula modulated the p38 signaling pathway, along with downregulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, contributing to its beneficial effects. Our study provides valuable insights into targeted interventions for OA management and calls for further clinical investigations to validate these preclinical findings and to explore the translational potential of an oligo-fucoidan-based formula in human OA patients.

Efficacy of Veronica incana for Treating Osteoarthritis Induced by Monosodium Iodoacetate in Rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and the underlying mechanism of Veronica incana in osteoarthritis (OA) induced by intraarticular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). The selected major four compounds (A-D) of V. incana were found from fractions 3 and 4. Its structure elucidation was determined by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) data analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data comparison with literature. MIA (50 μL with 80 mg/mL) for the animal experiment was injected into the right knee joint. The V. incana was administered orally every day to rats for 14 days from 7 days after MIA treatment. Finally, we confirmed the four compounds: (A) verproside; (B) catalposide; (C) 6-vanilloylcatapol; and (D) 6-isovanilloylcatapol. When we evaluated the effect of V. incana on the MIA injection-induced knee OA model, there were a noticeable initial decreased in hind paw weight-bearing distribution compared to the Normal group (P < .001), but V. incana supplementation resulted in a significant increase in the weight-bearing distribution to the treated knee (P < .001). Moreover, the V. incana treatment led to a decrease in the levels of liver function enzymes and tissue malondialdehyde (P < .05 and .01). The V. incana significantly suppressed the inflammatory factors through the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway and downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, which are involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (P < .01 and .001). In addition, we confirmed the alleviation of cartilage degeneration through tissue stains. In conclusion, this study confirmed the major four compounds of V. incana and suggested that V. incana could serve as an anti-inflammatory candidate agent for patients with OA.

Boswellia serrata Extract, 5-Loxin®, Prevents Joint Pain and Cartilage Degeneration in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis through Inhibition of Inflammatory Responses and Restoration of Matrix Homeostasis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive joint disease associated with pain, functional impairment, and diminished quality of life in affected individuals. At a societal level, it also has a high economic burden. Boswellia serrata has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and analgesic effects. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic potential and possible underlying mechanism of 5-Loxin®, a standardized Boswellia serrata extract, in a rat model of OA. The OA model was established by the intra-articular injection of 50 μL of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) (60 mg/mL). 5-Loxin® was administered orally, and efficacy was evaluated through serum analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), histologic staining, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Results indicated that administration of 5-Loxin® can relieve OA joint pain through inhibition of both inflammatory processes and cartilage degeneration. In the group of rats treated with 5-Loxin®, the suppression of inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) resulted in a significant reduction in the prostaglandin (PG) E₂ and leukotriene (LT) B₄ levels. Moreover, 5-Loxin® ameliorated the deterioration of the main components of the articular extracellular matrix (ECM), such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and aggrecan, through the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These findings suggest that 5-Loxin® may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.

Immunostimulatory Effect of Postbiotics Prepared from Phellinus linteus Mycelial Submerged Culture via Activation of Spleen and Peyer's Patch in C3H/HeN Mice

Medicinal mushrooms are an important natural resource promoting health benefits. Herein, Phellinus linteus mycelia were prepared under submerged cultivation, the mycelium-containing culture broth was extracted as a whole to obtain the postbiotic materials (PLME), and its effect on the immune system was evaluated in normal C3H/HeN mice. Oral administration of PLME for 4 weeks was well tolerated and safe. In the PLME-administered groups, in addition to the production of immunostimulatory cytokines, such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), the mitogenic activity was significantly increased. PLME administration also significantly increased the levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA in the small intestinal fluid and Peyer's patches and enhanced Peyer's patch-mediated bone marrow cell proliferation activity and cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ). Histomorphometric analyses showed an increase in immune cells in the spleen and small intestinal tissues of mice administered PLME, supporting the rationale for its immune system activation. PLME mainly contained neutral sugar (969.1 mg/g), comprising primarily of glucose as a monosaccharide unit. The β-glucan content was 88.5 mg/g. Data suggest that PLME effectively promote immune function by stimulating the systemic immune system through the spleen and intestinal immune tissues. PLME can thus be developed as a functional ingredient to enhance immune functions.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Schisandra chinensis Leaf Extracts and Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats and Acetic Acid-Induced Writhing in Mice

In this study, we aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Schisandra chinensis leaf extracts (SCLE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, an acetic acid-induced mouse model of writhing, and a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, a 100 µg/mL dose of SCLE significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Acetic acid-induced writhing responses in mice that quantitatively determine pain were significantly inhibited by SCLE treatment. In addition, SCLE significantly decreased the MIA-induced elevation in OA symptoms, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators/cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases, and cartilage damage in the serum and joint tissues. Our data demonstrated that SCLE exerts anti-osteoarthritic effects by regulating inflammation and pain and can be a useful therapeutic candidate against OA.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Phellinus linteus mycelium

Background

The present study extensively aimed to evaluate the underlying mechanism of the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Phellinus linteus mycelium (PLM).

Methods

To assess whether PLM influences the production of markers related to inflammation, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were treated with PLM (50, 100, 200, and 500 μg/mL). Splenocyte, thymus, peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from the Balb/c mice treated with Korean red ginseng or PLM once a day for 5 weeks. Moreover, all mice except normal mice were stimulated with 10% proteose peptone (PP) treated 3 days before the sacrifice and 2% starch treated 2 days before the sacrifice. Subsequently, the cytotropic substance was evaluated by using flow cytometry analysis and ELISA assay.

Results

PLM200 treatment significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α dose-dependently in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. PLM200 supplementation showed a significant increase in IL-2, IL-12, and interferon (IFN)-γ production and upregulated the ratio of IFN-γ (T-helper type 1, Th1) to IL-4 (T-helper type 2, Th2) in splenocytes. After PLM200 treatment, the significant elevation of CD4⁺CD25⁺, CD4⁺&CD8⁺, and CD4⁺CD69⁺ treatment were detected in thymus. Moreover, CD4⁺ and CD4⁺CD69⁺ in PBMC and CD69⁺ in PEC were also shown in a significant increase.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results showed an immunomodulatory effect of PLM about an elevated INF-γ/IL4 ratio, as an index of Th1/Th2, as well as the anti-inflammatory effect in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that PLM possesses immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Beneficial Effect of Taraxacum coreanum Nakai via the Activation of LKB1-AMPK Signaling Pathway on Obesity

Objective

Liver kinase B (LKB) 1 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are master regulators and sensors for energy homeostasis. AMPK is mainly activated via phosphorylation of LKB1 under energy stress. Here, we highlighted the antiobesity effect and underlying mechanism of Taraxacum coreanum Nakai (TCN) in connection with LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were fed on a high-fat diet (60% kcal fat; HFD) to induce obesity. Simultaneously, they received 100 or 200 mg/kg TCN orally for 5 weeks. We measured the body weight gain and liver weight along with liver histology. Moreover, the changes of factors related to lipid metabolism and β-oxidation were analyzed in the liver, together with blood parameters.

Results

The body weights were decreased in mice of the TCN200 group more than those of the HFD control group. Moreover, TCN supplementation lowered serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, whereas TCN increased HDL-cholesterol level. Liver pathological damage induced by HFD was alleviated with TCN treatment and accompanied with significant reduction in serum AST and ALT activities. In addition, TCN significantly increased the expression of p-AMPK compared with the HFD control group via the activation of LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. Lipid synthesis gene like ACC was downregulated and factors related to β-oxidation such as carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) were upregulated through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α activation.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data suggest that TCN treatment regulates lipid metabolism via LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway and promotes β-oxidation by PPARα; hence, TCN may have potential remedy in the prevention and treatment of obesity.