Effect of crude Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides as a renoprotective agent against carbon tetrachloride-induced early kidney fibrosis in mice

The acetylation of Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides on ameliorating T2DM-induced hepatic and colonic injuries by modulating the Nrf2/keap1-TLR4/NFκB-Bax/Bcl-2 pathways

It was imperative to discover and utilize high-efficiency, non-toxic substances for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications, given the escalating prevalence and significant global health burden. In the present study, the acetylated Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharide (A-GAP) was successfully obtained and characterized, demonstrating excellent efficacy in ameliorating organ damage induced by T2DM through targeted modulation of the gut-liver axis. The physiological and molecular biological findings indicated that A-GAP may modulate the Nrf2/Keap1-TLR4/NFκB-Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway network, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and the subsequent inflammatory response, ultimately alleviating the inhibitory effects of IRS and insulin resistance. Besides, the regulatory impact of A-GAP on the gut-liver axis had been confirmed by its ability to maintain intestinal barrier integrity and increase levels of intestinal tight junction proteins, effectively preventing endotoxin translocation to the liver. This discovery highlighted the potential of A-GAP as a promising option for functional or nutritional foods and pharmaceuticals in managing T2DM and its complications, showcasing the significance of acetylation in enhancing the bioactivities of natural substances.

Metformin modulates autophagic pathway in renal fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in adult male albino rats

BACKGROUNDS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. All progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Exposure to high concentrations of carbon tetrachloride (including vapor) can destroy the kidneys. Autophagy played an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of organs. Impaired autophagy was frequently associated with renal damage and fibrosis. Recent data suggests that metformin protects against a variety of kidney disorders.

AIM

To investigate the protective role of metformin on carbon tetrachloride induced renal damage via autophagy pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups (10 rats, each); Group 1: control group. Group 2: olive oil group received olive oil 1.5 mg/kg twice weekly S.C for 12 weeks. Group 3: The ccl4 group, the rats were received ccl4 1.5 mg/kg twice weekly S.C for 12 weeks. Group 4: CCL4 and Metformin group received concomitant treatment of CCL4, 1.5 mg/kg twice weekly S.C and 100 mg/kg/day Metformin orally for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, kidneys were taken from all animal groups and processed for light and electron microscopy, immunological studies and biochemical tests. Statistical analysis was done.

RESULTS

Administration of ccl4 resulted in histopathological changes in the kidney tissue in the form of areas of tissue destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, congestion and fibrosis. Ultrastructurally, irregular thickening of GBM was observed. Improvement was noticed with concomitant treatment of ccl4 with metformin.

CONCLUSION

Metformin administration can modulate histological and biochemical effects in the renal tissue induced by of ccl4.

The Artist's Conk Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma applanatum (Agaricomycetes): Mycological, Mycochemical, and Pharmacological Properties: A Review

As a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine, Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat., also known as flat-ling Ganoderma (Chinese name bianlingzhi), old mother fungus (laomujun), and old ox liver (laoniugan), has high medicinal value. It is used as an anti-cancer drug in China and Japan. Besides, it can treat rheumatic tuberculosis and has the effect of relieving pain, clearing away heat, eliminating accumulation, stopping bleeding and eliminating phlegm. The purpose of this review is to analyze the research progress systematically and comprehensively in mycology, mycochemistry and pharmacological activities of G. applanatum, and discuss the prospect of prospective research and implementation of this medicinal material. A comprehensive literature search was performed on G. applanatum using scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, Elsevier. Collected data from different sources was comprehensively summarized for mycology, mycochemistry and pharmacology of G. applanatum. A total of 324 compounds were recorded, the main components of which were triterpenoids, meroterpenoids, steroids, and polysaccharides. G. applanatum and its active ingredients have a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-tumor, liver protection, hypoglycemic, anti-fat, anti-oxidation, antibacterial and other activities. Although G. applanatum is widely used in traditional medicine and has diverse chemical constituents, more studies should be carried out in animals and humans to evaluate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its biological activity.

The Effect of G. applanatum Crude Polysaccharide Extract on Proinflammatory Cytokines and Proapoptotic Caspases in HeLa Cell Line: An In Vitro Study

Polysaccharide extracts exhibit promise as potential anticancer agents. Among the fungi rich in polysaccharide content, G. applanatum stands out; however, its anticancer activity necessitates further investigation. This study aims to explore the impact of G. applanatum crude polysaccharide (GACP) extract by assessing its effects on cell viability, levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12, and levels of proapoptotic markers including caspase-3 and caspase-9, as well as the percentages of necrosis and apoptosis in the HeLa cell line. Employing the HeLa cell line as a research model, four groups were studied: KN (media and DMSO), K+ (doxorubicin 10 μg/mL), P1 (G. applanatum extract 200 μg/mL), and P2 (G. applanatum extract 400 μg/mL). The G. applanatum extract was obtained via boiling distilled water. Anticancer activity was evaluated through the MTT test (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) conducted over three treatment durations (24, 48, and 72 hours). Cytokine levels and caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels were assessed using the ELISA test. Cell apoptosis was determined using the Annexin V-PI biomarker and analyzed through flow cytometry. The MTT test exhibited optimal results at the 48-hour treatment mark. Cytokine level analysis revealed significant reductions in TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 levels (p < 0.005). Concurrently, caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels exhibited substantial increases (p < 0.005). Flow cytometry highlighted the highest percentage of apoptosis in HeLa cells. In conclusion, G. applanatum's polysaccharide extract demonstrates potential as an anticancer and therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Natural polysaccharides as potential anti-fibrotic agents: A review of their progress

Fibrosis, as a common disease which could be found in nearly all organs, is normally initiated by organic injury and eventually ended in cellular dysfunction and organ failure. Currently, effective and safe therapeutic strategies targeting fibrogenesis still in highly demand. Natural polysaccharides derived from natural resources possess promising anti-fibrosis potential, with no deleterious side effects. Based on the etiology and pathogenesis of fibrosis, this review summarizes the intervention effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis. Natural polysaccharides are able to regulate each phase of the fibrogenic response, including primary injury to organs, activation of effector cells, the elaboration of extracellular matrix (ECM) and dynamic deposition. In addition, polysaccharides significantly reduce fibrosis levels in multiple organs including heart, lung, liver and kidney. The investigation of the pathogenesis of fibrosis indicates that mechanisms including the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, HMGB1/TLR4, cAMP/PKA signaling pathways, MMPs/TIMPs system as well as microRNAs are promising therapeutic targets. Natural polysaccharides can target these mediators or pathways to alleviate fibrosis. The information reviewed here offer new insights into the understanding the protective role of natural polysaccharides against fibrosis, help design further experimental studies related to polysaccharides and fibrotic responses, and shed light on a potential treatment for fibrosis.