Pharmacophore-based discovery of FXR-agonists. Part II: identification of bioactive triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) belonging to the metabolic subfamily of nuclear receptors is a ligand-induced transcriptional activator. Its central function is the physiological maintenance of bile acid homeostasis including the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Accessible structural information about its ligand-binding domain renders FXR an attractive target for in silico approaches. Integrated to natural product research these computational tools assist to find novel bioactive compounds showing beneficial effects in prevention and treatment of, for example, the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Virtual screening experiments of our in-house Chinese Herbal Medicine database with structure-based pharmacophore models, previously generated and validated, revealed mainly lanostane-type triterpenes of the TCM fungus Ganoderma lucidum Karst. as putative FXR ligands. To verify the prediction of the in silico approach, two Ganoderma fruit body extracts and compounds isolated thereof were pharmacologically investigated. Pronounced FXR-inducing effects were observed for the extracts at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Intriguingly, five lanostanes out of 25 secondary metabolites from G. lucidum, that is, ergosterol peroxide (2), lucidumol A (11), ganoderic acid TR (12), ganodermanontriol (13), and ganoderiol F (14), dose-dependently induced FXR in the low micromolar range in a reporter gene assay. To rationalize the binding interactions, additional pharmacophore profiling and molecular docking studies were performed, which allowed establishing a first structure-activity relationship of the investigated triterpenes.

Antioxidant activity and toxicity profile of total triterpenes isolated from Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) P. Karst occurring in South India

The total triterpene fraction isolated from Ganoderma lucidum, a highly nutritional and popular medicinal mushroom occurring in South India, was evaluated for its antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. Total triterpenes successfully scavenged DPPH(+), ABTS(+) and superoxide radicals, showed significant ferric reducing activity and was highly effective in reducing the in vitro lipid peroxidation. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes in blood and tissue were increased by the administration of total triterpenes to Swiss albino mice in vivo. The ability of total triterpenes to scavenge the free radicals and to enhance body's antioxidant defence systems indicates its potential use as an antioxidant. An attempt was also done to gauge the toxicity of total triterpenes using acute and sub acute study models in Swiss albino mice. The results showed that Ganoderma triterpenes did not possess significant toxicity. The findings thus reveal the possible therapeutic use of Ganoderma triterpenes.

Antihyperglycemic effect of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

The current study evaluated the glucose-lowering effect of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (Gl-PS) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice were randomly divided into four groups (8 mice per group): diabetic control group, low-dose Gl-PS treated group (50 mg/kg, Gl-PS), high-dose Gl-PS treated group (150 mg/kg, Gl-PS) and positive drug control treated group (glibenclamide, 4 mg/kg), with normal mice used as the control group. Body weights, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin and blood lipid levels of mice were measured. After 28 days of treatment with Gl-PS, body weights and serum insulin levels of the Gl-PS treated groups was significantly higher than that of the diabetic control group, whereas FBG levels was significantly lower. Moreover, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of the Gl-PS treated groups had dropped, whereas the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels had increased. In addition, according to acute toxicity studies, Gl-PS did not cause behavioral changes and any death of mice. These data suggest that Gl-PS has an antihyperglycemic effect. Furthermore, considering the Gl-PS effects on lipid profile, it may be a potential hypolipidaemic agent, which will be a great advantage in treating diabetic conditions associated with atherosclerosis or hyperlipidemia.

Ganoderol B: a potent α-glucosidase inhibitor isolated from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum

α-Glucosidase inhibitor has considerable potential as a diabetes mellitus type 2 drug because it prevents the digestion of carbohydrates. The search for the constituents reducing α-glucosidase activity led to the finding of active compounds in the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. The CHCl(3) extract of the fruiting body of G. lucidum was found to show inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase in vitro. The neutral fraction, with an IC(50) of 88.7 μg/ml, had stronger inhibition than a positive control, acarbose, with an IC(50) of 336.7 μg/ml (521.5 μM). The neutral fraction was subjected to silica gel column chromatography and repeated p-HPLC to provide an active compound, (3β,24E)-lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-3,26-diol (ganoderol B). It was found to have high α-glucosidase inhibition, with an IC(50) of 48.5 μg/ml (119.8 μM).

[Effect of different light of LED light quality on growth and antioxidant enzyme activities of Ganoderma lucidum]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of light quality on growth, antioxidant enzyme activities of Ganoderma lucidum mycelium.

METHOD

G. lucidum mycelium was cultured under different light qualities by light emitting diodes (LED). The growth G. lucidum mycelium was observed and antioxidant enzyme activities was determined in different growth periods.

RESULT

Under the red LED, the blue LED and dark condition (CK), the mycelium grew faster than that under other light qualities. The white LED resulted in a largest increase in the amount of the mycelium and always kept the activities of CAT high level. Major fluctuations of POD activities emerged under the green LED, while enhanced severely in the late phase. Under the yellow LED, the activities of SOD appeared high level. However, SOD activities on dark (CK) raised obviously in late period. At the late stage, the content of mycelium polysaccharides was significant higher than that under the blue LED.

CONCLUSION

The light quality could influence the growth and metabolism of G. lucidum mycelium.

Analysis of maturation of murine dendritic cells (DCs) induced by purified Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs)

To investigate and analyze induction of phenotypic and functional maturation of murine DCs by GLP. Both phenotypic and functional activities were assessed with use of conventional scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) for the morphology of the DCs, transmitted electron microscopy (TEM) for intracellular lysosomes inside the DC, cellular immunohistochemistry for phagocytosis by the DCs, flow cytometry (FCM) for the changes in key surface molecules, bio-assay for the activity of acid phosphatases (ACP), and ELISA for the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12. It was found that GLP induced phenotypic maturation, as evidenced by increased expression of CD86, CD40, and MHC II. Functional experiments showed the down-regulation of ACP inside the DCs, which occurs when phagocytosis of DCs decreased, and antigen presentation increased with maturation. Finally, GLP increased the production of IL-12. These data reveals that GLP promotes effective activation of murine DCs. This adjuvant-like activity may have therapeutic applications in clinical settings that require a boosting of the immune response. Therefore concluded that GLP can exert positive induction to murine DCs at the used concentration.

A protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B activity inhibitor from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst and its hypoglycemic potency on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity has been considered to be a promising therapy approach to treat type 2 diabetes. In this work, a novel PTP1B activity inhibitor, named FYGL (Fudan-Yueyang-G. lucidum), was screened from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum and showed an efficient PTP1B inhibitory potency with IC₅₀ = 5.12 ± 0.05 μg/mL. FYGL is a water-soluble macromolecular proteoglycan with a protein to polysaccharide ratio of 17:77 and a viscosity-average molecular weight (M(η)) of 2.6 × 10⁵. The type 2 diabetic mice treated orally by FYGL showed an obvious decrease in plasma glucose level compared with the diabetic controls without drug treatment, comparable with that of diabetic mice treated with metformin, a clinical drug. The toxicity of FYGL is very low. The results indicate that FYGL may serve as a drug candidate or a health-care food for diabetic therapy or protection.

p53 is important for the anti-invasion of ganoderic acid T in human carcinoma cells

The function of p53 induced by ganoderic acids (GAs) in anti-invasion was unknown, although our previous work reported the inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis by Ganoderic acid T (GA-T). This work indicated that GA-T promoted cell aggregation, inhibited cell adhesion and surpressed cell migration with a dose-dependent manner in human colon tumor cell lines of HCT-116 p53(+/+) and p53(-/-). Furthermore, comparing the ratios of HCT-116 p53(+/+) and p53(-/-) cells, p53 modified GA-T inhibition of migration and adhesion and GA-T promotion of cell aggregation, and p53 also modified GA-T inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation, IκBα degradation, and down-regulation of urokinase-type plaminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS2) protein expression and inducible nitric oxide (NO) production. The results indicated that p53 played an important role in anti-invasion of GA-T in human carcinoma cells. p53 may be an important target for GA-T inhibiting human carcinoma cells anti-invasion.

[Active ingredients and efficacies of Ganoderma lucidum cultivated on non-medicinal parts of Chinese medicinal herbs]

OBJECTIVE

Ganoderma lucidum was cultivated on non-medicinal parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ptatycodgn grandlfiorum, as all are Chinese traditional herbal medicines. We studied the changes of active ingredients and efficacies of the Ganoderma lucidum fruit bodies.

METHODS

The agronomic characters, polysaccharide and terpene contents, acute toxicity and efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum grown on the non-medicinal part of the three materials were compared with that grown on the ordinary formula group (OF. G) which was composed of corn cob, cotton seed shell.

RESULTS

Biological conversion efficiencies of the Ganoderma lucidum fruit body using non-medicinal parts were higher than that of using the ordinary formula group (OF. G), though growth periods became longer; Contents of active ingredients were all improved except that the terpene content of the Salvia miltiorrhiza group was decreased. Both polysaccharide and terpene from the Chrysanthemum morifolium group were the highest, contents of which were respectively 2.47% and 0.79%; Acute toxicity test showed that Ganoderma lucidum fruit bodies were all with low toxicities. Mice maximum tolerance dose were 100 g/kg weight. In hemolysin test and sleeping promotion test, the Chrysanthemum morifolium group showed better effect than the ordinary formula group (OF. G). In anti-fatigue test, only the ordinary formula group (OF. G) proved to be more effective.

CONCLUSION

It's feasible to cultivate Ganoderma lucidum and active ingredients and efficacies of Ganoderma lucidum have been changed using the non-medicinal parts of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Fragmentation pathways of oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoids and their application in the qualitative analysis of Ganoderma lucidum by multistage tandem mass spectrometry

The fragmentation pathways of oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum were systematically studied based on interpreting the mass spectra of 44 known triterpenoids using a combination of multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MS(n)) experiments and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis. In negative ion mode, the fragmentation pathways of triterpenoid acids are rather characteristic. After the prominent loss of H(2) O or CO(2), cleavages take place on the A, B, C and D rings. Interestingly, the cleavage mode is highly dependent on the positions of the carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups in the tetracyclic skeleton. Characteristic cleavage of ring A occurs in 7-oxo-11-H or 7-oxo-11-hydroxy derivatives; characteristic cleavage of ring B occurs in the 7-oxo-11-hydroxy derivatives; characteristic cleavage of ring C occurs in the 7-hydroxy-15-oxo derivatives; while the cleavage of ring D can be observed in the majority of the compounds investigated. The odd-electron species, which disobey the 'even-electron rule', are also observed and discussed in this paper. These phenomena provide an easy way to determine the tetracyclic skeleton and distinguish the isomers of the triterpenoids from each other. What is more, the fragmentation pathways of triterpenoid alcohols were also investigated in positive ion mode. The accurate masses of the product ions were determined using quadrupole orthogonal time-of-flight (QTOF) instruments. Finally, the fragmentation rules were applied to identify the components of G. lucidum. As a result, 73 triterpenoids including 11 new ones were identified. The triterpenoids were classified into six subclasses according to their different fragmentation behaviors. The application of tandem mass spectrometry was further explored.

Lucidenic acids-rich extract from antlered form of Ganoderma lucidum enhances TNFα induction in THP-1 monocytic cells possibly via its modulation of MAP kinases p38 and JNK

The Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is one of the oriental fungi that has been reported to have immunomodulatory properties. Although effect of β-glucans from G. lucidum has been well documented, little is known about how other major bioactive components, the triterpenes, contribute to the immunomodulatory function of G. lucidum. Here, we showed that triterpenes-rich extract of antlered form of G. lucidum (G. lucidum AF) induces TNFα production in monocytic THP-1 cells. Furthermore, the extract also synergized with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce TNFα production in THP-1 cells, suggesting an immunostimulatory role of triterpenes-rich extract of G. lucidum AF. Notably, the extract enhanced LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), while it suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK. p38 Inhibitor suppressed TNFα production, while JNK inhibitor enhanced TNFα production, implying that synergistic effect of the extract may work by modulating p38 and JNK MAPKs. Moreover, we found that the triterpenes-rich extract of G. lucidum AF contains high amounts of lucidenic acids. Lucidenic acid-A, -F and -D(2), which seem to dominantly exist in the extract, were purified from the triterpenes-rich extract. We also identified Lucidenic acid-A and -F as modulators of JNK and p38, respectively. Thus, our data demonstrate that lucidenic acids-rich extract from G. lucidum AF enhances LPS-induced immune responses in monocytic THP-1 cells possibly via the modulation of p38 and JNK MAPKs activation.

Ganoderic acid Mf and S induce mitochondria mediated apoptosis in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells

In this work, the effects of a pair of positional isomer of ganoderic acids (GAs), namely ganoderic acid Mf (GA-Mf) and ganoderic acid S (GA-S) purified from the fermented mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum, on induction of cell apoptosis and the apoptotic pathway in HeLa cells were investigated. The results demonstrate that both isomers decreased cell population growth on various human carcinoma cell lines by MTT assay, while GA-Mf had better selectivity between normal and cancer cells. The flow cytometry analysis indicated that treatment of HeLa cells with GA-S caused cell cycle arrest in the S phase, while GA-Mf caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Compared with GA-S, GA-Mf had more potent increase in the number of early and late apoptotic cells. Treatment of HeLa cells with each isomer decreased the mitochondria membrane potential and caused the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol. In addition, stimulation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity was observed. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was also increased in GA-treated HeLa cells. The results demonstrated that both isomers GA-Mf and GA-S induced apoptosis of human HeLa cells through a mitochondria mediated pathway, but they had the different cell cycle arrest specificity. The findings will be helpful to the development of useful cancer chemopreventive compounds from G. lucidum.

[Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on advanced glycation end products and receptor of aorta pectoralis in T2DM rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) on advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the receptor (RAGE) of aorta pectoralis in the T2DM rats, and explore the protective mechanism of GLPs on the aorta pectoralis.

METHOD

SD rats were fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks and then were injected STZ (30 mg x kg(-1)) to induce the type 2 diabetic rats. Once the T2DM models were set successfully, rats were randomly divided into normal control group, diabetes model (DM) group, berberine (30 mg x kg(-1)) group, GLPs of low (GLPs-L), middle (GLPs-M) and high-dose (GLPs-H) group (GLPs were orally given 200, 400, 800 mg x kg(-1)). After 12 weeks' treatment, the content of fasting blood glucose and AGEs in serum were detected. The expressions of AGEs and RAGE in aortas pectoralis were measured both by immunohistochemistric assays and western-blot analysis.

RESULT

Compared with DM group, the content of blood glucose and AGEs in serum were significantly decreased in GLPs-H group and GLPs-M group (P < 0.01). Compared with DM group, the expressions of AGEs and RAGE in aorta pectoralis were decreased in other groups, especially in GLPs-H group (P < 0. 01).

CONCLUSION

GLPs could low blood glucose and protect aortas effectively. The mechanisms may be involved in down-regulation the expressions of AGEs and RAGE in aortal tissue.

[Determination of ergosterol in Ganoderma lucidum from different varieties and cultured tree species by HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

HPLC method for determining ergosterol was established to evaluate the quality of Ganoderma lucidum and to analyze of the ergosterol in different varieties and cultrued tree species.

METHODS

Samples from 17 different varieties and 14 different tree species were quantified by HPLC. The RP-HPLC was conducted on Diamonsil C18 column with acetonitrile as the mobile phase at 40 degrees C. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min; and the detection wavelength was 282 nm.

RESULTS

The fluctuations of ergosterol content was 0.093%-0.243% among different varieties and 0.080%-0.227% among different tree species. Hanzhi-2, Yuanzhi, Ming-1, Yesheng-1 hao were excellent at both ergosterol content and conversion rate among all the varieties, and Bai Li, Yang Mei have comparatively more ergosterol and high conversion rate among all the tree species in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

This method is simple, sensitive and accurate. It could be used to determine the contents of ergosterol and the evaluation of the quality in Ganoderma. It also provides references for choosing varieties and tree species when culture Ganoderma.

A novel polysaccharide from Se-enriched Ganoderma lucidum induces apoptosis of human breast cancer cells

The novel polysaccharide SeGLP-2B-1 isolated from Se-enriched Ganoderma lucidum, showed anti-proliferative activity towards several cancer cell lines in vitro. To investigate the antitumor mechanisms, the apoptotic effects of SeGLP-2B-1 in human breast cancer cells were studied, and the mechanism of this action was further elucidated. Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI staining. Caspase activity was assayed using a caspase apoptosis detection kit. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the levels of pro-caspase-3, -8, -9, PARP and cytochrome c expression. The results showed that SeGLP-2B-1 inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Typical characteristics of apoptosis were observed, including morphological changes, sub-G1 cells and DNA ladder formation. Further analysis showed that SeGLP-2B-1 treatment disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential followed by an increase in the cytochrome c cytosolic levels. Sequentially, SeGLP-2B-1 increased the activities of caspase-9, -3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in a time-dependent manner, however, no obvious activation of caspase-8 was observed. Caspase-9 and caspase-3 inhibitor prevented SeGLP-2B-1-induced apoptosis, and the activities of caspases-3, -9 were significantly up-regulated by SeGLP-2B-1. Our studies suggest that SeGLP-2B-1 induces apoptosis via a mitochondria-mediated pathway.

[Ganoderma lucidum extract protects dopaminergic neurons through inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators by activated microglia]

Abundant evidence has suggested that neuroinflammation participates in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The emerging evidence has supported that microglia may play key roles in the progressive neurodegeneration in PD and might be a promising therapeutic target. Ganoderma lucidum (GL), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been shown potential neuroprotective effect in our clinical trials that lead us to speculate that it might possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. To test this hypothesis, the present study investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of GL and underlying mechanism through inhibiting microglial activation using co-cultures of dopaminergic neurons and microglia. The cultures of microglia or MES23.5 cells alone or together were treated for 24 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.25 μg/mL) as a positive control, GL extracts (50-400 μg/mL) or MES23.5 cell membrane fragments (150 μg/mL) were used in treatment groups. Microglia activation, microglia-derived harmful factors and [(3)H]dopamine ([(3)H]DA) uptake of MES23.5 cells were analyzed. The results showed that microglia were activated by LPS and MPP(+)-treated MES23.5 cell membrane fragments, respectively. Meanwhile, GL extracts significantly prevented the production of microglia-derived proinflammatory and cytotoxic factors, including nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), in a dose-dependent manner and down-regulated the TNF-α and IL-1β expressions on mRNA level. In addition, GL extracts antagonized the reduction of [(3)H]DA uptake induced by MPP(+) and microglial activation. In conclusion, these results suggest that GL may be a promising agent for the treatment of PD through anti-inflammation.

[Preparation of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenes microemulsion and its anticancer effect in mice with transplant Heps tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To research the microemulsion preparation of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenes and investigate its properities. Evaluate the effects of polysaccharides and triterpenes microemulsions against transplant tumor growth.

METHOD

The microemulsion formula was optimized by constructing the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams of blank microemulsion. The polysaccharides and triterpenes microemulsions were prepared on the blank microemulsions. The appearance, particle distribution and Zeta potential were investigated by transmission electron microscope and grain size analyzer. The Heps mice were randomly administered with polysaccharides and triterpenes microemulsions (114.5, 57.25 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) for 7 days. The effectiveness was assessed based on tumor inhibitory ratio of mice with Heps tumors. The toxicity was evaluated by measurements of the mice weight, immune organ weight.

RESULT

The optimal microemulsion formula was composed of tween 20, dimethyl carbinol, water and 9-octadecenoic acid with the ratio of 14.3: 14.3: 33. 3:2. Polysaccharides and triterpenes microemulsions in transmission electron microscope were consisted of small spherical drop. The average particle size was 32.43 nm and the Zeta potential was -3.41 mV. The polysaccharides and triterpenes microemulsions showed an inhibition rate of 37.66% (57.25 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and 52.34% (114.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) respectively against Heps tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

The acquired microemulsion with small particle size is stable. It significantly inhibits the tumor growth in Heps mice.

Medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum as a potent elicitor in production of t-resveratrol and t-piceatannol in peanut calluses

Phytoalexins t-resveratrol and t-piceatannol, the well-known health-promoting active components in plants, are secondary metabolites generated upon biotic or abiotic stresses. We have reported UV-irradiated peanut callus is a potent means to produce these compounds (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005, 53, 3877). In this work, the effects of fungi and chemical elicitors on induction of t-resveratrol and t-piceatannol were examined. Results showed the investigated fungi Botryodiplodia theobromae and Reishi Ganoderma lucidum were generally more effective than chemical stress methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and sucrose. As high as 15.46+/-9.85 microg of t-resveratrol and 6.93+/-2.03 microg of t-piceatannol could be elicited in each gram of callus by sterilized G. lucidum mycelium (80 mg). Although much more sterilized G. ludicum mycelia was required to induce similar level of t-resveratrol and t-piceatannol in comparison to the sterilized B. theobromae mycelia (1 mg), uptake of the G. ludicum mycelium may provide a variety of health-promoting effects. Our findings suggest G. ludicum mycelium-treated peanut callus is a good source of bioactive components.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides attenuate endotoxin-induced intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in cultured smooth muscle cells and in the neointima in mice

The expression of adhesion molecules on vessels and subsequent leukocyte recruitment are critical events in vascular diseases and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) polysaccharides (EORP), which is effective against cancer and immunological disorders, on adhesion molecule expression by human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and the underlying mechanism. EORP significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA and protein expression and reduced the binding of human monocytes to LPS-stimulated HASMCs. Immunoprecipitation and real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that EORP markedly reduced the interaction of human antigen R protein (HuR) with the 3'-UTR of ICAM-1 mRNA in LPS-stimulated HASMCs. EORP treatment also suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and reduced the density of the shifted bands of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB after LPS-induced activation. In an endothelial-denuded artery model in LPS-treated mice, daily oral administration of EORP for 2 weeks decreased neointimal hyperplasia and ICAM-1 expression in the plasma and neointima. These results provide evidence that EORP attenuates LPS-induced adhesion molecule expression and monocyte adherence and that this protective effect is mediated by decreased ERK phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation. These findings suggest that EORP has anti-inflammatory properties and could prove useful in the prevention of vascular diseases and inflammatory responses.

Cytotoxic triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum

A systematic study of the metabolites in Ganoderma lucidum led to isolation of 43 triterpenoids, six of them (1-6) are hitherto unknown. The structures of the latter were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies and comparison with the known related compounds. All of the compounds were assayed for their inhibitory activities against human HeLa cervical cancer cell lines. Some compounds exhibit significant cytotoxicity, and their structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Polysaccharides PS-G and protein LZ-8 from Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) exhibit diverse functions in regulating murine macrophages and T lymphocytes

Bioactive components in Ganoderma lucidum mainly include polysaccharides (PS-G) and immunomodulatory protein Ling Zhi-8 (LZ-8). These components may have diverse regulatory functions in the immune system. However, the PS-G preparations from different procedures still contained partial LZ-8 residue, indicating that the specific target and regulating function of PS-G and LZ-8 were not fully understood. In the present study, PS-G was subjected to 15% TCA for removing proteins and the LZ-8 detection using anti-LZ-8 monoclonal antibodies showed a remarkable 89.7% protein reduction of the deproteinized PS-G (dpPS-G). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae which expressed recombinant LZ-8 protein (rLZ-8) without glycosylation was generated and then compared with dpPS-G in the induction toward murine primary macrophage and T lymphocytic cells. The peritoneal macrophages from TLR4-deficient and wild type mice revealed that TLR4 was a putative receptor of dpPS-G, mediating the TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-12p70 cytokine production and CD86, MHC II expression on macrophages, while rLZ-8 enhanced the production of IL-1beta, IL-12p70, CD86, and MHC II expression by another obscure route. rLZ-8-treated macrophages enhanced the release of IFN-gamma and IL-2 by murine CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, whereas dpPS-G treatment did not enhance the release of IFN-gamma and IL-2. Furthermore, although the direct rLZ-8-treatment conduced dramatic CD154, CD44 expression on CD3(+) T cells and increased IL-2, IFN-gamma secretion on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, the dpPS-G was incapable of priming CD3(+), CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells unitarily. Taken together, these results demonstrated that LZ-8 could activate murine macrophages and T lymphocytes but PS-G was merely the activator for macrophages, suggesting their diverse roles in activating the innate and adaptive immunity.

Ling-Zhi polysaccharides potentiate cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs against drug-resistant urothelial carcinoma cells

The combined effects of ling-zhi polysaccharide fraction 3 (LZP-F3) and anticancer drugs (cisplatin and arsenic trioxide) were examined in three human urothelial carcinoma (UC) cells (parental, NTUB1; cisplatin-resistant, N/P(14); and arsenic-resistant, N/As(0.5)). MTT assay and median-effect analysis revealed that LZP-F3 could profoundly reverse the chemosensitivity of N/P(14) and N/As(0.5) to cisplatin and arsenic, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner, which involved activation of p38 and down-regulation of Akt and XPA. A dose of 10 mug/mL of LZP-F3 induced significant G1 arrest in N/P(14) and N/As(0.5) cells by flow cytometry, which may be mediated by the induction of p21(WAF1/CIP1). The combination of LZP-F3 and arsenic trioxide produced a significant synergistic growth inhibition of NTUB1 and N/As(0.5) cells. Similar results were also found in N/P(14) cells. These molecular events of combined effects involved significant and earlier induction of Fas, caspase 3 and 8 activation, Bax and Bad up-regulation, Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) down-regulatuion, and cytochrome c release.

Cytotoxicity of 9,11-dehydroergosterol peroxide isolated from Ganoderma lucidum and its target-related proteins

The cytotoxicty of 9,11-dehydroergosterol peroxide (DHEP) isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum on HeLa cells was studied. DHEP treatment for 48 h inhibited the proliferation of HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells with an IC50-value of 8.58 +/- 0.98 microM. Morphological changes of DHEP-treated cells indicated that DHEP induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. To identify the cellular targets of DHEP, two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis was performed to compare the protein expression profiles of DHEP-treated cells with that of control cells. Proteins altered in expressional level after DHEP exposure were identified by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. The cytotoxic effect of DHEP was associated with regulated expression of 6 proteins. Stathmin 1 might be an important target-related protein of DHEP. The regulation of stathmin 1 by DHEP treatment was also confirmed by Western blotting.

A new ganoderic acid from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia

A new ganoderic acid (GA), 7-O-ethyl ganoderic acid O (GA-O) (1), together with two known compounds, GA-T (2) and GA-Me (3), was isolated and purified from fermented mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum. The structure of the new triterpenoid was elucidated on the basis of the interpretation of extensive spectroscopic data (HR-MS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR) as 3 alpha,15 alpha,22-triacetoxy-7 alpha-ethoxy-5 alpha-lanost-8,24E-dien-26-oic acid. The new compound was found to contain a rare ethoxyl group at C-7. In addition, its cytotoxicity against 95D and HeLa human cancer cell lines was also evaluated.

Effects of triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum on protein expression profile of HeLa cells

To elucidate the cytotoxicity mechanism of Ganoderma triterpenes, a chemoproteomic study using five purified ganoderic acids, ganoderic acid F (GAF), ganoderic acid K (GAK), ganoderic B (GAB), ganoderic acid D (GAD) and ganoderic acid AM1 (GAAM1) was conducted. GAF, GAK, GAB, GAD and GAAM1 treatment for 48 h inhibited the proliferation of HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells with IC(50) values of 19.5+/-0.6 microM, 15.1+/-0.5 microM, 20.3+/-0.4 microM, 17.3+/-0.3 microM, 19.8+/-0.7 microM, respectively. The protein expression profiles of HeLa cells treated with each ganoderic acid at dose of 15 microM for 48 h were checked using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). The possible target-related proteins of ganoderic acids, i.e. proteins with same change tendency in all five ganoderic acids-treated groups compared with control, were identified using MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Twelve proteins including human interleukin-17E, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), peroxiredoxin 2, ubiquilin 2, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, 14-3-3 beta/alpha, TPM4-ALK fusion oncoprotein type 2, PP2A subunit A PR65-alpha isoform, nucleobindin-1, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, reticulocalbin 1 and chain A of DJ-1 protein were identified. Ganoderic acids might exert their cytotoxicity by altering proteins involved in cell proliferation and/or cell death, carcinogenosis, oxidative stress, calcium signaling and ER stress.

Antiplasmodial lanostanes from the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom

In a screen of 880 extracts from plants and fungi for antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal, and leishmanicidal activity, an ethyl acetate extract of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum showed antiplasmodial activity with 79% inhibition at 4.9 microg/mL. HPLC-based activity profiling and subsequent isolation of the antiplasmodial compounds yielded seven lanostanes (1-7), of which three (2, 3, and 7) were new. A new benzofuran derivative (8) of the farnesyl hydroquinone ganomycin B was also identified. The structures and relative configurations of the new compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds. The lanostanes exhibited in vitro antiplasmodial activity with IC(50) values from 6 to greater than 20 microM.

[Study on the characteristic peaks of infrared spectra from Ganoderma lucidums]

Infrared spectroscopy and dual-indicator sequence were used to study their IR characteristic peaks of Ganoderma lucidums from different places and species. The experimental results showed that the majority of Ganoderma lucidum from different places and species had the similar characteristic peaks of infrared spectra, Their common peak ratio could reach more than 91.67%, but the common peak ratio of mycelium was 52.94%-58.82%, and variant peak ratio was 29.41%-66.67%. The main variation peak was in the fingerprint regions 1 460.9-1 423.7 cm(-1) with ladder peaks. The IR characteristic peaks of Ganoderma lucidum obviously appear as the main characteristic peaks with the type of polysaccharide and protein bands. There was obviously a wide and strong absorption peak in 3 377.8-3 396.5 cm(-1), a small acromion in 2 924.2-2 925.1 cm(-1), a medium intensity absorption peak in 1 635.8-1 650.3 and 1 372.5-1 375.2 cm(-1), a strong absorption bifurcate peak in 1 074.8-1 075.3 and 1 043.2-1 045.2 cm(-1), a obvious weak peak in fingerprint regions 891.0-894.8 cm(-1), and a medium intensity absorption peak in 563.10-574.7 cm(-1).

In vitro effects of plant and mushroom extracts on immunological function of chicken lymphocytes and macrophages

1. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of organic extracts from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), and shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) on innate immunity and tumor cell viability. 2. Innate immunity was measured by lymphocyte proliferation and nitric oxide production by macrophages, and the inhibitory effect on tumor cell growth was assessed using a non-radioactive assay. For measuring the cytokine levels in the HD11 macrophages which were treated with extracts of turmeric or shiitake mushroom, the levels of mRNAs for interferon-alpha (IFN- alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) were quantified by real time RT-PCR. 3. In vitro culture of chicken spleen lymphocytes with extracts of milk thistle, turmeric, and shiitake and reishi mushrooms induced significantly higher cell proliferation compared with the untreated control cells. Stimulation of macrophages with extracts of milk thistle and shiitake and reishi mushrooms, but not turmeric, resulted in robust nitric oxide production to levels that were similar with those induced by recombinant chicken interferon-gamma. All extracts uniformly inhibited the growth of chicken tumor cells in vitro at the concentration of 6.3 through 100 microg/ml. Finally, the levels of mRNAs encoding IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, and TNFSF15 were enhanced in macrophages that were treated with extracts of turmeric or shiitake mushroom compared with the untreated control. 4. These results document the immunologically-based enhancement of innate immunity in chickens by extracts of plants and mushrooms with known medicinal properties in vitro. In vivo studies are being planned to delineate the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for their mechanism of action.

Effects of sulfation on the physicochemical and functional properties of a water-insoluble polysaccharide preparation from Ganoderma lucidum

The sulfation of a water-insoluble Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) was successfully carried out with chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine in dimethyl formamide to prepare three sulfated GLP derivatives, named sGLP1, sGLP2, and sGLP3. The chemical structure of the sulfated GLP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and (13)C NMR analyses. The sGLPs were evaluated for their water solubility, degree of substitution (DS), antioxidant properties, and bile acid-binding capacities. The results showed that sulfation improved the water solubility of GLP and increased its scavenging capacities against hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity, Fe(II) chelating ability, reducing power, and bile acid-binding capacities. It was also observed that the DS may influence the physicochemical and functional properties of sGLPs. For instance, the sulfated GLP with the lowest DS had the greatest bile acid-binding capacity, and the sGLP that had the highest DS showed the lowest bile acid-binding ability under the experimental conditions. The results from this study suggested that sulfation is a possible approach to obtain novel water-soluble derivatives of GLP with improved physicochemical, functional, and biological properties for potential utilization in functional foods or supplemental products.

Ganoderma lucidum induced apoptosis in NB4 human leukemia cells: involvement of Akt and Erk

AIM OF THE STUDY

The final goal of this work was to study the toxic and apoptosis effects induced by fractions from Ganoderma lucidum [Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.; Ganodermataceae Donk] on NB4 human leukemia cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two aqueous extracts and a methanol-extracted column-chromatography semipurified fraction were obtained from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body. Flow cytometry analyses were used to measure cell viability, cell cycle and DNA fragmentation and to quantify apoptosis. Western-blot analyses were used to quantify changes in apoptosis proteins and intracellular kinases.

RESULTS

Aqueous extracts slightly reduce cell viability and induce DNA fragmentation in NB4 cells. Methanol-extracted semipurified fraction at dilutions down to 15% or 40% of the initial fraction concentration reduced significantly the viability of these leukemia cells (treated for 19h) with induction of DNA fragmentation and induction of apoptosis. Overmore, the dilution down to 15% of the initial E3 concentration induced a reduction of p53 levels, of the Bcl2/Bax relationship as well as reduced levels of both unphosphorylated and phosphorylated Akt (Protein kinase Akt, protein kinase B) and Erk (Erk1 and 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Induction of apoptosis and alterations in signal transduction kinases (Akt and Erk) are produced by active fractions from Ganoderma lucidum on human leukemia cells. These data could be of important relevance from the viewpoint of antitumor actions of compounds from Ganoderma lucidum. Eventual therapy applications in leukemia cells might be developed.

Lanostane triterpenes from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum and their inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 Cells

Four new lanostane triterpenes, butyl ganoderate A (1), butyl ganoderate B (2), butyl lucidenate N (3), and butyl lucidenate A (4), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum together with 14 known compounds (5-18). The structures of the new triterpenes were established by extensive spectroscopic studies and chemical evidence. In addition, the inhibitory effect of isolated compounds on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells was examined.

Ganoderic acids from Ganoderma lucidum: inhibitory activity of osteoclastic differentiation and structural criteria

Increased osteoclastic bone resorption plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many bone diseases. Ganoderma lucidum is known for medicinal effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-bone resorption activities. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ganoderic acids isolated from G. lucidum on osteoclastic differentiation using RAW264 cells in vitro. A carbonyl in C7 is essential to elicit the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation.

Enteric mucosal immune response might trigger the immunomodulation activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide in mice

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine and often used for improving quality of life. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) is the main active component in the fungus. Recent researches have shown that oral administration of GLP could produce immunomodulation and antitumor activity. With a high molecular weight, GLP is not easy to be absorbed, and the pathway via enteric mucosal immune response might be important for the immunomodulation of GLP. To investigate the potential mechanism, Kunming mice, weighing 20 +/- 2 g, were used and their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and Peyer's patches lymphocytes (PPL) were separated, and incubated with GLP at different dosages (250 microg/mL, 125 microg/mL, 62.5 microg/mL, 31.25 microg/mL). MTT, ELISA and RT-PCR were used to detect the effects of GLP on the proliferation of the lymphocytes, and expression of IL-10, IL-2 and TNF-alpha. The results showed that GLP could stimulate the proliferation of PBMC and enteric mucosal lymphocytes, and promote the production of IL-2 and IL-10. The RT-PCR results also showed a higher expression of TNF-alpha and IL-10 mRNA in the lymphocytes. The higher expression of IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-alpha from the lymphocytes was observed at GLP concentrations of 62.5 microg/mL and 125 microg/mL. In conclusion, enteric mucosal immune responses could be one of the important pathways for the immunomodulation activity of GLP.

[Higher fungi in traditional and modern medicine]

The medicinal use of mushrooms, so-called higher fungi, has a very long tradition in the Asian countries, whereas their use in the Western hemisphere has been slightly increasing only since the last decades. The paper gives an overview about the most important medicinal mushrooms and summarizes the actual knowledge about chemistry and pharmacology of Lentinula edo-des (Shiitake, Golden Oak Mushroom), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, Ling Zhi), Agaricus brasiliensis (Royal sun agaricus), Grifola frondosa (Maitake, Hen-of-the-Woods) and Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake, Lion's Man, Monkey's Head).

[Study on the structure and constituents of polysaccharide from ganoderma lucidum]

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides were extracted by boiling water from the fruiting bodies of red ganoderma lucidum, then protein was removed by Sevage reagent, with ethanol precipitation, run water dialysis, centrifugation and freeing-drying. Monosaccharides were acetylated and quantified by external standard, and the polysaccharides the amount of total carbohydrates was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid method. The monosaccharide constituents, structure and Mw distribution were analyzed by UV-Vis, IR, GC, GC-MS and HPSEC with ELSD. The results demonstrated that ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides were beige, the yield was about 2%, and the content > or = 43%. IR spectrometry showed that the structure of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide was pyranoid glucan with beta-glycosidic bond. The quantitative result of external standards indicated that the monosaccharide constituents were mainly composed of glucose, at about 89% percent, and contained a small amount of D-arabinose, D-xylose, D-mannose and D-galactose. It was a homogeneous polysaccharide with the amorphous structure, attributed to biological macromolecules, its Mw distribution was at 80-2000 Kda, and a primary Mw at 2000 Kda.

Enhancement of antitumor activities in sulfated and carboxymethylated polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum

Two water-soluble derivatives, sulfated and carboxymethylated Ganoderma lucidem polysaccharides, coded as S-GL and CM-GL, were prepared using derivatization of water-insoluble polysaccharides (GL-IV-I) extracted from the fruit body of G. lucidem . The degree of substitution (DS) of S-GL and CM-GL was 0.94 and 1.09, respectively. The weight-average molecular mass (Mw) of GL-IV-I, S-GL, and CM-GL was determined with light scattering to be 13.3x10(4), 10.1x10(4), and 6.3x10(4), respectively. S-GL and CM-GL inhibited the in vitro proliferation of Sarcoma 180 (S-180) tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 26 and 38 microg/mL, respectively. They also inhibited the growth of S-180 solid tumors implanted in BALB/c mice, with low toxicity to the animals. Flow cytometric studies revealed that treatment of S-GL and CM-GL with S-180 tumor cells could mediate the cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The expression of Bax increased, and the expression of Bcl-2 decreased dramatically, as shown by immuno-histochemical staining of S-180 tumor tissue excised from the animals. The sulfated and carboxmethylated groups in the polysaccharides played an important part in enhancing their antitumor activities, leading to the potential to be developed into antitumor drugs.

Study on genes with altered expression in alpha-amanitin poisoned mice and evaluation on antagonistic effects of traditional Chinese medicines against toxicity of alpha-amanitin

The forward and reverse cDNA subtractive libraries before and after the toxic effect of alpha-amanitin were constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization and randomly selected clones from each subtractive library were screened by PCR and dot blot hybridization. A total of 85 genes with altered expression were finally identified, with 41 genes from the forward library and 44 from the reverse library. Subsequently, the antagonistic effects of candidate traditional Chinese medicines were evaluated based on the genetic transcription levels of the genes with significant altered expression, including Catnbeta, Flt3-L, IL-7r and Rpo2-4. The results indicated that Silybum marianum (L.) Gaert and Ganoderma lucidum had significant down-regulated effects on the transcription level of Catnbeta that was up-regulated by alpha-amanitin, and the two herbs also up-regulated the transcription levels of Flt3-L and Rpo2-4. Silybum marianum (L.) had significant up-regulated effects on the IL-7r that was down-regulated by alpha-amanitin. These preliminary studies suggested that Silybum marianum (L.) and Ganoderma lucidum were effective antagonists against the toxicity of alpha-amanitin.

Gandoderma lucidum extract promotes immune responses in normal BALB/c mice In vivo

Enhanced fruit and vegetable consumption is closely related to reduced cancer incidence as shown in epidemiological studies. Ganoderma lucidum, one of the most well-known traditional Chinese medicines, has been demonstrated to have pharmacological activities and antitumor effects, in Asian populations. However, the promotion of immune responses in normal BALB/c mice is unclear. In the present study, we investigated the immune responses of BALB/c mice after treatment with G. lucidum extract in vivo. The results demonstrated that G. lucidum extract was able to promote the proliferation of splenocytes under Concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Compared with the control group, phagocytosis of macrophage was significantly enhanced by intraperitoneal administration of G. lucidum extract at both 3 and 6 mg/kg. Compared with the control group, natural killer cell activity was significantly enhanced by intraperitoneal administration of G. lucidum extract (6 mg/kg). Results of cytometric bead array and flow cytometry indicated that the expressions of interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma also increased (p<0.001) by treatment with G. lucidum extract (3 and 6 mg/kg). In conclusion, the findings of this study implied that G. lucidum extract was able to effectively promote immune responses in BALB/c mice.

[Simultaneous HPLC determination of four triterpenoid acids in Ganoderma lucidum]

OBJECTIVE

To determine 4 kinds of triterpenoid acids in Ganodermna lucidum, namely ganoderic acid C2, ganoderenic acid A, ganoderic acid A and ganoderic acid D quantitively.

METHOD

The RP-HPLC method was applied and the separation was performed on a Kromasil C18 analytical column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile (A)-water containing 0.03% H3PO4 (B) with gradient elution mode at the flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection was set at 252 nm, and the column temperature was 35 degrees C.

RESULT

The linear ranges of ganoderic acid C2, ganoderenic acid A, ganoderic acid A and ganoderic acid D were 5.0-50.0 microg x mL(-1) (r = 0.9999), 7.2-72 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.9998), 11.67-116.7 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.9999), 5.32-53.2 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.9996), respectively. The average recoveries (n=9) were 98.8% (RSD 1.5%), 99.1% (RSD 1.9%), 99.5% (RSD 1.4%), 98.5% (RSD 1.9%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The method is simple and accurate with a good reproducibility and can be used as a quality control method for G. lucidum of different sources.

[Chromatographic fingerprints of triterpenoid constituents of Ganoderma lucidum]

OBJECTIVE

To establish chromatographic fingerprints of triterpenoid compounds in ganoderma RP-HPLC for the quality control of ganoderma.

METHOD

HPLC fingerprints were established. The chromatographic conditions were as follows: the separation was performed on a Diamonsil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm), using a gradient elution with acetonitrile-water containing 0.8% perchloric acid as the mobile phases. The flow rate was 0.9 mL x min(-1), the detection wavelength was 254 nm and the temperature of column was at ambient temperature. The common patterns of HPTLC and HPLC fingerprints were separately obtained through "Chromafinger" solution software, and quality assessments were analyzed by similarity.

RESULT

The HPLC fingerprint pattern of G. lucidum consists of 18 peaks, among them 6 peaks were identified by chemical reference substances.

CONCLUSION

This study provided theory and experimental data in order to comprehensively evaluate the quality of ganoderma.

Cytotoxic activities of 9,11-dehydroergosterol peroxide and ergosterol peroxide from the fermentation mycelia of ganoderma lucidum cultivated in the medium containing leguminous plants on Hep 3B cells

The objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of the ethanolic extract of mycelia from Ganoderma lucidum (EMG) cultivated in a medium containing leguminous plants Glycine max (L.) Merr. and Astragalus membranaceus on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep 3B) and to isolate the active components from EMG. The results indicated that EMG induced cytotoxicity in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the cells treated with EMG for 24, 48, and 72 h had IC(50) values of 156.8, 89.9, and 70.1 microg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, EMG was fractionated into seven fractions (F1-F7). We found that F5 and F6 had higher growth inhibitory effects on Hep 3B cells than the other fractions, and F6 possessed enough amounts (about 2.1 g) to carry out a more detailed study. F6 caused a sub-G1 peak rise and DNA fragmentation in Hep 3B cells and was further separated by high-performance liquid chromatography to obtain two active compounds, 9,11-dehydroergosterol peroxide [9(11)-DHEP] (compound 1) and ergosterol peroxide (EP) (compound 2). The IC(50) values of 9(11)-DHEP and EP based on the cell viability of Hep 3B were 16.7 and 19.4 microg/mL, respectively.

Biological properties of different protein extracts from selenium-enrichedGanoderma lucidum

Our previous studies showed that Ganoderma lucidum bio-transformed 20-30% of inorganic selenium from substrate to organic forms by preferentially incorporating selenium into proteins. In the present study, four kinds of protein extracts from selenium-enriched G. lucidum were prepared with different extracting solvents, which contain water-soluble, alkaline-soluble, salt-soluble and alcohol-soluble protein extracts, and the effects on antioxidant activity of characterizations of protein extracts were studied. Results showed that water-soluble extract showed strongest antioxidant properties among all extracts as suggested by spin trapping experiment due to its characterizations, followed by the alkaline-soluble > the salt-soluble > the alcohol-soluble protein extracts, a result demonstrating that selenium content and amino acids composition of the protein extracts play important and direct roles in enhancing their antioxidant activities, and the protein distribution and sugar content have an indirect effect by influencing the characters and structures. The activity of water-soluble crude protein was verified by CuSO4 Phen-Vc-H2O2-DNA chemiluminescent analysis, and it should be selected as the subject to be studied and purified further.

A new triterpene from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum

A new lanostanoid triterpene, named ganoderitriol M (1), together with a known triterpene ganoderic acid epsilon (2), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of G lucidum. Compound 1 was deduced as (24S)-lanosta-7-oxo-8-en-3beta, 24, 25-triol on the basis of spectral analysis (UV, IR, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D NMR).

[Conditions for extraction of ergosterol from fruits of Ganoderma lucidum using supercritical fluid extration]

OBJECTIVE

To study the feasibility of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for extraction of ergosterols from the fruits of Ganoderma lucidum.

METHOD

Optimum extraction conditions were studied by orthogonal tests, the ergosterol were analyzed by RP-HPLC.

RESULT

The optimal extraction conditions were pressure as 20 MPa, temperature at 45 degrees C, using ethanol as modifier carrier at the volume of 1 mL x g(-1), and 1.5 hour of extraction time.

CONCLUSION

SFE has the superiority of adjustable polarity, and has the ability of extracting ergosterol from fruits of Ganoderma lucidum.

Inhibitory effects of ganoderma lucidum on tumorigenesis and metastasis of human hepatoma cells in cells and animal models

Metastasis is considered to be the major cause of death in patients with cancers, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly metastatic cancer. Ganoderma lucidum , a well-known mushroom with various biological effects, is a functional food known to contain lucidenic acid. The objectives of this study were to investigate the anti-invasion effect of a lucidenic acid-rich G. lucidum extract (GLE) on human hepatoma HepG2 cells as well as the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of GLE in human hepatoma cells implanted into ICR-nu/nu mice. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression levels of HepG2 cells were reduced by GLE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of GLE on MMP-9 expression proceeded by inhibiting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B in the cytosol as well as reducing activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B levels in the nucleus of HepG2 cells. In a human tumor xenograft model, a dose-response inhibition was observed in the average size, volume, and weight of tumors upon oral administration of GLE. The number of metastatic tumor-bearing mice, the number of affected organs, and the number of tumor foci as well as the MMP-2 and -9 activities in serum of mice were also significantly suppressed by oral administration of GLE. These results suggest that the lucidenic acid-rich GLE could serve as a chemopreventive agent for the tumorigenesis and metastasis of highly invasive hepatoma cells.

[Effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on intestinal mucosal immune system in H22 liver cancer bearing mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the mucosal immune mechanism of anti-tumor action of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP).

METHODS

The concentration of H22 cells in suspension were adjusted to 1 x 10(9)/ L, and 0.2 mL of the cell suspension was injected subcutaneously in the right oxter of Kunming mice. Then the H22 bearing mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: the GLP group, the Cytoxan (CTX) group, the CTX + GLP group and the untreated model group, 8 mice in each group. Besides, a blank control group was set up. Starting from the 2nd day of modeling, GLP, at the dose of 1.02 g/kg was given to GLP group and GLP + CTX group by gastrogavage once a day for 12 successive days; CTX at the dose of 100 mg/kg was administered via peritoneal injection to the CTX group and the GLP + CTX group on the 1st day and the 6th day of the experimental course; but to the model group and the blank group, only equal volume of distilled water was given. All mice were sacrificed on the 14th day, the ileum at 1 cm upper to cecum was taken, through 4% paraform fixation and paraffin section, it was used for immunohistochemical detecting expressions of immunoglobulin A (IgA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in ileum. Besides, the lymphocyte subsets in the intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL), lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL), and Peyer's patch lymphocytes (PPL) were analyzed by immune fluorescence technique and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Compared with the blank control group, the phenotype of lymphocytes and the expression of cytokines in ileum in the model group changed significantly; and the phenotype was variant in different regions. Compared with the model group, both indexes were adjusted in the GLP, CTX and GLP + CTX group to different degrees.

CONCLUSION

The adjustment of GLP on intestinal mucosal immune is probably another path for its anti-tumor action.

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum spores on sialoadenitis of nonobese diabetic mice

BACKGROUND

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a systematic autoimmune disease, on which traditional therapeutic agents show limited effect. More effective agents with longer-lasting and fewer side effects are needed in the clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ganoderma lucindum spores (GLS) on sialoadenitis of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice.

METHODS

Thirty-two female NOD mice were assigned randomly into 4 groups: low-dose GLS-treated (L-GLS) group and high-dose GLS-treated (H-GLS) group, a dexamethasone group, and a normal saline (NS) control group. Stimulated total saliva flow rate (STFR), area of lymphocytic infiltration in submandibular glands and ratios of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood as well as apoptosis of these subsets and serum IgG level were tested after 10 weeks of treatments. Differences among the groups were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student-Newman-Keuls Test (SNK) was used between each two groups and a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

STFR of the high-dose GLS group increased significantly after a 10-week treatment compared with those of the NS control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of sialoadenitis in GLS-treated NOD mice groups showed no significant difference compared with the control group (P > 0.05), but the area of lymphocytic foci in both the H-GLS and L-GLS groups decreased significantly to 50% of the NS control group (P < 0.05); the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes and apoptosis of B lymphocytes of NOD mice with sialoadenitis were less and apoptosis of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes were significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). After pretreatment with H-GLS before sialoadenitis onset, the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocyte and the serum IgG levels of NOD mice decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with H-GLS can relieve symptoms of sialoadenitis in NOD mice. GLS has some protective effects on sialoadenitis in NOD mice through increasing STFR and decreasing the area of lymphocytic foci by regulating the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T and apoptosis of B lymphocytes.

A new class of natural glycopeptides with sugar moiety-dependent antioxidant activities derived from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies

A water-soluble glycopeptide (PGY), fractionated and purified from the aqueous extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum via two-step dialysis, anion exchange, and gel permeation chromatography, was constituted of two moieties of carbohydrate and peptide. Carbohydrate characterization with component analysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, enzymic hydrolysis, and IR and NMR experiments demonstrated that the carbohydrate moiety possessed a backbone of approximately 33 (1-->3)-linked beta-d-glucopyranosyl residues and side chains, at positions 6, of single alpha-l-arabinofuranosyl residues for every three Glcp residues in the main chain. On the basis of the results of amino acid composition and trypsin digestion, the peptide moiety, shown to consist of Arg, Ser, Ala, and Gly in a ratio of 1:1:2:2, exhibited the sequence of Ser-Arg-[(Ala)2(Gly)2] and was O-attached to the carbohydrate moiety via Ser. To contribute toward our understanding of the structure-activity relationship, a series of expected derivatives generated from PGY by trypsin digestion, debranching, and NaIO4 oxidation following reduction experiments, including PTC, DB-PGY, and PPP, were obtained. All of them, as well as PGY and a reference compound (butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT), were evaluated with two conventional antioxidant testing systems of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenging and found to have their respective antioxidant activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Comparable radical-scavenging activities observed between PTC and PGY demonstrated that the removal of Ala and Gly in a peptide moiety did not result in the variation of biological functions of PGY. However, it was very interesting to note that the scavenging activity of PPP was higher for DPPH radicals, with an SC(50) value of 116.4 +/- 5.1 microg/mL, and lower for superoxide radicals, with an SC(50) value of 205.2 +/- 14.4 microg/mL, than that of PGY with corresponding SC(50) values of 133.5 +/- 5.5 and 140.5 +/- 7.7 microg/mL, and, moreover, DB-PGY displayed the weakest scavenging potency in the tested samples, indicating that the carbohydrate moiety, in particular the side chain of nonreducing end units of Araf residues as the functional region, played a vital role in the structure and antioxidant activity. In addition, compared with the SC(50) value of BHT, PGY showed lower DPPH radical-scavenging activity but possessed higher superoxide radical-quenching potency, suggesting that it could be presented as a possible new source of natural antioxidants.

A comparison of hypoglycemic activity of three species of basidiomycetes rich in vanadium

The hypoglycemic activity of fermented mushroom of three fungi of basidiomycetes rich in vanadium was studied in this paper. Alloxan- and adrenalin-induced hyperglycemic mice were used in the study. The blood glucose and the sugar tolerance were determined. After the mice were administered (ig) with Coprinus comatus rich in vanadium, the blood glucose of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice decreased (p < 0.05), ascension of blood glucose induced by adrenalin was inhibited (p < 0.01) and the sugar tolerance of the normal mice was improved. However, the same result did not occur in Ganoderma lucidum and Grifola frondosa group. Compared with Ganoderma rich in vanadium and Grifola frondosa rich in vanadium, the hypoglycemic effects of Coprinus comatus rich in vanadium on hyperglycemic animals are significant; it may be used as a hypoglycemic food or medicine for hyperglycemic people.