Anti-inflammatory activity of mushroom-derived hispidin through blocking of NF-κB activation

A Comprehensive Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Antioxidant Properties of Hispidin and Isohispidin

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the antioxidant activity of hispidin (His) and its tautomer isohispidin (IsoH) using DFT calculations, corroborated by experimental data. Under physiological conditions, both tautomers demonstrated significant scavenging capacity for the HO• radical, with koverall ranging from 4.48 × 109 to 2.06 × 1010 M-1 s-1 in lipid media and 3.24 × 1010 M-1 s-1 in water. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the radical adduct formation (RAF) mechanism is dominant in lipid environments, whereas both RAF and single electron transfer (SET) operate nonselectively in water. Hispidin also exhibited strong scavenging capacity for the HOO• radical in water (koverall = 1.40 × 108 M-1 s-1), but its reactivity in lipid environments was comparatively lower, with koverall of 1.40 × 102 M-1 s-1 for His and 1.94 × 104 M-1 s-1 for IsoH. The f-HAT mechanism was identified as the predominant pathway in lipid media, while both f-HAT and SET contribute to HOO• scavenging in water. Additionally, hispidin demonstrated a strong ability to chelate copper(II) ions, effectively inhibiting HO• radical formation via the Fenton reaction. The theoretical results align well with the experimental data from the DPPH and ABTS assays, indicating that hispidin is a potent antioxidant under physiological conditions.

Functional Characterization of an Aldol Condensation Synthase PheG for the Formation of Hispidin from Phellinus Igniarius

Hispidin (1) is a polyphenolic compound with a wide range of pharmacological activities that is distributed in both plants and fungi. In addition to natural extraction, hispidin can be obtained by chemical or enzymatic synthesis. In this study, the identification and characterization of an undescribed enzyme, PheG, from Phellinus igniarius (P. igniarius), which catalyzes the construction of a key C─C bond in the enzymatic synthesis of hispidin are reported. It is demonstrated in vitro that PheG generates hispidin by catalyzing C─C bond formation in the aldol condensation reaction. Based on these results, a plausible pathway for hispidin biosynthesis is proposed by utilizing the primary triacetic acid lactone (TAL, 2) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (3). The mechanisms for the aldol condensation reaction of PheG are investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) binding free energy calculations, density functional theory, and site-specific mutations. The locations of the key amino acid residues that catalyze the conversion of substrates 2 and 3 to hispidin at the active site of PheG-1 are identified. This study provides a new method for preparing hispidin with high efficiency and low cost.

Contribution of mushroom farming to mitigating food scarcity: Current status, challenges and potential future prospects in Pakistan

Food insecurity, pollution, and malnutrition are some critical issues tackled by the modern world in the recent era. However, edible mushrooms are nutritionally, economically, and biotechnologically valuable groups of macro fungi. Besides being an essential source of edible food, it is also exploited in pharmacological industries as a potential source of anticancer, antioxidant and immunomodulating agents. Mushrooms are not only a rich nutritional source of functional food all over the world, but also have highly significant bioactive compounds that are considered nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and mycotherapeutics across the globe. However, their cultivation is very low compared to their demand. Its cultivation consents the sustainable management of agro-industrial waste and generates decent income using low inputs. Additionally, the mushroom could also be used for the recirculation of forest waste by acting as a natural decomposer that in turn creates great opportunities for the development of economically miserable developing countries, like Pakistan. Mushroom farming is one of the promising approaches to explore such unwanted agro-waste materials from the environment and ensure food security. Mushroom farming is one of the cheapest sources to overcome the deficiency caused by malnutrition. Interestingly, it supports the local economy by offering more and more livelihood opportunities and significant income sources for local and national trade. The current review article emphasizes the prompt mushroom farming industries in Pakistan that can save lives by providing cheaper nutritional food and rich income sources.

Exploring the Wound Healing Potential of Hispidin

BACKGROUND

Hispidin, a polyphenol component mainly derived from the medicinal mushroom species Phellinus and Inonotus, shows promise for biomedical applications, yet its potential in wound healing remains largely unexplored. This research investigates the wound healing effects of hispidin through in vitro and in vivo experiments, while also evaluating its antimicrobial properties and safety profile.

METHODS

In vitro scratch assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of hispidin on the migration of NIH-3T3 cells. The wound healing potential of hispidin was assessed in rats using excision wounds, dead space wounds, and linear incisions, treated with various topical ointments including a simple ointment, 2.5% (w/w) and a 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment, and a 0.2% (w/w) nitrofurazone ointment, administered at 0.2 g daily for 14 days.

RESULTS

Hispidin demonstrated antimicrobial properties and was particularly effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Hispidin enhanced NIH-3T3 cell viability, and promoted wound closure in scratch assays, correlating with increased levels of FGF21, TGF-β1, EGF, and VEGF. In excision wound models, the 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment improved wound contraction, epithelialization, tissue regeneration, fibroblast activity, and angiogenesis. In the granulation tissue from dead space wound models, hispidin reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and lipid peroxidation, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and antioxidant activities (SOD, GPx, CAT), along with connective tissue markers like hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and hexuronic acid. Hispidin also enhanced wound breaking strength in incision models. Acute dermal toxicity studies indicated no adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight hispidin's potential in wound care, demonstrating its antimicrobial, regenerative, and safety properties.

Exploring the Anti-Cancer Potential of Hispidin: A Comprehensive in Silico and in Vitro Study on Human Osteosarcoma Saos2 Cells

Hispidin was initially discovered in basidiomycete Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst and this extraordinary compound possesses immense potency and can be extracted from the wild mushroom through specialized bioreactor cultivation techniques. In our study, we isolated it from Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst., with a yield of 3.6 %. We identified and characterized hispidin through the implementation of spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, NMR, and MS. Additionally, we utilized Thermogravimetric Analysis for thermal characterization of the compound. Computational studies based on DFT were performed to investigate the molecular structure, electronic properties, and chemical reactivity of hispidin. PASS analysis for hispidin demonstrated that 19 of them are anti-neoplastic activities. The Pharmacology prediction of hispidin confirm that it is not toxic, non-carcinogenesis with a good human intestinal absorption. The effect of hispidin on the viability of bone cancer cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The results showed that hispidin significantly reduced SaoS2 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking was carried out using five targets related to bone cancer to determine the interactions between hispidin and the studied proteins. The results demonstrate that hispidin is a good inhibitor for the five targets. Dynamic simulation shows a good stability of the complex hispidin-protein.

Association between Intake of Edible Mushrooms and Algae and the Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Older Adults

Previous studies have investigated the association between diet and cognitive impairment, yet there is limited investigation into the link between edible mushrooms and algae intake and cognitive decline. This study aims to explore the association between edible mushrooms and algae intake and the risk of cognitive impairment in individuals aged 65 years and above in China. Cross-sectional data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) formed the basis of this study. Edible mushrooms and algae intake was evaluated using a simplified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with subgroup analysis conducted. Among 14,150 older adults, the average age was (85.33 ± 11.55), with a cognitive impairment prevalence of 22.7; multi-model adjustments showed a 25.3% lower probability of cognitive impairment for those occasionally consuming edible mushrooms and algae (OR: 0.747, 95% CI: 0.675~0.826). Furthermore, a 29% lower risk was observed in those with daily intake (OR: 0.710, 95% CI: 0.511~0.987). Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant risk reduction in women (OR: 0.589, 95% CI: 0.375~0.925, p = 0.022), individuals with disability in activities of daily living (OR: 0.568, 95% CI: 0.367~0.878, p = 0.011), and those with low social activity levels (OR: 0.671, 95% CI: 0.473~0.950, p = 0.025). This study concludes that edible mushrooms and algae intake significantly impacts the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. These results provide insights and impetus for further research into this area. Additional cohort studies or intervention trials are necessary to confirm the potential benefits of edible mushrooms and algae in promoting cognitive health.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Putative Polyketide Synthase Gene Involved in Hispidin Biosynthesis in Sanghuangporus sanghuang

Hispidin is an important styrylpyrone produced by Sanghuangporus sanghuang. To analyze hispidin biosynthesis in S. sanghuang, the transcriptomes of hispidin-producing and non-producing S. sanghuang were determined by Illumina sequencing. Five PKSs were identified using genome annotation. Comparative analysis with the reference transcriptome showed that two PKSs (ShPKS3 and ShPKS4) had low expression levels in four types of media. The gene expression pattern of only ShPKS1 was consistent with the yield variation of hispidin. The combined analyses of gene expression with qPCR and hispidin detection by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with ion-trap and time-of-flight technologies (LCMS-IT-TOF) showed that ShPKS1 was involved in hispidin biosynthesis in S. sanghuang. ShPKS1 is a partially reducing PKS gene with extra AMP and ACP domains before the KS domain. The domain architecture of ShPKS1 was AMP-ACP-KS-AT-DH-KR-ACP-ACP. Phylogenetic analysis shows that ShPKS1 and other PKS genes from Hymenochaetaceae form a unique monophyletic clade closely related to the clade containing Agaricales hispidin synthase. Taken together, our data indicate that ShPKS1 is a novel PKS of S. sanghuang involved in hispidin biosynthesis.

Hispidin in the Medicinal Fungus Protects Dopaminergic Neurons from JNK Activation-Regulated Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis in an MPP+-Induced In Vitro Model of Parkinson's Disease

Degenerative diseases of the brain include Parkinson's disease (PD), which is associated with moveable signs and is still incurable. Hispidin belongs to polyphenol and originates primarily from the medicinal fungi Inonotus and Phellinus, with distinct biological effects. In the study, MES23.5 cells were induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) to build a cell model of PD in order to detect the protective effect of hispdin and to specify the underlying mechanism. Pretreatment of MES23.5 cells with 1 h of hispdin at appropriate concentrations, followed by incubation of 24 h with 2 μmol/L MPP⁺ to induce cell damage. MPP⁺ resulted in reactive oxygen species production that diminished cell viability and dopamine content. Mitochondrial dysfunction in MS23.5 cells exposed to MPP⁺ was observed, indicated by inhibition of activity in the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, the collapse of potential in mitochondrial transmembrane, and the liberation of mitochondrial cytochrome c. Enabling C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), reducing Bcl-2/Bax, and enhancing caspase-9/caspase-3/PARP cleavage were also seen by MPP⁺ induction associated with increased DNA fragmentation. All of the events mentioned above associated with MPP⁺-mediated mitochondrial-dependent caspases cascades were attenuated under cells pretreatment with hispidin (20 µmol/L); similar results were obtained during cell pretreatment with pan-JNK inhibitor JNK-IN-8 (1 µmol/L) or JNK3 inhibitor SR3576 (25 µmol/L). The findings show that hispidin has neuroprotection against MPP⁺-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular apoptosis and suggest that hispidin can be seen as an assist in preventing PD.

Role of Dietary Polyphenols in the Activity and Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthases: A Review

Nitric oxide (NO) plays several key roles in the functionality of an organism, and it is usually released in numerous organs and tissues. There are mainly three isoforms of the enzyme that produce NO starting from the metabolism of arginine, namely endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The expression and activity of these isoforms depends on the activation/deactivation of different signaling pathways at an intracellular level following different physiological and pathological stimuli. Compounds of natural origin such as polyphenols, which are obtainable through diet, have been widely studied in recent years in in vivo and in vitro investigations for their ability to induce or inhibit NO release, depending on the tissue. In this review, we aim to disclose the scientific evidence relating to the activity of the main dietary polyphenols in the modulation of the intracellular pathways involved in the expression and/or functionality of the NOS isoforms.

Mushrooms as Potential Sources of Active Metabolites and Medicines

Background

Mushrooms exist as an integral and vital component of the ecosystem and are very precious fungi. Mushrooms have been traditionally used in herbal medicines for many centuries.

Scope and Approach

There are a variety of medicinal mushrooms mentioned in the current work such as Agaricus, Amanita, Calocybe, Cantharellus, Cordyceps, Coprinus, Cortinarius, Ganoderma, Grifola, Huitlacoche, Hydnum, Lentinus, Morchella, Pleurotus, Rigidoporus, Tremella, Trametes sp., etc., which play a vital role in various diseases because of several metabolic components and nutritional values. Medicinal mushrooms can be identified morphologically on the basis of their size, color (white, black, yellow, brown, cream, pink and purple-brown, etc.), chemical reactions, consistency of the stalk and cap, mode of attachment of the gills to the stalk, and spore color and mass, and further identified at a molecular level by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of gene sequencing. There are also other methods that have recently begun to be used for the identification of mushrooms such as high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), microscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), DNA sequencing, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), chemical finger printing, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LCMS-TOF) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Lately, the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technique is also used for the identification of fungi.

Key Finding and Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms possess various biological activities like anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, anti-HIV, anti-diabetic, and many others that will be mentioned in this article. This manuscript will provide future direction, action mechanisms, applications, and the recent collective information of medicinal mushrooms. In addition to many unknown metabolites and patented active metabolites are also included.

Laminaria japonica fucoidan ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced liver and kidney injury possibly by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

During clinical practice, cyclophosphamide (CTX) can lead to liver and kidney injury in vivo. In this study, we established a liver and kidney injury model by injecting CTX (80 mg kg-1  d-1 ) into male ICR mice, and then mice were treated with saline and fucoidan (20 or 40 mg kg-1 ), respectively. Subsequently, the liver and kidney toxicity indices, the expression levels of malonic dialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory factors, and the main protein levels of the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathways were determined.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that fucoidan could significantly decrease serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CRE), and urea (BUN) in the test group compared to the model group. Fucoidan administration caused reductions in MDA, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver and kidney of CTX-induced mice. Fucoidan up-regulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and enhanced the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLM, and NQO1. Moreover, fucoidan down-regulated the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, as indicated by decreased levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, and increased IκBα level in liver and kidney tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our studies suggest that fucoidan can ameliorate CTX-induced liver and kidney injury, potentially via up-regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pilot Study: Nutritional and Preclinical Safety Investigation of Fermented Hispidin-Enriched Sanghuangporus sanghuang Mycelia: A Promising Functional Food Material to Improve Sleep

Sleep disturbances have been the hallmark of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Studies have shown that once sleep is disrupted, it can lead to psychological and physical health issues which can, in turn, disrupt circadian rhythm and induce further sleep disruption. As consumers are trying to establish healthy routines, nutritional and preclinical safety investigation of fermented hispidin-enriched Sanghuangporus sanghuang mycelia (GKSS) as a novel food material for spontaneous sleep in Sprague-Dawley rats is conducted for the first time. Results showed that the nutritional analysis of GKSS including moisture, ash, crude lipid, crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy were found to be 2.4 ± 0.3%, 8.0 ± 2.5%, 1.7 ± 0.3%, 22.9 ± 1.2%, 65.1 ± 3.1%, and 367.1 ± 10.2 kcal/100 g respectively. In the 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study, only Sprague-Dawley male rats receiving 5 g/kg showed a slight decrease in feed consumption at week 3, but no associated clinical signs of toxicity or significant weight loss were observed. Although a significant reduction of the platelet count was found in mid- and high-dose GKSS treated male groups, such changes were noted to be within the normal range and were not correlated with relative spleen weight changes. Hence, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of GKSS was identified to be higher than 5 g/kg in rats. After the safety of GKSS is confirmed, the sleep-promoting effect of GKSS ethanolic extract enriched with hispidin was further assessed. Despite 75 mg/kg of GKSS ethanolic extract does not affect wakefulness, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep, GKSS ethanolic extract at 150 mg/kg significantly decreased wakefulness and enhanced NREM and REM sleep. Interestingly, such effects seem to be mediated through anti-inflammatory activities via NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings provide the preliminary evidence to studies support the claims suggesting that GKSS contained useful phytochemical hispidin could be considered as and is safe to use as a functional food agent or nutraceutical for relieving sleep problems mediated by Nrf2 pathway, which the results are useful for future clinical pilot study.

Assessment of the effect of ethanol extracts from Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel on intestinal inflammation using simulated gastrointestinal digestion and a Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture system

Cinnamomum camphora seeds have multiple bioactivities. There were few studies on the effect of C. camphora seeds on intestinal inflammation in vitro and in vivo. The study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts from C. camphora seed kernel on intestinal inflammation using simulated gastrointestinal digestion and a Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture system. Results showed that the digested ethanol extracts (dEE) were rich in polyphenols, and a total of 17 compounds were tentatively identified using UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS. dEE increased cell viability, while decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species, and the secretion and gene expression of inflammatory markers (NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6). dEE also down-regulated NF-κB/MAPK pathway activities by suppressing the phosphorylation of relevant signaling molecules (p65, IκBα, ERK and p38), as well as the expression of TLR4 receptor protein. Furthermore, dEE may improve intestinal barrier function by increasing the TEER value, and the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin). The results suggest the ethanol extracts from C. camphora seed kernel may have strong anti-inflammatory activities, and a potential application in the prevention or treatment of intestinal inflammation and enhancement of intestinal barrier function in organisms.

Bioactive components of mushrooms: Processing effects and health benefits

Mushrooms have been recognized for their culinary attributes for long and were relished in the most influential civilizations in history. Currently, they are the focus of renewed research because of their therapeutic abilities. Nutritional benefits from mushrooms are in the form of a significant source of essential proteins, dietary non-digestible carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, minerals, as well as various vitamins, which have enhanced its consumption, and also resulted in the development of various processed mushroom products. Mushrooms are also a crucial ingredient in traditional medicine for their healing potential and curative properties. The literature on the nutritional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic potential of mushrooms, and their use as functional foods for the maintenance of health was reviewed, and the available literature indicates the enormous potential of the bioactive compounds present in mushrooms. Future research should be focused on the development of processes to retain the mushroom bioactive components, and valorization of waste generated during processing. Further, the mechanisms of action of mushroom bioactive components should be studied in detail to delineate their diverse roles and functions in the prevention and treatment of several diseases.

Screening for proteins related to the biosynthesis of hispidin and its derivatives in Phellinus igniarius using iTRAQ proteomic analysis

Background

Hispidin (HIP) and its derivatives, a class of natural fungal metabolites, possess complex chemical structures with extensive pharmacological activities. Phellinus igniarius, the most common source of HIP, can be used as both medicine and food. However, the biosynthetic pathway of HIP in P. igniarius remains unclear and we have a limited understanding of the regulatory mechanisms related to HIP. In this work, we sought to illustrate a biosynthesis system for hispidin and its derivatives at the protein level.

Results

We found that tricetolatone (TL) is a key biosynthetic precursor in the biosynthetic pathway of hispidin and that its addition led to increased production of hispidin and various hispidin derivatives. Based on the changes in the concentrations of precursors and intermediates, key timepoints in the biosynthetic process were identified. We used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) to study dynamic changes of related proteins in vitro. The 270 differentially expressed proteins were determined by GO enrichment analysis to be primarily related to energy metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and environmental stress responses after TL supplementation. The differentially expressed proteins were related to ATP synthase, NAD binding protein, oxidoreductase, and other elements associated with electron transfer and dehydrogenation reactions during the biosynthesis of hispidin and its derivatives. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) technology was used to selectively verify the iTRAQ results, leading us to screen 11 proteins that were predicted to be related to the biosynthesis pathways.

Conclution

These findings help to clarify the molecular mechanism of biosynthesis of hispidin and its derivatives and may serve as a foundation for future strategies to identify new hispidin derivatives.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02134-0.

Deciphering the antitumoral potential of the bioactive metabolites from medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The crude extracts of the medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus have been used as an effective traditional medicine to treat malicious tumors, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other inflammatory conditions in Russia and most Baltic countries.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

Deciphering the antitumoral potential of the bioactive metabolites from I. obliquus and addressing its possibility to be used as effective agents for tumor treatment, restoration of compromised immunity and protection of gastrointestinal damage caused by chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analysed the current achievements and dilemma in tumor chemo- or immunotherapy. In this context, we searched the published literatures on I. obliquus covering from 1990 to 2020, and summarized the activities of antitumor, antioxidation, and immunomodulation by the polysaccharides, triterpenoids, small phenolic compounds, and hispidin polyphenols. By comparing the merits and shortcomings of current and traditional methodology for tumor treatment, we further addressed feasibility for the use of I. obliquus as an effective natural drug for tumor treatment and prevention.

RESULTS

The diverse bioactive metabolites confer I. obliquus great potential to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Its antitumor activities are achieved either through suppressing multiple oncogenic signals including but not limited to the activation of NF-κB and FAK, and the expression of RhoA/MMP-9 via ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The antitumor activities can also be achieved by inhibiting tyrosinase activity via PAK1-dependent signaling pathway or altering lysosomal membrane permeabilization through blocking tubulin polymerization and/or disturbing energy metabolism through LKB1/AMPK pathway. In addition, the metabolites from I. obliquus also harbour the potentials to reverse MDR either through selective inhibition on P-gp/ABCB1 or MRP1/ABCC1 proteins or the induction of G2/M checkpoint arrest in tumor cells of chemoresistant phenotypes mediated by Nox/ROS/NF-kB/STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition to the eminent effects in tumor inhibition, the metabolites in I. obliquus also exhibit immunomodulatory potential to restore the compromised immunity and protect against ulcerative damage of GI tract caused by chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

I. obliquus possesses the potential to reduce incidence of tumorigenesis in healthy people. For those whose complete remission has been achieved by chemotherapy, administration of the fungus will inhibit the activation of upstream oncogenic signals and thereby prevent metastasis; for those who are in the process of chemotherapy administration of the fungus will not only chemosensitize the tumor cells and thereby increasing the chemotherapeutic effects, but also help to restore the compromised immunity and protect against ulcerative GI tract damage and other side-effects induced by chemotherapy.

Optimized production and safety evaluation of hispidin-enriched Sanghuangporus sanghuang mycelia

Phellinus linteus, also known as the sanghuang mushroom, is a medicinal mushroom that has been recognized as beneficial to health for more thousands of years. Among its diverse valuable secondary metabolites, the yellow-brown styrylpyrone pigment hispidin has garnered significant attention due to its various pharmacological effects. However, recently after detailed morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies, the correct scientific name of the true sanghuang strains was shown not to be P. linteus but Sanghuangporus sanghuang. As the incorrect binomial name P. linteus has long been misleadingly referred, there is a need to evaluate the safety of S. sanghuang. Moreover, the growing conditions can impact the secondary metabolite profile of the fungi. Hence, this study is the first to optimize hispidin production and to investigate the genotoxic and oral toxic effects of hispidin-enriched S. sanghuang mycelia. In order to induce the biosynthesis of hispidin, 15 different culture media consisting of five carbon sources, five nitrogen sources, and five initial pH conditions were screened. Glucose and yeast extract at an initial pH of 5 were found to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, for the optimal growth and production of hispidin. Moreover, the production of hispidin was 3 mg/g in a 20-ton bioreactor under optimal conditions. Furthermore, the ames test, in vitro chromosome aberration test, acute oral toxicity test, and bone marrow micronucleus test were used to detect toxicological properties of 3 mg/g hispidin-enriched S. sanghuang mycelia. In all tests, there was no statistically significant difference between the mycelia and the negative control. Based on the results obtained, the present study demonstrates that 3 mg/g hispidin-enriched S. sanghuang mycelia has a very low order of toxicity, which supports its safety for human consumption.

Phellinus baumii enhances the immune response in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

Phellinus species is a mushroom used as traditional medicine in Eastern Asia. Research on Phellinus baumii (PB) is relatively limited; however, it has been reported to have antioxidant, DNA damage-protecting, immunostimulating, and antidiabetic activities. In our previous study on anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and the various bioactive components of PB, we propose that PB could exert immune enhancing effects. Therefore, our current study aimed to investigate the immune-enhancing effect on immunosuppressed mice. Different concentrations of PB extract (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight) were given to mice via oral gavage for 6 weeks accompanied by intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide administration to induce immunosuppression. A bone marrow micronucleus test was performed in mice to screen for potential genotoxic compounds. Splenocyte viability and proliferation, splenic and peritoneal natural killer cell activities, and hematological markers were then measured. Cytokines in the spleen and serum, as well as splenic mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB; interferon-γ; tumor necrosis factor-α; and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, were determined in mice. As a result, PB ameliorated T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation, splenic and peritoneal NK cell activities, bone marrow cells, hematological markers, cytokine levels, and T-lymphocyte numbers. Moreover, serum and spleen cytokine levels and mRNA expression were elevated in the PB groups compared to controls. Our results suggest that the PB extract can be used as a potent immunomodulator under immunosuppressive conditions. Thus, PB may be used as a potent biofunctional and pharmaceutical material to potentially enhance human immunity.

Antiallergic Activity of the Wild Mushrooms of Nepal and the Pure Compound Hispidin

In the present study, ethanol extracts of 90 wild mushroom samples from Nepal, and the pure compound hispidin, were screened for their ability to inhibit β-hexosaminidase release (BHR) from rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells. Simultaneously, the toxicity of the extracts toward the cells was also determined, using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Samples belonging to the groups Hymenochaetales and Polyporales showed promising anti-allergic activity, with Phellinus adamantinus and Ganoderma lingzhi 3 allowing a mere 19.4% and 16.7% BHR, respectively, without any cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values for Inonotus clemensiae and P. adamantinus were determined to be 51.24 and 50.65 μg/mL, respectively; whereas hispidin, the major bioactive compound in I. clemensiae showed an IC₅₀ value of 82.47 μg/mL. These findings are crucial in underscoring the medicinal value of the wild mushrooms of Nepal, as a source of strong antiallergic agents.

Detection of Hispidin by a Luminescent System from Basidiomycete Armillaria borealis

In in vitro experiments, the possibility of using a luminescent system extracted from the luminous fungus Armillaria borealis has been shown to detect and determine the concentration of hispidin. A linear dependence of the luminescent response on the content of hispidin in solutions in the concentration range of 5.4 × 10^-5-1.4 × 10^-2 µM was detected. The stability of the enzyme system and the high sensitivity of the bioluminescent reaction allows carrying out multiple measurements with the analyte detection limit of 1.3 × 10^-11 g. The obtained results show the prospects of creating a rapid bioluminescent method for the analysis of medical substances or extracts from various biological objects for the presence of hispidin.

Hispidin induces autophagic and necrotic death in SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells through lysosomal membrane permeabilization by inhibiting tubulin polymerization

Hispidin and its derivatives are widely distributed in edible mushrooms. Hispidin is more cytotoxic to A549, SCL-1, Bel7402 and Capan-1 cancer cells than to MRC5 normal cells; by contrast, hispidin protects H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced or doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Consequently, further research on how hispidin affects normal and cancer cells may help treat cancer and reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects. This study showed that hispidin caused caspase-independent death in SGC-7901 cancer cells but not in GES-1 normal cells. Hispidin-induced increases in LC3-II occurred in SGC-7901 cells in a time independent manner. Cell death can be partially inhibited by treatment with ATG5 siRNA but not by autophagy or necroptosis inhibitors. Ultrastructural evidence indicated that hispidin-induced necrotic cell death involved autophagy. Hispidin-induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) related to complex cell death occurred more drastically in SGC-7901 cells than in GES-1 cells. Ca²⁺ rather than cathepsins from LMP contributed more to cell death. Hispidin induced microtubule depolymerization, which can cause LMP, more drastically in SGC-7901 cells than in GES-1 cells. At 4.1 μM, hispidin promoted cell-free tubulin polymerization but at concentrations higher than 41 μM, hispidin inhibited polymerization. Hispidin did not bind to tubulin. Alterations in microtubule regulatory proteins, such as stathmin phosphorylation at Ser¹⁶, contributed to hispidin-induced SGC-7901 cell death. In conclusion, hispidin at concentrations higher than 41 μM may inhibit tubulin polymerization by modulating microtubule regulatory proteins, such as stathmin, causing LMP and complex SGC-7901 cell death. This mechanism suggests a promising novel treatment for human cancer.

Mushroom Consumption and Incident Dementia in Elderly Japanese: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study

BACKGROUND

Both in vivo and in vitro studies have indicated that edible mushrooms may have preventive effects against cognitive impairment. However, few cohort studies have yet examined the relationship between mushroom consumption and incident dementia.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationship between mushroom consumption and incident dementia in a population of elderly Japanese subjects.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study.

PARTICIPANTS

13,230 individuals aged ≥65 years living in Ohsaki City, northeastern Japan.

MEASUREMENTS

Daily mushroom consumption, other lifestyle factors, and dementia incidence.

RESULTS

The 5.7 years incidence of dementia was 8.7%. In comparison with participants who consumed mushrooms <1 time/wk, the multi-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for incident dementia among those did so 1-2 times/week and ≥3 times/week were 0.95 (0.81, 1.10) and 0.81 (0.69, 0.95), respectively (P-trend <.01). The inverse association persisted after excluding participants whose dementia event occurred in the first 2 years of follow-up and whose baseline cognitive function was lower. The inverse association did not differ statistically in terms of vegetable consumption (P-interaction = .10).

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort study suggests that frequent mushroom consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident dementia, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors.

Bioactivities and Health Benefits of Mushrooms Mainly from China

Many mushrooms have been used as foods and medicines for a long time. Mushrooms contain polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals. Studies show that mushrooms possess various bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties, therefore, mushrooms have attracted increasing attention in recent years, and could be developed into functional food or medicines for prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases. The present review summarizes the bioactivities and health benefits of mushrooms, and could be useful for full utilization of mushrooms.

Differential Modulation of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Production by and Antioxidant Activity of Fomentariol in RAW264.7 Cells

Medicinal mushrooms have been used worldwide to treat cancer and modulate the immune system. Over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in isolating bioactive compounds from medicinal mushrooms and evaluating their health beneficial effects. Fomes fomentarius is used in traditional oriental medicine and is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antitumor effects. In the present study, we isolated fomentariol from Fomes fomentarius and investigated its anti-inflammatory effect in murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) stimulated with lipopolysaccharides. Fomentariol inhibited the production of nitric oxide and intracellular reactive oxygen species triggered by lipopolysaccharides. Interestingly, fomentariol differentially regulated cytokine production triggered by lipopolysaccharides. Fomentariol effectively suppressed the production of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 but not tumor necrosis factor-α. The inhibitory effect of fomentariol against nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 production was possibly mediated by downregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that fomentariol differentially modulated inflammatory responses triggered by lipopolysaccharides in macrophages and is one of the bioactive compounds that mediate the physiological effects of Fomes fomentarius.

Brazilein Suppresses Inflammation through Inactivation of IRAK4-NF-κB Pathway in LPS-Induced Raw264.7 Macrophage Cells

The medicinal herbal plant has been commonly used for prevention and intervention of disease and health promotions worldwide. Brazilein is a bioactive compound extracted from Caesalpinia sappan Linn. Several studies have showed that brazilein exhibited the immune suppressive effect and anti-oxidative function. However, the molecular targets of brazilein for inflammation prevention have remained elusive. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of brazilein on LPS-induced inflammatory response in Raw264.7 macrophage cells. We demonstrated that brazilein decreased the expression of IRAK4 protein led to the suppression of MAPK signaling and IKKβ, and subsequent inactivation of NF-κB and COX2 thus promoting the expression of the downstream target pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, MCP-1, MIP-2, and IL-6 in LPS-induced Raw264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, we observed that brazilein reduced the production of nitrite compared to the control in LPS-induced Raw264.7. Thus, we suggest that brazilein might be a useful bioactive compound for the prevention of IRAK-NF-κB pathway associated chronic diseases.