A screening system for antioxidants using thioredoxin-deficient yeast: discovery of thermostable antioxidant activity from Agaricus blazei Murill

Antitumor, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiallergic Effects of Agaricus blazei Mushroom Extract and the Related Medicinal Basidiomycetes Mushrooms, Hericium erinaceus and Grifola frondosa: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Since the 1980s, medicinal effects have been documented in scientific studies with the related Basidiomycota mushrooms Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM), Hericium erinaceus (HE) and Grifola frondosa (GF) from Brazilian and Eastern traditional medicine. Special focus has been on their antitumor effects, but the mushrooms' anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties have also been investigated. The antitumor mechanisms were either direct tumor attack, e.g., apoptosis and metastatic suppression, or indirect defense, e.g., inhibited tumor neovascularization and T helper cell (Th) 1 immune response. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms were a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and changed gut microbiota, and the antiallergic mechanism was amelioration of a skewed Th1/Th2 balance. Since a predominant Th2 milieu is also found in cancer, which quite often is caused by a local chronic inflammation, the three conditions-tumor, inflammation and allergy-seem to be linked. Further mechanisms for HE were increased nerve and beneficial gut microbiota growth, and oxidative stress regulation. The medicinal mushrooms AbM, HE and GF appear to be safe, and can, in fact, increase longevity in animal models, possibly due to reduced tumorigenesis and oxidation. This article reviews preclinical and clinical findings with these mushrooms and the mechanisms behind them.

Cytokine Levels After Consumption of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract, AndoSan™ , in Patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study

Ingestion of the Agaricus blazei Murill-based mushroom extract AndoSan^™ has been shown in randomized placebo-controlled studies to improve symptoms in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and also fatigue and quality of life in the latter patients. The aim was to examine whether this clinical impact of AndoSan^™ intake could be explained by influence on foremost pro-inflammatory cytokines in the patients. Fifty patients with symptomatic UC and CD were randomized and blinded for oral daily intake of AndoSan^™ or placebo. Blood samples taken before (visit 1) and after 21 days' (visit 3) consumption were analysed for cytokines IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4-8, IL-10, IL-12-13, IL-17, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1ß and TNF-α. Baseline cytokine levels were similar in CD and UC. In CD, cytokine levels at visit 1 versus visit 3 were unaltered within the AndoSan^™ and the placebo groups. Only IL-2 was significantly reduced at visit 3 in the Andosan^™ compared with the placebo group. However, when combining IL-1ß, IL-6 and G-CSF in the patients with CD, the cytokine levels were significantly lower in the AndoSan^TM - versus the placebo group, visit 3. In UC, levels of IL-2, IL-5 and MIP-1ß were reduced within the AndoSan^™ group. IL-5 was also reduced at visit 3 compared with placebo. Generally, the effect on reduction in systemic cytokine levels by consumption of AndoSan^™ was limited and supported only marginally anti-inflammatory effects in these patients. Therefore, other explanations behind the clinical anti-inflammatory effects than the contribution of cytokines seem more pertinent, including anti-allergic and antioxidant activities.

Effect of the Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract, AndoSanTM, on Symptoms, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Crohn's Disease in a Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo Controlled Study

Background

Ingestion of AndoSan^TM, based on the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill, has previously shown an anti-inflammatory effect through reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in healthy individuals and patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). In this randomized single-blinded placebo-controlled study we examined whether intake of AndoSan^TM also resulted in clinical effects.

Methods and Findings

50 patients with symptomatic CD were randomized for oral daily consumption of AndoSan^TM or placebo for a 21-day experimental period, in this per-protocol study. Patients reported validated scores for symptoms, fatigue and health related quality of life (HRQoL) at days 0, 14 and 21. Fecal calprotectin and general blood parameters were also analyzed. In the AndoSan^TM group (n = 25) symptoms improved from baseline (day 0) to days 14 and 21, with respective mean scores (95% CI) of 5.52 (4.64–6.40), 4.48 (3.69–5.27) and 4.08 (3.22–4.94) (p<0,001). We found significant improvements in symptom score for both genders in the AndoSan^TM group, and no significant changes in the placebo (n = 25) group. There were however no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.106), although a marginal effect in symptom score for men (p = 0.054). There were comparable improvements in physical, mental and total fatigue for both groups. HRQoL versus baseline were at day 21 improved for bodily pain and vitality in the AndoSan^TM group and for vitality and social functioning in the placebo group. No crucial changes in general blood samples and fecal calprotectin were detected.

Conclusions

The results from this single-blinded randomized clinical trial shows significant improvement on symptoms, for both genders, in the AndoSan^TM group, but no significant differences between the study groups. The results on fatigue, HRQoL, fecal calprotectin and blood samples were quite similar compared with placebo. The patients did not report any harms or unintended effects of AndoSan^TM. CD patients with mild to moderate symptoms may have beneficiary effects of AndoSan^TM as a safe supplement in addition to conventional medication.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01496053

Effect of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract, AndoSan™, on Symptoms, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo Controlled Study

Background

Ingestion of AndoSan^™, based on the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill, has previously been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects because of reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in healthy individuals and patients with ulcerative colitis. In this randomized single-blinded placebo controlled study we examined whether intake of AndoSan^™ also resulted in clinical effects.

Methods and Findings

50 patients with symptomatic ulcerative colitis were block-randomized and blinded for oral daily intake of AndoSan^™ or placebo for the 21 days’ experimental period. The patients reported scores for symptoms, fatigue and health related quality of life (HRQoL) at days 0, 14 and 21. Fecal calprotectin and general blood parameters were also analyzed. In the AndoSan^™ group (n = 24) symptoms improved from baseline (day 0) to days 14 and 21, with respective mean scores (95% CI) of 5.88 (4.92–6.83), 4.71 (3.90–5.52) (p = 0.002) and 4.50 (3.70–5.30) (p = 0.001). Corresponding improved mean scores (±SD) for total fatigue were 16.6 (5.59), 14.1 (4.50) (p = 0.001) and 15.1 (4.09) (p = 0.023). These scores in the placebo group (n = 26) were not improved. When comparing the two study groups using mixed model statistics, we found significant better scores for the AndoSan^™-patients. HRQoL for dimensions bodily pain, vitality, social functioning and mental health improved in the AndoSan^™ group. There were no alterations in general blood samples and fecal calprotectin.

Conclusions

Beneficiary effects on symptoms, fatigue and HRQoL from AndoSan^™ consumption were demonstrated in this per-protocol study, supporting its use as a supplement to conventional medication for patients with mild to moderate symptoms from ulcerative colitis. The patients did not report any harms or unintended effects of AndoSan^™ in this study.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01496053

Antioxidant Activity of Agaricus brasiliensis Basidiocarps on Different Maturation Phases

Different maturation phases of basidiocarp could affect the bioactivity and concentration of some active substances. A. brasiliensis Wasser et al. (A. blazei Murrill) has shown antitumor activity that could be related to the antioxidant activity. However there is no information of the best basidiocarp maturation phase for extracting antioxidant substances in order to determine the moment of harvesting in mushroom cultivation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of A. brasiliensis strains on different basidiocarp maturation phases. The best condition for extraction of A. brasiliensis antioxidants is with methanol as solvent at 60 °C for 60 min. Strains with closed basidiocarp have higher antioxidant activity than with opened basidiocarp. Antioxidant activity varies in each strain. It was concluded that A. brasiliensis is a natural source of antioxidant compounds. Also there is higher antioxidant activity in closed than opened caps and consequently higher functional activity. It reinforces the synergic action among different A. brasiliensis compounds as a functional food and the importance of further investigation for isolation and characterization of antioxidant substances of A. brasiliensis. It also determines the best harvest period in order to obtain the highest antioxidant activity from basidiocarp.

Effect of AndoSan™ on expression of adhesion molecules and production of reactive oxygen species in human monocytes and granulocytes in vivo

BACKGROUND

Oral intake (60 ml daily) over 12 days in eight healthy volunteers of an immunostimulatory extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM (AndoSan™)), reduced the monocyte and granulocyte release of mainly proinflammatory cytokines in vivo, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. In this foremost in vivo study, the aim was to examine the effect of such AndoSan™ consumption on the expression of adhesion molecules CD11b, CD11c and CD62L and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leukocytes.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

As shown by flow cytometry, there was a significant increase of CD62L expression on monocytes and granulocytes from before (day 0) compared with 12 days after daily AndoSan™ consumption. However, only minor alterations and no clear trend in the expression of CD11b and CD11c were detected. Intracellular ROS (mainly superoxide ion) were significantly reduced in these cells from days 0 to 12.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

These results support that oral intake of AndoSan™ exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in humans in vivo.

Agaricus blazei Murill as an efficient hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

Agaricus blazei Murill is one of the very popular edible medicinal mushrooms. The present study investigated the protective effect of this biologically active mushroom on the tissue peroxidative damage and abnormal antioxidant levels in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Male albino rats of Sprague-Dawley strain weighting (120-150 g) were categorized into five groups. The first group served as the normal control, the second and the third groups were treated with Agaricus blazei Mushroom extract and carbon tetrachloride dose, respectively. Fourth group (protective group) was first treated with Agaricus blazei Mushroom extract followed by carbon tetrachloride treatment and fifth (therapeutic group) with carbon tetrachloride first followed by Agaricus blazei Mushroom treatment. The wet fruiting bodies of mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill, crushed and suspended in distilled water was administered orally to the treated groups of male albino rats. The activities of various enzymes (aspartate and alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase), levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E) and level of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) were determined in the serum of all the experimental animals. Decrease in all the enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant, along with an increase in the lipid peroxidative index (malondialdehyde) was found in all the carbon tetrachloride treated rats as compared with normal controls. Also increase level of non-enzymatic antioxidant along with the decrease level in malondialdehyde was found in all experimental animals which were treated with Agaricus blazei Mushroom extract as compared with normal controls. The findings indicate that the extract of Agaricus blazei Murill can protect the liver against carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats and is an efficient hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury.

Ethanolic Extract of Agaricus blazei Fermentation Product Inhibits the Growth and Invasion of Human Hepatoma HA22T/VGH and SK-Hep-1 Cells

Hepatoma is a leading cause of death in the world. SK-Hep-1 and HA22T/VGH cells are poorly differentiated human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines with invasive and migratory abilities. Agaricus blazei (AB) is a mushroom with many biological effects and active ingredients, and the ethanolic extract of AB fermentation product (AB-pE) was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of hepatoma Hep3B and HepG2 cells in our previous study. In this study, we further investigated the anticancer and anti-invasive abctivities of the AB-pE. Results showed that the AB-pE inhibited the growth of SK-Hep1 and HA22T/VGH cells (with IC50 values of 26.8 and 28.7 μg/mL, respectively) and led cells toward apoptosis after 48 h of treatment. Activation of caspase-3 by AB-pE (12.5~200 μg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner was observed in both cell lines using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The apoptosis triggered by the AB-pE was regulated by the increased expression of Bax, the activation of caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and the decreased expression of Bcl-2. Additionally, the AB-pE showed the potential ability to inhibit invasion of SK-Hep1 and HA22T/VGH cells according to the results of a Matrigel invasion assay. Our results suggested that the AB-pE may be a further developed for its potential against hepatoma due to its antiproliferative (via apoptosis) and anti-invasive activities in hepatoma cells.

Pro-inflammatory effects of the mushroom Agaricus blazei and its consequences on atherosclerosis development

PURPOSE

Extracts of the mushroom Agaricus blazei (A. blazei) have been described as possessing immunomodulatory and potentially cancer-protective activities. However, these effects of A. blazei as a functional food have not been fully investigated in vivo.

METHODS

Using apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice, an experimental model of atherosclerosis, we evaluated the effects of 6 or 12 weeks of A. blazei supplementation on the activation of immune cells in the spleen and blood and on the development of atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

Food intake, weight gain, blood lipid profile, and glycemia were similar between the groups. To evaluate leukocyte homing and activation, mice were injected with (99m)Tc-radiolabeled leukocytes, which showed enhanced leukocyte migration to the spleen and heart of A. blazei-supplemented animals. Analysis of the spleen showed higher levels of activation of neutrophils, NKT cells, and monocytes as well as increased production of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Circulating NKT cells and monocytes were also more activated in the supplemented group. Atherosclerotic lesion areas were larger in the aorta of supplemented mice and exhibited increased numbers of macrophages and neutrophils and a thinner fibrous cap. A. blazei-induced transcriptional upregulation of molecules linked to macrophage activation (CD36, TLR4), neutrophil chemotaxy (CXCL1), leukocyte adhesion (VCAM-1), and plaque vulnerability (MMP9) were seen after 12 weeks of supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first in vivo study showing that the immunostimulatory effect of A. blazei has proatherogenic repercussions. A. blazei enhances local and systemic inflammation, upregulating pro-inflammatory molecules, and enhancing leukocyte homing to atherosclerosis sites without affecting the lipoprotein profile.

Blazeispirol A from Agaricus blazei fermentation product induces cell death in human hepatoma Hep 3B cells through caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways

Currently, liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. Previously, it was reported that blazeispirol A (BA) is the most active antihepatoma compound in an ethanolic extract of Agaricus blazei fermentation product. The aim of this study was to understand the antihepatoma mechanism of BA in human liver cancer Hep 3B cells. The results showed that BA inhibited the growth of Hep 3B cells and increased the percentage of cells in sub-G1 phase in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In addition, BA treatment resulted in DNA fragmentation, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activations, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) degradation, down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expressions, up-regulation of Bax expression, and disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in Hep 3B cells. Furthermore, z-VAD-fmk, a caspase inhibitor, did not enhance the viability of BA-treated Hep 3B cells, and BA induced the release of HtrA2/Omi and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria into the cytosol. These findings suggested that BA with novel chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potentials causes both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death in Hep 3B cells.

Effect of an extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on expression of cytokines and calprotectin in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease

An immunomodulatory extract (AndoSan™) based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) has shown to reduce blood cytokine levels in healthy volunteers after 12 days' ingestion, pointing to an anti-inflammatory effect. The aim was to study whether AndoSan™ had similar effects on cytokines in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Calprotectin, a marker for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), was also measured. Patients with CD (n = 11) and with UC (n = 10) consumed 60 ml/day of AndoSan™. Patient blood plasma was harvested before and after 6 h LPS (1 ng/ml) stimulation ex vivo. Plasma and faecal calprotectin levels were analysed using ELISA and 17 cytokines [IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12 (Th1), IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 (Th2), IL-7, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, MIP-1β, MCP-1, G-CSF, GM-CSF and IL-10] by multiplex assay. After 12 days' ingestion of AndoSan™, baseline plasma cytokine levels in UC was reduced for MCP-1 (40%) and in LPS-stimulated blood for MIP-1β (78%), IL-6 (44%), IL-1β (41%), IL-8 (30%), G-CSF (29%), MCP-1 (18%) and GM-CSF (17%). There were corresponding reductions in CD: IL-2 (100%), IL-17 (55%) and IL-8 (29%) and for IL-1β (35%), MIP-1β (30%), MCP-1 (22%), IL-8 (18%), IL-17 (17%) and G-CSF (14%), respectively. Baseline concentrations for the 17 cytokines in the UC and CD patient groups were largely similar. Faecal calprotectin was reduced in the UC group. Ingestion of an AbM-based medicinal mushroom by patients with IBD resulted in interesting anti-inflammatory effects as demonstrated by declined levels of pathogenic cytokines in blood and calprotectin in faeces.

Effect of an extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei murill on release of cytokines, chemokines and leukocyte growth factors in human blood ex vivo and in vivo

An immunostimulatory extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) has been shown to stimulate mononuclear phagocytes in vitro to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and to protect against lethal peritonitis in mice. The present aim was to study the effect of AbM on release of several cytokines in human whole blood both after stimulation ex vivo and in vivo after oral intake over several days in healthy volunteers. The 17 signal substances examined were; T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-gamma and IL-12], T helper 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13), pleiotropic (IL-7, IL-17), pro-inflammatory [IL-1beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (mainly produced by Th1 cells)]--and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, chemokines [IL-8, macrophage inhibitory protein (MIP)-1beta and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1] and leukocyte growth factors [granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor]. After stimulation of whole blood ex vivo with 0.5-5.0% of a mushroom extract, AndoSan mainly containing AbM, there was a dose-dependent increase in all the cytokines studied, ranging from two to 399-fold (TNF-alpha). However, in vivo in the eight volunteers who completed the daily intake (60 ml) of this AbM extract for 12 days, a significant reduction was observed in levels of IL-1beta (97%), TNF-alpha (84%), IL-17 (50%) and IL-2 (46%). Although not significant, there was a trend towards reduced levels for IL-8, IFN-gamma and G-CSF, whilst those of the remaining nine cytokines tested, were unaltered. The discrepant results on cytokine release ex vivo and in vivo may partly be explained by the antioxidant activity of AbM in vivo and limited absorption of its large, complex and bioactive beta-glucans across the intestinal mucosa to the reticuloendothelial system and blood.

Lack of chemoprevention of dietary Agaricus blazei against rat colonic aberrant crypt foci

The mushroom Agaricus blazei (Ab) has been widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases including cancer. No information is available on its possible protective effects on the development of colon cancer. The potential blocking effect of Ab intake on the initiation stage of colon carcinogenesis was investigated in a short-term (4-week) bioassay using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as biomarker. Male Wistar rats were given four subcutaneous injections of the carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 40 mg/kg bw, twice a week), during 2 weeks to induce ACF. The diet containing Ab at 5% was given 2 weeks before and during carcinogen treatment to investigate the potential beneficial effects of this edible mushroom on DMH-induced ACF. All groups were killed at the end of the fourth week. The colons were analyzed for ACF formation in 1% methylene blue whole-mount preparations and for cell proliferation in histological sections immunohistochemically stained for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). All DMH-treated rats developed ACF mainly in the middle and distal colon. Agaricus blazei intake at 5% did not alter the number of ACF induced by DMH or the PCNA indices in the colonic mucosa. Thus, the results of the present study did not confirm a chemopreventive activity of Ab on the initiation stage of rat colon carcinogenesis.

Black soybean promotes the formation of active components with antihepatoma activity in the fermentation product of Agaricus blazei

The antihepatoma activity and related active components in the fermentation products of Agaricus blazei (AB) cultured in the medium containing soybean (S) or black soybean (BS) were investigated. AB(BS)-pE and AB(S)-pE were the ethanolic extracts from the fermentation products of AB(BS) and AB(S), respectively. According to the IC 50 values, AB(BS)-pE (161.1 and 24.0 microg/mL for Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells, respectively) exhibited stronger cytotoxicities against hepatoma cells than AB(S)-pE (>200 and 99.9 microg/mL for Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells, respectively). AB(BS)-pE was separated by silica gel column chromatography and eluted with n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol gradient solvent system into 21 fractions. Fraction 3 [AB(BS)-pE-F3], eluted with n-hexane/ethyl acetate (97:3 and 19:1, v/v), was the most active fraction having inhibitory activity on the proliferation of Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells (IC 50 of 3.6 and 1.9 microg/mL, respectively). Three major compounds, compounds 1- 3, were further isolated from the AB(BS)-pE-F3 fraction by reversed-phase semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Compounds 2 and 3 gave better antihepatoma activity than that of compound 1. The IC 50 values of compounds 2 and 3 were 2.8 and 4.5 microg/mL for Hep 3B cells and 1.4 and 2.0 microg/mL for Hep G2 cells, respectively. The structures of compounds 2 and 3 were identified by UV, IR, electron impact mass spectrometry, and (1)H and (13)C NMR to be blazeispirols A and C, respectively. Blazeispirols A and C existed in the mycelia but not in the broth and were more in AB(BS)-pE (49.9 +/- 8.9 and 14.2 +/- 2.4 mg/g, respectively) than AB(S)-pE (15.9 +/- 1.7 and 3.9 +/- 0.6 mg/g, respectively). Additionally, the result shows that the production of blazeispirols A and C was increased after cultivation in the medium containing black soybean on day 6 and reached the maximum on day 12, and the contents of blazeispirols A and C were negatively correlated with Hep 3B and Hep G2 cell viabilities ( r = -0.84 to -0.93, P < 0.01). It suggests that blazeispirols A and C could be used as biomarkers to produce the fermentation product of A. blazei with antihepatoma activity.

Novel prediction method of beer foam stability using protein Z, barley dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor-1 (BDAI-1) and yeast thioredoxin

Foam stability is an important quality trait of beer. Our previous results of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) analyses of beer proteins implied a relationship between barley dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitor-1 (BDAI-1) and beer foam stability as judged by the NIBEM-T analyzer. To develop a novel prediction method of beer foam stability under different conditions of barley cultivar and malt modification, multiple linear regression analysis was applied. The spot intensities of major beer proteins on 2DE gel were quantified and used as explanatory variables. The foam stabilities of 25 beer samples each brewed from malt with different malt modification in one of the three cultivars (cultivars A, B, and C) were explained by the spot intensities of BDAI-1 at the 5% significance level ( r = 0.421). Furthermore, two other major protein spots (b0 and b5) were observed on the 2DE gels of Japanese commercial beer samples with different foam stability. Then, multiple regression for foam stability was calculated using these three spot intensities as explanatory variables. As a result, 72.1% of the beer foam stability in 25 beer samples was explained by a novel multiple regression equation calculated using spot b0 and BDAI-1 as positive explanatory variables and spot b5 as a negative variable. To verify the validity of the multiple regression equation and the explanatory variables, the beer foam stability in practical beer samples was analyzed. As a result, 81.5% of the beer foam stability in 10 Japanese commercial beer samples was also explained by using spot b0 and BDAI-1 as positive explanatory variables and spot b5 as a negative variable. Mass spectrometry analyses followed by database searches revealed that protein spots b0 and b5 were identified as protein Z originated from barley and thioredoxin originated from yeast, respectively. These results confirm that BDAI-1 and protein Z are foam-positive factors and identify yeast thioredoxin as a possible novel foam-negative factor.

The Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill: Review of Literature and Pharmaco-Toxicological Problems

Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM) popularly known as 'Cogumelo do Sol' in Brazil, or 'Himematsutake' in Japan, is a mushroom native to Brazil, and widely cultivated in Japan for its medicinal uses, so it is now considered as one of the most important edible and culinary-medicinal biotechnological species. It was traditionally used to treat many common diseases like atherosclerosis, hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, dermatitis and cancer. In vitro and in vivo ABM has shown immunomodulatory and antimutagenic properties, although the biological pathways and chemical substances involved in its pharmacological activities are still not clear. The polysaccharides phytocomplex is thought to be responsible for its immunostimulant and antitumor properties, probably through an opsonizing biochemical pathway. Clinical studies are positive confirmations, but we are still at the beginning, and there are perplexing concerns especially relative to the content of agaritine. Argantine is a well-known carcinogenic and toxic substance in animals, that must be completely and fully evaluated.

Effects of Agaricus blazei Murill extract on sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in HeLa cells and its resistant sublines

Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM; Japanese name: Kawahiratake or Agarikusutake) extract is a widely used dietary supplement. However, limited information is available on the effects of the extract on the effectiveness of the chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we examined the effects of ABM extract (Kyowa Wellness Co., Ltd.) on sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents, paclitaxel and doxorubicin as MDR1/P-glycoprotein substrates, and cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil as non-substrates, in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells, and paclitaxel-resistant and cisplatin-resistant derivatives (HeLa/TXL and HeLa/CDDP, respectively). The extract had no growth inhibitory effects on HeLa and the resistant cells at concentrations ranging from 7.6 × 10(-4) μ g/ml to 8.0 × 10(2)μ g/ml, indicating no remarkable cytotoxic activity in vitro. In the presence of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 μ g/ml of ABM extract, sensitivity to paclitaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil did not change in HeLa, HeLa/TXL and HeLa/CDDP cells. However, the extract reduced sensitivity to doxorubicin in HeLa/TXL and HeLa/CDDP cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the concomitant use of ABM extract minimally affected sensitivity to various chemotherapeutic agents in HeLa cells and resistant sublines in vitro.

Measuring perceived effects of drinking an extract of basidiomycetes Agaricus blazei Murill: a survey of Japanese consumers with cancer

Background

To survey cancer patients who consume an extract of the Basidiomycetes Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom (Sen-Sei-Ro) to measure their self-assessment of its effects and to develop an instrument for use in future randomized trials.

Methods

We designed, translated and mailed a survey to 2,346 Japanese consumers of Sen-Sei-Ro self-designated as cancer patients. The survey assessed consumer demographics, cancer history, Sen-Sei-Ro consumption, and its perceived effects. We performed exploratory psychometric analyses to identify distinct, multi-item scales that could summarize perceptions of effects.

Results

We received completed questionnaires from 782 (33%) of the sampled Sen-Sei-Ro consumers with a cancer history. Respondents represented a broad range of cancer patients familiar with Sen-Sei-Ro. Nearly all had begun consumption after their cancer diagnosis. These consumers expressed consistently positive views, though not extremely so, with more benefit reported for more abstract benefits such as emotional and physical well-being than relief of specific symptoms. We identified two conceptually and empirically distinct and internally consistent summary scales measuring Sen-Sei-Ro consumers' perceptions of its effects, Relief of Symptoms and Functional Well-being (Cronbach's alpha: Relief of Symptoms, α = .74; Functional Well-Being, α = .91).

Conclusion

Respondents to our survey of Sen-Sei-Ro consumers with cancer reported favorable perceived effects from its use. Our instrument, when further validated, may be a useful outcome in trials assessing this and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) substances in cancer patients.

Expression of the trxC gene of Rhodobacter capsulatus: response to cellular redox status is mediated by the transcriptional regulator OxyR

Despite the importance of thioredoxins in cellular functions, little is known about the regulation of trx genes. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the Rhodobacter capsulatus trxC gene, the expression of this gene was investigated. We describe OxyR-dependent redox regulation of the trxC gene that adjusts the levels of thioredoxins in the cell.

Targeting antioxidative signal transduction and stress response system: control of pathogenic Aspergillus with phenolics that inhibit mitochondrial function

AIMS

The aim of this study was to show whether antioxidative response systems are potentially useful molecular targets for control of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Selected phenolic agents are used in target-gene-based bioassays to determine their impact on mitochondrial respiration.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Vanillyl acetone, vanillic acid, vanillin, cinnamic acid, veratraldehyde, m-coumaric acid (phenolic agents to which Saccharomyces cerevisiae sod2delta mutant showed sensitivity), carboxin (inhibits complex II of the mitochondrial respiratory chain), strobilurins/antimycin A (inhibits complex III of the mitochondrial respiratory chain) and fludioxonil/fenpiclonil [antifungals potentiated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] were examined in A. fumigatus, A. flavus and S. cerevisiae. Individual or combined application of phenolics with inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration showed some of the phenolics effectively inhibited fungal growth. Target-gene bioassays were performed using a sakAdelta (MAPK deletion) strain of A. fumigatus and a complementation analysis using the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) gene (sodA) of A. flavus in the ortholog mutant, sod2delta, of S. cerevisiae. The results demonstrated that mitochondrial antioxidative stress system plays important roles in fungal response to antifungal agents tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Antioxidative response systems of fungi can be an efficient molecular target of phenolics for pathogen control. Combined application of phenolics with inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration can effectively suppress the growth of fungi.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Natural compounds that do not pose any significant medical or environmental risks could serve as useful alternatives or additives to conventional antifungals. Identifying the antioxidative response systems in other pathogens could improve methods for fungal control.