Advances in oral absorption of polysaccharides: Mechanism, affecting factors, and improvement strategies

Intestinal lymphatic transport of Smilax china L. pectic polysaccharide via Peyer's patches and its uptake and transport mechanisms in mononuclear phagocytes

Recently, the intestinal lymphatic transport based on Peyer's patches (PPs) is emerging as a promising absorption pathway for natural polysaccharides. Herein, the aim of this study is to investigate the PP-based oral absorption of a pectic polysaccharide from Smilax china L. (SCLP), as well as its uptake and transport mechanisms in related immune cells. Taking advantages of the traceability of fluorescently labeled SCLP, we confirmed that SCLP could be absorbed into PPs and captured by their mononuclear phagocytes (dendritic cells and macrophages) following oral administration. Subsequently, the systematic in vitro study suggested that the endocytic mechanisms of SCLP by model mononuclear phagocytes (BMDCs and RAW264.7 cells) mainly involved caveolae-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis and phagocytosis. More importantly, SCLP directly binds and interacts with toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and galectin 3 (Gal-3) receptor, and was taken up by mononuclear phagocytes in receptor-mediated manner. After internalization, SCLP was intracellularly transported primarily through endolysosomal pathway and ultimately localized in lysosomes. In summary, this work reveals novel information and perspectives about the in vivo fate of SCLP, which will contribute to further research and utilization of SCLP and other pectic polysaccharides.

Stability, Digestion, and Cellular Transport of Soy Isoflavones Nanoparticles Stabilized by Polymerized Goat Milk Whey Protein

Soy isoflavones (SIF) are bioactive compounds with low bioavailability due to their poor water solubility. In this study, we utilized polymerized goat milk whey protein (PGWP) as a carrier to encapsulate SIF with encapsulation efficiency of 89%, particle size of 135.53 nm, and zeta potential of -35.16 mV. The PGWP-SIF nanoparticles were evaluated for their stability and in vitro digestion properties, and their ability to transport SIF was assessed using a Caco-2 cell monolayer model. The nanoparticles were resistant to aggregation when subjected to pH changes (pH 2.0 to 8.0), sodium chloride addition (0-200 mM), temperature fluctuations (4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C), and long-term storage (4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C for 30 days), which was mainly attributed to the repulsion generated by steric hindrance effects. During gastric digestion, only 5.93% of encapsulated SIF was released, highlighting the nanoparticles' resistance to enzymatic digestion in the stomach. However, a significant increase in SIF release to 56.61% was observed during intestinal digestion, indicating the efficient transport of SIF into the small intestine for absorption. Cytotoxicity assessments via the MTT assay showed no adverse effects on Caco-2 cell lines after encapsulation. The PGWP-stabilized SIF nanoparticles improved the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of Caco-2 cells for SIF by 11.8-fold. The results indicated that using PGWP to encapsulate SIF was an effective approach for delivering SIF, while enhancing its bioavailability and transcellular transport.

Natural polysaccharides and their derivatives targeting the tumor microenvironment: A review

Polysaccharides have gained attention as valuable supplements and natural medicinal resources, particularly for their anti-tumor properties. Their low toxicity and potent anti-tumor effects make them promising candidates for cancer prevention and treatment. The tumor microenvironment is crucial in tumor development and offers potential avenues for novel cancer therapies. Research indicates that polysaccharides can positively influence the tumor microenvironment. However, the structural complexity of most anti-tumor polysaccharides, often heteropolysaccharides, poses challenges for structural analysis. To enhance their pharmacological activity, researchers have modified the structure and properties of natural polysaccharides based on structure-activity relationships, and they have discovered that many polysaccharides exhibit significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity after chemical modification. This article reviews recent strategies for targeting the tumor microenvironment with polysaccharides and briefly discusses the structure-activity relationships of anti-tumor polysaccharides. It also summarises the main chemical modification methods of polysaccharides and discusses the impact of chemical modifications on the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides. The review aims to lay a theoretical foundation for the development of anti-tumor polysaccharides and their derivatives.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and subacute toxicity of oral carrageenan in mice

Carrageenan (CGN) is a typical sulfated polysaccharide widely applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Its in vivo behavior plays vital roles in understanding structural and biological functional relationships. The lack of UV chromophores in highly sulfated polysaccharides presents a challenge for their in vivo behavior studies. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a fast and effective quantitative fluorescence method for investigating the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of CGN. Fluorescence isothiocyanate labeling of CGN (FCGN) and microplate reader-based measurements were developed and validated to study its pharmacokinetics. These results showed that the FCGN concentration peaked at 3 h, the mean residence time was 36.6 h, and the clearance rate was 0.1 L/h/kg. Most of the FCGN was excreted in the feces, while 9.2 % was excreted in the urine, suggesting absorption and metabolism. The pharmacokinetic parameters indicated that the FCGN was absorbed quickly, eliminated slowly, and could remain in the body for a sustained profile. Moreover, ex vivo imaging and quantification of FCGN in tissues revealed that FCGN accumulated in the liver and kidney. Furthermore, oral administration of CGN or KOs for 14 days led to changes in liver and kidney indices. Histological analysis of significant organs revealed hepatocyte necrosis in the liver, renal tubular vacuolization in the kidney, and incomplete colonic epithelial cells. The KOs had a more significant effect on inflammatory cell infiltration than did CGNs. These in vivo findings laid the foundation for the study and application of CGN in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Methods of study on conformation of polysaccharides from natural products: A review

Polysaccharides from natural products play multiple roles and have extensive bioactivities in life process. Bioactivities of polysaccharides (e.g., Lentinan, Schizophyllan, Scleroglucan, Curdlan, Cinerean) have a close relation to their chain conformation. Compared to other types of polysaccharides, the conformation of β-glucan has been studied more. The major research methods of conformation of polysaccharides from natural products (Congo red experiment, circular dichroism spectrum, viscosity method, light scattering method, size exclusion chromatography, atomic force microscope), corresponding experimental schemes, and the external factors affecting polysaccharide conformation were reviewed in this paper. These research methods of conformation have been widely used, among which Congo red experiment and viscosity method are the most convenient ones to study the morphological changes of polysaccharide chains.

Chitosan surface modification modulates the mucoadhesive, permeation and anti-angiogenic properties of gellan gum/bevacizumab nanoparticles

Bevacizumab (BVZ) was the first monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA and has shown an essential advance in the antitumor therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC), however, the systemic action of BVZ administered intravenously can trigger several adverse effects. The working hypothesis of the study was to promote the modulation of the mucoadhesion properties and permeability of the BVZ through the formation of nanoparticles (NPs) with gellan gum (GG) with subsequent surface modification with chitosan (CS). NPs comprising BVZ and GG were synthesized through polyelectrolyte complexation, yielding spherical nanosized particles with an average diameter of 264.0 ± 2.75 nm and 314.0 ± 0.01 nm, polydispersity index of 0.182 ± 0.01 e 0.288 ± 0.01, and encapsulation efficiency of 29.36 ± 0.67 e 60.35 ± 0.27 mV, for NPs without (NP_BVZ) and with surface modification (NP_BVZ + CS). The results showed a good ability of nanoparticles with surface modification to modulate the NPs biological properties.

The surface morphology of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide and its inhibitory effect on PCV2 replication

BACKGROUND

Porcine infection with Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes immunosuppression, which is easy to cause concurrent or secondary infection, making the disease complicated and difficult to treat, and causing huge economic losses to the pig industry. Total polysaccharide from the rhizoma of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (PAMK) is outstanding in enhancing non-specific immunity and cellular immunity, and effectively improving the body's disease resistance, indicating its potential role in antiviral immunotherapy.

RESULTS

PAMK had the characteristics of compact, polyporous and agglomerated morphology, but does not have triple helix conformation. PCV2 infection led to the increase in LC3-II, degradation of p62 and the increase of viral Cap protein expression and viral copy number. PAMK treatment significantly alleviated PCV2-induced autophagy and inhibited PCV2 replication. Moreover, PAMK treatment significantly attenuated the increase of PINK1 protein expression and the decrease of TOMM20 protein expression caused by PCV2 infection, alleviated Parkin recruitment from cytoplasm to mitochondria and intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, restored mitochondrial membrane charge, alleviated viral Cap protein expression.

CONCLUSION

PAMK alleviates PCV2-induced mitophagy to suppress PCV2 replication by inhibiting the Pink 1/Parkin pathway. These findings may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of PCV2. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation of cellular uptake and transport capacity of Cordyceps sinensis exopolysaccharide‑selenium nanoparticles with different particle sizes in Caco-2 cell monolayer

Cordyceps sinensis exopolysaccharide‑selenium nanoparticles (EPS-SeNPs) were successfully constructed, characterized, and its Se release kinetics and mechanism were also evaluated in our previous studies. However, the intestinal cellular uptake and transport capacities of EPS-SeNPs remain unknown. On the basis of our previous researches, this work was designed to evaluate the uptake and transport capacities of EPS-SeNPs (EPS/Se = 20/1, 3/1, 1/1, and 3/4) in intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy results indicated that the internalization of coumarin-6 labeled EPS-SeNPs was in a time-dependent process and eventually located in the cytoplasm, not in the nucleus. Endocytosis inhibitors were employed to evaluate the cellular uptake pathway of EPS-SeNPs, relevant results revealed that clathrin-, caveolae-, and energy-mediated pathways were participated in the internalization of EPS-SeNPs by Caco-2 cells. In addition, the transportation of EPS-SeNPs across Caco-2 cell monolayers was in a concentration-dependent manner. Different particle sizes of EPS-SeNPs presented different uptake and transport capacities in Caco-2 cells. Noteworthy, EPS/Se = 3/4 with the highest selenium content possessed the most superior cellular uptake and transport abilities in Caco-2 cells. The present work may contribute to illustrate the internalization and transport mechanism of EPS-SeNPs, thus facilitating its application in food and medical industries.

A novel flavonol-polysaccharide from Tamarix chinensis alleviates influenza A virus-induced acute lung injury. Evidences for its mechanism of action

BACKGROUND

Tamarix chinensis Lour. is a Chinese medicine used for treating inflammation-related diseases and its crude polysaccharides (MBAP90) exhibited significant anticomplement activities in vitro.

PURPOSE

To obtain anticomplement homogenous polysaccharides from MBAP90 and explore its therapeutic effects and potential mechanism on influenza A virus (IAV)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

METHODS

Anticomplement activity-guided fractionation of the water-soluble crude polysaccharides from the leaves and twigs of T. chinensis were performed by diethylaminoethyl-52 (DEAE-52) cellulose and gel permeation columns to yield a homogeneous polysaccharide MBAP-5, which was further characterized using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-IT-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. In vitro, the anticomplement activity of MBAP-5 through classical pathway was measured using a hemolytic test. The therapeutic effects of MBAP-5 on ALI were evaluated in H1N1-infected mice. H&E staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry, and western blot were used to systematically access lung histomorphology, inflammatory cytokines, degree of complement component 3c, 5aR, and 5b-9 (C3c, C5aR, and C5b-9) deposition, and inflammasome signaling pathway protein expressions in lung tissues.

RESULTS

MBAP-5 was a novel flavonol-polysaccharide with the molecular weight (Mw) of 153.6 kDa. Its structure was characterized to process a backbone of →4)-α-D-GlcpA-(1→, →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and →4,6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, as well as branches of α-L-Araf-(1→ and β-D-Galp-(1→. Particularly, O-3 of →3,4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ was substituted by quercetin. In vitro assay showed that MBAP-5 had a potent anticomplement activity with a CH50 value of 102 ± 4 µg/ml. Oral administration of MBAP-5 (50 and 100 mg/kg) effectively attenuated the H1N1-induced pulmonary injury in vivo by reducing pulmonary edema, virus replication, and inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, MBAP-5 inhibited the striking deposition and contents of complement activation products (C3c, C5aR, and C5b-9) in the lung. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) /transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway was constrained by MBAP-5 treatment. In addition, MBAP-5 could suppress activation of the inflammasome pathways, including Nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1/12 (caspase-1/12), apoptosis‑associated speck‑like protein (ASC), gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel flavonol-polysaccharide MBAP-5 isolated from T. chinensis demonstrated a therapeutic effect against ALI induced by IAV attack. The mechanism might be associated with inhibition of complement system and inflammasome pathways activation.

Phellinus linteus polysaccharides: A review on their preparation, structure-activity relationships, and drug delivery systems

Phellinus linteus polysaccharides exhibit antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, mitigate insulin resistance, and enhance the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota. However, the bioactivities of P. linteus polysaccharides vary owing to the complex structure, thereby, limiting their application. Various processing strategies have been employed to modify them for improving the functional properties and yield. Herein, we compare the primary modes of extraction and purification employed to improve the yield and purity, review the structure-activity relationships, and discuss the application of P. linteus polysaccharides using nano-carriers for the encapsulation and delivery of various drugs to improve bioactivity. The limitations and future perspectives are also discussed. Exploring the bioactivity, structure-activity relationship, processing methods, and delivery routes of P. linteus polysaccharides will facilitate the development of functional foods and dietary supplements rich in P. linteus polysaccharides.

Interpreting the efficacy enhancement mechanism of Chinese medicine processing from a biopharmaceutic perspective

Chinese medicine processing (CMP) is a unique pharmaceutical technology that distinguishes it from natural medicines. Current research primarily focuses on changes in chemical components to understand the mechanisms behind efficacy enhancement in processing. However, this paper presents a novel perspective on the biopharmaceutics of CMP. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current research, emphasizing two crucial aspects: the role of 'heat' during processing and the utilization of processing adjuvants. The paper highlights the generation of easily absorbed components through the hydrolysis of glycosides by 'heat', as well as the facilitation of dissolution, absorption, and targeted distribution of active components through the utilization of processing adjuvants. From a biopharmaceutic perspective, this paper provides a lucid comprehension of the scientific foundation for augmenting the efficacy of CMP. Moreover, it proposes a three-dimensional research framework encompassing chemical reactions, phase transitions, and biopharmaceutical properties to further investigate the mechanisms involved in enhancing the efficacy of CMP.

Corrigendum: Immunomodulatory function and anti-tumor mechanism of natural polysaccharides: a review

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147641.].

Potential therapeutic target for polysaccharide inhibition of colon cancer progression

In recent years, colon cancer has become one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, posing a great threat to human health. Studies have shown that natural polysaccharides have rich biological activities and medicinal value, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, and immune-enhancing effects, especially with potential anti-colon cancer mechanisms. Natural polysaccharides can not only protect and enhance the homeostasis of the intestinal environment but also exert a direct inhibition effect on cancer cells, making it a promising strategy for treating colon cancer. Preliminary clinical experiments have demonstrated that oral administration of low and high doses of citrus pectin polysaccharides can reduce tumor volume in mice by 38% (p < 0.02) and 70% (p < 0.001), respectively. These results are encouraging. However, there are relatively few clinical studies on the effectiveness of polysaccharide therapy for colon cancer, and ensuring the effective bioavailability of polysaccharides in the body remains a challenge. In this article, we elucidate the impact of the physicochemical factors of polysaccharides on their anticancer effects and then reveal the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides on colon cancer. Finally, we emphasize the challenges of using polysaccharides in the treatment of colon cancer and discuss future applications.

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz polysaccharide improves glycolipid metabolism disorders through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor by gut flora-produced tryptophan metabolites

Polysaccharides are known to confer protection against glycolipid metabolism disorders (GMD) by regulating intestinal flora. In this study, a heterogeneous acidic heteropolysaccharide with high molecular weight mainly composed of fructose was isolated from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMP). Supplementation with AMP was shown to improve diet-induced GMD in a rat model, including decreasing the levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and glucose, and improving hepatic lipidosis and islet cells morphologies. AMP-treated rats also exhibited modified intestinal flora with enrichments of intestinal Lactobacillus and Rothia species, which was accompanied by increased tryptophan metabolites such as indole-3-propionic acid, indole, tryptamine, and tryptophol. These metabolites promote the expression of intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in nuclear fractions. AhR activation increased the expression levels of IL-22 and GLP-1 proteins and mRNA. IL-22 reduced systemic LPS by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins, antimicrobial peptides, and mucin to ameliorate intestinal barrier function, and activated the hepatic IL-22R/Stat3/Acox1 signaling pathway to improve lipid metabolism. GLP-1 activated the pancreatic GLP-1R/p-CREB signaling pathway to ameliorate β-cell injury and improve insulin resistance. Therefore, the intestinal microbial-tryptophan metabolism-AhR pathway was deduced to be a mechanism by which this polysaccharide improves GMD.

Gastrointestinal metabolism characteristics and mechanism of a polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa

Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) is mainly composed of α-1,4 glycosidic bonds and possesses multiple pharmacological activities. However, the absence of pharmacokinetic studies has limited its further development and utilization. Herein, GFP was labeled with 5-DTAF (FGFP) and cyanine 5.5 amine (GFP-Cy5.5) to investigate its gastrointestinal metabolism characteristics and mechanism. Significant distributions of the polysaccharide in the liver and kidneys were observed by near infrared imaging. To investigate the specific distribution form of the polysaccharide, in vitro digestion models were constructed and revealed that FGFP was degraded in saliva and rat small intestine extract. The metabolites were detected in the stomach and small intestine, followed by further degradation in the distal intestine in the in vivo experiment. Subsequent investigations showed that α-amylase was involved in the gastrointestinal degradation of GFP, and its metabolite finally entered the kidneys, where it was excreted directly with urine.

Metabolomics reveals the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation on the lipid-lowering capacity of barley β-glucans in an in vitro model of gut-liver axis

Bioactive polysaccharides known as the biological response modifiers, can directly interact with intestinal epithelium cells (IEC) and regulate key metabolic processes such as lipid metabolism. Here, the coculture of Caco-2/HT29 monolayer (>400 Ω × cm2) and HepG2 cells was developed to mimic the gut-liver interactions. This system was used to investigate the effects of raw and fermented barley β-glucans (RBG and FBG) on lipid metabolism by directly interacting with IEC. Both RBG and FBG significantly and consistently reduced the lipid droplets and triacylglycerol levels in monoculture and coculture of HepG2 overloaded with oleic acid. Notably, FBG significantly and distinctly elevated PPARα (p < 0.05) and PPARα-responsive ACOX-1 (p < 0.01) gene expressions, promoting lipid degradation in cocultured HepG2. Moreover, the metabolomics analyses revealed that FBG had a unique impact on extracellular metabolites, among them, the differential metabolite thiomorpholine 3-carboxylate was significantly and strongly correlated with PPARα (r = -0.68, p < 0.01) and ACOX-1 (r = -0.76, p < 0.01) expression levels. Taken together, our findings suggest that FBG-mediated gut-liver interactions play a key role in its lipid-lowering effects that are superior to those of RBG. These results support the application of Lactiplantibacillus fermentation for improving hypolipidemic outcomes.

A Shared Perspective on in Vitro and in Vivo Models to Assay Intestinal Transepithelial Transport of Food Compounds

Assessing nutrient bioavailability is complex, as the process involves multiple digestion steps, several cellular environments, and regulatory-metabolic mechanisms. Several in vitro models of different physiological relevance are used to study nutrient absorption, providing significant challenges in data evaluation. However, such in vitro models are needed for mechanistic studies as well as to screen for biological functionality of the food structures designed. This collaborative work aims to put into perspective the wide-range of models to assay the permeability of food compounds considering the particular nature of the different molecules, and, where possible, in vivo data are provided for comparison.

Preclinical pharmacokinetics-related pharmacological effects of orally administered polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicines: A review

Polysaccharides (TCMPs) derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), such as Ganoderma lucidum, Astragalus membranaceus, Lycium barbarum, and Panax ginseng, are considered to be the main active constituents in TCMs. However, the significant pharmacological effects of orally administered TCMPs do not align well with their poor pharmacokinetics. This article aims to review the literature published mainly from 2010 to 2022, focusing on the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects. It has been found that unabsorbed TCMPs can exert local pharmacological effects in the gut, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, regulation of intestinal flora, modulation of intestinal immunity, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. Unabsorbed TCMPs can also produce systemic pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor activity and immune system modulation, by regulating intestinal flora and immunity. Conversely, some TCMPs can be absorbed and distributed to various tissues, especially the liver, where they exhibit tissue-protecting effects against inflammation and oxidative stress-induced damage and improve glucose and lipid metabolism. In future studies, it is important to improve quality control and experimental design. Furthermore, research on enhancing the oral bioavailability of TCMPs, exploring the activity of TCMP metabolites, investigating pharmacokinetic interactions between TCMPs and oral drugs, and developing oral drug delivery systems using TCMPs holds great significance.

Nature's soothing solution: Harnessing the potential of food-derived polysaccharides to control inflammation

Reducing inflammation by diet is a major goal for prevention or lowering symptoms of a variety of diseases, such as auto-immune reactions and cancers. Natural polysaccharides are increasingly gaining attention due to their potential immunomodulating capacity. Structures of those molecules are highly important for their effects on the innate immune system, cytokine production and secretion, and enzymes in immune cells. Such polysaccharides include β-glucans, pectins, fucoidans, and fructans. To better understand the potential of these immunomodulatory molecules, it is crucial to enhance dedicated research in the area. A bibliometric analysis was performed to set a starting observation point. Major pillars of inflammation, such as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), enzymatic production of inflammatory molecules, and involvement in specific pathways such as Nuclear-factor kappa-B (NF-kB), involved in cell transcription, survival, and cytokine production, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a regulator of genetic expression, mitosis, and cell differentiation. Therefore, the outcomes from polysaccharide applications in those scenarios are discussed.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via restoring estrogen-related receptor α expression in liver

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) showed increasingly recognized hepatoprotective effects and lipid regulation. Because polysaccharides are typically degraded into fragments or short-chain fatty acids in the gut, rather than being absorbed in their intact form, it is worth pondering why ASP can regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and protect the liver from damage caused by lipid accumulation. In vivo and in vitro nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) models with lipid accumulation were established to investigate the effect and potential mechanisms of ASP on hepatic fat accumulation. Our results showed that ASP remodeled the composition and abundance of the gut microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice and increased their levels of propionate (0.92 ± 0.30 × 107 vs. 2.13 ± 0.52 × 107 ) and butyrate (1.83 ± 1.31 × 107 vs. 6.39 ± 1.44 × 107 ). Sodium propionate significantly increased the expression of estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) in liver cells (400 mM sodium propionate for 2.19-fold increase) and alleviated the progress of NAFLD in methionine-choline-deficient diet model. Taken together, our study demonstrated that ASP can regulate hepatic lipid metabolism via propionate/ERRα pathway and ultimately relieving NAFLD. Our findings demonstrate that ASP can be used as a health care product or food supplement to prevent NAFLD.

Metabolic degradation of polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes by Kupffer cells via the Dectin-1/Syk signaling pathway

It had been shown that lentinan (LNT) was mainly distributed in the liver after intravenous administration. The study aimed to investigate the integrated metabolic processes and mechanisms of LNT in the liver, as these have not been thoroughly explored. In current work, 5-([4,6-dichlorotriazin-2-yl] amino) fluorescein and cyanine 7 were used to label LNT for tracking its metabolic behavior and mechanisms. Near-infrared imaging demonstrated that LNT was captured mainly by the liver. Kupffer cell (KC) depletion reduced LNT liver localization and degradation in BALB/c mice. Moreover, experiments with Dectin-1 siRNA and Dectin-1/Syk signaling pathway inhibitors showed that LNT was mainly taken up by KCs via the Dectin-1/Syk pathway and promoted lysosomal maturation in KCs via this same pathway, which in turn promoted LNT degradation. These empirical findings offer novel insights into the metabolism of LNT in vivo and in vitro, which will facilitate the further application of LNT and other β-glucans.

Specific surface modification of liposomes for gut targeting of food bioactive agents

Liposomes have become a research hotspot in recent years as food delivery systems with attractive properties, including the bilayer structure assembled like the cell membrane, reducing the side-effect and improving environmental stability of cargos, controlling release, extending duration of functional ingredients, and high biodegradable and biocompatible abilities in the body. However, the conventional liposomes lack stability during storage and are weak in targeted absorption in the gastrointestinal track. At present, surface modification has been approved to be an effective platform to shield these barricades and help liposomes deliver the agents safely and effectively to the ideal site. In this review, the gastrointestinal stability of conventional liposomes, cargo release models from liposomes, and the biological fate of the core materials after release were emphasized. Then, the strategies in both physical and chemical perspectives to improve the stability and utilization of liposomes in the gastrointestinal tract, and the emerging approaches for improving gut targeting by specifically modified liposomes and the intestinal receptors relative to liposomes/cargos absorption were highlighted. Last but not the least, the safety, challenges, and opportunities for the improvement of liposomal bioavailability were also discussed to inspire new applications of liposomes as oral carriers.

Cracking the intestinal lymphatic system window utilizing oral delivery vehicles for precise therapy

Oral administration is preferred over other drug delivery methods due to its safety, high patient compliance, ease of ingestion without discomfort, and tolerance of a wide range of medications. However, oral drug delivery is limited by the poor oral bioavailability of many drugs, caused by extreme conditions and absorption challenges in the gastrointestinal tract. This review thoroughly discusses the targeted drug vehicles to the intestinal lymphatic system (ILS). It explores the structure and physiological barriers of the ILS, highlighting its significance in dietary lipid and medication absorption and transport. The review presents various approaches to targeting the ILS using spatially precise vehicles, aiming to enhance bioavailability, achieve targeted delivery, and reduce first-pass metabolism with serve in clinic. Furthermore, the review outlines several methods for leveraging these vehicles to open the ILS window, paving the way for potential clinical applications in cancer treatment and oral vaccine delivery. By focusing on targeted drug vehicles to the ILS, this article emphasizes the critical role of these strategies in improving therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes. Overall, this article emphasizes the critical role of targeted drug vehicles to the ILS and the potential impact of these strategies on improving therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Flammulina rossica Fermentation Extract on Healthy and Immunosuppressed Mice

Flammulina rossica fermentation extract (FREP) was obtained by ethanol precipitation of the fermentation broth. The molecular weight of FREP is 28.52 kDa, and it mainly contains active ingredients such as polysaccharides, proteins, reducing sugars, and 16 amino acids. Among them, the polysaccharides were mannose, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose and possessed β-glycosidic bonds. Furthermore, the immunoregulatory activities of FREP were investigated in vivo. The results demonstrated that FREP could increase the counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in a dose-dependent manner in healthy mice. In addition, FREP significantly increased serum cytokines, including IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-6, IL-1β, INF-γ, C-rection protein, and TNF-α, and promoted splenocyte proliferation in healthy mice. Finally, FREP could restore the counts of white blood cells, red blood cells, secretory immunoglobulin A, and antibody-forming cells and significantly promote the serum haemolysin level in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. The findings indicated that FREP possessed immunoregulatory activity in healthy mice and could improve the immune functions in immunosuppressive mice. Therefore, FREP could be exploited as an immunomodulatory agent and potential immunotherapeutic medicine for patients with inadequate immune function.

Multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles as strategies for drug delivery: advances, challenges, and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Innovative delivery systems are a promising and attractive approach for drug targeting in pharmaceutical technology. Among the various drug delivery systems studied, the association of strategies based on nanoparticles and microparticles, called nano-in-microparticles, has been gaining prominence as it allows targeting in a specific and personalized way, considering the physiological barriers faced in each disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review proposes to discuss nano-in-micro systems, updated progress on the main biomaterials used in the preparation of these systems, preparation techniques, physiological considerations, applications and challenges, and possible strategies for drug administration. Finally, we bring future perspectives for advances in clinical and field translation of multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles.

EXPERT OPINION

This article brings a new approach to exploring the use of multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles for different applications, in addition, it also emphasizes the use of biomaterials in these systems and their limitations. There is currently no study in the literature that explores this approach, making a review article necessary to address this association of strategies for application in pharmaceutical technology.

Pharmacokinetics, absorption and transport mechanism for ginseng polysaccharides

BACKGROUND

Ginseng polysaccharide (GP) is one of the most abundant components in Panax ginseng. However, the absorption pathways and mechanisms of GPs have not been investigated systematically due to the challenges of their detection.

METHODS

The fluorescein isothiocyanate derivative (FITC) was employed to label GP and ginseng acidic polysaccharide (GAP) to obtain target samples. HPLC-MS/MS assay was used to determine the pharmacokinetics of GP and GAP in rats. The Caco-2 cell model was used to investigate the uptake and transport mechanisms of GP and GAP in rats.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that the absorption of GAP was more than that of GP in rats after gavage administration, while there was no significant difference between both after intravenous administration. In addition, we found that GAP and GP were more distributed in the kidney, liver and genitalia, suggesting that GAP and GP are highly targeted to the liver, kidney and genitalia. Importantly, we explored the uptake mechanism of GAP and GP. GAP and GP are endocytosed into the cell via lattice proteins or niche proteins. Both are transported lysosomally mediated to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and then enter the nucleus through the ER, thus completing the process of intracellular uptake and transportation.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that the uptake of GPs by small intestinal epithelial cells is primarily mediated via lattice proteins and the cytosolic cellar. The discovery of important pharmacokinetic properties and the uncovering of the absorption mechanism provide a research rationale for the research of GP formulation and clinical promotion.

Insight of "Yin-Jing" medical property ofLigusticum chuanxiong Hort. via pharmacokinetics and tissue distributions by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong, LC), as an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), can not only be used as a monarch herb but also be used as a classic "Yin-Jing" () medicine in compound prescriptions, e.g., Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD). Although LC has the effect of guiding components into the brain in BHD, there is still a lack of scientific evidence on this "Yin-Jing" effects. Herein, we used pharmacokinetics and tissue distributions to investigate "Yin-Jing" effects of LC. To simplify the study, four major constituents in BHD, i.e., Calycosin (CA), astragaloside IV (AI), paeoniflorin (PA), and amygdalin (AM) were combined to form a simple compound (abbreviated as CAPA here) to replace the original BHD in this paper. The Yin-Jing medical property of LC was confirmed by the compatibility of CAPA with LC or its different fractions (Fr. A ∼ Fr. F).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the "Yin-Jing" medical property of LC via pharmacokinetics and tissue distributions by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The contents of CA, AI, PA, and AM were simultaneously determined by the established and validated UPLC-QQQ-MS method in different rat tissues and plasma after administration of CAPA with the combination of LC or Fr. A ∼ Fr. F. The pharmacokinetic parameters, e.g., T_max, C_max, AUC_0-t and MRT_0-t, were calculated to evaluate the efficiency of "Yin-Jing".

RESULTS

The C_max and AUC_0-t of CA, AI, PA, and AM were remarkably increased in rat brain tissues compared with those of the control group after compatibility of LC. This demonstrated that LC has the Yin-Jing effects on brain tissues. Additionally, Fr. B or Fr. C might be the material basis by specifically studying the distributions of CA, AI, PA, and AM in brain tissue based on mutual compatibility. The effects of Fr. B and Fr. C on distributions of these constituents in other tissues or plasma was also studied to verify the effects of Yin-Jing of LC. The results showed that the same upward trend is found in heart, liver and plasma, but the intensity is insignificant as that in brain tissue. Furthermore, the C_max and AUC_0-t of some analytes in the rat spleen, lung, and kidney were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

LC has the function of Yin-Jing, especially guiding the components into the brain tissue. Moreover, Fr. B and Fr. C is suggested to be the pharmacodynamic material basis for the effect of Yin-Jing of LC. These finding explained that it was recommended to add LC into some prescriptions for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases caused by Qi deficiency and blood stasis. This has laid a certain foundation for the research on the Yin-Jing efficacy of LC to better clarify the theory of TCM and guide the clinical application of Yin-Jing drugs.

Development of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules conjugated to polysaccharides (glyco-CORMs) for delivering CO during obesity

Metal carbonyls have been developed as carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) to deliver CO for therapeutic purposes. The manganese-based CORM-401 has been recently reported to exert beneficial effects in obese animals by reducing body weight gain, improving glucose metabolism and reprogramming adipose tissue towards a healthy phenotype. Here, we report on the synthesis and characterization of glyco-CORMs, obtained by grafting manganese carbonyls on dextrans (70 and 40kDa), based on the fact that polysaccharides facilitate the targeting of drugs to adipose tissue. We found that glyco-CORMs efficiently deliver CO to cells in vitro with higher CO accumulation in adipocytes compared to other cell types. Oral administration of two selected glyco-CORMs (5b and 6b) resulted in CO accumulation in various organs, including adipose tissue. In addition, glyco-CORM 6b administered for eight weeks elicited anti-obesity and positive metabolic effects in mice fed a high fat diet. Our study highlights the feasibility of creating carriers with multiple functionalized CO-RMs.

Pyropia yezoensis-derived porphyran attenuates acute and chronic colitis by suppressing dendritic cells

Porphyran is known to inhibit immune cell function. Previously, porphyran was shown to prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in mice. However, studies on the inhibitory effects of porphyran during colitis are currently lacking. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Pyropia yezoensis-derived porphyran on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute and chronic colitis. The oral or intraperitoneal administration of porphyran inhibited the progression of DSS-induced colitis in mice, with the former also preventing immune cell infiltration in the colon. The levels of intracellular interferon-γ and interleukin-17 in T cells decreased when porphyran was administered orally. Porphyran inhibited T cell activation by suppressing dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Porphyran prevented pathogen-associated molecular pattern and damage-associated molecular pattern-dependent DC and macrophage activation. Finally, porphyran attenuated chronic colitis caused via the long-term administration of DSS. These findings indicate that the oral administration of porphyran can inhibit DSS-induced colitis by suppressing DC and macrophage activation.

Immunomodulatory function and anti-tumor mechanism of natural polysaccharides: A review

Polysaccharides extracted from natural resources have attracted extensive attention in biomedical research and pharmaceutical fields, due to their medical values in anti-tumor, immunomodulation, drug delivery, and many other aspects. At present, a variety of natural polysaccharides have been developed as adjuvant drugs in clinical application. Benefit from their structural variability, polysaccharides have great potential in regulating cellular signals. Some polysaccharides exert direct anti-tumor effects by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while the majority of polysaccharides can regulate the host immune system and indirectly inhibit tumors by activating either non-specific or specific immune responses. As the essential of microenvironment in the process of tumor development has been gradually revealed, some polysaccharides were found to inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells via tumoral niche modulation. Here, we focused on natural polysaccharides with biomedical application potential, reviewed the recent advancement in their immunomodulation function and highlighted the importance of their signaling transduction feature for the antitumor drug development.

Purification, structure identification and immune activity of a neutral polysaccharide from Cynanchum Auriculatum

The crude polysaccharides CAPS and CAP of Cynanchum Auriculatum, which were prepared by degrading starch by single-enzymatic method (α-amylase) and double-enzymatic method (α-amylase and glucoamylase) respectively, were compared. CAP had good water solubility and higher non-starch polysaccharide content. A homogeneous neutral polysaccharide CAPW, with the degree of acetylation about 17 %, was obtained from CAP by anion exchange column chromatography. Its detailed structure was identified by various methods. CAPW, with the weight average molecular weight of 8.4 kDa, was composed of mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose in a molar ratio of 1.27:1.00:0.25:0.10:1.16. The backbone included β-1,4-Manp, β-1,4,6-Manp, β-1,4-Glcp and β-1,4,6-Glcp residues, with branches at the O-6 position of β-1,4,6-Manp and β-1,4,6-Glcp residues, consisting of α-T-Araf, α-1,5-Araf, α-1,2,5-Araf, α-1,3,5-Araf, T-Xylp,1,4-Xylp, β-T-Manp and β-T-Galp residues. In vitro immunological experiments suggested that CAP-W improved the phagocytic ability of macrophages, stimulated the release of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 from RAW264.7 cells, promoted the expression of NF-κB and caused nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65.

In Vitro Fecal Fermentation of Euphorbia humifusa-Derived Polysaccharides and Their Protective Effect against Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Euphorbia humifusa is a plant species with medicinal and food characteristics used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal diseases. This study investigated the prebiotic effects of E. humifusa-derived polysaccharides (EHPs) on human colonic microbiota and their regulatory effects on ulcerative colitis (UC). Structural characterization showed that EHPs mainly consisted of galactose, glucose, and glucuronic acid and were heteropolysaccharides having molecular weights of 7.70 × 10³ and 1.76 × 10² kDa, respectively. EHPs were identified as poorly absorbed macromolecules, verified by the apparent permeability coefficient values (Papp < 1.0 × 10^-6 cm/s) and cellular uptake by Caco-2 cell monolayers. During in vitro fermentation studies, the contents of acetic, propionic, and valeric acids increased significantly in EHP-supplemented samples after 24 h compared to that in the control sample. Moreover, EHPs could alter the intestinal microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Holdemanella and reducing that of Escherichia-Shigella, Tyzzerella, and Parasutterella at the genus level. In a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mouse model, EHPs alleviated UC symptoms by increasing the colon length, reversing the colon tissue damage and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, these results suggest that EHPs could be utilized as a potential prebiotic or a promising nutritional strategy for UC management.

Polysaccharides for Medical Technology: Properties and Applications

Over the past decade, the use of polysaccharides has gained tremendous attention in the field of medical technology. They have been applied in various sectors such as tissue engineering, drug delivery system, face mask, and bio-sensing. This review article provides an overview and background of polysaccharides for biomedical uses. Different types of polysaccharides, for example, cellulose and its derivatives, chitin and chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, and pectin are presented. They are fabricated in various forms such as hydrogels, nanoparticles, membranes, and as porous mediums. Successful development and improvement of polysaccharide-based materials will effectively help users to enhance their quality of personal health, decrease cost, and eventually increase the quality of life with respect to sustainability.

Polysaccharides influence human health via microbiota-dependent and -independent pathways

Polysaccharides are the most diverse molecules and can be extracted from abundant edible materials. Increasing research has been conducted to clarify the structure and composition of polysaccharides obtained from different materials and their effects on human health. Humans can only directly assimilate very limited polysaccharides, most of which are conveyed to the distal gut and fermented by intestinal microbiota. Therefore, the main mechanism underlying the bioactive effects of polysaccharides on human health involves the interaction between polysaccharides and microbiota. Recently, interest in the role of polysaccharides in gut health, obesity, and related disorders has increased due to the wide range of valuable biological activities of polysaccharides. The known roles include mechanisms that are microbiota-dependent and involve microbiota-derived metabolites and mechanisms that are microbiota-independent. In this review, we discuss the role of polysaccharides in gut health and metabolic diseases and the underlying mechanisms. The findings in this review provide information on functional polysaccharides in edible materials and facilitate dietary recommendations for people with health issues. To uncover the effects of polysaccharides on human health, more clinical trials should be conducted to confirm the therapeutic effects on gut and metabolic disease. Greater attention should be directed toward polysaccharide extraction from by-products or metabolites derived from food processing that are unsuitable for direct consumption, rather than extracting them from edible materials. In this review, we advanced the understanding of the structure and composition of polysaccharides, the mutualistic role of gut microbes, the metabolites from microbiota-fermenting polysaccharides, and the subsequent outcomes in human health and disease. The findings provide insight into the proper application of polysaccharides in improving human health.

Therapeutic potential of non-starch polysaccharides on type 2 diabetes: from hypoglycemic mechanism to clinical trials

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) have been reported to exert therapeutic potential on managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Various mechanisms have been proposed; however, several studies have not considered the correlations between the anti-T2DM activity of NSPs and their molecular structure. Moreover, the current understanding of the role of NSPs in T2DM treatment is mainly based on in vitro and in vivo data, and more human clinical trials are required to verify the actual efficacy in treating T2DM. The related anti-T2DM mechanisms of NSPs, including regulating insulin action, promoting glucose metabolism and regulating postprandial blood glucose level, anti-inflammatory and regulating gut microbiota (GM), are reviewed. The structure-function relationships are summarized, and the relationships between NSPs structure and anti-T2DM activity from clinical trials are highlighted. The development of anti-T2DM medication or dietary supplements of NSPs could be promoted with an in-depth understanding of the multiple regulatory effects in the treatment/intervention of T2DM.

Natural Polysaccharide-Based Nanodrug Delivery Systems for Treatment of Diabetes

In recent years, natural polysaccharides have been considered as the ideal candidates for novel drug delivery systems because of their good biocompatibility, biodegradation, low immunogenicity, renewable source and easy modification. These natural polymers are widely used in the designing of nanocarriers, which possess wide applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, delivery and protection of bioactive compounds or drugs. A great deal of studies could be focused on developing polysaccharide nanoparticles and promoting their application in various fields, especially in biomedicine. In this review, a variety of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers were introduced, including nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, nanomicelles, nanoemulsions and nanohydrogels, focusing on the latest research progress of these nanocarriers in the treatment of diabetes and the possible strategies for further study of polysaccharide nanocarriers.

Structural Elucidation, Modification, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Polysaccharides in Chinese Herbs: A Review

Chinese herbal polysaccharides (CHPs) are natural polymers composed of monosaccharides, which are widely found in Chinese herbs and work as one of the important active ingredients. Its biological activity is attributed to its complex chemical structure with diverse spatial conformations. However, the structural elucidation is the foundation but a bottleneck problem because the majority of CHPs are heteropolysaccharides with more complex structures. Similarly, the studies on the relationship between structure and function of CHPs are even more scarce. Therefore, this review summarizes the structure-activity relationship of CHPs. Meanwhile, we reviewed the structural elucidation strategies and some new progress especially in the advanced structural analysis methods. The characteristics and applicable scopes of various methods are compared to provide reference for selecting the most efficient method and developing new hyphenated techniques. Additionally, the principle structural modification methods of CHPs and their effects on activity are summarized. The shortcomings, potential breakthroughs, and developing directions of the study of CHPs are discussed. We hope to provide a reference for further research and promote the application of CHPs.