AMP-activated protein kinase mediates insulin-like and lipo-mobilising effects of β-glucan-rich polysaccharides isolated from Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.), Singer mushroom, in 3T3-L1 cells

Mushroom-derived bioactive compounds pharmacological properties and cancer targeting: a holistic assessment

Worldwide, cancer is a great cause of death and a public health issue. Cancer has been the leading cause of death in developing nations for many years. Cancers are typically treated with surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapies. However, these techniques have some undesirable side effects, including neurological illness, high toxicity levels, discomfort, and mental stress. Biologically active compounds discovered in mushrooms may be utilized to reduce ill effects and increase the efficacy of the current therapies. Mushrooms have efficient therapeutic activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant activity. Bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, terpenoids, β-glucan, steroids, polyphenols, flavonoids, proteins, and peptides have precisely well-recognized anticancer activity. In this review paper, we described the biomedical activities of the mushroom against various cancers. The immune-modulating components in mushrooms activate NK cells and macrophages to target cancer cells. Due to immunomodulatory properties of mushroom-derived bioactive compounds in cancer therapy to highlight the need for further research in this area further studies needs to validate in clinical samples.

A Neutral Polysaccharide from Medicago Sativa L.: Structural Properties and Hypoglycemic Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

Medicago sativa polysaccharides (MSPs) are beneficial compounds extracted from Medicago sativa L. that exhibit multiple medicinal activities. However, little is known about their hypoglycemic effects. In this study, MSP-II-a, a neutral polysaccharide with an Mw of 4.3×104 Da, was isolated and purified from M. sativa L. Monosaccharide composition analysis determined that MSP-II-a was composed of arabinose, glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose in a molar ratio of 2.1 : 4.0 : 1.1:0.4 : 1.4 : 1.1. Structural characterization of MSP-II was performed using a combination of methylation analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that MSP-II-a was mainly comprised of 1,4-p-Glc, 1,3,4-Rha, and 1,3-p-Gal glycosidic linkages, revealing a mesh-like texture with irregular blade shapes. In vitro assays demonstrated that MSP-II-a, at concentrations of 200 and 400 μg/mL, promoted glucose uptake in insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In vivo studies have shown that MSP-II-a significantly alleviates insulin resistance by reducing fasting blood glucose levels and increasing hepatic glycogen synthesis in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice. These findings revealed that MSP-II-a is a promising source of bioactive polysaccharides with potential hypoglycemic activity.

Recent insights into glucans biosynthesis and engineering strategies in edible fungi

Fungal α/β-glucans have significant importance in cellular functions including cell wall structure, host-pathogen interactions and energy storage, and wide application in high-profile fields, including food, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Fungal species and their growth/developmental stages result in a diversity of glucan contents, structures and bioactivities. Substantial progresses have been made to elucidate the fine structures and functions, and reveal the potential molecular synthesis pathway of fungal α/β-glucans. Herein, we review the current knowledge about the biosynthetic machineries, including: precursor UDP-glucose synthesis, initiation, elongation/termination and remodeling of α/β-glucan chains, and molecular regulation to maximally produce glucans in edible fungi. This review would provide future perspectives to biosynthesize the targeted glucans and reveal the catalytic mechanism of enzymes associated with glucan synthesis, including: UDP-glucose pyrophosphate phosphorylases (UGP), glucan synthases, and glucanosyltransferases in edible fungi.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Quinoa Polysaccharides Inhibiting 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Proliferation

Quinoa is a highly nutritious and biologically active crop. Prior studies have demonstrated that quinoa polysaccharides exhibit anti-obesity activity. This investigation confirmed that quinoa polysaccharides have the ability to inhibit the growth of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The objective of transcriptome research was to investigate the mechanism of quinoa water-extracted polysaccharides and quinoa alkaline-extracted polysaccharides that hinder the growth of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. There were 2194 genes that showed differential expression between untreated cells and those treated with high concentrations of quinoa water-extracted polysaccharides (QWPHs). There were 1774 genes that showed differential expression between untreated cells and those treated with high concentrations of quinoa alkaline-extracted polysaccharides (QAPHs). Through gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis, 20 characteristic pathways are found significantly enriched between the untreated group and the QAPH and QWPH groups. These pathways include the NOD-like receptor, Hepatitis C, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Atp13A4 and Gbgt1 have been identified as genes that are upregulated and downregulated in both the untreated group and the QWPH group, as well as in the untreated group and the QAPH group. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for exploring quinoa polysaccharides as an anti-obesity agent.

Lentinan alleviates sciatic nerve injury by promoting autophagy to remove myelin fragments

Lentinan, a natural drug with wide-ranging pharmacological activities, can regulate autophagy-the process through which Schwann cells (SCs) eliminate myelin fragments after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). However, the effect of lentinan after PNI and the role of accelerated myelin debris removal via autophagy in this process are unclear. This study examined the effect of lentinan on rat sciatic nerve repair following crush injury and the underlying mechanisms. After the successful establishment of the sciatic nerve compression injury model, group-specific treatments were performed. The treatment group received 20 mg/kg lentinan via intraperitoneal injection, while the model group was treated with normal saline. The recovery in each group was then evaluated. Further, a rat SC line (RSC96) was cultured in medium with/without lentinan after supplementation with homogenous myelin fractions to evaluate the removal of myelin particles. Our results showed that lentinan promotes autophagic flux in vivo via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, accelerates the clearance of myelin debris by SCs, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis, thereby promoting neurological recovery. Similarly, in vitro experiments showed that lentinan promotes the phagocytosis of myelin debris by SCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that lentinan primarily promotes nerve regeneration by accelerating the autophagic clearance of myelin debris in SCs, and this process is likely regulated by the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, this study provides compelling evidence that lentinan may be a cost-effective and natural treatment agent for PNI.

Exploring Edible Mushrooms for Diabetes: Unveiling Their Role in Prevention and Treatment

Diabetes mellitus is a complex illness in which the body does not create enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. Worldwide, this disease is life-threatening and requires low-cost, side-effect-free medicine. Due to adverse effects, many synthetic hypoglycemic medications for diabetes fail. Mushrooms are known to contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic; thus, scientists are now targeting them. Mushroom extracts, which improve immune function and fight cancer, are becoming more popular. Mushroom-derived functional foods and dietary supplements can delay the onset of potentially fatal diseases and help treat pre-existing conditions, which leads to the successful prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, which is restricted to the breakdown of complex polysaccharides by pancreatic-amylase and the suppression of intestinal-glucosidase. Many mushroom species are particularly helpful in lowering blood glucose levels and alleviating diabetes symptoms. Hypoglycaemic effects have been observed in investigations on Agaricussu brufescens, Agaricus bisporus, Cordyceps sinensis, Inonotus obliqus, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus linteus, Pleurotus spp., Poria cocos, and Sparassis crispa. For diabetics, edible mushrooms are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals and low in fat and cholesterol. The study found that bioactive metabolites isolated from mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fibers, and many pharmacologically active compounds, as well as solvent extracts of mushrooms with unknown metabolites, have anti-diabetic potential in vivo and in vitro, though few are in clinical trials.

β-(1,3)-D-glucan from <em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em> correlates with lower plasma IL-6, IL-1β, HOMA-IR, and higher pancreatic beta cell count in High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet (HFFD) rats

Introduction: The increasing consumption of high-fat and high-fructose foods contributes to the increasing prevalence of global obesity. Low-grade chronic inflammation in obesity is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of β-(1,3)-D-glucan from oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) extract on rats fed with a high-fat and high-fructose diet. Design and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged eight weeks. The rats were divided into groups given a normal (N) diet, a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD), D1 (HFFD+125 mg/kg BW β-glucan), D2 (HFFD+250 mg/kg BW β glucan), and D3 (HFFD+375 mg/kg BW β-glucan) with an intervention of 14 weeks. IL-6 and IL-1β levels were measured by the ELISA method, while HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) was calculated by the fasting insulin (ng/mL) x fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/405 formula. Pancreatic beta-cell counts were measured by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results: The results showed no differences in IL-6 and IL-1β between the treatment groups. However, there were significant differences in HOMA-IR and pancreatic beta-cell counts between groups. There were negative correlations between the dose of β-glucan and IL-6, IL-1β, and HOMA-IR levels. Also, there was a positive correlation between the dose of β-glucan and the number of pancreatic beta cells. Conclusions: Administration of β-(1,3)-D-glucan from oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) extract prevented hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, also reduced inflammation in rats fed with HFFD regardless of weight gain.

The effects of hot air-dried white button mushroom powder on glycemic indices, lipid profile, inflammatory biomarkers and total antioxidant capacity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

Background

The inflammatory and metabolic responses to mushroom in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unknown. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Hot Air-dried White Button Mushroom (HAD-WBM) powder on glycemic status, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in T2DM patients.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. Eligible patients were adults aged 20-50 with Type 2 diabetes. Patients were assigned to each group using a randomized block design with block randomization (n = 22, in each group). Randomization was performed by an assistant and group allocation was blinded for the investigator and participants. The intervention and control groups received 16 g/day HAD-WBM or cornstarch powder for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes of interest were fructosamine, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and secondary outcomes were triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, very-LDL, cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and TAC.

Results

After 8 weeks, a significant decrease was observed in fructosamine (-0.228 ± 0.36 vs. 0.03 ± 0.38; P = 0.02) and LDL (-13.05 ± 20.67 vs. 0.81 ± 21.79; P = 0.04) in the HAD-WBM group compared to the control group. No significant changes were observed in fasting insulin and FBS between the two groups. However, a significant within-group reduction (-28.00 ± 42.46; P = 0.006) was observed for FBS in the HAD-WBM group. In the HAD-WBM group, insulin resistance reduced significantly at the end of the study (From 4.92 to 3.81; P = 0.016), but it was not significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant difference in TAC, hs-CRP, and IL-6 between the two groups.

Conclusion

Considering the results of this study about the beneficial effects of HAD-WBM on the improvement of glycemic indices and LDL in T2DM patients, it is recommended that HAD-WBM could be used to control T2DM.

Protective rules of natural antioxidants against gamma-induced damage-A review

Phytochemicals accessible in food have demonstrated efficiency against impairment by gamma radiation. The review presented here is an attempt to show the pharmacological outline of the activity of the natural antioxidants and its primary action of molecular mechanism against the damage induced by gamma rays. This research focused on the results of the in vitro dosage of natural antioxidants relationship, and on the correlation of this information with the statistical variables. Moreover, it deliberated the natural compounds which could decrease the unwelcome impacts of gamma radiation and safeguard biological systems from radiation-stimulated genotoxicity. The outcomes indicated that natural compounds can be utilized as an adjunct to orthodox radiotherapy and cultivate it as an effectual drug for the clinical administration of ailments.

β-Glucans as a panacea for a healthy heart? Their roles in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Factors increasing the risks for CVD development are related to obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and lifestyle. CVD risk factors may be treated with appropriate drugs, but prolonged can use cause undesirable side-effects. Among the natural products used in complementary and alternative medicines, are the β-ᴅ-glucans; biopolymers found in foods (cereals, mushrooms), and can easily be produced by microbial fermentation. Independent of source, β-glucans of the mixed-linked types [(1 → 3)(1 → 6)-β-ᴅ-glucans - fungal, and (1 → 3)(1 → 4)-β-ᴅ-glucans - cereal] have widely been studied because of their biological activities, and have demonstrated cardiovascular protective effects. In this review, we discuss the roles of β-ᴅ-glucans in various pathophysiological conditions that lead to CVDs including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke. The β-glucans from all of the sources cited demonstrated potential hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and anti-obesogenicity activities, reduced hypertension and ameliorated the atherosclerosis condition. More recently, β-glucans are recognized as possessing prebiotic properties that modulate the gut microbiome and impact on the health benefits including cardiovascular. Overall, all the studies investigated unequivocally demonstrated the dietary benefits of consuming β-glucans regardless of source, thus constituting a promising panaceutical approach to reduce CVD risk factors.

Polysaccharides of mushroom Pleurotus spp.: New extraction techniques, biological activities and development of new technologies

The biodiversity of mushrooms Pleurotus spp. is impressive due to its complexity and diversity related to the composition of chemical structures such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins and secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids and betalains. Recent studies of polysaccharides and their structural elucidation have helped to direct research and development of technologies related to pharmacological action, production of bioactive foods and application of new, more sophisticated extraction tools. The diversity of bioactivities related to these biopolymers, their mechanisms and routes of action are constant focus of researches. The elucidation of bioactivities has helped to formulate new vaccines and targeted drugs. In this context, in terms of polysaccharides and the diversity of mushrooms Pleurotus spp., this review seeks to revisit the genus, making an updated approach on the recent discoveries of polysaccharides, new extraction techniques and bioactivities, emphasising on their mechanisms and routes in order to update the reader on the recent technologies related to these polymers.

First demonstration of protective effects of purified mushroom polysaccharide-peptides against fatty liver injury and the mechanisms involved

Fatty liver (FLD) disease is a consequence of metabolic syndrome, which is a health problem worldwide with a phenomenal rise in prevalence. In this study, two hepatoprotective polysaccharide-peptides were extracted from the mushroom Auricularia polytricha followed by chromatographic fractionation of the extract on the ion exchanger DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration on Sephadex-200 to yield two purified fractions: APPI and APPII. The monosaccharide compositions, FT-IR, N-terminal sequences, internal peptide sequences and molecular weights of the two fractions were determined. Furthermore, their hepatoprotective effect on human hepatoma HepG2 cells in vitro and in an animal model of fatty liver disease was evidenced by the findings that APPI and APPII diminished lipid deposit in cells, blood and the liver, increased cellular antioxidant activity and viability, and protected the liver against injury. The mechanistic study revealed that APPI and APPII activated the adiponectin pathway, up-regulated expression of genes controlling free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation, such as AMPK, CPTl, ACOX1 and PPARα genes, enhanced lipid metabolism, preserved hepatic function, promoted the antioxidant defense system and reduced lipid peroxidation. Hence the bioactive compounds of A. polytricha could serve as therapeutic agents in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

New horizons in the extraction of bioactive compounds using deep eutectic solvents: A review

With the rapid development of ionic liquid analogues, termed 'deep eutectic solvents' (DESs), and their application in a wide range of chemical and biochemical processes in the past decade, the extraction of bioactive compounds has attracted significant interest. Recently, numerous studies have explored the extraction of bioactive compounds using DESs from diverse groups of natural sources, including animal and plant sources. This review summarizes the-state-of-the-art effort dedicated to the application of DESs in the extraction of bioactive compounds. The aim of this review also was to introduce conventional and recently-developed extraction techniques, with emphasis on the use of DESs as potential extractants for various bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acid, flavonoids, tanshinone, keratin, tocols, terpenoids, carrageenans, xanthones, isoflavones, α-mangostin, genistin, apigenin, and others. In the near future, DESs are expected to be used extensively for the extraction of bioactive compounds from various sources.

Mushroom Polysaccharides: Chemistry and Antiobesity, Antidiabetes, Anticancer, and Antibiotic Properties in Cells, Rodents, and Humans

More than 2000 species of edible and/or medicinal mushrooms have been identified to date, many of which are widely consumed, stimulating much research on their health-promoting properties. These properties are associated with bioactive compounds produced by the mushrooms, including polysaccharides. Although β-glucans (homopolysaccharides) are believed to be the major bioactive polysaccharides of mushrooms, other types of mushroom polysaccharides (heteropolysaccharides) also possess biological properties. Here we survey the chemistry of such health-promoting polysaccharides and their reported antiobesity and antidiabetic properties as well as selected anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects that demonstrate their multiple health-promoting potential. The associated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating activities in fat cells, rodents, and humans are also discussed. The mechanisms of action involve the gut microbiota, meaning the polysaccharides act as prebiotics in the digestive system. Also covered here are the nutritional, functional food, clinical, and epidemiological studies designed to assess the health-promoting properties of polysaccharides, individually and as blended mixtures, against obesity, diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases, and suggestions for further research. The collated information and suggested research needs might guide further studies needed for a better understanding of the health-promoting properties of mushroom polysaccharides and enhance their use to help prevent and treat human chronic diseases.

Anti-diabetic polysaccharides from natural sources: A review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease attracted worldwide concerns, which severely impairs peoples' quality of life and is attributed to several life-threatening complications, including atherosclerosis, nephropathy and retinopathy. The current therapies for DM include mainly oral anti-diabetic drugs and insulin. However, continuous use of these causes insulin resistance and side-effects, and the demand of effective, nontoxic and affordable drugs for DM patients is eager. Several previous studies have shown that non-toxic biological macromolecules, mainly polysaccharides, possess prominent efficacies on DM. Based on these encouraging observations, a great deal of efforts have been focused on discovering anti-diabetic polysaccharides for the development of effective therapeutics for DM. This review focuses on the advancements in the anti-diabetic efficacy of various natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide complexes from 2010 to 2015.

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of a linear β-D-glucan isolated from Pleurotus sajor-caju

Glucans comprise an important class of polysaccharides present in basidiomycetes with potential biological activities. A (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan was isolated from Pleurotus sajor-caju via extraction with hot water followed by fractionation by freeze-thawing and finally by dimethyl sulfoxide extraction. The purified polysaccharide showed a (13)C-NMR spectrum with six signals consisting of a linear glucan with a β-anomeric signal at 102.8 ppm and a signal at 86.1 ppm relative to O-3 substitution. The other signals at 76.2, 72.9, 68.3, and 60.8 ppm were attributed to C5, C2, C4, and C6, respectively. This structure was confirmed by methylation analysis, and HSQC studies. The β-d-glucan from P. sajor-caju presented an immunomodulatory activity on THP-1 macrophages, inhibited the inflammatory phase of nociception induced by formalin in mice, and reduced the number of total leukocytes and myeloperoxidase levels induced by LPS. Taken together, these results demonstrate that this β-d-glucan exhibits a significant anti-inflammatory activity.