Effects of different fractions of polysaccharides from Dictyophora indusiata on high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice

Dictyophora indusiata is a common edible mushroom with great potential in the field of medicine against metabolic disorders, inflammation, and immunodeficiency. Our previous studies have shown that different fractions of the polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata (DIP) have various structural characteristics and morphology. However, the impact of the structural features on the protective effects of DIP against metabolic syndrome remains unclear. In this study, three distinct polysaccharide fractions have been extracted from Dictyophora indusiata and a high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) was constructed in mice. The effects of these fractions on a range of MetS-associated endpoints, including abnormal blood glucose, lipid profiles, body fat content, liver function, intestinal microbiota and their metabolites were investigated. Through correlation analysis, the potential link between the monosaccharide composition of the polysaccharides and their biological activities was determined. The study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms and ameliorative effects of these polysaccharide fractions on MetS, thereby providing statistical evidence for understanding the relationship between monosaccharides composition of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharides and their potential utility in treating metabolic disorders.

Unveiling the full spectrum of maitake mushrooms: A comprehensive review of their medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential

This literature review provides an up-to-date exploration of the multifaceted attributes of maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa), elucidating their bioactive phytochemicals and diverse health advantages, including their substantial role in supporting human health and potential incorporation into the medicinal industry. Carbohydrates and protein are the major constituents contributing to the dry weight of G. frondosa, taking up around 70-80 % and 13-21 %, respectively, with emerging research linking these constituents to various health benefits. By synthesising current research findings, this review emphasises the substantial role of maitake mushrooms in supporting human health and underscores their potential incorporation into the medicinal industry. To further advance our understanding, future research should delve into the mechanisms underlying their health-promoting effects, with a focus on conducting quantitative studies to elucidate physiological pathways and potential drug interactions. Additionally, exploring their integration into functional foods or nutraceuticals through quantitative assessments of bioavailability and efficacy will be crucial for maximising their therapeutic benefits. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights, catalysing further research and innovation in utilising maitake mushrooms for improved well-being and industry advancement.

Anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects of mannoprotein-rich yeast cell wall enzymatic hydrolysate by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites in Caenorhabditis elegans

In this study, antioxidant and anti-aging studies were carried out by mannoprotein-rich yeast cell wall enzymatic hydrolysate (MYH) obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of yeast cell wall through the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. It was found that MYH could improve the lifespan and anti-stress ability of C. elegans by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as T-SOD, GSH-PX and CAT, and reducing the levels of MDA, ROS and apoptosis. At the same time, through the verification expression of corresponding mRNA, it was found that MYH exerted antioxidant and anti-aging activities by up-regulating the translation of MTL-1, DAF-16, SKN-1 and SOD-3 mRNA, and down-regulating the translation of AGE-1 and DAF-2 mRNA. In addition, it was found that MYH could improve the composition and distribution of the gut microbiota of C. elegans, and significantly improve the level of metabolites through the sequencing of gut microbiota and untargeted metabolomic studies. It has contributed to studying the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of microorganisms such as yeast through the level of gut microbiota and metabolites and the development of related functional foods.

The Health and Clinical Benefits of Medicinal Fungi

The human uses of mushrooms and cultured mycelium products for nutrition and medicine are detailed and supported by available human studies, which in many cases are clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals. The major medically active immunomodulating compounds in the cell walls-chitin, beta-glucans, and glycoproteins, as well as lower weight molecules-nitrogen-containing compounds, phenolics, and terpenes-are discussed in relation to their current clinical uses. The nutritional content and foods derived from mushrooms, particularly related to their medical benefits, are discussed. High-quality major nutrients such as the high amounts of complete protein and prebiotic fibers found in edible and medicinal fungi and their products are presented. Mushrooms contain the highest amount of valuable medicinal fiber, while dried fruiting bodies of some fungi have up to 80% prebiotic fiber. These fibers are particularly complex and are not broken down in the upper gut, so they can diversify the microbiome and increase the most beneficial species, leading to better immune regulation and increasing normalizing levels of crucial neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Since the growth of medicinal mushroom products is expanding rapidly worldwide, attention is placed on reviewing important aspects of mushroom and mycelium cultivation and quality issues relating to adulteration, substitution, and purity and for maximizing medicinal potency. Common questions surrounding medicinal mushroom products in the marketplace, particularly the healing potential of fungal mycelium compared with fruiting bodies, extraction methods, and the use of fillers in products, are all explored, and many points are supported by the literature.

Grifolamine A, a novel bis-γ-butyrolactone from Grifola frondosa exerted inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and their binding interaction: Affinity and molecular dynamics simulation

A novel bis-γ-butyrolactone grifolamine A (1), the first γ-butyrolactone dimer from nature, together with three known γ-butyrolactones (2-4), was isolated from the byproduct from Grifola frondosa polysaccharides preparation process. The structure and stereochemistry of grifolamine A (1) were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis combined with quantum chemical calculation. The biosynthetic origin of compound 1, as well as 2-4 was proposed. Grifolamine A (1) showed an intense inhibition against α-glucosidase in vitro. The underlying inhibitory mechanism was revealed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculation. SPR revealed that grifolamine A exhibited a strong affinity to α-glucosidase with an equilibrium dissociation constant (K_D) value of 1.178 × 10^-4 M. Molecular docking manifested that grifolamine A sat at the active pocket of α-glucosidase by van der Waals force, alkyl interaction and carbon hydrogen bonds, and consequently changed the micro-environmental structure of α-glucosidase. MD simulation revealed that grifolamine A had high binding affinity to α-glucosidase with average free energy of -25.2 ± 3.2 kcal/mol. Free energy decomposition indicated amino acid residues including PHE298, PHE308, PHE309, PHE155 and ARG310 at the binding pocket played a strongly positive effect on the interaction between grifolamine A and α-glucosidase. Our findings provide valuable information for the design and development of novel α-glucosidase inhibitors based on γ-butyrolactone skeleton.

The Role of Gut Microbiota Modulation Strategies in Obesity: The Applications and Mechanisms

Nowadays, obesity is a leading public health problem worldwide. The growing prevalence of obesity significantly accounts for other cardio-metabolic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes. Several studies have shown that obesity is strongly associated with genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and dietary factors, especially the disordered profiles of gut microbiota (GM). The present review concluded mechanistic studies and potential correspondent treatments for obesity. Specifically, the anti-obesity effects of food-derived compounds manipulating GM were highlighted. The potential limitations of bioactive compounds on absorption in the intestinal tract were also discussed. Thus, the future direction of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as an approach to support modulating host GM (considered to be a potential therapeutic target for obesity) was discussed. This review shed light on the role of GM modulation strategies for the prevention/treatment of obesity.