β(2 → 1)-β(2 → 6) branched graminan-type fructans and β(2 → 1) linear fructans impact mucus-related and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes in goblet cells and attenuate inflammatory responses in a fructan dependent fashion

Structure-function relationship of the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida laminaran: Protein kinase C-mediated mucus secretion and gut barrier restoration

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestine characterized by mucosal damage and a compromised epithelial barrier. This study explored the protective and therapeutic potential of laminaran derived from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida in promoting mucin secretion and restoring mucosal barrier integrity. Physicochemical analysis revealed laminaran as having a β-(1 → 3)-linked glucose backbone with β-(1 → 6)-linked branches and a molecular weight of 14.41 kDa. In vitro experiments revealed that laminaran enhanced the expression of mucin-related proteins in a lipopolysaccharide-induced LS174T model. Laminaran also upregulated the expression of sulfotransferases, which are essential for mucin sulfation, and promoted vesicular transport by increasing the expression of vesicle-associated membrane protein 8 and synaptosome-associated protein-23, facilitating mucin secretion. These effects are mediated through the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, which involves PKCα and PKCβII. In an in vivo model, laminaran alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, increasing mucus thickness and overall intestinal barrier function. These results suggest that laminaran is a promising therapeutic agent for treating ulcerative colitis, suggesting a novel approach to restoring the mucosal barrier and reducing intestinal inflammation. This study lays the groundwork for developing laminaran-based treatments for ulcerative colitis and other intestinal diseases associated with epithelial barrier dysfunction.

Structural Characterization and Anti-Gouty Nephropathy Potential of Polysaccharides from Atractylodes chinensis

Polysaccharides derived from Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. (ACP), a traditional Chinese medicine, were extracted and analyzed for their structural characteristics and anti-gouty nephropathy (GN) activity. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups: control, model, positive control, and three treatment groups (ACP-60-L, ACP-60-M, and ACP-60-H). Treatment significantly reduced inflammatory responses and renal damage, as evidenced by decreased levels of uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alongside modulation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression in renal tissues. ACP-60 was fractionated into three polysaccharides, including ACP-60-A (Mw 9.18 kDa), ACP-60-B (Mw 58.21 kDa), and ACP-60-C (Mw 109.01 kDa) using DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography. Monosaccharide analysis revealed that ACP-60-A predominantly comprised fructose (Fru) and glucose (Glc), ACP-60-B contained rhamnose (Rha), galactose (Gal), Fru, and mannose (Man), and ACP-60-C included Man, Gal, Rha and xylose (Xyl). In vitro studies using HK-2 cells confirmed the anti-GN activity of all three fractions, with ACP-60-A demonstrating the highest efficacy. Structural elucidation of ACP-60-A identified its main glycosidic linkages as a →1)-β-Fruf-(2→ backbone with α-Glcp-(1→ and β-Fruf-(2→ branches. The underlying mechanism of ACP-60-A's anti-GN activity is associated with inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, suppression of downstream inflammatory factor release, and downregulation of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 protein expression. Further studies demonstrated that the superior activity of ACP-60-A is attributable to its lower molecular weight, specific monosaccharide composition, and unique glycosidic bond arrangement. ACP-60-A shows potential for increased anti-GN efficacy through purification or modification, laying the groundwork for developing novel therapeutic agents for GN.

From Structure to Function: How Prebiotic Diversity Shapes Gut Integrity and Immune Balance

The microbiota stability, diversity, and composition are pillars for an efficient and beneficial symbiotic relationship between its host and itself. Microbial dysbiosis, a condition where a homeostatic bacterial community is disturbed by acute or chronic events, is a predisposition for many diseases, including local and systemic inflammation that leads to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and some types of cancers. Classical dysbiosis occurs in the large intestine. During this period, pathogenic strains can multiply, taking advantage of the compromised environment. This overgrowth triggers an exaggerated inflammatory response from the human immune system due to the weakened integrity of the intestinal barrier. Such inflammation can also directly influence higher polyp formation and/or tumorigenesis. Prebiotics can be instrumental in preventing or correcting dysbiosis. Prebiotics are molecules capable of serving as substrates for fermentation processes by gut microorganisms. This can promote returning the intestinal environment to homeostasis. Effective prebiotics are generally specific oligo- and polysaccharides, such as FOS or inulin. However, the direct effects of prebiotics on intestinal epithelial and immune cells must also be taken into consideration. This interaction happens with diverse prebiotic nondigestible carbohydrates, and they can inhibit or decrease the inflammatory response. The present work aims to elucidate and describe the different types of prebiotics, their influence, and their functionalities for health, primarily focusing on their ability to reduce and control inflammation in the intestinal epithelial barrier, gut, and systemic environments.

A graminan type fructan from Achyranthes bidentata prevents the kidney injury in diabetic mice by regulating gut microbiota

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease, and few therapeutic options are available. The root of Achyranthis bidentatae (AB) is commonly used for DKD treatment in Traditional Chinese medicine. However, its mechanisms are still unclear. Here, a graminan type fructan ABPW1 with molecular weight of 3998 Da was purified from AB. It was composed of β-1,2-linked Fruf, β-2,6-linked-Fruf and β-1,2,6-linked-Fruf backbone, and terminated with T-Glcp and 2-Fruf residues. ABPW1 protected against kidney injuries and intestinal barrier disruption in Streptozotocin (STZ)/High fat diet (HFD) mice. It could modulate gut microbiota composition, evidenced by a rise in the abundance of Bacteroide and decreases of Rikenella, Alistipes, Laedolimicola and Faecalibaculum. ABPW1 intervention promoted short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in STZ/HFD mice, especially propionate and isobutyric acid. Antibiotic treatment further demonstrated the key role of gut microbiota in the renal protective action of ABPW1. In addition, in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation together with in vivo fluorescent labeling studies demonstrated ABPW1 was indigestible in upper digestive tract but could reach the colon and be degraded into SCFAs by gut microbiota there. Overall, these data suggested ABPW1 has the potential application on DKD prevention.

Polysaccharides from Medicinal Plants: Bridging Ancestral Knowledge with Contemporary Science

Plants are a core part of cultural identity, as part of a diet, decorations, ceremonies, or as medicinal agents. Empirical knowledge regarding plants and their healing potential has existed worldwide for centuries. With the advance of science and technology, not only is the refinement of such sources or isolation of specific compounds possible, but these compounds can also be characterized based on their natural occurrence. Besides their importance for plant metabolism and structure, polysaccharides have been demonstrated to have substantial positive human health impacts on inflammation, metabolism, oxidative stress, and others. As an inherent part of plant cell walls, many polysaccharides from medicinal herbs, such as fructans, glucans, and pectins, have been extracted and analyzed for their structure and function. However, a review summarizing a significant portion of these studies was still unavailable. This review helps to fill the knowledge gap between polysaccharide bioactivity, their structure, and their plant matrix sources, focusing on historical medicinal usage.

Extraction, structure and bioactivities of polysaccharide from root of Arctium lappa L.: A review

Arctium lappa L. root is a well-known Chinese medicine with high medicinal and food values. Arctium lappa L. root polysaccharide (ALP), as the main component and bioactive substance, has a variety of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory activity and improvement of intestinal flora. The biological activities of polysaccharides are closely related to their structures, and different extraction and purification methods will yield different polysaccharide structures. As a kind of natural polysaccharide, ALP has a broad application prospect in drug carrier. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activities, structure-activity relationship and drug carrier application of ALP, in order to provide basic reference for the development and application of medical and health care value. At the same time, the shortcomings of ALP research are discussed in depth, and the potential development prospect and future research direction are prospected.

Exopolysaccharide β-(2,6)-levan-type fructans have a molecular-weight-dependent modulatory effect on Toll-like receptor signalling

SCOPE

Fructans are a group of dietary fibers which are known to have many beneficial effects including immune-modulating effects. A family of fructans are β-(2,6)-linked levan-type fructans that are known to serve as exopolysaccharides in the cell wall of many species of bacteria including commensal bacteria and probiotics. It is still largely unknown whether and how they can serve as immunomodulating molecules.

RESULTS

Microbial β-(2,6)-fructans were found to induce TLR-dependent activation of THP-1 cells, in a dose-dependent fashion. Low molecular weight (Mw), medium Mw and high Mw β-(2,6)-fructans activated both TLR2 and 4 in a dose- and molecular weight-dependent fashion. In addition, it was found that β-(2,6)-fructans were able to inhibit signalling of various TLRs with the strongest effect on TLR5 and 8, which were inhibited by all the β-(2,6)-fructans in a dose- and molecular weight-dependent fashion. The final effect of this activation and inhibition of TLRs on cytokine responses in human dendritic cells (DCs) was minor which may be explained by the counter-activating effects of the different β-(2,6)-linked levan-type fructans on inhibition of TLR signalling in the DCs.

CONCLUSION

A mechanism by which exopolysaccharide levan β-(2,6)-fructans can be immune-modulating is by impacting TLR signalling. This knowledge could lead to food in which exopolysaccharide levan β-(2,6)-fructans are added for preventing disorders where TLR-signalling is modulated.

β(2 → 1)-β(2 → 6) and β(2 → 1) fructans protect from impairment of intestinal tight junction's gene expression and attenuate human dendritic cell responses in a fructan-dependent fashion

β(2 → 1)-β(2 → 6) branched graminan-type fructans (GTFs) and β(2 → 1) linear fructans (ITFs) possess immunomodulatory properties and protect human intestinal barrier function, however the mechanisms underlying these effects are not well studied. Herein, GTFs and ITFs effects with different degree of polymerization (DP) values on tight junctions (TJs) genes CLDN-1, -2 and -3, CDH1, OCLN and TJP1 were studied in Caco-2 gut epithelial cells, under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Also, cytokine production in dendritic cells (DCs) was studied. Higher DP fructans decreased the expression of the pore forming CLDN-2. Higher DP GTFs enhanced CLDN-3, OCLN, and TJP-1. Fructans prevented mRNA dysregulation of CLDN-1, -2 and -3 induced by the barrier disruptors A23187 and deoxynivalenol in a fructan-type dependent fashion. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3 and TNFα by DCs was also attenuated in a fructan-type dependent manner and was strongly attenuated by DCs cultured with medium of Caco-2 cells which were pre-exposed to fructans. Our data show that specific fructans have TJs and DCs modulating effects and contribute to gut homeostasis. This might serve to design effective dietary means to prevent intestinal inflammation.

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.