Efficacy of polysaccharide from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans MSA3 administration as protection against γ-radiation in female rats

Advances in the regulation of radiation-induced apoptosis by polysaccharides: A review

Polysaccharides are biomolecules composed of monosaccharides that are widely found in animals, plants and microorganisms and are of interest for their various health benefits. Cumulative studies have shown that the modulation of radiation-induced apoptosis by polysaccharides can be effective in preventing and treating a wide range of radiation injuries with safety and few side effects. Therefore, this paper summarizes the monosaccharide compositions, molecular weights, and structure-activity relationships of natural polysaccharides that regulate radiation-induced apoptosis, and also reviews the molecular mechanisms by which these polysaccharides modulate radiation-induced apoptosis, primarily focusing on promoting cancer cell apoptosis to enhance radiotherapy efficacy, reducing radiation damage to normal tissues, and inhibiting apoptosis in normal cells. Additionally, the role of gut microbiota in mediating the interaction between polysaccharides and radiation is discussed, providing innovative ideas for various radiation injuries, including hematopoiesis, immunity, and organ damage. This review will contribute to a better understanding of the value of natural polysaccharides in the field of radiation and provide guidance for the development of natural radioprotective agents and radiosensitizers.

Effects of silver nanoparticles-polysaccharide on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

OBJECTIVES

The first goal of this study was to synthesize the silver nanoparticles Alcaligenes xylosoxidans exopolysaccharide (Ag-AXEPS). The second objective was to analyse the role of Ag-AXEPS nanoparticles (NPS) in treating bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis.

METHODS

Intratracheal bleomycin (2.5 U/kg) was administered to prompt pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and pulmonary fibrosis was treated with Ag-AXEPS nanoparticles (100 ppm/twice a week for four weeks).

KEY FINDINGS

Ag-AXEPS nanoparticles significantly decreased the diversity of pulmonary inflammatory agents in rats with BLM-induced fibrosis. Reduced levels of respiratory tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were observed on treatment with synthesized Ag-AXEPS. Similarly, the treatment decreased IL-12, mRNA levels of BAX and plasma fibrosis markers like N-terminal procollagen III propeptide and transforming growth factor-β1. On the other hand, the treatment increased mRNA BCL2 and total antioxidant capacity. It also lowered the level of fibrosis, as was shown by a quantified pathologic study of hematoxylin-eosin-stained lung parts. The treatment, however, ensured that lung collagen was restored, as assessed by Masson's trichrome stain, and that overall survival was increased and enhanced.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work showed that nanoparticles could be obtained at 37°C and may be a possible pulmonary fibrosis therapeutic agent.

Radioprotective effects and mechanisms of animal, plant and microbial polysaccharides

Ionizing radiation is increasingly used to successfully diagnose many human health problems, but ionizing radiation may cause damage to organs/tissues in the living organisms such as the spleen, liver, skin, and brain. Many radiation protective agents have been discovered, with the deepening of radiation research. Unfortunately, these protective agents have many side effects, which cause drug resistance, nausea, vomiting, osteoporosis, etc. The polysaccharides extracted from natural sources are widely available and low in toxicity. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that polysaccharides have anti-radiation activity through anti-oxidation, immune regulation, protection of hematopoietic system and protection against DNA damage. Recently, some studies have shown that polysaccharides were resistant to radiation. In the review, the anti-radiation activities of polysaccharides from different sources are summarized, and the anti-radiation mechanisms are discussed as well. It can be used to develop more effective anti-radiation management drugs.

Antitumor Exopolysaccharides Derived from Novel Marine Bacillus: Isolation, Characterization Aspect and Biological Activity

Objective: Exopolysaccharides gained attention as new source for cancer treatment as recent treatments cause side effects and multidrug resistance. Polysaccharides containing sulfur and uronic acids exhibited antioxidant activity, by restoring cell redox regulation, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and cancer formation. Following this context, our study was performed to assess the cytotoxic activity of exopolysaccharides produced by novel Egyptian marine bacterial strains on HepG2 cells. Methods: Bacteria were isolated, purified and cultured through routine microbiological techniques. 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequence analyses, Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR), Identification of monosugars by HPLC molecular weight estimation, sulfur content determination and neutral red uptake assay were utilized. Results: BLAST showed that the isolates were related to the Bacillus sp. FTIR analysis indicated that the four EPSs under study contained sulfur as substituent functional group but with different percentage in each EPS. The highest sulfur percentage (46%) appeared in the EPS-6 that was produced by Bacillus flexus isolated from the Mediterranean Sea. HPLC showed that EPSs contained uronic acids which appeared as glucuronic and galacturonic acid in the low molecular weight EPS-6 (4.296×104 g mol-1). Arabinose appeared besides the glucuronic and galacturonic acid residues. EPS-6 showed the highest cytotoxicity, IC50 (218 μg ml-1) which could be correlated to the presence of sulfure and uronic acids in its structure. Conclusion: The novel Firmicutes from the Egyptian saline habitat produced EPSs of cytotoxic activity on hepatocellular carcinoma.