Immunomodulatory Effect of Phytoactive Compounds on Human Health: A Narrative Review Integrated with Bioinformatics Approach

Immunostimulatory effects mechanism of polysaccharide extracted from Acanthopanax senticosus on RAW 264.7 cells through activating the TLR/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Acanthopanax senticosus is a unique wild resource in Northeast China. Its main active ingredient is a polysaccharide, which has a prominent immunomodulatory effect. In this study, the purified polysaccharide component of Acanthopanax senticosus leaves(ASPS-A1) with strong immunomodulatory activity was isolated by column chromatography, and its structure and properties were characterized by HPGPC, and FT-IR. Results showed that ASPS-A1 is mainly composed of α- 1,4-D-GalA, α- 1,5-L-Ara, and β- 1,4-D-Gal. RT-qPCR experiments and RNA-seq analysis were used to study the immunoregulatory mechanism of ASPS-A1. The results showed that ASPS-A1 could significantly up-regulate the levels of cytokines iNOS, IL- 1β, IL- 6, and TNF-α activated macrophages through MAPK, NF-κB, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Inhibitory experiments further confirmed that ASPS-A1 promotes the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL- 6 via the TLR4 receptor, and TNF-α and IL- 1β via the TLR2 receptor. In order to identify the target of ASPS-A1, molecular docking experiments were conducted. The results demonstrated that ASPS-A1 could bind to both TLR4 and TLR2, forming stable complexes with the cavities on the protein surface through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The docking scores indicated that ASPS-A1 could regulate the immune response through TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways, with a particularly strong interaction with TLR4. In summary, this study screened and characterized the most immunoreactive components of Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide, disclosed the immunomodulatory mechanism of ASPS-A1, and furnished a research basis for its potential application as a natural immune enhancer.

Recommendations for nutritional supplements for dry eye disease: current advances

Dry eye disease (DED) represents a prevalent ocular surface disease. The development of effective nutritional management strategies for DED is crucial due to its association with various factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, deficiencies in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), imbalanced PUFA ratios, and vitamin insufficiencies. Extensive research has explored the impact of oral nutritional supplements, varying in composition and dosage, on the symptoms of DED. The main components of these supplements include fish oils (Omega-3 fatty acids), vitamins, trace elements, and phytochemical extracts. Beyond these well-known nutrients, it is necessary to explore whether novel nutrients might contribute to more effective DED management. This review provides a comprehensive update on the therapeutic potential of nutrients and presents new perspectives for combination supplements in DED treatment.