Ficus carica polysaccharide extraction via ultrasound-assisted technique: Structure characterization, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory activities

In this research, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions of the water-soluble polysaccharide (FCPS) from Ficus carica fruits were optimized using the response surface methodology. The optimal FCPS yield was 7.97 % achieved by conducting ultrasound-assisted extraction four times at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:20 (g/mL) and an ultrasound temperature of 70 °C. Then, the structure, antioxidant properties, hypoglycemic effects, and immunomodulatory activities of FCPS were evaluated. FCPS was characterized as irregular, rough-surfaced, flaky materials consisting of pyran-type polysaccharides with α- and β-glycosidic linkages, and composed of multiple monosaccharides and only one homogeneous concentrated polysaccharide component (FCPS1) with a molecular weight of 4.224 × 104 Da. The results suggested FCPS exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity in vitro, as evidenced by improved cell viability and reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Meanwhile, FCPS effectively improved liver-related insulin resistance by promoting glucose consumption in hepatocytes and activated the immune response through activation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and upregulation of interleukin 6 (IL6) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) expression. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of the UAE technique in isolating FCPS with biological functionality and FCPS could potentially serve as a beneficial organic antioxidant source and functional food, carrying important implications for future studies.

The structures of two acidic polysaccharides from Gardenia jasminoides and their potential immunomodulatory activities

This study identified two homogeneous acidic polysaccharides from Gardeniae fructus, GJP50-3 and GJP50-4, which exhibited potential immunomodulatory activities in macrophage activation assays, via liquid-chip technology, and in a zebrafish model. Monosaccharide composition analysis and gel permeation chromatography revealed that GJP50-3 and GJP50-4 were composed of Rha, GalA, Glc, Gal, and Ara in specific ratios and had molecular weights of 91.5 kDa and 140.3 kDa, respectively. Based on FT-IR, GC-MS, and NMR analyses, these polysaccharides were identified as typical pectin polysaccharides with methylation degrees of 24.7 % and 21.4 %, respectively. The primary structures of GJP50-3 and GJP50-4 included linear HG domains and branched RG-I domains with arabinans and AG side chains. In vitro, GJP50-3 and GJP50-4 could stimulate NO release and increase the secretion of TNF-α in a RAW 264.7 macrophage model. Luminex liquid suspension chip detection revealed that GJP50-3 significantly promoted the secretion of multiple interleukins [IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p40), IL-12 (p70), IL-13], TNF-α, and chemokines (G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1 and RANTES). In vivo, these polysaccharides could also increase NO release and neutrophil count in a zebrafish model. These findings suggested that GJP50-3 and GJP50-4 might have the potential to be used as immunomodulators in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Determining the potent immunostimulation potential arising from the heteropolysaccharide structure of a novel fucoidan, derived from Sargassum Zhangii

A preliminary study was conducted of the chemical, structural properties and immunomodulatory activities of fucoidan isolated from Sargassum Zhangii (SZ). Sargassum Zhangii fucoidan (SZF) was determined to have a sulfate content of 19.74 ± 0.01% (w/w) and an average molecular weight of 111.28 kDa. SZF possessed a backbone structure of (1,4)-α-d-linked-galactose, (3,4)-α-l-fucose, (1,3)-α-d-linked-xylose, β-d-linked-mannose and a terminal (1,4)-α-d-linked-glucose. The main monosaccharide composition was determined as (w/w) 36.10% galactose, 20.13% fucose, 8.86% xylose, 7.36% glucose, 5.62% mannose, and 18.07% uronic acids, respectively. An immunostimulatory assay showed that SZF, compared to commercial fucoidans (Undaria pitnnaifida and Fucus vesiculosus sources), significantly elevated nitric oxide production via up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase at both gene and protein levels. These results suggest that SZ has the potential to be a source of fucoidan with enhanced properties that may act as a useful ingredient for functional foods, nutritional supplements, and immune enhancers.

Purification, structural characterization and immunomodulatory activities of a polysaccharide from the fruiting body of Morchella sextelata

A novel polysaccharide (MSP-1) was isolated from the fruiting body of Morchella sextelata and purified using DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-75. The molecular weight of MSP-1 was 1.17 × 10⁴ Da, as detected by HPLC analysis. The monosaccharide composition of MSP-1 was mannose and glucose at a ratio of 1.00: 1.25. Methylation and NMR results revealed that the backbone of MSP-1 was composed of →4)-β-D-Manp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and →4, 6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. SEM images of MSP-1 presented a dense network structure with porous characterizations. The immunomodulatory activities of MSP-1 were evaluated using RAW264.7 cells, and the results showed that MSP-1 promoted proliferative and phagocytic activity and increased the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6. These results indicated that MSP-1 exhibited significant immunomodulatory activities.

Cardiac fibrosis and curcumin: a novel perspective on this natural medicine

BACKGROUND

According to WHO statistics, cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death in the world. One of the main factors which is causing heart failure, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and arrythmias is a condition named cardiac fibrosis. This condition is defined by the accumulation of fibroblast-produced ECM in myocardium layer of the heart.

OBJECTIVE

Accordingly, the current review aims to depict the role of curcumin in the regulation of different signaling pathways that are involved in cardiac fibrosis.

RESULTS

A great number of cellular and molecular mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and mechanical stress are acknowledged to be involved in cardiac fibrosis. Despite the available therapeutic procedures which are designed to target these mechanisms in order to prevent cardiac fibrosis, still, effective therapeutic methods are needed. Curcumin is a natural Chinese medicine which currently has been declared to have therapeutic properties such as anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory activities. In this review, we have gathered several experimental studies in order to represent diverse impacts of this turmeric derivative on pathogenic factors of cardiac fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin might open new avenues in the field of cardiovascular treatment.

Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides enzymatic hydrolysis from Hericium erinaceus on the MODE-K/DCs co-culture model

The aim of this study was to explore the indirect immunomodulatory activities and its mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides (EHEP) in the MODE-K/DCs co-culture model. According to the TEER value, transmission of phenol red and AKP activity of MODE-K cells, single model was established in order to evaluate the eligibility of MODE-K cells monolayer. Then the MODE-K/DCs co-culture model was set up and HEP and EHEP were added into the apical chamber, DCs were obtained for the expression of key surface markers, the ability of phagocytosis, the morphology, the secretion of cytokines and the production of target proteins. We found that after 21 d of culture, the MODE-K cells monolayer became intact and dense, which can be used for the MODE-K/DCs co-culture model. Under the treatment of HEP and EHEP, immature DCs become into mature DCs with the high expression of CD86 and MHCII, the low antigens up-taking, the typical morphology, the more content of IL-12 and TNF-α and the high level of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB proteins. However, compared with HEP, EHEP showed the better immunomodulatory activities. These findings indicated that EHEP could indirectly affect the immune function of DCs in the MODE-K/DCs co-culture model.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of intracellular polysaccharide from the mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213

Two intracellular polysaccharide fractions (IPS1 and IPS2) were obtained from the mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213, and the structures were conducted. Results showed that they were homogenous with the average molecular weight of 2.40 × 10⁶ Da and 6.79 × 10⁵ Da. Two fractions were composed of mannose, glucose and galactose with molar ratios of 1.35: 6.93: 1.0 and 2.04: 1.0: 1.87, respectively. The backbone of IPS1 was → 4)-α-D-Glcp (1 → and → 3,4)-α-D-Manp (1 → residues with a side chain consisted of T-α-D-Galp. IPS2 was consisted of → 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Manp-(1 → and → 2,6)-α-D-Manp-(1 → residues and the branches were also consisted of T-α-D-Galp. In addition, the scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope images presented different features of IPS1 and IPS2, respectively. Furthermore, two fractions exhibited better immunomodulatory effects. They could markedly promote the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and enhance phagocytosis, nitric oxide release and cytokines production. These results indicated that IPS1 and IPS2 had potential to enhance immune responses.

C-Phycocyanin-a novel protein from Spirulina platensis- In vivo toxicity, antioxidant and immunomodulatory studies

A pigment-protein highly dominant in Spirulina is known as C-Phycocyanin. Earlier, in vitro studies has shown that C-phycocyanin is having many biological activities like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, antiplatelet, hepatoprotective, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Interestingly, there are scanty in vivo experimental findings on the immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of C-phycocyanin. This work is aimed at in vivo evaluation of the effects of C-phycocyanin on immunomodulation and antioxidant potential in Balb/c mice. Our results of in vivo toxicity, immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of C-Phycocyanin suggests that C-phycocyanin is very safe for consumption and having substantial antioxidant potential and also possess immunomodulatory activities in Balb/c mice in a dosage dependent manner. C-phycocyanin doesn’t cause acute and subacute toxicity in the animal model (male, Balb/c mice) studied. We have reported that C-phycocyanin exhibited in vivo immunomodulation performance in this animal model.

Structural characterization of enzymatic modification of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide and its immune-enhancement activity

In this study, the enzyme degradation of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) was successfully modified with endo-rhamnosidase to obtain the enzymatic hydrolysis of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide product (EHEP). The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic particle microscopy (AFM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and particle size distribution were used to characterize polysaccharides. In vitro, EHEP significantly enhanced the phagocytosis, NO, CD40 and CD86 by macrophage than HEP. In vivo, female Balb/c mice were injected respectively with EHEP and HEP after administrated with cyclophosphamide, once a day for 7 days. On days 11, the morphology and structure of jejunal sections, immunofluorescence of spleen and peritoneal macrophages were determined. These results indicated that the enzymatic hydrolysis product could enhance the activation of peritoneal macrophages, and enhance the immunomodulation function of HEP. This study demonstrated that enzymatic modification was an effective method to improve the activities of HEP, and could be developed as a potential technology for use in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry.

Overall quality control of the chemical and bioactive consistency of ShengMai Formula

ShengMai Formula (SMF), a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been extensively used for treating the diseases caused by Qi-Yin deficiency for almost 1000 years. However, few studies are elucidated about its batch-to-batch quality control system and the quality control markers remain largely unrevealed, which have hindered the development and utilization of SMF. In this study, we aimed to screen the optimal quality control markers to evaluate the overall quality consistency of SMF. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint coupled with similarity analysis (SA), principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was firstly established to hunt for the discriminant components that resulting in the chemical inconsistence among different batches of SMF. Subsequently, different batches of samples were selected to explore their immunomodulatory activities by neutral red method, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, the fingerprint-efficacy relationships were further illuminated to discover the major bioactive compositions using grey relational analysis (GRA), partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis. As a result, schisandrol A, schisandrol B, methylophiopogonanone A, schisandrin B, ginsenoside Rf, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg2 and ginsenoside Rb2 were selected as the quality control markers and thus their simultaneous quantification was performed to both evaluate the batch-to-batch chemical and bioactive consistency among different batches of SMF. Our investigation not only stresses the necessity of consistency in efficacy besides chemical consistency, but also provides a comprehensive and powerful quality assessment approach, which is promising to monitor the overall quality consistency of SMF.

The structural characterization and immune modulation activitives comparison of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPPS) and selenizing CPPS (sCPPS) on mouse in vitro and vivo

Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPPS) and selenizing CPPS (sCPPS) were prepared and identified by a combination of chemical and instrumental analysis. Their immune modulation activities were compared by lymphocyte proliferation and flowcytometry tests in vitro or serum antibody responses and cytokines with immunization against OVA mice in vivo. The results showed that the sCPPS was successfully modified in selenylation. In vitro, the sCPPS were more effective compared with CPPS in promoting lymphocyte proliferation synergistically with PHA or LPS and increasing the ratio of CD4+ to CD8 + T cells. In vivo, sCPPS could significantly raised IgG, IgM, IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 contents in the serum of mouse against OVA in comparison with CPPS. These results indicate that selenylation modification can enhance the immune modulation activitives of CPPS. sCPPS would be as a component drug of new-type immunoenhancer.

Characterizations and immunostimulatory activities of a polysaccharide from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. roots

A polysaccharide from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. named ARP, was obtained and purified by the hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation and deproteinization of TCA. The molecular weight of the polysaccharide fraction of ARP was calculated to be 1.23 × 10⁴ Da from a calibration curve obtained with dextran standards. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that ARP was composed of Gal, Ara, Glu, Man, Rha and Fuc at a molar ratio of 53.8:21.3:11.7:6.8:4.3:2.2. Methylation analysis suggested that ARP was likely an arabinogalactan and that its backbone mainly consisted of Galp residues of 1,6‑linkages and Ara residues of 1,5‑ or 1,3‑linkages. The in vitro experiment indicated that ARP enhanced B- and T-lymphocyte proliferation. A dose-dependent relationship was observed, and a dose of 200 μg/mL resulted in the highest cell viability. In addition, ARP significantly stimulated the production of the cytokine, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and enhanced B- and T-lymphocyte proliferation. Meanwhile, ARP had little effect on interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. The experiments of the effect of ARP on the activation of macrophage in vitro indicated that ARP significantly enhanced the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β which suggested the polysaccharide induced the functional activation of macrophage.

Intestinal microbiota are involved in the immunomodulatory activities of longan polysaccharide

It is difficult for polysaccharides to be directly absorbed through the intestine, which implies other utilization mechanisms involved in the bioactivity performance of polysaccharide. In this study, the multi-omics approach was applied to investigate the impacts of longan polysaccharide on mouse intestinal microbiome and the interaction between the polysaccharide-derived microbiome and host immune system. According to the result, the longan polysaccharide showed a significant improvement in the typical intestinal immunity index of mice. Meanwhile, at the taxonomy level, the intestinal microbiota from the control group and polysaccharide group were highly distinct in organismal structure. At the functional level, a significant decline in the microbial metabolites of pyruvate, butanoate fructose and mannose in the control group was found. Additionally, a significant increase was observed in the succinic acid and the short-chain fatty acid, including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, in the polysaccharide group. Furthermore, the multi-omic based network analysis indicated that the intake of longan polysaccharide resulted in the changes of the intestinal microbiota as well as the gut metabolites, which led to the enhancement of host's immune function under the stress conditions. These results indicated the polysaccharide-derived changes in intestinal microbiota were involved in the immunomodulatory activities.

Structural elucidation of a pectin-type polysaccharide from Hovenia dulcis peduncles and its proliferative activity on RAW264.7 cells

In this paper, an acidic polysaccharide HDP3A was isolated from Hovenia dulcis peduncles with 45.9% of uronic acid content. Structure of HDP3A was elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic analysis. HDP3A was mainly contained of galacturonic acid, galactose, rhamnose and arabinose with a small quantity of xylose, fucose, mannose, glucose. The structural analysis indicated that HDP3A was a pectin-type polysaccharide with HG and RG-I regions and hairy regions. HG was linear homopolymer with repeating units of (1→4)-α-d-galactopyranosyl uronic (GalA) residues. The GalpA residues in HG domain may be acetylated and/or methyl-esterified. The backbone of RG-I contains repeating units of [→α-GalpA-1,2)-α-Rhap-1,4→]_n and the hairy regions attached in the Rha at position O-4. Hairy regions were mainly composed of galactans, arabinans, arabinogalactans, glucans, mannans and xylans. The immunomodulatory activities of HDP3A and its reduced (HDP3A-R) and hydrolyzed product (HDP3A-0.1) in vitro on macrophages were determined. The three polysaccharide fractions all stimulated the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and the order of the proliferative effects was HDP3A>HDP3A-R>HDP3A-0.1, indicating that the immune effects of pectin-type polysaccharides were related to branches and molecular weight. Consequently, HDP3A could be as a potential source for the proliferative activity.

Developing Phytocompounds from Medicinal Plants as Immunomodulators

Imbalance or malfunction of the immune systems is associated with a range of chronic diseases including autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancers and others. Various innate and adaptive immune cells that are integrated in this complex networking system may represent promising targets for developing immunotherapeutics for treating specific immune diseases. A spectrum of phytochemicals have been isolated, characterized and modified for development and use as prevention or treatment of human diseases. Many cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics have been developed from phytocompounds, but the application of traditional or new medicinal plants for use as immunomodulators in treating immune diseases is still relatively limited. In this review, a selected group of medicinal herbs, their derived crude or fractionated phytoextracts and the specific phytochemicals/phytocompounds isolated from them, as well as categorized phytocompound groups with specific chemical structures are discussed in terms of their immunomodulatory bioactivities. We also assess their potential for future development as immunomodulatory or inflammation-regulatory therapeutics or agents. New experimental approaches for evaluating the immunomodulatory activities of candidate phytomedicines are also discussed.