Chemical characterization of a new sulfated polysaccharide from Gracilaria chouae and its activation effects on RAW264.7 macrophages / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of a new sulfated polysaccharide from the red alga Gracilaria chouae and evaluate its activation effects on RAW264.7 macrophages. It showed that the obtained G. chouae polysaccharide (GCP-3A) was a sulfated acidic polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 11.87 kDa. GCP-3A was composed of xylose, galactose, glucose, and mannose with a molar ratio of 3.00:29.28:0.63:0.45, and it contained α,β‍-glycosidic linkages. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a Congo red test showed that it was a heterogeneous polysaccharide with irregular interwoven sheets and rods, and did not have a triple-helix conform‍ation. Furthermore, GCP-3A significantly promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 macrophages and the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) in tests of 3-‍(4,‍5-dimethylthiahiazo-2-yl)‍-2,‍5-diphenytetrazoliumromide(MTT) and NO.

Astragalus polysaccharides affects multidrug resistance gene 1 and P-glycoprotein 170 in adriamycin nephropathy rats via regulating microRNA-16/NF-κB axis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Nephrotic syndrome is a common disease of the urinary system. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) and P-glycoprotein 170 (P-gp170) in adriamycin nephropathy rats and the underlying mechanisms.@*METHODS@#A total of 72 male Wistar rats were divided into a control group, a model group, an APS low-dose group, an APS high-dose group, an APS+micro RNA (miR)-16 antagomir group and an APS+miR-16 antagomir control group, with 12 rats in each group. Urine protein (UP) was detected by urine analyzer, and serum cholesterol (CHOL), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (SCr) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer; serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were detected by ELISA kit; the morphological changes of kidney tissues were observed by HE staining; the levels of miR-16 and MDR1 mRNA in kidney tissues were detected by real-time RT-PCR; the expression levels of NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and P-gp170 protein in kidney tissues were detected by Western blotting; and dual luciferase was used to verify the relationship between miR-16 and NF-κB.@*RESULTS@#The renal tissue structure of rats in the control group was normal without inflammatory cell infiltration. The renal glomeruli of rats in the model group were mildly congested, capillary stenosis or occlusion, and inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious. The rats in the low-dose and high-dose APS groups had no obvious glomerular congestion, the proliferation of mesangial cells was significantly reduced, and the inflammatory cells were reduced. Compared with the high-dose APS group and the APS+miR-16 antagomir control group, there were more severe renal tissue structure damages in the APS + miR-16 antagomir group. Compared with the control group, the levels of UP, CHOL, BUN, SCr, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDR1 mRNA, and the protein levels of p-NF-κB p65 and P-gp170 in the model group were significantly increased (all P<0.05); the levels of ALB and miR-16 were significantly decreased (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of UP, CHOL, BUN, SCr, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDR1 mRNA, and the protein levels of pNF-κB p65 and P-gp170 in the low-dose and high-dose APS groups were significant decreased (all P<0.05); and the levels of ALB and miR-16 were significantly increased (both P<0.05). Compared with APS+miR-16 antagomir control group, the UP, CHOL, BUN, SCr, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, MDR1 mRNA, and the protein levels of p-NF-κB p65 and P-gp170 were significantly increased (all P<0.05). The levels of ALB and miR-16 were significantly decreased in the APS+miR-16 antagomir group compared with the APS+miR-16 antagomir control group (both P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#APS can regulate the miR-16/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby affecting the levels of MDR1 and P-gp170, and reducing the inflammation in the kidney tissues in the adriamycin nephropathy rats.

Absorbable Hemostatic Material with High Water Absorption Based on Polysaccharide / 中国医疗器械杂志

An absorbable hemostatic material based on polysaccharide was prepared. The concentration of blood cells and coagulation factors was increased by reducing the water content in the blood, so as to reduce the coagulation time and achieve the purpose of rapid hemostasis. The specific surface area of starch was increased by using hydrochloric acid to hydrolyze potato starch, which made it easier to combine with α-amylase and increased the degradation rate. Starch was crosslinked into microspheres by crosslinking agent, which made the particle size uniform and greatly improved the water absorption. The surface modification of crosslinked starch microspheres with carboxymethyl group can further improve the water absorption of hemostatic materials. The results showed that the water absorption rate of our hemostatic material was more than 800%, and the average hemostatic time in the animal model was 138.7s. Compared with the imported products on the market, our hemostatic material have better hemostatic performance.

Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides regulates Nrf2/HO-1 to relieve liver injury caused by multiple heavy metals in vivo and in vitro / 中国中药杂志

This study explored whether Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides(SSP) activates the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway to protect against liver damage jointly induced by multiple heavy metals. First, based on the proportion of dietary intake of six heavy metals in rice available in Beijing market, a heavy metal mixture was prepared for inducing mouse liver injury and HepG2 cell injury. Forty male Kunming mice were divided into five groups: control group, model group, glutathione positive control group, and low-and high-dose SSP groups, with eight mice in each group. After 30 days of intragastric administration, the liver injury in mice was observed by HE staining. In the in vitro experiment, MTT assay was conducted to detect the effects of SSP at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg·mL~(-1) on HepG2 cell survival at different time points. The content of alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the 48-h cell culture fluid was measured using micro-plate cultivation method, followed by the detection of the change in reactive oxygen species(ROS) content by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in cells were determined by RT-PCR, and their protein expression by Western blot. HE staining results showed that compared with the model group, the SSP administration groups exhibited significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and fatty infiltration in the liver, with better outcomes observed in the high-dose SSP group. In the in vitro MTT assay, compared with the model group, SSP at four concentrations all significantly increased the cell survival rate, decreased the ALT, AST, and ROS content(P<0.05), and down-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression(P<0.05). SSP significantly improves inflammatory infiltration in the liver tissue of mice exposed to a variety of heavy metals and corrects the liver fat degeneration, which may be related to its regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, reduction of ROS, and alleviation of oxidative damage.

Effects of different extracts of Dendrobium officinale on rats with chronic pharyngitis induced by pepper water combined with ammonia / 中国中药杂志

Dendrobium officinale can serve as Chinese medicinal material effective in nourishing yin, clearing heat, and producing fluid, and is used to treat throat diseases, but its active substances and mechanism are not clear. To clarify the active fraction and underlying mechanism of D. officinale against chronic pharyngitis(CP), the present study induced a CP model in rats by pepper water combined with low-concentration ammonia, and crude polysaccharides of D. officinale(DOP), non-polysaccharides of D. officinale(DON), and total extract of D. officinale(DOT)(0.33 g·kg~(-1), calculated according to the crude drug) were administered by gavage for six weeks. The changes in oral secretions and pharyngeal conditions of rats with CP were observed and rated. The hematological indicators were determined by an automatic hematology analyzer. The serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin 1β(IL-1β), and interleukin 6(IL-6), and T-lymphocyte cytokines, including interferon γ(IFN-γ), interleukin 4(IL-4), interleukin 17(IL-17), and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The proportions of CD3~+, CD4~+, and CD8~+cells in peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were determined by the flow cytometry. The histomorphological changes of the pharynx were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The protein expression of nuclear factor-κB P65(NF-κB P65), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), F4/80, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) in the pharynx were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that DOP and DON could significantly relieve pharyngeal lesions, reduce white blood cells(WBC) and lymphocytes(LYMP), decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and inhibit the protein expression of NF-κB P65, COX-2, F4/80, and MCP-1 in the pharynx. DOP was superior in reducing oral secretions and serum IL-17 level and inferior in increasing CD4~+/CD8~+ratio to DON. It is suggested that both polysaccharides and non-polysaccharides of D. officinale have anti-PC effects and the anti-inflammatory mechanism may be related to the regulation of T lymphocyte distribution and inhibition of the inflammatory signaling pathways mediated by NF-κB P65. The anti-inflammatory effect of DOP may be related to the regulation of Th17/Treg balance, while that of DON may be related to the regulation of the Th/Tc ratio.

Research advances in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Dendrobium plants / 中国中药杂志

Dendrobii Caulis are commonly used tonic Chinese medicinal materials with a long history of application. As demonstrated by pharmacological results, the chemical constituents and the extracts of Dendrobii Caulis have anti-inflammatory, antibacte-rial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects, and can also regulate immunity, lower blood pressure, and regulate blood sugar. The active ingredients contained are widely concerned by scholars. This paper comprehensively summarized the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Dendrobium plants reported so far. The chemical constituents isolated from Dendrobium plants are mainly alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, fluorenones, coumarins, bibenzyls, phenanthrenes, lignans, steroids, phenols, and polysaccharides. This paper is expected to provide a reference for further research, development, and utilization of Dendrobium plants.

Polysaccharide of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma inhibits expression of immune checkpoint PD-L1 by targeting miR-34a in esophageal carcinoma cells / 中国中药杂志

The immune checkpoint programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1)-mediated immunosuppression is among the important features of tumor. PD-L1, an immunosuppressant, can induce T cell failure by binding to programmed cell death-1(PD-1). Thus, the key to restoring the function of T cells is inhibiting the expression of PD-L1. The Chinese medicinal Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) has the anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic activities, and the polysaccharide in AMR(PAMR) plays a crucial role in immunoregulation, but the influence on the immune checkpoints which are closely related to immunosuppression has not been reported. MicroRNA-34 a(miR-34 a) expression in esophageal carcinoma tissue is significantly lower than that in normal tissue. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of PAMR on esophageal carcinoma cells, and the relationship between its inhibitory effect on PD-L1 expression and miR-34 a, which is expected to clarify the anti-tumor mechanism of PAMR. Firstly, different human esophageal carcinoma cell lines(EC9706, EC-1, TE-1, EC109 cells) were screend out, and expression of PD-L1 was determined. Then, EC109 cells, with high expression of PD-L1, were selected for further experiment. The result showed that PAMR suppressed EC109 cell growth. According to the real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR) and Western blot, it significantly suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of PD-L1, while promoting the expression of tumor suppressor miR-34 a. The confocal microscopy and luci-ferase assay proved that PAMR alleviated the inhibitory effect of PD-L1 while blocked miR-34 a. Additionally, the expression of PD-L1 was controlled by miR-34 a, and the combination of miR-34 a inhibitor with high-dose PAMR reversed the inhibitory effect of PAMR on PD-L1 protein expression. Thus, the PAMR may inhibit PD-L1 by increasing the expression of miR-34 a and regulating its downstream target genes. In conclusion, PAMR inhibits the expression of PD-L1 mainly by inducing miR-34 a.

Acetylation of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides and antioxidant activity of acetylated derivatives / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to acetylate Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides by acetic anhydride method, optimize process parameters and evaluate their antioxidant activity. With the degree of substitution(D_s) as a criterion, the effects of reaction time, acetic anhydride-to-polysaccharides ratio and temperature were investigated. Process parameters were optimized by single-factor experiment and response surface methodology. The infrared spectroscopy(IR) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) proved the successful acetylation and were employed to preliminarily analyze the structural characteristics of acetylated derivatives. The results showed that the D_s was 0.327 under the optimal technological conditions, including m(acetic anhydride):m(R. glutinosa polysaccharides)=2.70, reaction time 3.0 h and temperature 48 ℃. Further, the antioxidant properties of acetylated derivatives were investigated in vitro and acetylation was found effective to improve the antioxidant activity of R. glutinosa polysaccharides. This study provides a reference for the further development and application of R. glutinosa polysaccharides.

Protective effects of Moutan Cortex polysaccharides components on renal injury in diabetic nephropathy rats / 中国中药杂志

This study investigated the protective effects of Moutan Cortex polysaccharides components(MCPC) on the renal tissues of diabetic nephropathy(DN) rats and explored their regulation effect on inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The DN rat model was induced by high-glucose and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin(STZ), and then the rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive group and MCPC high(120 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), low(60 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) dose groups. After 12 weeks treatment, blood was taken from the orbit of the rats, and then they were sacrificed before the kidney tissues were collected. The serum and tissues were detected for related biochemical indicators and pathological changes of the kidney. Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the expression of FN and ColⅣ in the kidney tissue of DN rats. Compared with the model group, blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and 24 h urine protein in the MCPC high-dose group were significantly reduced(P<0.01). The results of HE, PAS, Masson staining showed that glomerular basement membrane thickening, Bowman's capsule narrowing and inflammatory cell infiltration in DN rats were improved in the MCPC high-dose group; the activity of T-SOD and GSH-Px in serum significantly increased(P<0.001), and the expression level of FN significantly decreased(P<0.001). The high-dose MCPC treatment could effectively inhibit the abnormal expression of Col Ⅳ(P<0.001) and significantly reduce the levels of AGEs and RAGE in serum(P<0.001), the content of VCAM-1 and IL-1β in serum(P<0.001), and the levels of IL-1β mRNA in kidney tissue(P<0.001), but failed to effectively reduce VCAM-1 mRNA levels in kidney tissues. The high-dose MCPC could significantly improve pathological injury of renal tissue and related renal indicators in DN rats, and achieve renal protection in DN rats mainly by regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory factors.

Extracts of Poria cocos polysaccharides improves alcoholic liver disease in mice via CYP2E1 and NF-κB inflammatory pathways / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the effect of extract of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP) on cytochrome P450 2 E1(CYP2 E1) and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways in alcoholic liver disease(ALD) mice and explored its protective effect and mechanism. Sixty male C57 BL/6 N mice of SPF grade were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a positive drug group(bifendate, 200 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-(200 mg·kg~(-1)) and low-dose(50 mg·kg~(-1)) PCP groups. Gao-binge mo-del was induced and the mice in each group were treated correspondingly. Liver morphological and pathological changes were observed and organ index was calculated. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were detected. Malondialdehyde(MDA) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in liver tissues were detected by assay kits. The levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The activation of macrophages was observed by immunofluorescence staining and protein expression of CYP2 E1, Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), NF-κB p65, and phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65) were analyzed by Western blot. The ALD model was properly induced. Compared with the model group, the PCP groups significantly improved the pathological injury of liver tissues. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that compared with the model group, the groups with drug intervention showed decreased macrophages in liver tissues. Additionally, the PCP groups showed reduced ALT, AST, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α(P<0.05), and potentiated activity of SOD(P<0.01). PCP extract has the protective effect against alcoholic liver injury in mice, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of CYP2 E1 and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory injury, thereby inhibiting the development of ALD.

Effects of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides on bone tissue structure and skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with disuse

ABSTRACT Purpose To study effects of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides (RGP) on bone tissue structure and skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with disuse. Methods A rat model of disuse osteoporosis combined with muscle atrophy was established by removing the bilateral ovaries of rats and fixing their hind limbs for a long time. Forty SD rats were administered intragastrically for 12 weeks. The bone histomorphometry parameters and the level of oxidative stress were measured. In addition, the changes of muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) mRNA expression in skeletal muscle of rats were observed. Results RGP significantly increased the percentage of fluorescence perimeter and bone mineralization deposition rate of the second lumbar vertebrae of rats. It also significantly increased the wet weight ratio and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle of rats. At the same time, RGP significantly increased the levels of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the skeletal muscle of rats, and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides also significantly reduced the expression levels of FOXO1, MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle. Conclusions RGP could improve the bone structure of osteoporotic rats. It could also improve muscle that atrophy may be related to the inhibition of FOXO1-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Effect of polysaccharides from seeds of Vaccaria segetalis in alleviating urinary tract infection induced bladder injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome / 中国中药杂志

To study the mechanism of polysaccharides from seeds of Vaccaria segetalis( PSV) in the treatment of bacterial cystitis through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. The rat model of urinary tract infection was used and treated with PSV,and the urine and bladders were collected. The level of interleukin-10( IL-10) in rat urine was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA). Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expressions of sonic hedgehog( SHH) and NLRP3 inflammasome [NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain 3( NLRP3),apoptosis associated speck like protein( ASC) and pro-caspase-1]. The expression of Toll-like receptor pathway was detected by RT-PCR. The death of 5637 cells induced by uropathogenic Escherichia coli( UPEC) and lactate dehydrogenase( LDH) release were evaluated using live/dead staining. The results showed that in the rat bladder,the expressions of SHH,NLRP3 inflammasomes and Toll-like receptors were significantly up-regulated,and NLRP3 inflammasomes were significantly activated by UPEC infection. The administration with PSV could significantly increase the concentration of IL-10 in urine,inhibit the expressions of SHH,NLRP3 inflammasomes and Toll-like receptors in bladder,and inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. A large number of 5637 cells were dead after UPEC infection and caused LDH production. PSV could significantly inhibit the death of 5637 cells and the release of LDH. In conclusion,PSV could inhibit the expression and activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes by inhibiting the Toll-like receptor pathway,thereby mitigating the bladder injury.

Transcriptomic profile of human erythroleukemia cells in response to Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide and its structure analysis / 中国天然药物

Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme) has been used as an ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. However, there are a limited number of studies concerning its therapeutic mechanism. High performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) analysis showed that the average molecular weight of the S. fusiforme polysaccharide, SFPS 191212, is 43 kDa. SFPS 191212 is composed of mannose, rhamnose, galactose, xylose, glucose, and fucose (at a molar ratio: 2.1 : 2.9 : 1.8 : 15.5 : 4.6 : 62.5) with α- and β-configurations. The present research evaluated the anti-tumor potential of the S. fusiforme polysaccharide in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells in vitro. To explore the SFPS 191212's apoptosis mechanism in HEL cells, transcriptome analysis was performed on HEL cells that were incubated with SFPS 191212. The inhibitory effect of SFPS 191212 on HEL cell growth was also analyzed. It was found that SFPS 191212 inhibited HEL cell proliferation, reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, and induced an insignificant toxic effect on normal human embryonic lung (MRC-5) cells. Compared with the control group, transcriptome analysis identified a total of 598 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 243 up-regulated genes and 355 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on all DEGs, and 900 GO terms and 52 pathways were found to be significantly enriched. Finally, 23 DEGs were randomly selected and confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, SFPS 191212 down-regulated the PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. Our results provide a framework for understanding the effect of SFPS 191212 on cancer cells and can serve as a resource for delineating the anti-tumor mechanisms of S. fusiforme.

Research progress on intestinal microecology regulating mechanism and biological activities of polysaccharides / 中国中药杂志

Intestinal microecology is an important defense system in the human body. The intestinal flora is the core micro-ecosystem in the human intestine. It has a symbiotic relationship with the overall functions of the body. It has strong metabolic activity to maintain the normal functioning of the body and resist the invasion of various viral antigens in the body. Playing a protective function,the imbalanced intestinal microecology can cause various diseases. Polysaccharides can be extracted from a wide range of sources and have low toxicity and side effects. They have attracted wide attention because of their anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities. Studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides can regulate intestinal microecological disorders. According to the studies in recent years, this review summarizes that polysaccharides mainly modulate intestinal microecological disorders through regulating the composition of intestinal flora, improving the metabolism of the flora, and repairing the intestinal tract barrier. On the basis of these mechanisms of action, this paper elaborates the anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of polysaccharides. This paper can provide reference for the future research on the intestinal microecology-regulating mechanism and biological activities of polysaccharides.

Antidepressant effect of acidic polysaccharides from Poria and their regulation of neurotransmitters and NLRP3 pathway / 中国中药杂志

The rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) and kept in separate cages for inducing depressive disorder, which was judged by behavioral indicators. The number and morphology of neurons in hippocampal CA3 area and prefrontal cortex were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid(5-HIAA), dopamine(DA), norepinephrine(NE), glutamic acid(GLU), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of related molecules in NLRP3 pathway. The results showed that compared with the model group, acidic polysaccharides from Poria at the low-, medium-, and high-doses(0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) all improved the depression-like behavior of rats, increased the number of neurons and the levels of BDNF, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, DA, and NE in the hippocampus, and reduced GLU and serum IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α levels. The mRNA expression levels of ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 and the protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in each medication group were down-regulated, whereas the protein expression levels of pro-caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18 were up-regulated. All these have indicated that acidic polysaccharides from Poria exerted the antidepressant effect possibly by regulating neurotransmitters and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Effect of Maltodextrin Concentration and Inlet Air Temperature on Properties of Spray Dried Powder from Reverse Osmosis Concentrated Sweet Orange Juice

Abstract Sweet orange juice is an important part of diet since it is nutritious beverage offering good taste and play significant part in a healthy diet. High hygroscopicity, thermo-plasticity and presence of low molecular weight components in sweet orange juice offer low glass transition temperature (Tg), likely to form soft particle with sticky surface leading to sticky powder during drying. Maltodextrins are amorphous drying aids that tend to inhibit sugar crystallization and form a high Tg product after drying. In this study, the effect of the different spray drying parameters on the quality of powder derived from control and concentrated juice at three inlet air temperatures 120, 130 and 140 °C and at three levels of juice total soluble solids (TSS): maltodextrin levels at 1:0.5; 1:1 and 1:1.5 were studied. The impact of inlet air temperature and maltodextrin concentration has significantly affected various properties of sweet orange powder. For control juice, process yields increased with increase in inlet air temperature and maltodextrin concentration. However, for reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate, process yield increased with increase in maltodextrin concentration and decreased with increase in inlet air temperature. For control juice, process yields obtained were in the range of 12.59-41.16% and in case of concentrated juice, the process yield obtained was in the range of 21.35-56.95% at different combinations of inlet air temperature and maltodextrin concentrations. Spray-dried powder was considered as "possible" and "fair" in terms of flowability and cohesiveness. Vitamin C retention was high at lower inlet air temperature with lower concentration of maltodextrin.

Inhibitory effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by regulating FoxO3a /Wnt signaling pathway

Abstract Purpose: To investigate inhibitory effect of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by regulating FoxO3a/Wnt2 signaling pathway. Methods: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) animal model was developed by excising the bilateral ovaries of rats. The model rats were administered with APS (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg) by intragastric administration once daily for 12 weeks. Bone density, bone metabolism index and oxidative stress index were measured in all groups. Furthermore, the regulation of APS of FoxO3a / Wnt2 signaling pathway was observed. Results: APS has an estrogen-like effect, which can increase bone mass, lower serum ALP and BGP values, increase blood calcium content, and increase bone density of the femur and vertebrae in rats. At the same time, APS can increase the bone mineral content of the femur, increase the maximum stress, maximum load and elastic modulus of the ovariectomized rats, improve oxidative stress in rats by increasing the gene expression of β-catenin and Wnt2 mRNA and inhibiting the gene expression of FoxO3a mRNA. Conclusion: Astragalus polysaccharide can effectively alleviate oxidative stress-mediated osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats, which may be related to its regulation of FoxO3a/Wnt2/β-catenin pathway.

Immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor, beta-cell lymphoma 2 and cluster of differentiation 68 in cerebellar tissue of rats treated with Ganoderma lucidum / Inmunoexpresión del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular, linfoma de células beta 2 y grupo de diferenciación 68 en tejido cerebeloso de ratas tratadas con Ganoderma lucidum

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can potentially lead to hemorrhages in all areas of the skull, which can damage cells and nerve connections. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPS) as a antioxidant on cerebellar cell tissues after traumatic brain injury in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to TBI with a weight-drop device using 300 g1m weight-height impact. The groups are consisted of control, trauma, and trauma+Ganoderma lucidum groups. At seven days post-brain injury, experimental rats were decapitated after intraperitoneal administration of ketamine HCL (0.15 ml/100 g body weight). Cereballar samples were taken for histological examination or determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Significant improvement was observed in cells and vascular structures of Ganoderma lucidum treated groups when compared to untreated groups. It is believed that Ganoderma lucidum may have an effect on the progression of traumatic brain injury. Ganoderma lucidum application may affect angiogenetic development in blood vessel endothelial cells, decrease inflammatory cell accumulation by affecting cytokine mechanism and may create apoptotic nerve cells and neuroprotective mechanism in glial cells.

La lesión cerebral traumática (LCT) puede provocar hemorragias en todas las áreas del cráneo, lo que puede dañar las células y las conexiones nerviosas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos protectores de los polisacáridos de Ganoderma lucidum (GLPS) como antioxidante en los tejidos de las células del cerebelo después de la lesión cerebral traumática en ratas. Ratas Sprague Dawley fueron sometidas a TBI con un dispositivo de caída de peso usando un impacto de peso de 300 g-1 m. Se formaron los siguientes grupos: control, trauma y trauma + Ganoderma lucidum. Siete días después de la lesión cerebral, las ratas experimentales fueron decapitadas después de la administración intraperitoneal de ketamina HCL (0,15 ml / 100 g de peso corporal). Se tomaron muestras cerebrales para el examen histológico y para la determinación de niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y glutatión (GSH) y actividad de mieloperoxidasa (MPO). Se observó una mejora significativa en las células y las estructuras vasculares de los grupos tratados con Ganoderma lucidum en comparación con los grupos no tratados. Durante el estudio se observó que Ganoderma lucidum puede tener un efecto sobre la progresión de la lesión cerebral traumática. La aplicación de Ganoderma lucidum puede afectar el desarrollo angiogénico en las células endoteliales de los vasos sanguíneos, disminuir la acumulación de células inflamatorias al afectar el mecanismo de las citocinas y puede crear células nerviosas apoptóticas y un mecanismo neuroprotector en las células gliales.

Appraisal of acute oral toxicity of glucuronoxylan hydrogel from Mimosa pudica seeds

Glucuronoxylan hydrogel (GXH) isolated from M. pudica seeds was assessed for acute toxicology in albino mice that were alienated into four groups. Three groups, i.e., II, III and IV received GXH at a dose of 1, 2 and 5 g/kg, respectively while group I was retained untreated and provided routine diet. After administering GXH, mice were examined for vomiting, diarrhea, allergy and tremors for 8 h. All animals were carefully observed for food and water consumption at 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 day after administering GXH. At the end of studies, blood samples were drawn for investigation of hematological and biochemical parameters. All animals were sacrificed, relative body weight of vital organs was calculated and their histopathology was studied. It was concluded that there was insignificant difference in body weight, behavioral pattern, food and water intake among treated and control groups. Haematology and biochemistry of blood samples from all groups were found analogous. Histopathological evaluation of vital body organs exhibited no lesions in all groups. Ocular, cardiac and dermal safety of GXH was also established on albino rabbits.

Improved antimelanogenesis and antioxidant effects of polysaccharide from Cuscuta chinensis Lam seeds after enzymatic hydrolysis

Cuscuta chinensis polysaccharide (CPS) was extracted using hot water and enzymatically hydrolyzed C. chinensis polysaccharide (ECPS) was produced by the mannase enzymatic hydrolysis process. The purpose of this research was to investigate the antimelanogenic activity of ECPS and CPS in B16F10 melanoma cells. The in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by their ferric iron reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging activities. The molecular mass distribution of polysaccharides was determined using SEC-MALLS-RI. CPS was successfully enzymatically degraded using mannase and the weighted average molecular weights of CPS and ECPS were 434.6 kDa and 211.7 kDa. The results of biological activity assays suggested that the enzymatically hydrolyzed polysaccharide had superior antimelanogenic activity and antioxidant effect than the original polysaccharide. ECPS exhibited antimelanogenic activity by down-regulating the expression of tyrosinase, MITF, and TRP-1 without cytotoxic effects in B16F10 melanoma cells. In conclusion, ECPS have the potential to become a skin whitening product.