Preliminary study on the mechanism of POFUT1 in colorectal cancer.

To analyse the effect of POFUT1 (Protein O-Fucosyltransferase 1) on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and to explore its potential mechanism. The effects of POFUT1 silencing in vitro on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of CRC cells were investigated using the SW480 and RKO cell lines. The effect of POFUT1 expression on cell phenotype was detected by cell proliferation assay (CCK8), colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, transwell assay, cell apoptosis assay, etc. In vitro, silencing of POFUT1 resulted in decreased proliferation, cell cycle arrest, reduced migration and increased apoptosis of CRC cells. In CRC cells, POFUT1 plays a tumour-promoting role by promoting cell proliferation and migration and inhibiting apoptosis.

Polyphenols from Arctium lappa L ameliorate doxorubicin-induced heart failure and improve gut microbiota composition in mice.

In this study, the ameliorative effect of purified polyphenols from Arctium lappa L (ALPP) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induce heart failure was investigated. Results indicated that ALPP pretreatment significantly reduced the activities of casein kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, lowered the levels of inflammatory indexes (TNF-α and NO), and alleviated antioxidant stress in DOX-induce mice, thus leading to a reduced heart failure syndrome. In addition, according to 16s high-throughput sequencing, the increased abundance of Lactobacillaceae,Muribaculaceae, and Ruminococcaceae and the decreased abundance of Proteobacteria,Enterobacteriaee, and Escherichia_Shigella were observed in ALPP treatment group. ALPP could significantly enhance the abundance of bacteria producing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and then promote the increase of SCFAs. Consequently, ALPP might be a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of DOX-induced heart failure. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The effect of Arctium lappa L (ALPP) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced heart failure was investigated. It provided experimental basis for further studies on the biological activity of polyphenols from ALPP. The results demonstrated that ALPP could significantly ameliorate DOX-induced heart failure and improve the gut microbiota composition. The obtained results could provide the potential application of ALPP as an alternative therapy for heart failure in the functional food industry.

Structure and functional properties of active packaging films prepared by incorporating different flavonols into chitosan based matrix.

Kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin are typical flavonols that feature different number of hydroxyl substituents at B-ring. In this study, kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin were individually mixed with chitosan (CS) based film matrix to develop active packaging films. Results showed the incorporation of flavonols produced dense inner microstructure by establishing intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions with film matrix. The addition of flavonols reduced the water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability and UV-vis light transmittance of the films, whereas elevated the tensile strength, elongation at break, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and antimicrobial activity of the films. Among all the films, the film containing myricetin showed the highest water vapor and oxygen barrier abilities and mechanical properties. Notably, different films presented distinct flavonol release behaviors in fatty and aqueous food stimulants. Kaempferol was easily released into fatty food stimulant, while myricetin was easily released into aqueous food stimulant. The release behavior of flavonols in different food stimulants greatly affected the antioxidant activity of the films. Our results suggest the structure and functional properties of the films are closely related to the number of hydroxyl substituents at B-ring of flavonols.

Anti-inflammatory activity of alkali-soluble polysaccharides from Arctium lappa L. and its effect on gut microbiota of mice with inflammation.

In this study, an alkali-soluble polysaccharide (ASALP) from Arctium lappa L. were extracted and purified. Our results indicated that ASALP was a homogeneous polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 1.2 × 105 Da composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 1.2: 4.4: 0.9: 0.9: 2.6. The structure characterization indicated that ASALP was mainly consisted of →5-α-L-Araf-(1 â†’ backbone and α-Araf-(1→,→2)-α-Rhap-(1 â†’ T-Glcp-(1→, →3)-ß-D-Xylp-(1 â†’ 4)-α-GalpA-(1 â†’ branches. In vitro and in vivo assay showed that ASALP could effectively alleviate inflammation by improving the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Specifically, ASALP significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages and in the serum of inflammatory mice, but increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10. The results from 16S rRNA (V3-V4) amplicon sequencing showed that the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Alistipes, Odoribacter and Lactobacillus in mice was significantly increased after ASALP treatment. Lower levels of Proteobacteria, Staphylococcus and Bacteroidetes were detected in LPS + ASALP treatment group. ASALP alleviated inflammation by improving the reduction of microbial diversity and affecting the composition of the gut microbiota. Our study could provide the basis for the subsequent research and application of ASALP.

Anti-inflammatory properties and gut microbiota modulation of an alkali-soluble polysaccharide from purple sweet potato in DSS-induced colitis mice.

In this study, the potential effects of a novel alkali-soluble polysaccharide (ASPP) from purple sweet potato on colonic histopathology, inflammation and microbiota composition in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice were evaluated. The results indicated that ASPP restored the immune organ indices, increased colon length, improved colonic histopathology in colitis mice as well as inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) in colonic tissue and serum. Moreover, 16S rRNA phylogenetic sequencing revealed that ASPP ameliorated the compositions and functions of gut microbiota in DSS-induced colitis mice. It was found that Parasutterella, Desulfovibrio, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Erysipelotrichaceae, Bacteroidetes were the key bacteria associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). Taken together, ASPP alleviated colonic inflammation via blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines; meanwhile ASPP could modulate the structure of gut microbiota in DSS-induced colitis mice.

Anti-inflammatory activity of a water-soluble polysaccharide from the roots of purple sweet potato.

In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide was isolated from purple sweet potato roots. The in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the polysaccharide were evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory RAW264.7 macrophages and mice, respectively. The in vitro anti-inflammatory assay showed that the polysaccharide could effectively inhibit the overproduction of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6) while increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). The in vivo anti-inflammatory assay revealed that mice administered with the polysaccharide showed higher IL-10, SOD, and T-AOC levels but lower TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and MDA levels as compared to the LPS-treated model. Meanwhile, mice administered with the polysaccharide showed increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillales and Parabacteroides but decreased amounts of Psychrobacter and Staphylococcus as compared to the LPS model group. Moreover, mice administered with polysaccharide showed enhanced production of short chain fatty acids by gut microbiota in the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory mice. Our results suggested that the water-soluble polysaccharide from purple sweet potato roots could be utilized as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of water-soluble polysaccharide from Arctium lappa.

In this study, the purified water-soluble polysaccharide (ALP-1) from Arctium lappa was used to intervene lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophage and systemic inflammatory mice. Our results showed that ALP-1 could effectively accommodate the levels of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and serum of mice, including increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10) and down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α). Moreover, according to our data from 16 s high-throughput sequencing, as compared with LPS model group, the composition of gut microbiota in mice was ameliorated in ALP-1 treatment group. There were higher levels of several probiotics in the stools of ALP-1 treatment group, such as Lactobacillius, Alistipes, Odoribacter, and Phascolarctobacterium. Simultaneously, symbiotic bacteria like Bacteroides were inhibited by ALP-1. Besides, ALP-1 could significantly enhance the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in gut.

Structural characterization of water-soluble polysaccharide from Arctium lappa and its effects on colitis mice.

In this study, water-soluble polysaccharide from Arctium lappa was extracted, isolated and purified to be a fraction (ALP-1). Characterization of structure revealed that ALP-1 was a kind of fructan with a molecular weight of 5.12 × 103 Da. ALP-1 was composed of (2→ 1)-ß-d-fructofuranose backbone linked to a terminal of (2 → 1)-α-d-glucopyranose at the non-reducing end and a (2 → 6)-ß-d-fructofuranose branching. DSS-induced colitis mice were used to determine the inhibitory effects of ALP-1 on gut inflammation. Results indicated that ALP-1 could significantly ameliorate the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) caused by colitis. Besides, as compared with model group, the abundance of Firmicutes, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus were significantly increased with ALP-1 treatment. And ALP-1 could significantly inhibit the levels of Proteobacteria, Alcaligenaceae, Staphylococcusand and Bacteroidetes. Therefore, ALP-1 may be effective in protecting mice from DSS-induced colitis.

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of alkali-soluble polysaccharides from purple sweet potato.

In this study, the structural characterization and anti-inflammation effect of dilute alkali-soluble polysaccharides from purple sweet potato were investigated. Three fractions (F-1, F-2 and F-3) were obtained by purifying crude polysaccharides on DEAE-52 cellulose column. The main fraction (F-1) was further purified on Sephadex G-200 column to afford purified alkali-soluble sweet potato polysaccharide (ASPP). The chemical structure of ASPP was analyzed by gas chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, methylation analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Monosaccharide compositional analysis showed ASPP was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose and glucose in the molar ratio of 2.8:1.9:1.0:7.6:53.3. Moreover, the backbone of ASPP was composed of 1,4-linked Glcp with side chains attached to the O-6 position. The anti-inflammation effect of ASPP was further investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results showed ASPP could inhibit the levels of nitric oxide, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α but increase the production of IL-10 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In addition ASPP could reduce the secretion of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α in LPS-treated mice. Our results suggest ASPP can be developed as a novel anti-inflammation agent.

Immune-enhancing effects of polysaccharides from purple sweet potato.

Immune-enhancing effects of three kinds of purple sweet potato polysaccharides (PSPPs) including water-soluble polysaccharide (WSP), dilute alkali-soluble polysaccharide (DASP) and concentrated alkali-soluble polysaccharide (CASP) were evaluated. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that all PSPPs could stimulate the formation of microvilli-like structures in cellular surfaces, which was possibly related to activation of macrophages. Neutral red uptake assay showed that PSPPs could increase the phagocytic activity of cells. High dose (400 µg/mL) of PSPPs could notably augment the level of nitric oxide (NO). ELISA analysis revealed that 200 and 400 µg/mL of PSPPs distinctly elevated the production of IL-1ß. Cells received 200 and 400 µg/mL of WSP as well as 400 µg/mL of DASP exhibited higher level of IL-6. Results of animal experiments showed that WSP treatment (400 mg/kg) could promote the secretions of IgA, IgG, IgM and sIgA in both normal and immunosuppressed mice. Moreover, CASP treatment (400 mg/kg) elevated the production of IgM in the serum of normal and immunosuppressive mice, while DASP (400 mg/kg) only improved the secretion of IgM in normal mice. In summary, all three polysaccharides can stimulate immune responses of macrophages and positively regulate adaptive immunity by enhancing the production of immunoglobulins in mice.

Characterization, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of purple sweetpotato polysaccharides.

In this study, three kinds of polysaccharides (named PSWP, PSAP-1 and PSAP-2) were successively isolated from purple sweetpotato tubers by hot water, 0.5M and 2M sodium hydroxide solutions. The characterization, in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo hepatoprotective effect of these polysaccharides were investigated. Results indicated that PSWP, PSAP-1 and PSAP-2 were all ß-type polysaccharides containing different contents of uronic acid, protein and polyphenol. Both PSWP and PSAP-1 were composed by arabinose, glucose and galactose, whereas PSAP-2 was consisted of arabinose, rhamnose and glucose. All the polysaccharides exhibited moderate 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power. As compared with tetrachloromethane (CCl4) treatment group, mice administrated with PSWP, PSAP-1 and PSAP-2 exhibited decreased levels of serum enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) and hepatic lipid peroxidation, whereas increased levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic antioxidant (glutathione). Notably, PSWP displayed stronger antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect than PSAP-1 and PSAP-2. The hepatoprotective effect of PSWP was comparable to positive standard of silymarin. Our results suggested polysaccharides from purple sweetpotato possessed potential antioxidant activity and protective effect against CCl4-induced acute liver damage.

Preparation, characterization, digestibility and antioxidant activity of quercetin grafted Cynanchum auriculatum starch.

In this study, a novel method was developed to conjugate quercetin with Cynanchum auriculatum starch. Quercetin was first succinylized and then grafted onto C. auriculatum starch through a N,N'­carbonyldiimidazole mediated reaction. The obtained water soluble quercetin grafted starch (quercetin-g-starch) was characterized by several instrumental methods. UV-vis spectrum of quercetin-g-starch aqueous solution exhibited two absorption bands at around 300 and 430nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectrum of quercetin-g-starch showed characteristic bands at 1731 and 1568cm-1, assigning to CO stretching of esterified carboxyl group and CC stretching of aromatic ring, respectively. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of quercetin-g-starch showed partial proton signals of starch (3.30-5.47ppm) and quercetin (6.19-7.68ppm). All above results suggested quercetin was successfully grafted onto C. auriculatum starch. Besides, quercetin-g-starch particles were irregular in shape and were in an amorphous state. Notably, the thermal stability, resistant starch content as well as antioxidant activity of C. auriculatum starch was greatly enhanced by grafting with quercetin. This indicated the potential of quercetin-g-starch in the development of a novel resistant starch with antioxidant activity.

Effects of polysaccharides from purple sweet potatoes on immune response and gut microbiota composition in normal and cyclophosphamide treated mice.

In this study, three polysaccharides including water-soluble polysaccharide (WSP), dilute alkali-soluble polysaccharide (DASP) and concentrated alkali-soluble polysaccharide (CASP) were extracted from purple sweet potatoes and then administered to normal and cyclophosphamide (CTX) treated mice by gavage. The results showed that WSP and CASP could restore the spleen index and immune cytokine (IL-2 and IL-6) levels in CTX treated mice, while DASP could enhance the levels of TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6. As compared to the normal control group, WSP and CASP treatment groups exhibited increased levels of Bacteroidetes, Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospira, but decreased levels of Firmicutes, Alcaligenaceae and Sutterella in normal mice. When compared with a model control group, all the three polysaccharide treatment groups showed relatively higher abundances of Bacteroidetes, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus and Oscillospira but lower levels of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Alcaligenaceae and Sutterella in CTX treated mice. Moreover, all the polysaccharides could enhance the production of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid in normal mice, while WSP could upregulate the production of these short chain fatty acids in CTX treated mice.