Structure characterization of polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola and their neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress in slow transit constipation mice.

Oxidative stress-induced enteric neuropathy is an important factor in slow transit constipation (STC). Cistanche deserticola crude polysaccharides (CDCP) are natural antioxidants with various biological activities. We prepared CDCP through water-extract and alcohol-precipitation methods. The structural characteristics of CDCP were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and methylation analysis. The results showed that CDCP was primarily composed of (1 â†’ 4)-linked glucans with minor amounts of pectic polysaccharides. Different doses of CDCP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were administered to loperamide-induced STC mice to explore the therapeutic effects of CDCP. Compared with the untreated group, CDCP treatment significantly improved constipation symptoms, relevant gut-regulating peptides levels, colonic pathological damage, and colonic myenteric nerons injury. CDCP enhanced the antioxidant capacity by decreasing Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increasing Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) content. CDCP significantly reduced oxidative stress-induced injury by preserving mitochondrial function in the colonic myenteric plexus. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of CDCP might be associated with the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Thus, our findings first revealed the potential of CDCP to protect the colonic myenteric plexus against oxidative stress-induced damage in STC, establishing CDCP as promising candidates for natural medicine in the clinical management of STC.

Optimization of Extraction Process, Preliminary Characterization and Safety Study of Crude Polysaccharides from Morindae Officinalis Radix.

In this study, the hot water extraction process of crude polysaccharides from Morindae officinalis radix (cMORP) was conducted and optimized through a single-factor test and orthogonal experimental design. With the optimal extraction process (extraction temperature of 80 °C, extraction time of 2 h, liquid/solid ratio of 15 mL/g, and number of extraction of 1), the cMORP was obtained by the ethanol precipitation method. The chemical properties and preliminary characterization of the cMORP were analyzed by chemical or instrumental methods. Furthermore, to indicate a preliminary study on safety, a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW) was administered orally to Kunming (KM) mice for acute toxicity, and the cMORP was administered orally to KM mice once a day at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW for 30 days. General behaviors, body weight variations, histopathology, relative organ weights, and hematological and serum biochemical parameters were observed and recorded. The results suggested there were no toxicologically significant changes. Based on the safety study, cMORP can be initially considered non-toxic with no acute oral toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg BW and safe at up to 100 mg/kg BW in KM mice for 30 days.

Ultrasonic-Cellulase Synergistic Extraction of Crude Polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera Leaves and Alleviation of Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells.

Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) are a new food resource, rich in functional factors. MOL polysaccharides are important active macromolecules within MOL. However, there are problems, such as low extraction rates and lack of evidence for functional activity. Therefore, in this experiment, single-factor experiments were carried out using MOL powder as the raw material, and the Plackett-Burman test was used to screen the significantly influential test factors. The extraction process of MOL polysaccharide was optimized by response surface methodology. The insulin resistance alleviating activity of MOLP polysaccharides was initially explored. The results showed that the extraction of Moringa oleifera leaves crude polysaccharides (MOLP) by ultrasonic assisted cellulase enzymatic digestion was (17.03 ± 1.03)%, and the obtained MOLP was a crude polysaccharide with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 279.48 kDa, consisting of fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. MOLP had an IC50 value of 8.02 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and scavenging activity against free radicals such as ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion with an IC50 value of 0.21 mg/mL 0.31 mg/mL 0.97 mg/mL 0.49 mg/mL. At the same time, MOLP significantly enhanced the glucose consumption, glycogen synthesis, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activity, and reduced the MDA and ROS content in high glucose-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells. This experiment improved the extraction rate of MOLP and demonstrated that MOLP has antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which can alleviate the insulin resistance of high glucose-induced HepG2 cells. It provides partial data support for the possible hypoglycemic effect of MOLP by alleviating oxidative stress, and also provides new ideas for the in-depth study of basic research and industrial application of MOLP.

Lentinula edodes, a Novel Source of Polysaccharides with Antioxidant Power.

The fruiting bodies of edible mushrooms represent an important source of biologically active polysaccharides. In this study, Lentinula edodes crude polysaccharides (LECP) were extracted in hot water, and their antioxidant and antiradical activities were investigated. The antioxidant activity of LECP was investigated against reactive species such as 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, reducing power with EC50 values of 0.51, 0.52, 2.19, 3.59 and 1.73 mg/mL, respectively. Likewise, LECP inhibited the lipid peroxidation induced in methyl linoleate through the formation of conjugated diene hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde. The main sugar composition of LECP includes mannose, galactose, glucose, fucose and glucuronic acid. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance determined that LECP was made up of α and ß glycosidic bonds with a backbone of α-D-Glc, →6)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→ and ß-D-Manp-(1→ residues. The results showed that LECP can scavenge all reactive species tested in a concentration-dependent manner and with a protective effect in the initial and final stages of lipid peroxidation. The natural antioxidant activity of the LECP that was investigated strengthens the high medicinal and nutritional value of this mushroom.

Tremella fuciformis Crude Polysaccharides Attenuates Steatosis and Suppresses Inflammation in Diet-Induced NAFLD Mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disorder characterized by an enhanced accumulation of lipids, which affects around 40% of the world's population. The T. fuciformis fungus possesses immunomodulatory activity and other beneficial properties that may alleviate steatosis through a different mechanism. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect T. fuciformis crude polysaccharides (TFCP) on inflammatory and lipid metabolism gene expression, oxidative stress, and lipid profile. Mice were divided into groups receiving (a) a normal chow diet (NCD), (b) a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet, and (c) a MCD diet with TFCP. Liver histopathology was performed, and the hepatic gene expression levels were estimated using qRT-PCR. The lipid profiles, ALT, AST, and efficient oxidative enzymes were analyzed using ELISA. The TFCP administration in the MCD-fed mice suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation, lipid metabolism-associated genes (HMGCR, FABP, SREBP, ACC, and FAS), and inflammation-associated genes (IL-1ß, TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6) whilst enhancing the expression of HNF4α genes. TFCP mitigated against oxidative stress and normalized healthy lipid profiles. These results highlighted that TFCP prevents NAFLD through the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting TFCP would potentially be an effective therapeutic agent against NAFLD progression.

Optimal dose analysis of Th1/Th2 immuno-enhancement effects of cultivated Artemisia rupestris crude polysaccharides on foot-and-mouth disease inactivated vaccine via intramuscular route / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To investigate the optimal dose of Th1/Th2 immuno-enhancement effects of cultivated Artemisia rupestris L. crude polysaccharides (CARCP) on foot-and-mouth disease vaccine (FMDV) via the intramuscular route. Methods:ICR mice were intramuscularly immunized twice with different concentrations of CARCP mixed with FMDV at 2-week intervals. FMDV-specific antibodies, isotypes, and IgE in serum were detected by ELISA. Splenocyte proliferation was detected by MTT. T lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in the spleen were detected by flow cytometry. Clinical signs and local reactions at the injection site were monitored daily, and the body weight of mice was weighed after immunization.Results:The medium dose of CARCP could significantly improve FMDV-specific IgG, IgG 1, and IgG 2a antibody levels and the IgG 2a/IgG 1 ratio ( P<0.05) and lead to significant splenocyte proliferative responses ( P<0.01). The medium dose of CARCP could also significantly increase the level of CD3 +CD4 + and CD3 +CD8 + T cells as well as CD4 +/CD8 + ratio ( P<0.05), elicited the higher levels of IFN-γ in CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells ( P<0.05). No local adverse reactions at the injection site were observed after immunization. There was no significant difference in body weight or growth between each group( P>0.05). CARCP did not significantly induce an IgE response ( P>0.05). Conclusions:CARCP as an FMDV adjuvant promotes Th1/Th2 immune responses, especially in favor of the Th1 response, and has a certain safety profile. The best immune enhancement is achieved with CARCP at medium doses.

Antigen sparing with influenza virus vaccine formulated with crude polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C.Ma adjuvant / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the antigen-sparing effects of crude polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C.Ma (CPCD) for influenza virus vaccine (IVV). Methods:ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with CPCD combined with different doses of IVV (0.01 μg and 0.1 μg). Hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay was used to detect HI titers in serum samples. Indirect ELISA was performed to detect the levels of specific IgG antibodies and their subtypes in serum samples. The proliferation of splenic lymphocytes was detected by MTT assay. The percentages of CD4 + , CD8 + and CD44 + T cells and the levels of IFN-γ in splenic cells isolated from the vaccinated mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results:CPCD significantly increased HI titers (234.67±47.70 vs 149.33±47.70, P<0.05), promoted the production of IgG ( A450 value: 1.16±0.63 vs 0.30±0.21, P<0.05) and IgG1 ( A450 value: 1.09±0.60 vs 0.26±0.21, P<0.05) and enhanced splenic lymphocyte proliferation ( P<0.05). CPCD also significantly up-regulated the expression of CD4 + [(41.97±4.58)% vs (25.43±1.48)%, P<0.05], CD8 + [(12.67±0.33)% vs (9.02±1.07)%, P<0.05], CD4 + CD44 + [(11.77±0.69)% vs (8.64±0.71)%, P<0.05] and CD8 + CD44 + [(6.70±0.67)% vs (4.66±0.39)%, P<0.05] T cell subsets as well as the secretion of IFN-γ in CD4 + [(1.36±0.07)% vs (0.87±0.06)%, P<0.05] and CD8 + [(2.09±0.20)% vs (1.42±0.08)%, P<0.05] T cells. In addition, there was no significant difference between CPCD combined with low-dose IVV group and high-dose IVV alone group ( P>0.05), implying a 10-fold antigen sparing. Conclusions:CPCD, as an adjuvant for influenza virus vaccine, could enhance humoral and cellular immune responses and reduce antigen dose, which might be a potential adjuvant for seasonal or pandemic influenza vaccines.

Anti-Hyperlipidemia and Gut Microbiota Community Regulation Effects of Selenium-Rich Cordyceps militaris Polysaccharides on the High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice Model.

Supplementation of polysaccharides is a promising gut microbiota-targeted therapeutic method for obesity and metabolic diseases. Biological activities of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides have been well reported, but the effect of selenium (Se)-rich C. militaris polysaccharides (SeCMP) on obesity and associated metabolic disorder and gut microbiota composition has been rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity and gut microbiota modulatory effect of crude polysaccharides separated from Se-rich C. militaris on a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice model. Mice were treated with a normal diet (CHOW), HFD alone, HFD plus C. militaris polysaccharides (CMP), or low/medium/high dosage of SeCMP for 8 weeks. Body weight, fat content, serum lipid, appetite hormone, lipid gene expression, inflammation cytokines, thermogenic protein, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microbiota structure of the mice were determined. Compared with HFD-fed mice, the serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the SeCMP-200 group were decreased by 51.5% and 44.1%, respectively. Furthermore, serum lipopolysaccharide-binding proteins (LBP), adiponectin level, and pro-inflammation gene expression in the colon and subcutaneous fat were inhibited, whereas anti-inflammation gene expression was improved, reflecting SeCMP-200 might mitigate obese-induced inflammation. Meanwhile, SeCMP-200 promoted satiety and thermogenesis of obese mice. It also significantly decreased gut bacteria, such as Dorea, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Ruminococcus, that negatively correlated with obesity traits and increased mucosal beneficial bacteria Akkermansia. There was no significant difference between CMP and SeCMP-100 groups. Our results revealed a high dose of SeCMP could prevent HFD-induced dyslipidemia and gut microbiota dysbiosis and was potential to be used as functional foods.

Effect of different mycobionts on symbiotic germination and seedling growth of Dendrobium officinale, an important medicinal orchid.

BACKGROUND: Orchids maintain a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi in the lifecycle. Previous reports indicated that diverse mycobionts may have different roles during orchid growth and development. Although various mycorrhizal fungi have been isolated from Dendrobium roots and protocorms, little is known about their specific effects on seed germination and seedling growth. To understand the specific role of isolated fungal strains (i.e., Tulasnella and Sebacina), we used symbiotic culture to compare the effect of 6 fungal strains on seed germination and seedling growth of Dendrobium officinale, an important Chinese medicinal orchid. RESULTS: In symbiotic germination tests, 6 fungal strains (4 Tulasnella strains and 2 Sebacina strains) promoted seed germination with different efficiencies. Seeds inoculated with Tulasnella strains S6 and S7 conferred higher germination percentage and faster protocorm development than other fungal strains. In symbiotic cultures, seedlings inoculated with Sebacina strain S3 had optimal fresh and dry matter yield. Also, Tulasnella strains S6 and S7 promoted seedling growth with good fresh and dry matter yield. Sebacina strain S2 inoculation greatly enhanced root and tiller production and the content of total crude polysaccharides, although seedlings were smaller with less fresh and dry matter yield than other seedlings. CONCLUSIONS: Tulasnella and Sebacina strains could promote seed germination and seedling growth of D. officinale with different efficiencies. Our results suggest a non-specific mycorrhizal association and development-dependent preference. Our data provide the basic knowledge for use of different fungal strains in conservation and/or production practices of D. officinale.

Aqueous extracts of Agave sisalana boles have prebiotic potential.

This work aimed at evaluating the prebiotic potential of the aqueous extract and crude polysaccharides from Agave sisalana boles by an in vitro screening. Crude polysaccharides were obtained from the aqueous bole extract by precipitation with acetone and resuspension in water. The liquid extract and the polysaccharide solution were then spray dried and submitted to thermal analysis and quantification of metabolites. Prebiotic activity was checked on probiotic strains belonging to the Lactobacillus genus using inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, fructose and glucose as positive controls. The powder of A. sisalana bole extract, which has recently been identified as a rich source of inulin, exhibited higher potential of fermentation compared with crude polysaccharides.

Effects of phellinus igniarius crude polysaccharides on sporting ability and free radical metabolism of skeletal muscle in mice suffering passive smoking / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoke contains a large number of types of oxygen free radicals and cytotoxic components. Passive smoking will impair respiratory and cardiovascular system functions, and result in oxidative damage of skeletal muscle and decreased exercise ability. OBJECTIVE; To investigate the effect of phellinus igniarius crude polysaccharides on the exercise capacity and free radical metabolism of skeletal muscle in mice suffering passive smoking, so as to provide ideas for the prevention and treatment of peroxidative damage of skeletal muscle and depression of exercise capacity in rats suffering passive smoking. METHODS: Twenty-one male Kunming mice were randomly assigned to three groups: Gavage with phellinus igniarius crude polysaccharides and suffering passive smoking (phellinus group), gavage with distilled water and suffering passive smoking (control group), and only gavage with distilled water (blank group). After 4 consecutive weeks, the mice were forced to take an exhausted swimming, and sacrificed subsequently. Exhausted swimming time was recorded. The bilateral gastrocnemius muscle tissues were obtained, in which the vitality of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathion reductase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATP and Na+-K+-ATP activity, and the concentration of malonaldehyde were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The swimming time of mice in the control group was shorter than that in the blank group (P 0.6, P 0.6, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with the concentration of malonaldehyde (r < -0.6, P < 0.05). (5) In summary, phellinus igniarius crude polysaccharides can improve the antioxidative enzyme activity of skeletal muscle, inhibit lipid peroxidation reaction, and thus increase exercise ability of mice suffering passive smoking. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Jiangxi Normal University, approval No. 201703.

Immunomodulatory activity of wild Artemisia rupestris L. crude polysaccharide as an adjuvant / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective@#To investigate the enhancement effect of Xinjiang wild Artemisia rupestris L. crude polysaccharides (WARCP) as an adjuvant on ovalbumin (OVA) vaccine in mice immunized intramuscularly.@*Methods@#ICR mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (5 per group), including 9 g/L NaCl group (blank control), OVA group (10 μg OVA), low dose WARCP/OVA group (OVA+50 μg WARCP), medium dose WARCP/OVA group (OVA+200 μg WARCP), high dose WARCP/OVA group (OVA+400 μg WARCP), and aluminum adjuvant (Alum)/OVA group (positive control group, OVA+100 μg Alum). ICR mice were immunized intramuscularly and weighted. The OVA-specific antibodies and subtypes in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). T cells subsets from spleen and lymph nodes were detected by flow cytometry.@*Results@#The medium-dose WARCP/OVA group enhanced IgG and IgG1 levels and increased early antibody levels (all P<0.05). The medium-dose WARCP/OVA group and the high-dose WARCP/OVA group significantly enhanced IgG2a levels (all P<0.05), but the difference was not statistically significant comparing with Alum/OVA group (P>0.05). The low-dose WARCP/OVA group enhanced the percentage of CD4+ T cells in spleen and CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD4+CD44+ T cells in lymph nodes (all P<0.05). The medium dose WARCP/OVA group and the high dose WARCP/OVA group enhanced the CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD4+CD44+ T, CD8+CD44+ T cells in spleen and CD8+CD44+ T cell in lymph nodes (all P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Plant-derived WARCP as an OVA protein vaccine adjuvant can enhance cellular immunity and humoral immunity, and it is safe and reliable. The results in this study provide a theoretical basis for the popularization and application of WARCP.

Immunomodulatory activity of wild Artemisia rupestris L. crude polysaccharide as an adjuvant / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To investigate the enhancement effect of Xinjiang wild Artemisia rupestris L. crude polysaccharides (WARCP) as an adjuvant on ovalbumin (OVA) vaccine in mice immunized intramuscularly. Methods ICR mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (5 per group), including 9 g/L NaCl group (blank control), OVA group (10 μg OVA), low dose WARCP/OVA group (OVA+50 μg WARCP), medium dose WARCP/OVA group (OVA+200 μg WARCP), high dose WARCP/OVA group (OVA+400 μg WARCP), and aluminum adjuvant (Alum)/OVA group (positive control group, OVA +100 μg Alum). ICR mice were immunized intramuscularly and weighted. The OVA-specific antibodies and subtypes in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). T cells subsets from spleen and lymph nodes were detected by flow cytometry. Results The medium-dose WARCP/OVA group enhanced IgG and IgG1 levels and increased early antibody levels (all P<0.05). The medium-dose WARCP/OVA group and the high-dose WARCP/OVA group significantly enhanced IgG2a levels (all P<0.05), but the difference was not statistically significant comparing with Alum/OVA group (P>0.05). The low-dose WARCP/OVA group enhanced the percentage of CD4+ T cells in spleen and CD4 + T, CD8+ T, CD4 +CD44 + T cells in lymph nodes (all P<0.05). The medium dose WARCP/OVA group and the high dose WARCP/OVA group enhanced the CD4 + T, CD8 + T, CD4 +CD44 + T, CD8 +CD44+ T cells in spleen and CD8+CD44+ T cell in lymph nodes (all P<0.05). Conclusions Plant-derived WARCP as an OVA protein vaccine adjuvant can enhance cellular immunity and humoral immunity, and it is safe and reliable. The results in this study provide a theoretical basis for the popularization and application of WARCP.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch L. crude polysaccharides enhance mouse immunity and immune responses induced by HPV-DNA vaccine / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch L. crude polysac-charides (GUCP) as an adjuvant on the immunity of mice and the immune responses induced by human pap-illoma virus ( HPV)-DNA vaccine. Methods ICR mice were injected with different concentrations of GUCP by different ways to detect the influences of GUCP on body weight, organ indexes and the numbers of immune cells in spleen. C57BL/ 6 mice were co-immunized with HPV-DNA vaccine and GUCP to detect the adjuvant efficacy on antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune responses. Results GUCP in all injected groups had no side effect on mouse body weight and liver, heart, lung and kidney indexes, but intraperitone-al injection of GUCP significantly increased spleen and thymus indexes and the numbers of B cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells in spleen. Subcutaneous injection of GUCP significantly increased the numbers of B cells and macrophages in spleen and intragastric administration significantly increased the num-bers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen. Furthermore, GUCP as an adjuvant enhanced the antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and the levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a induced by HPV-DNA vaccine at a certain degree. Conclusion GUCP enhanced the immunity of mice and the antigen-specific cellular and hu-moral immune responses induced by HPV-DNA vaccine. These results suggested that GUCP might be used as an adjuvant for DNA vaccine.

[Removal of lipopolysaccharides from anti-complementary crude polysaccharides of Houttuynia Herba].

An Affi-Prep Polymyxin column was combined with a Phenyl Sepharose column and a Sephacryl S-300 column, respectively, to remove the lipopolysaccharides(LPS) in the anti-complementary crude polysaccharides of Houttuynia Herba. The contents of LPS in the polysaccharides were determined by chromogenic tachypleus amebocyte lysate(TAL)method during the procedure of purifying. The anti-complementary activities of the polysaccharides were also compared before and after the removal of LPS. Less remanent LPS was detected after purified using Penyl Sepharose combined with polymyxin column, with the clearance rate of 42.85%. All the columns had no effect on the anti-complementary activity of the polysaccharides. Penyl Sepharose combined with polymyxin column would be sound for LPS removal of the anti-complementary polysaccharides without reducing their bioactivity.

Box-Behnken design for extraction optimization of crude polysaccharides from Tunisian Phormidium versicolor cyanobacteria (NCC 466): Partial characterization, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize the aqueous extraction of crude polysaccharides from Tunisian cyanobacteria Phormidium versicolor (NCC 466). The optimal extraction conditions with an extraction yield of 21.56±0.92% were as follows: extraction temperature at 81.05°C, extraction time of 3.99h, and water to raw material ratio of 21.52mLg-1. Crude Phormidium versicolor polysaccharides (CPv-PS) are found to be a hetero-sulfated-anionic polysaccharides that contained carbohydrate (79.37±1.58%), protein (0.45±0.11%), uronic acids (4.37±0.19%) and sulfate (6.83±0.28%). The carbohydrate fraction was composed of arabinose, xylose, ribose, rhamnose, N-acetyl glucosamine, galactose, glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid and saccharose with corresponding mole percentages of 2.41, 14.58, 2.18, 6.23, 7.04, 28.21, 26.04, 3.02, 0.86 and 5.07, respectively. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity in vitro suggested that CPv-PS strongly scavenged radicals, prevented bleaching of ß-carotene and reduced activity. Furthermore, the CPv-PS exhibited effective antimicrobial properties.

Removal of lipopolysaccharides from anti-complementary crude polysaccharides of Houttuynia Herba / 中国中药杂志

An Affi-Prep Polymyxin column was combined with a Phenyl Sepharose column and a Sephacryl S-300 column, respectively, to remove the lipopolysaccharides(LPS) in the anti-complementary crude polysaccharides of Houttuynia Herba. The contents of LPS in the polysaccharides were determined by chromogenic tachypleus amebocyte lysate(TAL)method during the procedure of purifying. The anti-complementary activities of the polysaccharides were also compared before and after the removal of LPS. Less remanent LPS was detected after purified using Penyl Sepharose combined with polymyxin column, with the clearance rate of 42.85%. All the columns had no effect on the anti-complementary activity of the polysaccharides. Penyl Sepharose combined with polymyxin column would be sound for LPS removal of the anti-complementary polysaccharides without reducing their bioactivity.

Influences of intramuscular immunization with cultivated Cistanche deserticola crude polysaccharides on efficacy of ovalbumin(OVA) protein / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the immunopotentiating effects of cultivated Cistanche deser-ticola (C.deserticola) crude polysaccharides (CCDCP) as an adjuvant on the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA). Methods Low,medium and high doses of CCDCP in combination with OVA were intramuscularly injected twice into ICR mice at an interval of two weeks,respectively. Aluminum adjuvant was used to set up positive control group. Levels of IgG,IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies were detected by ELISA. Splenocyte prolif-eration was detected by MTT assay. Growth conditions of the immunized mice were observed. Results IgG level was significantly increased in the high dose group 7 days after the first immunization(P<0.05),espe-cially on the 21st and 28th days (P<0.01) as compared with that of the aluminum adjuvant group. High dose of CCDCP in combination with OVA significantly up-regulated the levels of IgG1 and IgG2a in mice as compared with immunization with OVA alone (P<0.05). Moreover, IgG2a level in mice immunized with high dose of CCDCP and OVA was higher than that of the aluminum adjuvant group(P<0.05). Splenocyte proliferation was significantly enhanced in the medium and low dose groups in comparison with that of the OVA group (P<0.05) and the aluminum adjuvant group (P<0.01). No significant difference in mouse body weight was observed in different groups(P>0.05). Conclusion CCDCP as an adjuvant of OVA pro-tein vaccine can enhance Th1 and Th2 immune responses,especially the early antibody production and Th1 immune response. These results will provide some information for further studies of CCDCP as a vaccine ad-juvant.

Crude polysaccharides extracted from cultivated Artemisia rupestris L. in Xinjiang enhances the effi-cacy of OVA / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy of using crude polysaccharides extracted from cultivated Artemisia rupestris L. ( CARCP) in Xinjiang as an immunologic adjuvant for ovalbumin ( OVA) . Methods The mice were subcutaneously immunized twice with OVA vaccine formulated with CARCP. ELISA assay was performed to measure the levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. Flow cytometry analy-sis was performed to detect the percentages of different T lymphocyte subsets ( CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+T cells, CD4+CD44+ and CD8+CD44+T cells) in splenocytes as well as the expression of intracellular cyto-kines ( CD4+IFN-γ, CD8+IFN-γ) and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells. Results The levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies in serum, the percentages of CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD4+CD44+ and CD8+CD44+T cells as well as the ratio of CD4+/CD8+T lymphocytes increased significantly in mice immunized with OVA in combination with CARCP (P<0. 05). Moreover, CARCP enhanced the expression of CD4+IFN-γand CD8+IFN-γ( P<0. 05 ) , but inhibited the expression of CD 4+CD 2 5+Foxp 3+Treg cells ( P<0. 05 ) . Conclusion As an adjuvant for OVA, CARCP enhanced the humoral and cellular immune responses, especially the T cell immune responses.

Understanding low-lipid algae hydrothermal liquefaction characteristics and pathways through hydrothermal liquefaction of algal major components: crude polysaccharides, crude proteins and their binary mixtures.

Crude polysaccharides and proteins extracted from algae were chosen as model materials to investigate the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) characteristics and pathways of low-lipid algae. Liquefaction behavior of the two individuals and their binary mixtures with different mass ratios were evaluated under different temperatures. Formation pathways of bio-oil from crude polysaccharides/proteins were proposed. Results showed that polysaccharides had a small contribution to bio-oil (<5%) and approximately 60% distributed in aqueous phase, while proteins played a crucial role on bio-oil formation (maximum 16.29%). Bio-oil from polysaccharides mainly contained cyclic ketones and phenols and from proteins composed of pyrazines, pyrroles and amines. Interaction between polysaccharides and proteins forming polycyclic nitrogenous compounds had a negative effect on bio-oil yield at 220 and 260°C. However, their further decomposition caused increase of bio-oil yield at 300°C. Mixture liquefaction obtained the highest higher heating value (HHV) of bio-oil and energy recovery than polysaccharides/proteins liquefaction at 300°C.