Polysaccharide extracted from Morchella esculenta inhibits carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice

Abstract

MCP prevented carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice by reducing platelets activation, oxidative stress and monocytes adhesion to damaged endothelial cells. MCP has great potential to develop into a natural antithrombotic drug. Our study suggests a new application of Morchella esculenta , which can be used as food supplements and nutraceuticals to benefit human health. • Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide reduces thrombi formed in in mouse tissues. • Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide attenuates platelet activation. • Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide inhibits oxidative stress in platelets and endothelium cells. • Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide inhibits adhesion of monocytes to endothelium cells. Thrombosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the effect of Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide (MCP) on thrombosis. Our results showed that MCP inhibited thrombi in blood vessels of mouse tail, liver and lung, which was contributed by the inhibition of collagen accumulation, tumor necrosis factor-α and P-selectin expression. In vitro , human platelet clot retraction test indicated that MCP inhibited platelet activation, which was related to inhibition of platelet receptors, AKT and ERK1/2 pathways. Additionally, MCP inhibited oxidative stress by inducing anti-oxidative enzymes in human platelets and human umbilical vein vascular endothelium cells (HUVECs). Moreover, MCP inhibited oxidized low-density lipoprotein or LPS-induced adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs by reducing adhesion molecules expression. Taken together, these data demonstrate MCP exhibits antithrombotic properties, indicating Morchella esculenta can be used as food supplements and nutraceuticals against thrombosis.