Agaricus Blazei Research Articles

Uptake of Ultrashort Chain, Emerging, and Legacy Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Edible Mushrooms (Agaricus spp.) Grown in a Polluted Substrate.

Uptake of 19 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including C3-C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), C4, C6, and C8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), and four emerging PFAS, was investigated in two mushroom species (Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus subrufescens) cultivated in a biogas digestate-based substrate. Accumulation of PFAS in mushrooms was low and strongly chain-length dependent. Among the different PFCAs, bioaccumulation factors (log BAFs) decreased from a maximum of -0.3 for perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA; C3) to a minimum of -3.1 for perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA; C7), with only minor changes from PFHpA to perfluorotridecanoate (PFTriDA; C13). For PFSAs, log BAFs decreased from perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS; -2.2) to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; -3.1) while mushroom uptake was not observed for the alternatives 3H-perfluoro-3-[(3-methoxy-propoxy)propanoic acid] (ADONA) and two chlorinated polyfluoro ether sulfonates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the uptake of emerging and ultra-short chain PFAS in mushrooms, and generally the results indicate very low accumulation of PFAS.

Pentacyclic triterpene-loaded emulsion stabilized by Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharides: Factorial design and cytoprotection study

In this study, pentacyclic triterpene-loaded emulsions were stabilized by polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom (PAb). The drug-excipient compatibility results by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed the absence of physicochemical incompatibilities. The use of these biopolymers at 0.75 % led to obtaining emulsions with droplets smaller than 300 nm, moderate polydispersity, and ζ-potential >30 mV in modulus. The emulsions presented high encapsulation efficiency, suitable pH for topical application, and absence of macroscopic signs of instability during 45 days. Morphological analysis suggested the deposition of thin layers of PAb around the droplets. The encapsulation of pentacyclic triterpene in emulsions, stabilized by PAb, improved the cytocompatibility of this drug against PC12 and murine astrocyte cells. There was a reduction in cytotoxicity, which resulted in a lower accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and maintenance of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Based on these results, it is estimated that PAb are promising biopolymers for the emulsions' stabilization by improving their physicochemical and biological properties.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effect of Agaricus brasiliensis Extract on Raw and Cooked Pork Patties during Storage

Edible mushrooms have been proposed as a natural ingredient to prevent loss of quality in meat products. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of Agaricus brasiliensis aqueous-ethanol extract (ABE, at 0, 0.5, and 1.0%) versus butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 0.02% on a fat basis) added to raw and cooked pork patties to prolong shelf-life under chilled storage. All samples were stored at 2 °C for 9 days and subjected to physicochemical (pH, water-holding capacity, and color), chemical (lipid oxidation and antioxidant status), and microbiological evaluation (mesophilic and psychrophilic). Phenolic compounds (TPC) in ABE exert a reducing power ability (Fe3+ reduction), free-radical (DPPH), and radical-cation scavenging activity (ABTS), as well as antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative. Furthermore, incorporating ABE in raw and cooked pork patties reduced (p < 0.05) pH and color changes, lipid oxidation, and microbial growth during storage in concentration dependence. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the WHC and b* values. In addition, the presence of TPC and the antioxidant status (Fe3+ reduction, DPPH, and ABTS activity) of pork patties increased (p < 0.05) by the ABE incorporation. ABE can be a natural additive to improve the storage stability of pork patties.

Changes in Arsenic Speciation in Wild Edible Fungi after Different Cooking Processes and Gastrointestinal Digestion.

Arsenic (As) is enriched in wild edible fungi, which is one of the main important sources of As in humans' diet. In this study, two wild edible fungi were employed for investigation: (1) Pleurotus citrinopileatusone, which contains a high content of inorganic As (iAs) and (2) Agaricus blazei Murill, which contains a high content of organic As. This study investigated the changes in As content and its speciation after different daily cooking methods. We found that the content of As in Pleurotus citrinipileatus and Agaricus blazei Murill reduced by soaking plus stir-frying by 55.4% and 72.9%, respectively. The As content in Pleurotus citrinipileatus and Agaricus blazei Murill decreased by 79.4% and 93.4%, respectively, after soaking plus boiling. The content of As speciation in dried wild edible fungi reduced significantly after different treatments. Among them, iAs decreased by 31.9~88.3%, and organic As decreased by 33.3~95.3%. This study also investigated the bioaccessibility of As in edible fungi after different cooking processes via an in-vitro physiologically based extraction test (PBET). The results showed that the bioaccessibility of As was relatively high if the edible fungi were uncooked, boiled, or stir-fried. The gastric (G) bioaccessibility of As ranged from 51.7% to 93.0% and the gastrointestinal (GI) bioaccessibility of As ranged from 63.5% to 98.1%. Meanwhile, the bioaccessibility of inorganic As was found to be as high as 94.6% to 151%, which indicates that further evaluation of the potential health risks of wild edible fungi is necessary.

Preparation Process Optimization of Peptides from Agaricus blazei Murrill, and Comparison of Their Antioxidant and Immune-Enhancing Activities Separated by Ultrafiltration Membrane Technology.

Agaricus blazei murrill (ABM), a large fungus, is reported to have extensive biological activities but the antioxidant and immune-regulatory capacities have been less studied and the components responsible for the functions are unclear. This study prepared ABM peptides (ABMP) using ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) strategy and cascade ultrafiltration (UF) membrane technology. The UAEE extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with four factors and three levels to achieve the maximum ABMP yield (34.03%); the optimal conditions were an enzyme amount of 4%, ratio of ABM to water of 1:30, ultrasonic power of 360 W, and ultrasonic time of 30 min. Four ABMP fractions were obtained after UF with different pore size and their antioxidant and immune-regulatory abilities were evaluated and compared. The results showed that they could effectively scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals, especially for ABMP-2; the scavenging rate of the above radicals were 79.31%, 63.60%, and 96.08%, respectively. In addition, four ABMP fractions also activated macrophage activity through strengthening phagocytosis and the production of NO, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the ABMP-2 fraction with a MW of 3-5 kDa and peptide purity of 82.88% was found to have the best effect, showing the maximum phagocytosis (189.37%) as well as NO (7.98 μM), IL-6 (195.05 pg/mL), IL-1β (876.15 pg/mL), and TNF-α (1620 pg/mL) secretion at a treatment concentration of 150 μg/mL. The findings indicated that the ABMP, especially for the separate ABMP-2, could be used as dietary supplements and have the potential to be exploited as immune-enhancing agents.

Agaricus blazei Murill extract-loaded in alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) films prepared by Ca2+ cross-linking for wound healing applications.

This work aimed the development and evaluation of the wound healing activity of films based on sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Ca2+ loaded with Agaricus blazei Murill hydroalcoholic extract (AbE). Firstly, AbE was prepared using a previously standardized methodology. The films were prepared by casting technique and cross-linked with Ca2+ using CaCl2 as cross-linking agent. The physicochemical, morphological and water vapor barrier properties of the films were analyzed and the pre-clinical efficacy was investigated against the cutaneous wound model in mice. The films showed barrier properties to water vapor promising for wound healing. AbE showed physical and chemical interactions between both polymers, noticed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. The delivery of AbE in alginate/PVA films enhanced the antioxidant and wound healing properties of these polymers. Consequently, a reduction of malondialdehyde levels was observed, as well as an increase of the epidermis/dermis thickness and enhancement in collagen I deposition. Thus, these formulations are promising biomaterials for wound care and tissue repairing.

Application of Spent Sun Mushroom Substrate in Substitution of Synthetic Fertilizers at Maize Topdressing

Synthetic fertilization can increase maize yields, but also cause environmental impacts, as well as increasing production costs and food security risks. Sun mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens) is an important Brazilian fungus used to generate large amounts of spent mushroom substrate. This residue can be used for maize fertilization, but little is known about its ideal application rates to reduce maize dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of a maize crop under different combinations of synthetic fertilizers and two different spent mushroom substrate doses. The experiment was carried out in pots and evaluated maize germinate and biometric parameters, as well as soil and leaf chemical characteristics. The results showed that residue application increased maize germination and Emergence Speed Index. Regarding the maize biometric parameters, height, stem diameter, shoot fresh and dry masses, and leaf area were superior for residue with synthetic fertilization at sowing only at higher doses. Moreover, residue with synthetic fertilization at sowing proved to be more relevant for maize growth according to canonical discriminant analysis. In terms of nutrients, the use of spent mushroom substrate increased significantly leaf P, K, and S levels and mainly K content in the soil, justifying non-application at maize topdressing.

Quality Attributes of Sesame Butter (Tahini) Fortified with Lyophilized Powder of Edible Mushroom (Agaricus blazei).

Sesame butter (tahini) is a common appetizer and food additive in the Mediterranean basin. Pathogenic strains and mycotoxin content are the most hazardous issues in the final product. This investigation aimed to enhance the quality and safety properties of tahini products against microbial hazards and mycotoxins. Local samples of tahini were evaluated for natural contamination, including mycotoxin level determinations. Agaricus blazei was utilized as a bioactive source and evaluated for the bioactive content of laccase, B-glucan, antioxidant activity, and phenolic content, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant potency. Two fortification ratios (0.5% and 1.0%) were chosen to apply Agaricus in tahini sesame as a model. Chemical composition, color attributes, sensory properties, emulsion, and oxidative stability were evaluated for the fortified samples versus the control. The results reflected increments of protein (22.91 ± 0.64% to 29.34 ± 0.96%), fiber content (3.09 ± 0.05% to 6.27 ± 0.06%), emulsion stability (84.9 ± 1.24% to 95.41 ± 0.56%), oxidative stability, and bioactive group content. The fortification process is reflected by the absence of Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli bacteria from contaminated samples after 30 days of storage. The water activity for 1.0% fortification (0.154 ± 0.001) was recorded as lower than the control sample (0.192 ± 0.002). Moreover, the degradation of aflatoxins and zearalenone content was recorded during storage. The degradation ratio reached 68% and 97.2% for 0.5% and 1.0% fortifications, respectively, while zearalenone degradation recorded a decline of 26.7% and 33.7%, respectively, for the same fortification ratios. These results recommended 1.0% lyophilized mushroom fortification as a quality and ameliorative safety treatment for tahini products.

Species composition and health risk assessment of arsenic in Agaricus blazei Murrill and Tricholoma matsutake from Yunnan Province, China

High concentrations of total arsenic (As) has been found in Agaricus blazei Murrill and Tricholoma matsutake samples. It is important to study the As species in A. blazei and T. matsutake for accurate health risk assessment. Total As was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). An analytical method was developed to determine As species in mushroom by using anion exchange and cation exchange chromatography coupled to ICP-MS. Total As contents ranged from 5.25 to 69.5 mg kg1. Arsenobetaine (AsB), inorganic arsenic (iAs), and monomethylarsenic acid (MMA) were the main form of As in A. blazei samples, which accounted for 42.7–88.8 %, 1.59–26.2 %, and 0.74–1.12 % of the extractable As, respectively. AsB, and dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) were the main form of As in T. matsutake samples, which accounted for 88.9–97.9 %, and 1.79–3.80 % of the extractable As, respectively. Arsenocholine (AsC), trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO), and tetramethylarsonium cation (TMA+) were present as well, but only at trace concentrations. The health risk index estimation results indicated that no particular risk of iAs exposure to consumers existed in T. matsutake. The iAs exposure in A. blazei can poses certain health risks.

Metaprofiling of the Bacterial Community in Colonized Compost Extracts by Agaricus subrufescens.

It is well-known that bacteria and fungi play important roles in the relationships between mycelium growth and the formation of fruiting bodies. The sun mushroom, Agaricus subrufescens, was discovered in Brazil ca. 1960 and it has become known worldwide due to its medicinal and nutritional properties. This work evaluated the bacterial community present in mushroom-colonized compost extract (MCCE) prepared from cultivation of A. subrufescens, its dynamics with two different soaking times and the influence of the application of those extracts on the casing layer of a new compost block for A. subrufescens cultivation. MCCEs were prepared through initial submersion of the colonized compost for 1 h or 24 h in water followed by application on casing under semi-controlled conditions. Full-length 16S rRNA genes of 1 h and 24 h soaked MCCE were amplified and sequenced using nanopore technology. Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Planctomycetes, were found to be the most abundant phyla in both the 1 h and 24 h soaked MCCE. A total of 275 different bacterial species were classified from 1 h soaked MCCE samples and 166 species from 24 h soaked MCCE, indicating a decrease in the bacterial diversity with longer soaking time during the preparation of MCCE. The application of 24 h soaked MCCE provided increases of 25% in biological efficiency, 16% in precociousness, 53% in the number of mushrooms and 40% in mushroom weight compared to control. Further investigation is required to determine strategies to enhance the yield and quality of the agronomic traits in commercial mushroom cultivation.

Goat milk proteins enriched with Agaricus blazei Murrill ss. Heinem extracts: Electrophoretic, FTIR, DLS and microstructure characterization

This study aimed to characterize mixtures of goat milk proteins and Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM) extracts (aqueous, AE and polysaccharides, PE). The mixtures showed stable particles with ζ-potential more negative than −41.1 mV. The addition of AMB extracts to goat milk did not result in a significant particle size change, whereas their addition to heated goat milk significantly increased mean particle diameter (from 194 nm to 225 nm). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that ABM extracts provoked changes in the secondary structure of goat milk proteins and interactions between polysaccharides and milk proteins predominantly via hydrogen and/or glycoside bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The milk protein profiles revealed proteolytic activity in mixtures with AE resulting in the formation of five new polypeptides. The different microstructures of mixtures with AE and PE were found by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A schematic representation of possible milk proteins-ABM extracts interactions has been given.

The Use of Agaricus subrufescens for Rehabilitation of Agricultural Soils

Globally, the quality of agricultural soils is in decline as a result of mismanagement and the overuse of agrichemicals, negatively impacting crop yields. Agaricus subrufescens Peck is widely cultivated as an edible and medicinal mushroom; however, its application in soil bioremediation and amendment remains insufficiently studied. In order to determine if A. subrufescens can positively impact agricultural soils, we designed two experiments: the first, a glasshouse experiment investigating the ways in which A. subrufescens production alters soil nutrients and soil health; the second, a laboratory experiment investigating if A. subrufescens can degrade beta-cypermethrin (β-CY) and glufosinate ammonium (Gla), two widely used agrichemicals. The glasshouse experiment results indicated that the use of compost and compost combined with A. subrufescens led to increases in soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the control treatments (sterilized soil). However, the incorporation of A. subrufescens with compost resulted in significantly greater levels of both available nitrogen and available phosphorus in the soils compared to all other treatments. Laboratory experiments determined that the mycelium of A. subrufescens were unable to grow at concentrations above 24.71 μg/mL and 63.15 μg/g for β-CY and Gla, respectively. Furthermore, results indicated that fungal mycelia were able to degrade 44.68% of β-CY within 15 days, whereas no significant changes were found in the concentration of Gla. This study highlights that cultivation of A. subrufescens may be a sustainable alternative for the rehabilitation of agricultural soils, whilst providing an additional source of income for farmers.

Anti-phytopathogenic-bacterial fatty acids from the mycelia of the edible mushroom Agaricus blazei.

Five compounds including a new compound (1) were isolated from mycelia of a mushroom-forming fungus Agaricus blazei. Compound 2 was isolated from nature for the first time. Their structures were determined by the interpretation of spectroscopic data. In the bioassay examining growth inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic bacteria Clavibacter michiganensis, Burkholderia glumae, and Peptobacterium carotovorum, all the compounds showed inhibition effects on C. michiganensis. Compounds 3 and 4 also showed weak inhibitory activity against growth of B. glumae.

Fungal Mushrooms: A Natural Compound With Therapeutic Applications.

Fungi are extremely diverse in terms of morphology, ecology, metabolism, and phylogeny. Approximately, 130 medicinal activities like antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, radical scavenging, cardioprotective and antiviral actions are assumed to be produced by the various varieties of medicinal mushrooms. The polysaccharides, present in mushrooms like β-glucans, micronutrients, antioxidants like glycoproteins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and ergosterols can help establish natural resistance against infections and toxins.. Clinical trials have been performed on mushrooms like Agaricus blazei Murrill Kyowa for their anticancer effect, A. blazei Murrill for its antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects, and some other mushrooms had also been evaluated for their neurological effects. The human evaluation dose studies had been also performed and the toxicity dose was evaluated from the literature for number of mushrooms. All the mushrooms were found to be safe at a dose of 2000 mg/kg but some with mild side effects. The safety and therapeutic effectiveness of the fungal mushrooms had shifted the interest of biotechnologists toward fungal nanobiotechnology as the drug delivery system due to the vast advantages of nanotechnology systems. In complement to the vital nutritional significance of medicinal mushrooms, numerous species have been identified as sources of bioactive chemicals. Moreover, there are unanswered queries regarding its safety, efficacy, critical issues that affect the future mushroom medicine development, that could jeopardize its usage in the twenty-first century.

Biochemical Approaches on Commercial Strains of Agaricus subrufescens Growing under Two Environmental Cultivation Conditions.

In the present work, the effect of the cultivation process, in the field and under a controlled environment, on biochemical parameters by using commercial strains of A. subrufescens were evaluated. The results obtained revealed that the strains cultivated in the field presented higher levels for most of the parameters evaluated (organic acids (20.5–48.0 g/100 g dw), tocopherols (107.0–198.6 µg/100 g dw), and phenolic acids and related compounds (245.2–359.0 µg/100 g dw and 10.6–23.7 µg/100 g dw, respectively)), except for the carbohydrates (53.4–72.6 g/100 g dw), energetic value (373–380 Kcal/100 g dw), and total free sugars (28.8–43.1 g/100 g dw), parameters in which the strains grown in a controlled environment present better results. For both cultivation systems, similar results were obtained regarding saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These data contribute to the knowledge and highlight the characterized strains and the cultivation process, which can be used to obtain ingredients with potential applicability as a source of functional compounds.

Agaricus brasiliensis (Sun mushroom): antioxidant capacity and HMG-CoA reductase inhibition potential of dried powder formulations in vitro and hepatic alterations in hypercholesterolemic rats

This study investigues the chemical composition of the mushroom Agaricus brasiliens is prepared in different commercially available forms: dehydrated whole mushrooms, mushroom powder, and capsules. The most active form was subsequently examined in vivo to investigate its possible

Sustainability of Agaricus blazei Murrill Mushrooms in Classical and Semi-Mechanized Growing System, through Economic Efficiency, Using Different Culture Substrates

Mushroom cultivation is a source of organic, sustainable food that is growing rapidly to become a profitable sector of agriculture. Nutritional supplements and natural medicines are provided by many mushroom products, including the Agaricus blazei Murrill mushroom. In recent years, the classical culture system has begun to be used more in less-developed countries, providing an additional gain for locals. The content of the article is based on the deductive research method, starting from theory to practice. This paper aimed at the economic efficiency of the Agaricus blazei Murrill mushroom crop using four substrate recipes and two protein additives, following the economic efficiency of the crops and the composition of production costs for the classic semi-mechanized production system. According to prepared technological sheets, the principal component analysis of the main economic indicators highlighted the experimental variant V5 (Synthetic substrate, with 3% wheat bran protein addition) with the highest labor productivity, obtaining 6.48 kg md−1, the equivalent of 194.3 RON md−1, and a profit rate of 80.42% compared to the V10 variant (reed substrate without protein addition), where the profit rate was only 26.16%. The addition of 3% wheat bran protein to the synthetic culture substrate (V5) brings an increase in global production with 45 RON sqm−1 compared to the variant without protein addition (V4). The research carried out is of practical use, especially for small producers using classical mushroom cultivation technology, and can be extended to other harvested mushroom species.

Sulfated β-glucan from Agaricus subrufescens inhibits flavivirus infection and nonstructural protein 1-mediated pathogenesis

Despite substantial morbidity and mortality, no therapeutic agents exist for treatment of dengue or Zika, and the currently available dengue vaccine is only recommended for dengue virus (DENV)-immune individuals. Thus, development of therapeutic and/or preventive drugs is urgently needed. DENV and Zika virus (ZIKV) nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) can directly trigger endothelial barrier dysfunction and induce inflammatory responses, contributing to vascular leak in vivo. Here we evaluated the efficacy of the (1–6,1-3)-β-D-glucan isolated from Agaricus subrufescens fruiting bodies (FR) and its sulfated derivative (FR-S) against DENV-2 and ZIKV infection and NS1-mediated pathogenesis. FR-S, but not FR, significantly inhibited DENV-2 and ZIKV replication in human monocytic cells (EC50 = 36.5 and 188.7 μg/mL, respectively) when added simultaneously with viral infection. No inhibitory effect was observed when FR or FR-S were added post-infection, suggesting inhibition of viral entry as a mechanism of action. In an in vitro model of endothelial permeability using human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs), FR and FR-S (0.12 μg/mL) inhibited DENV-2 NS1- and ZIKV NS1-induced hyperpermeability by 50% and 100%, respectively, as measured by Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance. Treatment with 0.25 μg/mL of FR and FR-S inhibited DENV-2 NS1 binding to HPMECs. Further, FR-S significantly reduced intradermal hyperpermeability induced by DENV-2 NS1 in C57BL/6 mice and protected against DENV-induced morbidity and mortality in a murine model of dengue vascular leak syndrome. Thus, we demonstrate efficacy of FR-S against DENV and ZIKV infection and NS1-induced endothelial permeability in vitro and in vivo. These findings encourage further exploration of FR-S and other glycan candidates for flavivirus treatment alone or in combination with compounds with different mechanisms of action.

Biochemical Evaluation of Agaricus and Pleurotus Strains in Batch Cultures for Production Optimization of Valuable Metabolites

The production of various biochemical compounds such as proteins, glucans and glucanases, from the mycelium of four strains of Basidiomycetes species, Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus subrufescens, Pleurotus eryngii and Pleurotus ostreatus, during batch culture in shaking flasks, was studied. Fungi were cultured for 26 days in defined media with glucose as carbon source and were primarily evaluated for their ability to consume glucose and produce mycelial mass and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS). Results showed that on the 26th day of cultivation, P. ostreatus produced the maximum biomass (16.75 g/L), whereas P. eryngii showed the maximum IPS concentration (3.82 g/L). All strains presented a similar pattern in total protein production, with A. bisporus having the highest percentage of total proteins (36%, w/w). The calculated correlation coefficients among ribonucleic acid (RNA) vs. biomass (0.97) and RNA vs. protein (0.97) indicated a very strong relation between RNA and biomass/protein synthesis. The studied strains exhibited an increase in total glucan and glucanase (β-1,6) production during cultivation, with A. bisporus reaching the highest glucan percentage (8%, w/w) and glucanase activity (12.7 units/g biomass). Subsequently, processed analytical data were used in contour-graph analysis for data extrapolation to optimize future continuous culture.

Polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei Murrill ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis via attenuating intestinal barrier dysfunction

• ABP or ABP-Se can attenuate intestinal barrier dysfunction. • ABP and ABP-Se could be used as a new alternate for treating UC. • ABP-Se has better protective effect than ABP, especially on relieving oxidative stress. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by chronic relapsing and persistent inflammation that mainly affects the colon. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of Agaricus blazei Murrill polysaccharides (ABP) or selenium-enriched Agaricus blazei Murrill polysaccharides (ABP-Se) on UC. UC mouse model was established by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Markers for colonic barrier functions, cytokines and oxidative stress were measured. The experimental results showed that ABP and ABP-Se significantly alleviated UC-related symptoms, including weight loss, colon shorten, and disease activity index scores. Meanwhile, ABP and ABP-Se significantly promoted tight junction proteins and mucus content, and decreased inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, ABP-Se exhibited a better anti-oxidative ability compared to ABP. The experimental results suggest that ABP and ABP-Se relieve DSS-induced colitis via reducing inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and preventing colonic barrier damage. This study suggests a promising therapeutic effect of mushrooms-derived polysaccharides on UC.