Polysaccharide Content Research Articles

Fructose-bisphosphatase1 (FBP1) alleviates experimental osteoarthritis by regulating Protein crumbs homolog 3 (CRB3)

PurposeTo identify the role of gluconeogenesis in chondrocytes in osteoarthritis (OA).Materials and methodsCartilage samples were collected from OA patients and C57 mice and were stained with Safranin O-Fast Green to determine the severity of OA. Periodic acid Schiff staining was used to characterize the contents of polysaccharides and SA-βGal staining was used to characterize the aging of chondrocytes. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect fructose-bisphosphatase1 (FBP1), SOX9, MMP13, P21, and P16 in cartilage or chondrocyte. The mRNA levels of fbp1, mmp13, sox9, colX, and acan were analyzed by qPCR to evaluate the role of FBP1 in chondrocytes.ResultsThe level of polysaccharides in cartilage was reduced in OA and the expression of FBP1 was also reduced. We treated the chondrocytes with IL-1β to cause OA in vitro, and then made chondrocytes overexpress FBP1 with plasma. It shows that FBP1 alleviated the degeneration and senescence of chondrocytes in vitro and that it also showed the same effects in vivo experiments. To further understand the mechanism of FBP1, we screened the downstream protein of FBP1 and found that CRB3 was significantly downregulated. And we confirmed that CRB3 suppressed the degeneration and delayed senescence of chondrocytes.ConclusionsFBP1 promoted the polysaccharide synthesis in cartilage and alleviated the degeneration of cartilage by regulating CRB3, so FBP1 is a potential target in treating OA.

Helium Cold Atmospheric Plasma Causes Morphological and Biochemical Alterations in Candida albicans Cells

(1) Background: Previous studies reported the promising inhibitory effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on Candida albicans. However, the exact mechanisms of CAP’s action on the fungal cell are still poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the CAP effect on C. albicans cell wall, by evaluating the alterations on its structure and biochemical composition; (2) Methods: C. albicans cells treated with Helium-CAP were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in order to detect morphological, topographic and biochemical changes in the fungal cell wall. Cells treated with caspofungin were also analyzed for comparative purposes; (3) Results: Expressive morphological and topographic changes, such as increased roughness and shape modification, were observed in the cells after CAP exposure. The alterations detected were similar to those observed after the treatment with caspofungin. The main biochemical changes occurred in polysaccharides content, and an overall decrease in glucans and an increase in chitin synthesis were detected; (4) Conclusions: Helium-CAP caused morphological and topographic alterations in C. albicans cells and affected the cell wall polysaccharide content.

Chemical constituents of Dianthus superbus, Matricaria chamomilla and Glycyrrhiza glabra

Currently, one of the main directions of science is the study of plants with medicinal properties, the determination of biological activity and its use for medical purposes. In the present study, the quantitative and qualitative composition of phytochemical components of plants Dianthus superbus, Matricaria chamomilla and Glycyrrhiza glabra growing in the Republic of Kazakhstan were investigated for the first time. The results of our studies showed the maximum amount of organic acids (0,317 %) and flavonoids (0,296 %) in the plant Dianthus superbus. The content of extractive substances Matricaria chamomilla (30,01 %) and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (35,3 %), and the content of polysaccharides is higher in plants Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (1,475 %) and Dianthus superbus (1,434 %). The plant Matricaria chamomilla showed good results in the amount of elements needed daily by the human body, including – K (2876,70 µg/ml), Na (646,36 µg/ml), Mg (270,75 µg/ml), Ca (517,55 µg/ml), Fe (38,30 µg/ml) and Zn (2,008 µg/ml). The results of the conducted analyses showed that the studied objects contain a sufficient amount of bioactive substances that can in the future expand the range of effective domestic medicines based on plant raw materials of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Chemical composition analysis and value evaluation of stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus

This study aimed to provide data support for resource utilization of the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus(SLAM) by analyzing and evaluating the chemical constituents. The crude protein, crude fiber, and soluble saccharide of SLAM were analyzed by Kjeldahl method, filtration method, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, respectively. The nucleosides, amino acids, flavonoids, and saponins of SLAM were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(UPLC-TQ-MS). Combined with principal component analysis(PCA), the quality difference of resource components of SLAM was comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that the average content of crude protein, crude fiber, total polysaccharide, and redu-cing sugar in SLAM was 5.11%, 30.33%, 11.03 mg·g~(-1), and 31.90 mg·g~(-1), respectively. Six nucleosides, 15 amino acids, 22 flavonoids, and one saponin were detected, with an average content of 1.49 mg·g~(-1), 6.00 mg·g~(-1), 1.86 mg·g~(-1), and 35.67 μg·g~(-1), respectively. The content of various types of chemical components in SLAM differed greatly in different harvesting periods and growing years. The results of PCA showed that the quality of SLAM produced in Ningxia was superior. The results can provide references for the utilization of SLAM.

Assessment of the quality of cream-white candy with the addition of fruit and berry paste during storage

One of the trends in modern nutrition is targeting people who care about their health. Confectionery made from sugar is in stable demand among people of different age groups, and research into their enrichment with vital nutrients is promising. One of the ways to implement such a task is the use of fruit and berry processing products, in particular in the form of pastes, during the production of candies. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the quality of cream-whipped candies with the addition of apple, quince and blackcurrant paste (40: 50: 10) during storage.
 It was established that the process of hydrolysis of the lipid component of candies with paste occurs at a higher rate compared to the control. This is due to their higher acidity and moisture. However, the fats of candies with the addition of fruit and berry paste are less prone to the formation of peroxides, which is explained by the presence in their composition of a significant number of polyphenolic compounds with pronounced antioxidant properties (anthocyanins and catechins), which are absent in the control sample. In particular, on the 60th day of storage, the value of the peroxide value for the sample with the additive was 27.9 % less than that of the control product.
 It has been established that candies with paste lose moisture more slowly due to the higher content of non-starch polysaccharides. Thus, on the 60th day, the moisture content of the control decreased by 11.33 %, and the product with paste decreased by 8.72 %. Smaller moisture losses ensure greater stability of their rheological characteristics during storage. It was noted that the strength and density of such candies increase more slowly than in the sample without the additive.
 The results of the research indicate the compliance of cream-whipped candies with fruit and berry paste to the normative storage terms in terms of oxidative stability of the lipid complex, physico-chemical and sensory indicators

Bioinspired total synthesis and biological activity of Pegaharine A.

Phytopathogens cause various diseases by parasitizing crops, reducing crop yield and resulting in substantial economic losses in agricultural production. A novel type isolated from the perennial herbaceous Peganum harmala L. seeds, β-carboline alkaloids pegaharine A (PA), has become a hot topic in developing plant-originated green pesticides owing to their significant physiological activities. A scalable bioinspired total synthesis of PA is accomplished in the present work. The systematical biological assay study showed that PA exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against nine tested plant pathogenic fungi and showed significant inhibitory activity in vitro against the three tested plant pathogenic bacteria. Most noteworthy is the inhibitory rates of PA on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) and X. axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) of 93.6%, 92.1% and 86.1%, respectively, which are better than the control drug, bismerthiazol (63.4%, 61.2% and 53.7% at 100 μg mL-1 concentration). Furthermore, the EC50 value of PA against Xoo, Xoc and Xac was 52.2, 60.0 and 65.1 μg mL-1 , respectively, superior to 72.9, 64.2 and 70.1 μg mL-1 of the control drug. Moreover, the anti-Xoo mechanistic studies revealed that PA exerted its antibacterial effects by increasing the permeability of the bacterial membrane, reducing the extracellular polysaccharide content and inducing morphological changes in bacterial cells. A novel β-carboline alkaloid, PA, was prepared by biomimetic total synthesis. Its significant antibacterial activity was closely related to the permeation of bacterial cell membranes, which was confirmed by anti-Xoo mechanistic studies. More importantly, the structure could be regarded as a model for developing novel bactericides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical Profiling, Quantitation, and Bioactivities of Ginseng Residue

Ginseng residue is a by-product stemming from the commercial extraction of ginsenosides. To assess the disparities between ginseng residue and ginseng tablet, we employed the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technique for sample analysis. The analyses revealed the presence of 39 compounds in both ginseng residue and ginseng tablets. Subsequently, the contents of total ginsenosides and total ginseng polysaccharides in the ginseng residue and ginseng tablet were determined. The results indicate that while only a small fraction of ginsenosides remained in the ginseng residue, a significant amount of polysaccharides was retained. Furthermore, our evaluation encompassed the antioxidant activities of both ginseng residue and ginseng tablets. Notably, ginseng residue exhibited robust antioxidant effects, thereby showcasing its potential for recycling as a functional food raw material.

Enhancing fresh pear preservation with UV-blocking film coatings based on κ-carrageenan, cassava starch, and copper oxide particles

Renewable material packs have been an alternative to traditional petroleum-based products. Thus, this work aimed to develop an active and biodegradable coating based on κ-carrageenan/starch containing copper oxide particles (CuOPs) for fresh pears. The composite material was extensively characterized. Digital images of the coatings suggested stable and highly transparent materials. The composites presented handleability and flexibility. However, only the κ75 films prepared at 75:25 κ-carrageenan/starch weight ratio containing 0, 1, 1.5, and 2% (wt/wt) of CuOPs concerning the polysaccharide content demonstrated applicability as surface coatings for fresh pears. The water vapor permeation, tensile strength, and elongation at the break ranged from 1.14 × 10−10 to 1.59 × 10−10 Pa⋅m2·s−1, 26.19–101.67 MPa, and 6.73 to 17.05 wt%, respectively. Micrographs showed composite films with slight roughness and homogenous surfaces exhibiting hydrophilic characteristics supported by water contact angle measurements (between 71 and 84°). The films were durable for approximately 90 min in an aqueous solution, with the ability to expand their mass up to 3847% (sample κ75-0). The materials were tested as coatings on fresh pears under consumption conditions. The film κ75-2 conserved the fruit for consumption over 30 days, supporting better results than the commercial poly (vinyl chloride) pack. The composite material based on κ-carrageenan/starch containing CuOPs, especially the κ75-2 composite at 2.0% (wt/wt) of CuOPs, can be applied as a surface coating for fresh pears.

Integrating multi-index determination coupled with hierarchical cluster analysis to evaluate the quality consistency of PVE30, an anti-HSV "glycoprotein" macromolecule of Prunellae Spica.

Prunellae Spica (PS), derived from the dried fruit spikes of Prunella vulgaris L., is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Our previous studies found that PVE30, a water-extracting ethanol-precipitating "glycoprotein" macromolecule of PS, was a potential anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) candidate. However, due to the complex structure and diverse bioactivity of the "glycoprotein", ensuring its quality consistency across different batches of PVE30 becomes particularly challenging. This poses a significant hurdle for new drug development based on PVE30. Our study aimed to integrate multi-index determination coupled with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to holistically profile the quality consistency of "glycoprotein" in PVE30. High-performance gel permeation chromatography with refractive index detector (HPGPC-RID) was used to characterise the molecular weight (Mw) distribution, HPLC-PDA was used to quantitatively analyse the composed monosaccharides and amino acids, and UV-VIS was used to quantify the contents of polysaccharides and proteins. Qualitative and quantitative consistency was analysed for each single index in 16 batches of PVE30, and a 16 × 38 data matrix, coupled with HCA, was used to evaluate the holistic quality consistency of PVE30. The newly developed and validated methods were exclusive, linear, precise, accurate, and stable enough to quantify multi-indexes in PVE30. Single-index analysis revealed that 16 batches of PVE30 were qualitatively consistent in Mw distribution, polysaccharides and proteins, and the composition of composed monosaccharides and amino acids but quantitatively inconsistent in the relative contents of some "glycoprotein" macromolecules, as well as the composed monosaccharides/amino acids. HCA showed that the holistic quality of PVE30 was inconsistent, the inconsistency was uncorrelated with the regions where PS was commercially collected, and the contents of 17 amino acids and 2 monosaccharides contributed most to the holistic quality inconsistency. Multi-index determination coupled with HCA was successful in evaluating the quality consistency of PVE30, and the significant difference in quantitative indices was not caused by the origin of PS. The cultivating basis should be confirmed for PVE30-based new drug development.

Chemical Composition in Juvenile and Mature Wood of Branch and Main Trunk of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit

Secondary growth is the most dynamic developmental aspect during the terrestrialization of plants. The development of secondary xylem tissue composed of thick-walled cells with characteristic changes in its structure and chemistry facilitates the growth and development of woody plants. In the present study, the chemical composition of the secondary xylem of juvenile and mature wood from the branch and main trunk of Leucaena leucocephala, has been investigated and the differences established. The biochemical analysis of different cell wall components in the mature wood of the main trunk revealed high holocellulose and α-cellulose and less lignin content in the juvenile wood while its syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio was less than for the mature wood. As compared to the branch xylem, concentration of cell wall polysaccharides and lignin content was higher in both juvenile and mature wood collected from the main trunk. Thioacidolysis and GC-MS analysis of wood lignin from juvenile and mature wood showed that an increased concentration in lignin content in mature wood is associated with a corresponding increase in S/G ratio. The structural information of the acetylated lignin was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Our results indicate that the mature wood from the main trunk is superior in pulp yielding and lignin degradability as compared to the juvenile wood of the branch and trunk.

Effects of Different Nitrogen Application Rates on Root Growth and Distribution of Fine Root Length across Diameter Classes of Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.)

The optimized cultivation process of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) to maintain a consistently high and stable yield relies on the prolonged use of significant amounts of nitrogen fertilizers. However, this practice leads to increased production costs and various issues, such as soil pollution and compaction. To address these concerns, a three-year field trial was conducted involving different nitrogen application rates: N1 (20% nitrogen (N) reduction, 540 kg·hm−2), N2 (medium N, 675 kg·hm−2), and N3 (20% nitrogen increase, 810 kg·hm−2). The results showed that the inter-annual growth and development of wolfberry roots had two rapid growth peaks. In comparison with the N3 treatment, the root morphological characteristics index increased significantly under the N1 and N2 treatments. Among the different diameter classes, the most significant increase in fine root length, with an average diameter between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, occurred under the N1, N2, and N3 treatments, accounting for 50.6%, 50.92%, and 47.72% of the total annual growth of root length increments, respectively. Concerning the distribution of fine roots, the active layer depth extended under the N2 treatment suggesting that medium nitrogen application favored the longitudinal extension of fine roots. Leaf nitrogen content and the chlorophyll meter values (SPAD values) in the upper part of the plant, at the tip of shoots/branches, were the most sensitive indicators to changes in nitrogen application rates. These values increased significantly with higher nitrogen application amounts. Similarly, the contents of total sugar, betaine, and β-carotene increased with increasing nitrogen application rates, while the contents of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) and total flavonoids decreased. Finally, based on a comprehensive principal component evaluation, the rankings for root growth and plant development under various nitrogen application treatments were as follows: N2 (1.891) > N1 (0.002) > N3 (−1.894). The results showed that both the aboveground and belowground growth and development of wolfberry plants were most optimized under the N2 treatment. These findings provide a foundational reference for constructing good root morphology of wolfberry through cultivation practices such as nitrogen fertilizer management.

Oil control and pore refining effects of Fomes officinalis extract based on green deep eutectic solvent

The active ingredients of Fomes officinalis obtained using different extraction methods were compared, and their efficacy in facial oil control, pore refining, and blackhead acne inhibition was investigated. Through a proton exchange reaction, betaine and 2-α-glucosylglycerol produced a natural deep eutectic solvent with surprising extraction properties. The total content of triterpenes and polysaccharides increased by 5.95- and 4.63-fold, respectively, compared to that of ethanol extract, whereas that of polyphenols remained the same (P > 0.05). In cellular experiments, the extract exhibited precise targeted inhibition of inflammatory pathway factors. In subsequent clinical facial trials, research participants showed significant improvements in oil, pores, blackheads, and overall skin conditions. Thus, the extraction process not only guarantees the efficient and efficacious use of resources, but also provides a new option for skin care and clinical treatment.

Study on the interaction and gel properties of pork myofibrillar protein with konjac polysaccharides.

Natural myofibrillar protein (MP) is sensitive to changes in the microenvironment, such as pH and ionic strength, and therefore can adversely affect the final quality of meat products. The aim of this study was to modify natural MP as well as to improve its functional properties. Therefore, the quality improvement effect of konjac polysaccharides with different concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 g kg-1 protein) on MP gels was investigated. With a concentration of konjac polysaccharides of 6 g kg-1 protein, the composite gel obtained exhibited a significant improvement of water binding (water holding capacity increased by 7.71%) and textural performance (strength increased from 29.12 to 37.55 N mm, an increase of 8.43 N mm). Meanwhile, konjac polysaccharides could help to form more disulfide bonds and non-disulfide covalent bonds, which enhanced the crosslinking of MP and maintained the MP gel network structure. Then, with the preservation of α-helix structure (a significant increase of 8.11%), slower protein aggregation and formation of small aggregates, this supported the formation of a fine and homogeneous network structure and allowed a reduction in water mobility. During the heating process, konjac polysaccharides could absorb the surrounding water and fill the gel system, which resulted in an increase in the water content of the gel network and enhanced the gel-forming ability of the gel. Meanwhile, konjac polysaccharides might inhibit irregular aggregation of proteins and promote the formation of small aggregates, which in turn form a homogeneous and continuous gel matrix by orderly arrangement. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lubrication behavior of mixed colloidal systems: Effect of interactions between polysaccharides and oil droplets/ protein particles

The lubrication behavior of food systems is critical for sensory perception and consumer acceptance. This behavior depends on the components present in food and their interactions. In the present study, binary systems were designed to systematically investigate the effect of the interactions (i.e. repulsive and attractive interactions) between components on lubrication properties. Whey protein-stabilized emulsion droplets or whey protein aggregates functioned as dispersed particles, while polysaccharides were present in the continuous phase. Polysaccharides with different molecular characteristics, i.e. xanthan (charged, stiff), pectin (charged, semi-flexible) and guar gum (non-charged, flexible), were selected. We observed that bridging due to attractive interactions between polysaccharides and particles (oil droplets or proteins aggregates) induced extensive particle aggregation, leading to increased friction coefficients. Such bridging was reduced as the concentration of polysaccharides increased, decreasing both cluster size and friction coefficient. In the case of systems with the same charge, weaker depletion interactions led to the formation of particle aggregates, resulting in increased friction coefficients. This was mostly observed for pectin. Conversely, addition of xanthan and guar gum did not cause extensive aggregation and a more homogeneous microstructure was observed. As a result, lower friction coefficients were obtained. The friction coefficients were reduced further when more xanthan or guar gum were added, the highly charged xanthan being more effective. Overall, for both types of interactions, systems with a more homogeneous microstructure (i.e. smaller clusters) resulted in lower friction, indicating that the microstructure of the systems was the primary determinant of lubrication behavior.

Application of coliphage as biocontrol agent in combination with gamma irradiation to eliminate multi-drug-resistant E. coli in minimally processed vegetables

Biofilm formation is a rising concern in the food industry. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most important food-borne pathogens that can survive in food and food-related environments and eventually produce biofilms. This study suggested that both coliphages used were successful in preventing the creation of new biofilms as well as removing existing ones. Confocal laser scanning microscopy verified these findings. According to the findings, neither coliphage survived at 37 °C, but both remained stable at 4 °C and − 20 °C for extended periods of time. The study revealed that both coliphages demonstrated a greater degree of gamma irradiation resistance when compared to E. coli. The study’s results indicate that the implementation of a dual method, which incorporates gamma irradiation (1.5 kGy) and coliphage treatment, on various kinds of vegetables that were infected with E. coli, resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial count (surpassing 99.99%) following a 24-h incubation period. Combining gamma irradiation and the coliphage approach was significantly effective at lowering polysaccharide concentrations and proteins in the biofilm matrix. The results revealed that the pairing of gamma irradiation and coliphages acted in conjunction to cause disruptions in the matrix of biofilm, thereby promoting cell removal compared with either of the individual treatments. Ca+ ions strengthen the weak virion interaction with the relevant bacterial host cell receptors during the adsorption process. In conclusion, use of coliphage in combination with gamma irradiation treatment can be applied to improve fresh produce’s microbial safety and enhance its storability in supermarkets.Graphical

Applying S(IV)-Fe(II) binary activation of permanganate as ultrafiltration pretreatment for fouling mitigation: Performance, influencing factors, and mechanism

The widespread implementation of ultrafiltration (UF) technology, which has gained popularity for drinking water treatment, has been impeded by rising operational costs and shortened membrane lifespans resulting from membrane fouling. Here, an integrated pretreatment technique combining oxidation, adsorption, and coagulation was developed using the S(IV)–Fe(II) binary activated permanganate (PM) system, S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM. The efficacy of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment in mitigating UF membrane fouling was investigated for various raw water sources, including lakes, rivers, and seawater. The operational parameters of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment were optimized, and the underlying mechanisms for fouling alleviation were explored. Relative to conventional pretreatment methods, S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment reduced reversible fouling-induced resistance by 13%–92% and irreversible fouling-induced resistance by 11%–86%. The S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM system exhibited optimal mitigation of membrane fouling at a PM:S(IV):Fe(II) dosage ratio of 2:3:3, with Grapid × Trapid = 45948, Gslow × Tslow = 12480, and a settling time of 30 min (where G is the velocity gradient and T is contact time). The effectiveness of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment in controlling UF membrane fouling can be attributed to the following mechanisms: 1) modification of feed water quality in terms of organic compound characteristics and concentration, colloidal particle quantity and size distribution, and microbial activity and quantity; and 2) adjustment of the membrane surface deposition environment, resulting in reduced polysaccharide and protein content, particle size distribution range, and biomass, as well as alterations in physicochemical properties such as hydrophilicity and interfacial free energy. This study highlights the efficacy of S(IV)–Fe(II)/PM pretreatment in ensuring high-quality UF effluent while effectively reducing membrane fouling, especially its potential for alleviating irreversible membrane fouling.

Discrimination of pharmacodynamic components and volatile compounds of Poria cocos cultivated with five different materials based on GC-IMS analysis

Abstract Objectives The chemical constituents of Poria cocos grown with different substrates vary significantly; thus, identifying and comparing their biomarkers are important. Materials and Methods Herein, the chemical constituents of Poria cocos obtained with five different substrates were assessed using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), high-performance liquid chromatography and multivariate statistical analysis. Results The content of moisture, ash, alcohol-soluble matter, and heavy metals, except for those of the miscellaneous wood Poria cocos, conform to the specifications defined in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Edition 2020), and the polysaccharide contents are all greater than 57%. Conclusions Based on GC-IMS and the established fingerprints, 87 compounds were detected, 70 of which were identified in each group. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed seven compounds (two esters, three alcohols, and two aldehydes), which could be considered as potential marker compounds for discrimination.

Application of Miscanthus substrates in the cultivation of Ganoderma lingzhi.

Ganoderma lingzhi is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to improve health and longevity for thousands of years. It is usually cultivated on hardwood log- or sawdust-based formulations. Conversely, in this study, we used Miscanthus sacchariflorus (MSF), M. floridulus, and M. sinensis (MSS), fast-growing perennial grasses widely distributed in China, for G. lingzhi cultivation. Mycelial growth rate, activities of lignin-degrading enzymes on colonized mushroom substrates, and expression levels of CAZymes and laccase genes based on different substrates were analyzed. Total triterpenoids, sterols, and polysaccharides content of fruiting bodies obtained from different substrates were investigated. The activities of laccase and manganese peroxidase in mycelia increased in the MSF- and MSS-based formulations compared with that in the sawdust-based formulation. The results of mycelial growth- and cultivation-related experiments showed that the Miscanthus substrates could be used as the substrates for cultivating G. lingzhi. The content of activeingredients, namely triterpenoids, sterols, and polysaccharides, in fruiting bodies cultivated on the Miscanthus substrates did not decrease compared with those in substrate obtained from the sawdust-based formulation. Therefore, the present study provides alternative substrates for the cultivation of G. lingzhi, and a reference for better utilization of inexpensive substrate in future.

Process optimization and effect of different extraction methods on the characteristics and activities of Herba Patriniae polysaccharides: A correlation analysis

The process of papain assisted hot water (WP), cellulase assisted hot water (WC), papain mixed cellulase assisted hot water (WPC), ultrasonic assisted papain (PU), and ultrasonic assisted cellulase (CU) for Patriniae polysaccharides (HPs) extraction were optimized using the indicate of polysaccharide yield, respectively. Then, the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of HPs were compared, with an additional correlation analysis between the characteristics and activities of HPs. The results showed that CU demonstrated the highest extraction rate at 30.50 % among all methods. Compared to previous hot water extraction (HW), the enzyme-assisted extraction increased molecular weight, reducing sugar, mannose, and glucose content of HPs, while ultrasound-assisted extraction lowered mannose and glucose content of HPs, and increased reducing sugar content of HPs. All HPs showed concentration-dependent hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. Correlation analysis revealed that HPs with moderate galactose content, higher reducing sugar, protein, glucose, mannose, xylose, and molecular weight polysaccharide content would exhibit superior hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities, with CU-HPs expressing these excellent characteristics. Together with the exceptional polysaccharide yield, CU was a promising strategy to extract HPs, whose optimum process were: enzyme addition 2.5 %, solid–liquid ratio 1:25, ultrasonic power 150 W, ultrasonic time of 50 min.

Carboxylated Pocoa polysaccharides inhibited oxidative damage and inflammation of HK-2 cells induced by calcium oxalate nanoparticles

The inhibitory effects of Chinese medicine Pocoa (PCPs) with different carboxyl group (-COOH) contents on oxidative damage and inflammatory response of renal epithelial cells and the influence of -COOH content in polysaccharides were investigated. HK-2 cell damage model was established by nanocalcium oxalate crystals (nanoCOM), and then PCPs with -COOH contents of 2.56% (PCP0), 7.48% (PCP1), 12.07% (PCP2), and 17.18% (PCP3) were used to protect the cells. PCPs could inhibit the damage of nanoCOM to HK-2 cells, increase cell viability, restore cytoskeleton and morphology, and improve lysosomal integrity. PCPs can reduce the oxidative stress response of nanoCOM to cells, inhibit the opening of mPTP and cell necrotic apoptosis, reduce the level of Ca2+ ions in cells, the production of ATP and MDA, and increase SOD expression. PCPs can also reduce the cellular inflammatory response caused by oxidative damage, and reduce the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1, as well as the content of inflammasome NLRP3. After protection, PCPs can inhibit the endocytosis of nanoCOM crystals by cells. With the increase in -COOH content in PCPs, its ability to inhibit nanoCOM cell damage, reduce oxidative stress, reduce inflammatory response, and inhibit crystal endocytosis increases, that is, PCP3 with the highest -COOH content, shows the best biological activity. Inhibiting cell damage and inflammation and reducing a large amount of endocytosis of crystals by cells are beneficial to inhibit the formation of kidney stones.