Laminaria Japonica Polysaccharides Research Articles

Characterization of Three Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels Derived from Laminaria japonica and Their Hemostatic Properties

Three Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPs) extracted via water extraction (LJP-W), acid extraction (LJP-A), and enzymatic extraction (LJP-E) were used as raw materials to be cross-linked with chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol to prepare hydrogels. Compared with conventional hydrogel systems, all three types of LJP-based polysaccharide hydrogels exhibited better swelling properties (14 times their original weight) and the absorption ability of simulated body fluid (first 2 h: 6–10%). They also demonstrated better rigidity and mechanical strength. Young’s modulus of LJP-E was 4 times that of the blank. In terms of hemostatic properties, all three polysaccharide hydrogels did not show significant cytotoxic and hemolytic properties. The enzyme- and acid-extracted hydrogels (LJP-Gel-A and LJP-Gel-E) demonstrated better whole-blood coagulant ability compared with the water-extracted hydrogel (LJP-Gel-W), as evidenced by the whole blood coagulation index being half that of LJP-Gel-W. Additionally, the lactate dehydrogenase viabilities of LJP-Gel-A and LJP-Gel-E were significantly higher, at about four and three times those of water extraction, respectively. The above results suggested that LJP-Gel-A and LJP-Gel-E exhibited better blood coagulation capabilities than LJP-Gel-W, due to their enhanced platelet enrichment and adhesion properties. Consequently, these hydrogels are more conducive to promoting coagulation and have good potential for wound hemostasis.

Laminaria japonica Polysaccharides Improves the Growth Performance and Faecal Digestive Enzyme Activity of Weaned Piglets.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP) supplementation at levels of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg on the growth performance, faecal digestive enzyme activity, and serum biochemistry and amino acids of weaned piglets. One hundred and twenty weaned piglets (Barkshire × Licha Black, 21 days old, 6.13 ± 0.16 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates of six piglets in each group based on body weight. Piglets were fed with different levels (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of LJP for a 21-day trial. On day 21, faecal and blood samples were collected from one piglet per pen. The results showed that the supplementation of the 200 and 400 mg/kg LJP significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to the control group (p = 0.007; p = 0.002), and dietary LJP linearly increased ADG and ADFI (p = 0.002; p < 0.001). In addition, the supplementation of the 200 and 400 mg/kg LJP significantly increased faecal amylase activity (p < 0.001) compared to the control group, and dietary LJP linearly increased faecal amylase and lipase activities (p = 0.001; p = 0.037). Moreover, dietary LJP at 400 mg/kg increased serum histidine content compared to the other groups (p = 0.002), and dietary LJP linearly increased the contents of serum histidine and asparagine in piglets (p < 0.001; p = 0.046). In conclusion, supplementation of 200 and 400 mg/kg LJP could enhance growth performance and faecal digestive enzyme activity and modulate the serum amino acid content of weaned piglets, potentially contributing to the health of weaned piglets.

Combination of Lycium barbarum L. and Laminaria japonica polysaccharides as a highly efficient prebiotic: Optimal screening and complementary regulation of gut probiotics and their metabolites

The combination of polysaccharides is an effective way to develop prebiotics with stable performance during processing and digestion for human wellness. However, there is little information on optimal screening and complementary regulation of compound polysaccharides. This study aimed to optimally select a combination of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide (LBP) and Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP) as a highly efficient prebiotic to regulate the gut probiotics and their metabolites. Two LBPs characterized as rhamnogalacturonan I enriched pectins and two LJPs characterized as fucoidans were obtained by enzyme-assisted acid extraction at moderate and dramatic temperatures and combined in pairs to obtain 4 groups containing 4 proportional combinations. All combinations showed better prebiotic effects than individual LJP. The combination of LBP and LJP extracted at 50 °C at a ratio of 4:1 exhibited the strongest prebiotic effect. The optimal compound polysaccharide achieved superior effect and complementary function via LBP-targeted proliferation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides and production of SCFAs and non-SCFA health-associated metabolites, LJP-targeted accumulation of butyrate-producing bacteria and corresponding metabolites, as well as synergistic effect of LJP and LBP at exact proportion. Our study provided theoretical and methodological guidance for optimal screening of compound polysaccharides as new prebiotics.

Effect of Ultrasonic Irradiation on the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Laminaria japonica Polysaccharides and Their Performance in Biological Activities.

Due to the large molecular weight and complex structure of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP), which limit their absorption and utilization by the body, methods to effectively degrade polysaccharides had received more and more attention. In the present research, hot water extraction coupled with three-phase partitioning (TPP) was developed to extract and isolate LJP. Ultrasonic L. japonica polysaccharides (ULJP) were obtained by ultrasonic degradation. In addition, their physicochemical characteristics and in vitro biological activities were investigated. Results indicated that ULJP had lower weight-average molecular weight (153 kDa) and looser surface morphology than the LJP. The primary structures of LJP and ULJP were basically unchanged, both contained α-hexo-pyranoses and were mainly connected by 1,4-glycosidic bonds. Compared with LJP, ULJP had stronger antioxidant activity, α-amylase inhibitory effect and anti-inflammatory effect on RAW264.7 macrophages. The scavenging rate of DPPH free radicals by ULJP is 35.85%. Therefore, ultrasonic degradation could effectively degrade LJP and significantly improve the biological activity of LJP, which provided a theoretical basis for the in-depth utilization and research and development of L. japonica in the fields of medicine and food.

Effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on gelatinization properties and long-term retrogradation of wheat starch

This study investigated the effects of LJP (Laminaria japonica polysaccharides) on the rheological, gelatinization, and retrogradation properties of WS (wheat starch) gels. Dynamic rheological test showed that the addition of LJP decreased the storage and loss modulus. Furthermore, LJP significantly decreased the peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback value of WS. Moreover, LJP incorporation significantly reduced the WS gel hardness during storage. SEM results showed that the addition of LJP improved the structure of WS gel. The short and long-range ordered structure showed that the relative crystallinity and formation of ordered structure were reduced with the addition of LJP. Otherwise, the LJP inhibited moisture migration, which was demonstrated by LF-NMR. In summary, the addition of LJP could inhibit the retrogradation of WS gel, as well the double helix structure of amylose or amylopectin was decreased, which provides a new theoretical insight for the production of WS-based food study. • Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) showed a restraint effect on WS gels retrogradation. • LJP reduced the storage and loss modulus and gelatinization index of WS gels. • LJP in WS gels can interfere with the recombination of the double helix structure of starch during storage.

Effects of sulfated polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica on regularating the gut microbiotan and alleviating intestinal inflammation in obese mice.

Due to their known health-enhancing properties, Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) may alleviate obesity via unknown mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate beneficial LJP effects and mechanism(s) of action using an animal obesity model (ICR mice fed a high-fat diet). First, LJP were confirmed to consist of sulfated polysaccharides via infrared spectroscopy. Next, LJP administration to mice was found to induce weight loss, reduce liver fat accumulation, and support healthy obesity-related blood serum indicator levels. Notably, LJP treatment significantly reduced TC and LDL levels and significantly increased HDL, LPL, UCP-2, and PPAR-α levels. Furthermore, examinations of tissues of LJP-treated mice revealed significantly reduced intestinal tissue inflammation as compared to corresponding results obtained for untreated obese controls. Additionally, LJP treatment relieved colonic shortening and reduced colonic levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6. Further exploration of LJP treatment effects on mouse gut microbiota conducted via fecal 16S rRNA gene sequence-based gut microbiome profiling analysis revealed that LJP treatment increased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and increased gut abundances of probiotics Bacteroides acidifaciens, s_Lactobacillus intestinalis, and s_Lactobacillus murinus. In conclusion, these results collectively suggest that LJP use as a food supplement may alleviate obesity and related gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal inflammatory disorders.

Two Laminaria japonica polysaccharides with distinct structure characterization affect gut microbiota and metabolites in hyperlipidemic mice differently

Our previous study found dietary mannogluconic acid (MA) and fucogalactan sulfate (FS) from Laminaria japonica have distinct structure characterization and potential hypolipidemic effects in vitro. Herein, we compared the benefits of MA and FS on hyperlipidemia. The result showed only FS treatment decreased body weight and serum cholesterol levels. Compared with MA, FS was more effective in mitigating hepatic fat accumulation, promoting GSH-Px activity, reducing the MDA formation, and lowering the level of TNF-α in liver. Gut microbiota and metabolism analysis revealed that FS increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and boosted the level of short chain fatty acids. Particularly, taurine and 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy-24-oxo-5-β-cholestanoyl CoA were upregulated by FS, which might attribute to the increased Oscillibacter and thus affect the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and serum TC level. Therefore, FS with more branches and sulfate ester groups could be a good lipid-lowering dietary supplement.

Physicochemical Properties and Anticoagulant Activity of Purified Heteropolysaccharides from Laminaria japonica.

Laminaria japonica is widely consumed as a key food and medicine. Polysaccharides are one of the most plentiful constituents of this marine plant. In this study, several polysaccharide fractions with different charge numbers were obtained. Their physicochemical properties and anticoagulant activities were determined by chemical and instrumental methods. The chemical analysis showed that Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPs) and the purified fractions LJP0, LJP04, LJP06, and LJP08 mainly consisted of mannose, glucuronic acid, galactose, and fucose in different mole ratios. LJP04 and LJP06 also contained minor amounts of xylose. The polysaccharide fractions eluted by higher concentration of NaCl solutions showed higher contents of uronic acid and sulfate group. Biological activity assays showed that LJPs LJP06 and LJP08 could obviously prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), indicating that they had strong anticoagulant activity. Furthermore, we found that LJP06 exerted this activity by inhibiting intrinsic factor Xase with higher selectivity than other fractions, which may have negligible bleeding risk. The sulfate group may play an important role in the anticoagulant activity. In addition, the carboxyl group and surface morphology of these fractions may affect their anticoagulant activities. The results provide information for applications of L. japonica polysaccharides, especially LJP06 as anticoagulants in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Resveratrol and lycium barbarum polysaccharide improve Qinling giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca Qinlingensis) sperm quality during cryopreservation

BackgroundSemen cryopreservation has become an essential tool for conservation efforts of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca); however, it is severely detrimental to sperm quality. Evidence has shown that antioxidants have the potential to reverse cryopreservation-induced damage in sperm. The purpose of this study was to screen effective antioxidants that could retain sperm quality during cryopreservation and to determine the optimal dose. Seven antioxidant groups, including resveratrol (RSV = 50 μM, RSV = 100 μM, RSV = 150 μM), lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP = 2 mg/mL, LBP = 4 mg/mL), laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP = 1 mg/mL) or combination (LBP = 2 mg/mL, LJP = 1 mg/mL and RSV = 100 μM) were assessed.ResultsRSV, LBP, LJP, or a combination of RSV, LBP, and LJP added to the freezing medium significantly improved sperm progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity during the cryopreservation process. Furthermore, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were also improved. The levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in semen were notably reduced. Hyaluronidase activity and acrosin activity were significantly increased in LBP-treated sperm. However, sperm total motility and DNA integrity were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionsRSV (50 μM) or LBP (2 mg/mL) are the best candidate antioxidants for inclusion in the freezing medium to improve the quality of giant panda spermatozoa during semen cryopreservation.

Effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on the texture, retrogradation, and structure performances in frozen dough bread

Bread staling is a deterioration process that causes serious economic losses in the food industry. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) on the anti-staling properties during storage. The baking, thermal, starch retrogradation, and microstructure properties of bread with LJP during room storage were investigated. The results showed that the addition of LJP improved specific volume and textural properties. The kinetic model showed that the addition of LJP decreased the rate constant. Meanwhile, LJP addition exhibited a significant decrease of enthalpy and crystallization in the frozen dough bread. Data also showed that LJP may form more hydrogen bonds and interfere the starch reassociation and retrogradation. This effect was also evident in the microstructure, showing that LJP could improve the fresh quality and delay the deterioration of the bread structure. Overall, LJP can potentially be used as an effective natural additive to increase the storage stability of baked food.

Effects of Laminaria Japonica Polysaccharides on the Survival of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells

Objective. To investigate the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) on the survival of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells and its mechanism. Methods. In vitro: the cells were randomly divided into control group, LJP (5 mg/ml) group, LJP (10 mg/ml) group, and LJP (20 mg/ml) group. After corresponding treatment, the survival rate and the expression of proteins related to proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and signaling pathway were detected by CCK8 assay and Western blot, respectively. In vivo: a xenograft model was established to detect the tumor volume and mass and the expression of the above pathway proteins. Results. Compared with the control group, LJP decreased the survival rate of A549 cells (P&lt;0.05), inhibited the protein expression of Ki67 and PCNA (P&lt;0.05), downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 while upregulated the expression of Bax, cl-caspase-3, and cl-caspase-9 (P&lt;0.05), upregulated the expression of E-cadherin, downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and N-cadherin (P&lt;0.05), and downregulated β-catenin, transcription factor-4 (TCF4), and c-Myc protein expression levels (P&lt;0.05). In vivo: LJP decreased the volume and mass of the xenograft tumors and downregulated β-catenin, TCF4, and c-Myc protein expression levels compared with the control group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion. LJP can inhibit the survival of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells in vitro, and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of activation of β-catenin/TCF4 pathway activation.

Impact of acidic, water and alkaline extraction on structural features, antioxidant activities of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides

This study comparatively evaluated the effects of different extraction methods on yield, structural features and antioxidant activities of Laminaria japonica (L. japonica) polysaccharides. Results showed that acid, water and alkaline extracted L. japonica polysaccharides (LJP-CA, LJP-W and LJP-A, respectively) differed significantly. Among three polysaccharides, LJP-W showed the highest viscosity with high uronic acid content and average molecular weight, whereas LJP-CA showed the lowest viscosity with low uronic acid and high sulfate content with moderate average molecular weight. LJP-CA was mainly composed of fucose, mannose and galactose, but the proportion of glucose was greatly increased in LJP-W and LJP-A. LJP-W had an even and smooth sheet-like appearance, while LJP-CA and LJP-A exhibited irregular and rough fragments or particles with stronger antioxidant activities. These results suggest that acid and alkali would propose an improved process for polysaccharide preparation from L. japonica and to exploit its potential application as a functional ingredient in food application.

Effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on lipids monolayers at the air-water surface

In this paper, we examined the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) on cationic 1,2-Dioleoyl-3-Trimethylammonium-Propane (DOTAP) and anionic 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-1-glycerol] (DPPG) monolayers at the air-water interface by the pressure-area isotherms (π-A), adsorption curves (π-t) and morphology measurements with atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. The π-A curves revealed that the isotherms shifted to larger mean molecular area with progressive addition of LJP into subphase for both DOTAP and DPPG monolayers. And the compression modulus Cs−1 obtained from π-A curves showed that the elasticity of the films decreased with the addition of LJP. Adsorption curves were measured at the surface pressure of 10 and 20mN/m, which were fitted by the adsorption kinetics equation. It revealed that DOTAP monolayer changed into a mixed film with the insertion of polysaccharides molecules. However, there was no significant effect on the surface pressure for DPPG monolayer. Besides, surface morphology was observed by AFM, which was consistent with the results of fitted adsorption curves.

Laminaria Japonica Polysaccharides effectively inhibited the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro study

AimsLaminaria Japonica Polysaccharides (LJP) is a kind of plant polysaccharide isolated from Laminaria Japonica Aresch. LJP has a variety of biological activity, including anti-tumor, improving immune function, anti-radiation and others. This study observed the biological activity of LJP in vitro and in vivo on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC), and the possible anticancer mechanism was explored. MethodsNasopharyngeal poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma cell lines CNE2 and HONE1 were used for the study. MTT method was used to detect the proliferation of HONE1 and CNE2 treated with gradient concentrations of LJP. The apoptosis of HONE1 treated with LJP was detected by annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method. HONE1 was used to establish subcutaneous implanted tumor model in nude mice. The changes of transplanted tumor volume and body weight of nude mice in each group were observed and recorded. The changes of the ultrastructure of transplanted tumor were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). ResultsMTT results showed that LJP has inhibitory effect on proliferation of both HONE1 and CNE2, and the effects were dosage-dependent; results of flow cytometry (FCM) analysis showed that, LJP could efficient induce apoptosis in HONE1, and apoptosis rate increased with the increase of LJP concentration. In vivo experiments, the inhibition rate was 33.7% (P<0.05) and 47% (P<0.01) in middle and high dose LJP group, respectively. TEM results suggested that the cancer cells in the transplanted tumor tissue treated with middle and high dose LJP presented unique apoptosis changes. ConclusionsLJP can effectively inhibit the growth of NPC cells. And it may be achieved by inducing apoptosis of NPC cells.

Molecular weight controllable degradation of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides and its antioxidant properties

In this study, molecular weight controllable degradation of algal Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LPS) was investigated by ultrasound combined with hydrogen peroxide. Three main factors, i.e., ultrasonic power (A), ultrasonic time (B), and H2O2 concentration (C) were chosen for optimizing parameters by employing three-factors, three-levels BBD. The influence of degradation on structure change and antioxidant activities was also investigated. A second-order polynomial equation including molecular weight (Y) of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides and each variable parameter, i.e., ultrasonic power (A), ultrasonic time (B), and H2O2 concentration (C), was established: Y=20718.67−4273.13A−4000.38B−1438.75C+2333.25AB+1511.00AC+873.00BC+2838.29A2 + 2490.79B2+873.04C2. The equation regression coefficient value (R2 = 0.969) indicated that this equation was valid. The value of the adjusted determination coefficient (adjusted R2 = 0.914) also confirmed that the model was highly significant. The results of selected experimental degradation conditions matched with the predicted value. FT-IR spectra revealed that the structures of LPS before and after degradation were not significantly changed. Antioxidant activities of LPS revealed that low Mws possessed stronger inhibitory than the original polysaccharides. The scavenging effects on superoxide radicals was the highest when IC50 of crude LPS was 4.92 mg mL−1 and IC50 of Mw 18.576 KDa was 1.02 mg mL−1, which was fourfold higher than initial polysaccharide.

Effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on airway inflammation of lungs in an asthma mouse model

Background: Asthma is a serious chronic inflammatory disease affecting 300 million people worldwide. This aim of this study to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of Laminaria japonica extract in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model.&#x0D; Methods: A mouse asthma model was established in SPF Kunming mice by OVA-sensitization followed by inhalation of aerosol allergen for two weeks. Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPS) were given by gavage feeding at 50 mg/kg/day during OVA inhalation challenge period, and their effect on asthma was compared with the standard treatment of Budesonide inhalation. The total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were studied and scored to determine the degree of inflammation. Levels of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-β1 in BALF as well as serum levels of IgE were measured. Expressions of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-β1 in lung tissues were assessed.&#x0D; Results: Highly inflammatory lungs infiltrated with significant increased eosinophils were observed in OVAinduced asthmatic mice. The OVA treated mice presented with a lower level of IL-12 and higher levels of IL-13 and TGF-β1 in BALF and lung tissues, as well as an increased level of the serum IgE. Treatment with LJPS (Group B) significantly decreased the numbers of eosinophils in the BALF (P&lt;0.05) and alleviated lung inflammation compared to the untreated asthma mice (Group A). It also reduced the serum IgE levels, increased expression of IL-12, and decreased the expression of IL-13 and TGF-β1 in BALF and lung (Both P &lt; 0.05) compared with the group A.&#x0D; Conclusions: LJPS can significantly inhibit airway inflammation of asthmatic mice, adjust the balance of cytokines, and improve the pulmonary histopathological condition. Our data suggested that LJPS might be a potential therapeutic reagent for allergic asthma.

Effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on airway inflammation of lungs in an asthma mouse model.

BackgroundAsthma is a serious chronic inflammatory disease affecting 300 million people worldwide. This aim of this study to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of Laminaria japonica extract in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model.MethodsA mouse asthma model was established in SPF Kunming mice by OVA-sensitization followed by inhalation of aerosol allergen for two weeks. Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPS) were given by gavage feeding at 50 mg/kg/day during OVA inhalation challenge period, and their effect on asthma was compared with the standard treatment of Budesonide inhalation. The total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were studied and scored to determine the degree of inflammation. Levels of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-β1 in BALF as well as serum levels of IgE were measured. Expressions of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-β1 in lung tissues were assessed.ResultsHighly inflammatory lungs infiltrated with significant increased eosinophils were observed in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. The OVA treated mice presented with a lower level of IL-12 and higher levels of IL-13 and TGF-β1 in BALF and lung tissues, as well as an increased level of the serum IgE. Treatment with LJPS (Group B) significantly decreased the numbers of eosinophils in the BALF (P < 0.05) and alleviated lung inflammation compared to the untreated asthma mice (Group A). It also reduced the serum IgE levels, increased expression of IL-12, and decreased the expression of IL-13 and TGF-β1 in BALF and lung (Both P < 0.05) compared with the group A.ConclusionsLJPS can significantly inhibit airway inflammation of asthmatic mice, adjust the balance of cytokines, and improve the pulmonary histopathological condition. Our data suggested that LJPS might be a potential therapeutic reagent for allergic asthma.

Maturation of mouse bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) induced by Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP)

The seaweed Laminaria japonica has been investigated in a laboratory research for its medical significance and LJP has been purified now. The objective of present study was to look at effect of LJP on structural, phenotypic and functional maturation of murine BMDCs. The structural maturation of BMDCs induced by LJP was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); The phenotypic maturation of BMDCs was studied by flow cytometry(FCM) and functional maturation of BMDCs was analyzed by FITC-dextran, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We hereby proved that LJP markedly induced maturation of BMDCs with the data of decreased the number of lysosomes, upregulated expression of CD80, CD83, CD86, CD40 and MHC II key membrane molecules on BMDCs, downregulated phagocytosis, enriched production of IL-12 and TNF-α secreted by BMDCs. Therefore it should be concluded that LJP was with strong ability to induce maturation of BMDCs. Our data provided direct evidence to suggest that LJP could be considered as an immune stimulant in improving immune handicapped situation and as a useful adjuvant in vaccine designing.

Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on the recovery of rats spermatogenic function of testis damaged by chronic local ionizing radiation

To investigate the degree of recovery by Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) on the damage to the rat spermatogenic function caused by chronic local ionizing radiation, 56 wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: Control, three model and three LJP groups. Results showed that although indicators in LJP and model groups were found different from the control group (P 0.05). In the other 7 and 14d LJP group, the SOD and GSH-PX activities increased while MDA content decreased. In addition, mitochondrion membrane potential enhanced in testis cells while DNA injury relieved; furthermore the sperm count and survival rate increased, the difference was significantly (P < 0.05) and the testicular tissue damage reduced and mitochondrion were relieved, which were more similar to those of the control group. Our results suggested that lavaged by LJP100 mg·kg-1·d-1 at the duration from 7 days before radiation till the end of radiation, LJP has promoting effects on the recovery of the damages to spermatogenic function induced by chronic local ionizing radiation. Key words: Laminaria japonica polysaccharides, ionizing radiation; spermatogenic function, damage recovery.

Hypoglycemic Effect ofLaminaria japonicaPolysaccharide in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Model

The aim is to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPS) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice model. 60 healthy male mice have been used in the experiment. T2DM animal mode was prepared by high fatty forage feeding and intraperitoneal injection with alloxan. Diabetic mice were orally supplied with LJPS. Then their blood was collected for various biomedical measurements of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, and amylin. Treatment with LJPS significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (P < 0.05) and increased the levels of insulin and amylin in serum (P < 0.05). Overall, the study presented that LJPS can reverse several components of T2DM. Therefore, LJPS may become a new oral candidate medicine for the treatment of diabetes.