Schisandra Polysaccharide Research Articles

The regulation of GSH/GPX4-mediated lipid accumulation confirms that schisandra polysaccharides should be valued equally as lignans

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAcetaminophen (APAP) induced liver injury (AILI) is a common cause of clinical hepatic damage and even acute liver failure. Our previous research has shown that Schisandra chinensis lignan extract (SLE) can exert a hepatoprotective effect by regulating lipid metabolism. Although polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis), like lignans, are important components of S. chinensis, their pharmacological activity and target effects on AILI have not yet been explored. Aim of the studyThis study aims to quantitatively reveal the role of SCP in the pharmacological activity of S. chinensis, and further explore the pharmacological components, potential action targets and mechanisms of S. chinensis in treating AILI. Materials and methodsThe therapeutic effect of SCP on AILI was systematically determined via comparing the efficacy of SCP and SLE on in vitro and in vivo models. Network pharmacology, molecular docking and multi-omics techniques were then used to screen and verify the action targets of S. chinensis against AILI. ResultsSCP intervention could significantly improve AILI, and the therapeutic effect was comparable to that of SLE. Notably, the combination of SCP and SLE did not produce mutual antagonistic effects. Subsequently, we found that both SCP and SLE could significantly reverse the down-regulation of GPX4 caused by the APAP modeling, and then further improving lipid metabolism abnormalities. ConclusionsHepatoprotective effects of SCP and SLE is most correlated with their regulation of GSH/GPX4-mediated lipid accumulation. This is the first exploration of the hepatoprotective effect and potential mechanism of SCP in treating AILI, which is crucial for fully utilizing S. chinensis and developing promising AILI therapeutic agents.

The comprehensive mechanism underlying Schisandra polysaccharide in AD-like symptoms of Aβ25-35-induced rats based on hippocampal metabolomics and serum lipidomics techniques

As is well documented, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Meanwhile, Schisandra polysaccharide (SCP) has been reported to exert a protective effect on the nervous system and can regulate metabolic disorders in AD-like symptoms of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) 25–35-induced rats. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms and metabolic markers for the diagnosis of AD are yet to be determined. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect and potential mechanism of action of SCP in AD-like symptoms of Aβ25–35-induced rats by combining pharmacodynamics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. The pharmacodynamic results revealed that SCP significantly improved the spatial learning and long-term memory function and the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region, alleviated inflammatory damage and oxidative stress, inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and increased the proportion of mature neurons of AD-like symptoms of Aβ25–35-induced rats. The results of hippocampal metabolomics and serum lipidomics showed 46 and 48 potential biomarkers were identified for the SCP treatment of AD, respectively. The involved pathways principally comprised lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. This study elucidates the neuroprotective effect of SCP in AD and its mechanism from the perspective of metabolomics and lipidomics and provides a theoretical basis for the therapeutic effect of SCP in AD.

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. polysaccharide inhibits influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo.

Influenza virus is prone to seasonal spread and widespread outbreaks, which pose important challenges to public health security. Therefore, it is important to effectively prevent and treat influenza virus infection. Schisandra polysaccharide (SPJ) is a polysaccharide derived from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of SPJ in vitro and in vivo, especially against influenza A virus (IAV) infection. By analyzing SPJ structure and monosaccharide composition, the molecular weight of SPJ was determined to be 115.5 KD, and it is composed of galacturonic acid (89.4%), rhamnose (0.8%), galactose (4.4%), arabinose (3.8%) and glucose (1.7%). Immunofluorescence analysis showed that SPJ treatment reduced the positive rate of viral nucleoproteins in cells, indicating that the compound had an inhibitory effect on influenza virus replication. Furthermore, SPJ therapy improved the survival of infected mice. Lung virus titer assays indicated that SPJ treatment significantly reduced viral-loading in the lung tissue of infected mice, and alleviated the pathological damage caused by influenza virus infection. Moreover, SPJ reduced cytokine expression during influenza virus challenge. In conclusion, SPJ has anti-influenza virus effects, and may have potential as an anti-influenza drug candidate in further clinical studies.

Microwave assisted free radical degradation of Schisandra polysaccharides: Optimization, identification and application

In order to establish structural-fingerprinting of polysaccharides for improvement of quality assessment, a sample preparation method based on microwave assisted free radical degradation (MFRD) of plant polysaccharides was proposed to produce oligosaccharides and small Mw polysaccharides. As a case study of Schisandra chinensis and S. sphenanthera fruit polysaccharides (SCP and SSP), the MFRD condition (i.e., 100 °C, 30 s and 80 W) was confirmed to be optimal. The potential structures of the MFRD products of SCP and SSP were further discussed by combinations of HILIC-ESI−-QTOF-MSE and HILIC-ESI−-Q-OT-IT-MS/MS. As followed, multivariable statistical analysis shows a clear separation of SCP and the SSP in PCA and OPLS-DA plots based HILIC-ESI−-QTOF-MSE data. The VIP plot unveils several key Q-markers (e.g., peaks 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30) with significant differences and stable emergences. Furthermore, a low-polymerization compositional fingerprinting was successfully constructed for SCP and SSP using a high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Compared to the conventional sample preparation methods, the MFRD took only a few thousandth of the time to accomplish degradations of plant polysaccharides. It significantly improves sample preparations and is generally applicable to various polysaccharide samples.

Synergistic antidepressant effect of Schisandra lignans and Schisandra polysaccharides

The CUMS（Chronic unpredictable mild stress） method was used to establish a depression model，and the combination of schisandra lignans and schisandra polysaccharides was used for drug treatment, and its effect on the depressive behavior of mice was observed through behavioral indicators, and then the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of schisandra lignans and schisandra polysaccharides were explored. The study found that the food intake of the CUMS-induced model mice decreased significantly after depression, and major symptoms such as depression, anxiety, loss of libido, and weight loss appeared. After 28 days of administration, the depression symptoms of the positive control group, Schisandra lignan group, Schisandra polysaccharide group, Schisandra lignan and polysaccharide group gradually improved, while the model group showed obvious depression. Schisandra lignans and Schisandra polysaccharides have synergistic antidepressant effects.

Self-Assembly Loading of Schisandra chinensis Nanoparticles and Its Effect on the Malignant Biological Behavior of Ovarian Cancer Cells

Schisandra polysaccharide (SCHP) was utilized as the target drug, and Zein (corn prolamine) was utilized as the drug carrier. First, SCHP/Zein nanoparticles (Zein-SCHP NPs) were prepared. Then, a polydopamine (PDP) coating was utilized to enhance the stability and tumor targeting of Zein. Finally, the folic acid (FA)-targeting ligand was covalently attached to the PDP-modified Zein-SCHP@PDP NP surface to form a highly pH-sensitive NP (Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs) with active/passive targeting. In the experiment, apart from physical characterization of Zein-SCHP-based nanomaterials, the in vitro cytotoxicity and cell uptake properties of these materials were tested. In addition, an ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV3, was taken as the research object to explore the photodynamic-mediated killing effect of Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs on this cancer cell. The results demonstrated that the average particle size of Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs was (379.68±1.36) nm, the zeta potential was (−43.68±1.67) mV, the encapsulation efficiency was (97.86±1.38)%, and the drug loading was (11.75±0.16)%. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) suggested that the Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs were spherical, and there was no adhesion between the particles. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and far infrared (FIR) results indicated that SCHP existed in the NPs in the crystal structure and proved that the PDP and FA were successfully modified. The in vitro release of the drug showed that Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs had sustained release, and the CCK-8 test showed that Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs were highly cytotoxic and could notably reduce the IC50 values of SCHP. Furthermore, in vitro uptake experiments revealed that Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs exhibited strong specific recognition in cells expressing different folate receptors. Compared with Zein-SCHP NPs and Zein-SCHP@PDP NPs, Zein-SCHP@PDP-FA NPs combined with photodynamic therapy enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells, downregulated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and interleukin (IL)-6 proteins, and exerted more destructive effects on SKOV3 cells.

Quality differentiation method of similar phytomedicines with high sugar content based on the sugar-marker: Taking Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus as an example

• Sugar was used as quality marker to distinguish similar phytomedicines. • Taking SCF and SSF as an example, a set of quality control methods was established. • SCF and SSF from ten different areas were classified into three categories. Quality evaluation of phytomedicines is limited to small molecules as quality markers, even for herbs with high sugar contents. We established a high-resolution method for distinguishing similar medicinal materials using sugar as quality marker, taking Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (SCF) and Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (SSF) as an example. High performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light-scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD), high performance size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering detector and refractive index detector (HPSEC-MALLS-RID) and high performance liquid chromatography with photo-diode array (HPLC-PDA) after 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) pre-column derivatization were used respectively to determine monosaccharide contents, molecular weights and monosaccharide compositions of polysaccharides in this study. The differences of SCF and SSF from ten producing areas were compared by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Results showed that contents of fructose and glucose were similar between SCF and SSF. Molecular weight ( M w) of SCF polysaccharides was ranging from 1.561 × 10 2 to 6.599 × 10 2 kDa, and that of SSF polysaccharides was ranging from 8.524 × 10 2 to 1.7416 × 10 3 kDa. Schisandra polysaccharides were mainly composed of mannose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose. Based on PCA and HCA, SCF and SSF from ten different areas were classified into three categories. With great accuracy, sensitivity and stability, the methods established in this study had important reference value for quality evaluation, development and utilization of saccharide components in medicinal materials.

Preparation, structure characterization of carboxymethylated schisandra polysaccharides and their intervention in immunotoxicity to polychlorinated biphenyls

Carboxymethylation is a well-known modification process for polysaccharides. To evaluated structural features and biological availability of carboxymethyl, carboxymethylated schisandra polysaccharides (CSP) was synthesized using an optimized chloroacetic acid /NaOH method. Optimal modification parameters were reaction temperature of 62.67 ℃, reaction time of 4.27 h, and 0.83 g chloroacetic acid. The main fraction of CSP (CSPP) was obtained by purification using DEAE-52 column. Chemical analysis indicated that CSPP contained carboxymethyl groups with a Mw of 1.698 × 104 g/mol and degree of substitution of 0.88 and composed of mannose, glucose and galactose at ratio of 1: 44.8: 3.7. Moreover, CSPP have improved water solubility (12.56 ± 0.04 mg/mL) and existed as a slight extended flexible chain. CSPP exhibited higher immunomodulating activities to polychlorinated biphenyl-126 (PCB126) -exposure mice than unmodified polysaccharide, as shown by improving PCB 126-induced reduction of body weight gain and atrophy of the immune organ, diminishing PCB126-induced inhibition of cytokines production and reversing damage of spleen caused by oxidative stress in PCB126-treated mice. It could be concluded that introduction of carboxymethyl groups to polysaccharide can alter its physicochemical characteristic to enhance its immunoregulatory activity. This study suggested that CSPP potentially serve as an effective nutritional intervention agent to reverse the PCB126-induced immunosuppression.

Low-polymerization compositional fingerprinting for characterization of Schisandra polysaccharides by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry

A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-negative electrospray-mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI−-MS) coupled with microwave assisted mild acid (MAMA) depolymerization is proposed here for unusual discrimination and characterization of plant polysaccharides: a case study of fruit polysaccharides in Schisandra chinensis and S. sphenanthera (SCP and SSP). The optimized MAMA hydrolysis procedure was proposed for sample preparations of low-polymerization saccharides (Mw < 5000 Da) released in SCP and SSP. In addition, HILIC-MS/MS was employed for elucidation of isomeric glycosidic linkages in terms of 18O labelling. The MAMA hydrolysates showed that the amount of neutral →(4Hex1)n→ moiety is confirmed to be more bigger than that of acidic →(4HexA1)n → in SCP, whereas the amount of acidic →(4HexA1)n→ moiety seems to be more bigger than that of neutral →(4Hex1)n→ in SSP. The resulting low-polymerization compositional fingerprinting (LCF) showed the performance on rapid visualization of SCP and SSP by HILIC-MIM-MS. Principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) further unveils several key Q-markers (e.g., m/z 503, 369, 665, 827, 989, 1151 and 735) for rapid discrimination of SCP and SSP. This practical study showed that the LCF with PCA and HCA could effectively reflect structural differences and could rapidly achieve discrimination of SCP and SSP.

Structural characterization of a novel Schisandra polysaccharides and nutritional intervention in immunotoxicity to PCBs

A new polysaccharide from fruits of Schisandra chinensis (SCPP22) with a molecular weight of 143 ± 0.13 KDa was mainly made up of glucose and galactose. The possible structure of SCPP22 was showed that its main chain was composed of 1,4-α-d-Glup and branch was stretched from O-6 position of 1,4-β-d-Glup. Branches consisted of T-α-d-Galp. Further, SCPP22 could reverse PCB126-induced immunosuppression, significantly enhance body weight and immune organ indices. It also significantly ameliorated oxidative injury to immune organ induced by PCB126, as shown by evaluation of SOD activities, as well as MDA levels in spleen and thymus. SCPP22 strongly stimulated cytokines production by up-regulating mRNA expression of TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-2. Mechanism investigation revealed that recovery effects of SCPP22 in immunosuppression induced by PCB126 are mainly through regulating apoptosis-related proteins expression. Schisandra polysaccharides might be applied in functional food as nutritional intervention ingredient.

Schisandra chinensis acidic polysaccharide partialy reverses acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice

Schisandra chinensis is a hepatoprotective herb that has been used for centuries in China. Polysaccharide is one of the major active components in S. chinensis, which has been reported to improve liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride, alcohol, or high-fat diet. In this study, we observed the effects and corresponding mechanisms of the secondary component of Schisandra polysaccharide (acidic polysaccharide, SCAP) on a murine model of severe acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen (APAP). SCAP significantly decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferas (AST), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, and was found to alleviate hepatic pathological alterations in the mouse model. Meanwhile, SCAP revealed a protective effects on the liver injury-related enzymes and factors, such as significantly diminished malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and glutathione (GSH) depletion, reduced ratio of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2, prohibited cleaved caspase-3 expression, and elevated the expression of p-AMPK, p-Akt, p-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK 3β), nuclear factor erythroid 2–derived-like 2 (Nrf 2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins in the liver tissues of the mouse model. In conclusion, we speculated that the protective activities of SCAP on the APAP-induced mouse model of acute liver injury might be related to its antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis properties.

Antidiabetic Activity of Acidic Polysaccharide From Schisandra chinensis in STZ-Induced Diabetic Mice

Polysaccharide, one of the main components in Schisandra chinensis, has been discovered to have an antidiabetic effect. In this study, we further observed the effect of the secondary component of Schisandra polysaccharide, acidic polysaccharide, on diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in mice and H2O2-induced MIN6 cell injury model and investigated the underlying mechanisms at the same time. The results showed that S. chinensis acidic polysaccharide (SCAP) could increase the content of fasting blood insulin and the activity of superoxide dismutase, lower the level of fasting blood glucose and malondialdehyde, and improve the pathological changes in the pancreatic islet in STZ-induced diabetic mice. SCAP decreased the percent of apoptotic cells and increased Cleaved Caspase-3 activity in H2O2-incubated cells. Furthermore, SCAP treatment inhibited the upregulation of phospho C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), BAX, and Cleaved Caspase-3 protein expressions, and increased the expression of Bcl-2. These results indicate that SCAP has a therapeutic effect on STZ-induced diabetic mouse, and this protective effect may be mediated through preventing the apoptosis of β-cells via inhibiting the expression of JNK and related apoptotic proteins.

Pharmacodynamic and urinary metabolomics studies on the mechanism of Schisandra polysaccharide in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill is produced mainly in northeast China, Korea and Japan. Its fruit has been used in food as a nutritional and functional ingredient for centuries. Polysaccharide is an important chemical component in Schisandra. Previous studies have shown that Schisandra polysaccharide (SCP) could be used to improve cognitive function clinically and treat age-related neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, a urinary metabolomics method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was established to investigate the change of endogenous metabolites in an amyloid β-protein (Aβ) 25-35-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model. Meanwhile, levels of 9 neurotransmitters were evaluated with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TQ-MS) to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of SCP on the AD rat model. Additionally, the synthesis of phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau), acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and oxidative damage in the brain of the AD rats were assessed using glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), AchE and antioxidant assays, NOS (nitric oxide synthase) and SOD (superoxide dismutase), respectively. The results indicated that the AD model was established successfully and the inducement of Aβ25-35 caused the phosphorylation of tau protein and the deposition of Aβ. In the AD model rats, the levels of AchE, GSK-3β and NOS were significantly elevated and SOD activity was reduced. In the hippocampus of the model rats, the contents of γ-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine, glycine, norepinephrine, taurine, serotonin and dopamine were significantly decreased and the contents of glutamate and aspartic acid were increased significantly. However, SCP could reduce the degree of phosphorylation of tau protein, the deposition of Aβ and oxidative damage and reverse these changes of neurotransmitters in the AD rats. In a metabolomics study, a total of 38 metabolites were finally identified as potential biomarkers of AD and all of them had a significant recovery compared with the AD model after SCP administration. Metabolomics studies have shown that SCP plays a role in protecting the central nervous system, regulating intestinal microbial metabolism, regulating energy metabolism, and promoting antioxidant effects by regulating the levels of endogenous metabolites in related pathways. This is first report of the use of urine metabolomics combined with the evaluation of 9 neurotransmitter levels to investigate the mechanism of SCP on the treatment of AD.

Immunomodulatory effect of Schisandra polysaccharides in cyclophosphamide-induced immunocompromised mice.

As a strategy to prevent the well-known immunosuppressant effects of cyclophosphamide (Cyp), the immunomodulatory effects of the polysaccharide extract of the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. were investigated in the present study. The crude Schisandra polysaccharide (SCP) was obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation methods. The total carbohydrate, uronic acid and protein contents were determined using the phenol-sulfuric acid, m-hydroxydiphenyl and Bradford method, respectively. The monosaccharide composition of SCP was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. ICR mice were randomly divided into control, model, low-dose SCP (0.4 mg/10 g), medium-dose SCP (0.8 mg/10 g) and high-dose SCP (1.6 mg/10 g) groups. The mice in the SCP groups were intragastrically administered SCP once a day for 21 days and those from the control and model groups were administered the same volume of distilled water. Subsequently, the mice in the model and SCP groups were intraperitoneally injected with Cyp (20 mg/kg) once a day for 5 days. The mouse leukocyte count in the peripheral blood as well as thymus and spleen indexes were determined, and the phagocytic function of macrophages was estimated using a carbon clearance test. The thymus and spleen were histomorphologically observed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were measured by ELISA. Furthermore, antibody formation and spleen lymphocyte proliferation were measured by the serum hemolysin and the MTT method, respectively. The apoptotic rate of splenic lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometric analysis. The results indicated that SCP prevents Cyp-induced impairment of the cellular, humoral and non-specific immunity, and may be an auxiliary immune enhancer for the prevention of immune hypofunction.

Schisandra polysaccharide inhibits hepatic lipid accumulation by downregulating expression of SREBPs in NAFLD mice.

BackgroundHepatoprotective effects of Chinese herbal medicine Schisandra Chinensis (Schisandra) have been widely investigated. However, most studies were focused on its lignan extracts. We investigated the effects of Schisandra polysaccharide (SCP) in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and studied its effect on sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) and the related genes.MethodsThe mouse model of NAFLD was established by feeding mice with a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Effect of SCP-treatment (100 mg/kg, once daily for 12 weeks) on biochemical parameters and liver histopathology was assessed. Relative levels of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) and their gene expressions were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot.ResultsSCP significantly reduced the liver index by 12.0%. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were decreased by 31.3, 28.3, 42.8, 20.1 and 15.5%, respectively. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased by 26.9%. Further, SCP lowered hepatic TC and TG content by 27.0% and 28.3%, respectively, and alleviated fatty degeneration and necrosis of liver cells. A significant downregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of hepatic lipogenesis genes, SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and the mRNA expression of liver X receptor α (LXRα) was observed in NAFLD mice treated with SCP. SCP also significantly reduced the hepatic expression of SREBP-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR).ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the hepatoprotective effects of SCP in a mouse model of NAFLD; the effects may be mediated via downregulation of LXRα/SREBP-1c/FAS/ACC and SREBP-2/HMGCR signaling pathways in the liver.

Schisandra polysaccharide increased glucose consumption by up-regulating the expression of GLUT-4

In our previous study, a polysaccharide was extracted from Schisandra Chinensis (Trucz.) Baill and found with anti-diabetic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of the low weight molecular polysaccharide (SCPP11) purified from crude Schisandra polysaccharide and illustrate the underlying mechanism in buffalo rat liver cells. The insulin resistance model of BRL cells was established by incubating with insulin solution for 24h. The effects of SCPP11 on regulating related protein and mRNA expression in an insulin and AMPK signal pathway were investigated by western blot and RT-PCR analysis. SCPP11 showed no cytotoxicity to BRL cells and could improve the glucose consumption in BRL cells. SCPP11 increased the protein expression of Akt, p-AMPK and GLUT-4 in BRL cells. Moreover, SCPP11 could enhance the mRNA expression levels of IRS-1, PI3K, Akt, GLUT-4, AMPKα and PPAR-γ in BRL cells at the same time. In conclusion, SCPP11 possessed effects in improving glucose consumption by up-regulating the expression of GLUT-4 which might occur via insulin and AMPK signal pathway and could be a potential functional food to prevent and mitigate the insulin resistance condition.

Prevention effects of Schisandra polysaccharide on radiation-induced immune system dysfunction

In this study, we investigate the efficacy of SP (Schisandra polysaccharide) in prevention of radiation-induced immune dysfunction and discussed the underlying mechanisms with a Bal/bc mouse model. The data demonstrated that SP could reverse the decreases in the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes in peripheral blood. In addition, the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement C3 in blood serum were all decreased after radiation and SP could restore this radiation disorder. Furthermore, SP could reverse the deregulation of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cell subsets in peripheral blood and thymus of mice after radiotherapy. We also performed terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to investigate the apoptosis and underlying mechanisms of SP in thymus. Data showed that radiation-induced apoptosis of thymocytes could be reversed by SP through inducing upregulation of Bcl-2 expression and downregulation of Fas and Bax levels. Furthermore, SP has no any side-effects on immunity of normal mice. In conclusion, our results indicated that SP could effectively prevent immune injury during radiotherapy by protecting the immune system. This valuable information should be of assistance in choosing a rational design for therapeutic interventions of prevention immune system damage in the radiation treatment.

Effects of Schisandra Polysaccharides on the Learning and Memory Ability in Brain Aging Mice

This study focused on the improvement of Schisandra polysaccharide on the learning and memory in D-galactose-induced brain aging mice, to lay the foundation for the prevention and treatment of brain aging and related diseases. D-galactose was used to establish a mice brain aging model, Morris water maze and passive avoidance test were used to observe effects of Schisandra polysaccharide on the learning and memory ability of D- galactose-induced brain aging mice. The results showed that Schisandra polysaccharide could prolong the time of target qundrant, increase the number to cross the original platform in the Morris water maze test, and prolong the latency and reduce the number of errors of mice in the passive avoidance test. It is believed that Schisandra polysaccharide could improve the learning and memory ability of mice with brain aging.

Schisandra polysaccharide evokes immunomodulatory activity through TLR 4-mediated activation of macrophages

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Previous studies have shown that Schisandra polysaccharide (SCPP11) has robust antitumor activity in vivo. In this study, the immunomodulatory activity and mechanisms of action of SCPP11 were investigated further to reveal its mechanism of action against tumors. Results showed that SCPP11 increased the thymus and spleen indices, pinocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages, and hemolysin formation in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. Moreover, SCPP11 significantly increased immunoglobulin levels, cytokines levels in vivo and induced RAW264.7 cells to secrete cytokines in vitro. RAW264.7 cells pretreated with SCPP11 significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG-2 cells. In addition, SCPP11 promoted both the expression of iNOS protein and of iNOS and TNF-α mRNA. TLR-4 is a possible receptor for SCPP11-mediated macrophage activation. Therefore, the data suggest that SCPP11 exerted its antitumor activity by improving immune system functions through TLR-4-mediated up-regulation of NO and TNF-α.

Structure analysis of a bioactive heteropolysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill

Our previous study revealed that Schisandra polysaccharide (SCPP11) exerted excellent antitumor and immunomodulatory activities. In this investigation, the structure of SCPP11 was elucidated. The results indicated that SCPP11 has a backbone that is composed of 1,4-disubsituted-β-gal, 1,4-disubsituted-α-glu, 1,6-disubsituted-β-man and 1,4,6-disubsituted-α-gal. The branches was composed of 1,4-disubsituted-α-glu and 1-substitued-β-glu. The Mw and (rg2)z1/2 of the polymer molecules in 0.1M NaCl were 1.793×104Da and 11nm, respectively. The exponent of (rg2)z1/2 versus Mw (0.39) suggested SCPP11 adopted a globular conformation with seldom random coil. Circular dichroism analysis revealed the presence of ordered structures in SCPP11. AFM and TEM further confirmed the agglomerated morphologies of SCPP11. In addition, it inferred the agglomerated conformation, branching structure and flexibility of chain are beneficial for exerting excellent activities. This information will be helpful in the recognition of biological systems for polysaccharides and the selection of active polysaccharide.