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Modulating the gut microbiota is involved in the effect of low-molecular-weight Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on immune function

Summary

Researchers studied a natural compound from licorice called Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GP) to see if it could help restore immune function in mice weakened by chemotherapy. GP treatment improved intestinal health, boosted immune cells, and changed the gut bacteria composition to favor beneficial strains. The study shows that GP works partly by modifying which bacteria live in the gut, which then support the immune system. This research suggests GP could be useful as a natural supplement for strengthening immunity and treating intestinal inflammation.

Background

Low molecular weight Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GP) exhibits immunomodulatory activity. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in immune system development and maturation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying GP-mediated regulation of immunity and gut microbiota remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying GP-mediated regulation of immunity and gut microbiota using cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed and intestinal mucosal injury models. The research also explored the causal relationship between gut microbiota changes and immune regulation.

Results

GP reversed CTX-induced intestinal damage, increased CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, goblet cells, and mucin content while maintaining Th1/Th2 balance. GP downregulated ERK/p38/NF-κBp50 pathways and increased cytokine secretion including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-2, IL-10, IL-22, and TGF-β3. GP increased beneficial bacteria and reduced pathogenic bacteria, elevated short-chain fatty acids, and FMT and pseudo-germ-free experiments confirmed microbiota’s crucial role.

Conclusion

GP regulates immune response through three mechanisms: increasing immune cells and cytokine secretion, modulating immune-related signaling pathways, and adjusting gut microbiota structure and metabolites. GP shows great potential as an immune enhancer and natural medicine for treating intestinal inflammatory diseases.
  • Published in:Gut Microbes,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: PMID: 37948152, DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2276814
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