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The Structural Characterization and Immunomodulatory Activity of Polysaccharides from Pleurotus abieticola Fruiting Bodies

Summary

Researchers isolated and studied a polysaccharide compound from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus abieticola) called PAPS1. When tested in mice treated with a chemotherapy drug that suppresses immunity, PAPS1 helped restore immune function by reducing harmful reactive oxygen species and boosting beneficial gut bacteria. This suggests that mushroom polysaccharides could potentially be used to help cancer patients manage the immunosuppressive side effects of chemotherapy.

Background

Mushroom polysaccharides possess immunomodulatory properties that can enhance immune function. Cyclophosphamide (CTX), a widely used chemotherapy drug, causes severe immunosuppression as a side effect. This study investigated whether polysaccharides from Pleurotus abieticola could ameliorate CTX-induced immunosuppression.

Objective

To isolate and characterize water-soluble polysaccharides (PAPS1) from Pleurotus abieticola fruiting bodies and investigate their immunomodulatory activity in CTX-immunosuppressed mice, including the role of Nrf2 signaling.

Results

PAPS1 (molecular weight 17.16 kDa) contained fucose, galactose, glucose, and mannose with a branched structure. In immunosuppressed mice, PAPS1 increased splenic CD4, CD8, and CD56 expression; elevated serum IgA and IgM levels; and regulated intestinal microflora composition. PAPS1 suppressed oxidative stress by reducing ROS and MDA levels and enhanced Nrf2 and its downstream protein expression.

Conclusion

PAPS1 demonstrates immunomodulatory activity in CTX-induced immunosuppression through suppression of oxidative stress via Nrf2 signaling pathway activation and regulation of intestinal microbiota. PAPS1 may serve as a candidate for immunomodulatory therapy to alleviate chemotherapy side effects.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:In vivo Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 36297094, DOI: 10.3390/nu14204410
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