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Structure Elucidation and Antitumor Activity of a New Polysaccharide from Maerkang Tricholoma matsutake

Summary

Scientists discovered a new sugar-based compound from a medicinal mushroom that shows promise in fighting cancer. This compound, isolated from Tricholoma matsutake mushrooms found in China, works in two ways: by directly killing cancer cells and by boosting the body’s immune system to better fight the disease. This research is significant because it demonstrates how natural compounds from mushrooms could potentially be developed into new cancer treatments. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides new potential treatment options for cancer patients – Demonstrates the medicinal value of mushrooms in human health – Offers scientific support for traditional uses of medicinal mushrooms – Could lead to development of new natural-based pharmaceutical products – Highlights the importance of preserving natural resources for medical research

Background

Fungal polysaccharides are active organic compounds found in fruiting bodies, mycelium and fermentation broth of edible and medicinal fungi. Studies show fungal polysaccharides have various biological activities including anti-aging, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and immune regulation functions. Tricholoma is a genus of fungus containing fleshy white-spored gilled mushrooms found worldwide in woodlands, existing symbiotically with coniferous or broad-leaved trees.

Objective

To isolate, characterize the structure, and evaluate the antitumor and immunoregulatory activities of a novel heteropolysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of Tricholoma matsutake collected from Maerkang country of Sichuan province, China.

Results

A new heteropolysaccharide named TMP-B with molecular weight of 12078 Da was isolated. It was composed mainly of α-D-glucose and α-D-galactose in 7:2 ratio, with a backbone of 1,4-linked α-D-glucose and branches of 6-linked α-D-galactose residues. TMP-B showed significant antitumor activity by inhibiting S180 tumor growth in vivo and promoting L929 cell apoptosis in vitro. It also demonstrated immunoregulatory effects by promoting macrophage proliferation, affecting cell cycle phases, and enhancing cytokine release and gene expression.

Conclusion

The study introduced Maerkang T. matsutake as a valuable source of a novel heteropolysaccharide with unique antitumor and immunoregulatory properties. The polysaccharide TMP-B appears to exert its antitumor effects through both direct cytotoxicity and immune system modulation.
  • Published in:International Journal of Biological Sciences,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.7150/ijbs.18953
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