MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Selenium-Containing Exopolysaccharides Isolated from the Culture Medium of Lentinula edodes: Structure and Biological Activity

Summary

This research examined special compounds produced by shiitake mushrooms grown with selenium. These compounds showed promising therapeutic potential, particularly in supporting normal cell health while not affecting cancer cells, and in controlling immune responses. The findings could lead to new treatments for various diseases. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to new medications for autoimmune diseases with fewer side effects – May help develop better supplements for supporting normal cell health – Demonstrates new ways to make natural compounds more effective as medicines – Shows potential for creating more selective treatments that target specific health issues – Advances our understanding of how mushroom compounds can be modified for medical use

Background

Mushroom-derived polysaccharides show diverse biological activities including antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulating, and other therapeutic properties. Previous research showed that incorporating selenium into polysaccharide structures could enhance their biological activity. Lentinula edodes is known for producing lentinan, an immunomodulatory β-D-glucan, but the effects of selenium incorporation into its exopolysaccharides had not been fully studied.

Objective

To isolate and characterize selenium-containing exopolysaccharides from L. edodes culture medium, determine their structure and selenium binding mechanisms, and evaluate their biological activities compared to non-selenium containing reference compounds. The study aimed to compare these exopolysaccharides with previously studied selenium-containing polysaccharides extracted directly from L. edodes mycelium.

Results

The selenium-containing exopolysaccharide fraction consisted mainly of highly branched α-mannoproteins with molecular weight of 4.5 × 106 Da and 15% protein content. Selenium was present primarily in the IV oxidation state, likely bound in Se-ester form. The compounds showed selective enhancement of normal cell survival without affecting cancer cells, demonstrated antioxidant activity, and exhibited selective immunosuppressive effects on T lymphocytes. Activity was generally lower than previously studied mycelial selenium-polysaccharides, likely due to different selenium binding modes.

Conclusion

The isolated selenium-containing exopolysaccharides showed distinct structural and functional differences from previously studied mycelial selenium-polysaccharides. While both exhibited similar types of biological activities, the exopolysaccharides were generally less potent but more selective in their effects. The differences appear related to the distinct selenium binding modes and oxidation states between the compounds. The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications, particularly as selective immunosuppressive agents.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms222313039
Scroll to Top