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The mortality following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains substantial in the reperfusion era. Shenfu injection, as a traditional Chinese herbal formula, can alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury through multiple pharmacologic effects. However, no robust data are available regarding the role of Shenfu injection in reducing infarct size for patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). This RESTORE trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial (NCT04493840). A total of 326 eligible patients with first-time anterior STEMI undergoing PPCI within 12 h of symptom onset will be enrolled from 10 centers in mainland China. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either intravenous Shenfu injection (80mL Shenfu injection + 70mL 5% glucose injection) or placebo group (150mL 5% glucose injection) before reperfusion and followed by once a day until 5 days after PPCI. The primary end point is infarct size assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging 5±2 days after PPCI. The major secondary end points include enzymatic infarct size, microvascular obstruction, intramyocardial hemorrhage, left ventricular volume and ejection fraction assessed by CMR, as well as cardiovascular events at 30 days. The RESTORE trial is sufficiently powered to demonstrate the clinical effects of Shenfu injection on myocardial injury in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI in the contemporary era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to assess the association between postprocedural anticoagulation (PPAC) use and several clinical outcomes. PPAC after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may prevent recurrent ischemic events but may increase the risk of bleeding. No consensus has been reached on PPAC use. Using data from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China–Acute Coronary Syndrome registry, conducted between 2014 and 2019, we stratified all STEMI patients who underwent pPCI according to the use of PPAC or not. Inverse probability of treatment weighting and a Cox proportional hazards model with hospital as random effect were used to analyze differences in in-hospital clinical outcomes: the primary efficacy endpoint was mortality and the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Of 34,826 evaluable patients, 26,272 (75.4%) were treated with PPAC and were on average younger, more stable at admission with lower bleeding risk score, more likely to have comorbidities and multivessel disease, and more often treated within 12 hours of symptom onset than those without PPAC. After inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment for baseline differences, PPAC was associated with significantly reduced risk of in-hospital mortality (0.9% vs 1.8%; HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.89; P < 0.001) and a nonsignificant difference in risk of in-hospital major bleeding (2.5% vs 2.2%; HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.83-1.32; P = 0.14). PPAC in STEMI patients after pPCI was associated with reduced mortality without increasing major bleeding complications. Dedicated randomized trials with contemporary STEMI management are needed to confirm these findings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the changes in volatile and nutrient compounds of mango juice fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCU402, and Lactobacillus casei NCU215). All strains grew well and L. plantarum NCU116 yielded the highest acidity and lactic acid content during fermentation. Meanwhile, L. plantarum NCU116 and L. acidophilus NCU402 fermentation significantly decreased L* and a* values. L. acidophilus NCU402 fermented mango showed the lowest levels of nitrite (0.01 μmol/g) and carotenoids (44.98 μg/g). Additionally, LAB fermentation enhanced aroma of mango juice by elevating alcoholic compounds and reducing terpenoids and aldehydes, with L. plantarum NCU116 demonstrating the most notable impact, increasing alcohol concentration from 5% to 17%. Correlation analysis revealed that key alcohols production was associated with amino acids, sugar, aldehydes, and terpenoids. According to the sensory analysis, the mango juice inoculated with L. casei NCU215 had the highest acceptability score. Thus, the type of LAB strains determined the nutrient component, volatile and sensory profile of mango juices and further research is needed to understand the fermentation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin exists in a broad range of plants, and acts as functional food additives with modulatory effects on colonic inflammation and metabolism dysfunctions, which underscores its promising prospects in commercialization. Moreover, food ingredients like pectin can impact the gut microbiota, and the degradation capabilities of these commensals may in turn determine the efficacy of dietary intervention. In this review, the pectin-host axis was figured by summarizing the physiological functions of pectin and the associated mechanisms; The pectin-gut microbiota axis was described via discussing the impact of pectin on intestinal microbiota composition; And the gut microbiota-host axis was discussed through describing the beneficial functions of pectinolytic commensals and their metabolites. The structure properties of pectin including degree of esterification and branched chains played critical roles in their physiological functions of metabolism regulation, inflammation modulation, and carcinogen prevention. Meanwhile, distinct diversity, enterotypes or composition of gut microbiota can be developed under interventions of pectin with various structure characteristics, and pectin-induced dominant bacteria like Ruminococcaceae, Succinivibrionaceae , Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidaceae and their metabolites exhibited relevant health-promoting functions. All these data are fundamental to establish the precise networks and further discover underlying mechanisms of pectin-gut microbiota-host interactions and can optimize the development of pectin in food and health care products. • Pectin-host axis: The structure properties of pectin impact the physiological functions. • Pectin-gut microbiota axis: distinct microbial features can be produced by pectin with various structure characteristics. • Gut microbiota-host axis: Pectin-induced dominant bacteria and their metabolites exhibit health-promoting functions. • The pectin-gut microbiota-host network will be further investigated for applying pectin in food and healthcare products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, whether anticoagulation should be continued after pPCI has not been well investigated.Methods/design: The RIGHT trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in STEMI patients treated with pPCI evaluating the prolongation of anticoagulation after the procedure. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either prolonged anticoagulant or matching placebo (no anticoagulation) for at least 48 hours after the procedure. When randomized to anticoagulation prolongation, the patient is assigned to intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) or subcutaneous enoxaparin or intravenous bivalirudin (same drug and same regimen at each center). The primary efficacy endpoint is the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, stent thrombosis (definite) or urgent revascularization (any vessel) at 30 days. The primary safety endpoint is major bleeding (BARC 3-5) at 30 days. Based on a superiority design and assuming a 35% relative risk reduction (from 7% to 4.5%), 2856 patients will be enrolled, accounting for a 5% drop-out rate (α = 0.05 and power = 80%).Conclusion: The RIGHT trial tests the hypothesis that post-procedural anticoagulation is superior to no anticoagulation in reducing ischemic events in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides are one of the major group of bioactive macromolecular derived from plants, bacteria, fungi and seaweeds. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) , a type of scanning probe microscopy, is a powerful technology to visualize biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, up to a single molecular level in "near-native" conditions. This review gives a brief description of AFM technology involved in polysaccharide research in addition to discussion of factors that might influence polysaccharide imaging. More importantly, its contribution to research progress of a variety of well characterized polysaccharides, including pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, curdlan, scleroglucan, xyloglucan, arabinoxylan, starch, etc., and the detailed nanostructure information was summarized. AFM provides a unique insight into polysaccharide studies in terms of morphological features and molecular characteristics, such as heights (diameters), width, contour length, end-to-end distance, polydispersity, etc. Besides, other promising aspects included probing molecular motion and assemblies, as well as visualizing conformation behavior under different conditions. • Atomic force microscopy technology are employed for various polysaccharides research. • Atomic force microscopy is able to probe polysaccharide at nanometer level. • Deposition methods and polysaccharide preparation are two major aspects that affect polysaccharide imaging. • Morphology and nanostructures of polysaccharides are overviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • RNA-seq analysis revealed immune function of DCs was activated by PSG-1. • PI3K/Akt and NF-κB were among top 20 enriched pathways identified by KEGG analysis. • PSG-1 induced the expression of p-Akt and p-IκBα in DCs. • Inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways decreased cytokines and chemokines levels. Abstract Our previous study has demonstrated that Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) could induce activation and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Hereby, this study aimed to further elucidate the underlying mechanism of PSG-1 induced immune activation based on RNA-seq. The results of RNA-seq analysis showed 2231 differentially expressed genes between PSG-1 and control group. 28 biological processes terms, 20 molecular functions terms, and 10 cellular components terms were identified by GO analysis. PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways were belong to 20 most significantly affected signaling pathways analyzed by KEGG. p-Akt and p-IκBα levels in DCs were raised by PSG-1, and PSG-1-induced expression of MHC-II, CD80 and CD86 and production of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased by the inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways. These results indicated that immune response and immune function were regulated in PSG-1 stimulated DCs based on RNA-seq, in which PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways played a vital role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bioactive polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1-F 0.2 ) was previously characterized as a hyper-branched acidic β-(1 → 3)-glucan with long β-(1 → 6)-glucose side chains. The conformational properties of PSG-1-F 0.2 were systematically investigated by high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), light scattering, atomic force microscope (AFM) and molecular modeling techniques. Large aggregates were found when PSG-1-F 0.2 dissolved in pure water, while 0.9% NaCl solution exhibited the ability to reduce/eliminate the aggregates. The weight average molecular weight (Mw), radius of gyration (Rg), hydrodynamic radius (R h ) and intrinsic viscosity [ η ] were determined as 12.73 kDa, 17.1 nm, 8.1 nm and 0.09 dL/g, respectively. The conformation analysis and AFM results together indicated that PSG-1-F 0.2 exhibited as hyper-branched compact spherical conformation in 0.9% NaCl solution. The results of molecular modeling identified that long β-(1 → 6)-glucose side chain played an important role in the aggregation and spherical conformation of PSG-1-F 0.2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-nine legumes were assessed for their nutritional and phytochemical compositions. Soybean and black soybean had the highest protein contents (34.05–42.65 g/100 g DW, dry weight of legumes), particularly being a rich source of lysine (1.78–2.23 g/100 g DW. Soybean and black soybean had the highest fat contents (14.13–22.19 g/100 g DW). Broad beans had the highest unsaturated fatty acids (83.57–89.01 g/100 g fatty acid), particularly rich in α-linolenic and linoleic acid. The highest and the lowest dietary fiber were found in red kidney beans (35.36 g/100 g DW) and mung beans (22.77 g/100 g DW), respectively. Except for soybean and white kidney bean, 6 major anthocyanins in the legumes samples were identified. The soybean contained the highest total tocopherols content (90.40–120.96 μg/g dry weight of beans), followed by black soybean (66.13–100.76 μg/g DW). The highest carotenoids were found in lentils (4.53–21.34 μg/g DW) and red kidney beans (8.29–20.95 μg/g DW). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago species are used as traditional medicine in Asian and Europe. Polysaccharide isolated from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. could stimulate maturation transformation of bone-marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs). We found that blocking p38, ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK signal transduction could significantly decreased the PLP-2 induced expression of MHC II, CD86 surface molecules on DCs. Blocking p38 and JNK signal also significantly inhibited the cytokine secretion of TNF-α and IL-12p70 as well, while blocking ERK1/2 signal only decreased the secretion of TNF-α. Meanwhile, DCs in the three MAPK signal-blocking groups showed dramatically attenuated effects on stimulating proliferation of T lymphocytes. Similarly, blocking signal transduction of NF-κB pathway also significantly impaired the phenotypic and functional maturation development of DCs induced by PLP-2. These data suggest that MAPK and NF-κB pathway mediates the PLP-induced maturation on DCs. Especially, among the three MAPK pathways, activation of JNK signal transduction is the most important for DCs development after PLP-2 incubation. And PLP-2 may activate the MAPK and NF-κB pathway by triggering toll-like receptor 4 on DCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is an independent risk factor for many clinical complications. However, how OSAHS cause multiple organ injury and initiate inter-organ communication remains unclear. Moreover, despite it is well-recognized that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a main feature of OSAHS, specific contribution of CIH to overall OSAHS-initiated pathological complications remains unclear. This study aimed to use an unbiased proteomic approach to determine whether OSAHS alters protein profiles of serum extracellular microvesicles (SEMVs) and how CIH contributes to such alterations. Methods Tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomics assay was used to compare the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in SEMVs of OSAHS patients and non-OSAHS subjects. To evaluate the contribution of CIH to OSAHS, CIH rodent model was constructed and the same comparative proteomics study was performed in SEMVs from CIH and normoxia rats. The similarity and disparity of DEPs and DEPs-related functions predicted by bioinformatics tools were compared in above-mentioned two models, and several DEPs were selected and further verified by ELISA or Western blotting. Results TMT-labeled quantitative proteomics assay unravels 32 DEPs in OSAHS patient SEMVs from a total of 560 human SEMV proteins identified. Four DEPs, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), Haptoglobin (HP),Fibronectin (FN1) and Platelet factor 4 (PF4), were further verified by ELISA and three of them (CRP, FN1 and Hp) showed significant difference in expression level between OSAHS and non-OSAHS groups. In SEMVs of rat CIH model, 121 DEPs out of 723 proteins were identified. By comparing the DEPs identified from the two models, 3 proteins (CRP and FN1 and F13a1) were found identical with the same alteration pattern (CRP was upregulated, FN1 and F13a1 were downregulated) in SEMVs from OSAHS patients and CIH rats, which were further verified by Western blotting. Computational functional analysis further revealed the common and distinct DEP-involved pathways under OSAHS or CIH status. Conclusions This study provides the first evidence that OSAHS causes significant alteration in SEMV protein composition, which may contribute to OSAHS-triggered multiple organ injury and organ-to-organ communication. Moreover, we have demonstrated that CIH is the primary contributor for increased inflammatory protein expression in SEMV. As CRP is being increasingly recognized not only as a marker but also a mediator of inflammatory response to tissue injury, increased SEMV CRP in CIH/OSAHS may play an important role in OSAHS-induced tissue injury, suggesting SEMV CRP might be a therapeutic target against OSAHS-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel pectic polysaccharide was extracted from Fructus aurantii using ammonium oxalate extraction, whose primary structure and emulsification properties were investigated for the first time. Fructus aurantii ammonium oxalate-extracted pectin (FAOP) was a highly methyl-esterified pectin with a 60.36% methyl-esterification degree and a relative weight-average molecular weight (M w) of 1.30 × 106 Da. The backbone of FAOP was composed of a 2:3 molar ratio of →4)-α-Gal p A-(1→ and →4)-α-Gal p A-6- O -methyl-(1→ linkage, which contained an ∼57.04% linear homogalacturonan (HG) structural domain. In addition, neutral sugar side chains, such as arabinan and galactan belonging to the rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) region, were identified. Subsequently, the effects of Ca2+ on the properties of oil-in-water emulsions were investigated by droplet size, zeta potential, rheological properties and emulsion stability. Results indicated that FAOP formed a solid-like gel emulsion and exhibited excellent emulsion stability when the Ca2+ concentration was 5 mM. At this concentration, the droplet size was the smallest, the backscatter signal (BS) was almost unchanged; the Turbiscan stability index (TSI) value was the lowest, and tanδ (G" / G′) was less than 1. These findings indicated that the improved emulsion stability of FAOP by the introduction of Ca2+ was related to the emulsion gel network structure. These results indicated the potential application of Fructus aurantii pectin as a food stabiliser and thickener. • A novel HG type pectin (FAOP, M w of 1.30 × 106 Da) was characterized. • Calcium ion strength of the aqueous phase changed FAOP emulsion stability. • FAOP formed an emulsion gel that was induced by calcium ions. • The effect of Ca2+ on emulsifying properties of FAOP was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous study demonstrated that Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum NCU1125, derived from fermented Nanfeng mandarin, survived in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, suggesting potential probiotic properties. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of L. plantarum NCU1125 on mice of cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal barrier (including the physical, the immunologic and the microbial barriers) injury. The results showed that L. plantarum NCU1125 could repair the intestinal physical barrier through upregulating the expressions of Muc2 and tight junctions (ZO-1, occluding and claudin-1), strengthen the intestinal immunologic barrier through boosting the number of CD4+T cells (64.34%), advancing the secretion of certain cytokines (IL-6 (2.77 times), IL-10 (1.55 times), IL-17 (1.19 times), TGF-β3 (2.42 times), IgA (2.42 times) and sIgA (1.42 times)), inducing Th (RORγt (31.06%) and Foxp3 (57.82%)) and B cells differentiation (Blimp-1 (21.10%), IRF-4 (41.27%) and XBP-1 (37.18%)), and stimulating sIgA formation (joining chain (98.68%), IgA α-chain (71.61%) and pIgR (36.75%)), and reshape the microbial barrier through modulating gut microbiota and metabolism. In addition, activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway by L. plantarum NCU1125 might mediate expressions of gene products involved in the intestinal physical barrier, Th cell differentiation and sIgA secretion. Moreover, L. plantarum NCU1125 was found to control intestinal inflammation by correcting the imbalance of Th17/Treg. All findings indicated that L. plantarum NCU1125 could attenuate the intestinal barrier injury caused by cyclophosphamide in mice and lay a theoretical foundation for its applications in the intestinal regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells are two new subsets of T cells. An increasing number of evidences suggest that Th17/Treg balance plays a vital role in maintenance of immune homeostasis. The present study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) on Th17/Treg balance. In vitro study found that PSG-1 could inhibit Th17 and Treg cell differentiation from spleen under Th17- and Treg-polarizing condition, respectively. In vivo study showed that PSG-1 could increase the Th17 cell-specific cytokines (IL-17A, IL-6) production, the transcription factors (STAT3, RORγt) expression and STAT3 phosphorylation in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. Moreover, the expression of Treg cell-specific cytokines (TGF-β1, IL-10) and the transcription factor Foxp3 were also improved. Furthermore, PSG-1 increased the proportions of Th17 cells and Treg cells, and restored the ratio of Th17/Treg cells. In summary, this study demonstrated that PSG-1 possesses immunomodulatory activity on Th17/Treg balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An α-1, 6-linked galactomannan was isolated and purified from natural Cordyceps sinensis . The fine structure analysis of this polysaccharide was elucidated based on partial acid hydrolysis, monosaccharide composition, methylation and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that this polysaccharide was mainly composed of galactose (68.65%), glucose (6.65%) and mannose (24.02%). However, after partial acid hydrolysis the percentages of galactose, glucose and mannose were changed to 3.96%, 13.82% and 82.22%, respectively. The molecular weight of this polysaccharide was 7207. Methylation and NMR analysis revealed that this galactomannan had a highly branched structure, mainly consisted of a mannan skeleton and galactofuranosyl chains. The structure of galactofuranosyl part was formed by alternating (1 → 5)-lined β-Gal f and (1 → 6)-liked β-Gal f or a single (1 → 6)-liked β-Gal f , attaching to the O -2 and O -4 of the mannose chain, and terminated at β-T-Gal f . The mannan core was revealed by analyzing the partial acid hydrolysate of the galactomannan and the structure was composed of (1 → 6)-linked α-Man p backbone, with substituted at C-2 by short chains of 2-substituted Man p or Gal f branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed characterization in nutrients and phytochemicals with antioxidant activities of 26 kidney beans was performed. The kidney beans contained high levels of dietary fiber (29.32–46.77%), resistant starch (9.16–18.09%) and protein (22.06–32.63%) but low levels of lipid (1.05–2.83%) and sugars (1.55–9.07%). The monosaccharide composition of soluble fiber was dominated by arabinose, galactose, mannose and galacturonic acid. The ratio of essential amino acid to the total amino acid was ranged from 0.29 to 0.36. The predominant fatty acid was polyunsaturated fatty acids, accounting for 47.54–67.26% of total fatty acids. The total tocopherol content was in the range of 12.83–68.35 μg/g, predominantly γ-tocopherol, followed by δ-tocopherol. In addition, certain levels of total phenolics and flavonoids with respective values of 0.25–3.79 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight and 0.19–7.05 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight resulted in significant antioxidant activities. And a good correlation was observed between TPC and FRAP values (R2 = 0.8030). The results indicated that kidney beans are excellent sources of health-promoting compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess calcium growth with fused grayscale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), IVUS–virtual histology, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) from baseline to 5-year follow-up in patients treated with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds. Background IVUS and OCT have individual strengths in assessing plaque composition and volume. Fusion of images obtained using these methods could potentially aid in coronary plaque assessment. Methods Anatomic landmarks and endoluminal radiopaque markers were used to fuse OCT and IVUS images and match baseline and follow-up. Results Seventy-two IVUS–virtual histology and OCT paired matched cross-sectional in- and out-scaffold segments were fused at baseline and follow-up. In total, 46 calcified plaques at follow-up were detected using the fusion method (33 in-scaffold, 13 out-scaffold), showing either calcium progression (52.2%) or de novo calcifications (47.8%). On OCT, calcification volume increased from baseline to follow-up by 2.3 ± 2.4 mm 3 (p = 0.001). The baseline virtual histologic tissue precursors of dense calcium at follow-up were necrotic core in 73.9% and fibrous or fibrofatty plaque in 10.9%. In 15.2%, calcium was already present at baseline. Precursors on OCT were lipid pool in 71.2%, fibrous plaque in 4.3%, and fibrocalcific plaque in 23.9%. Conclusions The use of OCT and IVUS fusion imaging shows similar calcium growth in- and out-scaffold segments. Necrotic core is the most frequent precursor of calcification. The scaffold resorption process creates a tissue layer that re-caps the calcified plaques. (Absorb Clinical Investigation, Cohort B [ABSORB B]; NCT00856856 ) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-soluble polysaccharide, named NCSP-50, was obtained from natural Cordyceps sinensis by hot water extraction and ethanol fractionation precipitation. It was eluted as a single symmetrical peak and had an average molecular weight of 9.76 × 10 5 Da. The structure was determined by monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy, and enzymatic hydrolysis and characterization of the oligosaccharides by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The repeating unit of this polysaccharide was proposed as follows: Image 2 This glucan showed potent immunostimulatory activity on the basis of its significant abilities to promote macrophage proliferation, enhance NO production, as well as and cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine structure in terms of backbone and branch chain features of a bioactive polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1) was re-elucidated systematically using high performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC), methylation and GLC–MS analysis, and 1D & 2D NMR spectroscopy. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that PSG-1-F 0.2 fraction mainly consisted of glucose (73.8%) and glucuronic acid (15.3%), with small amount of mannose (5.7%) and galactose (5.2%). Based on methylation, multistep partial acid hydrolysis and NMR study, were proposed to substitute at the O -6 position of β-(1 → 3)-glucan. The small amount of mannose and galactose residues were considered to be from the other fraction in PSG which was very difficult to be separated from PSG-1-F 0.2 . This revised structure as an acidic β-(1 → 3, 1 → 6)-glucan is considered to be more accurate than the previous proposal of PSG-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to investigate the digestion and fermentation behaviors of the bioactive polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG) in vitro and in vivo. The molecular weight (Mw) of PSG steadily decreased from 198.0 ± 0.3 to 147.1 ± 0.3 kDa and no free monosaccharides generated throughout simulated gastric and intestinal (GSI) digestion in vitro . The fermentation of PSG by human fecal microbiota was determined by change of pH and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The pH in fecal inoculums declined, and the concentrations of total SCFAs, acetic, propionic and butyric acids all significantly improved during fermentation in vitro . In addition, mice were taken PSG orally at doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively. After PSG administration, the concentrations of SCFAs increased. Meanwhile, fecal pH continually declined as oral time increased. Combining these findings both in vitro and in vivo , our results showed that the Mw of PSG decreased and no free monosaccharide was produced in GSI digestion and PSG promoted the production of SCFAs and the decline of pH in the large intestinal fermentation, which may provide information that PSG was not entirely digested in GSI digestion and was mainly degraded in the large intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potatoes are becoming a research focus in recent years due to their unique nutritional and functional properties. Bioactive carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, conjugated phenolic acids, and minerals represent versatile nutrients in different parts (tubers, leaves, stems, and stalks) of sweet potato. The unique composition of sweet potato contributes to their various health benefits, such as antioxidative, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, antiaging effects. Factors affecting the nutritional composition and bio-functions of sweet potato include the varieties, plant parts, extraction time and solvents, postharvest storage, and processing. The assays for bio-function evaluation also contribute to the variations among different studies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the chemical composition of sweet potato, and their bio-functions studied in vitro and in vivo . Leaves, stems, and stalks of sweet potato remain much underutilized on commercial levels. Sweet potato can be further developed as a sustainable crop for diverse nutritionally enhanced and value-added food products to promote human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colour features, anthocyanins composition and antioxidant activities of the coats from 26 kidney bean cultivars were investigated. The colour of kidney bean coats was diverse, and a good correlation was observed between c value and delphinidin content (r 2  = 0.7454). Based on 5 common forms of anthocyanidins, 16 anthocyanins were identified. The individual content of pelargonidin, cyanidin, petunidin, delphinidin, malvidin and the total anthocyanindins were in the ranges of 0–0.71, 0–1.44, 0–0.41, 0–4.45, 0–0.27, and 0–5.84 mg/g of dry weight of bean coats. Significant differences of the antioxidant activities were observed. Non-white bean coats which contained more anthocyanidins showed much higher antioxidant activities than the white ones which contained no anthocyanidins. Delphinidin and cyanidin played an important role in the strong antioxidant activities of the tested samples. Our study revealed that appropriate selection of kidney beans could provide abundant sources of anthocyanins for food colourants endowed with antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolomics, as a new platform of systems biology, enables us to obtain valuable information for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes mellitus. A metabolomics method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was developed to investigate the effect of polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1) on serum metabolites from high fat diet- and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Eight potential biomarkers (methionine, dTMP, d -tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-indoleacetaldehyde, glycocholic acid, biliverdin IX, malate and taurocholic acid) were identified by t test unpaired statistical analysis, and the pathway analysis features were analyzed using Mass Profiler Professional software. Meanwhile, biological pathways and processes including metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins were affected by PSG-1 treatment. These results suggest that metabolomics strategy is potentially very useful for studying the mechanisms of action of natural polysaccharides on type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the antioxidant activities of Dendrobium officinale and its two polysaccharide fractions (crude and purified, respectively) in cyclophosphamide induced mice were investigated. All samples examined showed protection for the body from oxidative stress, including increase in activities of catalase (CAT), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum, thymus and liver. The degree of protection was nearly equally found with the administration of both crude material and purified fractions, indicated that polysaccharide was the main bioactive component, as evidenced by the thymus index and liver index. Together with our previous work in structure study, we suppose that β-(1 → 4)-Man linkage and O-acetyl might be the main causes for the purified polysaccharide (Dendronan®) to exhibit the highest values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a series of studies on the bioactivities and structures of polysaccharides from Dendrobium officinale , this study investigates the immunomodulatory activities of Dendrobium officinale and its two polysaccharide fractions (crude and purified, respectively) in cyclophosphamide induced mice. All three materials protected the body from immunosuppression in a dose-dependent manner. Biological activities related to immunomodulations investigated included stimulating the proliferation of splenocytes, balancing the ratio of spleen lymphocyte subsets and the secretion of serum cytokines, up-regulating the serum IgM, IgG and haemolysin formation, and accelerating the phagocytotic function of peritoneal macrophage. The degree of modulations were higher in purified Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide than crude polysaccharide, indicating that the purified polysaccharide was one of the key bioactive components in Dendrobium officinale , the main structure of which has been identified as O-acetyl-glucomannan (Dendronan) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]