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Infertility is a global health problem affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide, with approximately half caused by males. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has strong antioxidant capacity, but its impact on the male reproductive system has not been effectively evaluated. To address this, we integrated RNA-seq, serum metabolomics and intestinal 16 S rDNA analysis to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the male reproductive system. The results showed that COS has potential targets for the treatment of oligospermia, which can promote the expression of meiotic proteins DDX4, DAZL and SYCP1, benefit germ cell proliferation and testicular development, enhance antioxidant capacity, and increase the expression of testicular steroid proteins STAR and CYP11A1. At the same time, COS can activate PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in testis and TM3 cells. Microbiome and metabolomics analysis suggested that COS alters gut microbial community composition and cooperates with serum metabolites to regulate spermatogenesis. Therefore, COS promotes male reproduction by regulating intestinal microorganisms and serum metabolism, activating PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, improving testicular antioxidant capacity and steroid regulation.

Previous analyses of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) combined with the remediation of heavy metal pollution in soil have largely been performed under potting or greenhouse conditions, and in situ remediation experiments under field conditions have rarely been reported. In this study, the effects of the metal-resistant PGPB Microbacterium oxydans JYC17, Pseudomonas thivervalensis Y1-3-9, and Burkholderia cepacia J62 on soil Cu pollution under rape remediation were studied in the farmland surrounding the Nanjing Jiuhuashan copper mining region in China. Following inoculation treatment for 50 days, the biomasses of the rape inoculated with strains JYC17, Y1-3-9, and J62 increased, and the total amounts of Cu uptake increased by 113.38, 66.26, and 67.91%, respectively, the translocation factor (TF) of rape inoculated with J62 was 0.85, a significant increase of 70.68%, thus improving the Cu remediation efficiency of the rape. Y1-3-9 and J62 affected the bioavailability of Cu in the soil, and the water-soluble Cu contents were increased by 10.13 and 41.77%, respectively, compared with the control. The antioxidant activities in the rape leaves showed that the tested bacteria increased the contents of antioxidant non-enzymatic substances, including ascorbic acid (ASA) and glutathione (GSH), which were increased by 40.24–91.22% and 9.89–17.67%, respectively, thereby reducing the oxidative stress caused by heavy metals and the contents of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxidase (POD). PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was used to analyze the effects of the tested bacteria on the cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent bacterial communities in the root endosphere and rhizosphere soil of the rape. The sequencing results of the DGGE bands indicated that the tested bacteria colonized the endosphere and rhizosphere, and they became an important component of the cultivation-dependent bacteria. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of the DGGE profile and similarity cluster analysis showed that the tested bacteria affected the cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent bacterial communities in the root endosphere and rhizosphere. In this experiment, the effects and mechanisms of the combined plant-microbe remediation under field conditions were preliminarily studied, and the results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for future combined remediation experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Astaxanthin (ASTX) is a xanthophyll carotenoid that reduces hemostasis in hyperlipidemic organisms. Its antihemostatic mechanisms remain unclear. Objective:The effects of ASTX on coagulation, the fibrinolytic system and platelet aggregation were investigated in hyperlipidemic rats. Materials and methods:Different doses of ASTX (5, 10 and 30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) were administered for four weeks to high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer. The prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and maximum platelet aggregation rate (MAR) were determined by a coagulation analyzer. The activities of the tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), as well as the levels of thromboxane B(2) [TXB(2)], 6-keto prostaglandin F(1α) [6-keto-PGF(1α)] and platelet granule membrane protein (GMP-140), were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Gene and protein expression levels were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Results:ASTX (30 mg/kg) treatment in hyperlipidemic rats reduced serum TG (0.58 ± 0.14 versus 1.12 ± 0.24 mmol/L), serum TC (1.77 ± 0.22 versus 2.24 ± 0.21 mmol/L), serum LDL-C (1.13 ± 0.32 versus 2.04 ± 0.48 mmol/L), serum MDA (69%), plasma MAR (55%), serum TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (34%) and serum GMP-140 levels (25%), plasma PAI-1 activity (48%) and downregulated the mRNA (33%) and protein (23%) expression of aorta eNOS, the mRNA (79%) and protein (72%) expression levels of aorta PAI-1. However, ASTX (30 mg/kg/d) treatment increased serum SOD activity (2.1 fold), serum GPx activity (1.8 fold), plasma PT (1.3 fold), plasma APTT (1.7 fold), serum NO (1.4-fold), serum 6-keto-PGF1α (1.3 fold). Conclusions:ASTX reduced blood coagulation and platelet aggregation and promoted fibrinolytic activity in hyperlipidemic rats. These activities were closely correlated with ASTX, maintaining the balance of t-PA/PAI-1, NO/ROS and TXA2/PGI2in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyceollins, stress-induced phytoalexins from parent soya bean isoflavones, were elicited with Aspergillus oryzae. This solid-state fermentation facilitated the conversion of isoflavone glycosides into aglycones and glyceollins, which could mainly enrich in soya bean protein isolate ( SPI) during protein preparation due to protein-polyphenol interactions. Glyceollin-enriched SPI exhibited less flavour volatiles, higher solubility, lower whiteness and higher antioxidant activity than unfermented SPI. Fermented SPI was more easily to be digested during in vitro pepsin-trypsin digestion. This may be attributed to partial degradation of protein, especially α′ and α subunits of β-conglycinin and acidic subunit of glycinin. The antioxidant activity of digestive products derived from fermented SPI was obviously enhanced with increasing digestion time due to simultaneous release of antioxidant peptides and glyceollins involved in the interior of protein molecule. These results suggest an effective technique for producing a nutrient-enhanced SPI as novel functional ingredients applied in food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tricholoma lobayense is a nutritious mushroom with great health benefits. Three polysaccharides with purity higher than 99% were successfully extracted from Tricholoma lobayense . The molecular weights of TLH-1, TLH-2 and TLH-3 were determined to be 8.43 × 10 5 ，5.36 × 10 5 and 4.53 × 10 3 Da, respectively. The backbones of TLH-1 and TLH-2 were mainly composed of 1,4-linked α- d -glucopyranosyl. However, polysaccharide TLH-3 was found to be a highly branched glucogalactan, which is made up of 1,3-linked α- d -glucopyranosyl branched at C-6 and 1,3-linked β - d -galactopyranosyl. In vitro antioxidant activity assays revealed that TLH-3 exhibited highest antioxidant activities among the polysaccharides from Tricholoma lobayense , which were comparable to those of ascorbic acid. The results suggested that the outstanding antioxidant activities of TLH-3 might depend on its low molecular weight, high branch degree, versatile linkage types and complex conformation. These characteristics make TLH-3 an attractive natural antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grifola frondosa is a popular edible mushroom for its tasty flavour and can be used as a dietary supplement for its functional substances. In this study, an exopolysaccharide ( EPS), purified from the submerged culture of G. frondosa, was chemically modified to obtain its carboxymethylated ( CM- EPS) and selenising derivatives (Se- EPS). The chemical characteristics of these polysaccharides were determined based on high-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) and infrared analysis ( IR). The antioxidant and antitumour activities of EPS and its derivatives were further investigated, respectively. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity of CM- EPS and Se- EPS were much better than that of EPS. Moreover, the Se- EPS could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Hela cells compared with EPS. This study demonstrated that the carboxymethylation and selenylation played a great influence on enhancing the antioxidant and antitumour activities of exopolysaccharides from G. frondosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive, airway disease. In order to recognize mechanisms of COPD, various types of COPD animal models have been established, and the pathogenesis are different. The present study was designed to establish a COPD animal model by intraperitoneal injection of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in BALB/C mice. Methods: Mice were injected intraperitoneally with PBS/CSE and sacrificed at day 28. Pulmonary function, pathology of lung tissue, morphology of hearts and skeletal muscle, leukocytes count and antioxidant activity of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pulmonary parenchymal apoptosis index (AI), expression of cleaved caspase-3, expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA, and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in lung tissue were measured. Results: Intraperitoneal injection of CSE induced pulmonary parenchymal destruction, pulmonary function reduction, leukocytes count, injury of cardiac and peripheral muscles, and increased pulmonary parenchymal AI, cleaved caspase-3 protein, expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA, activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein in lung tissue, and suppressed antioxidant activity in BALF ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Intraperitoneal injection of CSE produced emphysema, pulmonary parenchymal apoptosis, and injury of cardiac and skeletal muscles in mice. All pathobiologically relevant mechanisms in this model are shared with the COPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two sulfated polysaccharide fractions (S1 and S2) were successfully isolated from seaweed Undaia pinnitafida and the chemical characteristics were determined. Antioxidant activities of the polysaccharide fractions were evaluated by assays of various antioxidants in vitro systems, including superoxide anion, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity and metal chelating ability. The results showed that the two sulfated polysaccharides contained rhamnose as the major neutral sugar and present high sulfate content (33.99–34.29%). Antioxidant assays suggested that the two sulfated polysaccharide fractions (S1 and S2) possessed good antioxidant properties and had stronger antioxidant abilities than de-sulfated polysaccharides (DS-1 and DS-2). Available data obtained by in vitro models suggested that the correlation between the sulfate content and antioxidant activity was positive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A facile and environmentally-friendly strategy for increasing antioxidant activity is a crucial issue for value-added lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) as alternative antioxidants. However, the antioxidant activities of lignin and LCC by the traditional solid-liquid extraction (SLE) methods were restricted by the relatively lower solubility induced from high molecular weight (Mw), and the less functional groups including, phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl. To improve the antioxidantion of lignin and LCC, lithium chloride/dimethyl sulfoxide (LiCl/DMSO) solvent fractionation (LDSF) was conducted to increase the functional groups and reduce Mw, in which LiCl/DMSO acted triple roles as solvent, acid, and metal chloride catalyst for the depolymerization reaction synchronously. The β-O-4′ linkages were cleaved to release the phenolic hydroxyl, resulting in decreasing Mw; the hydroxyl of the side-chain of lignin was oxidized into carboxyl. Thus, the lignin (LD-RL) and LCC (LD-LCC) samples from LDSF had a higher syringyl (S)/guaiacyl (G) ratio, phenolic hydroxyl, and carboxyl contents, but less Mw than control groups from SLE. Consequently, they presented more excellent scavenging rates toward DPPH and ABTS radicals, up to 90%. This work provided panoramic perspectives and basics of the green and convenient approach to isolate and modify lignin and LCC for great antioxidantion with LDSF. • The lignin and LCC with high yield and antioxidantion were isolated from LDSF. • LiCl/DMSO acted triple roles as solvent, acid, and metal chloride catalyst. • Depolymerization induced by LiCl increased the functional groups and reduced Mw. • The higher S/G ratio, phenolic OH and COOH contents improved the antioxidantoin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the structural features, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of a heteropolysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of Morchella esculenta (FMP-1). FMP-1 had an average molecular weight of 4.7 × 10 3  Da and consisted of mannose, glucose and galactose. By methylation and NMR analysis, the backbone of FMP-1 was deduced to be made up of 1,4-linked Glc p and 1,6-linked Gal p . Hydroxyl, DPPH and superoxide radicals could be efficiently scavenged by FMP-1, with IC 50 values of 74.26, 119.32 and 161.49 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, FMP-1 could significantly protect zebrafish embryos against AAPH-induced oxidative damage. Decrease in malformations and mortalities was observed along with the reduction of ROS production, NO production and cell death. The protective effects were by decreasing MDA content and increasing SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels. The current work provided a good suggestion of the potential utilization of FMP-1 as an attractive natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface method (RSM) was employed to optimize the extraction conditions of polysaccharides from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris (the rhizomes of Panax japonicus C. A. Mey. var. major (Burk.) C. Y. Wu et K. M. Feng) (RPMP), a well-known Chinese traditional medicine. In order to obtain the optimal processing parameters, a three-variable Box–Behnken designs (BBD) were applied for experimental designs. RSM analysis indicated the good correspondence between experimental and predicted values, the optimal conditions for the yield of polysaccharides were as follows: the ultrasound time is 31.15 min, extraction temperature is 92.50 °C, and the ratio of water to raw material is 40 mL/g. The maximum value (13.87 ± 0.16%) of the yield of polysaccharides was obtained under these optimal conditions. The molecular weight ( M W ) was determined to be 1.48 × 10 5 (± 0.39%) Da by HPSEC-MALLS-RID chromatography system. FT-IR spectra demonstrated obvious characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. The antioxidant activities of RPMP were investigated including scavenging activity of hydrogen radicals, ABTS radicals, and free radicals of superoxide anion in vitro , and the results exhibited that RPMP had a good potential for antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides from edible fungi usually exhibit many bioactivities. Our previous studies found that polysaccharide TLH-3 extracted from Tricholoma lobayense possessed noticeable antioxidant activity. To further explore its biological activities, the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of TLH-3 were evaluated in vitro and in vivo . The results of antioxidant activity in vitro showed that TLH-3 could enhance the cell viability, reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit oxidative damage induced by tert -butylhydroperoxide ( t -BHP) in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) cells. The anti-aging capability was measured in d -galactose ( d -gal)-induced aged mice model, and the experimental data showed that TLH-3 significantly inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and raised the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in mice liver and serum ( p < 0.05). This study suggested that TLH-3 possessed apparent antioxidant and anti-aging activities and could be exploited as a potent dietary supplement to attenuate aging and prevent age-related diseases in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies have revealed that the Tricholoma lobayense polysaccharide TLH-3, which has an IC50 value for scavenging superoxide radicals comparable to that of Vitamin C (VC), could be prepared by hot water extraction and column chromatography. However, this method is tedious and inefficient. In this study, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) was used to extract polysaccharides from T. lobayense Heim. The yield of 17.3% using HPH was higher than the 12.3% yielded by traditional extraction. Moreover, the operation combined quaternary ammonium salt precipitation with ultrafiltration (QASP-UF) to purify the crude polysaccharides successfully, which provided a higher TLH-3′ yield, a larger separation volume, and a shorter purification time than that of column chromatography. The whole process for TLH-3′ preparation presented here exhibited significant advantages of quicker processing, low consumption, high efficiency, and flexible compatibility with follow-up studies. Based on a characterization of molecular weight, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, and monosaccharide composition analysis, it can be concluded that TLH-3 and TLH-3′ are the same polysaccharide. Antioxidant activity was tested to prove that the TLH-3′ prepared in this study could scavenge DPPH and superoxide radicals, with IC50 values of 111.7 μg/mL and 160.0 μg/mL, respectively. Its outstanding antioxidant ability was comparable to that of ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sulfated polysaccharides (F1, F2) from seaweed Corallina officinalis were isolated through anion-exchange column chromatography. Their chemical characteristics were determined by GC, HPLC, FT-IR and UV spectra. F1 and F2 contained only two monosaccharides, namely galactose and xylose. The antioxidant activities of F1, F2 and the de-sulfated polysaccharides (DF-1, DF-2) in vitro were investigated, including hydroxyl radicals scavenging effect, superoxide radical scavenging capacity, DPPH radical activity and reducing power. As expected, antioxidant assay showed that the two sulfated polysaccharide fractions (F1, F2) possessed considerable antioxidant properties and had more excellent abilities than de-sulfated polysaccharides (DF-1, DF-2). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]