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Polysaccharides extracted from Morchella angusticepes Peck (PMEP) were chemically modified to obtain sulfated, carboxymethylated, and acetyled derivatives. Results showed that the acetyled derivatives with the degree of substitution (0.40 ± 0.07) exerted higher antioxidant ability than native polysaccharides, demonstrating inhibitory effects on growth of human hepatoma cells (EC50 = 0.710 ± 0.002 mg/mL) and human colon cancer cells (EC50 = 1.229 ± 0.008 mg/mL). It indicated that the acetylation was a favorable way to enhance the bioactivities of PMEP. Practical Application: Polysaccharides extracted from Morchella angusticepes Peck (PMEP) have many health‐promoting properties. Chemical modifications could improve the bioactivities of polysaccharides. We demonstrated that acetylation enhanced the cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of PMEP. The results support further research that explores clinical utility, and may justify ex vivo and in vivo designs toward that end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Morchella angusticeps Peck has been recognized as a resource of nutraceuticals and drug discovery. Three acetylated polysaccharides (Ac-PMEP 1-3) with appropriate degree of substitution were obtained from Morchella angusticeps Peck, chemically characterized, and cultured with macrophage RAW264.7 cells to evaluate their immune activation and anti-inflammatory activities. Results of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and fourier-transform infrared showed these modifications were successful. Compared with the control group, PMEP and Ac-PMEP 1-3 enhanced cell proliferation and the production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α of RAW264.7 macrophages (cultured without lipopolysaccharide). Compared with PMEP, Ac-PMEP 3 enhanced cell viability and NO production by inducing the degradation of cytoplasmic IκBα and nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit p65 as well as the expression of iNOS and phosphorylated-p38. Moreover, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, Ac-PMEP 3 showed a stronger ability to suppress the overproduction of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α by down-regulating the level of nuclear NF-κB p65, iNOS, and phosphorylated-p38 and inhibiting the degradation of cytoplasmic IκBα. Therefore, Ac-PMEP enhanced immune activation and anti-inflammatory activities via nuclear factor κB and p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Three acetylated polysaccharides (Ac-PMEP 1-3) with appropriate DS were obtained from Morchella angusticeps Peck. • Physicochemical analyses of Ac-PMEP 1-3 were determined by UV spectra and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. • Acetylated PMEP showed a stronger immune activation and anti-inflammatory activities than PMEP. • The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of PMEP and Ac-PMEP were mediated via NF-κB and p38/MAPK pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oxidative stress is considered to involve cell death in severe pulmonary diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Polysaccharide FMP-1 from Morchella esculenta can exert significant antioxidant activity. However, its effects on alveolar epithelial cells remain unperceived. Herein, the effects of FMP-1 against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells were investigated. FMP-1 could inhibit H 2 O 2 -induced cytochrome C and Caspase-3 release to prevent cell apoptosis via attenuation of MDA and ROS levels, and enhancement the enzymatic activities of SOD and T-AOC. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms were clarified. The phosphorylation of AKT and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 were observed to be promoted by FMP-1 as well as the level of HO-1. These findings suggested that FMP-1 attenuate cellular oxidative stress through PI3K/AKT pathway, and FMP-1 could be explored as natural potential antioxidants to lower oxidative stress relevant to the progression of IPF. Highlights • Polysaccharide FMP-1 from Morchella esculenta could inhibit H 2 O 2 -induced cell apoptosis. • FMP-1 alleviated H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress in alveolar epithelial A549 cells. • FMP-1 exerted excellent protective effects through PI3K/AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. [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]

Morels are edible mushrooms appreciated worldwide for their savory flavor. Morels have been in use in traditional medicine for centuries, due to their health-related benefits, and current research demonstrated their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory bioactivities, in addition to immunostimulatory and anti-tumor properties. In spite of the high demand for morels and their increasing economic importance, their cultivation is limited, and they are either used as wild harvested or fermented in culture, for consumption as a functional food and for food-flavoring. Morel's health benefits were attributed mainly to polysaccharides as the active compounds, and to various phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and vitamin D. Morel's nutritional composition was reported, including sugar, amino acid, fatty and organic acid and mineral profile. Information regarding Morel's flavor is limited, and while some of their taste attributes have been described, including the role of umami taste, details about their volatile aroma profile are scarce, and it was reported to include eight carbon volatiles, the main aroma volatiles typical to most mushrooms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review presenting morels' nutritional and phytochemical composition, health benefits and flavor, and we will review the available information in current literature regarding these aspects in light of morels phenotypic plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemically carboxymethylated polysaccharide (CPMEP), which is derived from the purified polysaccharide from Morchella angusticepes Peck (PMEP), was prepared. The degree of substitution of CPMEP was 0.461. Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis and 13 C, 1 H, and DEPT135° NMR spectra indicated C6 position was partially substituted by CH 2 COOH. Moreover, serum total cholesterol of hypercholesterolemic rats treated with the high dose of PMEP and CPMEP was 1.54 mmol/L and 1.29 mmol/L compared with that of rats fed with a 2% cholesterol diet (1.74 mmol/L), respectively, indicating CPMEP had a stronger cholesterol-lowering activity than PMEP. CPMEP had a trend in reducing liver total cholesterol while increasing the excretion of total fecal and intestinal bile acids, which were probably mediated by down-regulation of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase while up-regulation of cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase. It was therefore concluded that carboxymethylation of PMEP could enhance its cholesterol-lowering ability at least in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude polysaccharides (MPS) from soybean residue fermented with Morchella esculenta were extracted and purified by DEAE Sephadex A-50 chromatography and Sephadex G-100 size-exclusion chromatography in sequence. Three main fractions MP-1, MP-3 and MP-4 were obtained during the purification steps. The recovery rates based on MPS used were 26.2%, 29.1% and 18.7% for MP-1, MP-3 and MP-4 respectively. The monosaccharide composition, ultraviolet spectrum, infrared spectrum and NMR of the three fractions were analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of polysaccharides fractions upon activation of macrophage cells (RAW 264.7), antitumor activities of the human hepatocellular cell line (HepG-2) and human cervical carcinoma cells (Hela) in vitro were evaluated. The results indicated that the proliferation of MP-3 on RAW 264.7 was 313.57% at 25 μg/mL, which is high while MP-1 had a higher growth inhibition effect on HepG-2 cells of 68.01% at concentration of 50 μg/mL. The fractions of MP-1, MP-3 and MP-4 induced apoptosis in HepG-2 cells and Hela cells by arresting cell cycle progression at the G 0 /G 1 phase. These findings suggest that the purified polysaccharides fractions may be a potent candidate for human hepatocellular and cervical carcinoma treatment and prevention in functional foods and pharmacological fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoptosis tests proved that Morchella esculenta polysaccharide (MEP) could inhibit the proliferation and growth of human colon cancer HT-29 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner within 48 h. This study provides more information on antiproliferation of purified polysaccharides isolated from Morchella esculenta. MEP induced apoptosis in HT29 cells by modulating Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression. The strongest inhibition rate (87.62±1.41%) of the MEP was observed at the dosage of 1000 μg ml-1. Meanwhile MEP in antiproliferative concentrations was non-toxic to normal fibroblast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new polysaccharide (MEP-1) was isolated from fruit body of wideMorchella esculenta(L.) Pers with a stepwise procedure of hot water extraction, removal of the protein, dialysis against water, DEAE-Cellulose A52 and Sephadex G-100 columns. Physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide was determined by chemical methods, high-performance gel permeation chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, paper chromatography, ultraviolet spectrum, and infrared spectrometry. The polysaccharides were primarily polymers of glucose, mannose, galactose, and arabinose. The average molecular mass was 43625 Da. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Soybean curd residue was used as a new nutrient media to ferment polysaccharides. [•] Media components were determined by orthogonal experiment. [•] Fermentation conditions were optimized by response surface methodology. [•] Polysaccharides have higher antioxidant activity after fermentation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel polysaccharide, MEP-II, isolated from the fermentation broth of Morchella esculenta inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) through an apoptotic pathway. After HepG2 cells were treated with 150-600 μg MEP-II/ml, typical apoptotic characteristics including externalization of phosphatidylserine residues on the cell surface, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation and cytoplasm shrinkage were observed. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential ( Δψm) also occurred in HepG2 cells after incubation of 150-600 μg MEP-II/ml. The antioxidant, 1 mM N-acetyl- l-cysteine inhibited MEP-II-induced apoptosis, suggesting that ROS are the key mediators for MEP-II-induced apoptosis. MEP-II is therefore a potential anti-tumor agent that induces apoptosis of HepG2 cells through ROS generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morchella conica is a species of rare edible mushroom whose multiple medicinal functions have been proven. However, reports barely mention the mechanisms of these functions. In this study, the effects of two polysaccharides from M. conica (PMCs) on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages were investigated. The results showed that 50-200 μg/ml of the extracellular polysaccharide (EPMC) and 25-200 μg/ml of the intracellular polysaccharide (IPMC) significantly inhibited NO production. Accordingly, the signal mechanisms were also explored. It was found that 100 μg/ml of EPMC and 25 μg/ml of IPMC could efficiently down-regulate the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity and up-regulate heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression. Moreover, by using a HO-1 inhibitor NaPP to treat the cells, the PMC-inhibited NO production and iNOS expression, rather than NF-κB activation, were released partially, indicating that HO-1 probably medicates the inhibition of PMCs on iNOS and NO. Besides, EPMC also significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), c-jun N-terminal kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4, and expression of NF-κB inducing kinase, while IPMC seemed to show no regular effect on p38. In conclusion, PMCs inhibited NO production in LPS-induced macrophages through regulating a series of signal pathways, suggesting that PMCs play a potential role on immunomodulation and treating related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morchella conica Pers. (M. conica) has been used both as a medical and edible mushroom and possesses antimicrobial properties and antioxidant activities. However, the antioxidant properties of polysaccharides purified from M. conica have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant properties of a polysaccharide NMCP-2 (neutral M. conica polysaccharides-2) purified from M. conica, as determined by radical scavenging assay and H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HEK 293T cells. Results showed that NMCP-2 with an average molecular weight of 48.3 kDa possessed a much stronger chelating ability on ferrous ions and a higher ability to scavenge radical scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) than the other purified fraction of NMCP-1 from M. conica. Moreover, 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that NMCP-2 dose-dependently preserved cell viability of H2O2-induced cells. The NMCP-2 pretreated group reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and increased the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) levels. In addition, Hoechst 33342 staining revealed cells treated with NMCP-2 declined nuclear condensation. Ultrastructural observation revealed that NMCP-2 pretreatment alleviated the ruptured mitochondria when exposed to H2O2. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed that NMCP-2 prevented significant downregulation of the protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspases 3, and upregulated Bcl-2 levels. These results suggest the protective effects of NMCP-2 against H2O2-induced injury in HEK 293T cells. NMCP-2 could be used as a natural antioxidant of functional foods and natural drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]