Anti-inflammatory effects of Morchella esculenta polysaccharide and its derivatives in fine particulate...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is linked to acute and chronic respiratory diseases.
• PM2.5 induces inflammation, cell death, and apoptosis in lung cells.
• Polysaccharides are investigated for their potential protective effects against environmental pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of a polysaccharide from Morchella esculenta (FMP-1) and its derivatives against PM2.5-induced inflammation.
• To identify the most effective derivative and elucidate its underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
• To assess the impact on cellular damage, inflammatory cytokine production, and key signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

• Rat alveolar macrophage NR8383 cells were exposed to PM2.5.
• Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to assess cell viability, apoptosis, and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β).
• Immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were employed to investigate the expression of iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, and IκBα.

Main Results:

• Sulfated polysaccharide SFMP-1 demonstrated significant protective effects against PM2.5-induced cell death and apoptosis.
• SFMP-1 reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β and diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation.
• SFMP-1 inhibited the expression of iNOS and COX-2, and suppressed NF-κB activation by preventing IκBα degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation.

Conclusions:

• SFMP-1 exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties against PM2.5 exposure in rat alveolar macrophages.
• The protective mechanism involves the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
• SFMP-1 represents a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating PM2.5-induced respiratory inflammation.