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Structural Features and Immunomodulatory Effects of Water-Extractable Polysaccharides from Macrolepiota procera
Yordan Nikolaev Georgiev1, Ondrej Vasicek2, Balik Dzhambazov3
1Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 139 Ruski Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Abstract:
Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. However, the structure and biological effects of its polysaccharides (PSs) are unclear. This study investigates the structural features of a PS complex from MP (MP-PSC), its immunomodulatory activities and effects on probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. MP-PSC was obtained by boiling water, and PSs were characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The immunomodulatory effects on blood and derived neutrophils, other leukocytes, and murine macrophages were studied by flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and ELISA. The total carbohydrate content of MP-PSC was 74.2%, with glycogen occupying 36.7%, followed by β-D-glucan, α-L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and β-D-glucomannan. MP-PSC (200 μg/mL) increased the number of CD14+ monocyte cells in the blood, after ex vivo incubation for 24 h. It dose-dependently (50-200 μg/mL) activated the spontaneous oxidative burst of whole blood phagocytes, NO, and interleukin 6 productions in RAW264.7 cells. MP-PSC exhibited a low antioxidant activity and failed to suppress the oxidative burst and NO generation, induced by inflammatory agents. It (2.0%, w/v) stimulated probiotic co-cultures and hindered the growth and biofilm development of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica. MP PSs can be included in synbiotics to test their immunostimulating effects on compromised immune systems and gut health.
Insights
The edible mushroom Macrolepiota procera (MP) contains polysaccharides (MP-PSC) that boost immune cells and inhibit harmful bacteria. These mushroom polysaccharides show potential for use in synbiotics to support immune and gut health.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom with traditional uses in managing diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation.
- The specific structure and biological functions of polysaccharides (PSs) from MP remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural characteristics of a polysaccharide complex from MP (MP-PSC).
- To evaluate the immunomodulatory activities of MP-PSC.
- To assess the effects of MP-PSC on both probiotic and pathogenic bacteria.
Main Methods:
- MP-PSC was extracted using boiling water and structurally analyzed with 2D NMR spectroscopy.
- Immunomodulatory effects were assessed using flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and ELISA on blood cells and RAW264.7 macrophages.
- Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated against selected pathogenic bacteria and probiotic co-cultures.
Main Results:
- MP-PSC contained 74.2% total carbohydrates, including glycogen, β-D-glucan, α-L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and β-D-glucomannan.
- MP-PSC enhanced CD14+ monocyte counts and dose-dependently stimulated phagocyte oxidative burst, nitric oxide (NO), and interleukin-6 production in immune cells.
- MP-PSC demonstrated limited antioxidant activity but effectively stimulated probiotic bacteria while inhibiting the growth and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Salmonella enterica.
Conclusions:
- MP-PSC possesses significant immunomodulatory properties, enhancing innate immune cell responses.
- MP-PSC exhibits beneficial effects on gut microbiota by stimulating probiotics and inhibiting pathogens.
- MP-PSC holds potential for incorporation into synbiotics aimed at bolstering immune function and gut health, particularly in individuals with compromised immunity.
