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Polysaccharides from fermented coix seed modulates circulating nitrogen and immune function by altering gut
Hui Wang1, Hongmei Yin1,2, Yadong Zhong1
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330047, China.
Current Research in Food Science
|November 3, 2022
Summary
Fermented coix seed (FC) and its polysaccharides (FCP) reduce circulating nitrogen and restore immune balance in mice exposed to high humidity. FCP is identified as the key active component in FC, modulating gut microbiota and Th1/Th2 cytokines.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Coix lachryma-jobi L. seed is a staple food in Asia with recognized health benefits.
- High relative humidity (RH) exposure can induce circulating nitrogen imbalance and immune dysfunction.
- Understanding the protective mechanisms of coix seed against environmental stressors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of non-fermented coix seed (NFC), fermented coix seed (FC), and fermented coix seed polysaccharides (FCP) on high RH-induced physiological changes in mice.
- To investigate the impact of these treatments on circulating nitrogen levels, gut microbiota, erythrocyte function, and immune responses.
- To identify the active component in FC responsible for the observed protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to high RH (90 ± 2%) and treated with NFC, FC, or FCP.
- Circulating nitrogen metabolites (BUN, ammonia), fecal nitrogen excretion, erythrocyte morphology, Na+/K+ ATPase activity, and plasma cytokine levels (IgM, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6) were measured.
- Gut microbiota alterations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- All treatments reduced circulating nitrogen by increasing fecal nitrogen excretion, linked to gut microbiota modulation.
- FC and FCP were more effective in restoring erythrocyte morphology via enhanced Na+/K+ ATPase activity.
- FC and FCP modulated immune function by decreasing IgM and IFN-γ, and increasing IL-4 and IL-6, indicating a shift in Th1/Th2 balance.
Conclusions:
- Fermented coix seed polysaccharides (FCP) are the primary active component in FC responsible for mitigating high RH-induced physiological stress.
- FCP modulates circulating nitrogen levels by altering gut microbiota composition and enhancing nitrogen excretion.
- FCP restores immune homeostasis by regulating Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles, offering a potential therapeutic strategy against environmental stressors.
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