Structural Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis on Monosodium...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Inflammation is a complex biological response involving cellular and molecular mechanisms.
• Gout, characterized by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, triggers inflammatory responses in macrophages.
• Natural compounds are increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in managing inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structural characteristics of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs).
• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of TFPs against MSU-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of TFPs' anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Methods:

• Structural analysis of TFPs.
• In vitro assays using RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with MSU.
• Measurement of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18), oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS, SOD), and gene expression via RNA-Seq.
• Analysis of key signaling pathways, including HIF-1 and ErbB.

Main Results:

• TFPs are composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, and fucose.
• TFPs significantly inhibited MSU-induced inflammation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
• TFPs decreased malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels while increasing superoxide dismutase activity.
• RNA-Seq analysis indicated that TFPs ameliorate inflammation by inhibiting the HIF-1 and ErbB signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

• TFPs possess significant anti-inflammatory properties.
• TFPs modulate inflammatory responses by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting specific signaling pathways.
• TFPs demonstrate potential as a basis for developing novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.