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An Exopolysaccharide from Genistein-Stimulated Monascus Purpureus: Structural Characterization and Protective Effects
Liuming Xie1,2,3, Ting Chen1, Hong Li1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, No. 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disease is a major health problem that can lead to prolonged damage to the digestive system. This study investigated the effects of an exopolysaccharide from genistein-stimulated Monascus purpureus (G-EMP) in a mouse model of colitis to clarify its molecular mechanisms and identified its structures. G-EMP (Mw = 56.4 kDa) was primarily consisted of → 4)-α-D-Galp-(1 →, → 2,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →2)-β-D-Manp-(1 → , with one of the branches being α-D-Manp-(1 →. G-EMP intervention reduced the loss of body weight, degree of colonic damage and shortening, disease activity index scores, and histopathology scores, while restoring goblet cell production and oxidative homeostasis, repairing colonic functions, and regulating inflammatory cytokines. RNA sequencing and Western blot analysis indicated that G-EMP exerts anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway. G-EMP modulated the gut microbiota by improving its diversities, elevating the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria, declining the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota value, and regulating the level of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Correlation analysis demonstrated strong links between SCFAs, gut microbiota, and the inflammatory response, indicating the potential of G-EMP to prevent colitis.
Insights
An exopolysaccharide from Monascus purpureus (G-EMP) effectively treats colitis in mice. G-EMP reduces inflammation and damage by modulating gut microbiota and suppressing key inflammatory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes significant digestive system damage.
- Understanding molecular mechanisms of IBD treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of genistein-stimulated Monascus purpureus exopolysaccharide (G-EMP) in a mouse model of colitis.
- To elucidate the structure of G-EMP.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of G-EMP structure and molecular weight.
- Administration of G-EMP to a mouse model of colitis.
- Assessment of clinical, histological, and biochemical parameters.
- RNA sequencing and Western blot analysis to identify molecular pathways.
- Gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis.
Main Results:
- G-EMP (56.4 kDa) demonstrated significant protective effects against colitis, reducing weight loss, colonic damage, and inflammatory markers.
- G-EMP suppressed the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, indicating anti-inflammatory action.
- G-EMP positively modulated gut microbiota diversity, beneficial bacteria, and SCFA levels, correlating with reduced inflammation.
Conclusions:
- G-EMP possesses significant anti-inflammatory and protective properties against colitis.
- G-EMP exerts its effects by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways and improving gut microbiota homeostasis.
- G-EMP shows potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease.
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