A Water Polysaccharide-Protein Complex from Grifola frondosa Inhibit the Growth of Subcutaneous but Not Peritoneal

Yongzhao Xu1, Chujun Huang1, Tianxiong Xu1

  • 1School of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.

Abstract

Insights

Grifola frondosa polysaccharide-protein complex (G. frondosa PPC) inhibits tumor growth under fasting by altering fatty acids in the tumor microenvironment. This mushroom extract shows potential in cancer management alongside nutrient restriction.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Grifola frondosa exhibits immune modulatory, autophagy, and apoptosis-inducing properties in cancer cells.
  • Its role in managing tumor progression with nutrient restriction remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Grifola frondosa polysaccharide-protein complex (G. frondosa PPC) as an adjunct to nutrient restriction for managing tumor progression.
  • To analyze the impact of G. frondosa PPC on tumor cell migration and growth in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • A G. frondosa polysaccharide-protein complex (G. frondosa PPC) was extracted and characterized.
  • MC38 colorectal tumor cells were used for in vitro migration assays under serum-restricted conditions.
  • Tumor-bearing mice were subjected to alternate-day fasting, with G. frondosa PPC administration.
  • Tumor growth, spread, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) composition were analyzed using histopathology and Raman imaging.

Main Results:

  • G. frondosa PPC significantly inhibited MC38 colorectal tumor cell migration in vitro.
  • In vivo, G. frondosa PPC significantly inhibited subcutaneous (s.c.) tumor growth but had limited effect on intraperitoneal (i.p.) tumor spread.
  • Significant alterations in lipid content and fatty acid composition (increased saturated, decreased monounsaturated fatty acids) were observed in the TME of s.c. tumors.

Conclusions:

  • G. frondosa PPC demonstrates significant anti-tumor effects against s.c. tumors in mice under intermittent fasting.
  • The anti-tumor activity is associated with modifications in the fatty acid profile of the tumor microenvironment.
  • G. frondosa PPC presents a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer management when combined with nutrient restriction.