Auricularia auricula Polysaccharide Extracted Under Ultrahigh Pressure: Structural Characterization and...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Immunology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) treatment alters polysaccharide structures, boosting immunomodulatory activity.
• Auricularia auricula polysaccharides (AAP) are known for potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare structural and immunomodulatory properties of hot water-extracted AAP (AAP) and UHP-assisted extracted AAP (UAAP).
• Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying their immune-enhancing effects.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of AAP using hot water and UHP-assisted methods.
• Structural characterization (molecular weight, morphology, composition).
• Immunomodulatory assessment in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mouse model, including cytokine and immunoglobulin analysis and MAPK/NF-κB pathway activation studies.

Main Results:

• UAAP exhibited lower molecular weight and higher homogeneity than AAP.
• Both polysaccharides improved immune organ indices and phagocytic function in mice.
• UAAP and AAP upregulated key cytokines and immunoglobulins, activating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
• UAAP demonstrated superior immunomodulatory activity and pathway activation potential.

Conclusions:

• UHP-assisted extraction is a superior method for obtaining immunomodulatory Auricularia auricula polysaccharides.
• UAAP shows enhanced potential for immune system modulation through the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
• This research supports the development of UHP-extracted polysaccharides for immune health applications.