A novel heteropolysaccharide from Lentinula edodes residue: Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory properties

In this study, a novel heteropolysaccharide, designated LEHP, was purified from Lentinula edodes residue, and its structure was characterized by modern instrumental analysis methods. The average molecular weight of LEHP was 21.7 kDa and LEHP was composed of (1,2), (1,3)-α-Araf, (1,2), (1,3), (1,2,4)-α-Xylp, (1,2)-α-Glcp, (1,6)-β-Glc p, (1,3)-β-Galp, and (1,3,4)-β-Manp units, branched with (1,4)-β-Xylp and (1,4)-β-Manp units. LEHP attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory injury in RAW264.7 macrophages by reducing levels of inflammatory mediators including NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. LEHP inhibited JNK/MAPK and JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway by modulating JNK phosphorylation and STAT1 expression. Animal experiments showed that LEHP markedly attenuated inflammation and histopathological damage in TNBS-induced zebrafish by reducing neutrophil numbers and promoting goblet cell proliferation in the neuromasts of caudal lateral line. Overall, LEHP has anti-inflammatory activity and may serve as a natural anti-inflammatory agent in the development of functional foods and dietary supplements.