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The protein-bound polysaccharides of Coriolus versicolor (CPS) have been reported to stimulate overall immune functions against cancers and various infectious diseases by activating specific cell functions. A New Zealand isolate (Wr-74) and a patented strain (ATCC-20545) of C. versicolor were compared in this study. The fruit bodies of both strains were grown for visual verification. Both strains were grown in submerged-culture using an airlift fermentor with milk permeate as the base medium supplemented with glucose, yeast extract and salt. Metabolic profiles of both strains obtained over 7-day fermentation showed very similar trends in terms of biomass production (8.9–10.6 mg/ml), amounts of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) from the culture medium (1150–1132 μg/ml), and intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) from the mycelium (80–100 μg/ml). Glucose was the dominant sugar in both EPS and IPS, and the polymers each consisted of three molecular weight fractions ranging from 2 × 106 to 3 × 103 Da. Both the EPS and IPS were able to significantly induce cytokine production (interleukin 12 and γ interferon) in murine splenocytes in vitro. Highest levels of interleukin 12 (291 pg/ml) and γ interferon (6,159 pg/ml) were obtained from samples containing Wr-74 IPS (0.06 μg/ml) and ATCC 20545 IPS (0.1 μg/ml), respectively. The results indicated that lower levels of EPS and IPS generally resulted in higher immune responses than did higher polymer concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biodegradation and decolorization of monosodium glutamate wastewater were carried out by using an acidophilus yeast strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Coriolus versicolor. For the yeast treatment, the highest COD removal and reducing sugar removal efficiency were 76.6% and 80.2%, respectively. The color removal was only 2%. For C. versicolor treatment, the highest COD removal, color removal and reducing sugar removal efficiencies were 78.7%, 56.5% and 90.9%, respectively. The synergic treatment process, in which the yeast and C. versicolor were successively applied,exhibited great advantage over the individual process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from Coriolus versicolor COV-1, has been previously shown to have immuno-stimulatory, anti-tumour and analgesic effects in animal models. When used as an adjunct in cancer chemotherapy in clinical trials carried out in China, PSP improved the quality of life in the patients by improving appetite and alleviating symptoms associated with cancer chemotherapy. In this study, the effects of non-toxic doses of PSP on phase I metabolism was investigated in the rat, using the conventional probe antipyrine. Acute PSP (3–5μmol/kg, i.p.) treatment did not produce significant changes in antipyrine clearance. Sub-chronic treatment with PSP (1–3μmol/kg/day, i.p., 3 days) decreased the antipyrine clearance (30–35%), with an increase in the plasma half-life (T 1/2) by 55% and an increase in the area under concentration–time curve (AUC) by 61%. Total hepatic cytochrome P450 (P450) was dose-dependently decreased (32–54%) after sub-chronic, but not the acute treatment of PSP. Given that PSP can affect phase I metabolism and hepatic cytochrome P450 content, the concomitant use of PSP with other therapeutic agents that undergo phase I metabolism should be carefully monitored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from COV-1 strain of Coriolus versicolor, is commonly used as an adjunct in cancer chemotherapy in China. In this study, the effects of whole PSP extract and water extract of PSP on 4-hydroxylation of tolbutamide were investigated in rat liver microsomes in vitro and in vivo in the rat. Both the whole PSP extract and the water soluble fraction (0.5–20μM) decreased the metabolism of tolbutamide to 4-hydroxytolbutamide in vitro. Enzyme kinetics studies showed that PSP inhibited tolbutamide 4-hydroxylase activity in a competitive, concentration-dependent manner. The whole PSP extract had a K i value of 12.6μM and IC50 at 18.4μM, while the water extract had a K i value of 6.9μM and IC50 at 9.8μM. Sulphaphenazole, a specific human CYP2C9 inhibitor, showed a K i value of 30.8μM and IC50 at 44.0μM in the test system. In the pharmacokinetic studies in vivo, acute PSP (4μmol/kg, i.p.) treatment did not produce significant changes in tolbutamide clearance, but produced a decrease in the C initial (7.4%) and an increase in the V d (7.4%). Sub-chronic pre-treatment of PSP (1–2μmol/kg/day, i.p.) for three days did not affect the clearance and AUC of tolbutamide, but the C initial was decreased, together with increases in the T 1/2, and V d. The formation of 4-hydroxytolbutamide in vivo was decreased in both acute and sub-chronic studies. Taken together, this study demonstrated the PSP can inhibit tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation both in vitro and in vivo. Despite the fact that CYP isoforms that metabolise tolbutamide are different between rat and human liver due to different catalytic characteristics, and rat studies may not be directly extrapolatable to man, the concomitant use of PSP with other CYP2C substrates should be carefully monitored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A submerged microfiltration membrane bioreactor implementing the white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor was developed for the treatment of textile dye wastewater following explorations with different fouling-prevention techniques. The optimum combination ensuring permeate quality and precluding membrane fouling comprises of placing a bundle of hollow fibers within a non-woven coarse-pore (50–200 μm) mesh cage, so as to avoid direct deposition of sludge onto it, together with arrangements for its periodic high-pressure back-washing (3 s/10 min) and chemical back-flushing (100 ml/m2, every third day). Under controlled temperature (29±1°C) and pH (4.5±0.2), and applied HRT and an average flux of 15 h and 0.021 m/d, respectively, the reactor accomplished around 97% TOC and 99% color removal from the synthetic wastewater (TOC = 2 g/L; dye = 100 mg/L) for a prolonged period of observation. Realization of excellent stable pollutant removal along with alleviation of the membrane-fouling problem by employing reasonable chemical-cleaning dose presents the proposed novel system as an attractive one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from Coriolus versicolor COV-1, has been shown to restore the immunological effects against cyclophosphamide-induced immuno-suppression, although the mechanism(s) involved remain uncertain. This study investigated the PSP-cyclophosphamide interaction by studying the effects of PSP on the pharmacokinetic of cyclophosphamide in the rat and the effect of PSP on the cytotoxic effects of cyclophosphamide on a cancer cell line (HepG2 cells). In the pharmacokinetic studies in the rat, acute pre-treatment of PSP (4μmol/kg/day, i.p.) decreased the clearance (CL) of cyclophosphamide by 31%, with a concomitant increase in the area under concentration–time curve (AUC) by 44%, and prolongation of the plasma half-life (T 1/2) by 43%. Sub-chronic pre-treatment of PSP (2μmol/kg/day, i.p., 3 days) decreased the CL of cyclophosphamide by 33%, with a concomitant increase in the AUC by 50%, and prolongation of the plasma T 1/2 by 34%. In cytotoxicity studies using HepG2 cells, non-toxic dose of PSP (1–10μM) enhanced the cytotoxicity of cyclophosphamide. PSP at 10μM further decreased HepG2 cell viability by 22% compared to when cyclophosphamide was present alone. In summary, PSP enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide on a cancer cell line in vitro and altered the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide in vivo in the rat. Both of these effects may be beneficial in the use of PSP as an adjunct to cyclophosphamide treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from Coriolus versicolor COV-1, has been widely used as an adjunct to cancer chemotherapy and as an immuno-stimulator in China. In this study, the anti-nociceptive effects of PSP were investigated in two different pain models in the mouse. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, initial studies showed that PSP decreased the number of acetic acid-induced writhing by 92.9%, which, by definition, would constitute an analgesic effect. However, further studies showed that PSP itself induced a dose-dependent writhing response. Studies on inflammatory mediator release showed that PSP increased the release of prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and histamine in mouse peritoneal macrophages and mast cells both in vitro and in vivo. The role of inflammatory mediator release in PSP-induced writhing was confirmed when diclofenac and dexamethasone decreased the number of writhing responses by 54% and 58.5%, respectively. Diphenhydramine totally inhibited the PSP-induced writhing. In the hot-plate test, PSP dose-dependently shortened the hind paw withdrawal latency, indicative of a hyperalgesic effect. The hyperalgesic effect was reduced by pretreatment with the anti-inflammatory drugs. In conclusion, the PSP-induced hyperalgesia was related to activation of peritoneal resident cells and an increase in the release of inflammatory mediators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The white rot fungus Coriolus versicolor could decolorise reactive dye Remazol Brilliant Violet to almost 90%. The fungal mycelia removed color as well as COD up to 95% and 75%, respectively, in a batch reactor. Decolorising activity was observed during the repeated reuse of the fungus. It was possible to substantially increase the dye decolorising activity of the fungus by carefully selecting the operational conditions such as media composition, age of fungus and nitrogen source. The fungal pellets could be used for eight cycles during the long term operation, where medium and dye was replenished at the end of each cycle and the fungus was recycled. Presence of a nitrogen source and nutrient content of media played an important role in sustaining the decolorisation activity of the fungus. The form of nitrogen source (e.g. peptone vs. urea) was also important to maintain the decolorising activity with peptone showing better decolorisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is generally accepted that thermal treatment of wood by mild pyrolysis (retification or torrefaction) improves its durability to fungal degradation. However, this property has recently been questioned in the literature and definitely needs further investigation. The increase in durability conferred by thermal treatment is generally explained by four hypotheses: the low affinity of heat-treated wood to water; the generation of toxic compounds during heating; the chemical modification of the main wood polymers and the degradation of hemicelluloses. This study was undertaken to understand the reasons for durability of heat-treated beech wood. In order to confirm or not the above mentioned hypotheses, the durability of heat-treated beech wood towards Coriolus versicolor was evaluated according to different parameters like mass loss, wettability or chemical composition. The heat treatment was carried out in a temperature range of 20–280°C under inert atmosphere for 10 different temperatures. The results show clearly an important correlation between the temperature of treatment and the fungal durability. At the same time, there was insufficient evidence to support the hypothesis of improved decay resistance due to generation of fungicidal compounds or due to the hydrophobic character of wood. Finally, the most plausible hypothesis to explain improvement of wood durability concerns its chemical modifications. Indeed, degradation of hemicellulose associated with other chemical modifications appearing during treatment could be the origin of improved durability. There is a good correlation between decay resistance and mass loss measurements which are directly correlated to hemicellulose degradation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the in vitro cytotoxic activities of standardized aqueous bioactive extracts prepared from Coriolus versicolor and Funalia trogii ATCC 200800 on HeLa and fibroblast cell lines using a MTT (3-[4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-]-2–5-difeniltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay. F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts were cytotoxic to both cell lines. At 10 µL treatment level, F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts inhibited proliferation of HeLa cancer cells by 71.5% and 45%, respectively, compared with controls. Toxicity was lower toward normal fibroblasts. In the latter case, treatment at 10 µL level with F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts reduced cell proliferation by 51.3% and 38.7%, respectively. In separate experiments, the mitotic index (MI) obtained with 3 µL treatment level of unheated extracts of the two fungi was comparable to the MI value obtained by treatment with 4 µg/mL MMC (anticancer agent mitomycin-C). A significant induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was observed in normal cultured lymphocytes treated with MMC (4 µg/mL). MMC treatment reduced replication index compared with treatment with unheated F. trogii extract and negative controls (p 0.05). Laccase and peroxidase enzyme activities in F. trogii extract were implicated in their inhibitory effect on cancer cells. F. trogii extract was concluded to have antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) derives from the medicinal mushroom Coriolus versicolor is considered a biological response modifier with potential pharmaceutical applications. Significant literatures support the immune and anticancer functions of PSP; however, standardization is of big concern because variable biotechnological factors can affect both the chemical and biological properties of PSP. In this study, the extracts of PSP obtained at different days from the Coriolus versicolor culture were tested in vitro for their immune function on human normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and cytotoxicity on the human leukemia Molt 4 cells. Over the 10-days culture period, both biomass and peptide/polysaccharide content were increased with time. The increase in proliferation index of PBMC and their production of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in the presence of PHA strengthens the correlation between culture duration and biological potency of PSP. The growth inhibition of the Molt 4 cells by PSP also depended on its maturity. Flow cytometry analysis on cell cycle and cell death (apoptosis) of Molt 4 cells indicated that the anticancer mechanism of PSP is related to its ability to induce S-phase cell arrest and apoptosis, respectively. Together, these results suggest that monitor the harvest duration is critical for the quality control of polysaccharopeptide in the biotechnological industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ability of two wood-decay basidiomycetes to produce extracellular mucilaginous material (ECMM) and its relationship with total biomass production has been investigated. Growth and ECMM production by the white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor and the brown-rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum were assessed in liquid culture under different nutritional and environmental conditions. Nutritional, pH and temperature factors all influenced significantly the proportion of ECMM in the total biomass produced. When total biomass production was reduced due to unfavorable growth conditions (stress), the proportion of ECMM in the biomass was elevated. The results are discussed with regard to the possible role(s) of ECMM in the responses of these fungi to stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Discomfort and fatigue are usually arisen from anticancer therapy such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or combination therapy, because of the suppressed immunological functions. Yunzhi (Coriolus versicolor) can modulate various immunological functions in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical trials. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has been shown to benefit the circulatory system by its vasodilating and anti-dementia activity. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules in post-treatment breast cancer patients. Eighty-two patients with breast cancer were recruited to take Yunzhi [50 mg/kg body weight, 100% polysaccharopeptide (PSP)] and Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) capsules every day for a total of 6 months. EDTA blood samples were collected every 2 months for the investigation of immunological functions. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages and absolute counts of human lymphocyte subsets in whole blood. Plasma level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that the absolute counts of T-helper lymphocytes (CD4+), the ratio of T-helper (CD4+)/T suppressor and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+), and the percentage and the absolute counts of B-lymphocytes were significantly elevated in patients with breast cancer after taking Yunzhi-Danshen capsules, while plasma sIL-2R concentration was significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Therefore, the regular oral consumption of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules could be beneficial for promoting immunological function in post-treatment of breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was aimed at assessing the decay resistance of acetylated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood against white (Coriolus versicolor) and brown (Coniophora puteana) rot fungi and the effect of pyridine as catalyst. Samples were decayed over pure cultures on 4% malt agar for twelve weeks, following the general procedures of the European Standard EN113. Additionally, the dimensional stability of wood given by acetylation was compared in the catalysed and uncatalysed chemical modification systems. The chemical modification provided resistance to the biodegradation of the wood against brown and white rot fungi. A greater level of acetylation was required to inhibit the brown rot, in comparison with the required level to prevent the white rot. The decay patterns and the weight loss recorded indicated that, pyridine as a catalyst did not influence the decay resistance of acetylated wood, when results were compared within the same fungus species. The dimensional stability provided by acetilización, and measured by the antiswelling efficiency (ASE), was satisfactory in both reaction systems, although the uncatalysed system was significantly more efficient. It was concluded that the weight percentage gain due to chemical modification is a good indicator of the degree of permanent partial swelling of the wood blocks, as well as of the dimensional stability and the resistance to decay of the acetylated wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being one of the commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs, Coriolus versicolor (CV), also named as Yunzhi, was known to possess both anti-tumor and immunopotentiating activities. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro immunomodulatory effect of a standardized ethanol–water extract prepared from CV on the proliferation of murine splenic lymphocytes using the MTT assay, and the production of six T helper (Th)-related cytokines using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The results showed that the CV extract significantly augmented the proliferation of murine splenic lymphocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, maximally by 2.4-fold. Moreover, the production of two Th1-related cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-12, in culture supernatants from the CV extract-activated lymphocytes was prominently upregulated at 48 and 72 h. Positive correlations were found between the levels of these two cytokines and the MTT-based proliferative response. In contrast, the production of two other Th1-related cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-18, was significantly augmented only at 24 h, but not at 48 and 72 h. On the other hand, the levels of two Th2-related cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-6 were undetectable in the culture supernatants of lymphocytes treated with the CV extract. The CV extract was suggested to be a lymphocyte mitogen by differentially enhancing the production of Th1-related cytokines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

White-rot fungi, namely Coriolus versicolor and Schizophyllum commune, were studied for the biodecolorization of textile dyeing effluent in shaker-flask experiments. The results showed that C. versicolor was able to achieve 68% color removal after 5 days of treatment while that of S. commune was 88% in 9 days. Both fungi achieved the above results in non-sterile condition with diammonium hydrogen phosphate as the nutrient supplement. On the other hand, the best COD removal of 80% was obtained with C. versicolor in 9 days in sterile effluent with yeast extract as nutrient supplement, while S. commune was able to remove 85% COD within 8 days in non-sterile textile effluent supplemented with diammonium hydrogen phosphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coriolus versicolor (CV), also known as Yunzhi, is one of the commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs. Although recent studies have demonstrated its antitumour activities on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, the exact mechanism is not fully elucidated. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the in vitro cytotoxic activities of a standardized aqueous ethanol extract prepared from Coriolus versicolor on a B-cell lymphoma (Raji) and two human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60, NB-4) cell lines using a MTT cytotoxicity assay, and to test whether the mechanism involves induction of apoptosis. Cell death ELISA was employed to quantify the nucleosome production resulting from nuclear DNA fragmentation during apoptosis. The present results demonstrated that CV extract at 50 to 800 μg/ml dose-dependently suppressed the proliferation of Raji, NB-4, and HL-60 cells by more than 90% (p < 0.01), with ascending order of IC50 values: HL-60 (147.3 ± 15.2 μg/ml), Raji (253.8 ± 60.7 μg/ml) and NB-4 (269.3 ± 12.4 μg/ml). The extract however did not exert any significant cytotoxic effect on normal liver cell line WRL (IC50 > 800 μg/ml) when compared with a chemotherapeutic anticancer drug, mitomycin C (MMC), confirming the tumour-selective cytotoxicity. Nucleosome productions in HL-60, NB-4 and Raji cells were significantly increased by 3.6-, 3.6- and 5.6-fold respectively upon the treatment of CV extract, while no significant nucleosome production was detected in extract-treated WRL cells. The CV extract was found to selectively and dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of lymphoma and leukemic cells possibly via an apoptosis-dependent pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The white-rot basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor secretes several enzymes that participate in the degradation of lignin and various persistent organic pollutants. In this study, we attempted to establish a genetic transformation system with a homogenous promoter sequence for driving the gene for antibiotic resistance. We succeeded in cloning the promoter sequence of the gene for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd), which is expressed at high levels in C. versicolor. The expression vector pT7GPTHPT was constructed, which included a gene for resistance to hygromycin B under control of the gpd promoter. The successful selection of transformants on medium that contained hygromycin B indicated that the system should be useful not only for the genetic transformation of C. versicolor, but also for the overproduction of useful fungal enzymes such as laccase and peroxidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of complementary system (anti-complementary activity) was studied under the influence of biopolymers extracted from fruiting bodies of Coriolus versicolor. The anti-complementary activities of the water-soluble extract (CV-S1) and the ethanol precipitate of the water-soluble extract (CV-S2) were 71.8 and 98.1%, respectively. Activated pathway of complement system was found to be occurred through both the classical and alternative pathways as evidenced by crossed immunoelectrophoresis, where the major pathway was detected to be the classical one. The CV-S2 was fractionated into CV-S2-Fr.I, II and III by gel chromatography. The anti-complementary activities were retained mainly in CV-S2-Fr.I and II. The molecular weights of CV-S2-Fr.I and II were estimated to be about 1200 and 150 kDa, respectively. The structures of CV-S2-Fr.I and II were characterized as 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl, 2,4,6-tri-O-methyl, 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl, 2,3,6-tri-O-methyl, 2,4-di-O-methyl and 2,3-di-O-methyl-d-glucitol in different proportions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on the treatment of cancer with mushroom products. Investigation of environmental influences, dietary deficiencies, and carcinogenic viral infections; Structure of mushrooms; Examination of natural killer cells.

To examine the effect of vanillin on the production of the wood-decomposing enzymes of a wood-rotting fungus, vanillin was added as a model of lignin-related phenols to Coriolus versicolor cultures containing cellulosic and xylan substrates. Among five conditions tested, cellobiose alone was the most effective inducer of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes. Addition of vanillin enhanced the effect of cellobiose on enzyme production. However, vanillin did not act as greatly in other cultures, except for cellobiose. Analytical isoelectric focusing and active staining of endo-Β-1,4-glucanase demonstrated that isozyme patterns in the presence of vanillin were the same as those in absence of vanillin, indicating that vanillin does not induce novel isozymes but rather enhances enzyme production. On the other hand, vanillin, which enhanced production of phenol-oxidizing enzymes, was not always determined in all cultures, suggesting that the action of vanillin depends on the kinds of carbohydrates. Therefore, the effect of a monolignol vanillin on enzyme production was associated with coexistent carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein-bound polysaccharides or polysaccharopeptides produced by Coriolus versicolor are effective immunopotentiators, which are used to supplement the chemotherapy and radiotherapy of cancers and various infectious diseases. Antitumor activity of polysaccharopeptides has been documented. Several kinds of protein-bound polysaccharides have been shown to be produced by the white rot fungus, C. versicolor. Although some of these polymers are structurally distinct, they are not distinguishable in terms of their physiological activity. This review focuses on the physiologically active polysaccharopeptides of C. versicolor. In nature, C. versicolor occurs as a mushroom body, but the fungus can be grown as mycelial biomass in submerged culture in bioreactors. Mushrooms gathered in the wild, cultivated mushrooms, and the mycelial biomass of submerged culture are used to produce the polysaccharopeptides. Submerged cultures are typically carried out in batches lasting 5–7 days and at 25–27 °C. Hot water extraction of the biomass is used to recover the thermostable polysaccharopeptides that are concentrated, purified, and dried into a powder for medicinal use. In view of the documented physiological benefits of these compounds, extensive research is underway on the structure, composition, production methods, and use of new C. versicolor strains for producing the therapeutic biopolymers. Properties, physiological activity, recovery, and purification of the bioactive polysaccharopeptides are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heterokaryotic nuclear hybrids overcoming the natural barriers of incompatibility have been studied in basidiomycetes. To produce these nuclear hybrids between incompatible mushrooms, which have several potent pharmacological effects, nuclear transfer was performed between Lentinula edodes and Coriolus versicolor. Nuclei from serine auxotrophs of Lentinula edodes, LE207 (Ser) were transferred into the protoplasts of arginine auxotrophs of Coriolus versicolor, CV17 (Arg), using 30% polyethylene glycol 4000 in 10 mM CaCl2-glycine solution (pH 8.0). Nuclear transfer progenies were selected by nutritional complementation on minimal media supplemented with 0.6 M, sucrose. The progenies were classified based on colony morphology to L. edodes-like, C. versicolor-like and non-parental type. Most of the progenies grew slower than either parent. The number of nuclei per cell was similar but the DNA content varied between progenies. The isozyme patterns of nuclear hybrids resembled either of the parent profiles or showed a mixed profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coriolus versicolor (C. versicolor) is a higher fungi or mushroom which is now known by its accepted scientific names as Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd. Many studies have shown that β-glucans from C. versicolor have various physiological activities, including activating macrophages to protect against Salmonella infection. However, whether β-glucans have antiviral effects has not been reported. Hence, the objective of this study was to confirm whether β-glucans could boost the immune response to combat influenza virus in mouse and chick models. The results show that β-glucans induced the expression of Dectin-1, costimulatory molecules (CD80/86) and cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-β and IL-10 in murine bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). In addition, orally administered β-glucans reduced weight loss, mortality and viral titers in the lungs of mice infected with influenza virus and attenuated pathological lung damage caused by the virus in the mice. Orally administered β-glucans improved survival and reduced lung viral titers in chickens infected with H9N2 avian influenza virus. These results suggest that β-glucans have a significant antiviral effect. Therefore, β-glucans could become a potential immunomodulator against influenza virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mutant producing a pyranose oxidase, which has a higher thermal stability and lower Km values for d-glucose and 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol than those of the wild type enzyme, was obtained. A single amino acid substitution, Lys for Glu at position 542, had occurred. This altered enzyme, E542K, was not only stable at 55 °C, which was 5 °C higher than the wild-type enzyme, but was stable in alkaline solution at pH 8.0–11.0. Km values of E542K for d-glucose and 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol were 0.7 mM and 14.3 mM, respectively, in contrast with 1.4 mm and 35.3 mM for the wild-type enzyme. A little effect was observed in kcat values, and improvement in reactivity was mainly due to the decreases in Km values. This altered pyranose oxidase is useful for food analysis and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protoplast fusion between isoleucine-, arginine- and thymidine-requiring auxotroph (lle, Arg, Thy) of Lentinula edodes and arginine-requiring auxotroph (Arg) of Coriolus versicolor has been achieved using 30% polyethylene glycol (M.W. 4000) in 10 mMCaCl2-glycine solution (pH 8.0). Fusion hybrids were selected in the 0.6 M sucrose supplemented minimal media on the basis of nutritional complementation with fusion frequency of 7.4×10−6. The hybrids included both parental and non-parental types in colony morphology, growth rate and isozyme patterns. We succeeded inter-order protoplast fusion between the auxotrophs of Lentinula edodes and Coriolus versicolor overcoming the natural barriers of incompatibility. We examined the characteristics of the hybrids and clarified the fusion process using electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel kombucha was prepared from L. edodes and C. versicolor medicinal mushrooms. • Polysaccharide extracts content of novel kombucha depend on mushroom species. • The polysaccharide extracts stimulated proliferation of human PBMC at non-toxic doses. • Polysaccharide extracts downregulated Th2 cytokines and IL-10. • These medicinal mushroom-based kombucha preparations are potential nutraceuticals. Medicinal mushrooms, Coriolus versicolor and Lentinus edodes are extremely attractive as nutraceuticals. Here we used fruiting bodies to prepare novel kombucha beverage. Microbiological, physicochemical and chemical properties were monitored for eleven days, while the immunological properties of kombucha polysaccharide extracts were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. FTIR analysis of polysaccharide extracts showed dominant presence of polysaccharides, in addition to phenols, lipids and proteins. C. versicolor kombucha extract displayed more complex polysaccharides, and a higher content of total polysaccharides, phenols and flavonoids compared to L. edodes kombucha extract. The extracts were not cytotoxic for PBMC in vitro up to 500 µg/ml, while immunomodulatory effects depended on their chemical compositions. The most prominent effect was on the reduction of Th2 cytokines and IL-10 in PBMC cultures. Based on these results, novel kombucha products could be recommended as functional beverages or nutraceuticals with potentially beneficial immunomodulatory effects in allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]