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Patients with gastric cancer (GC) are more susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which further worsens their already challenging prognosis. However, there are no effective treatment options for these patients. Lentinan is a potent bioactive component with antiviral and antitumor effects. We hypothesized that lentinan might exert powerful pharmacological effects in patients with GC and COVID-19. In this study, a prognostic model of patients with GC/COVID-19 was constructed and used to apply a network pharmacology approach to reveal biological functions, drug targets, and molecular mechanisms of the action of lentinan against GC/COVID-19. Clinical analysis revealed key prognostic genes in patients with GC/COVID-19. The results of network pharmacology analysis suggested that the therapeutic effect of lentinan on GC/COVID-19 mainly involves the modulation of several neutrophil-related biological processes, as well as the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor and interleukin-17 signaling pathways. In addition, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, vascular endothelial growth factor A, ribonuclease 3, and F2 were identified as key genes of lentinan against GC/COVID-19. Key prognostic genes were identified in patients with GC/COVID-19 through the construction of a prognostic model. Pharmacological functions and signaling pathways of lentinan against GC/COVID-19 were revealed. These included the regulation of neutrophils and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. The findings provide the first published evidence of the potential value of lentinan as a complementary therapy for GC/COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-methods have been developed to control ulcerative colitis. This research targeted to probe that lentinan combined with probiotics suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress responses in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. A mouse model of colitis was induced through oral administration with 2.5% DSS and treated with lentinan and probiotics independently or in combination. Then, bodyweight and Disease Activity Index (DAI) of mice were determined. Histopathology of colon tissue was analyzed, and apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in the colon tissue of mice were observed. An HT-29 cell model of colitis was established by DSS stimulation and cultured with lentinan and/or probiotics to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. The data discovered that after DSS induction of colitis, mice developed weight loss, increased DAI score, and shortened the length of colon. Also, severe histopathology of the colon, and increased apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were recognizable. Lentinan could alleviate DSS-induced colitis, and the highest dose was the most significant. Probiotics could also relieve UC in mice, and mixed probiotics had a better therapeutic effect than single probiotics. Lentinan combined with probiotics could further alleviate DSS-induced colitis damage. In addition, lentinan combined with probiotics impaired apoptosis and enhanced proliferation of DSS-treated HT-29 cells. In a word, lentinan combined with probiotics reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to obtain a lentinan-specific fluorescent probe for the in situ visualization of lentinan. A carbohydrate-binding module with potential lentinan-binding capacity was discovered in a β-1,3-D-glucanase by using the bioinformatics techniques, and further recombinantly expressed. The binding specificity of the expressed protein, which was named as LBM was determined by the microtiter plate assays. The results indicated that LBM displayed a desired specificity for lentinan. The protein exhibited positive binding signals to lentinan, while could not bind to several examined polysaccharides including barley β-glucan, curdlan, or konjac glucomannan. Furthermore, the first lentinan-specific fluorescent probe was successfully constructed by fusing LBM with a green fluorescent protein EmGFP, based on which the in situ visualization of lentinan in Lentinula edodes was realized. It was shown that lentinan was not only presented in the mycelial cell wall, but also amorphously distributed in the interstitial space and inside the cell. The construction of the EmGFP-LBM provided a promising tool for the in situ visualization of lentinan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lentinan combined with docetaxel and nedaplatin (DN) in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis combined with NSCLC in Ankang People's Hospital, Ankang, China were randomized equally into study and control groups. Control group received standard anti-tuberculosis therapy and intravenous chemotherapy regimen based on docetaxel (75 mg/m² on day 1) and nedaplatin (80 - 100 mg/m²), while the study group received, in addition, lentinan (given intravenously every two days). The patients received a total of 2 courses of treatment. Tumor response, survival, adverse reactions, quality of life score, and pulmonary function indices were compared before and after treatment. Results: The study group showed significantly higher total response rate than the control group (p < 0.05). Median overall survival and progression-free survival in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Also, the study group showed significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions compared to control group (p < 0.05). Quality of life score, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) levels in the study group was significantly higher compared to control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Lentinan combination with DN chemotherapy regimen improves response rate, prolongs survival, reduces incidence of adverse reactions, improves quality of life and pulmonary function in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by NSCLC. These findings provide a new perspective for future studies on the application of lentinan in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Patients with gastric cancer (GC) are more susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which further worsens their already challenging prognosis. However, there are no effective treatment options for these patients. Lentinan is a potent bioactive component with antiviral and antitumor effects. We hypothesized that lentinan might exert powerful pharmacological effects in patients with GC and COVID-19. In this study, a prognostic model of patients with GC/COVID-19 was constructed and used to apply a network pharmacology approach to reveal biological functions, drug targets, and molecular mechanisms of the action of lentinan against GC/COVID-19. Clinical analysis revealed key prognostic genes in patients with GC/COVID-19. The results of network pharmacology analysis suggested that the therapeutic effect of lentinan on GC/COVID-19 mainly involves the modulation of several neutrophil-related biological processes, as well as the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor and interleukin-17 signaling pathways. In addition, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, vascular endothelial growth factor A, ribonuclease 3, and F2 were identified as key genes of lentinan against GC/COVID-19. Key prognostic genes were identified in patients with GC/COVID-19 through the construction of a prognostic model. Pharmacological functions and signaling pathways of lentinan against GC/COVID-19 were revealed. These included the regulation of neutrophils and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. The findings provide the first published evidence of the potential value of lentinan as a complementary therapy for GC/COVID-19.

This study aimed to obtain a lentinan-specific fluorescent probe for the in situ visualization of lentinan. A carbohydrate-binding module with potential lentinan-binding capacity was discovered in a β-1,3-D-glucanase by using the bioinformatics techniques, and further recombinantly expressed. The binding specificity of the expressed protein, which was named as LBM was determined by the microtiter plate assays. The results indicated that LBM displayed a desired specificity for lentinan. The protein exhibited positive binding signals to lentinan, while could not bind to several examined polysaccharides including barley β-glucan, curdlan, or konjac glucomannan. Furthermore, the first lentinan-specific fluorescent probe was successfully constructed by fusing LBM with a green fluorescent protein EmGFP, based on which the in situ visualization of lentinan in Lentinula edodes was realized. It was shown that lentinan was not only presented in the mycelial cell wall, but also amorphously distributed in the interstitial space and inside the cell. The construction of the EmGFP-LBM provided a promising tool for the in situ visualization of lentinan.

Background: Gliomas are highly lethal malignancies that develop in the central nervous system. The primary treatment for gliomas involves surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy. However, due to the infiltrative growth nature of gliomas, surgical resection is often incomplete. Moreover, the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs is constrained by their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, and the currently utilized agents can lose effectiveness, particularly with prolonged administration. Lentinan, an active compound in Lentinula edodes, exhibits various pharmacological activities. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of lentinan on glioma U251 cells. Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation assays, cell fluorescence staining, scratch healing experiments, and transwell chamber experiments were conducted to assess the anti-tumor activity of lentinan on U251 cells. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot experiments were performed to validate the anti-tumor mechanism of lentinan. Results: The findings revealed that lentinan significantly suppressed the proliferation of U251 cells, induced robust apoptosis, and decreased the cells' migration and invasion capabilities. Furthermore, lentinan notably influenced the gene and protein expression of p53, Bcl-2, Cyto-c, Bax, Caspases, and MMP-9 in U251 cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that lentinan may inhibit glioma cells by activating P53 and caspase-related apoptosis pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Shiitake mushroom‐induced flagellate dermatitis is a rare but important condition to consider in patients presenting with pruritic skin lesions following mushroom ingestion, especially in regions where such cases are uncommon. Early recognition and appropriate management with oral and topical steroids are crucial for effective symptom resolution and preventing complications. Clinicians should be aware of the characteristic rash and the temporal relationship between mushroom consumption and rash onset. Educating patients about the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms is essential to prevent recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentinan exhibit a diverse array of biological activities. However, studies investigating the in vitro binding capacity of Lentinan are still lacking. The physicochemical and structural properties, as well as the in vitro binding capacity of Lentinan and its isolated fractions, were comparatively investigated. This investigation focused on in vitro binding of lipids, cholesterol, and bile acid salts. The crude polysaccharide (P20) was extracted using high-pressure hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation with 20% ethanol from L. edodes fruiting body. P20 was then deproteinized to obtain the polysaccharide fraction (P20-1), which was separated using DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange columns to yield three polysaccharide fractions (P20-1A, P20-1B, and P20-1C). Among all the polysaccharide fractions, P20-1A had the highest polysaccharide content (54.33%) and P20 had the better emulsifying activity. Deproteinization and column separation decreased the viscosity and increased the water solubility of the fractions. P20 and P20-1 consisted mainly of glucose, galacturonic acid, and mannose, while P20-1A and P20-1B consisted mainly of glucose, galactose, and mannose, and P20-1C consisted mainly of glucose, galacturonic acid, mannose, and galacturonic acid. P20-1A exhibited the best in vitro binding capacity, which may be attributed to its highest polysaccharide content, lower viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight, higher galactose content, and did not contain glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid. Additionally, its loose and porous microscopic morphology provided more interaction area. This study presents scientific evidence and research progress on the potential use of P20-1A as a functional food supplement for individuals with hyperlipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrational use of antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria results not only in gut dysbiosis but also leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Consequently, natural products are being considered as an alternative to antibiotics. One such product is Lentinan (LNT), a polysaccharide found in edible mushroom, Lentinula edodes. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of LNT on overall intestinal health and gut microbiota in mice exposed to LPS. In this study, 30 male ICR mice were randomly divided into Control (C), Model (M), and Prophylactic (P) groups. For 13 days, groups C and M received a basal diet + normal saline, while group P received a basal diet + LNT (200 mg/kg of BW). Then groups M and P were exposed to LPS intraperitoneal injection (IP) (10 mg/kg) for 9 hours, and all mice were sacrificed for analysis on day 14th. LNT treatment significantly increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH:Px) (P<0.05), interleukin-10 (IL-10) (P<0.0001), increased villi height (P<0.0001), the crypt depth (P<0.001), and beneficially modulated the relative abundance of bacteria, especially phylum Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and genus Campylobacter. Other genera Duncaniella (P<0.001), CAG-269 (P<0.05), and Tidjanibacter (P<0.05) were increased, while Phocaeicola_A_858004 (P<0.05), Enterococcus (P<0.0001) and D16-34 (P<0.05) were decreased after LNT supplementation. Altogether, LNT treatment improved antioxidant enzyme activity, intestinal integrity, and immune response, reduced inflammation, and induced a beneficial shift in gut microbiota to mitigate LPS-induced sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate effects of lentinan（ LNT） on atherosclerosis（ AS） plaque formation and adenosine 5'-mo-nophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK） signaling pathway in ApoE-/-mice. Methods: ApoE-/- mice were divided into model group， Lipitor group （5 mg/kg）， LNT low （5 mg/kg）， medium （10 mg/kg）， high （20 mg/kg） dose groups， C57BL/6 mice of similar genetic background were as control group. After 12 weeks of intragastric administration， automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect serum triglycerides（ TG）， total cholesterol（ TC）， low-density lipoprotein（ LDL-C） and high-density lipoprotein（ HDL-C） levels； serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA； oil red O staining was used to observe overall aortic plaque formation； HE staining was used to observe formation of plaque in aortic roots； AMPK pathway proteins expressions in aortawas were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with control group， serum TC， TG， LDL-C， IL-6， IL-1β levels， aortic plaque area， aortic root plaque area， aortic tissue NLRP3， IL-6， IL-1β expressions were significantly increased in model group， p-AMPK/AMPK expression in aortic tissue and serum HDL-C level were reduced significantly （P<0.05）； compared with model group， TC， TG， LDL-C， IL-6， IL-1β， aortic plaque area， aortic root plaque area， aortic tissues NLRP3， IL-6 and IL-1β expressions were reduced significantly in Lipitor group and medium， high dose LNT groups， p-AMPK/AMPK expression in aortic tissue and serum HDL-C level were increased significantly， difference between each dose of LNT was statistically significant （P<0.05）； there was no significant difference between Lipitor group and LNT high-dose group（ P>0.05）. Conclusion: LNT may inhibit inflammatory response and formation of AS plaques in AS mouse by activating AMPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an edible mushroom hydration mask was prepared with mushroom polysaccharide and gel matrix as raw materials, and the better formulation of the mask was prepared through orthogonal experiments, and studied its sensory, textural composition, LF-NMR,rheology, antioxidant and skin moisture tests. Results reveal that CMC-Na is the optimal gel matrix. The ideal formulation, determined through single-factor and orthogonal tests, includes: CMC-Na 3. 3 g, lentinan 1 g, glycerin 4 mL,sorbitol 2 g, potassium sorbate 1 g, VC 1 g, deionized water 100 mL,the lentinan facial mask gel demonstrates higher cohesiveness and gel strength without significant differences in elasticity, with a gel strength of 18. 142 g. Both lentinan and control masks exhibit free water. Rheological analysis reveals slightly higher viscous modulus in the lentinan gel. The lentinan facial mask gel outperforms the control in antioxidant capacity and the DPPH free radical scavenging rate increased with the increase of mask mass concentration, with the optimal concentration of 5 mg/mL; and exhibits better moisturizing than aloe gel facial mask, though slightly less than sleeping facial mask, with the optimal value of moisturizing rate of 99. 46% at 2 h. Skin moisture content analysis demonstrates lentinan′s substantial moisturizing effects across diverse individuals, and the moisture content of facial skin of the trial participants increased from 28. 314% to 33. 472%. The development of lentinan gel facial mask introduces a fresh perspective for maximizing lentinan′s value [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pemetrexed is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor that is given for therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Drug resistance affects the efficacy of pemetrexed in NSCLC. Lentinan is a polysaccharide extracted from Shiitake mushrooms which has antitumor roles in multiple cancers, including lung cancer. However, the effects of lentinan on pemetrexed resistance in NSCLC remain unclear. In present study, The pemetrexed-resistant NSCLC cells were established and exposed to pemetrexed and lentinan. Oxidative stress was investigated via mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 staining), levels of MDA and SOD.The phosphorylation and total of PI3K and Akt levels were actuated using specific activator 740Y-P and measured through western blot. We observed that Lentinan decreased IC50 of pemetrexed in resistant NSCLC cells. Lentinan aggravated pemetrexed-induced proliferation inhibition of resistant NSCLC cells via reducing PCNA levels. Lentinan exacerbated pemetrexed-triggered oxidative stress through increasing ROS and MDA levels, and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and SOD levels. Lentinan inhibited PI3K/Akt signaling activation in pemetrexed-treated cells. Activated PI3K/Akt pathway using activator 740Y-P reversed the effects of lentinan on pemetrexed-mediated proliferation inhibition and oxidative stress. Our findings uncover that Lentinan mitigates pemetrexed resistance in NSCLC through inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing oxidative stress by suppressing PI3K/Akt signaling. Highlights: Lentinan increases pemetrexed sensitivity in NSCLC cells. Lentinan reduces pemetrexed chemoresistance through inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing oxidative stress. Lentinan represses activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in pemetrexed-treated NSCLC cells. Activated PI3K/Akt signaling reverses the effects of lentinan on cell proliferation and oxidative stress in pemetrexed-treated NSCLC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an extremely widespread avian immunosuppressive virus. In recent years, many reports have shown that there are still cases of MDV infection and immunosuppression after immunization with the vaccine. Consequently, there is a need to develop alternative complementary approaches for strengthening the efficacy of MDV prevention and control measures. Lentinan (LNT) is a macromolecular compound with immune-enhancing activity extracted from shiitake mushrooms. To explore the value and effectiveness of administering LNT through drinking water in the prevention and control of MDV, this study first observed the effects of high and low doses of LNT on weight gain, organ development, viral replication, and antibody titer of an avian influenza virus subtype H9 (AIV-H9) inactivated vaccine in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks infected with the wild strain of MDV. The results showed that both high and low doses of LNT significantly alleviated the weight gain retardation and liver and spleen enlargement caused by MDV infection, and significantly inhibited the replication of MDV in SPF chicks (P < 0.05), compared with the MDV-positive control group, both high and low doses of LNT significantly increased the antibody titer of AIV-H9 after immunization with inactivated AIV-H9 vaccine (P < 0.0001). On this basis, we also observed the effects of a chicken Marek's disease meq gene deletion live vaccine (SC9-1 strain), administered alone or in combination with LNT, on MDV infections of varying virulence in Hy-Line Brown chicks. The results showed that combined administration of LNT and the SC9-1 vaccine resulted in a significant alleviation of weight gain retardation and liver and spleen enlargement due to MDV infection (P < 0.05), as well as a significant inhibition of MDV replication and release in Hy-Line Brown chicks compared to the vaccine alone (P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that LNT not only alleviates the adverse effects of MDV infection in chickens but also enhances the efficacy of MDV vaccination, offering a potential auxiliary measure for controlling MDV infection.

Simple Summary: Lentinan is a polysaccharide extracted from mushrooms, which could have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is widely used in human medicine while rarely in husbandry. Previous studies have shown that early-lactation cows suffer from a negative energy balance, which could lead to various inflammations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lentinan on immune ability in dairy cows. Some factors that are prone to causing inflammation in cows, such as IL-2, IL-8, and some liver injury markers, such as AST and ALT, were reduced after adding lentinan. In addition, metabolites revealed that lentinan upregulated some immune-beneficial metabolites in plasma, including some quinones and trehalose, which can promote anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The findings provide a basis for the use of lentinan as a new type of cow additive. In this study, we investigated the effects of lentinan (LNT) on hematological parameters, immune indices, and metabolite levels in dairy cows. We randomly assigned forty Holstein cows to four treatment groups. The treatments consisted of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/d of LNT. Compared with the control group, the addition of 10 g/d of LNT decreased the content of ALT and IL-8 but simultaneously increased the content of IL-4 in the cows' serum. Supplementation with 10 g/d of LNT decreased the levels of lymphocyte, RDW, ALT, AST, TC, IL-2, and IL-8, but, concurrently, in-creased the levels of granulocytes and IL-4 in their serum. In addition, supplementation with 15 g/d of LNT decreased the levels of RDW, TC, IL-2, and IL-8, but, at the same time, increased the levels of IL-4 and IgM in their serum. For the metabolomic analysis, cows fed with 0 and 10 g/d of LNT were selected. The results showed that 10 metabolites, including reduced nicotinamide riboside and trehalose, were upregulated in the 10 g/d group. These differential metabolites were enriched in tyrosine metabolism and trehalose degradation and altered two metabolic pathways of ubiquinone and other terpene quinone biosynthesis, as well as starch and sucrose metabolism. These findings provide evidence that LNT could be used to reduce the risk of inflammation in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of hydrogels based on dextrans, pullulan and lentinan to be used in biomedical applications including tissue engineering is reported. Despite the fact that selected polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid are well established, little is known, how these polysaccharides can be chemically modified to create hydrogels under controlled conditions. In this study we present a small library of chemically modified polysaccharides which are used for a divergent approach to achieve biomedical relevant hydrogels. In this case the crosslinking is based on thio ether formation between thiol modified donor and vinylsulfone or maleimide modified acceptor components. Successful synthesis of the linker systems and coupling at the polysaccharides, hydrogel formation takes place under physiological conditions. We extended the study by coupling small molecules like adhesion factors for increasing cell compatibility as well as a dye for further studies. The different hydrogels were studied to their rheological properties, water uptake, their permeability, biodegrability and their cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive and devastating cancer due to its metastasis induced by increased invasion. Lentinan is a polysaccharide exerting antitumor roles in multiple cancers, including lung cancer. However, the influence of lentinan on cell invasion in NSCLC remains unclear. Cell invasion was detected by transwell analysis. Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) levels were measured through immunofluorescence staining. The markers arginase‐1 (Arg‐1), CD206 and interleukin (IL)‐10 (IL‐10) of M2 macrophages, Wnt3a, and β‐catenin levels were measured by western blot or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Lentinan did not affect cell viability and proliferation in NSCLC cells. Lentinan suppressed cell invasion and reduced the expression and secretion of MMP9. Lentinan attenuated also M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages. Moreover, lentinan mitigated the M2 macrophage conditioned medium‐mediated cell invasion and MMP9 alterations in NSCLC cells. Lentinan inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in NSCLC cells. The activated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway reversed the suppressive effects of lentinan on cell invasion and MMP9 level in NSCLC cells. In conclusion, lentinan reduces cell invasion in NSCLC cells by inhibiting the M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages and the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message Shiitake mushroom‐induced flagellate dermatitis is a rare but important condition to consider in patients presenting with pruritic skin lesions following mushroom ingestion, especially in regions where such cases are uncommon. Early recognition and appropriate management with oral and topical steroids are crucial for effective symptom resolution and preventing complications. Clinicians should be aware of the characteristic rash and the temporal relationship between mushroom consumption and rash onset. Educating patients about the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms is essential to prevent recurrence.

ABSTRACT: Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a significant tumorigenic virus that causes severe immunosuppression in chickens. Lentinan (LNT) is an immunomodulator containing β-glucans and is widely used in areas such as antiviral, anticancer, and immune regulation. To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of LNT on specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks and its potential to inhibit MDV infection, we conducted an MDV challenge experiment and observed the immune-enhancing effect of LNT on SPF chicks. The results showed that LNT promoted the growth and development of SPF chicks and induced the upregulation of cytokines such as Mx protein, interferon-γ (INF-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). The specific gravity of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and CD8+ T-lymphocytes and their ratios were also significantly upregulated. Prophylactic use of LNT inhibited MDV replication in lymphocytes, liver, and spleen. It also alleviated MDV-induced weight loss and hepatosplenomegaly in SPF chicks. The present study confirms that LNT can enhance the levels of innate and cellular immunity in SPF chicks and contributes to the inhibition of MDV replication in vivo and mitigation of immune organ damage in chicks due to MDV infection. This provides an adjunctive measure for better control of MDV infection.

Abstract Shiitake mushrooms are a fungal food that has been recorded in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood and qi. Lentinan (lLNT) is an active substance extracted from shiitake mushrooms with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor functions. Inflammatory diseases and cancers are the leading causes of death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human life and health and posing enormous challenges to global health systems. There is still a lack of effective treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancer. LNT has been approved as an adjunct to chemotherapy in China and Japan. Studies have shown that LNT plays an important role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases as well as oncological diseases. Moreover, clinical experiments have confirmed that LNT combined with chemotherapy drugs has a significant effect in improving the prognosis of patients, enhancing their immune function and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. However, the relevant mechanism of action of the LNT signaling pathway in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Therefore, this article reviews the mechanism and clinical research of LNT in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases in recent years.

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is increasingly considered a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is only limited information on the development of drugs for T. gondii infection. Lentinan from Lentinula edodes is a bioactive ingredient with the potential to enhance anti-infective immunity. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of lentinan on T. gondii-associated cognitive deficits in mice. Methods A chronic T. gondii infection mouse model was established by administering 10 cysts of T. gondii by gavage. Lentinan was intraperitoneally administered 2 weeks before infection. Behavioral tests, RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy and Golgi-Cox staining were performed to assess the effect of lentinan on cognitive deficits and neuropathology in vivo. In vitro, the direct and indirect effects of lentinan on the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites were evaluated in the absence and presence of BV-2 cells, respectively. Results Lentinan prevented T. gondii-induced cognitive deficits and altered the transcriptome profile of genes related to neuroinflammation, microglial activation, synaptic function, neural development and cognitive behavior in the hippocampus of infected mice. Moreover, lentinan reduced the infection-induced accumulation of microglia and downregulated the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, the neurite and synaptic ultrastructural damage in the hippocampal CA1 region due to infection was ameliorated by lentinan administration. Lentinan decreased the cyst burden in the brains of infected mice, which was correlated with behavioral performance. In line with this finding, lentinan could significantly inhibit the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in the microglial cell line BV2, although lentinan had no direct inhibitory effect on parasite growth. Conclusions Lentinan prevents cognitive deficits via the improvement of neurite impairment and synaptic loss induced by T. gondii infection, which may be associated with decreased cyst burden in the brain. Overall, our findings indicate that lentinan can ameliorate T. gondii-related neurodegenerative diseases. Graphical Abstract

Objective: Lentinan (LNT) had been shown to have direct cytotoxicity on cancer cells. However, the mechanism of this anti-tumor effect was still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lentinan on the proliferation, migration and chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells and its mechanism. Methods: Capan-1 cells from pancreatic cancer were randomly divided into control group, IL-6 group and IL-6+LNT group. Cell survival rate was detected by MTT, expression levels of p-STAT3, STAT3, Notch1 and Hes1 were analyzed by Western blot, and cell migration was observed by Transwell test. The cisplatin resistant cell model (Capan-1/DDP) was established, and the semi-inhibitory concentration of cisplatin (IC50) was detected in each group, and the relative expression levels of Ki67, MMP-9, MRP1 and P-gp were analyzed. Capan-1/DDP cell line was selected for tumor formation test in nude mice to verify the effects of LNT on tumor weight and IL-6/STAT3/Notch signaling pathway in nude mice. Results: Lentinan (7.5~240 µg/mL) could inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Compared with the IL-6 group, the expression levels of p-STAT3/STAT3, Notch1 and Hes1 in IL-6+LNT group were significantly down-regulated, the proliferation rate and the migration level was significantly dcreased (P

The experiment was to investigate the effects of lentinan on immune function and growth performance of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 180 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups, with 3 replicates in each group and 10 chickens in each group. The first group was the blank control group, fed with basal diet. The second group was supplemented with 25 mg/kg lentinan in basal diet. The third group was supplemented with 50 mg/kg lentinan in basal diet. Group 4 was fed with 100 mg/kg lentinan in basal diet. Group 5 was fed with 150 mg/kg lentinan in basal diet. Group 6 was fed with 200 mg/kg lentinan in basal diet. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that dietary supplementation of 150-200 mg/kg lentinan for 14 to 42 days can significantly increase serum content of NO, IL-2, IFN- γ, LZM and immune organ index of yellowfeathered broilers (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation of 50-150 mg/kg for 42 days can significantly improve the average daily gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion rate of yellow-feathered broilers (P<0.05). Lentinan could significantly increase the content of serum NO, IL-2, IFN-γ, LZM and immune organ index of yellow broilers, so as to improve the immune function. Lentinan could significantly increase the average daily gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion rate of yellow feathered broilers, so as to improve their growth performance. The recommended addition dose was 150 mg/kg and the recommended addition time was 42 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal mushrooms are multicomponent mixtures (MOCSs). They consist of a large number of individual compounds, each with different chemical structures, functions, and possible pharmacological activities. In contrast to the activity of an isolated pure substance, the effects of the individual substances in a mushroom or its extracts can influence each other; they can strengthen, weaken, or complement each other. This results in both advantages and disadvantages for the use of either a pure substance or a multicomponent mixture. The review describes the differences and challenges in the preparation, characterization, and application of complex mixtures compared to pure substances, both obtained from the same species. As an example, we use the medicinal and culinary mushroom Lentinula edodes, shiitake, and some of its isolated compounds, mainly lentinan and eritadenine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentinan(LNT) is a kind of polysaccharide with good properties extracted from Lentinus edodes, which can improve the immunity and antioxidant capacity of the body and improve the intestinal health. In this paper, the composition and structure of lentinan, the research progress and mechanism of lentinan in aquaculture animal immunity, antioxidation and intestinal health were reviewed, in order to provide reference for the application of lentinan in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiitake mushrooms are a fungal food that has been recorded in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood and qi. Lentinan (lLNT) is an active substance extracted from shiitake mushrooms with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor functions. Inflammatory diseases and cancers are the leading causes of death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human life and health and posing enormous challenges to global health systems. There is still a lack of effective treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancer. LNT has been approved as an adjunct to chemotherapy in China and Japan. Studies have shown that LNT plays an important role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases as well as oncological diseases. Moreover, clinical experiments have confirmed that LNT combined with chemotherapy drugs has a significant effect in improving the prognosis of patients, enhancing their immune function and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. However, the relevant mechanism of action of the LNT signaling pathway in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Therefore, this article reviews the mechanism and clinical research of LNT in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is increasingly considered a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is only limited information on the development of drugs for T. gondii infection. Lentinan from Lentinula edodes is a bioactive ingredient with the potential to enhance anti-infective immunity. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of lentinan on T. gondii-associated cognitive deficits in mice. Methods: A chronic T. gondii infection mouse model was established by administering 10 cysts of T. gondii by gavage. Lentinan was intraperitoneally administered 2 weeks before infection. Behavioral tests, RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy and Golgi-Cox staining were performed to assess the effect of lentinan on cognitive deficits and neuropathology in vivo. In vitro, the direct and indirect effects of lentinan on the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites were evaluated in the absence and presence of BV-2 cells, respectively. Results: Lentinan prevented T. gondii-induced cognitive deficits and altered the transcriptome profile of genes related to neuroinflammation, microglial activation, synaptic function, neural development and cognitive behavior in the hippocampus of infected mice. Moreover, lentinan reduced the infection-induced accumulation of microglia and downregulated the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, the neurite and synaptic ultrastructural damage in the hippocampal CA1 region due to infection was ameliorated by lentinan administration. Lentinan decreased the cyst burden in the brains of infected mice, which was correlated with behavioral performance. In line with this finding, lentinan could significantly inhibit the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in the microglial cell line BV2, although lentinan had no direct inhibitory effect on parasite growth. Conclusions: Lentinan prevents cognitive deficits via the improvement of neurite impairment and synaptic loss induced by T. gondii infection, which may be associated with decreased cyst burden in the brain. Overall, our findings indicate that lentinan can ameliorate T. gondii-related neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lentinan has antiviral, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, stimulating interferon production, and other pharmacological effects. Previous animal experiments have shown that lentinan nasal drops can assist [Corona Virus Disease 2019) COVID-19] vaccine to induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies and can effectively resist the invasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lentinan nasal drops in patients infected with Omicron (SARS-CoV-2 variant) through a dose-escalation study and a placebo-controlled trial. Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The study was divided into two phases: Phase I: a dose escalation trial in which 24 COVID-19 patients were enrolled, that is, 12 in the escalation dose group (50, 75, and 100 µg/day) and 12 in the standard treatment group. The aim was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of lentinan nasal drops. The second stage was a placebo-controlled study. The optimal dose group of the first stage was used as the therapeutic dose, and the sample size was expanded to verify the anti-COVID-19 efficacy of lentinan nasal drops. Results: In the dose-increasing study, lentinan nasal drops showed good safety, and no serious adverse reactions occurred. The virus shedding time of the 100 µg dose group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (7.75 ± 1.71 VS 13.41 ± 3.8 days) (p = 0.01), and the 100 µg/day lentinan nasal drops were tolerated well. The results of the placebo-controlled study showed that compared with that in the placebo group, the time for COVID-19 antigen to turn negative was significantly shorter in the 100 µg lentinan nasal drop group (p = 0.0298), but no significant difference was observed in symptom improvement between the two groups. In the placebo-controlled study, two patients experienced mild nasal discomfort with nasal drops, but the symptoms relieved themselves. Conclusion: Lentinan nasal drops are tolerated well and can shorten the time of virus clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Lentinula edodes is the second largest edible mushroom in the world and is widely used as food and medicine. Modern research shows that lentinan ( LNT) is the main active component of L. edodes. It has anti-cancer, treatment of diabetes, intestinal protection, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, hepatoprotective, immune-regulating effects. In this review, the biological activity, action mechanism and structure-activity relationship of LNT in recent years are reviewed. On this basis, the existing problems were discussed, and the future research and application of LNT were prospected. Finally, it is hoped that this review will promote the in-depth study of LNT and provide a reference for its development as a drug and functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTLentinan (LNT) is extracted from the fruiting body of Lentinus edodes. Its active ingredient is β−1,3-dextran and has many biological activities, but its rheological characteristics and antibacterial mechanism when mixed with saliva are rarely reported. In this study, the LNT and artificial saliva (AS) mixture was used to investigate the rheological analysis and antibacterial mechanism against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). The results showed that the apparent viscosity of the mixture was positively correlated with the concentration, showing a shear thinning behavior and a “non-Newtonian fluid” with a pseudoplastic behavior with the increase of shear rate. In dynamic rheology, the 8% and 6% mixtures became a gel trend and viscoelastic properties, showing elasticity of weak gel at low frequencies and liquid-like viscosity at high frequencies. Moreover, the compound could damage the structures of S. mutans and increased the leakage of intracellular macromolecules, electrical conductivity, and activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and β-galactoside but inhibited acid production, fluorescence intensity, and ATP synthesis by decreasing the levels of glucokinase (glk), acetate kinase (ackA), pyruvate kinase (pykf), phosphoglycerate kinase (pgk), 6-phosphofructokinase (pfk) in the glycolysis pathway. These results indicate that LNT plays a dominant role in the oral processing and antibacterial mechanism against S. mutans. It can provide an excellent theoretical basis for studying LNT as a functional food raw material.

Unbalanced drying air and temperature distribution in a dryer is among the major cause of non-uniformity in moisture content of dried food. Thus, the distribution of air and temperature in corner-ended, corner-ended with deflector, curved-ended, and curved-ended with defectors were investigated. Velocities used were 2 m/s, 4 m/s, and 6 m/s while temperatures ranged from 40-60 ° C. The design with lowest deviations in simulated and actual drying parameters was fabricated to dry mushrooms. Results showed that adding deflectors improved drying air and temperature distribution. The corner-ended with deflector dryer configuration was superior to other designs, with 6 m/s and 60 °C being optimal. A mass transfer simulation of the corner-ended with deflectors configuration had moisture evaporate from 1.00-0.11 in 2000 seconds. A comparison of moisture ratios in the two dryers gave R2 = 0.9965, which was acceptable. Drying at 55-60 °C gave the best Lentinan content and rehydration ratio for mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mycosystema is the property of Mycosystema Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an acute contagious viral disease in small ruminants. New methods and adjuvants are needed to increase the immunological potential of the vaccines used and to prolong the duration of action. The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of the combination of different doses of lentinan and PPR vaccine on total antibody and some cytokines levels in sheep. For this purpose, 21 sheep were randomly divided into 3 equal groups and the groups were designed as PPR vaccine control, PPR vaccine+Low dose lentinan (5 mg dose, i.v.) and PPR vaccine+High dose lentinan (10 mg dose i.v.). The immunological and hematological parameters were analyzed in all groups before the first application (0. hour) and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 30th, 45th, 60th, 75th and 90th days. Antibody levels against PPR appears to be positive after 7 days in all groups. However, the antibody level in the PPR+Lent5 group increased partially on the 30th, 60th and 90th days as compared to the PPR group. In addition, the antibody level in the PPR+Lent5 group tends to increase although the antibody level of PPR vaccine group tends to decrease on the 30th day. IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ levels were induced due to the stimulation of Th1 and Th2 cells by different doses of lentinan at different times. In conclusion, lentinan can be a beneficial adjuvant/supporting agent for vaccines. However, more detailed research is needed for different durations, and in different pharmaceutical forms and doses of lentinan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentinan, a natural drug with wide‐ranging pharmacological activities, can regulate autophagy—the process through which Schwann cells (SCs) eliminate myelin fragments after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). However, the effect of lentinan after PNI and the role of accelerated myelin debris removal via autophagy in this process are unclear. This study examined the effect of lentinan on rat sciatic nerve repair following crush injury and the underlying mechanisms. After the successful establishment of the sciatic nerve compression injury model, group‐specific treatments were performed. The treatment group received 20 mg/kg lentinan via intraperitoneal injection, while the model group was treated with normal saline. The recovery in each group was then evaluated. Further, a rat SC line (RSC96) was cultured in medium with/without lentinan after supplementation with homogenous myelin fractions to evaluate the removal of myelin particles. Our results showed that lentinan promotes autophagic flux in vivo via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, accelerates the clearance of myelin debris by SCs, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis, thereby promoting neurological recovery. Similarly, in vitro experiments showed that lentinan promotes the phagocytosis of myelin debris by SCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that lentinan primarily promotes nerve regeneration by accelerating the autophagic clearance of myelin debris in SCs, and this process is likely regulated by the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, this study provides compelling evidence that lentinan may be a cost‐effective and natural treatment agent for PNI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effects of lentinan (LNT) on hematological parameters, immune indices, and metabolite levels in dairy cows. We randomly assigned forty Holstein cows to four treatment groups. The treatments consisted of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/d of LNT. Compared with the control group, the addition of 10 g/d of LNT decreased the content of ALT and IL-8 but simultaneously increased the content of IL-4 in the cows’ serum. Supplementation with 10 g/d of LNT decreased the levels of lymphocyte, RDW, ALT, AST, TC, IL-2, and IL-8, but, concurrently, in-creased the levels of granulocytes and IL-4 in their serum. In addition, supplementation with 15 g/d of LNT decreased the levels of RDW, TC, IL-2, and IL-8, but, at the same time, increased the levels of IL-4 and IgM in their serum. For the metabolomic analysis, cows fed with 0 and 10 g/d of LNT were selected. The results showed that 10 metabolites, including reduced nicotinamide riboside and trehalose, were upregulated in the 10 g/d group. These differential metabolites were enriched in tyrosine metabolism and trehalose degradation and altered two metabolic pathways of ubiquinone and other terpene quinone biosynthesis, as well as starch and sucrose metabolism. These findings provide evidence that LNT could be used to reduce the risk of inflammation in dairy cows.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energetics as contributing factors, significantly contributes to high mortality in patients with diabetes. Targeting key proteins involved in mitochondrial dysfunction might offer new therapeutic possibilities for DCM. Lentinan (LNT), a β-(1,3)-glucan polysaccharide obtained from lentinus edodes, has demonstrated biological activity in modulating metabolic syndrome. In this study, the authors investigate LNT's pharmacological effects on and mechanisms against DCM. The results demonstrate that administering LNT to db/db mice reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby preventing DCM. Notably, these effects are fully negated by Caveolin-1 (CAV1) overexpression both in vivo and in vitro. Further studies and bioinformatics analysis uncovered that CAV1 bound with Succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SDHA), triggering the following ubiquitination and degradation of SDHA, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-derived apoptosis under PA condition. Silencing CAV1 leads to reduced apoptosis and improved mitochondrial function, which is blocked by SDHA knockdown. In conclusion, CAV1 directly interacts with SDHA to promote ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-derived apoptosis, which was depressed by LNT administration. Therefore, LNT may be a potential pharmacological agent in preventing DCM, and targeting the CAV1/SDHA pathway may be a promising therapeutic approach for DCM.

Fluopyram, a SDH inhibitor fungicide, is widely used in agriculture to control fungi and nematodes. However, fluopyram has been proved toxic that caused damage to organs through oxidative stress. The development of natural extracts that can reduce oxidative damage is a promising method. Lentinan is isolated from Lentinus edodes and has been verified its antioxidant activity. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate the protective effects of lentinan against fluopyram-induced toxicity and the possible mechanisms. Results showed that lentinan pretreatment notably increased the survival rate of N2 nematodes by 15.0 % and extended the lifespan by 91.5 %, compared with the fluopyram treatment. Lentinan pretreatment reverted the inhibition of the locomotion and reproduction of C. elegans under the fluopyram stress. In addition, lentinan pretreatment significantly decreased the contents of ROS and MDA in N2 nematodes. Moreover, pretreated with lentinan significantly recovered the decreased activities of CAT, SOD, GST and SDH induced by fluopyram. Lentinan pretreatment enhanced the mRNA levels of daf-16 and skn-1 and their downstream genes in the nematodes compared with the fluopyram group. In daf-16 and skn-1 mutants, the lifespan, ROS and related genes expression were not significantly changed in lentinan pretreatment. Pretreated with lentinan significantly enhanced the fluorescence intensity of SOD-3::GFP and GST-4::GFP, and promoted the nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and SKN-1 under the fluopyram stress. In summary, these findings indicated that lentinan protected C. elegans from fluopyram-induced toxicity via DAF-16 and SKN-1.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lentinan (LNT) on growth performance, nonspecific immunity and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Largemouth bass (initial weight: 10.31 ± 0.25 g) were divided into the CK, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 groups in triplicate and fed with diets containing LNT at 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% for eight weeks. Results showed that FBW, WGR, SGR and FE were significantly increased in the L3, L4 and L5 groups compared to the CK group. VSI, HSI, crude protein, crude fat and crude ash were similar among different treatment groups. Trypsin and lipase activities of intestinal tract were elevated in the L4 and L5 groups. The length of intestinal microvilli was increased in all experimental groups (P

Objective(s): Immunomodulatory activity of ß-glucans of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) has been known. We investigated whether ß-glucans from L. edodes would attenuate the acute effects of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on peripheral hematological parameters in mice. Materials and Methods: An in-house ß-glucans extract (BG) prepared from fruiting bodies of shiitake mushroom L. edodes was chemically measured and characterized using spectrophotometry and HPLC. Male BALB/c mice directly inhaled aerosolized LPS of 3 mg/ml and were treated with BG or commercial ß-glucan (known as lentinan; LNT) (10 mg/kg bw) at 1 hr before or 6 hr after LPS inhalation. The blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture from euthanized mice at 16 hr post-treatment. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in levels of blood parameters, including red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and platelets (PLT); and a significant increase in blood lymphocyte counts in LPS-treated mice as compared with the control mice (P=0.05). Total white blood cells, neutrophils, and monocyte counts did not show any significant difference among the groups. Treatment of LPS-challenged mice with LNT or BG significantly increased the levels of RBC, HGB, HCT, and PLT; and reduced blood lymphocyte counts as compared with LPS-treated mice (P=0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that ß-glucans from L. edodes might be effective in attenuating the effects of inhaled LPS on peripheral blood parameters. Thus, these findings might be useful in acute inflammatory diseases particularly pulmonary infectious diseases in which the hematological parameters would be affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-selenium has been widely used in antiviral and anticancer therapy, and has the advantages of good targeting and low toxicity. For the first time, we combined male reproduction with nano-selenium to investigate its antioxidant effect. This study investigated the protective effect of lentinan functionalized selenium nanoparticles on oxidative stress injury of the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced Leydig cell line, TM3. Methods: The suitable concentration of nano-selenium treatment to promote cell proliferation was also discussed. The concentration of 4 μM could significantly promote the growth of TM3 cells. Oxidative stress damage was caused using an 800 μM concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The cells were divided into four groups: normal control group, oxidative stress treatment group, H2O2+SeNPs@LNT group, and SeNPs@LNT group. The H2O2+SeNPs@LNT group was pretreated with 4 μM of SeNPs@LNT for 12 h, followed by 800 μM of H2O2 for 8 h. Results: Nano-selenium could significantly promote the proliferation and viability of TM3 cells. SeNPs@LNT treatment increased the level of mitochondrial membrane potential in normal cells and slowed down the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential level caused by oxidative stress injury. In addition, the increase in reactive oxygen species caused by oxidative stress was inhibited by SeNPs@LNT treatment. The apoptosis of TM3 cells was detected, and SeNPs@LNT alleviated the necrosis and apoptosis of TM3 cells induced by H2O2. Nano-selenium plays a protective role against oxidative H2O2-induced stress injury in TM3 cells through the changes in the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway and P53 pathway, and the expression levels of other related proteins, protein kinase B (AKT) and C3. Conclusion: SeNPs@LNT exhibited good biological activity and antioxidant effect and can thus be used to protect the male reproductive system from oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, lentinan (LNT) has been utilized for its diversified potential in research with an extended role from nutritional or medicinal applications to a novel biomaterial. LNT is a biocompatible, multifunctional polysaccharide employed as a pharmaceutical additive in engineering customized drug or gene carriers with an improved safety profile. Its triple helical structure containing hydrogen bonding offers more extraordinary binding sites for the attachments of dectin-1 receptors and polynucleotide sequences (poly(dA)). Hence, the diseases expressing dectin-1 receptors can be specifically targeted through so-designed LNT-engineered drug carriers. Gene delivery using poly(dA)-s-LNT complexes and composites has exhibited greater targetability and specificity. The achievement of such gene applications is assessed through the pH and redox potential of the extracellular cell membrane. The steric hindrance-acquiring behavior of LNT shows promise as a system stabilizer in drug carrier engineering. LNT shows viscoelastic gelling behavior temperature-dependently and therefore needs to explore more to meet topical disease applications. The immunomodulatory and vaccine adjuvant properties of LNT help in mitigating viral infections too. This review highlights the new role of LNT as a novel biomaterial, particularly in drug delivery and gene delivery applications. In addition, its importance in achieving various biomedical applications is also discussed. [Display omitted] • The advanced medicinal applications of LNT are immunomodulatory, antidepressant, vaccine adjuvant, and anti-diabetic. • LNT has several untapped roles, i.e., carriers' stabilizer, sol-gel transformation, and affinity with dectin-1 receptors. • LNT is a prominent gene delivery carrier as it forms LNT-poly (dA) composites/complexes. • LNT also synergizes the biological activities of the loaded bioactive (anti-cancer, anti-viral, and immunomodulator). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of lentinan on proliferation and apoptosis of human astrocytoma U251 cells. Lentinan was dissolved in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium complete medium to form different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 500, 600 µg/ml). CCK8 was used to detect the effect of lentinan with different concentrations on proliferation of human astrocytoma U251 cells, and the expression of Ki-67 was detected by immunofluorescence. In addition, the effect of different concentrations of lentinan on apoptosis of human astrocytoma U251 cells was detected by flow cytometry. Compared with the blank control group, 50 and 100 µg/ml lentinan significantly promoted proliferation of human astrocytoma U251 cells. When the concentration is more than 100 µg/ml, the cell activity gradually decreases, and the cell activity is the lowest when the concentration is 600 µg/ml. In addition, the low concentration lentinan (25, 50, and 100 µg/ml) had no significant effect on apoptosis of human astrocytoma U251 cells. However, lentinan above 200 µg/ml significantly promoted apoptosis of human astrocytoma U251 cells and had a concentration gradient effect, and the highest apoptosis rate was at 600 µg/ml. Lentinan can effectively inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of human astrocytoma U251 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentinan has important applications in the food and medicine fields. Fermenting Lentinula edodes with Bacillus subtilis natto increased the lentinan extraction yield by 87.13% and greatly altered the molecular structure and antioxidant activity of lentinan. The uronic acid content in the lentinan molecular structure increased from 2.08% to 4.33%. The fermentation process did not affect the monosaccharide composition of lentinan, comprised of more than 90% glucose residues. Fermentation significantly reduced the molecular weight of lentinan and altered its apparent structure. The water solubility of fermented lentinan was increased by 165.07%, and the antioxidant activity was significantly improved. Fermentation using soybean as a substrate may be beneficial for enhancing the activity of Bacillus subtilis natto and producing lentinan with different molecular weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrates, including polysaccharide macromolecules, are the main constituents of the fungal cell wall. Among these, the homo- or heteropolymeric glucan molecules are decisive, as they not only protect fungal cells but also have broad, positive biological effects on the animal and human bodies. In addition to the beneficial nutritional properties of mushrooms (mineral elements, favorable proteins, low fat and energy content, pleasant aroma, and flavor), they have a high glucan content. Folk medicine (especially in the Far East) used medicinal mushrooms based on previous experience. At the end of the 19th century, but mainly since the middle of the 20th century, progressively more scientific information has been published. Glucans from mushrooms are polysaccharides that contain sugar chains, sometimes of only one kind (glucose), sometimes having several monosaccharide units, and they have two (α and β) anomeric forms (isomers). Their molecular weights range from 104 to 105 Da, and rarely 106 Da. X-ray diffraction studies were the first to determine the triple helix configuration of some glucans. It seems that the existence and integrity of the triple helix structure are criteria for their biological effects. Different glucans can be isolated from different mushroom species, and several glucan fractions can be obtained. The biosynthesis of glucans takes place in the cytoplasm, the processes of initiation and then chain extension take place with the help of the glucan synthase enzyme complex (EC 2.4.1.34), and the sugar units are provided by sugar donor UDPG molecules. The two methods used today for glucan determination are the enzymatic and Congo red methods. True comparisons can only be made using the same method. Congo red dye reacts with the tertiary triple helix structure, and the resulting glucan content better reflects the biological value of glucan molecules. The biological effect of β-glucan molecules is proportional to the integrity of the tertiary structure. The glucan contents of the stipe exceed the values of the caps. The glucan levels of individual fungal taxa (including varieties) differ quantitatively and qualitatively. This review presents in more detail the glucans of lentinan (from Lentinula edodes), pleuran (from Pleurotus ostreatus), grifolan (from Grifola frondose), schizophyllan (from Schizophyllum commune), and krestin (from Trametes versicolor), along with their main biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal mushrooms are multicomponent mixtures (MOCSs). They consist of a large number of individual compounds, each with different chemical structures, functions, and possible pharmacological activities. In contrast to the activity of an isolated pure substance, the effects of the individual substances in a mushroom or its extracts can influence each other; they can strengthen, weaken, or complement each other. This results in both advantages and disadvantages for the use of either a pure substance or a multicomponent mixture. The review describes the differences and challenges in the preparation, characterization, and application of complex mixtures compared to pure substances, both obtained from the same species. As an example, we use the medicinal and culinary mushroom Lentinula edodes, shiitake, and some of its isolated compounds, mainly lentinan and eritadenine.