Exopolysaccharides from Genistein-Stimulated Monascus purpureus Ameliorate Cyclophosphamide-Induced Intestinal Injury via PI3K/AKT-MAPKs/NF-κB Pathways and Regulation of Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Exopolysaccharides from genistein-stimulated Monascus purpureus (G-EMP) exhibited immunomodulatory potential in vitro, but whether it had immune-enhancing effects in vivo and its potential mechanism are not yet known. Here, the immunomodulatory effects of G-EMP were investigated by establishing an immunosuppressed mouse model treated with cyclophosphamide (Cy). The results suggested that G-EMP effectively alleviated the signs of weight reduction and diet reduction caused by Cy, increased fecal water content and splenic index, and decreased the oxidative stress of the liver. Simultaneously, G-EMP improved Cy-induced intestinal injury by restoring villus length, increasing the number of cupped cells, upregulating the expression of mucin and tight junction proteins, and downregulating the ratio of apoptotic proteins (Bax/Bcl-2). It also boosted the levels of mouse colonic cytokines, CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Additionally, G-EMP markedly enhanced immunomodulation via the activation of PI3K/AKT-MAPKs/NF-κB signal pathways. Furthermore, G-EMP intervention displayed a positive association with most immunological indexes by elevating the levels of short-chain fatty acids, varying gut microbiota composition, and enhancing beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillaceae, Prevotellaceae, and S24-7). These findings demonstrated that G-EMP can strengthen immunity, repair intestinal mucosal damage, regulate gut microbiota, and be a potential source of prebiotics.

An Exopolysaccharide from Genistein-Stimulated Monascus Purpureus: Structural Characterization and Protective Effects against DSS-Induced Intestinal Barrier Injury Associated with the Gut Microbiota-Modulated Short-Chain Fatty Acid-TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB Cascade Response

“…However, the G-EMP treatment markedly reversed these changes. Oral administration of G-EMP did not affect the colonic intestinal structure of normal mice . Notably, the colon possesses two mucous layers, wherein the outer layer creates a unique ecological niche for colonizing gut microbiota, whereas the internal layer is resilient to bacteria .…”

“…However, it should be noted that some Bacteroides can damage the mucous membrane layers, which may aggravate colitis. , Our results indicated that the Bacteroides exhibited a negative correlation with ZO-1, occludin, and claudin, along with a positive correlation with IL-6 and IL-1β, as also described in a previous study . Furthermore, oral administration of G-EMP to normal mice enhanced the diversity of the gut microbiota and facilitated the growth of beneficial bacteria, demonstrating that G-EMP can effectively regulate the gut microbiota, thereby assisting in maintaining of intestinal health . Meanwhile, our previous study demonstrated that 5-ASA had a modulating property on the gut microbiota of DSS mice, but the effect was lower than that of polysaccharides .…”

Prophylactic treatment with Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum counteracts hepatic NK cell immune tolerance in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by high fat diet

“…In particular, Monascus purpureus supplementation ameliorates NAFLD induced by high-fat, high-fructose, and high-cholesterol diet, 39 and genistein-stimulated Monascus purpureus can enhance beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus , showing a positive correlation with most immunological indicators. 40 Lichtheimia ramosa , an opportunistic fungal pathogen of the order Mucorales, 41 was found to be mostly over-proliferated in patients with low immune function. 20 In our study, fecal Lichtheimia ramosa was substantially increased in NASH mice, and was largely eliminated by B. uniformis and B. bifidum .…”

Supplemental effects of different production methods of pine needle additives on growth performance, intestinal environment, meat quality and serum of broiler chickens

“…The intestinal microbiota profoundly influences intestinal homeostasis, not only affecting intestinal metabolites but also regulating intestinal immune homeostasis [ 31 ]. The study of alpha and beta indices were analysed herein, with the results showing that PNF, PNS, and PNP increased the homology and diversity of microorganisms in the cecum, with low doses of PNS being the most effective.…”