Cynanchum wilfordii Polysaccharides Suppress Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Acute Colitis in Mice and the Production of Inflammatory Mediators from Macrophages

Abstract

We recently reported the immune-enhancing effects of a high-molecular-weight fraction (HMF) of CW in macrophages and immunosuppressed mice, and this effect was attributed to a crude polysaccharide. As polysaccharides may also have anti-inflammatory functions, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related molecular mechanisms of a crude polysaccharide (HMFO) obtained from HMF of CW in mice with dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis and in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. HMFO ameliorated the pathological characteristics of colitis and significantly reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum. Histological analysis indicated that HMFO improved the signs of histological damage such as abnormal crypts, crypt loss, and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by DSS. In addition, HMFO inhibited iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, as well as phosphorylated NF-κB p65 levels in the colon tissue of mice with DSS-induced colitis. In macrophages, HMFO inhibited several cytokines and enzymes involved in inflammation such as prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 by attenuating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases. HMFO attenuated inflammation both in vitro and in vivo, primarily by inhibiting NF-κB activation. Our findings indicate that HMFO is a promising remedy for treating inflammatory bowel diseases, such as colitis.

Natural-Derived Polysaccharides From Plants, Mushrooms, and Seaweeds for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Its underground roots are traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases ( Jiang et al, 2011 ). Cho et al (2017) prepared a crude polysaccharide HMFO from C. wilfordii , and explored the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of HMFO in DSS-induced mouse colitis and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that HMFO dramatically relieved the pathological characteristics and histological damage of colitis, reduced MPO activity, and inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in the colon of colitis mice.…”

Immunomodulatory Effect of Tremella Polysaccharides against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice

“…Polysaccharides are natural macromolecular compounds that exist widely in various animals, plants, microorganisms, lichens and seaweed. In addition, Polysaccharides have many different kinds of biological activities, including regulating immune function, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Among its many biological activities, the immune activity of polysaccharides is recognized as the remarkable feature and it can modulate the body’s immune functions by regulating immune organs, immune cells and immune molecules [ 6 ].…”

Huanglian Jiedu Decoction ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway

“…All mice were weighed, the faecal characteristics were observed, and faecal occult blood tests were performed every day. The DAI was evaluated according to a previously published criteria [14]: 0: 0% weight loss, normal stool and negative occult blood test; 1: 1-5% weight loss, a normal stool, and negative occult blood test; 2: 6-9% weight loss, a soft stool, and positive occult blood test; 3: 10-15% weight loss, a soft stool, and positive occult blood test; 4: > 15% weight loss, diarrhoea, and visible bleeding.…”