Poria cocos Polysaccharides Alleviates Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis by Preventing Oxidative Stress, Regulating Hormone Production, Modifying Gut Microbiota, and Remodeling the DNA Methylome

Abstract

Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) is a common male disease with high incidence and low cure rate. This study aims to investigate the anti-CNP potential of Poria cocos polysaccharides (PPs) in a λ-carrageenan-induced CNP rat model. Results showed that PPs exerted anti-CNP functions by reducing the prostate weight and prostate index as well as the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β). Further analysis on sex hormones revealed that PPs could favor CNP alleviation by regulating the production of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DTH), and estradiol (E2). PPs could also alleviate CNP by regulating the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide diamutase (SOD) in inflamed prostate, thereby enhancing the anti-oxidative stress activity. As most non-digestive polysaccharides are fermented by gut microbiota rather than being digested directly by the host, we further analyzed PP-induced changes in gut microbiota. Microbiomic analysis revealed that PPs significantly change the profile of gut microbiota. Moreover, the relative abundance of five genera was recovered by PPs with a dose−effect relationship, thereby being suggested to play critical roles in the alleviation of CNP. Epigenomic (methylomic) analysis showed that PPs remodeled the DNA methylome of intestinal epithelia, by which PPs might modify hormone production. In the present study, we reported the anti-CNP activity of PPs as well as the involved mechanisms.

Effect of Yijin-Tang, an Oriental Traditional Formula, on Allergic Responses Using an Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Asthma Model

“…Antiasthmatic effects of YTE observed in this study were supported by various previous studies [11,12,16]. e crude herbs that make up YTE have been shown to have antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties in various research studies [12][13][14][15]. Furthermore, we characterized the active components in YTE using HPLC.…”

“…Yijin-tang has been shown to exhibit curative effects against gastric injury induced by ethanol through enhancement of antioxidant status. In addition, the crude herbs that constitute Yijin-tang have strong antioxidant properties [12][13][14][15]. Owing to this, we predicted that Yijintang would be effective in treating asthma.…”

Immunosuppressive activity is attenuated by Astragalus polysaccharides through remodeling the gut microenvironment in melanoma mice

“…[11][12][13] A growing number of studies have recognized that plant polysaccharides are natural flora regulators, and they can enhance systemic immune function by regulating gut microbiota. [14][15][16] Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), the main effective component of Astragalus membranaceus, can enhance immune function and inhibit tumor growth.…”

Alleviation of Androgenetic Alopecia with Aqueous Paeonia lactiflora and Poria cocos Extract Intake through Suppressing the Steroid Hormone and Inflammatory Pathway

“…AGA is positively associated with immune modulation and inflammation, and thus, anti-inflammatory agents can be used to treat the condition [42]. In previous studies, PC was found to reduce the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 and to combat chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (a male disease) and arteriosclerosis [39,43]. Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis can be relieved by regulating testosterone, DHT, and 17β-estradiol levels [43].…”