Polysaccharides from Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus brasiliensis show similarities in their structures and their immunomodulatory effects on human monocytic THP-1 cells

Abstract

BackgroundMushroom polysaccharides have traditionally been used for the prevention and treatment of a multitude of disorders like infectious illnesses, cancers and various autoimmune diseases. Crude mushroom extracts have been tested without detailed chemical analyses of its polysaccharide content. For the present study we decided to chemically determine the carbohydrate composition of semi-purified extracts from 2 closely related and well known basidiomycete species, i.e. Agaricus bisporus and A. brasiliensis and to study their effects on the innate immune system, in particular on the in vitro induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, using THP-1 cells.MethodsMushroom polysaccharide extracts were prepared by hot water extraction and precipitation with ethanol. Their composition was analyzed by GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. PMA activated THP-1 cells were treated with the extracts under different conditions and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by qPCR.ResultsSemi-purified polysaccharide extracts of A. bisporus and A. brasiliensis (= blazei) were found to contain (1→6),(1→4)-linked α-glucan, (1→6)-linked β-glucan, and mannogalactan. Their proportions were determined by integration of 1H-NMR signs, and were considerably different for the two species. A. brasiliensis showed a higher content of β-glucan, while A. bisporus presented mannogalactan as its main polysaccharide. The extracts induced a comparable increase of transcription of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes IL-1β and TNF-α as well as of COX-2 in PMA differentiated THP-1 cells. Pro-inflammatory effects of bacterial LPS in this assay could be reduced significantly by the simultaneous addition of A. brasiliensis extract.ConclusionsThe polysaccharide preparations from the closely related species A. bisporus and A. brasiliensis show major differences in composition: A. bisporus shows high mannogalactan content whereas A. brasiliensis has mostly β-glucan. Semi-purified polysaccharide extracts from both Agaricus species stimulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, while the polysaccharide extract of A. brasiliensis reduced synthesis of these cytokines induced by LPS, suggesting programmable immunomodulation.

The effect of Agaricus brasiliensis extract supplementation on honey bee colonies

“…Numerous healthpromoting effects of A. brasiliensis have been scientifically proved (Wei and Van Griensven 2008, Hetland et al 2008, Kozarski et al 2011, Roupas et al 2012. Antigenotoxic, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and antitumor activities have been described (Guterres et al 2005, Mantovani et al 2008, Kim et al 2009, Ishii et al 2011) and a wide range of immunomodulatory properties (Johnson et al 2009, Ishii et al 2011, Kozarski et al 2011, Smiderle et al 2011, 2013. All these beneficial effects of A. brasiliensis were demonstrated on mammals or mammalian cells in vitro and with the aim of promoting human health.…”

“…Mushroom cultivation and extract preparation were described previously (Wei andVan Griensven 2008, Savić et al 2011). GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy (Smiderle et al 2011(Smiderle et al , 2013 showed that the extract was rich in polysaccharides (45.9 g/100 g), mostly glucans (40.1 g/100 g): α-glucans 17.3 g/100 g and β-glucans 22.8 g/100 g During the experimental period, colonies were regularly checked for both bee and brood pathology by a veterinary specialist, following the instructions of the "Office International des Epizooties" (OIE 2013). Varroa destructor infestation was controlled twice a year with taufluvalinat (Varotom®, Evrotom, Ruma, Serbia).…”

Andosan?-An Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Ingredient Prepared from Agaricus blazei Mushroom

“…Immunomodulation by food has the advantages of simplicity, low side effects and greater accessibility for low-income population groups. Results of in vitro experiments have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects of fungal β-glucans [2,3] and are described in details below. Moreover, positive effects of immunomodulation by food have already been described in humans [4].…”

Antiherpetic Mechanism of a Sulfated Derivative of <b><i>Agaricus brasiliensis</i></b> Fruiting Bodies Polysaccharide

“…A. subrufescens Peck) is a Brazilian mushroom closely related to A. blazei Murrill (sensu Heinemann). In vitro and in vivo studies have shown mainly immunomodulatory [3,4,5], antitumoral [6], antigenotoxic [7], and antioxidant [3] activities for polysaccharides isolated from A. brasiliensis fruiting bodies and mycelia.…”