Water extract from Euglena gracilis prevents lung carcinoma growth in mice by attenuation of the myeloid-derived cell population

Ishiguro, Susumu; Upreti, Deepa; Robben, Nicole; Burghart, Riley; Loyd, Mayme; Ogun, Damilola; Le, Tran; Delzeit, Jennifer; Nakashima, Arashi; Thakkar, Ravindra; Nakashima, Ayaka; Suzuki, Kengo; Comer, Jeffrey; Tamura, Masaaki

doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110166

Cited by 16 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Although paramylon has various bioactive functionalities [21], other bioactive components of water-soluble fraction seem to activate the neurons. Indeed, the water extract partially purified from Euglena also contains bioactive materials, as this is crucial for preventing lung carcinoma growth and intracellular lipid accumulation [19,49]. The sensory innervation of the small intestine is due to spinal and vagus nerves, which have cell bodies in the DRG and nodose ganglion, respectively [50].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Euglena Gracilis and β-Glucan Paramylon Induce Ca2+ Signaling in Intestinal Tract Epithelial, Immune, and Neural Cells

Yasuda¹,

Nakashima²,

Murata³

et al. 2020

Nutrients

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The intestinal tract contains over half of all immune cells and peripheral nerves and manages the beneficial interactions between food compounds and the host. Paramylon is a β-1,3-glucan storage polysaccharide from Euglena gracilis (Euglena) that exerts immunostimulatory activities by affecting cytokine production. This study investigated the signaling mechanisms that regulate the beneficial interactions between food compounds and the intestinal tract using cell type-specific calcium (Ca2+) imaging in vivo and in vitro. We successfully visualized Euglena- and paramylon-mediated Ca2+ signaling in vivo in intestinal epithelial cells from mice ubiquitously expressing the Yellow Cameleon 3.60 (YC3.60) Ca2+ biosensor. Moreover, in vivo Ca2+ imaging demonstrated that the intraperitoneal injection of both Euglena and paramylon stimulated dendritic cells (DCs) in Peyer’s patches, indicating that paramylon is an active component of Euglena that affects the immune system. In addition, in vitro Ca2+ imaging in dorsal root ganglia indicated that Euglena, but not paramylon, triggers Ca2+ signaling in the sensory nervous system innervating the intestine. Thus, this study is the first to successfully visualize the direct effect of β-1,3-glucan on DCs in vivo and will help elucidate the mechanisms via which Euglena and paramylon exert various effects in the intestinal tract.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Euglena Gracilis and β-Glucan Paramylon Induce Ca2+ Signaling in Intestinal Tract Epithelial, Immune, and Neural Cells

Yasuda¹,

Nakashima²,

Murata³

et al. 2020

Nutrients

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“…Recently, it has been confirmed that Euglena extract suppresses lung cancer symptoms in mice by stimulating host immunity [29]. Thus, it is possible that components other than paramylon in Euglena may be involved in such immune mechanisms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Antiviral Activity and Underlying Action Mechanism of Euglena Extract against Influenza Virus

Nakashima¹,

Horio

Suzuki³

et al. 2021

Nutrients

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It is difficult to match annual vaccines against the exact influenza strain that is spreading in any given flu season. Owing to the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, new approaches for treating influenza are needed. Euglena gracilis (hereinafter Euglena), microalga, used as functional foods and supplements, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of influenza virus infection in mice. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory action of microalgae against the influenza virus is unknown. Here, we aimed to study the antiviral activity of Euglena extract against the influenza virus and the underlying action mechanism using Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Euglena extract strongly inhibited infection by all influenza virus strains examined, including those resistant to the anti-influenza drugs oseltamivir and amantadine. A time-of-addition assay revealed that Euglena extract did not affect the cycle of virus replication, and cell pretreatment or prolonged treatment of infected cells reduced the virus titer. Thus, Euglena extract may activate the host cell defense mechanisms, rather than directly acting on the influenza virus. Moreover, various minerals, mainly zinc, in Euglena extract were found to be involved in the antiviral activity of the extract. In conclusion, Euglena extract could be a potent agent for preventing and treating influenza.

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“…Besides polysaccharides, Ishiguro et al reported that water extract from Euglena gracilis induced G-MDSC apoptosis and the differentiation of M-MDSCs into macrophages. Thus, the water extract stimulated host antitumor immunity and inhibited lung tumor growth [ 112 ]. Chemical structures of compounds targeting MDSCs are displayed in Figure 4 .…”

Section: Effects Of Natural Products On the Tumor Microenvironmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural Products with Activity against Lung Cancer: A Review Focusing on the Tumor Microenvironment

Yang

Wang

et al. 2021

IJMS

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Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Despite the undeniable progress in lung cancer research made over the past decade, it is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and continues to challenge scientists and researchers engaged in searching for therapeutics and drugs. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is recognized as one of the major hallmarks of epithelial cancers, including the majority of lung cancers, and is associated with tumorigenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Targeting of the TME has received increasing attention in recent years. Natural products have historically made substantial contributions to pharmacotherapy, especially for cancer. In this review, we emphasize the role of the TME and summarize the experimental proof demonstrating the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of natural products that target the TME. We also review the effects of natural products used in combination with anticancer agents. Moreover, we highlight nanotechnology and other materials used to enhance the effects of natural products. Overall, our hope is that this review of these natural products will encourage more thoughts and ideas on therapeutic development to benefit lung cancer patients.

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Water extract from Euglena gracilis prevents lung carcinoma growth in mice by attenuation of the myeloid-derived cell population

Cited by 16 publications

References 55 publications

Euglena Gracilis and β-Glucan Paramylon Induce Ca2+ Signaling in Intestinal Tract Epithelial, Immune, and Neural Cells

Euglena Gracilis and β-Glucan Paramylon Induce Ca2+ Signaling in Intestinal Tract Epithelial, Immune, and Neural Cells

Antiviral Activity and Underlying Action Mechanism of Euglena Extract against Influenza Virus

Natural Products with Activity against Lung Cancer: A Review Focusing on the Tumor Microenvironment

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