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International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023is a valuable mushroom known for its strong bioactive properties. It shows promising potential as an excellent neuroprotective agent, capable of stimulating nerve... (Review)
Review
is a valuable mushroom known for its strong bioactive properties. It shows promising potential as an excellent neuroprotective agent, capable of stimulating nerve growth factor release, regulating inflammatory processes, reducing oxidative stress, and safeguarding nerve cells from apoptosis. The active compounds in the mushroom, such as erinacines and hericenones, have been the subject of research, providing evidence of their neuroprotective effects. Further research and standardization processes for dietary supplements focused on are essential to ensuring effectiveness and safety in protecting the nervous system. Advancements in isolation and characterization techniques, along with improved access to pure analytical standards, will play a critical role in achieving standardized, high-quality dietary supplements based on . The aim of this study is to analyze the protective and nourishing effects of on the nervous system and present the most up-to-date research findings related to this topic.
Topics: Neuroprotective Agents; Agaricales; Neurons; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37958943
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115960 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023Edible/medicinal mushrooms have been traditionally used in Asian countries either in the cuisine or as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. In recent decades, they... (Review)
Review
Edible/medicinal mushrooms have been traditionally used in Asian countries either in the cuisine or as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. In recent decades, they have aroused increasing attention in Europe as well, due to their health and nutritional benefits. In particular, among the different pharmacological activities reported (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, immunomodulating, antidiabetic, etc.), edible/medicinal mushrooms have been shown to exert in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects on several kinds of tumors, including breast cancer. In this article, we reviewed mushrooms showing antineoplastic activity again breast cancer cells, especially focusing on the possible bioactive compounds involved and their mechanisms of action. In particular, the following mushrooms have been considered: , , , , , , , , and . We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Agaricales; Breast Neoplasms; Pleurotus; Dietary Supplements; Diet; Antineoplastic Agents; Shiitake Mushrooms
PubMed: 37373268
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210120 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Mar 2024Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common skin disease with signs and symptoms that may vary by skin color, associated medical conditions, environmental factors, and... (Review)
Review
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common skin disease with signs and symptoms that may vary by skin color, associated medical conditions, environmental factors, and vehicle preference. Diagnosis of SD is based on presence of flaky, "greasy" patches, and/or thin plaques accompanied by erythema of the scalp, face, ears, chest, and groin and is associated with pruritus in many patients. The presentation may vary in different skin types and hyper- or hypopigmentation may occur, with or without erythema and minimal or no scaling. While the pathogenesis is not certain, 3 key factors generally agreed upon include lipid secretion by sebaceous glands, Malassezia spp. colonization, and some form of immunologic dysregulation that predisposes the patient to SD. Treatment involves reducing proliferation of, and inflammatory response to, Malassezia spp. Topical therapies, including antifungal agents and low potency corticosteroids, are the mainstay of treatment but may be limited by efficacy and side effects. Few novel treatments for SD are currently being studied; however, clinical trials assessing the use of topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors have been completed. Improving outcomes in SD requires recognizing patient-specific manifestations/locations of the disease, including increased awareness of how it affects people of all skin types.
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Seborrheic; Antifungal Agents; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Erythema; Malassezia
PubMed: 36538948
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.12.017 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Medicinal mushrooms, e.g., Lion's Mane ( (Bull.) Pers.), Reishi ( (Curtis) P. Karst.), Chaga ( (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát), Cordyceps ( (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung,... (Review)
Review
Medicinal mushrooms, e.g., Lion's Mane ( (Bull.) Pers.), Reishi ( (Curtis) P. Karst.), Chaga ( (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát), Cordyceps ( (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones and Spatafora), Shiitake ( (Berk.) Pegler), and Turkey Tail ( (L.) Lloyd), are considered new-generation foods and are of growing interest to consumers. They are characterised by a high content of biologically active compounds, including (1,3)(1,6)-β-d-glucans, which are classified as dietary fibre, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and sterols. Thanks to their low-fat content, they are a low-calorie product and are classified as a functional food. They have a beneficial effect on the organism through the improvement of its overall health and nutritional level. The biologically active constituents contained in medicinal mushrooms exhibit anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects. In addition, these mushrooms accelerate metabolism, help fight obesity, and slow down the ageing processes thanks to their high antioxidant activity. The vast therapeutic properties of mushrooms are still not fully understood. Detailed mechanisms of the effects of medicinal mushrooms on the human organism still require long-term clinical studies to confirm their nutraceutical effects, their safety of use, and their dosage. Medicinal mushrooms have great potential to be used in the design of innovative functional foods. There is a need for further research on the possibility of incorporating mushrooms into food products to assess the interactions of their bioactive substances with ingredients in the food matrix. This review focuses on the properties of selected medicinal mushrooms and their effects on the human organism and presents current knowledge on the possibilities of their use in the production of functional foods.
Topics: Humans; Agaricales; Functional Food; Trametes; Antioxidants; Reishi; Nutritive Value
PubMed: 37513265
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145393 -
Nutrients Nov 2023Given the bioactive properties and limited work to date, (Lion's mane) shows promise in improving cognitive function and mood. However, much of the human research has... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study.
BACKGROUND
Given the bioactive properties and limited work to date, (Lion's mane) shows promise in improving cognitive function and mood. However, much of the human research has concentrated on chronic supplementation in cognitively compromised cohorts.
OBJECTIVE
The current pilot study investigated the acute and chronic (28-day) cognitive and mood-enhancing effects of in a healthy, young adult cohort.
DESIGN
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups design investigated the acute (60 min post dose) and chronic (28-day intervention) effects of 1.8 g in 41 healthy adults aged 18-45 years.
RESULTS
Analysis revealed that following a single dose of , participants performed quicker on the Stroop task ( = 0.005) at 60 min post dose. A trend towards reduced subjective stress was observed following 28-day supplementation ( = 0.051).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings tentatively suggest that may improve speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy, young adults. However, null and limited negative findings were also observed. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further investigation in larger sample sizes is crucial, however the findings of this trial offer a promising avenue of interest.
Topics: Young Adult; Humans; Agaricales; Pilot Projects; Cognition; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38004235
DOI: 10.3390/nu15224842 -
Toxins May 2023Since ancient times, mushrooms have been considered valuable allies of human well-being both from a dietary and medicinal point of view. Their essential role in several... (Review)
Review
Since ancient times, mushrooms have been considered valuable allies of human well-being both from a dietary and medicinal point of view. Their essential role in several traditional medicines is explained today by the discovery of the plethora of biomolecules that have shown proven efficacy for treating various diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have already been conducted to explore the antitumoural properties of mushroom extracts against cancer. Still, very few have reported the anticancer properties of mushroom polysaccharides and mycochemicals against the specific population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this context, β-glucans are relevant in modulating immunological surveillance against this subpopulation of cancer cells within tumours. Small molecules, less studied despite their spread and assortment, could exhibit the same importance. In this review, we discuss several pieces of evidence of the association between β-glucans and small mycochemicals in modulating biological mechanisms which are proven to be involved with CSCs development. Experimental evidence and an in silico approach are evaluated with the hope of contributing to future strategies aimed at the direct study of the action of these mycochemicals on this subpopulation of cancer cells.
Topics: Humans; beta-Glucans; Agaricales; Polysaccharides; Neoplasms; Neoplastic Stem Cells
PubMed: 37368660
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060360 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Among the toxic metabolites of the fungal world, those that, due to their strong biological effect, can seriously (even fatally) damage the life processes of humans (and... (Review)
Review
Among the toxic metabolites of the fungal world, those that, due to their strong biological effect, can seriously (even fatally) damage the life processes of humans (and certain groups of animals) stand out. Amatoxin-containing mushrooms and the poisonings caused by them stand out from the higher fungi, the mushrooms. There are already historical data and records about such poisonings, but scientific research on the responsible molecules began in the middle of the last century. The goals of this review work are as follows: presentation of the cosmopolitan mushroom species that produce amanitins (which are known from certain genera of four mushroom families), an overview of the chemical structure and specific properties of amanitins, a summary of the analytical methods applicable to them, a presentation of the "medical history" of poisonings, and a summary of the therapeutic methods used so far. The main responsible molecules (the amanitins) are bicyclic octapeptides, whose structure is characterized by an outer loop and an inner loop (bridge). It follows from the unusual properties of amanitins, especially their extreme stability (against heat, the acidic pH of the medium, and their resistance to human, and animal, digestive enzymes), that they are absorbed almost without hindrance and quickly transported to our vital organs. Adding to the problems is that accidental consumption causes no noticeable symptoms for a few hours (or even 24-36 h) after consumption, but the toxins already damage the metabolism of the target organs and the synthesis of nucleic acid and proteins. The biochemical catastrophe of the cells causes irreversible structural changes, which lead to necrotic damage (in the liver and kidneys) and death. The scientific topicality of the review is due to the recent publication of new data on the probable antidote molecule (ICR: indocyanine green) against amanitins. Further research can provide a new foundation for the therapeutic treatment of poisonings, and the toxicological situation, which currently still poses a deadly threat, could even be tamed into a controllable problem. We also draw attention to the review conclusions, as well as the mycological and social tasks related to amanitin poisonings (prevention of poisonings).
Topics: Amanitins; Agaricales; Humans; Animals; Mushroom Poisoning
PubMed: 37570902
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155932 -
Microbiology Spectrum Aug 2023The genus comprises lipid-dependent yeasts that have long been associated with common skin diseases, and have recently been linked with Crohn's disease and certain...
The genus comprises lipid-dependent yeasts that have long been associated with common skin diseases, and have recently been linked with Crohn's disease and certain cancers. Understanding susceptibility to diverse antimicrobial agents is crucial for identifying effective antifungal therapies. Here, we tested the efficacy of isavuconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine, and artemisinin against three species: , and . Using broth microdilution, we found antifungal properties for the two previously unstudied antimicrobials: isavuconazole and artemisinin. Overall, all species were particularly susceptible to itraconazole, with a MIC range from 0.007 to 0.110 μg/mL. The genus is known to be involved in a variety of skin conditions and has recently been associated with diseases such as Crohn's disease, pancreatic ductal carcinoma, and breast cancer. This work was completed to assess susceptibility to a variety of antimicrobial drugs on three species, in particular , which is an abundant species both on human skin and internal organs and has been implicated in Crohn's disease. We tested two previously unstudied drugs and developed a new testing method to overcome current limitations for measuring growth inhibition of slow-growing strains.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Itraconazole; Malassezia; Crohn Disease; Dermatomycoses; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 37310217
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05076-22 -
Biomolecules Nov 2023Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) share a common catalytic mechanism of activation by oxygen and cupredoxin-like folding, along with some common structural determinants.... (Review)
Review
Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) share a common catalytic mechanism of activation by oxygen and cupredoxin-like folding, along with some common structural determinants. Laccases constitute the largest group of MCOs, with fungal laccases having the greatest biotechnological applicability due to their superior ability to oxidize a wide range of aromatic compounds and lignin, which is enhanced in the presence of redox mediators. The adaptation of these versatile enzymes to specific application processes can be achieved through the directed evolution of the recombinant enzymes. On the other hand, their substrate versatility and the low sequence homology among laccases make their exact classification difficult. Many of the ever-increasing amounts of MCO entries from fungal genomes are automatically (and often wrongly) annotated as laccases. In a recent comparative genomic study of 52 basidiomycete fungi, MCO classification was revised based on their phylogeny. The enzymes clustered according to common structural motifs and theoretical activities, revealing three novel groups of laccase-like enzymes. This review provides an overview of the structure, catalytic activity, and oxidative mechanism of fungal laccases and how their biotechnological potential as biocatalysts in industry can be greatly enhanced by protein engineering. Finally, recent information on newly identified MCOs with laccase-like activity is included.
Topics: Laccase; Basidiomycota; Oxidation-Reduction; Protein Engineering
PubMed: 38136587
DOI: 10.3390/biom13121716 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Sep 2023Fibrosis is regulated by interactions between immune and mesenchymal cells. However, the capacity of cell types to modulate human fibrosis pathology is poorly understood...
Fibrosis is regulated by interactions between immune and mesenchymal cells. However, the capacity of cell types to modulate human fibrosis pathology is poorly understood due to lack of a fully humanized model system. MISTRG6 mice were engineered by homologous mouse/human gene replacement to develop an immune system like humans when engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). We utilized MISTRG6 mice to model scleroderma by transplantation of healthy or scleroderma skin from a patient with pansclerotic morphea to humanized mice engrafted with unmatched allogeneic HSC. We identified that scleroderma skin grafts contained both skin and bone marrow-derived human CD4 and CD8 T cells along with human endothelial cells and pericytes. Unlike healthy skin, fibroblasts in scleroderma skin were depleted and replaced by mouse fibroblasts. Furthermore, HSC engraftment alleviated multiple signatures of fibrosis, including expression of collagen and interferon genes, and proliferation and activation of human T cells. Fibrosis improvement correlated with reduced markers of T cell activation and expression of human IL-6 by mesenchymal cells. Mechanistic studies supported a model whereby IL-6 trans-signaling driven by CD4 T cell-derived soluble IL-6 receptor complexed with fibroblast-derived IL-6 promoted excess extracellular matrix gene expression. Thus, MISTRG6 mice transplanted with scleroderma skin demonstrated multiple fibrotic responses centered around human IL-6 signaling, which was improved by the presence of healthy bone marrow-derived immune cells. Our results highlight the importance of IL-6 trans-signaling in pathogenesis of scleroderma and the ability of healthy bone marrow-derived immune cells to mitigate disease.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Scleroderma, Localized; Interleukin-6; Endothelial Cells; Skin; Disease Models, Animal; Basidiomycota
PubMed: 37669366
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306965120