Effects of fungal and plant non-starch polysaccharides on macrophage function

• Grant number: 16/05083-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2016
• End date: November 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: João Roberto Oliveira do Nascimento
• Grantee: Victor Costa Castro Alves
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Fungal and plant non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) can interact with immune system cells in human intestine, modulating the immunological response and promoting beneficial effects on macrophage function, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, these effects are structure-dependent, which vary with the origin and the processing. In this context, preliminary studies showed that chayote (Sechium edule) and the fungus Pleurotus albidus may be sources of NSP with potential effects on macrophages. Thus, the present project aims to characterize, analyze the composition and evaluate the effects of NSP from raw and cooked chayote and from mycelia and fruiting bodies of Pleurotus albidus on macrophages function. The results may show how these sources of NSP can benefit health and also offer the prospect that their production and use will eventually be exploited in this regard.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CASTRO-ALVES, VICTOR COSTA; SHIGA, TANIA MISUZU; OLIVEIRA DO NASCIMENTO, JOAO ROBERTO. Polysaccharides from chayote enhance lipid efflux and regulate NLRP3 inflammasome priming in macrophage-like THP-1 cells exposed to cholesterol crystals. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, v. 127, p. 502-510, APR 15 2019. (16/05083-0, 13/07914-8)

CASTRO-ALVES, VICTOR COSTA; OLIVEIRA DO NASCIMENTO, JOAO ROBERTO. alpha- and beta-D-Glucans from the edible mushroom Pleurotus albidus differentially regulate lipid-induced inflammation and foam cell formation in human macrophage-like THP-1 cells. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, v. 111, p. 1222-1228, MAY 2018. (16/05083-0, 13/07914-8)

CASTRO-ALVES, VICTOR COSTA; GOMES, DANIEL; MENOLLI, JR., NELSON; SFORCA, MAURICIO LUIS; OLIVEIRA DO NASCIMENTO, JOAO ROBERTO. Characterization and immunomodulatory effects of glucans from Pleurotus albidus, a promising species of mushroom for farming and biomass production. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, v. 95, p. 215-223, FEB 2017. (16/05083-0, 13/07914-8)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

ALVES, Victor Costa Castro. Effects of fungal- and plant-derived non-starch polysaccharides in macrophages. 2017. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ) São Paulo.