%0 Journal Article
%T Impact of molecular weight and gastrointestinal digestion on the immunomodulatory effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides.
%A Guo Y
%A Zhao X
%A Xiao S
%A Lin Y
%A Xiao Z
%A Zhou W
%A Zhang Y
%J Int J Biol Macromol
%V 274
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 27
%M 38944071
%F 8.025
%R 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133500
%X In traditional Chinese medicine, Lycium barbarum is of rich medicinal value, and its polysaccharides are particularly interesting due to their significant pharmacological effects and potential health benefits. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) by examining their interaction with the TLR4/MD-2 complex and the impacts of gastrointestinal digestion on these interactions. We discovered that the affinity binding of LBPs for TLR4/MD-2 and their cytokine induction capability are influenced by molecular weight, with medium-sized LBPs (100-300 kDa) exhibiting stronger binding affinity and induction capability. Conversely, LBPs smaller than 10 kDa showed reduced activity. Additionally, the content of arabinose and galactose within the LBPs fractions was found to correlate positively with both receptor affinity and cytokine secretion. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion resulted in the degradation of LBPs into smaller fragments that are rich in glucose. Although these fragments exhibited decreased binding affinity to the TLR4/MD-2 complex, they maintained their activity to promote cytokine production. Our findings highlight the significance of molecular weight and specific monosaccharide composition in the immunomodulatory function of LBPs and emphasize the influence of gastrointestinal digestion on the effects of LBPs. This research contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides and their practical application.