Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide improves age-related oxidative stress and immune impairment in mice

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Feb 15;60(6):1413-8. doi: 10.1021/jf204748a. Epub 2012 Feb 3.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oxidative stress and immune dysfunction could be attenuated by Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) in d-galactose (d-gal)-induced aging mice, and provide evidence for its effects. The results showed that PSG-1 significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in liver, brain, and spleen, but concomitantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase compared with the d-gal group. Elevation of glutathione contents and attenuation of glutathione disulfide contents were also found in PSG-1-treated animals. Furthermore, the results showed that PSG-1 treatment increased basal lymphocyte proliferation as well as T cell and B cell proliferation and enhanced interleukin-2 production. Taken together, the results suggested that PSG-1 had potential as a novel agent to promote health and improve aging-associated pathologies, at least in part, via modification of the redox system and improvement of immune function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging* / immunology
  • Aging* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Galactose
  • Ganoderma / chemistry*
  • Immune System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Immune System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Polysaccharides / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Interleukin-2
  • Polysaccharides
  • Galactose