Lentinula edodes extract increases goblet cell number and Muc2 expression in an intestinal inflammatory model of Trichinella spiralis infection

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy Vol. 150; p. 112937
• Main Authors: López-Cauce, Beatriz, Urquía, Andrés, Menchén, Luis, Homma, Kohei, Bolás-Fernández, Francisco, García-Rodriguez, Juan J., Puerto, Marta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.06.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: AHCC; Goblet cells; Inflammation; Muc2; T. spiralis; AHCC; Inflammation; Goblet cells; Muc2; T. spiralis
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112937

AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured mushroom (Lentinula edodes) mycelia with a wide variety of therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral effects. Trichinellosis, a food-borne parasitic zoonosis is caused by the nematode Trichinella spp. Infection with Trichinella is characterized by the induction of a Th1-type response at the beginning of the intestinal phase, followed by a dominant Th2-type response which is essential for parasite expulsion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of AHCC® in a murine model of Trichinella spiralis infection. Swiss CD1 mice were infected with T. spiralis larvae and treated with AHCC®. Standard treatment with albendazole (ABZ) was used as control in the assessment of parasite burden. The small intestine was taken out and the proximal segment was evaluated for several parameters: gene expression of immune and stress-reticulum mediators, histological damage score, goblet cell count and Mucin 2 (Muc2) gene expression. AHCC® modulated expression levels of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines and reduced histological damage score. In addition, AHCC® diminished the number of adults of T. spiralis in treated animals. AHCC® treatment anticipates T. spiralis expulsion and increases goblet cell number and Muc2 gene expression. [Display omitted] •ABZ + AHCC® reduces parasite burden assessment similarly to standard treatment.•AHCC® anticipates T. spiralis expulsion regarding the natural course of infection.•AHCC® restores MUC-2 gene expression levels with respect to non-treated mice.•AHCC® increases Goblet cell number regarding non-treated mice at day 7 p.i.