Regulation effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) on the immune activity of mice macrophages.

Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) is widely consumed as a nutritious food due to its multiple health effects, especially immune function. This study was aimed at investigating its immune activity using the mice peritoneal macrophage model. Two polysaccharides, water and alkaline extraction of polysaccharides (W-PTR and A-PTR), from P. tuber-regium were used to test their immune functions and compare their possible activity differences. Results showed that both W-PTR and A-PTR showed a significant enhancement effect on the macrophage phagocytosis, and could activate the related enzymes, such as ATPases, lysozyme, and LDH, which are responsible for providing the maturation and proliferation process of macrophages with sufficient energy. In addition, levels of intracellular cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α, NO) were significantly increased after being treated with polysaccharides. A-PTR displayed a better performance than W-PTR in almost all tests. It is concluded that both polysaccharides could enhance the immune system by activating the macrophages and related enzymes, and induce the release of cytokines, indicating that polysaccharides are responsible for the immune function of Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.).