Planta Med 2013; 79 - SL16
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351842

In vitro testing of skin regenerating potential of fungal polysaccharides and glycoproteins

A Ramata-Stunda 1, L Biluna 1, N Matjuskova 1, I Paeglite 1, V Nikolajeva 1, I Muiznieks 1
  • 1University of Latvia, Faculty of Biology, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Adequate immune response to tissue damage, proliferation and functionality of endogenous cells are crucial for normal skin tissue regeneration. Modulation of immune responses and immune mediated stimulation of skin cells can be achieved by non-specific stimulants, with glycoproteins and polysaccharides being among the most potent ones.

In vitro capability of fungal glycoproteins and polysaccharides to promote skin regeneration and wound healing was evaluated.

Polysaccharide extracts from Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and glycoprotein fractions isolated from Penicillium lanoso-viride were tested on dermal fibroblasts (DF), keratinocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and macrophage subpopulations CD14, CD16, CD15/CD56. Changes in cell proliferation were assessed by Roche xCelligence cell monitoring system. Release of cytokines was analyzed by ELISA and Luminex multiplexing technology.

Results showed that all tested extracts stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, most potent stimulators being P. lanoso-viride glycoproteins -25% decrease in population doubling times was observed during 96h. Glycoprotein and polysaccharide conditioned MNC cultivation medium even more promoted keratinocyte proliferation, however DF's doubling times decreased. This indicates that extracts on non-intact skin might affect skin cells also indirectly through immune cells. Analysis of cytokines in MNCs and MNC-dermal and MNC-keratinocyte co-cultures showed immediate increase of TNF-α levels, however concentrations decreased gradually during 8h. Similar secretion pattern was observed for MIP-1β. On the contrary levels of IL-10 increased continued to increase gradually. This indicates that fungal extracts possess immunomodulatory characteristics – stimulation of early inflammatory response but suppression of prolonged inflammation by induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Based on cytokine secretion data CD14 macrophages were identified as the most responsive to stimulation.