An Antioxidative Exopolysaccharide-Protein Complex of <i>Cordyceps</i> Cs-HK1 Fungus and Its Epithelial Barrier-Protective Effects in Caco-2 Cell Culture.

ABSTRACT: The exopolysaccharides (EPS) from the mycelial fermentation of Cordyceps sinensis Cs-HK1, especially the low-molecular weight, protein-rich exopolysaccharide fractions (EPS-LM), have previously exhibited significant antioxidant activity. This study further investigated the antioxidant and protective effects of EPS-LM on intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in Caco-2 monolayers challenged with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, 550 μM). EPS-LM contained two major molecular-weight fractions, 25 kDa and 1.7 kDa, with 19.3% total carbohydrate and 28.7% protein content (w/w). Treatment of the cells with EPS-LM (50-200 μg/mL) showed concentration-dependent protective effects against ROS-induced losses of cell viability and epithelial barrier integrity. EPS-LM

SUBMITTER: Zhu YY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729385 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature