@conference{
author = "Kozarski, Maja and Pantic, Milena and Lazic, Vesna and Klaus, Anita and Vunduk, Jovana and Griensven, Leo and Niksic, Miomir",
year = "2022",
abstract = "Mushroom polyphenols have been proposed as a new therapy that can improve the immune system.
Different immune cells express multiple types of polyphenol receptors that recognize and allow cellular
uptake of polyphenols, which subsequently activate signaling pathways to initiate immune responses.
Polyphenols can be useful for immunocompromised patients with malignancies, viral or bacterial
infections and chronic disorders of organ systems, as well as for those whose immunity is naturally
weakened. Cosmetic formulations rich in mushroom polyphenols have the potential to regulate inflammatory
skin disorders, as well as eczema or atopic dermatitis and photocarcinogenesis.
As primary antioxidants, polyphenols have an important role in preserving immune cells in a reduced
environment and in protecting them against oxidative damages and immunosuppression as well as
maintaining their suitable function. As signaling pathway modulators, mushroom polyphenols can
affect immune cell regulation, cytokine synthesis, and gene expression, in both innate and adaptive
immune responses. There are different pathways in the integrated immunomodulatory polyphenol response,
such as: 1) the nuclear NF-κB signaling pathway leading to suppression of various inflammatory
cytokines expression, and enzymes such as COX-2; 2) MAPK signaling pathways that play a key role in
many fundamental cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, death and differentiation, and
also regulate gene transcription and the activity of transcription factors involved in inflammation; 3)
arachidonic acid signaling pathway leading to a decrease in the release of inflammatory mediators;
and 4) the Nrf2 / ARE signaling pathway involved in the activation of genes encoding cytoprotective and
antioxidant enzymes.
Given that polyphenols represent great potential in the design of immune-boosting formulations in line
with their widespread structural diversity, it should be noted that some functionality issues require further
clarification. For instance different observations and conclusions were reported by the scientists in
absence of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis steps.
Concerning the dietary application of mushroom polyphenols, it is necessary to mention that after
oral consumption they are recognized by the human body as xenobiotics and often a small amount is
absorbed in the intestine. Likewise, there are significant differences between the activities of the metabolic
form of phenols and their form in the mushroom nutraceutical matrix. For an example, dihydoferulic
acid, a metabolite of the ferulic acid, expresses anti-inflammatory activity, opposite to metabolites derived
after sulfation and glucuronidation. The scientific focus is on improving and increasing polyphenols bioavailability
by designing colloidal systems and using nanosystems. Moreover many studies have found
that polyphenols can interact with macromolecules like dietary fibers, i.e. chitin and β-glucans. It has
been shown that these interactions can affect the bioaccessibility of polyphenols in a food matrix as
well as in nutraceutical formulations. Therefore, chitin and β-glucans have an impact on polyphenols’
immunomodulating activities if they were applied together in commercial formulations. Another disadvantage
in the commercialization of polyphenol-based formulations is quantitative and qualitative variations
in their content among different mushroom species. As secondary metabolites with a protective
role e.g. phenols, their content in mushrooms depends on the locality and environmental conditions of
growth. Using extracts or preparations that are based on mycelia grown under controlled conditions
may be the solution for the reduction of the natural variability in polyphenol composition.
Integrated information on all aspects of functionality will confirm the use of polyphenol-rich mushroom
formulations as effective enhancers of immunity.",
journal = "11th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference (IMMC11)",
title = "Mushroom polyphenols as immune system balancers: What's the mechanism behind it and possible interactions with dietary fibers?",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_agrospace_6543"
}
