Hepatoprotective Effects of Acidic-Extractable Auricularia polytricha (Agaricomycetes) Polysaccharides against the Alcoholic Liver Diseases via the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of acidic-extractable Auricularia polytricha polysaccharides (Ac-APS), aiming to explore the significant protections against alcohol-related liver diseases (ALD). Our findings indicated that Ac-APS exhibited potential radical scavenging effects on hydroxyl, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and DPPH with rates of 56.32 ± 1.63%, 43.28 ± 1.68%, 73.28 ± 2.11%, and 76.31 ± 1.98%, respectively. Furthermore, the in vivo results demonstrated that Ac-APS showed potential anti-ALD effects through enhancing the hepatic antioxidant enzymes, modulating alcohol metabolisms, and improving inflammatory responses by regulating NF-κB signaling pathways. Additionally, Ac-APS has been characterized to be pyranoid polysaccharide linked by α-configurations and rich in arabinose, possibly contributing to the superior hepatoprotective effects. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for utilizing Ac-APS as a functional and natural agent to alleviate ALD and its complications.