Polysaccharides from lotus root residue alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice

Substantial amounts of residue are generated during the industrial processing of lotus root. The residue is rich in valuable lignocellulose and can represents a potential resource for developing high-value products. Lotus root residue-derived polysaccharide (LRP) is a water-soluble dietary fiber with the potential to modulate gut microbiota and enhance host immunity. However, the immunomodulatory properties of LRP remain largely unexplored. In this study, the immune-protective properties of LRP were investigated on an immunosuppressed mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). LRP administration alleviated immune tissue damage and restored immune function, as evidenced by increased immune organ indices, enlarged spleen size, and repaired spleen cell damage. LRP also improved hepatic function by reducing hepatic oxidative stress and reversed intestinal mucosal injury by enhancing intestinal barrier integrity through upregulation of tight junction proteins. Besides, LRP changed the composition of bacteria in the gut, significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae , Lachnospiraceae , Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae , which were commonly regarded as beneficial bacteria, and decreased the abundance of Epsilonbacteraeota , it is a pathogenic bacterium. Meanwhile, bacterial diversity remained largely unchanged. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that LRP has potential application values as a prebiotic or immunomodulator, and provides a scientific basis for the way of high value usage about the lotus root residues. • LRP alleviated CTX-induced immunosuppression in mice. • LRP improved hepatic function by reducing oxidative stress. • LRP enhanced intestinal barrier integrity via tight junction proteins. • LRP modulated gut microbiota composition without altering diversity.