Korean J Hematol.  2012 Mar;47(1):67-73. 10.5045/kjh.2012.47.1.67.

Anti-leukemic and immunomodulatory effects of fungal metabolites of Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus ostreatus on benzene-induced leukemia in Wister rats

• Olufemi AE
• Terry AO
• Kola OJ

• KMID: 2251973
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5045/kjh.2012.47.1.67

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The use of natural bioactive compounds in conventional chemotherapy is a new direction in cancer treatment that is gaining more research attention recently. Bioactive polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes from some fungi (edible mushrooms) have been identified as sources of effective and non-toxic antineoplastic agents. Selected oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus pulmonarius and P. ostreatus being local [Nigeria] and exotic strains, respectively) were cultured on a novel medium of yeast extract supplemented with an ethanolic extract of Annona senegalensis, and the antileukemic potential of their metabolites was studied.
METHODS
Leukemia was successfully induced in Wister rats by intravenous injection (0.2 mL) of a benzene solution every 2 days for 3 consecutive weeks. The aqueous solution of fungal metabolites (20 mg/mL) produced by submerged fermentation was orally administered (0.2 mL) before, during, and after leukemia induction. Leukemia burden was assessed by comparing the hematological parameters at baseline and after leukemia induction. The immunomodulatory potential of the metabolites was assessed by using a phagocytic assay (carbon clearance method). The ability to enhance leukopoiesis was assessed by using the total leukocyte count.
RESULTS
Leukemia induction resulted in significant anemia indices and leukocytosis (P<0.05) in the experimental rats. Both metabolites equally enhanced leukopoiesis and demonstrated phagocytic actions; P. ostreatus activity was significantly higher than that of P. pulmonarius (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The metabolites exhibited profound antileukemic potential by suppressing leukemia and demonstrating immunotherapeutic activities on animals after oral administration in various experimental groups.

Keyword

Anti-leukemic; Pleurotus pulmonarius and P. ostreatus metabolites; Immunotherapy; Polysaccharide-protein complexes

MeSH Terms

Administration, Oral
Anemia
Animals
Annona
Antineoplastic Agents
Benzene
Ethanol
Fermentation
Fungi
Immunotherapy
Injections, Intravenous
Leukemia
Leukocytes
Leukocytosis
Leukopoiesis
Pleurotus
Polysaccharides
Rats
Yeasts
Antineoplastic Agents
Benzene
Ethanol
Polysaccharides

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Comparison of hematological parameters after treatment with Pleurotus pulmonarius metabolites between the positive control group (E) and the other treatment groups.

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  Fig. 2 Comparison of the hematological parameters after treatment with Pleurotus ostreatus metabolites between the positive control group (E) and the other treatment groups.

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  Fig. 3 Effect of Pleurotus ostreatus metabolites on leukocyte production.

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  Fig. 4 Effect of Pleurotus pulmonarius metabolites on leukocyte production.

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