Protection by Hosta ventricosa polysaccharides against oxidative damage induced by t-BHP in HepG2 cells via the JNK/Nrf2 pathway

Hosta ventricosa is a plant that can be used for medicine and diet. It has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumor activities, and one of its main constituents is polysaccharides. However, studies on polysaccharides of Hosta ventricosa are limited, and their physiological activities have not been clarified. Therefore, isolation, purification and characterization of Hosta ventricosa root polysaccharides (HVRPp-1) were performed in this research. Furthermore, the effect of HVRPp-1 on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells was investigated in vitro. The results showed that HVRPp-1 is a nonhomogeneous polysaccharide that could protect HepG2 cells from oxidative damage through the C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. In conclusion, this research proved the antioxidant mechanism of HVRPp-1 for the first time, providing a reliable theoretical basis for basic research on Hosta ventricosa polysaccharides and the possibility of their application in functional foods.

Automated summary

This study focused on the isolation, purification, and characterization of Hosta ventricosa root polysaccharides (HVRPp-1). The research also investigated the effect of HVRPp-1 on oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. The results revealed that HVRPp-1 is a nonhomogeneous polysaccharide that protects the cells from oxidative damage through a specific signaling pathway.