Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on IEC-6 cell proliferation, migration and morphology of differentiation benefiting intestinal epithelium healing in vitro

Objectives Restoration of epithelial continuity in the intestinal surface after extensive destruction is important since intestinal epithelial cells stand as a boundary between the body's internal and external environment. Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum (GlPS) may benefit intestinal epithelial wound healing in different aspects, which awaits clarification. To identify potential effects, a non-transformed small-intestinal epithelial cell line, IEC-6 cells, was used. Methods Effects on epithelial cell proliferation, migration, morphology of differentiation and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) protein expression, as well as the cellular ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA and c-Myc mRNA expression, were assessed, respectively, by MTT assay, wound model in vitro, observation under a microscope after hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays. Key findings It was shown that Gl-PS stimulated IEC-6 cell proliferation and migration significantly in a dose-dependent manner; 10 mu g/ml Gl-PS improved the morphology of differentiation in IEC-6 cells. Inefficacy in expression of TGF-beta in IEC-6 cells indicated a possible TGF-beta independent action of Gl-PS. However, Gl-PS increased ODC mRNA and c-Myc mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, indicating, at least partially possible involvement of ODC and c-Myc gene expression in improvement of intestinal wound healing. Conclusions These results suggest the potential usefulness of Gl-PS to cure intestinal disorders characterized by injury and ineffective repair of the intestinal mucosa.