Effects of polysaccharides from abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) on HepG2 cell proliferation

Three polysaccharides, AAP, AVAP I, and AVAP II, were isolated from abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino. The polysaccharides’ compositions were analysed, and their effects on HepG2 cell proliferation were assessed. AVAP I had a greater growth-stimulatory effect than AAP or AVAP II. The oligosaccharide of AVAP I (Oli-AVAP I) exhibited the same growth effects, but rhamnose, the primary monosaccharide of AVAP I and Oli-AVAP I, did not exhibit this activity. Moreover, AVAP I dramatically reduced the mRNA levels of CDK6 and Cyclin E1 but significantly increased Cyclin B1, CDK1 and Cyclin F. Interestingly, AVAP I remained able to induce cell proliferation in a low serum concentration medium. AVAP I could therefore promote HepG2 cell proliferation by regulating gene expression and accelerating the cell cycle process. AVAP I may be useful as a serum supplement for stimulating the proliferation of mammalian cells. Our results offer a comprehensive method for utilising the abalone viscera, which is usually discarded as waste.