Characterization and bioactivities of a novel purified polysaccharide from Endothelium corneum gigeriae Galli

In the present study, characterization and cardioprotective activities in vivo of a novel purified polysaccharide (PECGp) from Endothelium corneum gigeriae Galli were investigated. The results found that PECGp had a 96 kDa molecular weight. The backbone chains were composed of α-d-Glc and α-l-Rha linked by (1 → 4) glycosidic bonds. (1 → 4, 6) linked α-d-Glc and (1 → 2, 4) linked α-l-Rha in backbone chains with branches consisting of (1 → 4) linked α-d-Glc and terminal α-d-Glc-6-COOH. The assay of cardioprotective activities demonstrated that PECGp could significantly reduce the ST-segment elevation, prevented abnormal changes of heart muscle morphology, reverse abnormal hemodynamic and hemorheological parameters, rectify disorganized superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB fraction and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The results suggested that PECGp could be considered as a potential candidate for developing novel cardioprotective agents.