Ultraviolet B-irradiated mushroom supplementation increased the Ca++ uptake and ameliorated the LPS-induced inflammatory responses in zebrafish larvae.

The harmful effects of excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure are well known. However, moderate exposure to UV radiation is beneficial and required for active vitamin D synthesis in our body. People living in the coldest regions on the earth are unable to expose their skin to the solar UV radiation and, therefore, additional supplementation of Vitamin D2 is recommended. Mushrooms are one such consumable macrofungi, which has high vitamin content and therefore used in various traditional medicines. Particularly, UVB-irradiated mushrooms are rich in active vitamin D content and that is why recommended to include in the daily diets for the patients suffering from the problems associated with bone mineralization. In the present study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of mushroom extract (UVB-ME) (Lentinus edodes) treatment against MG-63 cells, HepG2 cells, and CCD 841 CoN cells. Furthermore, we elucidated the potential of UVB-ME on Ca++ uptake in osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. Next, we validated the response of Ca++ uptake on the growth and development of zebrafish larvae. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential of UVB-ME treatment against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response was also analyzed in vivo. Collectively, the study suggested that dietary supplementation of UVB-irradiated mushroom is beneficial for bone calcification and could modulate the host immune system.