What is the effectiveness of beta-glucan for treatment of acute otitis media? / Qual é a eficácia do beta-glucano no tratamento da otite média aguda?

Abstract Introduction: As a supplement, beta-glucan has various therapeutic healing effects generated by the immune cells. It has been scientifically approved and proven to be a biological defense modifier. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beta-glucan on treatments administered in an acute otitis media model Objectives: This study investigated the effect of beta-glucan on the treatment of acute otitis media in an acute otitis media -induced animal model. Efficacy was evaluated both immunologically and histologically. Methods: The study sample comprised 35 adult rats, randomly separated into 5 groups of 7: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (acute otitis media, no treatment), Group 3 (acute otitis media + antibiotic), Group 4 (acute otitis media + beta-glucan) and Group 5 (acute otitis media + beta-glucan + antibiotic). Analyses were made of the histopathology and immunology examination results in respect of thickening of the tympanic membrane, epithelium damage, inflammation, and sclerosis. In all groups the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were evaluated. Results: All serum cytokine levels were significantly lower in the beta-glucan and antibiotictreated groups compared to the acute otitis media Group. Significant differences in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, epithelium damage, and sclerosis values were observed between the acute otitis media + antibiotic and acute otitis media + beta-glucan Groups. According to these parameters, the values in aute otitis media + antibiotic + beta-glucan Group were markedly lower than those of the other groups. There was a significant difference in the acute otitis media + antibiotic + beta-glucan Groups compared to acute otitis media Group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both antibiotic and beta-glucan treatment reduced acute otitis media signs of inflammations in an acute otitis media-induced rat model, decreasing histological damage and cytokine levels. Co-administration of antibiotic and beta-glucan led to a significant reduction in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, and epithelium damage. Antibiotic + beta-glucan treatment resulted in a greater decrease in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, and epithelium damage than in the other groups. From these results, it can be suggested that beta-glucan, in combination with antibiotics may provide an alternative for the treatment of acute otitis media.

Resumo Introdução: Como suplemento, o beta-glucano apresenta vários efeitos terapêuticos gerados pelas células imunológicas. Cientificamente aprovado, mostrou ser um modificador de defesa biológica. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do beta-glucano nos tratamentos administrados em um modelo de otite média aguda induzida em um modeloanimal. A eficácia foi avaliada imunológica e histologicamente. Método: A amostra do estudo foi composta por 35 ratos adultos, divididos aleatoriamente em 5 grupos de 7: grupo 1 (controle), grupo 2 (otite média aguda, sem tratamento), grupo 3 (otite média aguda + antibiótico), grupo 4 (otite média aguda + beta-glucano) e grupo 5 (otite média aguda + beta-glucano + antibiótico). Foram feitas análises dos resultados dos exames histopatológicos e imunológicos em relação ao espessamento da membrana timpânica, dano ao epitélio, inflamação e esclerose. Os níveis séricos de TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 e IL-β foram avaliados em todos os grupos. Resultados: Todos os níveis séricos de citocinas foram significativamente mais baixos nos grupos tratados com beta-glucano e antibióticos em comparação com o grupo otite média aguda. Diferenças significativas na espessura da membrana timpânica, inflamação, dano do epitélio e esclerose foram observadas entre os grupos otite média aguda + antibiótico e otite média aguda + beta-glucano. De acordo com esses parâmetros, os valores no grupo otite média aguda + antibiótico + beta-glucano foram acentuadamente inferiores aos dos demais grupos. Houve uma diferença significante no grupo otite média aguda + antibiótico + beta-glucano em comparação ao grupo otite média aguda (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Ambos os tratamentos com antibiótico e com beta-glucano reduziram os sinais de inflamação da otite média aguda em um modelo de rato com otite média aguda induzida, diminuíram os danos histológicos e os níveis de citocinas. A administração concomitante de antibiótico e beta-glucano levou a uma redução significativa na espessura da membrana timpânica, inflamação e danos ao epitélio. O tratamento com antibióticos + beta-glucano resultou em maior diminuição na espessura da membrana timpânica, inflamação e danos no epitélio do que nos outros grupos. A partir desses resultados, pode-se sugerir que o beta-glucano, em combinação com antibióticos, pode fornecer uma opção para o tratamento da otite média aguda.

Effect of High β-glucan Barley on Postprandial Blood Glucose and Insulin Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Effect of High β-glucan Barley on Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels in Subjects with Normal Glucose Tolerance: Assessment by Meal Tolerance Test and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

The effect of white rice (WR) mixed with high β-glucan-containing barley at 50% on improvement of postprandial blood glucose levels was assessed by meal tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in 15 healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance (age 31.6 ± 12.9 years old, 4 males and 11 females). A meal tolerance test (500 kcal) was conducted using 2 types of test meals: a test meal only with WR and a test meal WR mixed 50% barley, and the side dish was the same in both meals. Blood glucose levels of the subjects 180 minutes after ingestion of the test meals were compared. In addition, a CGM device was attached to the subjects for 2 days when the WR or barley as a staple food was provided 3 times a day for consecutive days, and the daily variation of glucose was investigated. The glucose levels 30 minutes after dietary loads and the area under the blood concentration-time curve over 180 minutes were significantly decreased in the barley consumption group. In CGM, 24-hour mean blood glucose and 24-hour standard deviation of blood glucose were also significantly decreased after ingestion of the barley. Postprandial glucose level elevation was suppressed by mixing high-β-glucan barley with WR in subjects with normal glucose tolerance.

Beta-glucan attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal injury in a C57BL/J6 mouse model

Beta-glucans (ßg), that have many useful effects on human health, are natural polysaccharides. Our aim in this study was to determine useful effect of ßg against oxidative and neuronal damage caused by global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) in stroke imitated mice via surgical operation. A total of 40 mice divided into four equal groups randomly. The group 1 (sham operated) was kept as control. Bilateral carotid arteries of subjects in group 2 (I/R) and group 4 (I/ R + ßg) were clipped for 15 min, and the mice in group 4 (I/R + ßg) were treated with ßg (50 mg/kg/day), while the mice in group 2 (I/R) were treated with only vehicle for 10 days. The mice of group 3 (ßg) were treated with ßg for 10 days without carotid occlusion. Global cerebral I/R significantly increased oxidative stress and decreased members of anti-oxidant defense system. In addition, I/R caused histopathological damage in the brain tissue. However, ßg treatment ameliorated both oxidative and histopathological effects of I/R. Our present study showed that ßg treatment significantly ameliorated oxidative and histological damage in the brain tissue caused by cerebral I/R. Therefore, ßg treatment can be used as supportive care for ischemic stroke patients

Beta-glucan prevents toxic effects of 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD in terms of oxidative and histopathological damage in heart tissue of rats

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a widespread environmental contaminant which causes severe toxic effects. Despite there is some suggestion concerning with TCDD induced cardiotoxicity such as formation of free radicals, the main mechanism has not been entirely explained. Beta-glucan is known as strong antioxidant matter and can scavenge free radicals. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of beta-glucan against TCDD induced cardiotoxicity in rats. In this study, 2-3 months of age and 190-250 g in weight 32 rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=8 for each group). Group 1 was control; Group 2 was TCDD group (2 µg/kg/week); group 3 was the beta-glucan group(50 mg/kg/day), and group 4 was TCDD and beta-glucan treatment group. The heart samples were taken from rats after 21 days treatment. The results were shown that Despite TCDD exposure visibly caused to increase (p ≤ 0.001) in TBARS levels, It caused a visible decline in the levels of GSH, CAT, GSH-Px, and SOD. However Beta glucan significantly increased GSH, CAT, GSH-Px, SOD levels and decreased generation of TBARS. Additionally, our histopathological observations were in agreement with the biochemical results. In conclusion, Beta-glucan treatment exhibited protective activity on TCDD induced cardiotoxicity

Extraction of β-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Comparison of different extraction methods and in vivo assessment of immunomodulatory effect in mice

Abstract Beta-glucan (BG) is a conserved cell wall components of bacteria, fungi, and yeast. BG is an immunomodulator and stimulates the host immune system. This study was performed to screen Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain with high BG, extraction of BG using different chemical extraction methods, composition analysis of BG, and evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of high-quality BG using mice model. Ten yeast strains were screened for high BG content using total glucan extraction kit and were subjected to FT-IR analysis. The kit based extraction revealed that HII31 showed a high content of total glucan and BG. HII31 cells were subjected to four different acid/base extractions, which indicated that combination of a strong base (NaOH) and weak acid (CH3COOH) extraction recovered high BG and a high ratio of polysaccharide, protein, and lipid. Further, the immunomodulatory effect of the selected BG was evaluated using mice, which suggested that low dose of HII31-BG induces the expression of selected pro-inflammatory (IL-17, IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) significantly, whereas relatively high dose was required to alter the IL-6 and TGF-β expression. Overall, the present study revealed that BG extracted from HII31 cells alters the expression of studied cytokines, which can be used as a potent immunomodulator in pharmaceutical products.

Increased sensory quality and consumer acceptability by fortification of chocolate flavored milk with oat beta glucan

Objective: This study is done in respect to develop a milk based product having both the properties of milk and oat beta glucan. The objective of the study is to analyze the stability, texture and overall acceptance of flavored milk with oat beta glucan and to assess the processing parameters in order to increase the stability. Materials & Methods: In this study two methods have been used. First method is one stage processing in which beta-glucan (3%) was added simultaneously with carrageenan and In Second method, oat beta-glucan is not added and chocolate milk is made by carrageenan and the other dry ingredients only. Result is tasted by sensory evaluation, texture properties and viscosity. Results: In both the studies, the mouthfeel and viscosity is better in chocolate FM fortified with oat beta glucan. Conclusion: In this study we use 3% oat beta-glucan for fortification of the chocolate milk. Sensory evaluation is carried out for consumer preference and the texture and viscosity is also measured. chocolate FM with oat beta-glucan has improved mouthfeel, viscosity and fortified with fiber milk. By adding oat beta-glucan we can claim points about Fiber as per FSSAI Guidelines also.

The study of clinical value of sTLR2 in identifying the pathogen of bloodstream infections in septic patients / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To search specific biomarkers of pathogenic bacteria in patients with sepsis so as to guide early using rationally antibiotic treatment.Methods Prospective survey of 147 patients with sepsis in ICU was carried out from Jan 2012 to Mar 2015.When patients blood culture was positive, clinical data including age, gender, vital signs, blood and, urine routine examination, DIC, blood biochemistry, c-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), microbial detection, etc were recorded.Cultured blood samples were from central venous catheter and peripheral vessel.ELISA method was employed to detect soluble toll-like receptor 2 ( sTLR2 ) and interleukin-8 ( IL-8 ) , and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ( APACHEⅡ score ) was calculated.The chi-square test and analysis of variance were performed where necessary.Receiver operating characteristic ( ROC ) curves were used to calculate cut-points ( CP ) and area under the curve ( AUC) .Results According to the results of blood culture, patients were divided into three groups:GP group [ gram-positive bacteria ( G+) group];GN group [ gram-negative bacteria ( G-) group];FG group ( fungi group) .There were no significantly statistical differences in age, APACHEⅡ score, vital signs and markers of inflammation among three groups (P>0.05).Gram negative pathogenic bacterium was the most common microbe.Compared with GN group, the level of sTLR2 in the GP group was obviously higher ( P=0.000); but there was no significant difference in sTLR2 level between GP group and FG group (P=0.187). The amount of (1, 3) -beta glucan in the FG group was significantly higher than that in the GP group ( P=0.000).The sTLR2 level in FG group was obviously higher than that in the GN group (P=0.000).There were no significantly statistical differences in PCT, CRP and IL-8 among the three groups (P>0.05).For the diagnosis of gram negative bacteria infection, sTLR2 area under the curve was 0.768, and the sensitivity and specificity were 88.90%and 59.60%, respectively and the best cut-off point was 8.083 pg/mL.Namely, the diagnosis of gram negative bacteria infection was less likely, when level of sTLR2 was higher than 8.083 pg/mL.The markers of PCT, CRP, (1, 3) -beta glucan and IL-8 were less valuable for the diagnosis of Gram negative bacteria infection because the area under the curve was less than 0.5.Conclusions The combination of inflammatory indicators such as sTLR2 and (1, 3) -beta glucan etc, can imply the kind of pathogenic microorganisms partly.

Determination of Glucan Contents in the Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia of Lentinula edodes Cultivars

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) containing beta-glucans may be beneficial for human health; they have been used in the treatment of cancer, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels. The objective of this study was to determine the beta-glucan content in different sections of the fruiting bodies and mycelia of ten shiitake mushroom cultivars. The measured beta-glucan content ranged from 20.06 +/- 1.76% to 44.21 +/- 0.13% in the pileus sections, and from 29.74 +/- 1.40% to 56.47 +/- 4.72% in the stipe sections. The results of this study indicate that the variance in beta-glucan content dependent on the shiitake cultivar, and that the beta-glucan content is higher in the stipe than in the pileus.

Identification of Wild Yeast Strains and Analysis of Their beta-Glucan and Glutathione Levels for Use in Makgeolli Brewing

Makgeolli, also known as Takju, is a non-filtered traditional Korean alcoholic beverage that contains various floating matter, including yeast cells, which contributes to its high physiological functionality. In the present study, we assessed the levels of beta-glucan and glutathione in various yeast strains isolated from traditional Korean Nuruk and selected a beta-glucan- and glutathione-rich yeast strain to add value to Makgeolli by enhancing its physiological functionality through increased levels of these compounds. Yeast beta-glucan levels ranged from 6.26% to 32.69% (dry basis) and were strongly species-dependent. Dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from Nuruk contained 25.53 microg/mg glutathione, 0.70 microg/mg oxidized glutathione, and 11.69 microg/g and 47.85 microg/g spermidine and L-ornithine monohydrochloride, respectively. To produce functional Makgeolli, a beta-glucan- and glutathione-rich yeast strain was selected in a screening analysis. Makgeolli fermented with the selected yeast strain contained higher beta-glucan and glutathione levels than commercial Makgeolli. Using the selected yeast strain to produce Makgeolli with high beta-glucan and glutathione content may enable the production of functional Makgeolli.

Cloning and Molecular Characterization of beta-1,3-Glucan Synthase from Sparassis crispa

A beta-glucan synthase gene was isolated from the genomic DNA of polypore mushroom Sparassis crispa, which reportedly produces unusually high amount of soluble beta-1,3-glucan (beta-glucan). Sequencing and subsequent open reading frame analysis of the isolated gene revealed that the gene (5,502 bp) consisted of 10 exons separated by nine introns. The predicted mRNA encoded a beta-glucan synthase protein, consisting of 1,576 amino acid residues. Comparison of the predicted protein sequence with multiple fungal beta-glucan synthases estimated that the isolated gene contained a complete N-terminus but was lacking approximately 70 amino acid residues in the C-terminus. Fungal beta-glucan synthases are integral membrane proteins, containing the two catalytic and two transmembrane domains. The lacking C-terminal part of S. crispa beta-glucan synthase was estimated to include catalytically insignificant transmembrane alpha-helices and loops. Sequence analysis of 101 fungal beta-glucan synthases, obtained from public databases, revealed that the beta-glucan synthases with various fungal origins were categorized into corresponding fungal groups in the classification system. Interestingly, mushrooms belonging to the class Agaricomycetes were found to contain two distinct types (Type I and II) of beta-glucan synthases with the type-specific sequence signatures in the loop regions. S. crispa beta-glucan synthase in this study belonged to Type II family, meaning Type I beta-glucan synthase is expected to be discovered in S. crispa. The high productivity of soluble beta-glucan was not explained but detailed biochemical studies on the catalytic loop domain in the S. crispa beta-glucan synthase will provide better explanations.

Polycan-calcium gluconate complex improves gingival health / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a Polycan-calcium gluconate complex on gingival health. METHODS: Forty-one subjects with mild periodontitis (> or =40 years) were divided into two groups: the placebo and test product (Polycan-calcium gluconate complex twice a day for 4 weeks) groups. Oral examination was performed and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected from each subject at baseline and after 4 weeks. Interleukin (IL)-1beta level in the GCF was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Pocket depth and plaque index were significantly decreased in the test group at 4 weeks. The level of IL-1beta and plaque index of the treatment group was significantly lower than of the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above results, Polycan-calcium gluconate complex may inhibit plaque accumulation in the mouth and may have a negative correlation with the level of inflammatory biomarkers. Consequently, gingival health was significantly improved by polycan-calcium gluconate complex.

Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Beta Glucan on Amikacin Ototoxicity Using Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Measurements in Rats

OBJECTIVES: This experimental study investigated the possible protective effect of beta glucans on amikacin ototoxicity. METHODS: Thirty-eight rats with normal distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were divided into four groups. Group K was the control group. Group A was injected intramuscularly (i.m.) with amikacin 600 mg/kg/day between days 1-15. Group AB was given beta glucan gavage 1 mg/kg/day on days 0-15 and given amikacin 600 mg/kg/day i.m. on days 1-15. Group B was administered only beta glucan gavage, 1 mg/kg/day, on days 0-15. The DPOAEs were elicited in different frequency regions between 2,003 and 9,515 Hz, as distortion product diagrams (DPgrams), before and after the medication was administered, in all groups, on days 1, 5, 10, and 15. RESULTS: No significant changes in the DPgrams were observed in group K. In group A, significant deterioration was observed at the 8,003 and 9,515 Hz frequencies on day 10, and at the 3,991, 4,557, 5,660, 6,726, 8,003, and 9,515 Hz frequencies on day 15. For group AB, statistically significant deterioration was observed at the 2,824, 8,003, and 9,515 Hz frequencies on day 15. The results for group B showed a significant improvement of hearing at the 2,378, 2,824, 3,363, and 3,991 Hz frequencies on day 1, at the 3,363, 3,991, and 8,003 Hz frequencies on day 10, and at the 8,003 Hz frequency on day 15. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that amikacin-induced hearing loss in rats may be limited to some extent by concomitant use of beta glucan.

Immunomodulatory effect of beta-glucan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains / 동물의과학연구지

The aim of this study was to evaluate immunopotentiating activities of beta-glucan derived from Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae and to select new strains having possibility as an immune-enhancing substance. We examined SB20 strains derived from commercial product as a control, and extracted beta-glucans from the four strains of S. cerevisiae. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with heat-killed yeasts, beta-glucans, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were then quantified. When macrophages were induced directly by in vitro addition of beta-glucan, little production of NO and IL-1beta was observed. When pretreated with strong stimulants, i.e., LPS, most yeasts showed down-modulation of NO and IL-1beta production. However, TNF-alpha secretion was triggered by beta-glucans and even more increased by the mixture effect of LPS and beta-glucans. In particular, S6 strain induced TNF-alpha secretion more than other strains. Therefore, we can conclude that the S6 strain has possibility as an immune-enhancing substance.

Generation and Evaluation of High beta-Glucan Producing Mutant Strains of Sparassis crispa

A chemical mutagenesis technique was employed for development of mutant strains of Sparassis crispa targeting the shortened cultivation time and the high beta-glucan content. The homogenized mycelial fragments of S. crispa IUM4010 strain were treated with 0.2 vol% methyl methanesulfonate, an alkylating agent, yielding 199 mutant strains. Subsequent screening in terms of growth and beta-glucan content yielded two mutant strains, B4 and S7. Both mutants exhibited a significant increase in beta-glucan productivity by producing 0.254 and 0.236 mg soluble beta-glucan/mg dry cell weight for the B4 and S7 strains, respectively, whereas the wild type strain produced 0.102 mg soluble beta-glucan/mg dry cell weight. The results demonstrate the usefulness of chemical mutagenesis for generation of mutant mushroom strains.

Shiitake Mushroom: A Tool of Medicine.

Medicinal mushrooms have an established history of use in traditional oriental therapies. Contemporary research has validated and documented much of the ancient knowledge. Over the last three decades, the interdisciplinary fields of science that study medicinal mushrooms has sprung up and has increasingly demonstrated the potent and unique properties of compounds extracted from a range of species. Currently, the field is being developed into a very fruitful area. Modern clinical practice in Japan, China, Korea and other Asian countries rely on mushroom-derived preparations. Mushrooms have been studied for nutritional and medical purposes for its various potential anti-tumoral and immunomodulatory componests like polysaccharides that have been identified. For medical purposes, mushrooms have been consumed to prevent cancer and cardiac diseases, to improve blood circulation and to reduce blood cholesterol level. Some of these mushrooms have also been used for the treatment of physical and emotional stress, osteoporosis, gastric ulcers and chronic hepatitis, for the improvement of the quality of life of patients with diabetes and especially for the stimulation of immunity. Shiitake has a history of medicinal uses. The mushroom is used as anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral as well as antithrombotic in cardiovascular disorders. This article has been written to throw some light on Shiitake mushroom which has many nutritional values. Many Shiitake preparations came in market containing the active ingredients which can replace many other marketed synthetic medicines and may prove to have promising results with fewer side effects.

Immunostimulatory Effects of beta-glucan Purified from Paenibacillus polymyxa JB115 on Mouse Splenocytes

We investigated the effects of beta-glucan purified from Paenibacillus polymyxa JB115 on the viability and proliferation of splenocytes. Splenocytes play a critical role in host immunity. MTT assays and trypan blue exclusion tests revealed that beta-glucan significantly promoted the viability and proliferation of splenocytes over a range of concentrations. However, there was no specific subset change. beta-glucan protected splenocytes from cytokine withdrawal-induced spontaneous cell death. For further mechanistic studies, ELISA assay revealed that beta-glucan enhanced the expression of anti-apoptotic molecules and interleukin 7 (IL-7), a cytokine critical for lymphocyte survival. We also investigated the IL-2 dependency of beta-glucan-treated splenocytes to determine if treated cells could still undergo clonal expansion. In flow cytometric analysis, beta-glucan induced increased levels of the activation marker CD25 on the surface of splenocytes and beta-glucan-treated splenocytes showed higher proliferation rates in response to IL-2 treatment. This study demonstrates that beta-glucan can enhance the survival of splenocytes and provides valuable information to broaden the use of beta-glucan in research fields.

Single- and repeated-dose toxicities of aloe fermentation products in rats / 한국실험동물학회지

In this study, aloe fermentation products were derived from mycelia from 3 mushrooms: Ganoderma lucidum (AG), Hericium erinaceum (AH), and Phellinus linteus (AP). Levels of aloin A and B increased with fermentation time. The highest levels were measured on the fifth day of fermentation. beta-Glucan levels decreased with fermentation time. The safety of aloe fermentation products were examined in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were orally administered the three aloe fermentation products at dose levels of 1, 2 or 5 g/kg for single-dose toxicity test and 0.5, 1, or 2 g/kg for repeated-dose toxicity test. There were no significant differences in body weight gain between vehicle control and AG-, AH- or AP-treated rats. Also, significant changes in daily feed intake and water consumption were not observed. In hematological analysis, none of the parameters were affected by aloe fermentation products with mushroom mycelia. This suggests that there are no negative effects on homeostasis and immunity. In blood biochemistry analysis, none of the markers were affected by feeding rats with AG, AH or AP. Similarly, there were no significant effects on markers for liver, kidney, skeletal and heart muscle functions. No remarkable lesions were observed in these organs at histopathology. Since there were no adverse effects of AG, AH and AP in single- or repeated-dose toxicity tests, even at higher doses than normal, we conclude that the aloe fermentation products with mushroom mycelia possess long-term safety and could be candidates as multifunctional nutrients for the improvement of intestinal function and immunity.

Stimulatory Effect of beta-glucans on Immune Cells

beta-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that are produced by bacteria, yeast, fungi, and many plants. Although their pharmacological activities, such as immunomodulatory, anti-infective and anti-cancer effects, have been well studied, it is still unclear how beta-glucans exert their activities. However, recent studies on the beta-glucan receptors shed some light on their mechanism of action. Since beta-glucans have large molecular weights, they must bind surface receptors to activate immune cells. In this review, we summarize the immunopharmacological activities and the potential receptors of beta-glucans in immune cells.

Maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells by a novel beta-glucan purified from Paenibacillus polymyxa JB115

We investigated the immunostimulatory effects of a novel beta-glucan purified from Paenibacillus (P.) polymyxa JB115 on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs), a type of potent antigen-presenting cells. beta-glucan isolated from P. polymyxa JB115 enhanced the viability and induced the maturation of DCs. beta-glucan markedly increased the cytokine production of DCs and surface expression of DC markers. In addition, DCs treated with beta-glucan showed a higher capacity to stimulate allogeneic spleen cell proliferation compared to those treated with medium alone. These results demonstrate the effect of beta-glucan on DC maturation and may increase the use of beta-glucan.