Eficácia da suplementação oral com 1, 3-1, 6 betaglucano proveniente de Saccharomyces cerevisiae no controle da mastite bovina / [Efficiency of oral supplementation of 1. 3-1. 6 beta-glucan from saccharomyces cerevisiae on the control of bovine mastitis]

A mastite bovina, uma das principais doenças do rebanho leiteiro, caracteriza-se por um processo inflamatório no úbere. A inviabilidade econômica, o impacto ambiental negativo e os resíduos antimicrobianos têm estimulado a pesquisa de outros tratamentos alternativos para a prevenção e o tratamento de doenças na bovinocultura leiteira. O betaglucano é um agente imunomodulador com potencial ação preventiva para doenças infecciosas, inclusive a mastite. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do uso do betaglucano, por meio de administração oral, em animais em lactação. Foram utilizadas 20 vacas lactantes, distribuídas em dois grupos, um controle e um tratamento, com 10 animais em cada grupo. O grupo tratamento recebeu 5g/dia, durante 60 dias, de 1,3-1,6 betaglucano isolado da parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae diluído em ração após a ordenha, enquanto o grupo controle recebia somente a ração. Foram realizados os testes de California Mastitis Test (CMT), contagem de células somáticas (CCS), produção de leite e percentual de gordura e proteína no leite. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos quanto à CCS, ao CMT, à composição do leite ou produção. Não se observou, portanto, eficácia do uso do betaglucano purificado, administrado por via oral, no controle e na prevenção da mastite em vacas leiteiras, quando comparadas com o grupo controle. Atribuem-se esses resultados, principalmente, à degradação ruminal do produto testado. Sugerem-se, portanto, mais pesquisas utilizando o 1,3-1,6 betaglucano purificado de parede de S. cerevisiae por outras vias de administração, tais como intramamária e subcutânea.(AU)

Bovine mastitis, one of the main diseases of dairy herds, is characterized by an inflammatory process in the udder. The economic and environmental impacts, as well as the residues of antimicrobial drugs have stimulated the research of novel alternative treatments for the prevention and treatment of diseases in dairy production cows. The beta-glucan is an immunomodulator agent, with potential preventive action for infectious diseases, including mastitis. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of orally administered beta-glucan in lactating cows. 20 lactating cows were used, distributed into two groups, one control and one treatment, with 10 cows in each group. The treatment group received 5g of 1.3-1.6 betaglucan daily for 60 days, isolated from the cell-wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae diluted into a grain meal, whereas the animals in the control group received only the ration. The California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cells Counting (SCC), daily production and assessments of fat and protein content in milk were done. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups concerning subclinical mastitis detected by CMT, SCC, milk production and composition regarding protein and fat content. It was not observed, therefore, the effectiveness of the use of purified beta-glucan orally administered on the control or prevention of mastitis in dairy cows. The results are attributed to the ruminal degradation of the product tested. It is, therefore, suggested that more research should be conducted using the 1.3-1.6 beta-glucan purified from the cell wall of S. cerevisiae by other administration means and ruminal protection technologies for the isolated beta-glucan.(AU)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Diagnostic value of serum (1-3)-β-D-glucan for invasive fungal infection in neonates / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum (1-3)-β-D-glucan detection for invasive fungal infection (IFI) in neonates. Methods Eighty-seven neonates who were suspected to be IFI cases in neonatal intensive care unit from May 2008 to January 2010 were enrolled into this study. All subjects had infection symptoms, while did no react to the antibiotics treatment. The diagnosis of IFI was made according to Invasive pulmonary fungal infection diagnostic criteria of children set by Subspecialty Group of Respiratory Diseases, the Society of Pediatrics, Chinese Medical Association and Invasive fungal infection diagnostic criteria for critical patients set by the Society of Critical Care Medicine, Chinese Medical Association. Circulating (1-3)-β-D-glucan levels were determined with GKT-5M set kinetic fungus detection kit. Levels of (1-3)-Β-D-glucan in IFI group and that in the control group were compared; optimal cut-off value was established with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve; and the sensitivity and specificity at the cut-off value of 20.0 pg/ml and optimal cut-off value were calculated and compared. Results Among the 87 suspected cases, 59 cases were not diagnosed as IFI and 28 cases were diagnosed as IFI finally. Five patients were confirmed to be IFI; seven cases were clinically diagnosed and 16 cases were still suspected IFI. Among the five confirmed cases, four cases were blood culture positive for Candida parapsilosis, one case Candida albicans positive and two cases both cerebrospinal fluid culture and blood culture positive for Candida albicans. The median levels of (1-3)-β-D-glucan of patients diagnosed as IFI (n=28) was 131.6 pg/ml(18.6-9999.0 pg/ml), which was higher than that of the patients without IFI (8.5 pg/ml, 5.0-34.6 pg/ml)(Z=-5.064, P<0.05). Area under ROC curve was 0.806 (95% CI: 0.725-0.886, P<0.05). The sensitivity (96.43% vs 69.49%) and specificity (72.22% vs 84.21%) for (1-3)-β-D-glucan were different as 20.0 pg/ml and 53.7 pg/ml were used as the cut-off values for diagnosing IFI. Conclusions (1-3)-β-D-glucan level could be used to diagnose IFI of neonates, but further studies are needed to evaluate false-positive rates and its cut-off value in IFI diagnosis.

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.

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.

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.

Suplementação de betaglucano a dietas de leitões de 21 a 60 dias de idade / Beta-glucon suplementacion in diets for piglets from 21 to 60 days of age

Realizou-se um experimento com 1.500 leitões distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com cinco tratamentos: controle e com suplementação de 60, 120, 180 e 240g de betaglucano por tonelada de dieta. Foram analisadas as variáveis ganho de peso diário, peso final, consumo de dieta diário e conversão alimentar nos períodos de 21 a 35, 21 a 49 e 21 a 60 dias de idade. Houve aumento linear significativo do peso final e do ganho de peso diário de leitões suplementados com betaglucano na dieta dos 21 aos 60 dias de idade. A inclusão de 240g/ton. proporcionou aumento no peso final de 800g, o que corresponde ao aumento de 3,2 por cento em relação aos animais do grupo-controle. O ganho de peso diário foi 4,7 por cento mais alto para o grupo de animais tratados com 240g/ton. Não se observou efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre: consumo diário de dieta, conversão alimentar, atividade da enzima superóxido dismutase nem sobre a resposta imune.

A total of 1,500 piglets were used in a completely randomized experimental block design to study the effects of beta-glucon level (control, 60, 120, 180, and 240g per ton of diet) on daily weight gain, body weight, daily feed intake and feed: weight gain ratio from 21 to 35, 21 to 49 and from 21 to 60 days of age Positive and significant linear effects of beta-gluton on body weight and daily weight gain of piglets from 21 to 60 days of age were observed. The inclusion of 240g of beta-gluton in diet resulted in 800g increase in body weight which corresponds to 3.25 percent increase in body weight and 4.7 percent increase in daily weight gain in comparison to animals of the control group. No effects of beta-gluton supplementation on feed intake, feed: weight gain ratio and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity or animal immune response were observed.

Oyster Mushroom: Biochemical and Medicinal Prospects.

Mushroom possesses a vital portion of fungal kingdom creating a huge diversity. As a food major portion of these are unfit but as a whole these play an important role to maintain a sound health. Among them some are used as food and some as medicine. Many unknown mysterious components, very much needed for homeostasis of human body, are present in mushroom, which are now recognized as important area for biomedical researches. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is such a mushroom which is used both as food and medicine to ensure the fitness of body. It contains protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, water, different kinds of vitamins and minerals as well as secondary metabolites. Its statins are outstanding in decreasing the harmful plasma lipids and in reducing blood pressure thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The beta-glucan component of oyster stimulates the immune system of the body. This mushroom is also found to be effective and beneficial in diabetes, cancer, microbial infections and so on. However, there are many other life saving components in oyster mushroom whose nature, effectiveness and mode of actions are yet to be characterized and defined.These valuable unknown informations are now subjects of researches. Bangladesh, like other countries of the world is conducting such type of researches but still has to go a long way in this field. At this very moment, it can be said beyond any doubt that oyster mushroom is very good as an alternative food and as a medicine.

Potentiation of Innate Immunity by beta-Glucans

beta-Glucans have been known to exhibit antitumor activities by potentiating host immunity by an unknown mechanism. The C-type lectin dectin-1, a beta-glucan receptor, is found on the macrophage and can recognize various beta-glucans. Previously, we demonstrated the presence of beta-glucan receptor, dectin-1, on the Raw 264.7 cells as well as on murine mucosal organs, such as the thymus, the lung, and the spleen. In order to investigate immunopotentiation of innate immunity by beta-glucan, we stimulated a murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line with beta-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Laminaria digitata. Then, we analyzed cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition we analyzed gene expression patterns in beta-glucan-treated Raw 264.7 cells by applying total mRNA to cDNA microarray to investigate the expression of 7,000 known genes. When stimulated with beta-glucans, the macrophage cells increased TNF-alpha expression. When co-stimulation of the cells with beta-glucan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a synergy effect was observed by increased TNF-alpha expression. In IL-6 expression, any of the beta-glucans tested could not induce IL-6 expression by itself. However, when co-stimulation occurred with beta-glucan and LPS, the cells showed strong synergistic effects by increased IL-6 expression. Chip analysis showed that beta-glucan of P. ostreatus increased gene expressions of immunomodulating gene families such as kinases, lectin associated genes and TNF-related genes in the macrophage cell line. Induction of TNF receptor expression by FACS analysis was synergized only when co-stimulated with beta-glucan and LPS, not with beta-glucan alone. From these data, beta-glucan increased expressions of immunomodulating genes and showed synergistic effect with LPS.

beta-Glucan enhanced apoptosis in human colon cancer cells SNU-C4

The apoptotic effect of bacteria-derived beta-glucan was investigated in human colon cancer cells SNU-C4 using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 genes, and assay of caspase-3 enzyme activity. beta-Glucan of 10, 50, and 100 microg/mL decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with typical apoptotic characteristics, such as morphological changes of chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation from TUNEL assay. In addition, beta-glucan (100 microgram/mL) decreased the expression of Bcl-2 by 0.6 times, whereas the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 were increased by 3.1 and 2.3 times, respectively, compared to untreated control group. Furthermore, the caspase-3 activity in the beta-glucan-treated group was significantly increased compared to those in control group (P < 0.05). Bacterial derived beta-glucan could be used as an effective compound inducing apoptosis in human colon cancer.

Aureobasidium-Derived Soluble Branched (1,3-1,6) beta-Glucan (Sophy beta-glucan) Enhances Natural Killer Activity in Leishmania amazonensis-Infected Mice

The beta-glucans derived from yeast cell walls have been reported for having many immunomodulatory activities in vivo and in vitro. In this study, Aureobasidium-derived soluble branched (1,3-1,6) beta-glucan (Sophy beta-glucan) was checked for natural killer (NK) activity and for the production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in Leishmania amazonensis infection. The main experiment was performed with a group of female C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, orally supplemented with 5% of Sophy beta-glucan and infected with promastogotes of L. amazonensis (1 x 10(7)) into the footpad. Increase in the footpad thickness with time was observed in BALB/c mice in spite of the oral Sophy beta-glucan supplement, but it was less in C57BL/6 mice. The difference in overall mean footpad thickness between 'infection only' versus 'infection + glucan' groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). High NK activity in C57BL/6 than BALB/c mice was observed in 'glucan only' group compared to the control group and also in 'infection + glucan' group compared to 'infection only' group. The difference in the NK activity among these groups was significant (P < 0.05). The IFN-gamma level increased at weeks 7 and 8 post-infection in C57BL/6 mice and was significantly high in 'infection + glucan' group compared to the 'infection only' group (P < 0.05). IL-4 levels did not increase up to detectable levels throughout the study. The results led a conclusion that Sophy beta-glucan enhances NK activity and cellular immunity in L. amazonensis-infected mice.