Effects of ß-glucan and Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

The objective of this article is to evaluate the potential effects of beta-glucan and vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. We evaluated the levels of several parameters of inflammatory reactions (C-reactive protein [CRP], serum amyloid A [SAA], and interleukin- [IL-] 6), leptin, and vitamin D. Using a 3-month interval, we divided the patients into three groups: (1) supplemented with beta-glucan and vitamin D, (2) supplemented with vitamin D and placebo, and (3) supplemented with vitamin D alone. By this division, we aim not only to observe whether beta-glucan can increase the effects of vitamin D, but also to eliminate the potential effects of placebo. The doses of vitamin D corresponded to phototype, weight, age, and sex of the individual. Fifty-two diabetic retinopathy patients were selected for our study. We found significant vitamin D deficits in all cases, even after three months of supplementation with vitamin D. Significant changes in levels of CRP were observed in the beta-glucan-supplemented group; levels of SAA and IL-6 were not changed. Leptin levels were significantly lowered in the beta-glucan-supplemented group and increased in the other groups. More detailed studies and/or longer supplementation is necessary.

ß-glucan affects mucosal immunity in children with chronic respiratory problems under physical stress: clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The role of ß-glucan in children with respiratory problems is getting more and more attention. In this report we focused on the effects of 30 days oral supplementation with ß-glucan on physical activity and immune status of children with respiratory problems. METHODS: We measured the level of sIgA, eNO and physical activity [using a 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in 77 children and evaluated the effect of 100 mg/day oral dose. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between males and females in physical endurance. In the glucan group, the positive effects of glucan were significant in both age groups. In the glucan group, we found significant decrease of eNO levels and stabilization of the sIgA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator ß-glucan stimulated physical endurance in children with respiratory problems and, via stabilization of the sIgA levels, helps their mucosal immunity.

Clinical trials of yeast-derived ß-(1,3) glucan in children: effects on innate immunity.

BACKGROUND: The role of glucan in the stimulation of immune reactions is well established. In our report, we focused on the effects of orally administered glucan on nonspecific immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the levels of albumin, lysozyme. C-reactive protein (CRP) and calprotectin in the saliva of 60 children ages 8-12 years and evaluated the effects of 30-day treatment with 100 mg/d oral dose of glucan. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in the production of lysozyme, CRP and calprotectin in glucan-treated children. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator ß-glucan significantly stimulated mucosal immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems.

[Diagnosis of whooping cough by serology and real-time PCR]. / Diagnostika cerného kasle sérologickými technikami a metodou real-time PCR.

The goal of this study is to summarize the results of the detection of Bordetella pertussis (BP) and Bordetella parapertussis (BPP) by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and serological methods. In 2008-2010, 73 patients of the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology of the Centre for Immunology and Microbiology, Public Health Institute in Ústí nad Labem were screened for pertussis. They were selected according to the WHO and ECDC criteria, i. e. they presented with a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks. Direct detection of BP and BPP DNA from nasopharyngeal wash specimens was performed using a RT PCR assay. The serological responses were evaluated by a direct agglutination test for the detection of total antibodies and by enzyme-linked immunosobent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies against pertussis toxin. Forty-two patients were positive for BP and/or BPP, 19 of them by RT-PCR (group A) and 23 by serology (group B). Ten group A patients (52.6%) were also positive by serology. Our results show that pertussis needs to be a consideration in persistent cough. We believe that increased awareness of the medical community, along with improved laboratory tests will result in increased detection of pertussis that is still considered by many physicians as a childhood infection.

Placebo-driven clinical trials of yeast-derived ß-(1-3) glucan in children with chronic respiratory problems.

BACKGROUND: The role of glucan in stimulation of immune reactions has been studied for several decades. In this report we focused on the effects of orally administered glucan in children with chronic respiratory problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the levels of albumin, lysozyme and CRP in saliva of 40 children aged 8-12 years and evaluate the effects of 100 mg/d oral dose of glucan. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in production of changes in production of lysozyme and CRP in glucan-treated children. In addition, a strong improvement in general conditions was found. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator ß-glucan stimulated mucosal immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems.