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Anticancer Research Jun 2020The aim of this study was to directly compare the anti-infectious and anti-cancer effects of five commercially available glucans.
BACKGROUND/AIM
The aim of this study was to directly compare the anti-infectious and anti-cancer effects of five commercially available glucans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We used five different glucans isolated from algae, yeast, bacteria, oat, and mushroom. We compared their effects on the stimulation of phagocytosis of blood cells, on the secretion of IL-2, and on the inhibition of melanoma and breast and lung cancers. In addition, we evaluated the effects of glucan supplementation on two experimental models of infection.
RESULTS
Most of the tested glucans stimulated phagocytosis and IL-2 secretion, reduced cancer growth, and ameliorated some effects of experimental infections.
CONCLUSION
Glucans can produce significant pleiotropic effects, but the activity varies among individual samples.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Cell Line; Female; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Phagocytosis; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 32487608
DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.14295 -
Journal of Complementary & Integrative... May 2013Mushrooms are considered as nutritionally functional foods and source of physiologically beneficial medicines. Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion's Mane Mushroom or... (Review)
Review
Mushrooms are considered as nutritionally functional foods and source of physiologically beneficial medicines. Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion's Mane Mushroom or Hedgehog Mushroom, is an edible fungus, which has a long history of usage in traditional Chinese medicine. This mushroom is rich in some physiologically important components, especially β-glucan polysaccharides, which are responsible for anti-cancer, immuno-modulating, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and neuro-protective activities of this mushroom. H. erinaceus has also been reported to have anti-microbial, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, wound healing properties among other therapeutic potentials. This review article has overviewed the recent advances in the research and study on H. erinaceus and discussed the potential health beneficial activities of this mushroom, with the recognition of bioactive compounds responsible for these medicinal properties.
Topics: Basidiomycota; Biological Products; Humans; Phytotherapy; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 23735479
DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2013-0001 -
Cellular Microbiology Apr 2005The recognition of conserved microbial structures is a key aspect of metazoan immunity, and beta-glucans are emerging as a major target for the recognition of fungal... (Review)
Review
The recognition of conserved microbial structures is a key aspect of metazoan immunity, and beta-glucans are emerging as a major target for the recognition of fungal pathogens. A number of receptors for these carbohydrates have been identified, which upon recognition, trigger a variety of immune responses. In contrast to many other systems, there is little apparent conservation in these mechanisms between vertebrates and invertebrates. In this review, we will highlight all the known receptors for beta-glucans and will discuss the various immune responses they can initiate, with reference to fungal infection, in both vertebrates and invertebrates.
Topics: Animals; Fungi; Hemolymph; Humans; Immunity; Invertebrates; Mycoses; Receptors, Cell Surface; Vertebrates; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 15760447
DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2005.00505.x -
Physiology & Behavior May 2008The immune response can be modulated by nutrients like beta-glucans, which are glucose polymers that are major structural components of the cell wall of yeast, fungi,... (Review)
Review
The immune response can be modulated by nutrients like beta-glucans, which are glucose polymers that are major structural components of the cell wall of yeast, fungi, and bacteria, but also of cereals like oat and barley. There is a lot of structural variation in the beta-glucans from these different sources, which may influence their physiological functions. In this review the current status concerning possibilities to modulate immune function by beta-glucans is discussed. In vitro as well as in vivo studies in animals and humans show that especially beta-glucans derived from fungi and yeast have immune modulating properties. Most frequently evaluated are effects on leukocyte activity, which has been suggested to contribute to the increased resistance against infections observed after beta-glucan interventions. Although most studies supply the beta-glucans parenteral (e.g. intravenous or subcutaneous), also enteral administrated (dietary) beta-glucan influence the immune response. Although more human studies are needed, it is tempting to suggest that dietary beta-glucans may be a useful tool to prime the host immune system and increase resistance against invading pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Diet; Enteral Nutrition; Humans; Immune System; Immunity; In Vitro Techniques; Parenteral Nutrition; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 18222501
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.11.045 -
Molecular Plant Sep 2009(1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucans consist of unbranched and unsubstituted chains of (1,3)- and (1,4)-beta-glucosyl residues, in which the ratio of (1,4)-beta-D-glucosyl residues... (Review)
Review
(1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucans consist of unbranched and unsubstituted chains of (1,3)- and (1,4)-beta-glucosyl residues, in which the ratio of (1,4)-beta-D-glucosyl residues to (1,3)-beta-D-glucosyl residues appears to influence not only the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide and therefore its functional properties in cell walls, but also its adoption by different plant species during evolution. The (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucans are widely distributed as non-cellulosic matrix phase polysaccharides in cell walls of the Poaceae, which evolved relatively recently and consist of the grasses and commercially important cereal species, but they are less commonly found in lower vascular plants, such as the horsetails, in algae and in fungi. The (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucans have often been considered to be components mainly of primary cell walls, but recent observations indicate that they can also be located in secondary walls of certain tissues. Enzymes involved in the depolymerisation of (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucans have been well characterized. In contrast, initial difficulties in purifying the enzymes responsible for (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan biosynthesis slowed progress in the identification of the genes that encode (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan synthases, but emerging comparative genomics and associated techniques have allowed at least some of the genes that contribute to (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan synthesis in the Poaceae to be identified. Whether similar genes and enzymes also mediate (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan biosynthesis in lower plants and fungi is not yet known. Here, we compare the different fine structures of (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucans across the plant kingdom, present current information on the genes that have been implicated recently in their biosynthesis, and consider aspects of the cell biology of (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan biosynthesis in the Poaceae.
Topics: Cell Wall; Fungi; Plants; Poaceae; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 19825664
DOI: 10.1093/mp/ssp063 -
International Journal of Biological... Jan 2024Gel property is one of the most important abilities to endow protein-based food products with a unique texture and higher overall acceptability. Cereal β-glucan (BG) is... (Review)
Review
Gel property is one of the most important abilities to endow protein-based food products with a unique texture and higher overall acceptability. Cereal β-glucan (BG) is widely applied in protein-based products to improve the stability of the protein gel by increasing water holding capacity, storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G") and linking with protein through more exposed sites, making it easier to form a stronger three-dimensional gel network. In addition, BG may be cross-linked with proteins, or physically embedded and covered in protein network structures, interacting with proteins mainly through non-covalent bonds including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. Furthermore, the transition of the α-helix to the β-form in the protein secondary structure also contributes to the stability of the protein gel. The practical applications of BG from different cereals in protein-based products are summarized, and the rheological properties, microstructure of protein as well as the underlying interaction mechanisms between BG and protein are discussed. In conclusion, cereal BG is a promising polysaccharide in developing nutritional protein-based products with better sensory properties.
Topics: beta-Glucans; Rheology; Polysaccharides; Gels
PubMed: 37952797
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127574 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023β-Glucans are a group of heterogeneous glucose polymers that possess immunomodulatory activities. The complex nature of their structures, uncertainty regarding the...
β-Glucans are a group of heterogeneous glucose polymers that possess immunomodulatory activities. The complex nature of their structures, uncertainty regarding the doses, and variable immune effects pose a challenge to comprehensive understanding. In this study, we investigated the immune responses and apoptosis effects in Nile tilapia () head kidney macrophages (MФ) upon exposure to two β-Glucans (Paramylon and Laminarin) at low and high doses. Our results demonstrate that Paramylon elicits more robust immune responses than Laminarin, albeit with a dose-limiting effect. We also observed that the high-dose Paramylon induces apoptosis, whereas no such effect was detected in Laminarin treatment. Mechanistically, high-dose Paramylon activates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, with significantly up-regulation of intrinsic apoptosis-related genes and impaired mitochondrial function. On the other hand, Laminarin triggers metabolic reprogramming in MФ, resulting in the enrichment of the metabolite α-Ketoglutarate, which protects the MФ from apoptosis. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of identifying the optimal dose range for β-Glucans, based on sources or structures, to achieve maximal immunomodulatory effects. These results have important implications for the design and optimization of β-Glucans-based drugs or adjuvants in immunotherapies.
Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Immunomodulation; Immunotherapy; Apoptosis; Cichlids; Dust; Macrophages
PubMed: 37675105
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243358 -
Natural Product Reports Mar 2011β-Glucans is the common name given to a group of chemically heterogeneous polysaccharides. They are long- or short-chain polymers of (1-->3)-β-linked glucose moieties... (Review)
Review
β-Glucans is the common name given to a group of chemically heterogeneous polysaccharides. They are long- or short-chain polymers of (1-->3)-β-linked glucose moieties which may be branched, with the branching chains linked to the backbone by a (1-->6)-β linkage. β-(1-->3)-Glucans are widely distributed in bacteria, algae, fungi and plants, where they are involved in cell wall structure and other biological function. β-Glucans have been shown to provide a remarkable range of health benefits, and are especially important against the two most common conventional causes of death in industrialized countries, i.e. cardiovascular diseases (where they promote healthy cholesterol and blood glucose levels) and cancer (where they enhance immune system functions). This Highlight provides a comprehensive and up-to-date commentary on β-glucans, their chemistry, physico-chemistry, functional role in immunological responses, and possible applications as therapeutic tools. In addition, we discuss the mechanism behind their health benefits, which are not yet fully understood.
Topics: Bacteria; Chlorophyta; Fungi; Humans; Molecular Structure; Plants; Polysaccharides; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 21240441
DOI: 10.1039/c0np00018c -
Current Medicinal Chemistry 2012Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have greatly advanced the field of anti-cancer immunotherapy and have made a major impact in clinical medicine. While more mAbs have been... (Review)
Review
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have greatly advanced the field of anti-cancer immunotherapy and have made a major impact in clinical medicine. While more mAbs have been approved by the FDA and entered into the clinical therapeutic arena with indications to treat various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, extensive efforts have also been made to make mAb therapy more effective. Combination therapy of anti-tumor mAbs with chemotherapeutic drugs has been widely used in the clinical patient care. In addition, many immune stimulating agents have been specifically studied for this very purpose. One compound in particular, β-glucan, has shown very promising and exciting results in pre-clinical animal models and early phase human clinical trials. β-Glucans are naturally occurring, abundant polysaccharides with different structures that can be extracted and purified from fungi, bacteria, oats and barley. The active components of yeast-derived β-glucan exert their unique immune stimulating functions by binding specifically to complement receptor 3 (CR3) via lectin-like domain (LLD) and activating CR3 to promote cellular cytotoxicity of iC3b-coated cancer cells. In addition, particulate yeast-derived β-glucan stimulates both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. This review covers the anti-cancer mechanisms of anti-tumor mAbs and β-glucans, the pre-clinical studies done with β-glucans in conjunction with anti-tumor mAbs in human carcinoma xenograft models, and the preliminary results of human clinical trials with different β-glucans, as well as those of phase I/II and III studies using the combination of yeast-derived soluble β-glucan and anti-tumor mAbs.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Neoplasm; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 22834812
DOI: 10.2174/092986712802884303 -
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research Jan 2014Yeast-derived beta-glucans (Y-BG) are considered immunomodulatory compounds suggested to enhance the defense against infections and exert anticarcinogenic effects.... (Review)
Review
Yeast-derived beta-glucans (Y-BG) are considered immunomodulatory compounds suggested to enhance the defense against infections and exert anticarcinogenic effects. Specific preparations have received Generally Recognized as Safe status and acceptance as novel food ingredients by European Food Safety Authority. In human trials, orally administered Y-BG significantly reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in individuals susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections, whereas significant differences were not seen in healthy individuals. Increased salivary IgA in healthy individuals, increased IL-10 levels in obese subjects, beneficial changes in immunological parameters in allergic patients, and activated monocytes in cancer patients have been reported following Y-BG intake. The studies were conducted with different doses (7.5-1500 mg/day), using different preparations that vary in their primary structure, molecular weight, and solubility. In animal models, oral Y-BG have reduced the incidence of bacterial infections and levels of stress-induced cytokines and enhanced antineoplastic effects of cytotoxic agents. Protective effects toward drug intoxication and ischemia/reperfusion injury have also been reported. In conclusion, additional studies following good clinical practice principles are needed in which well-defined Y-BG preparations are used and immune markers and disease endpoints are assessed. Since optimal dosing may depend on preparation characteristics, dose-response curves might be assessed to find the optimal dose for a specific preparation.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Humans; Interleukin-10; Respiratory Tract Infections; Yeasts; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 24019098
DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300338