Hepatoprotective Effects of Aureobasidium pullulans Derived ß 1,3-1,6 Glucans in a Murine Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are highly prevalent conditions characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. Conventional modalities are mainly symptomatic, with no definite solution. Beta-glucan-based biological response modifiers are a potential strategy in lieu of their beneficial metabolic effects. Aureobasidium pullulans strains AFO-202 and N-163 beta-glucans were evaluated for anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory hepatoprotective potentials in a NASH animal model in this study. Methods: In the STAM™ murine model of NASH, five groups were studied for 8 weeks: (1) vehicle (RO water), (2) AFO-202 beta-glucan; (3) N-163 beta-glucan, (4) AFO-202+N-163 beta-glucan, and (5) telmisartan (standard pharmacological intervention). Evaluation of biochemical parameters in plasma and hepatic histology including Sirius red staining and F4/80 immunostaining were performed. Results: AFO-202 beta-glucan significantly decreased inflammation-associated hepatic cell ballooning and steatosis. N-163 beta-glucan decreased fibrosis and inflammation significantly (P value < 0.05). The combination of AFO-202 with N-163 significantly decreased the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) compared with other groups. Conclusion: This preclinical study supports the potential of N-163 and AFO-202 beta-glucans alone or in combination as potential preventive and therapeutic agent(s), for NASH.

ß­glucan vaccine adjuvant approach for cancer treatment through immune enhancement (B­VACCIEN) in specific immunocompromised populations (Review).

The incidence of cancer, which is the second leading cause of mortality globally, continues to increase, although continued efforts are being made to identify effective treatments with fewer side­effects. Previous studies have reported that chronic microinflammation, which occurs in diseases, including diabetes, along with weakened immune systems, may ultimately lead to cancer development. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the mainstream approaches to treatment; however, they all lead to immune system weakness, which in turn increases the metastatic spread. The aim of the present review was to provide evidence of a biological response modifier ß­glucan [ß­glucan vaccine adjuvant approach to treating cancer via immune enhancement (B­VACCIEN)] and its beneficial effects, including vaccine­adjuvant potential, balancing metabolic parameters (including blood glucose and lipid levels), increasing peripheral blood cell cytotoxicity against cancer and alleviating chemotherapy side effects in animal models. This suggests its value as a potential strategy to provide long­term prophylaxis in immunocompromised individuals or genetically prone to cancer.