ß-Glucan Extracted from Highland Barley Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in C57BL/6J Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which significantly affects human health, has two primary presentations: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Highland barley is the most common food crop for Tibetans and contains much more ß-glucan than any other crop. Highland barley ß-glucan (HBBG) can relieve the gastrointestinal dysfunction and promote intestines health. This study aimed to evaluate whether HBBG can relieve UC in mice. A mouse model of UC was established by adding 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to drinking water for 1 week. UC was alleviated after the introduction of the HBBG diet, as indicated by reductions in the disease activity index (DAI) score, histopathological damage, and the concentration of colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO), along with an improvement in colonic atrophy. Furthermore, we found that HBBG can increase the relative transcriptional levels of genes encoding ZO-1, claudin-1, occludin, and mucin2 (MUC2), thereby reducing intestinal permeability. Additionally, HBBG maintained the balance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and modulated the structure of the intestinal flora.

Ganoderma lucidum: A potential source to surmount viral infections through ß-glucans immunomodulatory and triterpenoids antiviral properties.

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) polysaccharides and triterpenoids are the major bioactive compounds and have been used as traditional medicine for ancient times. Massive demands of G. lucidum have fascinated the researchers towards its application as functional food, nutraceutical and modern medicine owing to wide range of application in various diseases include immunomodulators, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective. G. lucidum polysaccharides exhibit immunomodulatory properties through boosting the action of antigen-presenting cells, mononuclear phagocyte system, along with humoral and cellular immunity. ß-Glucans isolated from G. lucidum are anticipated to produce an immune response through pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). ß-Glucans after binding with dectin-1 receptor present on different cells include macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells and neutrophils produce signal transduction that lead to trigger the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), T cells and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) that refer to cytokines production and contributing to immune response. While triterpenoids produce antiviral effects through inhibiting various enzymes like neuraminidase, HIV-protease, DENV2 NS2B-NS3 protease and HSV multiplication. Polysaccharides and triterpenoids adjunct to other drugs exhibit potential action in prevention and treatment of various diseases. Immunomodulators and antiviral properties of this mushroom could be a potential source to overcome this current pandemic outbreak.

Binding Specificity of a New Artificial ß-Glucan Recognition Protein and Its Application to ß-Glucan Detection in Mushroom Extracts.

ß-1,3-D-glucan (BG) activates innate immunity and enhances immune responses. Fungi, such as mushrooms, produce a relatively large amount of BG, the structure and molecular weight of which varies depending on the species of fungi. This study was conducted to develop a detection probe for quantifying or detecting BG from fungi using BG-binding proteins. The binding properties of a new ß-glucan recognition protein (BGRP) against various BGs were compared. With reference to the amino acid sequences of BGRP in insects, an artificial BGRP (supBGRP) was designed with higher production efficiency using gene recombination technology. SupBGRP was produced in Escherichia coli with high efficiency, and its reactivity with BG from fungi was the highest among the BG-binding proteins examined. SupBGRP exhibited high reactivity with 1,6-branched BG and will be useful for the quantification and detection of fungal BG.

In vivo assessment of the protection conferred by ß-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus against the harmful effects of acrylamide intake (Part I).

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: acrylamide is formed in food through Maillard's reaction during thermal processing, and has been shown to be neurotoxic in humans, and a possible carcinogen. Studies have shown that ß-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus have diverse biological properties such as antioxidant and anticancer activities. Objective: the aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effect of ß-glucans from Pleurotus ostreatus against the harmful effects of acrylamide consumption in mice. Methods: ß-glucans were obtained by alkaline-acid hydrolysis of Pleurotus ostreatus, and the content was characterized by liquid chromatography. To evaluate the effect of ß-glucans on the expression of glutathione, Balb/c mice were used, and 4 test groups were established. All groups were fed normally, and the groups treated with acrylamide were administered the compound intragastrically at a concentration of 50 g/mL; ß-glucans were administered at a concentration of 50 g/mL. Results: mice exposed to acrylamide showed a marked variation in the activity of glutathione enzymes in the liver. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were only found in the expression of glutathione transferase, which was increased almost 3 times in the group treated with ß-glucans as compared with the control group, and 1.5 times as compared with the group treated with acrylamide. Conclusions: the results show that ß-glucans could act by increasing the activity of enzymes involved in xenobiotic detoxification, thus protecting the biological system against the harmful effects caused by acrylamide intake.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la acrilamida se forma en los alimentos a través de la reacción de Maillard durante el proceso térmico, y ha demostrado ser neurotóxica en humanos y un posible carcinógeno. Algunos estudios han demostrado que los ß-glucanos de Pleurotus ostreatus tienen diversas propiedades biológicas, como actividades antioxidantes y anticancerígenas. Objetivo: el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto protector de los ß-glucanos de Pleurotus ostreatus contra los efectos nocivos por consumo de acrilamida en ratones (prueba in vivo). Métodos: los ß-glucanos se obtuvieron por hidrólisis ácido-alcalina de Pleurotus ostreatus y su contenido se caracterizó por cromatografía líquida. La oxidación de los lípidos se evaluó mediante el método de TBARS, y para evaluar el efecto de los ß-glucanos en la expresión de glutatión se usaron ratones Balb/c, y se establecieron 4 grupos de prueba. Todos los grupos fueron alimentados normalmente; a lo grupos tratados con acrilamida, esta se les administró intragástricamente en una concentración de 50 µg/ml, y los ß-glucanos en una concentración de 50 µg/ml. Resultados: en el presente trabajo, los ratones expuestos a acrilamida mostraron una marcada variación en la actividad de las enzimas de glutatión determinadas en el hígado. Solo se encontraron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) en la expresión de glutatión-transferasa, que aumentó casi 3 veces en el grupo tratado con ß-glucano en comparación con el grupo de control, y 1,5 veces con respecto al grupo tratado con acrilamida. Conclusiones: los resultados muestran que los ß-glucanos podrían actuar como agentes antioxidantes que protegen el hígado contra el estrés oxidativo causado por la ingesta de acrilamida.

Quantification of ß-Glucan from Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms Using Novel Artificial ß-Glucan Recognition Protein.

(1->3)-ß-D-glucans (BGs), found in culinary-medicinal mushrooms, exhibit an immunostimulatory effect; hence, it is important to measure the content of BGs contained in mushrooms. BGs content in a mushroom extract was measured using a recombinant BG-binding protein, supBGRP, and compared with the existing BG assay using BGs antibody. The specificity of supBGRP enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was evaluated using a commercially available polysaccharide reagent. The supBGRP did not react to barley glucan, dextran, mannan, pustulan, and xylan, but reacted to sonifilan, and only slightly to curdlan. Among the BGs tested, supBGRP was most reactive to lentinan. The glucans were extracted using hot water and alkaline solution from the fruit body of the following edible mushrooms: Pleurotus ostreatus, Grifola frondosa, Lentinus edodes, Hypsizygus marmoreus, Flammulina velutipes, and Auricularia polytricha. All BGs extracted from edible mushrooms were detectable; in particular, the reactivity of supBGRP toward the alkaline-extracted fraction from Lentinus edodes was higher than that toward polyclonal antibody for BGs. The results suggest that supBGRP had a specific reaction to BG. The supBGRP seems to be superior to antibodies due to easy availability as a reagent and stability as a protein molecule for measurement of BGs.

The Birch Bracket Medicinal Mushroom, Fomitopsis betulina (Agaricomycetes) - Bioactive Source for Beta-Glucan Fraction with Tumor Cell Migration Blocking Ability.

Wild-grown fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Fomitopsis betulina (Agaricomycetes, birch bracket mushroom, = Piptoporus betulinus) in different growing stages were collected and analyzed for their beta-glucan content. It could be shown that no significant difference in beta-glucan content regarding size or location of the collected fruiting bodies could be determined, but all samples displayed high values of beta-glucan in comparison to other well-known culinary or medicinal mushroom species. Furthermore, F. betulina fruiting bodies extracted with cold sodium chloride were separated into several fractions by cross flow ultrafiltration, and glucan and protein content were analyzed. The fractions showed varying amounts of beta-glucan and very low protein contents were detected. Also, bioactivity of the fractionated extract was analyzed. None of the mushroom extract fractions induced significant cytotoxicity after 48 h of incubation at a concentration up to 1 mg/mL. Interestingly, in a scratch wound assay, the extract FbS 1, an ultrafiltrated fraction > 300 kDa, was able to block tumor cell migration by 38% compared to solvent control after 48 h of incubation at a concentration of 0.33 mg/mL. In conclusion, our results have high potential for identifying novel antitumor activities based on F. betulina.

Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation Downregulates Markers of Systemic Inflammation after Heated Treadmill Exercise.

Aerobic exercise and thermal stress instigate robust challenges to the immune system. Various attempts to modify or supplement the diet have been proposed to bolster the immune system responses. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of yeast beta-glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation. Healthy, active men (29.6 ± 6.7 years, 178.1 ± 7.2 cm, 83.2 ± 11.2 kg, 49.6 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, n = 16) and women (30.1 ± 8.9 years, 165.6 ± 4.1 cm, 66.7 ± 10.0 kg, 38.7 ± 5.8 mL/kg/min, n = 15) were randomly assigned in a double-blind and cross-over fashion to supplement for 13 days with either 250 mg/day of yeast beta-glucan (YBG) or a maltodextrin placebo (PLA). Participants arrived fasted and completed a bout of treadmill exercise at 55% peak aerobic capacity (VO2Peak) in a hot (37.2 ± 1.8 °C) and humid (45.2 ± 8.8%) environment. Prior to and 0, 2, and 72 h after completing exercise, changes in white blood cell counts, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, markers of muscle damage, markers of muscle function, soreness, and profile of mood states (POMS) were assessed. In response to exercise and heat, both groups experienced significant increases in white blood cell counts, plasma creatine kinase and myoglobin, and soreness along with reductions in peak torque and total work with no between-group differences. Concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines in YBG were lower than PLA for macrophage inflammatory protein 1ß (MIP-1ß) (p = 0.044) and tended to be lower for interleukin 8 (IL-8) (p = 0.079), monocyte chemoattractment protein 1 (MCP-1) (p = 0.095), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (p = 0.085). Paired samples t-tests using delta values between baseline and 72 h post-exercise revealed significant differences between groups for IL-8 (p = 0.044, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): (0.013, 0.938, d = -0.34), MCP-1 (p = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.087, 2.942, d = -0.33), and MIP-1ß (p = 0.010, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.85, d = -0.33). POMS outcomes changed across time with anger scores in PLA exhibiting a sharper decline than YBG (p = 0.04). Vigor scores (p = 0.04) in YBG remained stable while scores in PLA were significantly reduced 72 h after exercise. In conclusion, a 13-day prophylactic period of supplementation with 250 mg of yeast-derived beta-glucans invoked favorable changes in cytokine markers of inflammation after completing a prolonged bout of heated treadmill exercise.

Isolation of ß-glucan from Eleusine coracana and its antibiofilm, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and biocompatible activities.

Eleusine coracana (Finger millet) has high nutritional value with numerous health benefits and is of low cost. Isolation of beta-glucan (ßG) from E. coracana (Ec-ßG) has gained increasing research attention. UV-vis spectroscopy used to measure the surface plasmon resonance at 361 nm to confirm the presence of polysaccharides (glucan molecules) in Ec-ßG. X-ray diffraction analysis of Ec-ßG displayed a crystalline nature and confirmed the presence of the ßG molecule. Further, the bioactive compounds of Ec-ßG were screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of Ec-ßG against both Gram-positive (Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Proteus vulgaris, Shigella sonnei) bacteria were assessed through minimum inhibitory concentrations <70 µg/ml of Ec-ßG. In addition, the antibiofilm activity and bacterial viability of Ec-ßG at 100 µg/ml was confirmed by light and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, Ec-ßG inhibits α-amylase and α-glucosidase at an IC50 -value of 1.23 and 1.42 µg/ml, respectively. Superoxide anion scavenging activity at IC50-1.4 µg/ml and DPPH radical scavenging activity at IC50-1.2 µg/ml showed that Ec-ßG had potential antioxidant property. The in vitro hemolysis assay for biocompatibility of Ec-ßG at 200 µg/ml showed 0.06 ± 0.09%. Therefore, Ec-ßG has the potential to act as a suggestive agent for antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activity.

Immunomodulating Effects Exerted by Glucans Extracted from the King Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Pleurotus eryngii (Agaricomycetes) Grown in Substrates Containing Various Concentrations of Olive Mill Waste.

We have recently demonstrated that we could enhance glucan content in Pleurotus eryngii following cultivation of the mushrooms on a substrate containing different concentrations of olive mill solid waste (OMSW). These changes are directly related to the content of OMSW in the growing substrate. Using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-in-flammatory bowel disease (IBD) mice model, we measured the colonic inflammatory response to the different glucan preparations. We found that the histology damaging score (HDS) resulting from DSS treatment reach a value of 11.8 ± 2.3 were efficiently downregulated by treatment with the fungal extracted glucans. Glucans extracted from stalks cultivated at 20% OMSW downregulated to a HDS value of 6.4 ± 0.5 whereas those cultivated at 80% OMSW showed the strongest effects (5.5 ± 0.6). Similar downregulatory effects were obtained for expression of various intestinal cytokines. All tested glucans were equally effective in regulating the number of CD14/CD16 monocytes from 18.2 ± 2.7% for DSS to 6.4 ± 2.0 for DSS + glucans extracted from stalks cultivated at 50% OMSW. We tested the effect of glucans on lipopolysaccharide-induced production of TNF-α, which demonstrated that stalk-derived glucans were more effective than caps-derived glucans. Isolated glucans competed with anti-Dectin-1 and anti-CR3 antibodies, indicating that they contain ß-glucans recognized by these receptors. In conclusion, the most effective glucans in ameliorating IBD-associated symptoms induced by DSS treatment in mice were glucan extracts prepared from the stalk of P. eryngii grown at higher concentrations of OMSW. We conclude that these stress-induced growing conditions may be helpful in selecting more effective glucans derived from edible mushrooms.

Structural Characterization and Chain Conformation of Water-Soluble ß-Glucan from Wild Cordyceps sinensis.

Water-soluble ß-d-glucan was obtained from wild Cordyceps sinensis by alkali solution and ethanol precipitation. The structure characteristics were determined using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), methylation combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and one-/two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results showed that ß-d-glucan had a structure of every seven (1→3)-ß-d-Glcp backbone residues with two (1→6)-ß-d-Glcp branches. Additionally, conformation properties in different solvents were investigated by static light scattering, dynamic light scattering, and HPSEC with multiple detectors. It was found that ß-d-glucan in 0.5 M NaOH had a narrow unimodal distribution of hydrodynamic radius displaying a spherical coil conformation, whereas it formed severe aggregation in dimethyl sulfoxide. In 0.1 M NaNO3, ß-d-glucan mainly existed as a rod-like conformation corresponding to a helical structure together with small aggregates (10%). This work added more information to the understanding of C. sinensis polysaccharides.

Structure and Immunomodulatory Activity of Microparticulate Mushroom Sclerotial ß-Glucan Prepared from Polyporus rhinocerus.

In this study, an immunologically active novel microparticulate mushroom ß-glucan (PRA-1p) was prepared using an alkali-soluble glucan PRA-1 by an emulsification and cross-linking method. PRA-1 was a hyperbranched (1→3),(1→6)-ß-d-glucan with a degree of branching of 0.89, isolated from the sclerotia of Polyporus rhinocerus. PRA-1 had a rod-like conformation, while PRA-1p exhibited a monodisperse and homogeneous spherical conformation with a diameter ranging from 0.3 to 2.0 µm in water. PRA-1p significantly induced nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production as well as morphological changes of murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) and upregulated their phagocytic activity. Furthermore, PRA-1p treatment markedly enhanced the secretion of cytokines, including cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine 27, granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. Activation of RAW 264.7 cells triggered by PRA-1p was associated with activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor κB, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and protein kinase B. This work suggests that novel PRA-1p derived from the mushroom sclerotia of P. rhinocerus has potential application as an immunostimulatory agent.

Protective effects of ß-glucan isolated from highland barley on ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats and its benefits to mice gut conditions.

Gastrointestinal tract disease is a global health problem which affects a major part of the world population. In this study, the gastroprotective effects of ß-glucan isolated from highland barley on ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats and its benefits to mice gut health were investigated. Biochemical and pathological analysis methods were adopted to evaluating the gastrointestinal tract protective of ß-glucan isolated from highland barley. In the ulceration model, it was found that ß-glucan treatment could mitigate the gastric lesions and gastric mucosal damage caused by ethanol, decrease the gastric ulcer index. Furthermore, ß-glucan treatment alleviated the gastric oxidative stress injury in vehicle rats through increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, decreasing the level of malondialdehyde. In addition, ß-glucan treatment also could decrease the level of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and increased level of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide. In the mouse gut health promoting model, ß-glucan treatment increased the colon length, faces water contents and the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) both in mice colon and cecum. Taken together, these results may indicate that ß-glucan isolated from highland barley exert protective effects on the gastrointestinal tract of laboratory rodents.

Finding solutions for agricultural wastes: antioxidant and antitumor properties of pomegranate Akko peel extracts and ß-glucan recovery.

Pomegranate peels are the major by-products of the processing of pomegranate juice. Scientific research studies have shown that pomegranate peels are an extraordinary source of bioactive compounds, most of which can be converted into value added products. From this point of view, the present study was carried out with the aim of providing a solid basis for the use of whole pomegranate peels (Akko variety) as a source of nutraceutical compounds, such as ß-glucans. Moreover, acetone (S1) and methanolic (S2) extracts, obtained in the preliminary stage of the ß-glucan isolation procedure, have been tested for their antioxidant and antitumor activities. The total phenolic content and phenolic profile of S1 and S2 were determined. S1 and S2 exhibited a significant DPPH scavenging activity, with an IC50 value for S1 1.5-fold lower than that for the standard Trolox. Both S1 and S2 extracts possess in vitro ROS scavenging activity toward 3T3-L1 murine fibroblasts and Hek-293 human embryonic kidney epithelial cells and antiproliferative activity towards human breast MCF-7 and uterine HeLa cancer cells.

The effect of ß-1,3-glucan derived from Euglena gracilis (Algamune™ ) on the innate immunological responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.).

Algamune™ is a commercial additive produced from Euglena gracilis, providing a rich source of the ß-1,3-glucan paramylon. Isolated kidney phagocytes of Nile tilapia were incubated with graded doses (0, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 µg/ml) of Algamune™ and purified paramylon to gauge their ability to elicit the production of reactive oxygen species. A linear response was observed for extracellular superoxide anion for both sources but only Algamune™ for intracellular superoxide anion. After corroborating the immunostimulant properties ex vivo, a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the dietary supplementation of Algamune™ (0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of diet) for Nile tilapia. Fish were fed for 3 weeks, after which, fish were sampled for blood and head kidney phagocytes. The remaining fish were challenged with Streptococcus iniae. Macrophage extracellular superoxide anion production was significantly elevated in fish fed diets with 200 mg of Algamune™ kg-1 when compared to fish fed the basal diet. Even though the disease challenge did not show statistical differences, it is worth mentioning that fish fed intermediate doses of Algamune™ had lowest numerical mortality values. Therefore, Algamune™ was demonstrated to enhance some immunological responses of tilapia both in ex vivo and in vivo.

Characterization of Polysaccharides from the Fruiting Bodies of Two Species of Genus Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) and Determination of Water-Soluble ß-D-Glucan Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Molecular weight (Mw) distributions of polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of different Ganoderma lucidum strains and G. sinense were investigated and compared using high-pressure size exclusion chromatography/multiangle laser light scattering/refractive index analysis. Results showed that there were big differences in the Mw distributions and characteristics of polysaccharides from 2 species of Ganoderma. All tested G. lucidum materials exhibited similar polysaccharide distributions and similar characteristics for each fraction. The fraction with highest Mw (peak 1) was identified as ß-(1→3)-linked D-glucan with (1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl side branches. G. sinense fruiting bodies did not include the ß-D-glucan when compared with G. lucidum. A high-pressure size exclusion chromatography method was developed and applied to determine the amount of high-Mw ß-D-glucan in G. lucidum fruiting bodies. Results indicated that there was no obvious relationship between ß-D-glucan content and the genetic similarity of G. lucidum. The strain labeled "Longzhi no. 2" was determined to possess the largest amount of ß-D-glucan: 8.2 mg/mL based on the dry weight of fruiting bodies. The ß-D-glucan content in the hot water extract of Longzhi no. 2 reached 17.05%. For the "Hunong no. 1" strain, the ß-D-glucan content in log-cultivated fruiting bodies was much higher than that in bag-cultivated ones. This method could be used to improve quality control of polysaccharides in G. lucidum.

ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF OAT ß-GLUCAN IN COMBINATION WITH ELECTROPORATION ON HUMAN CANCER CELLS.

The currently available data suggest that natural products may exert significant cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. Plant-derived chemotherapeutic agents such as taxol, etoposide or vincristine, currently used in cancer therapy, are prominent examples in this regard. However, there is a need for new and nat- ural anticancer compounds with low or without toxicity to normal cells. One of the active compounds responsible for the immune effects is ß-glucan derived from cereals, fungi, seaweeds, yeasts and bacteria. The recent data suggest that ß-glucans are potent immunomodulators with anticancer properties. Antitumor properties of fungi and yeast derived ß-glucans have been widely recognized, but those polysaccharides are mostly insoluble, creating several problems especially in topical formulation. To overcome the issue of low water solubility, in the current study a more soluble ß-glucan type from oats was chosen for the investigation of its antitumor activities. Cytotoxic effects were studied using a human melanoma cell line (Me45). The effect of electroporation on the antitumor activity of oat ß-glucan was investigated as well. Cellular viability assessment, immuno-cytochemistry and immunofluochemistry were employed to evaluate biologic effects. Our results indicate strong anticancer properties of oat ß-glucan, enhanced by electroporation.

Exercise and Beta-Glucan Consumption (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Improve the Metabolic Profile and Reduce the Atherogenic Index in Type 2 Diabetic Rats (HFD/STZ).

Physical activity and the ingestion of dietary fiber are non-drug alternatives commonly used as adjuvants to glycemic control in diabetic individuals. Among these fibers, we can highlight beta-glucans. However, few studies have compared isolated and synergic effects of physical exercise and beta-glucan ingestion, especially in type 2 diabetic rats. Therefore, we evaluated the effects beta-glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) consumption, associated or not to exercise, on metabolic parameters of diabetic Wistar rats. The diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) associated with a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ-35 mg/kg). Trained groups were submitted to eight weeks of exercise in aquatic environment. In the last 28 days of experiment, animals received 30 mg/kg/day of beta-glucan by gavage. Isolated use of beta-glucan decreased glucose levels in fasting, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), the atherogenic index of plasma. Exercise alone also decreased blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and renal lesions. An additive effect for reducing the atherogenic index of plasma and renal lesions was observed when both treatments were combined. It was concluded that both beta-glucan and exercise improved metabolic parameters in type 2 (HFD/STZ) diabetic rats.

Effect of consuming novel foods consisting high oleic canola oil, barley ß-glucan, and DHA on cardiovascular disease risk in humans: the CONFIDENCE (Canola Oil and Fibre with DHA Enhanced) study - protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been identified as a major contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Current recommendations for dietary management of people with MetS involve quantitative and qualitative modifications of food intake, such as high consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods. The results from our previous human trials revealed the potential of the dietary components high-oleic acid canola oil (HOCO)-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and high molecular weight barley ß-glucan individually in managing CVD risk factors. Foods with a combination of HOCO-DHA and barley ß-glucan have never been tested for their effects on CVD risk. The objective is to determine the effects of consuming novel foods HOCO-DHA, and barley ß-glucan on managing CVD risk factors in people with MetS. METHODS/DESIGN: We are conducting a randomized, single-blind crossover trial with four treatment phases of 28 days each separated by a 4-week washout interval. Participants (n=35) will be provided with weight-maintaining, healthy balanced diet recommendations according to their energy requirements during the intervention periods. Participants will receive muffins and cookies as treatment foods in a random order and will consume at least one meal per day at the research center under supervision. The four treatments include muffins and cookies consisting of (1) all-purpose flour and HOCO-DHA (50 g/day); (2) barley flour (4.36 g/day of ß-glucan) and a blend of sunflower oil, safflower oil, and butter as control oil (50 g/day); (3) barley flour (4.36 g/day of ß-glucan) and HOCO-DHA (50 g/day; dosage of DHA would be 3 g/day); and (4) all-purpose flour and control oil (50 g/day). At the beginning and end of each phase, we will evaluate anthropometrics; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; blood lipid profile; low-density lipoprotein subfractions and particle size; 10-year Framingham CVD risk score; inflammatory status; and plasma and red blood cell fatty acid profiles, fecal microbiome, and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. CONCLUSION: Cholesterol synthesis will also be studied, using a stable isotope approach. The proposed study will lead to innovation of novel food products, which may result in improvement in the overall cardiovascular health of humans. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT02091583 . Date of registration: 12 March 2014.

Barley ß-glucans extraction and partial characterization.

Barley is rarely used in the food industry, even though it is a main source of ß-glucans, which have important health benefits and a technological role in food. This work evaluated the humid extraction of barley ß-glucans and partially characterized them. The extraction was studied using surface response methodology with both temperature and pH as variables. The extracted ß-glucans were characterized by chemical and rheological analysis, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The effect on extraction of linear and quadratic terms of pH and temperature corresponding to the regression model was significant, and we obtained a maximum concentration of 53.4% at pH 7.56 and temperature 45.5°C, with protein and mainly starch contamination. The extracted ß-glucans presented a higher apparent viscosity than the commercial ones, the behavior of the commercial and extracted samples can be described as Newtonian and pseudoplastic, respectively. The results of infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were characteristic of commercial ß-glucans, indicating that this method is efficient for extracting ß-glucans.

Lactarius rufus (1→3),(1→6)-ß-D-glucans: structure, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.

Medicinal health benefits uses of edible as well as non-edible mushrooms have been long recognized. The pharmacological potential of mushrooms, especially antitumor, immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory activities has been documented. Wild ectomycorrhizal mushroom, Lactarius rufus had the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of their polysaccharides evaluated using the formalin model. Two structurally different (1→3),(1→6)-linked ß-D-glucans were isolated from fruiting bodies. Soluble (FSHW) ß-D-glucan 1-30 mg kg(-1) produced potent inhibition of inflammatory pain caused by formalin when compared with the insoluble one (IHW), suggesting that solubility and/or branching degree could alter the activity of ß-glucans. Their structures were determined using mono- and bi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and controlled Smith degradation. They were ß-D-glucans, with a main chain of (1→3)-linked Glcp residues, substituted at O-6 by single-unit Glcp side chains (IHW), on average to every fourth residue of the backbone, or by mono- and few oligosaccharide side chains for soluble ß-glucan.