Metabolic variables of obese dogs with insulin resistance supplemented with yeast beta-glucan.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the most common nutritional disorders in dogs and cats and is related to the development metabolic comorbidities. Weight loss is the recommended treatment, but success is difficult due to the poor satiety control. Yeast beta-glucans are known as biological modifiers because of their innumerable functions reported in studies with mice and humans, but only one study with dogs was found. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with 0.1% beta-glucan on glucose, lipid homeostasis, inflammatory cytokines and satiety parameters in obese dogs. Fourteen dogs composed three experimental groups: Obese group (OG) with seven dogs with body condition score (BCS) 8 or 9; Lean group (LG) included seven non-obese dogs with a BCS of 5; and Supplemented Obese group (SOG) was the OG dogs after 90 days of consumption of the experimental diet. RESULTS: Compared to OG, SOG had lower plasma basal glycemic values (p = 0.05) and reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. TNF-α was lower in SOG than in OG (p = 0.05), and GLP-1 was increased in SOG compared to OG and LG (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These results are novel and important for recognizing the possibility of using beta-glucan in obesity prevention and treatment.

Beneficial effects of novel aureobasidium pullulans strains produced beta-1,3-1,6 glucans on interleukin-6 and D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients; results of a randomized multiple-arm pilot clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: In this pilot clinical study, we report the beneficial effects of beta glucans derived from two strains AFO-202 and N-163 of a black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans on the biomarkers for cytokine storm and coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A total of 24 RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients were recruited and randomly divided into three groups (Gr): Gr. 1 control (n = 8) - Standard treatment; Gr. 2: Standard treatment + AFO-202 beta glucan (n = 8); and Gr. 3, Standard treatment + combination of AFO-202 and N-163 beta glucans (n = 8) for 30 days. RESULTS: There was no mortality or requirement of ventilation of the subjects in any of the groups. There was a decrease in D-Dimer values (751 ng/ml to 143.89 ng/ml) and IL-6 values (7.395-3.16 pg/ml) in Gr. 1 in 15 days but the levels increased to abnormal levels on day 30 (D-Dimer: 202.5 ng/ml; IL-6 55.37 pg/ml); which steadily decreased up to day 30 in groups 2 (D-dimer: 560.99 ng/dl to 79.615; IL-6: 26.18-3.41 pg/ml) and 3 (D-dimer: 1614 ng/dl to 164.25 ng/dl; IL-6: 6.25-0.5 pg/ml). The same trend was observed with ESR. LCR and LeCR increased while NLR decreased significantly in Gr. 3. CD4 + and CD8 + T cell count showed relatively higher increase in Gr.3. There was no difference in CRP within the groups. CONCLUSION: As these beta glucans are well known food supplements with a track record for safety, larger multi-centric clinical studies are recommended to validate their use as an adjunct in the management of COVID-19 and the ensuing long COVID-19 syndrome.

Evaluation of novel nutraceuticals based on the combination of oat beta-glucans and a green coffee phenolic extract to combat obesity and its comorbidities. A randomized, dose-response, parallel trial.

Obesity and its associated comorbidities are a major public health concern worldwide. Reduced energy intake and increased physical activity interventions have limited success in the long term. Nutraceuticals might be an alternative means to help lose weight and reduce obesity-associated cardiometabolic risk factors without changes in the habitual diet. The objective of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the efficiency of nutraceuticals based on the combination of a decaffeinated green coffee bean extract (GCBE) and two types of oat beta-glucans (BG) with different physiochemical properties on obesity related biomarkers in overweight/obese subjects. A randomized, dose-response, parallel, blind study was carried out in four groups of subjects (n = 15 each) who consumed for 6 weeks, twice a day, a nutraceutical containing 3 g d-1 or 5 g d-1 doses of 35% or 70% BG and a fixed amount of GCBE providing 600 mg d-1 of phenols. 35% BG showed a 10 and 100 times higher molecular weight and viscosity, respectively, compared to 70% BG. Food intake, anthropometry and different cardiometabolic markers were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention. According to the general model of variance with repeated measure analysis, the intervention caused positive changes in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, haemoglobin A1c, insulin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total body fat percentage (TBF%), visceral fat percentage, and waist and hip circumferences without differences among the treatments, except for SBP and TBF%. Looking into the rates of change [(end value - beginning value)/beginning value] of these parameters, 5 g - 70% BG was the treatment that lowered TBF% the most. In conclusion, 5 g - 70% BG may be more effective in helping to lose weight and additionally, it produced the least bloating according to participants' subjective perception.

Effect and Tolerability of a Nutritional Supplement Based on a Synergistic Combination of ß-Glucans and Selenium- and Zinc-Enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ABB C1®) in Volunteers Receiving the Influenza or the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 72 volunteers who received a synergistic combination of yeast-based ingredients with a unique ß-1,3/1,6-glucan complex and a consortium of heat-treated probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae rich in selenium and zinc (ABB C1®) or placebo on the next day after getting vaccinated against influenza (Chiromas®) (n = 34) or the COVID-19 (Comirnaty®) (n = 38). The duration of treatment was 30 and 35 days for the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine groups, respectively. Mean levels of CD4+T cells increased from 910.7 at baseline to 1000.2 cells/µL after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the ABB C1® group, whereas there was a decrease from 1055.1 to 929.8 cells/µL in the placebo group. Changes of CD3+T and CD8+T lymphocytes showed a similar trend. In the COVID-19 cohort, the increases in both IgG and IgM were higher in the ABB C1® supplement than in the placebo group. Serum levels of selenium and zinc showed a higher increase in subjects treated with the active product than in those receiving placebo. No serious adverse events related to ABB C1® or tolerance issues were reported. The study findings validate the capacity of the ABB C1® product to stimulate trained immunity.

Immunomodulating Effects of Fungal Beta-Glucans: From Traditional Use to Medicine.

The importance of a well-functioning and balanced immune system has become more apparent in recent decades. Various elements have however not yet been uncovered as shown, for example, in the uncertainty on immune system responses to COVID-19. Fungal beta-glucans are bioactive molecules with immunomodulating properties. Insights into the effects and function of beta-glucans, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, advances with the help of modern immunological and biotechnological methods. However, it is still unclear into which area beta-glucans fit best: supplements or medicine? This review has highlighted the potential application of fungal beta-glucans in nutrition and medicine, reviewing their formulation, efficacy, safety profile, and immunomodulating effects. The current status of dietary fungal glucans with respect to the European scientific requirements for health claims related to the immune system and defense against pathogens has been reviewed. Comparing the evidence base of the putative health effects of fungal beta-glucan supplements with the published guidance documents by EFSA on substantiating immune stimulation and pathogen defense by food products shows that fungal beta-glucans could play a role in supporting and maintaining health and, thus, can be seen as a good health-promoting substance from food, which could mean that this effect may also be claimed if approved. In addition to these developments related to food uses of beta-glucan-containing supplements, beta-glucans could also hold a novel position in Western medicine as the concept of trained immunity is relatively new and has not been investigated to a large extent. These innovative concepts, together with the emerging success of modern immunological and biotechnological methods, suggest that fungal glucans may play a promising role in both perspectives, and that there are possibilities for traditional medicine to provide an immunological application in both medicine and nutrition.

Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Beta-glucans are polysaccharides that exhibit a wide range of biological properties as a result of their varying chemical composition. Like all dietary fibers, they avoid catabolism in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and they reach the large intestine undigested. There, they undergo fermentation by the gut microbiota, a process that has potential beneficial effects for the host. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effects of consumption of beta-(1 → 3,1 → 6)-d-glucans, naturally found in the cell walls of fungi, on health outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science to retrieve studies that applied randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the impact of exclusive oral administration of fungal beta-glucans in any form and at any dosage to healthy subjects or patients. RESULTS: Thirty-four RCTs, of the 917 records retrieved in total, met the eligibility criteria and are included in the present review. The sources of fungal beta-glucans were Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aureobasidium pullulans, Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes and Ganoderma lucidum, and the dosage of supplementation ranged from 2.5 to 1000 mg daily for up to 6.5 months. The primary physiological outcome of the majority of the interventions was immunomodulation, which resulted in (a) strengthened immune defense that reduces the incidence and symptoms of cold, flu and other respiratory infections and (b) improvement of allergic symptoms. However, the findings on the induction of immune response alterations were inconsistent at the cellular and molecular levels. Another aspect is psychological wellbeing, as the cohorts that received the polysaccharides of interest reported improvement in their mood states as well as amelioration of overall wellbeing. At the same time, it might also be useful as a complementary agent to patients undergoing cancer therapies. Furthermore, supplements containing beta-(1 → 3,1 → 6)-d-glucan administered to overweight/obese adults might have the potential to decrease comorbid conditions associated with obesity. Notably, no adverse event causally related to glucans was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with beta-(1 → 3,1 → 6)-d-glucans is well-tolerated, and health-promoting properties are manifested primarily through the potentiation of the immune system. More studies are required to confirm their additional beneficial effects, to establish the optimal dose, and to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms.

High ß-Glucan Barley Supplementation Improves Glucose Tolerance by Increasing GLP-1 Secretion in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism for the improvement of glucose tolerance following intake of high ß-glucan barley (HGB) in terms of intestinal metabolism. C57BL/6J male mice were fed a fatty diet supplemented with HGB corresponding to 5% of dietary fiber for 83 days. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of the experimental period. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum was analyzed by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The mRNA expression levels related to L cell function in the ileum were measured by real-time PCR. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels in the portal vein and cecal content were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. GLP-1-producing L cells of the ileum were quantified by immunohistochemistry. HGB intake improved glucose tolerance and increased the cecal levels of SCFAs, acetate, and propionate. The number of GLP-1-positive L cells in the HGB group was significantly higher than in the control group. GLP-1 levels in the portal vein and cecal GLP-1 pool size in the HGB group were significantly higher than the control group. In conclusion, we report improved glucose tolerance after HGB intake induced by an increase in L cell number and subsequent rise in GLP-1 secretion.

Dietary ß-glucan (MacroGard®) improves innate immune responses and disease resistance in Nile tilapia regardless of the administration period.

The effects of dietary ß-glucan on innate immune responses have been shown in a number of different vertebrate species. However, there is conflicting information about the period of administration (shorter vs. longer), and it is also unclear to what extent ß-glucan's effects can be observed post-treatment in fish. Thus, we fed Nile tilapia for 0 (control group; 45 days of control diet), 15 (30 days of control followed by 15 days of ß-glucan), 30 (15 days of control followed by 30 days of ß-glucan) or 45 days with a diet containing 0.1% of ß-glucan (MacroGard®). We evaluated the growth performance at the end of the ß-glucan feeding trial and the innate immune function immediately after the feeding trial and 7 and 14 days post-feeding trial. In addition, at day 10 post-feeding trial, we assessed the tilapia's resistance against a bacterial infection. No significant differences were observed in growth performance between the groups; however, fish fed with ß-glucan for 30 and 45 days had higher (approx. 8%) relative weight gain compared to the control. Regardless of the administration period, fish fed with ß-glucan had higher innate immune responses immediately after the feeding trial such as lysozyme activity in plasma, liver and intestine and respiratory burst compared to the control, and in general these differences were gradually reduced over the withdrawal period (up to 14 days). No differences were observed in the plasma hemolytic activity of the complement or myeloperoxidase activity in plasma or intestine. Moreover, fish from the control group had early mortalities (2 vs. 4-5 days post-infection, respectively) and a lower survival rate (60 vs. 80%, respectively) compared to fish fed with ß-glucan for 15 or 30 days, and, interestingly, fish fed for 45 days with ß-glucan had no mortality. This study indicates that regardless of the administration period (i.e., 15 up to 45 days), the ß-glucan improved the innate immune responses and the tilapia's resistance to disease, and this protection could be observed up to 10 days post-feeding trial, adding in vivo evidence that ß-glucan may contribute to a trained innate immunity. Additionally, we showed that a longer period of administration did not cause immunosuppression as previously hypothesized but promoted further growth and immune performance. These findings are relevant to the aquaculture industry and demonstrate that a longer ß-glucan feeding protocol may be considered to achieve better results.

Dietary supplementation of beta-glucan-rich molasses yeast powder on antibody response to swine fever virus and hematology of starter-grower pigs.

This research investigated the impact of dietary beta-glucan-rich molasses yeast powder (MYP) supplementation on the antibody response to swine fever virus (Titer) and hematology of starter-grower pig. Sixteen cross pigs (30 kg body weight) were equally split into four groups; each group with four replicates and fed four dietary treatments that consisted of basal diets (control) and the basal diets added with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% MYP. Feed and water were consumed ad libitum for 44 days. Feed intake (FI), MYP intake (MYPI), beta-glucan intake (BGI), and Mannan-oligosaccharide intake (MOSI) were recorded daily. Titer was evaluated after 15 (Titer15) and 30 (Titer30) days after vaccination, while hematology was analyzed at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that it was unchangeable for ADFI (P > 0.05). No impacts were observed on hematological variables and Titer15 in MYP fed pigs (P > 0.05). However, supplementation with 7.5% MYP increased platelet count (PC) and Titer30 (P < 0.01), but decreased hematocrit (Hct) (P < 0.05). Titer 30 and titer 15 were linked to MYPI, BGI, and MOSI (P < 0.05). Based on the study, feeding starter-grower pigs diets supplemented with 7.5% MYP might enhance the antibody response to swine fever virus 30 days after vaccination, and it has a potential role in the application in prevention of swine fever virus disease.

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)

Purified ß-glucans from the Shiitake mushroom ameliorates antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pulmonary sepsis.

Bacterial infection remains the main cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome and is a leading cause of death and disability in critically ill patients. Here we report on the use of purified ß-glucan (lentinan) extracts from Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) mushroom that can reduce infection by a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a rodent pneumonia model, likely through immunomodulation. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to intra-tracheal administration of K. pneumoniae to induce pulmonary sepsis and randomized to three groups; vehicle control (Vehicle, n = 12), commercial lentinan (CL, n = 8) or in-house extracted lentinan (IHL, n = 8) were administered intravenously 1 h postinfection. Physiological parameters and blood gas analysis were measured, bacterial counts from bronchoalveolar-lavage (BAL) were determined, along with differential staining of white cells and measurement of protein concentration in BAL 48 h after pneumonia induction. Use of IHL extract significantly decreased BAL CFU counts. Both CL and IHL extractions reduced protein concentration in BAL. Use of IHL resulted in an improvement in physiological parameters compared to controls and CL. In conclusion, administration of lentinan to treat sepsis-induced lung injury appears safe and effective and may exert its effects in an immunomodulatory manner.

Effects of Dietary Fibres on Acute Indomethacin-Induced Intestinal Hyperpermeability in the Elderly: A Randomised Placebo Controlled Parallel Clinical Trial.

The effect of dietary fibres on intestinal barrier function has not been well studied, especially in the elderly. We aimed to investigate the potential of the dietary fibres oat ß-glucan and wheat arabinoxylan to strengthen the intestinal barrier function and counteract acute non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin)-induced hyperpermeability in the elderly. A general population of elderly subjects (≥65 years, n = 49) was randomised to a daily supplementation (12g/day) of oat ß-glucan, arabinoxylan or placebo (maltodextrin) for six weeks. The primary outcome was change in acute indomethacin-induced intestinal permeability from baseline, assessed by an in vivo multi-sugar permeability test. Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline in: gut microbiota composition, systemic inflammatory status and self-reported health. Despite a majority of the study population (85%) showing a habitual fibre intake below the recommendation, no significant effects on acute indomethacin-induced intestinal hyperpermeability in vivo or gut microbiota composition were observed after six weeks intervention with either dietary fibre, compared to placebo.

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.

Concentration of NK cells after ß-glucan and vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

In our study, we focused on possible effects of supplementation with glucan and vitamin D on total numbers of NK cells in patients with diabetic retinopathy. We evaluated possible relations among nutritional state (BMI), leptin levels, and total numbers of NK cells in patients supplemented with (1) glucan and vitamin D, (2) vitamin D and placebo, and (3) vitamin D alone. Our results show that 3 months of supplementation with both glucan and vitamin D resulted in significant improvements of NK cell numbers. In addition, we found statistically significant correlation between NK cell numbers and leptin levels. Based on these results, we propose that the molecule responsible for these changes is glucan, as vitamin D alone or together with placebo caused no effects.

ß-glucan alleviates the immunosuppressive effects of oxytetracycline on the non-specific immune responses and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus hybrids.

This study was conducted to examine the combinatory effects of ß-glucan and oxytetracycline (OTC) on hybrid giant tiger groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus). In vitro tests, OTC significantly reduced superoxide anion production and phagocytic activity in primary head kidney leukocytes. However, this suppressive effect was alleviated by co-treatment with ß-glucan. Subsequently, feeding trials were performed to investigate the potential immunomodulatory effects of dietary ß-glucan alone or in combination with OTC on groupers. A total of 210 healthy groupers (368.00 ± 51.03 g) were divided into six groups. Group 1 was the control group, group 2 (BG) received 5 g ß-glucan per kg feed weight, groups 3-5 received 5 g/kg ß-glucan in combination with 10, 30, or 50 mg OTC/kg fish weight/day (groups M1, M2, and M3, respectively), and group 6 (O) received 50 mg OTC/kg fish weight/day. Fish were sampled to determine the innate immunity parameters and residual OTC levels in the muscle tissue during a 28-day feeding regimen. Residual OTC levels were considerably higher in groups M3 and O compared with the other groups, and peaked on day 14. This was followed by a slight decrease on day 28, despite a continuous supply of OTC. Notably, fish fed with OTC alone had significantly decreased phagocytic rates and superoxide anion production observed in head kidney leukocytes, as well as poorer protection against Vibrio alginolyticus infection. These immunosuppressive effects were not observed in the fish fed with ß-glucan in combination with a lower dose of OTC (group M2). Thus, these data suggest that the combination of dietary ß-glucan and OTC exerts synergistic immunostimulating effects that protect groupers from bacterial infection.

The influence of dietary ß-glucan on immune, transcriptomic, inflammatory and histopathology disorders caused by deltamethrin toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The protective role of ß-glucan (BG) on liver function, histopathology, immune and antioxidant related gene expressions in Nile tilapia exposed to subacute deltamethrin (DLM) was investigated for 30 days. Fish (28.18 ± 1.34 g) of the 1st and 2nd groups fed the control diet, while the 3rd and 4th groups fed BG at 0.5 g/kg and the 2nd and 4th groups were exposed to DLM (15 µg/L) in rearing water. DLM-treated fish displayed a considerable increase in blood biochemical parameters (creatinine, urea and bilirubin) as well as hepatic enzymes (ALP, AST and ALT) (P < 0.05). Blood total protein, globulin, albumin, WBCs, RBCs, Hb, phagocytic index, phagocytic and lysozyme activities were significantly decreased in fish subjected to DLM (P < 0.05). Fish fed BG showed significantly the lowest cortisol and glucose levels, while fish exposed to DLM without feeding BG showed the highest cortisol and glucose levels (P < 0.05) after 15 and 30 days. Additionally, DLM toxicity caused downregulation in antioxidant (CAT and GPx) and immune (IL-1ß and IL-8) related gene expressions, while and IFN-γ, HSP70 and CASP3 were upregulated. The histopathological examination of Nile tilapia exposed to DLM revealed damage in gills, intestine, spleen and liver which confirmed the toxic effects. Conversely, BG presented protective effects and restored the above-mentioned parameters when fish exposed to DLM and fed BG. Thus, BG supplementation exhibited defensive effects against DLM toxicity in Nile tilapia through improving blood biochemical responses, immune, and antioxidant related gene expressions as well as histopathological effects.

Effect of Oat ß-Glucan Supplementation on Chronic Kidney Disease: A Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary supplementation with grains containing high ß-glucan fiber has been shown to attenuate the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and vascular calcification in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of consuming an oat ß-glucan supplement and to assess its effects on certain uremic toxins and markers of mineral metabolism in patients with CKD. DESIGN: This is a 20-week, nonrandomized, single-center, pretest-posttest study. Twenty-eight subjects with CKD stages 3-4 were enrolled. The mean age was 67.6 ± 8.9 years, and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 35 ± 14 mL/min/1.73 m2. Subjects received a dietary supplement containing 3 g of oat ß-glucan per day for 12 weeks. The 4-week period before the start of the intervention was used as a baseline comparison for each subject. The primary outcome was pre-post supplement changes in plasma levels of two uremic toxins: trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and asymmetric dimethylarginine. Secondary outcomes were pre-post supplement changes in serum calcium, phosphorus, and Klotho levels. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test the differences in outcomes over the three-month-long intervention. RESULTS: Serum levels of TMAO decreased by a median of -17% (interquartile range: -46%, 7%) at the end of the intervention. A nonstatistically significant change was observed for asymmetric dimethylarginine (median -0.6% [-12%, 20%]) and serum Klotho (median -3% [-8%, 7%]). There were no changes in serum levels of calcium and phosphorus. One month after discontinuation of ß-glucan therapy, TMAO levels increased by a median of 16% (-12%, 36%) but remained slightly below the pretreatment levels. Eight subjects experienced side effects and discontinued the treatment. CONCLUSION: A diet supplemented with ß-glucan is safe and potentially efficacious in lowering serum concentrations of TMAO in patients with CKD. Larger trials with longer follow-up times are needed to determine whether such reductions translate into clinical benefits.

Soluble and Insoluble Yeast ß-Glucan Differentially Affect Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Marathon Runners: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

In a previous study, consumption of a dairy beverage incorporating insoluble ß-glucan decreased upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptomatic days and severity in marathon runners. In this report, we extended our previous findings by presenting data on a dairy beverage containing soluble ß-glucan and URTI in marathon runners. Healthy adults running in the 2017 Austin Marathon consumed dairy beverages (250 mL/day) containing 250 mg of insoluble (n = 69) or soluble (n = 76) baker's yeast ß-glucan (Wellmune®) or placebo (n = 133) for the 45 days before, day of, and 45 days after the marathon (91 days total). Participants completed a daily online survey assessing compliance and URTI symptoms, which were evaluated using the Jackson Index and confirmed by the study physician. Total severity of URTI was significantly lower in the insoluble yeast ß-glucan group compared to the placebo group, but was not different between the soluble yeast ß-glucan group and placebo group. Severity ratings for nasal discharge were significantly lower in both the insoluble and soluble yeast ß-glucan groups compared to the placebo group. Additionally, severity rating for sore throat was lower in the insoluble, but not the soluble yeast ß-glucan group compared to the placebo group. The insoluble yeast ß-glucan group, but not the soluble yeast ß-glucan group also reported fewer URTI symptomatic days compared to the placebo group. The results suggest that soluble and insoluble yeast ß-glucan, incorporated into a food matrix, differentially affected exercise-induced URTI in marathon runners.

The impacts of seasonal variation on the immune status of Nile tilapia larvae and their response to different immunostimulants feed additives.

Few data are available on the thermal tolerance of Nile tilapia fish larvae in relation to their immune status and survival. The aims of this work were to evaluate the immune status of one day old Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) larval stage collected at the beginning (March), middle (August) and at the end (October) of hatching season through morphometric assessment of the larvae parameters including yolk sac diameter, body length and width as well as the expression of some immune-related genes (rag, sacs and tlr), inflammatory (il1b and il8) and stress related genes (hsp27, hsp70). Also, to compare the effect of three different immunostimulants (ß-glucan, Vitamin C, and methionine/lysine amino acids mix) on the expression of the studied genes at two variant temperatures (23 ± 1 °C and 30 ± 1 °C) in experimental study for 21 days. The immune status of Nile tilapia is affected by thermal fluctuation throughout the hatching season reflected by altered yolk sac size, length, and expression of the immune and stress related genes of the larvae, the best performances was observed at the beginning of the hatching season (March). High temperature (30 °C) suppress immune and stress responses throughout downregulation of all the genes under study, mask any effects for the immunostimulants, increased mortality in fish larvae suggesting narrow thermal tolerance range for the larvae compared with the adult fish. We recommend the use of amino acid mix as immunostimulant for Nile tilapia larvae, it reduces the mortality percentage and improve cellular response. Also, the use of ß-glucan should be prohibited during this developmental stage of larvae, it induced the highest mortality percentage.

Ameliorative effects of dietary Chlorella vulgaris and ß-glucan against diazinon-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The present study was carried out to investigate the toxic effects of diazinon on growth performance, hepato-renal function, antioxidant system, innate immune response and comparing the protective role of dietary Chlorella vulgaris (CV) algae and ß-glucan in intoxicated Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). One hundred and eighty healthy Nile tilapia (20 ± 6.1 g) were distributed equally into four groups; control group, DZN group (0.28 mg/L), DZN-CV group (5% CV) and DZN-ß-glucan group (0.1% ß-glucan) and treatments conducted for about 60 days. The results revealed that administration of DZN significantly increased serum liver enzymes, uric acid, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in different tissues. Meanwhile, glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in different tissues, as well as IgM, C-reactive protein (CRP), respiratory burst, lysozyme and bactericidal activities were significantly decreased in DZN group. In addition, expression of TNF-α gene was up-regulated and IL-10 was down-regulated in spleen of DZN intoxicated fish. The treatment of DZN exposed fish with CV and ß-glucan supplemented diets ameliorated hepatic damage and enhanced antioxidant activity and innate immune responses. Furthermore, dietary Chlorella vulgaris and ß-glucan have a potent anti-inflammatory effect as they remarkably increased the expression of IL-10 and decreased TNF-α gene expression. The results also revealed that fish in DZN-CV group had the highest survival rate, final body weight (FBW) and body weight gain (BWG). On the other hand, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of control, DZN-CV, and DZN- ß-glucan were higher than DZN group. However, the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and spleen-somatic index (SSI) were higher in DZN group than other experimental groups. Overall, CV and ß-glucan can be recommended as a feed supplement to improve immunosuppression, oxidative damage, growth performance and hemato-biochemical alterations induced by DZN toxicity in Nile tilapia.