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The beta 1,3/1,6 glucan used in research presented is from various sources in varying amounts; none involving or determined by this website.

Check the full research to see sources and amounts used in a specific study. No commercial products are presented herein and no claims are made by this non-commercial website regarding any commercial products containing beta 1,3/1,6 glucan nor endorsement of the presented research studies.

Beta Glucan Research – Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Beta Glucan Derived from Yeast Cell Wall – Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan and Derivatives

Condition, Function and Disease Indexed References

“A” through “B”

A


Abdominal Adhesions: Almdahl SM,  Seljelid R; “Semisoluble animated glucan: long-term efficacy against an intraperitoneal E. coli challenge and its effect on formation of abdominal adhesions,” Res Exp Med (Berlin) 187(5): 369-377, 1987.*

Abdominal Pain: Spagnuoto R, Cosco C et al, “Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.” Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, Supply:102-107, PMID: 28724171, June 21, 2017. Quote: “We have shown that supplementation with a mixture of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes reduces bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain, improving the overall clinical condition of IBD-IBS patients.”

Abdominal Sepsis: Lahnborg, et al., “Glucan-Induced Enhancement of Host Resistance in Experimental Intraabdominal Sepis”. Eur. Surg. Res.; 401-408. 1982.*

Acetaminophen Liver Toxicity:   Matic MM, Paunovic MG, MIlosevic MD, et al, “Hematoprotective effects and antioxidant properties of B-glucan and vitamin C against acetaminophen-induced toxicity: an experimental study in rats,” Drug Chem Toxicol, 18: 1-8, PMID 30880499, https://doi.org/10.1080/04180545.2019.1587451, Mar 18 2019. Quote: “Exposure of rats to acetaminophen caused …an increased concentration of oxidative stress parameters and the formation of lipid peroxidation, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased. Administration of B-glucan and/or vitamin C reduced lipid peroxidation and restored the levels of examined hematological and oxidative stress parameters and improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes. …the combination of B-glucan and/or vitamin C amplified the antioxidant defense potential and exhibited a strong hematoprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced toxicity….Therefore, B-glucan and vitamin C co-treatment may be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of acute acetaminophen hematotoxicity.”  Note: Lipid peroxidation is the oxidative degradation of lipids. It is the process in which free radicals “steal” electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage.

Acetaminophen Liver Toxicity:  Toklu HZ, Sehirili AO, Velioglu-Ogunc A, Centinel S, Sener G; “Acetaminophen-induced toxicity is prevented by beta-d-glucan treatment in mice.” European J Pharmacology; 543(1-3):133-40; PMID: 16822497, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.05.033, Jun 2, 2006. Quote: “The protective effect of beta-glucan against oxidative injury caused by acetaminophen [Tylenol, Anacin 3, Tempra, Datril] was studied in mice liver…Acetaminophen caused a significant decrease in the GSH level of the tissue, which was accompanied with significant increases in the hepatic luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence values, malondialdehyde level, MPO activity and collagen content. Similarly, serum ALT, AST levels, as well as LDH and TNF-alpha, were elevated in the acetaminophen-treated group…beta-d-glucan treatment reversed all of these [liver toxicity] biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations that were induced by acetaminophen. In conclusion, these results suggest that beta-d-glucan exerts cytoprotective effects against oxidative injury through its antioxidant properties and may be of therapeutic use in preventing acetaminophen toxicity.”  

Acute Otitis Media [Middle Ear Infection]:  Cetinkaya EA, Ciftci O, et al, “What is the effectiveness of beta-glucan for treatment of acute otitis media?” Braz J Otorhinolaryngol, PMID: 32273203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjori.2020.02.004, Mar 19 2020. [animal study] Quote: “Co-administration of antibiotic and beta-glucan led to a significant reduction in tympanic membrane thickness, inflammation, and epithelium damage…it can be suggested that beta-glucan, in combination with antibiotics may provide an alternative for the treatment of acute otitis media.”

Acute Renal Failure (Nephropathy-Contrast Induced): Koc E, Reis KA, Ebinc FA, Pasaoglu H, Demirtas C, Omeroglu S, Derici UB, Erten Y, Bali M Arinsov T, Sindel S; “Protective effect of beta-glucan on contrast induced-nephropathy [acute renal failure] and a comparison of beta-glucan with nebivolol and N-acetylcysteine in rats.” Dept of Nephrology, Ankara, Turkey; Clin Exp Nephrol, Apr 26 2011. Quote: “…beta-glucan (BG), which has antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. …This study suggest that BG protects or ameliorates against contrast-induced nephropathy [renal failure].”

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) -Bacterial Infections: Masterson CH, Murphy EJ, et al, “Purified B-glucans from the Shiitake mushroom ameliorates antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pulmonary sepsis,” Lett Appl Microbiol, PMID: 32706908,  https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.12258, Jul 24 2020. Quote: “Bacterial  infection remains the main cause of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and is a leading cause of death and disability in critically ill patients. Here we report on the use of purified B-glucan (Lentinan) extracts …that can reduce infection by a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of K. Pneumonniae in a rodent pneumonia model, likely through immunomodulation. …In conclusion administration of Lentinan [B-glucan] to treat sepsis-induced lung injury appears safe and effective and may exert its effects in an immunomodulatory manner.” [Ameliorate: to make better, improve. Lentinan is a B-1,3 beta glucan with B-1-6 branching and a molecular weight of 500,000 Da.]

Adjuvant

A pharmacological or immunological agent such as beta glucan that modifies the effect of other agents (chemo or vaccine agents as example). Adjuvants may be added to a vaccine to boost the immune response to produce more antibodies and longer-lasting immunity, thus minimizing the dose of antigen needed, or added to a chemotherapy agent to minimize toxicity and/or other negative reactions and nutritionally attempt to  contribute to helping to restore white blood cell count.

Adjuvant – Vaccine:  Colaco M, Costa JP, Borges O, “Glucan Particles: Choosing the Appropriate Size to Use as a Vaccine Adjuvant”, Methods Mol Biol, 2022:2412:269-280, PMID: 34918250,  https://doi.org/10.1007/98-1-0716-1892-9.13 , Dec 17, 2021. Quote: “Beta-glucans are a group of polysaccharides with intrinsic immunostimulatory properties which makes the design of new particulate vaccine adjuvants based on B-glucans very promising. The size of the particles and the antigen loading method, encapsulated into particles or absorbed on its surface, will influence the toxicological and adjuvanticity properties of the particulate adjuvant.  Herein we describe the production of glucan nanoparticles (NPs) with three different sizes, approximately 150 nm [0.15 microns], 350 nm [0.35 microns] , and microparticles as shells (GPs) with approximately 3 um [3.0 microns] . The association of the antigen to the particulate adjuvant is described using model protein antigens. The method can be easily adapted for real protein antigens.”

Adjuvant – SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines (COVID-19):   Cordova-Martinez A,  Albereto Caballero-Garcia, et al, “B-Glucans Could Be Adjuvants for SARS-CoV-2 Virus Vaccines (COVID-19)”, Int J Environ Res Public Health, https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312636 , November 30, 2021. Quote: “Waiting for an effective treatment against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the cause of COVID-19), the current alternatives include prevention and the use of vaccines. At the moment, vaccination is the most effective strategy in the fight against pandemic. Vaccines can be administered with different natural biological products (adjuvants) with immunomodulating properties. Adjuvants can be taken orally, complementing vaccine action. Adjuvant compounds could play a key role in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, as well as in enhancing vaccine action.

Adjuvants also contribute to an effective immune response and can enhance the protective effect of vaccines in immunocompromised individuals such as the elderly. Adjuvants must not produce adverse effects, toxicity, or any other symptoms that could alter immune system function. Vaccine adjuvants are substances of wide varying chemical structure that are used to boost the immune response against a simultaneously administered antigen. Glucans could work as adjuvants due to their immunomodulatory biological activity. In this respect, β-(1,3)-(1,6) glucans are considered the most effective and safe according to the list issued by the European Commission. Only glucans with a β-(1,3) bond linked to a β-(1,6) are considered modulators of certain biological responses. “

Adjuvant: Beta Glucan    Ikewaki N, Dedeepiva VD, et al, “B-glucan vaccine adjuvant approach for cancer treatment through immune enhancement in specific immunocompromised populations,” 47(1):14, PMID: 34779494, https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2021.8225 , Nov 15, 2021. Quote: “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 side-effects.   Previous studies have reported that chronic micro-inflammation, which occurs in disease, 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 B-glucan [B-glucan vaccine adjuvant approach for treating cancer via immune enhancement and its beneficial effects], including vaccine-adjuvant 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 suggest its [B-glucan vaccine adjuvant approach] value  as a potential strategy to provide long-term prophylaxis in immunocompromised individuals or genetically prone to cancer.”

Adjuvant: Beta Glucan w/ COVID-19 Vaccines:  Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS, “Ingestion of beta-glucans could stimulate longer-lasting cellular immunity upon administration of COVID-19 vaccines,” Journal of Food Biochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13959 , Oct 05 2021. Quote: “Indeed, the potential of oral beta-glucans supplementation to stimulate cellular immunity upon administration of COVID-19 vaccines to provide long-term protection is suggested in an observational study of healthy adults aged 50 or older, whereby supplementation with active hexose correlated compound (mixture of alpha- and beta-glucans); …increased the frequency of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing interferon-gamma and/or tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF alpha] at 30 and 60 days compared to baseline and such findings were still observed at 30 days upon discontinuing the supplementation (Yin et al., 2010).”

“In the current context where herd immunity should be achieved as soon as possible due to the emergence of different variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 which might one day completely escape neutralization by the available COVID-10 vaccines [10/5/21], attention should be focused on the armamentarium that we possess currently, where we can recommend oral beta-glucans supplementation among COVID-19 vaccine recipients to enhance [boost] celular immune responses, in order to provide more long-lasting protection.”

Note: “Armamentarium” is the complete equipment of a physician or medical institution, including drugs, books, supplies and instruments.”

Adjuvant – Parasites: Trichinosis (Trichinella spiralis):Liu Yi, Liu X, Yang L, et al, “Adjuvanticity of B-Glucan for Vaccine Against Trichinella spiralis,” Front Cell Dev Biol,9:701708,  https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.701708 . PMID: 34322488, Jul 12 2021. Quote: “In this paper, we first observed the adjuvanticity of B-glucan as adjuvant for defensing [parasitic] helminth T. spiralis [Trichinosis – parasite usually from pork] in vivo. …B-glucan as an adjuvant, have the capacity to protect against T. spiralis infection via activating both Th1 and Th2 immune response.”  

Adjuvant:   Mallakpour S, Azadi E, et al, “Chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, gums, and B-glucan as potent adjuvants and vaccine delivery systems for viral threats including SARS-CoV-2: A review,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, https://doi.org/10.10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.155G  , May 25 2021. Quote: “The global scientific community is studying and preparing vaccines as the most effective solution to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, and control spread [of] the COVID-19. Adjuvants through augmenting the immunogenicity of weaker immunogens, increase the effect of the vaccine, and reduce antigen amount and required immunization frequency for protective immunity. …B-glucan …acted as antigen-presenting cells, targeted carrier and immunopotentiator. The prepared particles [B-glucan] showed strong immune responses (humoral and cellular) without toxicity. …Indeed, glucan particles showed great performance as adjuvant and antiviral immunity components for the hepatitis B vaccine. …glucan particles could induce strong cytokine-mediated immunity.”

Adjuvant: Flu Vaccine and COVID-19  Ikewaki N, Iwasaki M, et al, “B-glucans: wide-spectrum immune-balancing food-supplement-based enteric (B-WIFE) vaccine adjuvant approach to COVID-19,” Hum Vaccin Immunother,1-6 , https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.1880210, pubmed: 33651967, Mar 2 2021. Quote: “These B-glucans act as pathogen-associated molecular receptors such as dectin -1 and inducing both the adaptive and innate immunity by reaching distant lymphoid organs.  …The complexity of COVID-19 such as the potential mutations of the virus leading to antigenic drift and the uncertainty on the duration of the immunity induced by the vaccine have hampered the efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we suggest an alternative interim treatment strategy based on biological response modifier glucans …which has been reported to induce trained immunity. …B-Glucans have also been used as immune adjuvants for vaccines such as the influenza vaccine.” 

Adjuvant; Bordetella pertussis-respiratory virus vaccine:  Wolf MA, Boehm DT, et al, “Intranasal immunization with acellular pertussis vaccines results in long-term immunity to Bordetella pertussis in mice,” Infect  immun, IAI 00697-20 PMID: 33318136, https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.00607-20 , Dec 14 2020. Quote: “Mice were incubated with a mock vaccine …combined with …purified whole glucan particle (IRI-1501). …however, in both the serum and lung, the alum and IRI-1501 [purified whole glucan particles] induced significant B pertussis specific IgG antibodies, increased numbers of anti-B pertussis IgG secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow. Our data indicate that humoral responses induced by the IN vaccines correlated with protection, suggesting that long-term antibody responses can be protective.”

Adjuvant Carrier Anti-inflammatory:  Salaminova P, Cerna L, Majerska M, Smejkal K, “Incorporating natural anti-inflammatory compounds into yeast glucan particles increases their bioactivity in vitro,” Int J Biol Macromol, S041-8130(2)35274-0, PMID 33340625, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.107, Dec 16 2020. Quote: “Yeast glucan particles (GPs) are promising agents for the delivery of biologically active compounds as drugs. This study aimed to determine how incorporating artemisinin, ellagic acid, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, morusin, or trans-resveratrol into GPs affects their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential in vitro. …Natural compounds incorporated into yeast GPs showed greater anti-inflammatory potential in vitro …as demonstrated by their inhibition of the activity of transcription factors NF-kAB/AP-1 and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha.”

Adjuvant – Clinical Trials:   Steimbach L, Borgmann AV, et al, “Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trials”, Clin Nutr, S026-5614(20)30650-6,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2020.11.029 .      PMID: 33309412.. Nov 28 2020. Quote: “We found …16 trials involving 1650 patients … . The selected studies (published since 1992-2018) included subjects with diagnosis of 9 types of cancer. …This systematic review aimed to compile and compare clinical studies using these [fungal] beta glucans as adjuvants on patients undergoing cancer treatment. …It was observed that the administration of B-glucan is safe and well-tolerated. Most of the trials pointed that concomitant administration of B-glucan with chemo or radiotherapy reduced the immune depression caused by such treatments and/or accelerated the recovery of white blood cells counts.”

Adjuvant – Carrier:  Yuting S, Xianojie L, et al, “pH-sensitive PEG-coated hyper-branched B-d-glucan derivative as carrier for CpG oligodeoxynucleotide delivery,” 246:116621, PMID: 32747260, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.s0s0.116621, Oct 15 2020. Quote: “B-d glucan is a natural non-digestible polysaccharide that can be selectively recognized by recognition receptors such as Dectin-1 receptors, resulting in an emerging interest on exploring its capacity for carrying biological information to desired organs or cells.”

Adjuvant – Vaccine – Bacterial Infections:   Paterson MJ, Caldera JR, Nguven C, Sharma P, Castro AM, et al, “Harnessing antifungal immunity in pursuit of a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine strategy,” PLoS Pathog, 16(8):c1008733, PMID: 328177694, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1008733, Aug 20 2020. Quote: “Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, and antibiotic resistant strains such as Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are a major threat and burden to public health. We generated glucan particles [Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] loaded with the four aureus proteins … . Vaccination of mice …promoted protection in a systemic model of S. aureus infection with a significant reduction on the bacterial burden in the spleen and kidneys. …This work suggests that the GP [glucan particle] vaccine system has potential as a novel approach to developing vaccines for S. aureus.”

Adjuvant – Cancer – Cervical: Chaichian S, Moassami B, et al, “Functional activities of beta-glucans in the prevention or treatment of cervical cancer;” J Ovarian Res, 13(1):24. PMID: 32138756, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-020-00626-7, Mar 5, 2020. Quote: “Cervical cancer is the fourth-ranked cancer in the world. …It has been shown that beta-glucans have some anti-cancer properties which [are] due to their impacts on adaptive and innate immunity.  Along to [with] these impacts, these [beta-glucan] molecules could be used as drug carriers. In this regard, the application of beta-glucans is a promising therapeutic option for the cancer prevention and treatment especially for cervical cancer.  Herein, we have summarized the therapeutic potential of beta-glucans alone or as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer.”

Adjuvant – Vaccine:   Vetvicka V, Vannucci L, ” B-glucan as a new tool in vaccine development,” Scand J Immunol, doi:10.1111/sji.12833, PMID 31544248, https://doi.org/10.1111/sji.12833 , Sep 22 2019. Quote: “…development of more immunogenic vaccine alternatives to using aluminum-based adjuvants is one of the most important phases of vaccination development. Amongst different sources, …glucans were found to be the most promising vaccine adjuvant, as they alone stimulate various immune reactions including antibody production without any negative side effects.  The use of glucan particles as a delivery system is a viable option based on the documented efficient antigen loading and receptor-targeted uptake in antigen-presenting cells.”

Adjuvant – Vaccine:  Abraham A, Ostroff G, et al, “A novel vaccine platform using glucan particles for induction of protective responses against Francisella tularensis and other pathogens,” Clin Exp Immunol, https://doi.org/10.111cei.13356, PMID: 31400225, Aug 10 2019. Quote: “However for many pathogens, it has been challenging to develop vaccines that stimulate protective, long-lasting immunity. We have developed a novel approach using B-1,3-D-glucans (BGs), natural polysaccharides abundantly present in fungal cell walls, as a biomaterial platform for vaccine delivery. BGs simultaneously provide for receptor-targeted antigen delivery to specialized antigen-presenting cells together with adjuvant properties to stimulate antigen-specific and trained non-specific immune responses.”

Adjuvant – Immunotherapy – Chemotherapy  – Chae JS, Shin H, et al, “Yeast (1-3)-(1-6)-B-d-glucan alleviates immunosuppression in gemcitabine-treated mice”, Intl J Biol Macromoi, SO141-8130(19)32692-3, PMID: 31170489, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.06.009, June 3 2019. Quote: “Gemcitabine is one of he most effective chemotherapy drugs commonly used for treatment of various tumors. …the main toxicity of gemcitabine is myelosuppression, which not only reduces patient quality of life, but also hinders further anticancer treatment. …immunotherapy can address these drawbacks because of its ability to enhance the patient’s immune system. …In conclusion, yeast B-glucans have the potential to be used as adjuvants for alleviating chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression in patients.”  Note: “myeolosuppression” is a condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When severe it is “myeloablation.” Immunosuppression is lessening of the immune response of which myeolosuppression is a form.

Adjuvant – Hepatitis B:  Soares E, Groothuismink ZMA, et al, “Glucan Particles Are a Powerful Adjuvant for the HBsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen], Favoring Antiviral Immunity, ” Mol Pharm, 16:5:1971-1981, PMID: 30964694, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b01322, May 6 2019. Quote: “This study demonstrates, for the first time, that GPS [neutral yeast-derived glucan particles] can have a significant role against the hepatitis B virus by favoring antiviral immunity.”

Adjuvant – Immunotherapy –  Jin J, Tang SQ, Rong MZ, Xhang MQ, “Synergistic effect of dual targeting vaccine adjuvant with aminated B-glucan and CpGoligodeoxynucleotides for both humoral and cellular immune responses,” Acta Biomater, 78:211-223, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actabio.2018.08.002 .  Sep 15 2018. Quote: “Presently, clinically approved adjuvants such as aluminum salts fail to induce cellular immune responses, which is crucial to defend against intracellular immune responses, which is crucial to defend against intracellular pathogens (including HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and Ebola and cancer). However, Freund’s complete adjuvant potently stimulates both humoral and cellular immune responses, accompanying [accompanied] by high toxicity and severe side reactions.

An ideal adjuvant for subunit vaccine should act as both a carrier to enhance the uptake, sustained processing and cytosolic delivery of antigens, and an immunopotentiator to stimulate antigen presenting cells (APCs) for activation of naive T cells. Additionally, it should be easy to obtain and safe with negligible toxicity. … In the present study, the authors design nanoparticles [1,000 nanos=1 micron; micronized particles] with aminated B-glucan and CpGoligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-OND) through a simple and mild method. B-Glucan (a dectin 1 and TLR@ targeted PAMP). Aminated B-glucan plays dual roles in the nano [micronized] particle as APSs targeted carrier and immunopotentiator. …the nano [micronized] particles induce robust antigen specific immune responses comparable to Freund’s adjuvant without obvious toxicity.”

Adjuvant – Immunotherapy –   Jin Y, LiP, Wang F, “B-glucans as potential immunoadjuvants: A review on the adjuvanticity, structure-activity relationship and receptor recognition properties,” Vaccine, 36(35): 5235-5244, PMID: 30049632, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.07.038, Aug 23 2018. Quote: “…B-glucans have been studied as adjuvants in anti-infection vaccines as well as immunomodulators in anti-cancer immunotherapy. B-glucans can regulate immune responses when administered alone and can connect innate and adaptive immunity to improve immunogenicity of vaccines.  When B-glucans act as immunostimulants or adjuvants, a set of receptors have been revealed to recognize B-glucans, including dectin-1, complement receptor 3 (CR3), CD5, lactosylceramide, and so on.” Note: “Immunogenicity” is the ability of a foreign substance such as an antigen or vaccine to induce a humoral or cell-mediated immune response.

Adjuvant – Parasites / Vaccines: Vetvicka V, Fernandez-Boltran R, “B-Glucan and Parasites,” Helminthologia, 55(3):177-184, PMID: 316626645, https://doi.org/10.22478/helm-2018-0021, Jul 28 2018. Quote: “Immunosuppression caused by parasitic infections represents the foremost way by which the parasites overcome or escape the host’s immune response. …Our review is focused on the possible roll of glucan’s action in anti-parasite therapies and vaccine strategies. …glucan studies have consistently shown its ability to offer solid protection against parasitic infections. The overwhelming conclusion reached from this review is that, as an adjuvant, glucan can be as effective as, and at the same time safer than, conventional bacterial or other adjuvants.”

Adjuvant – Carrier:  Mirza Z, Soto ER, Dikengil F, et al, “Beta-Glucan Particles as Vaccine Adjuvant Carriers,” Methods Mol Biol, 1`625″143-157, PMID 28584989, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7103-6.  2017. Quote: “Glucan particles (GPs) are spherical hollow particles derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls and mainly consist of B-1,3-D-glucans. The inner hollow cavity of glucan particles can be loaded with different compounds, including protein antigens, and delivered to macrophages and dendritic cells. Moreover, the GP delivery system possesses B-glucan’s intrinsic immunostimulatory properties. Therefore, GP’s serve as both an antigen-presenting cell-targeted delivery system and an adjuvant.”

Adjuvant – Flu Vaccine: Wang M, Zhanynep M, Soto ER, et al, 1625:143-157g L, Yang R, et al, “Improvement of immune response to influenza vaccine (H5N1) by sulfated yeast beta glucan,” Int J Biol Macromol, 93(Pt A) 203-207. PubMed 27339320, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.06.057,  June 23, 2016. Quote: “The adjuvant activity of … glucan from saccharomyces cerevisiae (GSC) was researched…with inactivated H5N1 vaccine.  The research showed that GSC could significantly enhance lymphocyte [white blood cell] proliferation, effectively increase the percentage of CD4*T Cells, decrease the percentage of CD8*T Cells and elevate the CD4/CD8 ratio, enhance the Hl antibody titre, and promote the production of IL-2, INF-y, IL4 and IL-6 at medium level. …GSC could be used as an effective immune adjuvant for an inactivated H5N1 vaccine.” Note: GSC is beta 1,3/1,6 glucan. CD4 and CD8 are T Helper Cells. IL2-cytokine white immune cell regulator. IL4-induces differentiation to Th2 cells.

Adjuvant: Berner V, DuPre S, Redelman D, Hunter KW, “Microparticulate B-glucan vaccine conjugates phagocytized by dendritic cells activate both naïve CD4 and CD8 T cells in vitro,” Cellular Imm, Vol 298 (1-2) p 104-114; PMID: 26549577; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cellimm.2015.10.007. Dec 2015. Quote: “ BMDC treated with MG:OVA induced significantly higher numbers of activated (CD25+CD69+) OVA-specific CD4+ T cells than BMDC treated with OVA alone. BMDC treated with MG:OVA upregulated CD86 and CD40 expression as well as MG alone, indicating that conjugation of OVA does not alter the immunostimulatory capacity of MG. Activation of CD8+ OVA-specific OT-1 cells showed that MG:OVA is also capable of enhancing cross-presentation by BMDC to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. These results show that Microparticulate Glucan (MG) acts as an adjuvant to enhance antigen presentation by dendritic cells to naïve, antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells.” Note: BMDC=bone marrow derived dendritic cells. MG=microparticulate beta 1,3/1,6  glucan. OVA=ovalbumin.

These results show that Microparticulate Glucan (MG) acts as an adjuvant to enhance antigen presentation by dendritic cells to naïve, antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells.”

Adjuvant-Vaccine Platform-Adjuvant/Antigen Delivery:   Huang H, Ostroff GR, Lee CK, Specht CA, Levitz SM; “Characterization and optimization of the glucan particle-based vaccine platform,” Clin Vaccine Immunol, 20(10);1585-91, https://doi.org/10.1128/CVI.00463. PMID: 23945157, Oct 2013. Quote: “Glucan particles (GPs) are hollow porous Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls that are treated so that they are composed primarily of B-1,3-d-glucans. …Thus, these studies demonstrate that antigens encapsulated into GPs (Glucan particles) make an effective vaccine platform that combines adjuvanticity and antigen delivery to elicit strong durable immune responses at relatively low antigen doses using translationally relevant formulations.”

Adjuvant:  De Smet R, Demoor T, et al, “B-Glucan microparticles are good candidates for mucosal antigen deliver in oral vaccination,” J Control Release 172(3):671-8. https://doi.org/101016/j.jconrel.2013.09.007. Sep 14 2013. Quote: “The current study evaluates the potential of B-glucan particles (GP) as an oral antigen delivery system and their adjuvant characteristics. Our data show that GP vehicles are able to deliver OVA via an oral route allowing efficient antigen presentation alongside adaptive immune activation… .” 

Adjuvant / Vaccine Platform w/ Antigen Delivery:   Huang H, Ostroff GR, Lee CK, Specht CA, Levitz SM; “Characterization and optimization of the glucan particle-based vaccine platform,” Clin Vaccine Immunol, 20(10);1585-91, https://doi.org/10.1128/CVI.00463. PMID: 23945157, Aug 2013. Quote: “Glucan particles (GPs) are hollow porous Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls that are treated so that they are composed primarily of B-1,3-d-glucans. …Thus, these studies demonstrate that antigens encapsulated into GPs make an effective vaccine platform that combines adjuvanticity and antigen delivery to elicit strong durable immune responses at relatively low antigen doses using translationally relevant formulations.”

Adjuvant – Human Trials: Aleem E, “B-Glucans and their applications in cancer therapy: focus on human studies,” Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 13(5):709-19, Jun 3 2013, Quote: “B-glucans have been used as adjuvant therapy in clinical trials, mainly in the Far East, with a positive effect on patients’ survival and quality of life. The mechanism of action is suggested to be through its stimulation of the immune system.”

Adjuvant – Chemotherapy – Chen J, et al, “The application of fungal B-glucans for the treatment of colon cancer.”  Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 13(5):725-30. . PMID: 23293888,  Jun 2013. Quote: “Beta-glucans can also have synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic agents and other immune stimulators, and an innovative strategy is to use beta-glucans to deliver nanoparticles containing chemotherapeutic agents to the site of the colon cancer and, thus, improve the therapeutic efficacy.”

Adjuvant: Qi C, Cai Y, Ding, Li B, Kloecker G, Qian K, Vasilakos J, Saijo S, Iwakura Y, Yannelli JR, Yan J; “Differential pathways regulating innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses by particulate.” Div of Hermatology/Oncology, Dept of Medicine, James Graham Brown Ctr, U of Louisville, KY; Blood;117(25):6825-36; Jun 23, 2011. Quote: “B-glucans have been reported to function as a potent adjuvant to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. …Here we show that yeast-derived B-glucan activated dendritic cells (DCs and macrophages)....Activated DCs by particulate B-glucan promoted Th1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte priming and differentiation in vitro.  Treatment of orally administered yeast-derived particulate B-glucan elicited potent antitumor immune responses and drastically down-regulated immunosuppressive cells, leading to the delayed tumor progression.” Note: Type 1 T helper (Th1) cells produce interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, and Lymphotoxin-alpha (formerly known as tumor necrosis factor – beta or TNF-β), which activate macrophages and are responsible for cell-mediated immunity and phagocyte-dependent protective responses.

Adjuvant: Li B, Cai Y, Qi C, et al, “Orally administered particulate beta-glucan modulates tumor-capturing dendritic cells and improves antitumor T-cell responses in cancer,” Clin Cancer Res, 16(21):5153-64, PMID 208554461, Nov 1, 2010. Quote: “…IFN-y production of tumor infiltrating T cells and CTL responses were significantly enhanced on B-glucan treatment, which ultimately resulted in significantly reduced tumor burden. …These data highlight the ability of yeast-derived B-glucan to bridge innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and suggest that it [yeast derived B-glucan] can be used as an adjuvant for tumor immunotherapy.”

Adjuvant & Vaccine Platform: Huang H, Ostroff GR, Lee CK, Specht CA, et al, “Robust stimulation of humoral and cellular immune responses following vaccination with antigen-loaded beta-glucan particles,” MBio, 1(3) PMID 20802824,  DOI: 10:1128/mBio.00164-10; Jul 20 2010. Quote: “Thus, the beta-Glucan particles (GPs) – based vaccine platform combines adjuvanicity and antigen delivery to induce strong humoral and Th1- and Th17 – biased CD4(+) T-cell responses.”

Adjuvant – Zechner-Krpan V, Petravic-Tominac V, GrBa Slobodan, Pnaikota-Krbavcic I, Vidovic L, “Biological Effects of Yeast B-Glucans,” Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, , Vol 75, No.4 (149-158). 2010. Quote: “B-Glucans work, in part, by stimulating the innate immune mechanism to fight a range of foreign challenges and could be used as an adjuvant, in combination with anti-infective or antineoplastic agents, radiotherapy, an a range of topical agents and nutrients.” [Note: “antineoplastic agents” inhibit the maturation and proliferation of malignant cells including chemotherapy drugs]

Adjuvant -Beta Glucan – Biologic Response Modifier & Adjuvant: Novak M, Vetvicka V, “Glucans as Biological Response Modifiers,” Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets, 9:67-75. https://doi.org/a0.2174/187153009787582423 , 2009. Quote: “B-Glucans are well-known biologic response modifiers that function as immunostimulants against infectious diseases and cancer. …B-Glucan has been used as an immuno-adjuvant therapy for cancer since 1980, primarily in Japan…B-glucans …caused significantly enhanced recovery of blood cell counts after gamma irradiation. Late studies demonstrated that glucan is similarly effective when hematopoiesis is compromised by various types of chemotherapy. …and were shown to enhance antibiotic efficacy in infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.” 

Adjuvant – Immunizations:  Berner VK, Sura ME, Hunter KW Jr, ; “Conjugation of protein antigen to microparticulate beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a new adjuvant for intradermal and oral immunizations,” Dept of Microbiology and Immunology, U of Nev Sch of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA. Applied Microbiology Biotechnology; PubMed 18677470; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-008-1618-8 . Oct 2008. Quote: “Our laboratory has prepared and characterized a novel microparticulate beta-glucan (MG)…we hypothesized that MG could serve as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance specific immune responses. …When used to immunize mice by the intradermal route, these conjugates enhanced the primary IgG antibody response to BSA in a manner comparable to the prototypic complete Freund’s adjuvant....These results suggest that protein antigens can be conjugated to MG via a carabondiimide linkage and that these conjugates provide an adjuvant effect for stimulating the antibody response to the protein antigens.” 

Adjuvant – Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy :  Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, et al, “Effects of B-glucans on the immune system,” Medicina (Kaunas), 43(8):597-606, Kaunas U of Med, Lithuania, PMID: 17895634, Aug 6 2007. Quote: “They [beta glucans] can prevent oncogenesis due to the protective effect against potent genotoxic carcinogens. As immunostimulating agent, which acts through the activation of macrophages and NK cell cytotoxicity, beta-glucan can inhibit tumor growth in promotion stage too. Anti-angiogenesis can be one of the pathways through which beta-glucans can reduce tumor proliferation, prevent tumor metastasis. Beta-glucan as adjuvant to cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy demonstrated the positive role in the restoration of hematopiesis following by bone marrow injury.”

Adjuvant – Monoclonal Antibodies : Li B, Allendorg DJ, et al; “Yeast beta-glucan amplifies phagocyte killing of iC3b-opsonized tumor cells via complement receptor 3-Syk-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway,” J Immunol,; 177(3): 1651-9 . PMID 16849475, Aug 2006 . Quote: “Anti-tumor mAbs hold promise for cancer therapy, but are relatively inefficient. Therefore, there is a need for agents that might amplify the effectiveness of these mAbs. One such agent is beta glucan… . In this study, we report that tumor-bearing mice treated with a combination of beta-glucan and anti-tumor mAb show almost complete cessation of tumor growth. …These results are important inasmuch as beta-glucan, an agent without evident toxicity, may be used to amplify tumor cell killing and may open new opportunities in the immunotherapy of cancer.”

Adjuvant – Hyperbaric oxygen: Guzel S, Sunamak O, AS A, Celik V, Ferahman M, Nuri MM, Gazioglu E, Atukeren P, Mutlu O; “Effects of hyperbaric oxygen and Pgg-glucan on ischemic colon anastomosis.”  World J Gastroenterol: 7:12(9):1421-5. Mar 2006.  Quote: “… Here we analyzed the effects of hyperbaric oxygen and beta-glucan on colon anastomoses in ischemic condition. … CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen and glucan improve healing in ischemic colon anastomoses [surgical connection of two parts of the colon together] by anti-microbic, immune stimulating properties and seem to act synergistically when combined together.”

Adjuvant – Sener G, Sert G, Ozer SA, Arbak S, Uslu B, Gedik N, Avanoglu-Dulger G; “Pressure ulcer-induced oxidative organ injury is ameliorated by beta-glucan treatment in rats.” Int Immunopharmacol:6(5):724-32; Marmara U, Sch of Pharmacy, Dept Pharmacology, Div Biochemistry; Epub Nov 2005; May 2006. Quote: “Pressure ulcers (PU) cause morphological and functional alterations in the skin and visceral organs. … Local treatment with beta-glucan inhibited the increase in MDA and MPO levels and the decrease in GSH in the skin induced by (PU),   … systemic treatment prevented the damage in the visceral organs. Significant increases in creatinine, BUN, ALT, AST, LDH and collagen levels in PU [Pressure Ulcers] group were prevented by beta-glucan treatment. …Tissue injury was decreased. …Thus, supplementing geriatric and neurologically impaired patients with adjuvant therapy of beta-glucan may have some benefits for successful therapy and improving quality of life.”

Adjuvant    Hong F, Hansen RD, yan J, Allendorf DJ, Baran JT, Ross GD, Ostreoff GR, “Beta-glucan functions as an adjuvant for monoclonal antibody immunotherapy by recruiting tumoricidal granulocytes as killer cells,” Cancer Res, 15:63(24):9023-31, PMID: 14695221, Dec 2003. Quote: “In comparison with antitumor mAb or beta-glucan alone, combined treatment with mAb plus beta-glucan produced significantly greater tumor regression in  all models that included mammary, s.c., and hepatic tumors …These data suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of mAbs [monoclonal antibodies] known to activate complement …could be significantly enhanced if they were combined with beta-glucan.”

Adjuvant – Vaccine:  Hunter, KW Jr., Campbell MA, “Microparticulate Glucan as a Vaccine Adjuvant,” Dept of Health & Human Services – Grant Application, Feb 2003. Quote: “…immunological research with this …microparticulate B-1,3-(D)-glucan …has revealed a striking upregulation of the expression of B7 family co-stimulatory molecules on murine macrophages and human monocytes.  MG [microparticulate B-1,3-(D)-glucan] upregulated the expression of B7.1 and B7.2 MRNA in mouse macrophages and human monocytes.”

Adjuvant-Anti-infective Agents: Jamas S, Easson D, Ostroff G: “Underivatilized aqueous soluble beta (1,3) glucan, composition and method of making same.” U.S. Patent Application 20020032170, March 14, 2002. Quote: “The use of soluble and insoluble beta glucans alone or as vaccine adjuvants for viral and bacterial antigens has been shown in animal models to markedly increase resistance to a variety of bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral infections.”

Adjuvant:   Vogel FR, “Improving vaccine performance with adjuvants,” Clin Infect Dis, Suppl 3:S266-70, PMID 10875797, https://doi.org/10.1086/313883, Jun 30 2000. Quote: “Subunit vaccines are designed to include only the antigens required for protective immunization and to be safer than whole-inactivated or live attenuated vaccines. …Immunologic adjuvants [such as beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] are agents that enhance specific immune responses to vaccines. Formulation of vaccines with potent adjuvants is an attractive approach for improving the performance of vaccines composed of subunit antigens.” 

Adjuvant – Antibiotics: Tzianabos AO, Cisnerol RL, et al; “Protection against intraabdominal sepsis by two polysaccharide immunomodulators (Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan), J Infect Dis, 178:1,200-6. 1998. Quote:“These data demonstrate the usefulness of [Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan]… in preventing experimental intraabdominal sepsis…and may represent a new adjunct to antibiotic regimens currently used to prevent clinical cases of this disease”

Adjuvant: Ber L., “Yeast-derived beta-1,3-D-glucan: An adjuvant concept,” American Journal of Natural Medicine; Vol 4, No. 9, Nov 1997.

Adjuvant: Jamas S., Easson D., Ostroff G.R.; “Glucan drug delivery system and adjuvant,” U.S.Patent 5607677. Issued March 4, 1997.*

Adjuvant:-Antibiotics Tzianabos AO, Cisneros RL; “Prophylaxis with the immunomodulator PGG glucan enhances antibiotic efficacy in rats infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria,”Ann NY Acad Sci 797: 285-287; Oct 1996.* Quote: “Results of these studies demonstrated that prophylaxis with PGG glucan in combination with antibiotics provided enhanced protection against lethal challenge with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus as compared with the use of antibiotics alone.”

Adjuvant-Surgical Therapy: Compton R, Williams D, Browder W; “The beneficial effect of enhanced macrophage function on the healing of bowel anastomoses,” Am Surg, 62:1,14-8. Jan 1996. Quote: “…immuno-pharmacologic agents [glucan] that enhance macrophage function may be an important adjunct to surgical therapy requiring bowel anastomosis.”

Adjuvants: Audibert FM, Lise LD; “Adjuvants: Current status , clinical perspectives, and future prospects;” Immunol. Today 14:281-284; 1993.

Adjuvant-Anti-infective Agents: Wyde, P., “Beta-1,3-glucan activity in mice: intraperitoneal and oral applications.” Baylor College of Medicine Research Report. 1989. Quote: “This demonstration of bactericidal enhancement via oral dosing suggests an application for beta-1,3-glucan as a component in a combined modality with conventional anti-infective agents. Beta glucan, through the stimulation of host defense systems, creates a more supportive environment within the body to assist the primary killing action of the conventional agent.”

Adjuvant: Williams D.L. ,et al; “Immunization against Trypanosoma cruizi: adjuvant effect of glucan.” Int. J. Immunophar.  11:403-410.  PMID: 2506140, https://doi.org/10.1016/0192-0561(89)90087-8, 1989.

Adjuvant – Antibiotics: Browder IW., Williams D., Sherwood E., McNamee R., Jones E., DiLuzio N., “Synergistic effect of nonspecific immunostimulation and antibiotics in experimental peritonitis”, Surgery 102 (2): 206-214.  PMID: 3303398, Aug 1987.

Adjuvant:   Cook JA, Runey GL, Holbrook TW, “Immunomodulation of protozoan diseases. Potential of glucan as an adjuvant,” Surv Immunol Res, 2(3):243-5, PMID 6675146, 1983.

Adjuvant: Benach J.L., et al., “Glucan as an adjuvant for a murine Babesia microti immunization trial,” Infection and Immunity, 35(3):947-951. 1982.  Quote: “These observations demonstrate that glucan is an effective adjuvant in enhancing immunity to murine babesiosis.”

Adjuvant: Lahnborg G., Hedstrom K.G., Nord C.E.; “The Effect of Glucan – A Host Resistance Activator and Ampicillin on Experimental Intraabdominal Sepsis”. Journal of Reticuloendothelial Society. 32: 347-353, PMID: 7161767, Nov 1982.*  Quote: “It is concluded that glucan, in combination with ampicillin, has a significant effect on the survival rate of rats with induced peritonitis, probably by enhancing the activities of the reticuloendothelial system, an important part of the total host resistance.”

Adjuvant : Mansell M.A., Rowden G., Hammer C.; “Clinical experiences with the use of glucan.” Chirigos MA, ed.; Immune Modulation and Control of Neoplasia by Adjuvant Therapy. Raven Press, New York 255-280; 1978.

Adjuvant: Stewart C.C., et al., “Preliminary Observations on the Effect of Glucan in Combination with Radiation and Chemotherapy in Four Murine Tumors”, Cancer Treat. Prep.; 62: 1867-72. 1978. Quote: “The efficacy of glucan in combination with BCNU chemotherapy was measured using the disseminated AKR transplantable leukemia; the combination yielded a high level of cures compared to no survival for either agent alone.”

Aflatoxin Mycotoxin: Aazami MH, Nasri MHE, et al, “In Vitro Aflatoxin B1 Binding by the Cell Wall and (1-3)-B-d Glucan of Baker’s Yeast,” J Food Prot, 16:670-676, PMID 29543529, Mar 16, 2018. Quote: “Results of this study indicated that BGBY (cell wall (1-3)-B-d-glucan of baker’s yeast) was the most effective binder [of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)], and more exposure to BGBY removes more AFB1from PBS (phosphated-buffered saline).”  Note: An Aflatoxin is a fungal mycotoxin produced by a species of Aspergillus mold causing liver damage and liver cancer – found frequently on poorly stored peanuts, maize, etc.

Aflatoxin Mycotoxin: Zimmermann CE, Cruz IB, et al, “Cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of B-glans against aflatoxin B1-induced DNA damage in broiler chicken lymphocytes,” Toxicol in Vitro, 29(3):538-43. PMID: 25615424, April 2015. Quote: “B-glucans at 1% was able to fully revert the AFB(1) induced lymphocyte DNA damage, indicating a genoprotective effect and maintaining DNA integrity. B-glucans showed in vitro dose-dependent cytoprotective and genoprotective effects in broiler chicken lymphocytes exposed to AFB1.”  Note: “cytoprotective”: process by which chemical compounds provide protection to cells against harmful agents.  “genoprotective”: protects against genetic damage.

Aflotoxin Mycotoxin – Vetvicka V, “Effects of B-glucan on some environmental toxins: An overview.”  Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub;  158(1):1-4. PMD: 24399292. 2014. Quote: “…glucan reduces the immunosuppressive effects of a number of agents including chemo therapy and radiation. … An overview of the effects of glucan on the mycotoxin, aflotoxin and other environmental toxins (mercury-thimerosal, depleted uranium).  Glucan is effective as a natural immunomodulator and could be used as an inexpensive solution to reducing the adverse effects of some environmental toxins.”

Aging:

Aging – Cognitive Decline:  Hongli S, Yinghua Y, et al, “B-glucan attenuates cognitive impairment via the gut-brain axis in diet-induced obese mice,” Microbiome, 8(1):143. PMID: 33008466, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-02000-0920-y, Oct 2, 2020. Quote: “…B-glucan prevented HFFD (high fat, fiber deficient diet) induced cognitive impairment assessed behaviorally by object location, novel object recognition and nesting building tests. In the hippocampus, B-glucan countered the HFFD-induced microglia activation and its engulfment of synaptic puncta, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-alpha, and IL6) mRNA expression.”

Aging:  Song L, Yuan J, Ni S, Zhou Y, Wang X, Chen Y, Zhang S, “Enhancement of adaptive immune responses of aged mice by dietary intake of B-glucans, with special emphasis on anti-aging activity,” Mol Immunol, 117:160-167, PMID: 31801102, DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.10.019. Dec 1 2019. Quote: “The naturally occurring polysaccharide, B-1,3-glucans, a well known immunostimulant, has been highly valued for many years for their health-promoting and anti-aging properties. …We then showed that dietary intake of B-1,3-glucans induced a significant increase in T helper cells (CDE4) in young, middle-aged and aged male mice.  These data together indicate that oral administration of B-1,3-glucans enhanced the adaptive immune responses of aged mice without disturbing their general condition and physiology, supporting the idea that B-1,3-glucans are capable of counteracting the immunosenescence [various immune response aging negatives] of mice. They also suggest that B-1,3-glucans can be clinically useful to help the elderly generate an improved response to vaccine with stronger humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.”

Aging:   Song L, Zhou Y, et al, “Dietary intake of B-glucans can prolong lifespan and exert an anti-oxidant action of aged fish Nothobranchius guentheri,” Rejuvenation Res, PMID: 315191931, Oct 8 2019. Quote: “These data together suggest for the first time that B-1,3-glucans can extend the lifespan, delay the onset of age-related biomarkers and exert an antioxidant action of the aged fish N. guentheri.  It also implies that B-1,3-glucans may be potentially useful for health care in the elderly, including extension of the lifespan.”

Aging and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections – Human Study:  Fuller R, Moore MV, Lewith G, Stuart BL, Omiston RV, Fisk HL, NOakes PS, Calder PC. “Yeast-derived B-1,3/1,6 glucan, upper respiratory tract infection and innate immunity in older adults.” Nutrition, 39-40:30-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.03.003. PMID: 28606567. Jul-Aug 2017.  Quote: “Daily oral B-1,3/1,6 glucan may protect against URTIs [upper respiratory tract infections] and reduce the duration of URTI symptoms in older individuals once infected. …A refined 1,3/1,6 glucopolysaccharide [beta glucan] food supplement may decrease the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infection.” [Note: double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 100 adults 50-70 yrs]

Aging-Elderly:   Gaullier JM, Sleboda J, et al, “Supplementation with a soluble beta-glucan exported from Shitake medicinal mushroom Lentinus edodes singer mycelium: a crossover placebo-controlled study in healthy elderly.” Int J Med Mushrooms, 1394):319-316, WMD, PMID: 22164761, https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushr.v13.i4.10, 2011. Quote: Lentinex [major active substance is (1-6,1-3)-beta-glucan] given orally to elderly subjects was safe and induced an increase in the number of circulating B-cells.”

Aging: Sener G, Sert G, Ozer SA, Arbak S, Uslu B, Gedik N, Avanoglu-Dulger G; “Pressure ulcer-induced oxidative organ injury is ameliorated by beta-glucan treatment in rats.” Int Immunopharmacol:6(5):724-32; Marmara U, Sch of Pharmacy, Dept Pharmacology, Div Biochemistry; PMID: 16546702, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2005.10.010. May 2006. Quote: “Pressure ulcers (PU) cause morphological and functional alterations in the skin and visceral organs. … Local treatment with beta-glucan inhibited the increase in MDA and MPO levels and the decrease in GSH in the skin induced by (PU),   … systemic treatment prevented the damage in the visceral organs.

Significant increases in creatinine, BUN, ALT, AST, LDH and collagen levels in PU [Pressure Ulcers] group were prevented by beta-glucan treatment. …Tissue injury was decreased. …Thus, supplementing geriatric and neurologically impaired patients with adjuvant therapy of beta-glucan may have some benefits for successful therapy and improving quality of life.”

Aging: Carrow, D.J. M.D.; “Beta-1,3-glucan as a Primary Immune Activator,”  Townsend  Letter; June 1996. Quote: “The following list includes benefits from the use of Beta 1,3-glucan supplementation: People who have impaired immunity from any cause …; have a high occurrence of infectious diseases; have tumors and/or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy; are over forty who are concerned about the natural aging process or might have noticed a slowing down of immune reactivity; who are geriatric patients; and other with compromised immune disorders. …beta 1,3-glucan may well be the first and only true anti-aging supplement available to all of us.”

Aging: Olmos JM, de Dies B, Garcia JD et al; “Monocyte Function in the Elderly.” Allergol Immunopathol. (Madrid, Spain); 14(5):369-373. 1986.

Aging: Inamuzu T., Chang M.P., Makinodan T.; “Influence of Age on the Production and Regulation of Interleukin-1 in Mice”, Immunology; V.55, p.447-455. 1985.*

Aging: Gilcrest B, Murphy G, Soter N; “Effect of Chronologic Ageing and U.V. Irradiation on Langerhans Cells in Human Epidermis;” J. Investigative Dermatology; Vol 79:85-88. 1982.

Aging: Makinodan T, Kay M; “Age Influence on the Immune System,” Advances in Immunology;  Vol 29:287-330. 1980.

Aging: Marguerite MB: “An Overview of Aging. Mechanisms of Aging and Development.” pp 39-59. 1979.

Aging: Price GB, Makinodan T: “Immunologic deficiencies in senescence.” J. of Immunol.; 108(2):403-412. 1972.

Anti-Aging:   see “Aging”

Allergies:

 

Allergies and Asthma – Fungal Defense:  Baremes KR, Kita H, “Innate and adaptive immune responses to fungi in the airway,” J Allergy Clin Immunol, 142(2):353-363, PMID 30080527, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2018.06.016 , Aug 2018. Quote: “Exposure, sensitization, or both to fungi are strongly associated with development of asthma and allergic airway diseases. Furthermore, global climate change will likely increase the prevalence of fungi and enhance their antigenicity. …Fungi contain cell-wall molecules, such as B-glucan and chitin, and secrete biologically active proteases and glycosidases. Airway epithelial cells and innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells, are equipped with cell -surface molecules that react to these fungal products, resulting in production of cytokines and proinflammatory mediators. As a result, the adaptive arm of antifungal immunity, including Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type CD4-T cells, is established, reinforcing protection against fungal infection and causing detrimental immunopathology … .”

Allergies:  Bashir KMI, Choi JS, “Clinical and Physiological Perspectives of B-Glucans: The Past, Present, and Future,” Int J Mol Sci, 18(9) PMID: 28872611, Sep 5 2017. Quote: “B-Glucans are a group of biologically-active fibers or polysaccharides from natural sources with proven medical significance. B-Glucans are known to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-allergic, anti-osteoporotic and immunomodulating activities.  …The medical significance and efficiency of B-glucans are confirmed in vitro, as well as using animal- and human-based clinical studies.”

Allergies – Children – Beta Glucan:   Pontes MV, Ribeiro TCM, et al, “Cow’s Milk-Based Beverage Consumption in 1-t0-4-Year-Olds and Allergic Manifestations: an RCT,” Nutrition Journal 15:19-28, PMCD: 26920136, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0138-0 , 2/17/ 2016. Quote: “A cow’s milk-based beverage containing DHA, PDX/GOS, and yeast β-glucan, and supplemented with micronutrients, including zinc, vitamin A and iron, when consumed 3 times/day for 28 weeks by healthy 1- to 4-year-old children was associated with fewer episodes of allergic manifestations in the skin and the respiratory tract.”

Allergies:  Vaclav Vevicka, “Beta Glucan – Natures Secret,” 3rd Edition, Chap 21-Negative Effects, pg 141, ISBN:9780984144525, 2015. Quote: “A common question about possible problems with glucans causing allergy or promoting yeast infection can be easily answered. Good quality glucan is highly purified and contains only very limited amount of proteins, so it does not trigger allergic reaction or any immune reaction against glucan molecules.”

Allergies-Human Study:   Miraglia Del Giudice M, et al, “Resveratrol plus carboxymethyl-B-glucan reduces nasal symptoms in children with pollen-induced allergic rhinitis [hay fever],” Curr Med Res Opin, 1931-5, PMID: 24983742, Jul 7 2014. Quote: “The present preliminary study firstly showed that intranasal resveratrol plus carboxymethyl-B-glucan is capable of significantly improving nasal symptoms in children with pollen-induced Allergic rhinitis (AR). …The present study was conducted as placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and randomized. Globally, 68 children were treated with resveratrol plus B-glucan or placebo… .”

Allergies: Jesenak M, Banovcin P, et al; “B-Glucans in the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases,” Allergol Immunopathol (Madr), 42(2):149-56, PMID: 232553683, Mar-Apr 2014. Quote: “They [allergic diseases] develop as a consequence of dysregulation of the immune system, especially when there is failure in the equilibrium of the response of the TH1/TH2 lymphocytes [helper T cells] towards TH2. …Based on in vitro experiments, and also on animal and human clinical studies, there is much evidence for the importance of B-glucans in the treatment and also prevention of allergic diseases; …”

Allergies:  Ilka Noss,  Doekes G, et al, “Comparison of the potency of a variety of B-glucans to induce cytokine production in human whole blood,” Innate Immun, 19(1): 10-19, PMID: 22653750, Feb 2013. Quote: “…a series of studies …reporting…protective effects of glucan exposure in early childhood against the development of asthma and allergy.”

Allergies-Human Study: Talbott S, Tal;bott J, et al, “B-Glucan supplementation, allergy symptoms and quality of life in self-described ragweed allergy sufferers,” Food Sci Nutr; 1(1):90-101 PMCID:PMC3951572, PMID: 24804018, https://doi.org/10:1002/fsn3.11, WMD, Jan 2013. Quote: “…randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.”  “Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan increased participants’ rating of vigor (10%), but reduced tension (34%), depression (45%), anger (41%), fatigue (38%), and confusion (34%). Study participants given Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan  reported increased physical health (11%), energy (19%), and emotional well-being (7%) compared with study participants given the placebo . The Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan group also reported decreased sleep problems (53%), reduced nasal symptoms (59%), eye symptoms (57%), non-nasal symptoms (50%), activities (53%), emotions (57%), and improved quality of life (QOL) (56%), as well as improved global mood state (13%)…

Our findings suggest that the B-1,3/1,6-glucan can be used to decrease the symptoms of allergy in individuals with self-described ragweed allergy. ..Furthermore, they occur naturally, and are effective. …  Individuals experiencing an allergic response of asthma are thought to have an overactive Th2 [type II helper T-lymphocytes] response. B-1,3-glucan can stimulate macrophages, which secrete anti-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2, tumor growth factor, and IL-10 and may inhibit the Th2 response.” [The overactive Th2 response releases excess histamines into the mast cells which create an allergic response to an allergen vs a pathogen]

Allergies-Human Study: Yamada J, et al: “Alleviation of seasonal allergic symptoms with superfine beta-1-glucan: A randomized study.” Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zaeshi, 113(11):1082-7; PMID 19994586; Nov 2009. Quote: “Allergic response is induced by the Th2-type immune response. …The intracellular…antigen-presenting cells (APCS) reportedly regulates the Th1/Th 2 balance via distinctive cytokine production of APCs. …The double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study shows that the ingestion of superfine dispersed beta-1,3-glucan alleviates ongoing symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis.” Note: Rhinoconjunctivitis: Rhinitis is characterized by one or several symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and itching of the nose or eyes. Allergic rhinitis is also known as “hay fever.” Th1 and Th2 refer to Type 1 and Type 2 helper T-cells.

Allergies-Human Study: Yamada J, Hamuro J, Hatanak H, Hamabata K, Kinoshita S: “Alleviation of seasonal allergic symptoms with superfine beta-1-glucan: A randomized study.” J of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 119(5):1119-26: PMID 17379290, Meiji U of Oriental Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; 06 2007. Quote: “It was examined whether orally ingested, superfine dispersed beta-1,3-glucan (SDG), easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, would alleviate allergic symptoms. Allergic patients were orally administrated …superfine dispersed beta-1,3 glucan…and allergic symptoms were assessed clinically in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study. …Alleviation of allergic symptoms was evident not only for seasonal allergy to cedar pollen but also for perennial allergy. Oral ingestion of beta-1,3-glucan in individuals with allergic tropism [cells sensitive to allergens] could reduce spontaneous increase in both allergen-specific and total IgE titers.”

Allergies-Human Study: Kirmaz C, Bayrak P; “Effects of glucan treatment on the Th1/Th2 [Th=Helper T cells] balance in patients with allergic rhinitis [hay fever]: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.” Eur Cytokine Netw, (2)):128-34. PMID 15941684. Jun 16 2005. Quote: “Th2-originated IL-4 and IL-5 levels responsible for the allergic inflammatory response in the microenvironment of patients with allergic rhinitis, are decreased with Glucan, while levels of Th1-originated IL-12 are increased. …eosinophils, which are important effector cells of the inflammatory response, are decreased…indicating beta-glucans’ ability to shift the immune system to a Th1 mediated response.” 

Alzheimer’s Disease: (See also “Cognition”)

 


Alzheimer’s, Cognition, Beta Glucan & the Gut-Brain Axis:  Hu Minnin, Zhang P, Wang R, et al, “Three Different Types of B-Glucans Enhance Cognition: The Role of the Gut-Brain Axis,” Front Nutr, 9:848930, eCollection 2022, PMID: 35308288, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.848930 , Mar 3, 2022. Quote: “Dietary fiber is fermented in the lower gastrointestinal tract, potentially impacting the microbial ecosystem and thus may improve elements of cognition and brain function via the gut-brain axis. This study aimed to compare the effects of B-glucans …representing B-(1,3)/(1,6)-glucan, B-(1,3) glucan or B-(1,3)/(1,4)-glucan on cognition and the gut brain axis.  All three supplementations with B-glucans enhanced the temporal order recognition memory. …[B-(1,3)/(1,6)-glucan] significantly increased the post-synaptic thickness of synaptic ultrastructure in the PFC whilst the other two B-glucans [B-(1,3) and B-(1,3)/(1,4)] had no significant effect. In the colon, every B-glucan supplementation increased the number of CD206 positive cells [macrophage mannose receptors] and promoted the expression of IL-10 and reduced IL-6 and TNF-alpha expression.”

Alzheimer’s Disease, Brain Insulin Resistance:    Xu M, Mo X, et al, “Yeast B-glucan alleviates cognitive deficit by regulating gut microbiota and metabolite in AB1-42-induced Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like mice,” Int J Biol Macromol:161:258-270, PMID: 32522544, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jibiomac.2020.05.180 , Oct 15 2020. Quote: “Results indicated that yeast B-glucans could prominently shape the intestinal flora and …AD [Alzheimer’s Disease] mice treated with small-molecular yeast B-glucan…exhibited evident alterations of the composition of the gut microbiota, especially in some beneficial bacteria and inflammatory-related bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Oscillibacter, Mucispirillum, Alistipes, Anaerotruncus, and Rikenella. …

This study broadened the underlying applications of yeast B-glucans as a novel dietary supplementation to prevent early-stage pathologies associated with AD [Alzheimer’s Disease] by regulating gut microbiota and the potential mechanism might be ameliorating [improve negative situation] brain IR [brain insulin resistance].”

Alzheimer’s, Cognitive Decline:  Hongli S, Yinghua Y, et al, “B-glucan attenuates cognitive impairment via the gut-brain axis in diet-induced obese mice,” Microbiome, 8(1):143. PMID: 33008466, DOI: 10.1186/s40168-02000-0920-y, Oct 2, 2020. Quote: “…B-glucan prevented HFFD (high fat, fiber deficient diet) induced cognitive impairment assessed behaviorally by object location, novel object recognition and nesting building tests. In the hippocampus, B-glucan countered the HFFD-induced microglia activation and its engulfment of synaptic puncta, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-alpha, and IL6) mRNA expression.”

Animals – Dogs Trained Immunity-anti-microbial:   Paris S, Chapat L, Pasin M, et al, “B-Glucan-Induced Trained Immunity in Dogs,” Front. Immunl., https://doi.org/10.3389/fimm.2020.566893, Oct 09 2020. Quote: “The presented work demonstrated for the first time that canine macrophages are able to undergo immune training in response to B-glucan stimulation.  To further demonstrate the ability to fight pathogens, we investigated anti-microbial responses through analysis of ROS [Reactive Oxygen Species] production and phagocytic activity. Both parameters were found increased upon B-glucan training with statistical significance. Anti-microbial responses during an infection plays a pivotal role in controlling pathogens before the activation of the adaptive immunity and the cellular cooperation that comes with it.”

Anthrax – Biological Warfare: Kourmikakis B, et al,“Anthrax-protective effects of yeast beta 1,3 glucans.” MedGenMed, ,5(1):1; PMD 12827062. Mar 21, 2003. Quote: “A single injected dose of … beta glucan immune modulators given 2 days before challenge significantly: (a) increased the survival rate of infected mice (2.5-fold), (b) diminished the bacterial load in the lungs of infected mice (4-8-fold), and (c) increased the proportion of bacteria-free animals 10 days after challenge (2-fold).  In mice prophylactically administered oral … beta glucan for 1 week prior to infection, survival increased from 50% to 100%; therapeutic administration of oral … beta glucan for 10 days post infection increased survival from 30% up to 90% in treatment groups.

These results demonstrate the potential for beta 1,3-glucan immune modulators to provide a significant degree of protection against anthrax, a potential biological warfare (BW) agent in a mouse model of anthrax infection.”

Antibiotics:  Liu Y, Wu Q, Wu X, et al, “Structure, preparation, modification, and bioactivities of B-glucan and mannan from yeast cell wall: A review,” 173:445-456, PMID: 33497691, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.125 , Mar 15 2021. Quote: “Many studies have shown that B-glucan and mannan from yeast cell wall have the potential to replace antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases, thereby reducing the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens. B-Glucan and mannan had a variety of biological functions, including improving the intestinal environment, stimulating innate and acquired immunity, absorbing mycotoxins, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and so on.”

Antibiotics: Tzianabos AO, Cisneros RL; “Prophylaxis with the immunomodulator PGG glucan enhances antibiotic efficacy in rats infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” Ann NY Acad Sci 797: 285-287; Oct 1996.* Quote: “Results of these studies demonstrated that prophylaxis with PGG glucan in combination with antibiotics provided enhanced protection against lethal challenge with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus as compared with the use of antibiotics alone.”

See more research also at: 

     Antibodies

Antibodies: Vetvicka V, Vannucci L, Wimi P, “B-glucan as a new tool in vaccine development,”  Scand J Immunol, 91(2):e12833, https://doi.org/10.1111/sji.12833 ,PMID: 31544248, Sept 22, 2019. Quote: “…glucans were found to be the most promising vaccine adjuvant, as they alone stimulate various immune reactions including antibody production without any negative side effects. The use of glucan particles as a delivery system is a viable option based on the documented efficient antigen loading and receptor-targeted uptake in antigen-presenting cells.”

Antibodies-Monoclonal and Beta Glucan:  Ziang D, Sharma VR, Freter CE, Yan J, “Anti-tumor Monoclonal Antibodies in Conjunction with B-Glucans: A Novel Anti-Cancer Immunotherapy,” Curr Med Chem, 19(25); 4298-305, PMID: 22834812, DOI: 10.2174/092986712802884303, 2013. Quote: “…particulate yeast-derived B-glucan stimulates both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. …B-glucan, has shown very promising and exciting results in pre-clinical animal models and early phase human clinical trials. The active components of yeast-derived B-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.”

Antibodies (mAbs) Monoclonal – Cancer,   Liu J, Gunn L, Hansen R, Yan J, “Combined yeast-derived beta-glucan with anti-tumor monoclonal antibody for cancer immunotherapy,” Exp Mol Pathol, 86(4):208-14; Jun 2009. Quote: “Beta-glucan is an immuno-stimulating agent that has been used to treat cancer and infectious disease for many years .. . Recent studies have unraveled the action mode of yeast-derived beta-glucan in combination with anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in cancer therapy. ….Pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of combined beta-glucan with anti-tumor mAb therapy in terms of tumor regression and long-term survival.”

Antibodies – Monoclonal and Beta Glucan: Li B, Allendorg DJ, et al; “Yeast beta-glucan amplifies phagocyte killing of iC3b-opsonized tumor cells via complement receptor 3-Syk-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway,” J Immunol, Aug 1;177(3): 1651-9  PMID 16849475, 2006. Quote: “Anti-tumor mAbs hold promise for cancer therapy, but are relatively inefficient. Therefore, there is a need for agents that might amplify the effectiveness of these mAbs. One such agent is beta glucan… . In this study, we report that tumor-bearing mice treated with a combination of beta-glucan and anti-tumor mAb show almost complete cessation of tumor growth. …These results are important inasmuch as beta-glucan, an agent without evident toxicity, may be used to amplify tumor cell killing and may open new opportunities in the immunotherapy of cancer.”

Antibodies – Monoclonal –  and Beta Glucan: Yan J, Allendorf DJ, Brandley B, “Yeast whole glucan particle (WGP) beta-glucan in conjunction with antitumour monoclonal antibodies to treat cancer.” Expert Opin Biol Ther; 5(5):691-702; James Graham Brown Cancer Ctr, Louisville, KY, 2005. Quote: “Extensive studies in preclinical animal tumour models have demonstrated the efficacy of combined oral particulate yeast beta-glucan with antitumour mAb [monoclonal antibodies] in terms of tumour regression and long-term survival. It is proposed that the addition of beta-glucan will further improve the clinical therapeutic efficacy of antitumour mAbs in cancer patients.”

Antibodies- Monoclonal and Beta Glucan   Hong F, Yan J, Baran J, Allendorf D, et al, “Mechanism by Which Orally Administered beta-1,3-glucans Enhance the Tumoricidal Activity of Antitumor Monoclonal Antibodies in Murine Tumor Models,” J Immunol, 173(2), 797-806, PMID: 15240666, Jul 15 2004. Quote: “Antitumor mAb bind to tumors and activate complement, coating tumors with iC3b. Intravenously administered yeast beta-1,3;1,6-glucan functions as an adjuvant for antitumor mAb…Orally administered beta 1,3-glucans were taken up by macrophages that transported them to spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. Within the bone marrow, the macrophages degraded the large beta-1,3-glucans into smaller soluble beta-1,3-glucan fragments that were taken up by the CR3 [receptors] of marginated granulocytes. These granulocytes with CR3-bound beta-1,3-glucan-fluorescein were shown to kill iC3b-opsonized tumor cells following their recruitment to a site of complement activation resembling a tumor coated with mAb.”

Antibodies – Monoclonal and Beta Glucan   Hong F, Yan J, Baran J, Allendorf D, et al, “Beta-glucan Functions as an Adjuvant for Monoclonal Antibody Immunotherapy by Recruiting Tumoricidal Granulocytes as Killer Cells,” Cancer Res,, 63(24), 9023-31, PMID: 14695221, Dec 15 2003. Quote: “Previous studies suggested that i.v. beta-glucan might function as an adjuvant for antitumor mAbs. Glucan had been shown to function via the iC3b-receptor complement receptor  3 (CR3;CD11b/CD1B) thereby enhancing leukocyte killing of tumor cells coated with iC3b via naturally occurring antitumor antibodies. …These data suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of mAbs known to activate complement …could be significantly enhanced if they were combined with beta-glucan.”

Anti-Inflammatory – See “Inflammation” also

Anti-inflammatory:  Sugita P, Sargowo D, “Abstract 366: Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan Chemical Structure Characterization of Indonesian Ganoderma lucidum Mycelium Extract,” Artheriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Vol 39, Issue Suppl 1, July 19, 2019. Quote: “B-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan may act as an anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress suppressor which may result in the repair of cardiomyocytes and prevent ischemia.”

Anti-Inflammatory: Inflammation – Upper Respiratory Tract Infection – Double blind Human Clinical Study / Anti-inflammatory:  Dharsono T, Rudnicka K, Wilhelm M, Schoen C, “Effects of Yeast (1,3)-(1,6-Beta-Glucan on Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs): A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Subjects,” J Am Coll Nutr, Epub, PMID: 30198828, https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1478339 . Sept 2018. Quote, “Subjects supplementing with yeast beta-glucan benefit by a reduced severity of physical URTI symptoms during the first week of an episode,…Furthermore, accompanying benefits in terms of blood pressure and mood were identified.  Altogether, yeast beta-glucan supports the immune function to defend against pathogens in the upper respiratory tract.  In the study of Mosikanon et al, the increase of IL-10 [by beta glucan] was associated with a significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a. …beta glucan administration may train the monocytes to react more quickly and more efficiently by the robust production of anti-inflammatory cytokines that facilitate the blockage of the inflammatory process and the severity of the symptoms.”

Anti-inflammatory – Cao Y, Sun Y, Zou S, Duan B, Sun M, Xu X, “Yeast B-Glucan Suppresses the Chronic Inflammation and Improves the Microenvironment in Adipose Tissues of ob/ob Mice,” J Agric Food Chem, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04921, PMID: 29285925, Jan *, 2018. Quote: “…yeast B-1,3-glucan (BYG)…decreased pro-inflammatory modulators of TNF-α, IL6, IL-1B, CCL2 and SAA3, and increased anti-inflammatory factors …Remarkably, BYG decreased the degree of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) infiltration, BYG increased the protective Th2 cell regulator GATA3 and decreased immunosuppressors IL-10 and IL-1ra, suggesting the BYG elicited inflammation inhibition via stimulating immune responses. …BYG increased the gut microbiota…and improved the microenvironment of visceral adipose tissues (VATS) through decreasing fibrosis [thickening of connective tissue] and angiogenesis [development of new blood vessels]. These findings suggest that BYG has anti-inflammatory effect in diabetic mice, which can be used as a food component and/or therapeutic agent for diabetes.”

Anti-inflammatory – Beta Glucan:  Raa J, “Immune modulation by non-digestible and non-absorbable beta-1,3/1,6-glucan,” Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease, Vol 26:1, Issue s3, https://doi.org/103402/mehd.v25.27824, May 29 2015. Quote: “More than 30 years ago, Seljelid and co-workers screened a large number of glucans and glycans …for their macrophage-activating ability in vitro, and found that a particulate beta-1,3/1,6-glucan prepared from baker’s yeast was the most active.  Products with only one single glucose molecule in the side chain, as in most mushroom beta-1,3/1,6-glucans, have lower macrophage activating activity than yeast cell-wall beta 1,3/1,6 glucan.  …Due to their ability to enhance infection defense mechanisms and simultaneously down-regulate inflammations, beta-1,3/1,6-glucan is very promising as an alternative to the mainstream use of immunosuppressive drugs to treat inflammatory diseases, for instance, IBD. 

…Oral administration of beta-1,3/1,6 glucan exhibits intestinal anti-inflammatory activity, and they suggest that beta-1,3/1,6 glucan may be effective for the treatment of gut inflammation,  including Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Beta-1,3/1,6 glucans counteract not only LPS-induced inflammations but also the inflammation elicited by influenza virus.  The ability of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan to suppress inflammatory response has been tested also in humans scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting. Pretreatment for 5 days with oral particulate beta1-,e/1,6 glucan caused significantly lowered creatine kinase isozyme and cardiac troponin levels the first day of pot operation, and it was concluded that beta-1,3/1,6 glucan pretreatment is safe and may protect against ischemia reperfusion injury following CABG [Coronary artery bypass grafting]. Note: glycans are polysaccharides including yeast glucans containing other sugars than glucose.

Anti-Inflammatory: Steir H, Ebbeskotte V, Gruenwald J, “Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan,” Nutr J; 13;38, PMID 24774968, https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-38 , Apr 28, 2014. Quote: “Indeed, yeast β-glucan consumption had an impact on immune function, as shown by an increase of both circulating levels and adipose tissue messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Insulin sensitivity as well as circulating levels and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were, however, unaffected. The results indicate that intake of particulated yeast β-glucans also has anti-inflammatory properties. …These studies provide evidence on the potential immunomodulatory effects of yeast B-glucans. On the one hand, the substances eliit/amplify (activate) the immune reaction as shown in the prevention of infections; on the other hand, they are capable of reducing the inflammatory reaction by inducing anti-inflammatory processes.”

Anti-inflammatory / Inflamation-Sepsis:   Abdulkadir B, Mustafa K, et al, “Beta-Glucan Attenuates Inflammatory Cytokine Release and Prevents Acute Lung Injury in an Experimental Model of Septis,” Shock, Vol 27(4) p397-401, https://doi.org/10.1097/01.shk.0000245030.24235.f1, Apr 2007. Quote: “In this study we investigated the putative protective role of B-glucan against sepsis-induced lung injury. …The present study demonstrates that B-glucan, a clinically relevant nonspecific immunomodulator, can significantly attenuate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and systemic inflammation in rat after sepsis. We have also shown that B-glucan can affect the lethality and occurrence of acute lung injury as measured through end-organ histological damage in response to sepsis. …

We have previously shown the beneficial effects of B-glucan such as decreased weight loss, anastomotic leakage, and mortality in the setting of peritonitis.   These findings, therefore, suggest that immunomodulation with B-glucan mediates the inhibition of the cytokine response, leading to a regression of neutrophilic lung inflammation.  We propose that B-glucan might be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of inflammatory lung injury related to sepsis.”

Anti-inflammatory – Inflamation:  Luhm J, Langenkamp U, et al, “Beta-(1–>3)-D-glucan modulates DNA binding of nuclear factors kappaB, AT and IL-6 leading to an anti-inflammatory shift of the IL-1beta/IL-1 receptor antagonist ratio,” BMC Immunol, 22;7:5, https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2172-7-5, PMID: 16553947, Mar 2006. Quote: “Beta-1–>3-D glucans represent a pathogen-associated molecular pattern and are able to modify biological responses. …Thus, beta-1–>3-D-glucans may induce beneficial effects in the presence of pro-inflammatory responses, downstream of receptor binding and signaling by switching a pro- to an anti-inflammatory IL-1RA-mediated reaction.”

 

Antifungal Vaccine: Liao G, Zhou Z, et al, “6-O-Branched  Oligo-B-glucan-Based Antifungal Glycoconjugate Vaccines,” ACS Infect Dis, 2(2):122-31, PMIC5668869, Feb 12 2016. Quote: “With the rapid growth in fungal infections and drug-resistant fungal strains, antifungal vaccines have been an especially attractive strategy… . B-Glucans have a conserved B-1,3-glucan backbone with sporadic B-1,3- or B-1,6-linked short glucans as branches at the 6-0-positions.  Thus, branched oligo-B-glucans were identified as functional epitopes for antifungal vaccine design….”  Note: “Epitote” is the part of an antigen recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells or T Cells. The epitope is the specific piece of the antigen to which an antibody binds.

Antimicrobial – Animals – Dogs Trained Immunity:   Paris S, Chapat L, Pasin M, et al, “B-Glucan-Induced Trained Immunity in Dogs,” Front. Immunl., https://doi.org/10.3389/fimm.2020.566893, Oct 09 2020. Quote: “The presented work demonstrated for the first time that canine macrophages are able to undergo immune training in response to B-glucan stimulation.  To further demonstrate the ability to fight pathogens, we investigated anti-microbial responses through analysis of ROS [Reactive Oxygen Species] production and phagocytic activity. Both parameters were found increased upon B-glucan training with statistical significance. Anti-microbial responses during an infection plays a pivotal role in controlling pathogens before the activation of the adaptive immunity and the cellular cooperation that comes with it.”

Antimicrobial Activity: Goodridge H, Reyes C, Becker C et al; “Activation of the innate immune receptor Dectin-1 upon formation of a ‘phagocytic synapse'” Nature, Vol 472 p 471-475, April 28, 2011. * Quote: “…Dectin-1 is a pattern-recognition receptor expressed by myeloid phagocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils) that detects b-glucans in fungal cell walls and triggers direct cellular antimicrobial activity… . Despite its ability to bind both soluble and particulate B-glucan polymers, Dectin-1 signaling is only activated by particulate B-glucans. …Studies in mice and humans have demonstrated an important role for Dectin-1 in anti-fungal defense. Dectin-1 signals activate anti-microbial phagocytosis, production of ROD [reactive oxygen species] and inflammatory innate immune responses, and influence the development of adaptive immunity…”

Antimicrobial Activity: Hunter K, Washburn R, “Efficacy of topical antimicrobial acid and immunostimulatory B-Glucan in Animal Models of Cutaneous Infection,” U Nevada Medical School-Applied Res Grant, Aug 1998.  Quote: “…the B-glucans have been shown to activate macrophages to enhance their antimicrobial activity.  Our laboratory has developed preliminary evidence that B-1,3/1,6 glucans possesses immunostimulatory activity for macrophages in vitro, leading to secretion of the Th-1 cytokines IL-1 B, IL-12, and TNF-µ.”

Antigenotoxic – See Antioxidant – Cancer [prevents genetic DNA damage within a cell]

Antimutagenic – See Antioxidant – Cancer [reduces rate of mutations]

Antioxidant – See Also Free Radical Scavenging

 

Antioxidant – Beta Glucan :   Chunwei Yu, Chen Hui, et al, “B-Glucan from Saccharomycec cerevisiae alleviates oxidative stress in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells via Dectin-1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,”  Cell Stress Chaperones, PMID: 33880723, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12192-021-01205-5, Apr 21, 2021.   Quote: “B-Glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been described to be effective antioxidants . …The antioxidant mechanism study indicated B-glucan activated dendritic-cell-associated C-type lectin 1 (Dectin-1) receptors mediated NRf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby downregulating the production of ROS [reactive oxygen species]  and thus produced the antioxidant effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.”

Antioxidant:   Liu Y, Wu Q, Wu X, et al, “Structure, preparation, modification, and bioactivities of B-glucan and mannan from yeast cell wall: A review,” 173:445-456, PMID: 33497691, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.125 , Mar 15 2021. Quote: “Many studies have shown that B-glucan and mannan from yeast cell wall have the potential to replace antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases, thereby reducing the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens. B-Glucan and mannan had a variety of biological functions, including improving the intestinal environment, stimulating innate and acquired immunity, absorbing mycotoxins, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and so on.”

Antioxidant:   Song L, Zhour Y, et al, “Dietary intake of B-glucans can prolong lifespan and exert an anti-oxidant action of aged fish Nothobranchius guentheri,” Rejuvenation Res, PMID: 315191931, Oct 8 2019. Quote: “These data together suggest for the first time that B-1,3-glucans can extend the lifespan, delay the onset of age-related biomarkers and exert an antioxidant action of the aged fish N. guentheri.  It also implies that B-1,3-glucans may be potentially useful for health care in the elderly, including extension of the lifespan.”

Antioxidant: Beta Glucan:  Ciecierska A, Drywien ME, et al, “Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition,” Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, [Translation: Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny, Responsiveness to the hospital patient needs in Poland], 70(4):315-324, (ISSN: 0035-7715), 2019. Quote: “Beta-glucan[s]…are attributed a number of beneficial health properties, including the prevention and treatment of certain digestive diseases and supporting the immune system. …Beta-glucan reduces cholesterol and glucose concentrations in the blood, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. …beta-glucan also exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing the risk of diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Immunostimulatory and antitumor effects have also been reported. …Beta-glucan belongs to the group of prebiotics which stimulate the growth and activity of the desired natural intestinal microbiota, while inhibiting the growth of pathogens. …Such a number of health benefits resulting from the properties of beta-glucan may play a key role in improving health benefits resulting from the properties of beta-glucan and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.”

Antioxidant – Brain / Microglia: Harun Alp, Sefer Varol, et al, “Protective Effects of Beta Glucan and Gliclazide on Brain Tissue and Sciatic Nerve of Diabetic Rats Induced by Streptozosin,” Experimental Diabetes Res, Vol 2012, Article ID 23032, https://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/230342. 2012. Quote: “Recent studies have reported that beta-glucans could reduce hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemis, and hypertension. …It was found that B-glucan is an antioxidant … . Therefore, beta-glucans have great potential for the treatment of diabetes and associated neurological diseases including diabetic neuropathy and encephalopathy.  Thus, beta glucan can lead new approaches for the prevention of diabetic neurologic complications and vascular risk factors by reducing oxidative damage of this molecule. … “

“In addition, it has been suggested that beta-glucans may be used to prevent or treat excessive microglial activation during chronic inflammatory conditions. Gliclazide …is a second generation sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agent…gliclazide may contribute to the control of physiopathological mechanisms underlying both the process of aging and type 2 diabetes by reducing oxidant stress and DNA damage,… .In diabetic experimental models it has been reported that gliclazide potentially protects the vasculature through improvements in plasma lipids and platelet function. …This study results suggested that beta glucan and gliclazide may be considered to reduce oxidative stress in diabetic brain and sciatic nerve and may be used as a protective agent against diabetic damage of brain and sciatic nerve.”

Antioxidant – Stroke – Saluk-Jusszczak J, et al, “(1-3)-B-D-Glucan inhibits a dual mechanism of peroxynitrite stroke,” Int J Biol Macromol, 48(3):488-94. PMID: 21255603, Apr 1, 2011. Quote: “The obtained results demonstrate that (1-3)-B-D-glucan from S. cerevisiae protects plasma components against toxic effects…due to antioxidative and anti nitrative activities.  Therefore, (1-3)-B-D-glucan supplementation during inflammatory may be beneficial not only in regard for its ability to stimulate the immune system, but also by antioxidative properties.”

Antioxidant – Pourahmad J, Shaki F, et al, “Proective effecdts of fungal B-(1-3)-D-glucan against oxidative stress cytotoxicity induced by depleted uranium in isolated rat hepatocytes,.” Hum Exp Toxicol, 173-81, PMID 201522489, Mar 2011. Quote: “In conclusion, our results confirmed the antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of B-(1-3)-D-glucan and suggested this compound and silymarin as possible drug candidates for prophylaxis and treatment against depleted uranium toxic effects.”

Antioxidant – Cancer: Kogan G, Pajtinka M, Babincova M, Miadokova E, Rauko P, Slamenova D, Korolenko TA; “Yeast cell wall polysaccharides as antioxidants and antimutagens: can they fight cancer?” Inst of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Neoplasma 55(5):387-93 2008. Quote: “…yeast cell wall beta-D glucans reveal immunomodulating properties which allows for their application in anti-infective and antitumor therapy. The derivatives of beta-D-glucan exerted potent enhancement of tumor necrosis [killing] factor alpha (TNF-alpha) …and revealed synergistic effect with cyclophosphamide in the treatment of Lewis lung carcinoma and two types of lymphosarcoma in murine models. The results indicate protective antioxidant, antimutagenic  and antigenotoxic [deters physical dna damage] activities…and imply their potential application in anticancer prevention/therapy.”

Antioxidants – Methotrexate offset: Sener G, Eksioglu-Demiraop E, Cetiner M, Ercan F, Yegen BC;  “beta-glucan ameliorates methotrexate-induced oxidative organ injury via its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.” European J Pharmacology; 542(1-3):170-178; Aug 7 2006. Quote: “Methotrexate is an antifolate [antimetabolite chemotherapy drug] that is widely used in the treatment of rheumatic disorders and malignant tumors. The efficacy of methotrexate is often limited by severe side effects and toxic sequelae [disease condition caused by a disease], where oxidative stress [free radical damage] is noticeable. … Thus, the findings of the present study suggest that beta-glucan, through its antioxidant and immunoregulatory effects, may be of therapeutic value in alleviating the leukocyte apoptosis [white immune cell death], oxidative [free radical] tissue injury and thereby the intestinal and hepatorenal [liver or kidney] side effects of methotrexate treatment.”

Antioxidants-acetaminophen toxicity: Toklu HZ, Sehirili AO, Velioglu-Ogunc A, Centinel S, Sener G; “Acetaminophen-induced toxicity is prevented by beta-d-glucan treatment in mice.” European J Pharmacology; 543(1-3):133-40;  Jun 2, 2006.  Quote: “The protective effect of beta-glucan against oxidative injury caused by acetaminophen [Tylenol, Anacin 3, Tempra, Datril] was studied in mice liver…Acetaminophen caused a significant decrease in the GSH level of the tissue, which was accompanied with significant increases in the hepatic luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence values, malondialdehyde level, MPO activity and collagen content. Similarly, serum ALT, AST levels, as well as LDH and TNF-alpha, were elevated in the acetaminophen-treated group…beta-d-glucan treatment reversed all of these [liver toxicity] biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations that were induced by acetaminophen. In conclusion, these results suggest that beta-d-glucan exerts cytoprotective effects against oxidative injury through its antioxidant properties and may be of therapeutic use in preventing acetaminophen toxicity.”

Antioxidant-burn injuries: : Toklu HZ, Sener G, “Beta-glucan protects against burn-induced oxidative organ damage in rats,” Int. Immunopharmacol; 6(2):156-69, Marmara U., Istanbul, Turkey; Epub Aug 2005/Feb 2006. Quote: “The results indicate that both systemic and local administration of beta-glucan were effective against burn-induced oxidative tissue damage in the rat.  Beta-glucan, besides their immunomodulatory effects, have additional antioxidant properties.  Therefore, beta-glucans merit consideration as therapeutic agents in the treatment of burn injuries.”

Antioxidant-spinal cord injury:  Kayali H, Ozdag MF, et al, “The antioxidant effect of beta-Glucan on oxidative stress status in experimental spinal cord injury in rats.” Dept Neurosurgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey; Neurosurg Rev. Apr 30 2005. Quote: “According to our results, beta-Glucan works like a scavenger and has an antioxidant effect on lipid peroxidation in spinal cord injury.”

Anthrax: Vetvicka V, Terayama K, Ostroff G et al; “Orally-administered Yeast B1,3-glucan prophylactically protects against anthrax infection and cancer in mice.” J of the Amer Nutraceutical Assc; Vol 5-2, pp1-20; Spring 2002. Quote: “…orally-administered yeast B1,3-glucan had significant effects as a prophylactic [taken regularly for a period before condition onset] treatment to reduce the mortality of anthrax infection in mice. The mechanism of action involves the stimulation of three important cytokines: IL-2, IFN-y, and TNF-alpha.”

Aquaculture industry – Cortisol Level Modulation:  Mello M, Zanuzzo FJ, et al, “B-glucan modulates cortisol levels in stressed pacu (Piarctus mesopotamicus) inoculated with heat-killed Aeromonas hydrophila,” Fish Shellfish Immunol, S1050-4648(19)30778-8, PMID: 31352115 Jul 25 2019.  Quote: The modulation of cortisol levels and the immunostimulation by B-glucan …suggest the compound has a protective effect by avoiding higher levels of the hormone [cortisol] and improving resistance against bacterial infection in pacu. These results add evidence to support the use of B-glucan as an immunomodulator in the aquaculture industry.” Note: The red-bellied pacu, an invasive species related to the piranha but with human-like teeth.

Artherogenic progression: Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J; ; “Effects of yeast-derived beta-glucans on blood cholesterol and macrophage functionality.”  U of Louisville, Dept of Pathology, Louisville, KY 40202; March 2009. Quote: “…consumption of …yeast-derived beta-glucan indicated a dose-dependent decrease in plasma cholesterol levels…highly purified yeast-derived beta-glucans modify cholesterol levels and other indicators associated with artherogenic progression in mice..”

Arthritis: Suzuki K, Nakashima A, Igarashi M, et al, “Euglena gracilis Z and its carbohydrate storage substance [a beta 1,3-D-glucan] relieve arthritis symptoms by modulating Th17 immunity,” PLoS One, 1(2):e0191462, PMID: 29389956, Feb 1 2018. Quote: “…E. gracilize Z and paramylon [a beta-1,3-D-glucan] exhibited symptom-relieving effects on rheumatoid arthritis and suppressed the secretion of cytokines IL-17, IL-6, and IFN-y. These effects were likely mediated by the regulatory activities of E. gracilize Z and paramylon on Th17 immunity.”

Arthritis: Janusz M.J., Austen K.F., Czop J.K.; “Isolation of a Yeast Heptaglucoside that Inhibits Monocyte Phagocytosis  of Zymosan Particles”. The Journal of Immunology; 142:959-965. Dept of Med, Harvard Med Sch, Boston, MA.* 1989.  Quote: “Beta-Glucans with 1,3-and 1,6  glycosidic linkages are the major structural components of yeast and fungal cell walls and are active pharmacologic agents in host defense systems of plants and animals….The administration of particulate glucans from S. cerevisiae to laboratory animals induces host resistance to a variety of lethal pathogens by mechanisms involving macrophage stimulation. In vitro studies reveal that bone marrow-derived mouse macrophages and human peripheral blood monocytes possess Beta-glucan receptors that mediate phagocytosis of glucan particles and induce release of proinflammatory mediators…”

Aspergillosis / Aspergillus fumigatus Fungal Diseases:

 

Aspergillus Fungal Defense:  Dutta O, Espinosa V, et al, “Dectin-1 Promotes Type I and III Interferon Expression to Support Optimal Antifungal Immunity in the Lung,” Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 10:321, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2020.00321, PMID: 32733815, Jul 8 2020. Quote: “Pulmonary infections with Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) are a significant cause of invasive fungal disease and lead to high morbidity and mortality in diverse populations throughout the world. …we demonstrate that dectin-1-mediated recognition of B-glucan on the cell wall of the clinically relevant fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus promotes the activation of a protective cascade of type I and III interferon expression [antiviral]. We further demonstrate that exogenous administration of type I and III interferons can rescue inadequate antifungal responses in dectin-1 mice, suggesting the potential therapeutic benefit of these cytokines as activators of antifungal defense in the context of innate defects.”  Note: “Exogenous” is originating or produced outside a cell, tissue or organism.  Note: Dectin-1 is a beta 1,3/1,6 glucan receptor on immune cells.

Aspergillosis Fungal Disease:    Ambati S, Ferarro A, et al, “Dectin-1-Targeted Antifungal Liposomes Exhibit Enhanced Efficacy,” MSphere 4(2): e00121-19, PMIC 30760610, March 6 2019.  Quote: “Hundreds of fungal species…cause a wide variety of diseases, including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, crytococcosis, coccidiodomycosis (valley fever), and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Collectively, pathogenic fungi infect many different organs, but lungs are the most common site for deep mycoses. Globally, aspergillosis, candidiasis, and cryptococcosis kill about 1 million or more people each year.

Dectin-1 is a transmembrane receptor expressed in natural killer lymphocytes [immune cells]...containing (7A beta-glucan receptor) in mice and humans. … We demonstrated that sDectin-1-targeted, AmB-loaded DEC-AmB-LLs are significantly more effective at binding to and inhibiting the growth of fungal cells…DEC-AmB-LLs killed or inhibited A. fumigatus 10 times more efficiently than untargeted liposomes, … [with] the potential to greatly enhance antifungal therapeutics.”  Note: Patients are often treated with antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B loaded into liposomes (AMB-lls). AmB-LLs were also coated with Dectin-1 to produce DEC-AMB-LLs.  Dectin-1 coated liposomes were 10 times more efficient in killing or inhibiting A fumigatus than the uncoated liposomes often prescribed.

Aspergillosis Aflatoxin Mycotoxin: Aazami MH, Nasri MHE, et al, “In Vitro Aflatoxin B1 Binding by the Cell Wall and (1-3)-B-d Glucan of Baker’s Yeast,” J Food Prot, 16:670-676, PMID 29543529, Mar 16, 2018. Quote: ” Results of this study indicated that BGBY (cell wall (1-3)-B-d-glucan of baker’s yeast) was the most effective binder [of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)], and more exposure to BGBY removes more AFB1 from PBS (phosphated-buffered saline).” Note: An Aflatoxin is a fungal mycotoxin produced by a species of Aspergillus mold causing liver damage and liver cancer – found frequently on poorly stored peanuts, maize, etc.

Aspergillosis – Fungal Diseases-Vaccine: Clemons KV, Danielson ME, et al, “Whole glucan particles as a vaccine against murine Aspergillosis.” J Med Microbiol, 63(Pt 12):1750-9. PMID 25288643. Dec 2014. Quote: “Vaccination with … Saccharomyces cerevisiae protects against experimental infection by pathogenic fungi of five genera. …Six or 12 mg whole glucan particles …prolonged survival and reduced c.f.u. in each organ. …Vaccination with whole glucan particles…proved protective against systemic aspergillosis, equivalent to that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, supporting the potential of particulate B-glucans, alone or conjugated, as vaccines against aspergillosis.” Note: Saccharomyces cerevisiae in research is particulate Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan.  Note: c.f.u. refers to a Colony-forming unit used to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample.

Aspergillosis & Candida albicans-vaccination: Fidan l, Kalkanci A, Yesilyurt E, Erdal B, “In vitro effects of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus on dendritic cells and the role of beta glucan in this effect.” Adv Clin Exp Med 23(1):17-24, PMID: 24595999, Jan-Feb 2014. Quote: “Dendritic cells (DCs) are able to initiate and regulate the immune response to fungal infections.  B-glucan stimulates the immune system, modulating cellular and humoral immunity. It (B-glucan) has a beneficial effect in fighting fungal infections. We investigated the in vitro effect of C. albicans and A. fumigatus infection on human dendritic cells (DCs). …the addition of B-glucan to the dendritic cells stimulated by fungi promoted the activation and maturation  of dendritic cells. …B-glucan can be used as a novel stimulator to dendritic cell-based vaccination against fungal infections.”

Aspergillosis – Environmental Toxins, Pereyra CM, Cavaglieri LR, et al, “The corn influence on the adsorption levels of aflatoxin B, and zearalenone by yeast cell wall [Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan].” J Appl Microbiol, 114:655-62, PMID 23176728, https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.12082.  Mar 2013. Quote: “One of the most efficient prevention strategies to prevent mycotoxicoses [including aflotoxins and aspergillosis] is the dietary supplementation with materials that reduce the toxin bioavailability in the digestive tract and, therefore, their adverse effects on animals. Basic ingredients and dietary supplements such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae may have functional properties in the diet and show satisfactory results when added to feedstuff either as active cells or as cell wall components (Shetty and Jespersen 2006). α-d-mannan and β-d-glucan are the two major polysaccharides present in S. cerevisiae. They constitute up to 90% of the cell wall dry weight and have remarkable properties to interact with the host immune system and constitute a good source of adsorbent.”

Aspergillus flavus & Aspergillus parasiticus – Environmental Toxins:   Prado G, Madeira JEGC, Morais VAD, et al, “Reduction of aflatoxin B1 in stored peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae [beta 1,3/1,6 glucan],” 74(6):1003-6, PMID: 21669081, https://www.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028XJFP-10-380 , Jun 7 2011. Quote: Aflatoxin B(1) is a toxigenic and carcinogenic compound produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. …Aflatoxin B(1) contamination in peanuts was reduced after the addition of S. cerevisiae. The concentration of aflatoxin B(1) decreased by 74.4 and 55.9% after 7 and 15 days, respectively. …The use of S. cerevisiae [beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] is a promising strategy for biological control of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts.”

Aspergillus/Aflotoxin – Environmental Toxins:  Shetty PH, Hald B, Jespersen L, “Surface binding of aflatoxin B1 by Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with potential decontaminating abilities in indigenous fermented foods,” Int J Food Microbiol: 113(1):41-6, PMID: 16996157, https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrooemid4o.2006.07.013 , Jan 1 2007. Quote: “The results obtained show that some strains of S. cerevisiae [beta 1,3/1,6 glucan], viable or non-viable, are effective aflatoxin binders and these properties should be considered in the selection of starter cultures for relevant indigenous fermented foods where high aflatoxin level is a potential health risk.”

Aspergillosis fumigatus:  Steele C, Williams DL, Brown G, et al, “The Beta-Glucan Receptor Dectin-1 Recognizes Specific Morphologies of Aspergillus fumigatus,” PLOS, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.0010042, Dec 9, 2005. Quote: “These results provide critical insight into one of the earliest recognition events after inhalation of A. fumigatus [Aspergillus] and show the importance of alveolar macrophage-associated, beta-glucan-initiated, dectin-1 signaling in generating the appropriate inflammatory signals in response to A. fumigatus.”

Asthma: See also Respiratory

 

Asthma and Allergies – Fungal Defense:  Baremes KR, Kita H, “Innate and adaptive immune responses to fungi in the airway,” J Allergy Clin Immunol, 142(2):353-363, PMID 30080527, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2018.06.016 , Aug 2018. Quote: “Exposure, sensitization, or both to fungi are strongly associated with development of asthma and allergic airway diseases. Furthermore, global climate change will likely increase the prevalence of fungi and enhance their antigenicity. …Fungi contain cell-wall molecules, such as B-glucan and chitin, and secrete biologically active proteases and glycosidases. Airway epithelial cells and innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells, are equipped with cell -surface molecules that react to these fungal products, resulting in production of cytokines and proinflammatory mediators. As a result, the adaptive arm of antifungal immunity, including Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type CD4-T cells, is established, reinforcing protection against fungal infection and causing detrimental immunopathology … .”

Asthma: Burg AR, Quigley L, et al, “Orally administered B-glucan attenuates the Th2 response in a model of airway hypersensitivity,” Springer Plus 5(1):815, PMID: 27390655, Jun 21, 2016. Quote: Daily oral administration of a preparation of [B-1,3/1,6-glucans as a dietary supplement] significantly reduced the influx of eosinophils into the lungs of OVA [ovalbumin protein]]-challenged mice compared to control mice.”

Asthma:  Ilka Noss,  Doekes G, et al, “Comparison of the potency of a variety of B-glucans to induce cytokine production in human whole blood,” Innate Immun, 19(1): 10-19, PMID: 22653750, Feb 2013. Quote: “…a series of studies …reporting…protective effects of glucan exposure in early childhood against the development of asthma and allergy.”

Asthma-Human Study:  Talbott SM, Talbott JA, Talbott TL, Dingler E, “B-Glucan supplementation, allergy symptoms, and quality of life in self-described ragweed allergy sufferers,” Food Sci Nutr, 1(1):90-101, PMID: 24804018, https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.11, Jan 1 2013. Quote: “Individuals experiencing an allergic response of asthma are thought to have an overactive Th2 [type II helper T-lymphocytes] response. B-1,3-glucan can stimulate macrophages, which secrete anti-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2, tumor growth factor, and IL-10 and may inhibit the Th2 response.” [The overactive Th2 response releases excess histamines into the mast cells which create an allergic response to an allergen vs a pathogen]

Asthma-Human Study: Sarinho E, Medeiros D, Schor D, Silva A R, Sales V, Mottta ME, Costa A, Azoubel A, Rizzo JA; “Production of interleukin-10 [anti-inflammatory cytokine] in asthmatic children after Beta-1-3 glucan;” Allergol Immuopathol (Madr): PMID 19912977; Vol 37, Num 4:188-92, July-Aug 2009. Quote: “An experimental study carried out using a murine respiratory model detected…an increase in Interleukin-10 (IL-10 anti-inflammatory) after glucan use.There was also a reduction of asthmatic symptoms score at the end of study. This open, exploratory study with blind outcome evaluation included asthmatic children between 6 and 12 years of age with mild to moderate persistent asthma and inadequate disease control. …Beta-1-3-glucan has been proving itself to be a medication with a powerful action on interferon-gamma production, in stimulating macrophages and in its differentiation to antigen-presenting cells.

Macrophages are able of modulating the immune response because they secrete anti-inflammatory mediators such as Prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), Tumor Growth Factor (TGE-a) and IL-10.  As such, Beta-1-3-glucan can act as a macrophage stimulant and prevent the appearance of a Th2 response. …In an animal model a single high dose of Beta-1-3-glucan has been related to an improvement in asthma and pulmonary function abnormalities.”

Atherosclerosis:

 

Atherosclerosis: Beta Glucan:  Ciecierska A, Drywien ME, et al, “Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition,” Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, [Translation: Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny, Responsiveness to the hospital patient needs in Poland], 70(4):315-324, (ISSN: 0035-7715), 2019. Quote: “Beta-glucan[s]…are attributed a number of beneficial health properties, including the prevention and treatment of certain digestive diseases and supporting the immune system. …Beta-glucan reduces cholesterol and glucose concentrations in the blood, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. …beta-glucan also exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing the risk of diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Immunostimulatory and antitumor effects have also been reported. …Beta-glucan belongs to the group of prebiotics which stimulate the growth and activity of the desired natural intestinal microbiota, while inhibiting the growth of pathogens. …Such a number of health benefits resulting from the properties of beta-glucan may play a key role in improving health benefits resulting from the properties of beta-glucan and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.”

Atherosclerosis: Williams D.L., Browder I. and DiLuzio N.R., “Soluble phosphorylated glucan: methods and compositions for wound healing,”  U.S. Patent 4975421, Issued Dec 4, 1990. Quote: “Beta 1,3 glucan has proven to both stimulate and activate the macrophage cells,…People with high risk of atherosclerosis should definitely add beta 1,3 glucan to their diet in addition to any cholesterol-reducing drugs.” [Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries.]

Atherosclerotic Complications: DiLuzio N.R. and Williams D.L.,  “ The Roll of Glucan in the Prevention and Modification of Microparasitic Diseases;” Immunology Medicine, Alan R. Liss, Inc.; pp. 443-456. 1984. Quote: “Mindful of the extremely high rate of atherosclerotic complications and the extraordinary requirements for antioxidants  in diabetic patients, the use of beta –1,3 glucan becomes an obvious adjunct for improved lifestyle under these conditions.“

Atopic Dermatitus  –    Kim IS, Lee SH, et al, “Oral Administration of B-Glucan and Lactobacillus plantarum Alleviates Atoopic Dermatitis-like Symptoms,” J Microbiol Biotechnol, https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1907.07011. PMID 31546298, Sep 9 2019. Quote: “Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of mainly infants and children. The present study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of yeast-extracted B-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or Lactobacillus plantarum LM1004 against AD-like symptoms. These findings suggest that the dietary supplementation of B-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or L. plantarum LM1004 has a great potential for treatment of Atopic dermatitis (AD) as well as obesity in humans through mechanisms that might involve modulation of host immune systems and gut microbiota.”

Atopic Dermatitus  – Jesenak M, Urbancek S, et al, “B-Glucan-based cream in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis,” J Dermatolog Treat. 1-10, .PMID:26654776;  December 2015. Quote: “Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases with serious impact on quality of life. B-Glucans are natural substances with potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. Topical B-glucan application resulted in the significant improvement of both objective and subjective symptoms of Atopic dermatitis (AD). On the application side, significant decline in the number of days with Atopic dermatitis exacerbation and severity was observed.”

Atopic Dermatitus –  Sugiyama A, Hata S, et al, “Oral administration of paramylon, a beta-1,3-D glucan isolated from Euglena gracilis Z inhibits development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.” J Vet Med Sci, 72(6):755-763, Feb 16 2010. Quote: “These results suggest that paramylon [beta-1,3-D-glucan] inhibits the development of AD-like [atopic dermatitis] skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by suppressing both the T-helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell responses. Our results indicate that paramylon [beta-1,3-D-glucan] treatment could provide an effective alternative therapy for the management of AD [atopic dermatitis].”

Auto-Immune Disorders – See Diabetes:  Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythrematosus, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis and diabetes mellitus sufferers should consult their physician before using any immune response potentiator and then use only in accord with physician instruction.

B

 

B-Cell Function – Diabetes: Silva VO, Lobato RV, et al, “Effects of B-Glucans Ingestion on Alveolar Bone Loss, Intestinal Morphology, Systemic Inflammatory Profile, and Pancreatic B-Cell Function in Rats with Periodontitis and Diabetes,” Nutrients, 14;9(9). PMID 28906456, Sept 14, 2017. Quote: “The study aimed to evaluate the effects of B-glucan ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the plasmatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a0 and interleukin-10 (IL-10), alveolar bone loss, and pancreatic B-cell function (HOMA_BF) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease (PD).  …B-glucan ingestion reduced the systemic inflammatory profile, prevented alveolar bone loss, and improved B-cell function in diabetic animals.”

Bacterial Infections:

 

Bacterial Infection – Beta Glucan – Listeriosis:  Therooude C, Reverte M, et al, “Trained Immu7nity Confers Prolonged Protection from Listeriosis,” Front Immunol, 12:23393, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.723393, Sep 17 2021. Quote: “Trained Immunity refers to the ability of the innate immune system exposed to a first challenge to provide an enhanced response to a secondary homologous or heterologous challenge. We reported that training induced with B-glucan one week before infection confers protection against a broad-spectrum of lethal bacterial infections. …Altogether, these data suggest that training increases the generation and the antimicrobial activity of PMNs [polymorhonuclear  neutrophils) and monocytes, which may confer prolonged protection from lethal bacterial infections.”  Note: Listeriosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes, usually caused by contaminated food.

Bacterial Infection – Inflammation – TNF Alpha  :    Koliakos NN, Renieris G, Sotiropoulos D, et al, “Immunomodulation Through Beta-D-glucan in Chemically-Induced Necrotizing Pancreatitis,” J Surg Res, 261:74-84, PMID: 33421796, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.020 , Jan 6, 2021. Quote: “21 -d survival was prolonged after pretreatment or treatment with B-D-glucan; …Bacterial load was lower after pretreatment or treatment with B-D-glucan … . Tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF alpha]  production from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly decreased, whereas interleukin 10 production remained unaltered after pretreatment or treatment with B-D-glucan. Conclusion: B-D-glucan reduces mortality of experimental pancreatitis in vivo. This is mediated through attenuation of cytokine production and prevention of bacterial translocation.”

Bacterial Infections – Vaccine Adjuvant:   Paterson MJ, Caldera JR, Nguven C, Sharma P, Castro AM, et al, “Harnessing antifungal immunity in pursuit of a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine strategy,” PLoS Pathog, 16(8):c1008733, PMID: 328177694, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1008733, Aug 20 2020. Quote: “Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, and antibiotic resistant strains such as Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are a major threat and burden to public health. We generated glucan particles [Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] loaded with the four aureus proteins … . Vaccination of mice …promoted protection in a systemic model of S. aureus infection with a significant reduction on the bacterial burden in the spleen and kidneys. …This work suggests that the GP [glucan particle] vaccine system has potential as a novel approach to developing vaccines for S. aureus.”

Bacterial Infections: Masterson CH, Murphy EJ, et al, “Purified B-glucans from the Shiitake mushroom ameliorates antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pulmonary sepsis,” Lett Appl Microbiol, PMID: 32706908, https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.12258, Jul 24 2020. Quote: “Bacterial  infection remains the main cause of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and is a leading cause of death and disability in critically ill patients. Here we report on the use of purified B-glucan (Lentinan) extracts …that can reduce infection by a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of K. Pneumonniae in a rodent pneumonia model, likely through immunomodulation. …In conclusion administration of Lentinan [B-glucan] to treat sepsis-induced lung injury appears safe and effective and may exert its effects in an immunomodulatory manner.” [Ameliorate: to make better, improve. Lentinan is a B-1,3 beta glucan with B-1-6 branching and a molecular weight of 500,000 Da.]

Bacterial – E. coli & Staphylococcus Aureus: McBride MA, Owen AM, Stothers CL, et al; “The Metabolic Basis of Immune Dysfunction Following Sepsis and Trauma,” Front Immunol;11:1043. PMID: 3254753, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01043, May 29 2020. Quote: “Serious infection …frequently precipitates sepsis, a complex disease spectrum that includes systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. As such, sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-cardiac intensive care units (ICU). … Stimulation of innate immune cells … such as [macrophages, neutrophils et al] …[by]  B-glucan reprograms their metabolism, which supports …antimicrobial capacity to combat invading infections. … Glucans are potent immunomodulators that augment host resistance against [bacterial] gram negative [Escherichia coli], [bacterial] gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus),  fungal [Candida albicans] and parasitic infections. Further, glucan has been shown to decrease infectious complications in high risk surgical patients.”

Bacteria: “The Biological activity of beta-glucans”; Minerva Medical; 100(3):237-245; Pub Med 19571787;  Jun 2009; Quote: “...Beta-glucans have studied for their hypocholesterolemic effects; these mechanisms include: reducing the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and bile acids by binding to glucans; shifting the liver from cholesterol syntheses to bile acid production; and fermentation by intestinal bacteria to short-chain fatty acids, which are absorbed and inhibit hepatic cholesterol syntheses. …beta-1,3-glucans improve the body’s immune system defense against foreign invaders by enhancing the ability of macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells to respond to and fight a wide range of challenges such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. …there is renewed interest in the potential usefulness of beta-glucan as a radioprotective drug for chemotherapy, radiation therapy and nuclear emergencies, particularly because glucan can be used not only as a treatment, but also as a prophylactic [taken in advance for protection].”

Bacterial Infection: Leptospirosis: Wang J, Jin Z, et al, “The preventable efficacy of B-glucan against leptospirosis,” PloS Negl Trop Dis, 13(11):e000789, PubMed:31675378;  Nov 1, 2019. Quote: “B-Glucan also significantly increased the survival rates and ameliorated pathological damage to organs. Moreover, we demonstrated that B-glucan-trained macrophages exhibited elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1B and IL-6) in vitro, indicating that B-glucan induces an enhanced inflammatory response against Leptospira [bacterial] infection.” Note: Leptospirosis is an infection caused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria. Signs and symptoms can range from none to mild such as headaches, muscle pains, and fevers to severe with bleeding from the lungs or meningitis. If the infection causes the person to turn yellow, have kidney failure and bleeding, it is then known as Weil’s disease.

Bacterial Infection:: Borchani C, Fonteyn F, etc, “Structural Characterization, Technological Functionality, and Physiological Aspects of Fungal B-D-glucans: A Review,” Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 56(10:17)46-52, PMIC 25830657, Jul 2016. Quote: “Thus, they [(1-3)(1-6)-B-glucans] are effective in inhibiting growth of cancer cells and metastasis and preventing bacterial infection. In humans, B-glucans reduce blood cholesterol, improve glucose absorption by body cells, and so help wound healing.”

Bacterial Infection: Vural KD, Uslu H, Keles ON, Unal B, Alp HH, “Investigation of the protective effects of beta-D-glucan against invasive encapsulated Streptococcus pneumonia sepsis in splenectomized rats.” Mikrobiyol Bul,  49(3):314-26, PMID 26313274. Jul 2015. Quote: “The most common species which are responsible for sepsis are encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. …b-D-glucan [BDG] … shows immunomodulatory activity, by enhancing the resistance of the host against microbial agents, and promotes phagocytic and proliferative activities of reticuloendothelial system[phagocytic cells including macrophages and monocytes involved in the immune system]. …BDG, ceftriaxone and BDG+ceftriaxone groups had statistically significant decrease in the amount of bacteria in all tissues when compared to the sepsis group (p<0.05). … The data of our study suggests that, BDG [B-D-glucan] alone, an immunomodulatory agent, alone and in combination with ceftriaxone can reverse the systemic inflammatory reaction in Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis and thereby can reduce multiple organ failure.”

Bacterial Infection:   Hyung K, Hong J, Youngsoo K, etc. “Stimulatory Effect of B-glucans on Immune Cells,” Immune Netw, 11(4): 191-195 PMIC 3202617, Aug 31, 2011. Quote: “B-Glucans, generally called biological response modifiers, are now recognized as anti-tumor and anti-infective drugs. …B-Glucan has been shown to protect against infection by bacteria, viruses and pathogenic microorganisms. B-Glucan also prevents cancer promotion and progression and has anti-tumor effects with monoclonal antibodies and cancer chemotherapeutics.”

Bacterial Infection – Listeria:   Torello CO, et al, “Immunohematopoietic modulation by oral B-1,3-glucan in mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes,” Int Immunopharmacology, Vol 10, Issue 12, P 1573-1579, Dec 2010. Quote: “In this study we demonstrated that the oral administration of B-1,3-glucan protects mice from a lethal dose of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) when administered prophylactically for 10 days at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, with survival rates up to 40%. These doses also prevented the myelosuppression and the splenomegaly caused by a sublethal infection with LM, due to increased numbers of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM) in the bone marrow.” Note: Listeriosis is a serious bacterium infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes – serious food poisoning.

Bacterial Infection: Zechner-Krpan V, Petravic-Tominac V, GrBa Slobodan, Pnaikota-Krbavcic I, Vidovic L, “Biological Effects of Yeast B-Glucans,” Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, Vol 75, No.4 (149-158) 2010. Quote: “Immunomodulation by B-glucan, both in vitro and in vivo, inhibits cancer cell growth and metastasis and prevents bacterial infection. In humans, dietary B-glucan lowers blood cholesterol, improves glucose utilization by body cells and also helps wound healing.”

Bacterial Infection:  Akramlene D, Konddrotas A, et al, “Effects of B-glucans on the immune system,” Medicina (Kaunas), 43(8), Kaunas U of Med, Lithuania, Aug 6 2007. Quote: “It has been common knowledge in the scientific community that B-glucan is the most known powerful immune stimulant and a very powerful antagonist to both benign and malignant tumors; it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride level, normalizes blood sugar level, heals and rejuvenates the skin and has various other benefits. …B-Glucan itself can elicit broad anti-infective effects. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Pneumocystis carinii, Listeria monocytogenes, Leishmania donovani, Influenza virus are microorganisms, against which a protective effect of B-glucan has been established.”

Bacterial Infection: Jamas S, Easson D, Ostroff G: “Underivatilized aqueous soluble beta (1,3) glucan, composition and method of making same.” U.S. Patent Application 20020032170, March 14, 2002. Quote: “The use of soluble and insoluble beta glucans alone or as vaccine adjuvants for viral and bacterial antigens has been shown in animal models to markedly increase resistance to a variety of bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral infections.”

Bacterial Infection: Brown G D, Gordon S; “Immune recognition. A new receptor for beta-glucans.” Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Nature 6;413(6851):36-7. Sep 2001. Quote: “The carbohydrate polymers known as beta-1,3-d-glucans exert potent effects on the immune system – stimulating antitumor and antimicrobial activity, for example – by binding to receptors on macrophages and other white blood cells and activating them.”

Bacterial Infection:   Liang J, Melican D, e al, “Enhanced clearance of a multiple antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus in rats treated with PGG-glucan is associated with increased leukocyte counts and  increased neutrophils oxidative burst activity,” J Immunopharmacol, 20:595-614, PMID 9848393, 1998.

Bacterial Infection :  Bohn JA, BMiller JN, “(1-3)-b-D-Glucans as biological response modifiers: a review of structure-functional activity relationships,” Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol 28, Issue 1, 3-14, 1995. Quote: “(1-3)-B-D-Glucans that have B-D-glucopyranosyl units attached by (1-6) linkages as single unit branches enhance the immune system systemically. This enhancement results in antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulatory and wound healing activities. …immunopotentiation effected by binding of a (1-3)-B-glucan molecule or particle probably includes activation of cytotoxic macrophages, helper T cells, and NK cells, promotion of T cell differentiation, and activation of the alternative complement pathway.”

Bacterial Infection: Franek J, Malina J, Kratka H, “Bacterial infection modulated by glucan: a search for the host defense potentiation mechanisms,” Folia Microbiol (Praha) 37(2): 146-152. 1992.

Bacterial Infections: Wyde, P., “Beta-1,3-glucan activity in mice: intraperitoneal and oral applications.” Baylor College of Medicine Research Report. 1989. Quote: “This demonstration of bactericidal enhancement via oral dosing suggests an application for beta-1,3-glucan as a component in a combined modality with conventional anti-infective agents. Beta glucan, through the stimulation of host defense systems, creates a more supportive environment within the body to assist the primary killing action of the conventional agent.”

Bacterial Infections: Czop, Joyce K., “The Role of Beta.-Glucan Receptors on Blood and Tissue Leukocytes in Phagocytosis and Metabolic Activation”.  Pathology and Immunopathology Research; 5:286-296. Harvard Medical School. 1986. Quote: “…the presence of a particulate activator can rapidly initiate assembly and amplification of a host defense system involving humoral and cellular interactions with B-glucans. …Animals pretreated with purified glucan particles are subsequently more resistant to bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan challenge, reject antigenically incompatible grafts more rapidly and produce higher titers of serum antibodies to specific antigens.  Administration of glucan particles …stimulates…proliferation of macrophages and increases in phagocytic and secretory activities of macrophages. …A cascade of interactions and reactions initiated by macrophage regulatory factors can be envisioned to occur and to eventuate in conversion of the glucan-treated host to an arsenal of defense.”

Bacterial Infection: DiLuzio N.R.,” Immunopharmacology of glucan: a broad spectrum enhancer of host defense mechanisms,” Trends in Pharmacol. SCI., 4:344-347. Dept of Physiology, Tulane U, New Orleans, LA.* 1983. Quote: (p347) “The broad spectrum of immunopharmacological activities of glucan includes not only the modification of certain bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections, but also inhibition of tumor growth.”

Bacterial Infection: Browder W, Williams D, Di Luzio N, et al, “Protective effect of nonspecific immunostimulation in postsplenectomy sepsis,” J Surg Res, 35(6):474-9, PMID 6656237 Dec 1983. Quote: “This study reports the use of glucan, a beta-1,3-polyglucose, as a nonspecific immunostimulant for postsplenectomy pneumococcal sepsis. ,,, Glucan significantly increased survival in the splenectomy group (75%) compared to controls (27%). … Nonspecific immunostimulation [by a beta-1,3-polyglucose] appears to have significant potential as a treatment strategy against postsplenectomy infection.”

Bacterial Infections: Kokoshis PL, DiLuzio NR et al, “Increased resistance to Staphylococcus aureus infection and enhancement in serum lysozyme activity by glucan.” Science, 199(4335);1340-1342; 1978. Quote: “Prior treatment of mice with glucan significantly enhanced their survival when they were challenged systemically with Staphylococcus aureus.  These studies indicate glucan confers an enhanced state of host defense against bacterial infections.”

Bacterial: Jordan F.; “An Effective Immune Response Potentiator– Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan Derived from Yeast Cell Wall,” Macrophage Technologies Publication, pp 1-7; 1998.

Bacterial: Rasmussen, LT and Seljelid, R.: “Novel Immunomodulators With Pronounced In Vitro Effects Caused by Stimulation of Cytokine Release”, Journal of Cellular Biochemistry; 46:60-68. Inst of Med Bio, U of Tromso, Norway. 1991.* Quote: “Beta-1,3-D-polyglucose derivatives protect mice against otherwise lethal bacterial infections.”

Bacterial: Kimura A, Sherwood R, Goldstein E; “Glucan alteration of pulmo  nary antibacterial defense.” J Reticuloendothelial. Soc. 24:1-11. 1983.

Bed Sores: See Decubitus ulcers and Wound Healing

Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan:

Note: For more Beta Glucan research go to specific health conditions

See also categories: Beta Glucan-Particle Size, Beta Glucan-Phagocytosis and Beta Glucan-Safety/Toxicity

Beta Glucan – Trained Immunity –  Ding C, Shrestha R, Zhu Xiaojuan, et al, “Inducing trained immunity in pro-metastatic macrophages to control tumor metastasis”, Nat Immunol, 24(2):239-254, PMID: 36604547,  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-022-01388-8 , Feb 2023. Quote: “Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and myeloid cells are critical in the metastatic microenvironment. …whole beta-glucan particle …in vivo treatment led to a trained immunity phenotype in lung interstitial macrophages, resulting in inhibition of tumor metastasis and survival prolongation in multiple mouse models of metastasis. …Adoptive transfer of [whole beta-glucan particle] …trained bone marrow-derived macrophages reduced tumor lung metastasis.”  Note: betaglucan.org does not print commercial product names in research quotes.  For more information and a definition on “Trained Immunity” go to the “Trained Immunity” category.

Beta Glucan – Sepsis – COVID-19:  Preethy A, Raghavan K, et al, “Beneficial Immune Regulation by Biological Response Modifier Glucans in COVID-19 and Their Envisaged Potentials in the management of Sepsis,”  Front Immunol, 13-870632, PMID: 35833122, https://ww.doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.870632m ,  June 27, 2022. Quote: “Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an abnormal immune response induced by infection with no approved or specific therapeutic option.  We present our perspectives for the therapeutic management of sepsis through a four-way approach: (1) infection control through immune enhancement; (2) immune suppression during the initial hyper-inflammatory phase; (3) balanced immune-modulation to counter the later immune-paralysis phase, and (4) advantageous effects on metabolic and coagulation parameters throughout.

COVID-19 is a virus-triggered, accelerated sepsis-like reaction that is associated the rapid progress of an inflammatory cascade involving a cytokine storm and multiorgan failure. Here we discuss the potential of the biological response modifiers, B-glucans (BRMGs) in the management of, in the management of sepsis based on their beneficial effects on regulation. BRMGs, produced by another strain have been implicated in the beneficial regulation of inflammatory markers and immunity, namely IL-6 ratio (LElR).  Agents such as these B-glucans, which are safe as they have been widely consumed by humans for decades, have potential as adjuncts of the prevention and management of sepsis as they exert their beneficial effects across the spectrum of processes and factors involved in sepsis pathology, including but not limited to metabolism, infection, inflammation, immune modulation, immune enhancement, and gut microbiota.

Beta Glucan:    Caseico C, Dias JNR, et al, “From Cancer Therapy to Winemaking: The Molecular Structure and Applications of B-Glucans and B-1,3-Glucanases,” Int J Mol Sci, 23(6):3156, PMID: 35328577, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063156 , Mar 15, 2022. Quote: ” B-glucans are also major bioactive molecules with marked immunomodulatory and metabolic properties. As such, they have been the focus of many studies attesting to their ability to, among other roles, fight cancer, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and control diabetes.”

Beta Glucan – Phagocytosis:    Zhang Y, Liu X, Zhao J, et al, “The phagocytic receptors of B-glucan,” Int J or Biological Macromolecules, Vol 205, pp40-441, PMID: 35202631, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifbiomac.2022.02.111 , Feb 23 2022. Quote: “Phagocytosis is a cellular process maintaining tissue balance and plays an essential role in initiating the innate immune response. These receptors …also bridge the gap between extracellular and intracellular communication, leading to signal transduction and production of inflammatory mediators, which are crucial for clearing the invading pathogens and maintaining cell homeostasis.  ..B-glucan…By binding to specific receptors on immune cells and activating intracellular signal transduction pathways, causes phagocytosis and promotes the release of cytokines.”

Beta Glucan – Dectin-1 and Trained Immunity:  Mata-Martinez, Bergon-Gutierrez, Fresno CD, “Dectin-1 Signaling Update: New Perspectives for Trained Immunity,” Front Immunl;13:812148, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.812148 , PMID: 35237264, Feb 14, 2022. Quote: “Dectin-1 has recently gained a renewed attention due to its role in the induction of trained immunity. This process of long-term memory of innate immune cells can be triggered by B-glucans, and Dectin-1 is crucial for its initiation.”

Beta Glucan – Environmental Toxins: Tuckman NB, Ozek DA, et al, “Beta-glucan effects on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxicity in liver and brain,” Biotech Histochem, 1-8, PMID: 35073792, https://doi.org/10.1080/10520295.2022.2025902 , Jan 25, 2022. Quote: “2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a common environmental contaminant that is toxic to brain, heart, kidney and liver. TCDD toxicity is due to free radical formation. …The oxidative stress and histopathology caused by TCDD were ameliorated by beta-glucan treatment. Beta-glucan should be explored for preventing brain and liver damage caused by TCDD toxicity.”

Beta Glucan –  Bai F, Han D, et al, “The Ecology and Evolution of the Baker’s Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has become a powerful model in ecology and evolutionary biology.” 13(2):230, https://doi.org/10.330/genes13020230, PMID: 35205274, Jan 26, 2022. Quote: “The baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has become a powerful model in ecology and evolutionary biology.”

Beta Glucan – Jialu X, Me Q, et al, “Yeast-derived nanoparticles remodel the immunosuppressive microenvironment in tumor and tumor-draining lymph nodes to suppress tumor growth [mouse studies],” Nature Communications, 13110, https://doi.org/10.1035/s41467-021-27750-21 , Jan 10 2022. Quote, “Intriguingly, the induction anti-cancer immunity appears to inversely correlate with the size of nanoparticles. Small size …showed better efficiency in controlling tumor growth  after  intratumor injection compared with middle and large size of YC NPs.”   

Beta Glucan – Respiratory Tract Infection – Systemic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials:   Zhong K, Liu Zhiqin, Lu Y, Xu XI,  “Effects of select dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections [RTI]: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials,” Eur J Nutr, Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, 60(08):4175-4187,   https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02566-4, PMID: 33900466, WMD, December, 2021. Quote: “13 RCTs investigating the effects of yeast B-glucans on the  incidence, duration, and severity of URTIs in healthy subjects were included. The results showed …yeast B-glucan could significantly reduce the incidence of URTIs, decrease the average number of URTI episodes …and decrease the duration of URTIs. Improved severity of symptoms was found in [the] yeast B-glucan group…in the majority of included studies…In addition, yeast B-glucan was well tolerated and safe in general.”  (See Upper Respiratory Tract section also)

Beta Glucan – COVID-19: Vaccine Adjuvant:   Cordova-Martinez A,  Albereto Caballero-Garcia, et al, “B-Glucans Could Be Adjuvants for SARS-CoV-2 Virus Vaccines (COVID-19)”, Int J Environ Res Public Health, https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312636 , November 30, 2021. Quote: “Waiting for an effective treatment against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the cause of COVID-19), the current alternatives include prevention and the use of vaccines. At the moment, vaccination is the most effective strategy in the fight against pandemic. Vaccines can be administered with different natural biological products (adjuvants) with immunomodulating properties. Adjuvants can be taken orally, complementing vaccine action. Adjuvant compounds could play a key role in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, as well as in enhancing vaccine action.

Adjuvants also contribute to an effective immune response and can enhance the protective effect of vaccines in immunocompromised individuals such as the elderly. Adjuvants must not produce adverse effects, toxicity, or any other symptoms that could alter immune system function. Vaccine adjuvants are substances of wide varying chemical structure that are used to boost the immune response against a simultaneously administered antigen. Glucans could work as adjuvants due to their immunomodulatory biological activity. In this respect, β-(1,3)-(1,6) glucans are considered the most effective and safe according to the list issued by the European Commission. Only glucans with a β-(1,3) bond linked to a β-(1,6) are considered modulators of certain biological responses. “

Beta Glucan – Effective Antifungal Agents:   Chibuike Ibe, Oladele RO, Omran Alamir, “Our pursuit for effective antifungal agents targeting fungal cell wall components, where are we?,” 106477, Nov 16 2021.   Quote: “…Countering the cell wall remodeling process will enhance the effectiveness of B-1,3-glucan-active antifungal agents.”

Beta Glucan – Vaccine Adjuvant   Ikewaki N, Dedeepiva VD, et al, “B-glucan vaccine adjuvant approach for cancer treatment through immune enhancement in specific immunocompromised populations,” 47(1):14, PMID: 34779494, https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2021.8225 , Nov 15, 2021. Quote: “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 side-effects.   Previous studies have reported that chronic microinflammation, which occurs in disease, 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 B-glucan [B-glucan vaccine adjuvant approach for treating cancer via immune enhancement and its beneficial effects], including vaccine-adjuvant 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 suggest its [B-glucan vaccine adjuvant approach] value  as a potential strategy to provide long-term prophylaxis in immunocompromised individuals or genetically prone to cancer.”

Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan – Trained Immunity:      Vetvicka V, Sima P, Vannucci L, “Trained Immunity as an Adaptive Branch of Innate Immunity,” Int J of Mol Sciences, 22(19), PMID: 34639025, https://doi.org/10.3390ijms221910684 , Oct 01 2021, “As more studies have confirmed the existence of trained immunity, …trained immunity effects induced by …products such as …B-glucans…are accompanied by a more effective cytokine response, which could lead to improved antiviral protection, even from the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. …B-Glucan-induced trained immunity has been suggested as an effective way to boost immune response against COVID-19 infection and even to abrogate symptoms. “

Beta Glucan – Listeriosis / Bacterial Infections:  Therooude C, Reverte M, et al, “Trained Immu7nity Confers Prolonged Protection from Listeriosis,” Front Immunol, 12:23393, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.723393, Sep 17 2021. Quote: “Trained Immunity refers to the ability of the innate immune system exposed to a first challenge to provide an enhanced response to a secondary homologous or heterologous challenge. We reported that training induced with B-glucan one week before infection confers protection against a broad-spectrum of lethal bacterial infections. …Altogether, these data suggest that training increases the generation and the antimicrobial activity of PMNs [polymorhonuclear  neutrophils) and monocytes, which may confer prolonged protection from lethal bacterial infections.”  Note: Listeriosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes, usually caused by contaminated food.

Beta Glucan – Clinical Research Review:  Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS, “Ingestion of beta-glucans could stimulate longer-lasting cellular immunity upon administration of COVID-19 vaccines,” Journal of Food Biochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13959 , Oct 05 2021. Quote: “Indeed, the potential of oral beta-glucans supplementation to stimulate cellular immunity upon administration of COVID-19 vaccines to provide long-term protection is suggested in an observational study of healthy adults aged 50 or older, whereby supplementation with active hexose correlated compound (mixture of alpha- and beta-glucans); …increased the frequency of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing interferon-gamma and/or tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF alpha] at 30 and 60 days compared to baseline and such findings were still observed at 30 days upon discontinuing the supplementation (Yin et al., 2010).”

“In the current context where herd immunity should be achieved as soon as possible due to the emergence of different variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 which might one day completely escape neutralization by the available COVID-10 vaccines [10/5/21], attention should be focused on the armamentarium that we possess currently, where we can recommend oral beta-glucans supplementation among COVID-19 vaccine recipients to enhance [boost] celular immune responses, in order to provide more long-lasting protection.”

Note: “Armamentarium” is the complete equipment of a physician or medical institution, including drugs, books, supplies and instruments.”

Beta Glucan – Clinical Research Review:  Poles J, Karhu E, McGill M, et al, “The effects of twenty-four nutrients [including beta glucans] and phytonutrients on immune system function and inflammation: A narrative review,” J Clin Transl Res, 793): 333-376, PMID: 34239993, May 27 2021. Quote: “Overall, these results point to beta-glucans as a potential therapy for critical illnesses by increasing cell-mediated immunity without causing additional low-grade inflammation.”

Beta Glucan – COVID-19 – Pilot Clinical Study w/Beta Glucan: Raghavan K, Samuel JK Abraham, et al, “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.” https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.08.09.21261738 , Sept 21, 2021. Quote: “In this exploratory study, consumption of Aureobasidium pullulans produced beta glucans for thirty days, results in a significant control of IL6, D-Dimer and NLR [neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio], a significant increase in LCR [lymphocyte to C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio], LeCR [leukocyte -CRP ratio] and marginal control of ESR [erythrocyte sedimentation rate] in COVID-19 patients. As these beta glucans are well known food supplements with decades of a track record for safety, based on these results, we recommend larger multi-centric clinical studies to validate their use as an adjunct in the management of COVID-19 and the ensuing long COVID-19 syndrome.”

Beta Glucan – Adjuvant:   Mallakpour S, Azadi E, et al, “Chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, gums, and B-glucan as potent adjuvants and vaccine delivery systems for viral threats including SARS-CoV-2: A review,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, https://doi.org/10.10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.155G  , May 25 2021. Quote: “The global scientific community is studying and preparing vaccines as the most effective solution to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, and control spread [of] the COVID-19. Adjuvants through augmenting the immunogenicity of weaker immunogens, increase the effect of the vaccine, and reduce antigen amount and required immunization frequency for protective immunity. …B-glucan …acted as antigen-presenting cells, targeted carrier and immunopotentiator. The prepared particles [B-glucan] showed strong immune responses (humoral and cellular) without toxicity. …Indeed, glucan particles showed great performance as adjuvant and antiviral immunity components for the hepatitis B vaccine. …glucan particles could induce strong cytokine-mediated immunity.”

Beta Glucan – Tumors & Cancer:  Wani SM, Gani A, Masoodi FA, et al, “B-Glucan: A dual regulator of apoptosis and cell proliferation,” Int J Biol Macomoi, S0141-8130(21)01040-0. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.065 , PMID: 33991557, May 12, 2021. Quote: ” B-Glucan extracts have shown positive response in controlling tumor cell proliferation and activation of the immune system.  The immunomodulatory action of B-glucans enhances the host’s antitumor defense against cancer. In consonance with the above, many studies have shown that B-glucan treatment leads to the induction of apoptotic death of cancer cells.   The ability of B-glucans to stimulate apoptotic pathways or, the proteins involved in apoptosis prompting a new domain in cancer therapy. B-glucans are a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.” Note: “apoptotic” refers to programed cell death.  “Cell proliferation” involves cell reproduction and metastasis.

Beta Glucan – Muscular Dystrophy – Duchenne:   Brogi L, Marchese M, Cellerino A, et al, “B-Glucans as Dietary Supplement to Improve Locomotion and Mitochondrial Respiration in a Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” Nutrients, 13(5):1619, PMID: 34065946,  https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051619,  May 12, 2021. Quote: “Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked neuromuscular childhood disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. B-glucans can modulate immune function by modifying the phagocytic activity of immunocompetent cells, notably macrophages. …The effects of 1,3-1,6 B-glucans showed that the incidence of dystrophic phenotypes was reduced. …Moreover, …1,3-1,6 B-glucans improve locomotor performances and mitochondrial function in dystrophic zebrafish. Therefore, for ameliorating their life quality, 1,3-1,6 B-glucans look like a promising diet supplement for DMD [Duchenne muscular dystrophy] patients… .”

Beta Glucan – Antioxidant:   Chunwei Yu, Chen Hui, et al, “B-Glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae alleviates oxidative stress in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells via Dectin-1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,”  Cell Stress Chaperones, PMID: 33880723, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12192-021-01205-5, Apr 21, 2021.   Quote: “B-Glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been described to be effective antioxidants . …The antioxidant mechanism study indicated B-glucan activated dendritic-cell-associated C-type lectin 1 (Dectin-1) receptors mediated NRf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby downregulating the production of ROS [reactive oxygen species]  and thus produced the antioxidant effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.”

Beta Glucan:   van Steenwijk HP, Bast A, deBoer, “Immunomodulating Effects of Fungal Beta-Glucans: From Traditional Use to Medicine,” Nutrients, 13(4),1333, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041333 , April 17 2021, Quote: “Fungal beta glucans are bioactive molecules with immunomodulating properties. 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,  …fungal glucans may play a promising role …and  there are possibilities for traditional medicine to provide an  immunological application in both medicine and nutrition.”

Beta Glucan – Intestinal Inflammation:  Rahman S, Davids M, et al, “Dietary Curdlan [particulate beta glucan] Enhances Bifidobacteria and Reduces Intestinal Inflammation in Mice,” Nutrients, 13(4):1305, PMID: 33920960, https://doi.org/103390/nu13041305 , April 15 2021. “Quote: “While humans and mice lack the required enzymes to digest B-glucans, certain intestinal microbes can digest B-glucans, triggering gut Microbial changes. Curdlan, a particulate B-glucan …induced a global change in the microbial composition of the healthy intestinal microbiota from a human. …curdlan [particulate beta glucan] induces microbiota changes that could reduce intestinal inflammation.”

Beta Glucan: Muthuramalingam K, Kim Y, et al, “B-glucan, ” ‘the knight of health sector’: critical insights on physiochemical heterogeneities, action mechanisms and health implications,’ Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 1-37, PMID: 33819119, https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1908221 , April 5 2021. Quote: “B-glucans, the class of biological response modifier[s] has unceasing attention, not only for its immune stimulating but also for its role as prebiotics, modulator of physiological events etc. and is widely used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases [,] … wound care, metabolic dysbiosis, fatty liver disorders and endurance training associated energy metabolism … .”

Beta Glucan:   Vlassopoulou M, Yannakooulia M, et al, “Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health – s  systematic review of randomized controlled trials,” Food Funct,PMID: 33876798, https://doi.org/10.1039/d1fo00122a, Mar 31, 2021. Quote: “Thirty-four RCTs [randomized controlled trials]  … are included in the present review.  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. …the cohorts that received the polysaccharides of interest reported improvement in their mood states as well as amelioration of overall wellbeing. …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 [additional] conditions associated with obesity. Notably, no adverse event causally related to glucans was recorded.”

Beta Glucan – Antibiotics:  Liu Y, Wu Q, Wu X, et al, “Structure, preparation, modification, and bioactivities of B-glucan and mannan from yeast cell wall: A review,” 173:445-456, PMID: 33497691, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.125 , Mar 15 2021. Quote: “Many studies have shown that B-glucan and mannan from yeast cell wall have the potential to replace antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases, thereby reducing the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens. B-Glucan and mannan had a variety of biological functions, including improving the intestinal environment, stimulating innate and acquired immunity, absorbing mycotoxins, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and so on.”

Beta Glucan: de Graff , Berrevoets C, Rosch C, et al, “Curdian, zymosan and a yeast-derived B-glucan reshape tumor-associated macrophages into producers of inflammatory chemo-attractants”, Cancer Imm Immunother, 70(2)547-561, PMID: 32860527, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-020-02707-4 , Feb 2021. Quote: “Taken together, …the yeast-derived B-glucans …have the unique ability to preferentially skew macrophages towards a chemo-attractant-producing phenotype that may aid in anti-cancer immune responses.”

Beta Glucan:  Castro FM, Calder PC, Roche HM, “B-1,3/1,6-glucans and Immunity: State of the Art and Future Directions,” Mol Nutr Food Res, 65(1):e1901071, https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201901071, (wellm) PMID: 32223047, Jan 2021. Quote: “The innate immune system responds in a rapid and non-specific manner against immunologic threats [primarily pathogens and toxins]; inflammation is a part of this response.  This is followed by a slower but targeted and specific response termed adaptive or acquired immune response. There is emerging evidence that dietary components, including yeast-derived glucans, can aid host defense against pathogens by modulating inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of neutrophils and macrophages. …Overall, no adverse events were detected, and no major safety concerns were presented in response to any of the selected intervention studies”

Beta Glucan: Suzuki T, Kusana K, et al, “Biological Activity of High-Purity B-1,3-1,6-Glucan Derived from the Black Yeast Aureobasidium pullulans: A Literature Review, “ Nutrients, 131:242, PMID: 33467004, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010242 , Jan 16, 2021. Quote: “…[B-1,3-1,6 glucan] comprises a single highly-branched glucose residue with the B-1,6 bond (70% or more) on a backbone of glucose with 1,3-B bonds.  B-Glucan shows a triple helical structure, and studies on its use as a drug delivery system have been actively conducted. B-Glucan in combination with anti-inflammatory substances or fullerenes can be used to target macrophages.

…Various functionalities of B-1,3-1,6 glucan have been reported,  including its immunomodulatory effect, particularly in the intestine. It [B-1,3-1,6 glucan] also exhibits antitumor and antimetastatic effects, alleviates influenza and food allergies and relieves stress. Moreover, it [B-1,3-1,6 glucan] reduces the risk of life-style-related diseases by protecting the intestinal mucosa, reducing fat, lowering postprandial blood glucose, promoting bone health, and healing gastric ulcers.”

Beta Glucan – bacterial Infection – Inflammation – TNF Alpha  :    Koliakos NN, Renieris G, Sotiropoulos D, et al, “Immunomodulation Through Beta-D-glucan in Chemically-Induced Necrotizing Pancreatitis,” J Surg Res, 261:74-84, PMID: 33421796, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.020 , Jan 6, 2021. Quote: “21 -d survival was prolonged after pretreatment or treatment with B-D-glucan; …Bacterial load was lower after pretreatment or treatment with B-D-glucan … . Tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF alpha]  production from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly decreased, whereas interleukin 10 production remained unaltered after pretreatment or treatment with B-D-glucan. Conclusion: B-D-glucan reduces mortality of experimental pancreatitis in vivo. This is mediated through attenuation of cytokine production and prevention of bacterial translocation.”

Beta Glucan – Holstein cows:    WXia WH, Wang L, et al, “Supplementation with beta-1-3-glucan improves productivity, immunity and antioxidative status in transition Holstein cows,” 134:120-126, PMID: 33360572, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvse.2020.12.009, Jan 2021. Quote: “…supplementation with beta-1,3-glucan…increased milk production, …milk quality, as shown by reduced milk somatic cell count and  increased immunoglobulin levels in colostrum. Notable, beta-1,3-glucan markedly reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein, …indicating its immunity enhancement in transition cows.”

Beta Glucan :  CE De Marco, Calder PC, Roche HM, “Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucans and Immunity: State of the Art and Future Directions,” Mol Nutr Food Res; PMIC: 32223047, https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201901071 , Jan 2021. Quote: “There is emeging evidence …yeast-derived beta-glucans, can aid host defense against pathogens by modulating inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of neutrophils and macrophages.”

Beta Glucan:   Murphy EJ, Rezoagli E, Major I, Rowen NJ Laffey JG, “B-Glucan Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties and Potential for Clinical Applications,” J. Fungi, 6(4), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6040356, Dec 10 2020. Quote: “B-glucans display an array of potentially therapeutic properties. B-glucans have metabolic and gastro-intestinal effects, modulating the gut microbiome, altering lipid and glucose metabolism, reducing cholesterol, leading to their investigation as potential therapies for metabolic syndrome, obesity and diet regulation, gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel, and to reduce cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

B-glucans also have immune modulating effects, leading to their investigation as adjuvant agents for cancers (solid and hematological malignancies),  for immune-mediated conditions (e.g. allergic rhinitis, respiratory infections), and to enhance wound healing.  …The therapeutic potential of B-glucans is evidenced by the fact that two glucan isolates were licensed as drugs in Japan as immune-adjuvant therapy for cancer in 1980.  …Furthermore, important differences appear to exist in the effects of apparently similar B-glucan preparations, which may be due to differences in sources and extraction procedures, another poorly understood issue.”  Note:  Reading the entire study is recommended with extensive references.

Beta Glucan – Cancer:   Steimbach L, Borgmann AV, et al, “Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trials,” Cllin Nutr, S0261-5614(20)30650-6, PMID: 33309412, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2020.11.029 , Nov 28 2020. Quote: “It was observed that the adminisration of B-glucan is safe and well-tolerated. Most of the trials pointed that concomitant administation of B-glucan with chemo or radiotherapy reduced the immune depression caused by such treatments and/or accelerated the recovery of white blood cells counts.”

Beta Glucan [BRMG] – COVID-19:   Ikewaki N, Rao K, Archibold AD, Iwasaki M, Senthikumar R, Preethy S, Katoh S, Abraham JK, “Coagulopathy associated with COVID-19 – Perspectives & Preventive strategies using a biological response modifier Glucan,” Thrombosis Journal, Vol 18, 27, PMID: 33082714, DOI: 10.1186/s12959-020-00239-6, Oct 16 2020. Quote: ” Direct endothelial injury by viruses and dysregulation [failure to properly regulate] of clotting mechanisms due to cytokine storm [CK] are the major precipitating factors of mortality in COVID-19; both are attributed to a fundamental dysregulation of the immune system. …Although evaluation of D-dimer [blood clot activity] and prothrombin [speed of blood clotting] during admission is considered to predict prognosis and mortality, there are no preventive or prophylactic strategies before hospital admission. Herein, we present our perspectives on the effect of regular supplementation with the biological response modifier beta glucan [BRMG] based on its relevance to immune modulation. This effect is of paramount importance in decreasing the development of severe COVID-19 and reducing mortality against the background of coagulopathy [blood’s ability to form clots is impaired], especially in vulnerable populations.

BRMG [biological response modifier beta glucan] recognizes and interacts with the innate immune system in humans to help combat infections. Radiation exposure and/or diabetes-induced oxidative stress, which causes disturbances in the measured clotting parameters by enhancing platelet aggregation and increasing thrombin levels, were reversed by yeast BRMG [biological response modifier beta glucan]. …This BRMG reduces the levels of IL-1, IL-2, IL-4 IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha, IFN-y, and sFasL while increasing IL8 and sFAS, thereby balancing an effective optimal defense against viral infection without hyperinflammation.

Anti-viral defense activities of BRMG [biological response modifier beta glucan] occur through increased IL8, which causes activation, migration, and chemotaxis [movement] of neutrophils to kill virus-infected cells; increased type-I IFN production, which helps kill virus-infected cells; increased IL-7 production, which leads to development and survival of mature T-cells to maintain homeostasis [balance], activation of B-cells, which results in production of virus-specific antibodies (IgG, IgM and slgA) for neutralization of virus toxicity, and increased NK cell activity and macrophage activity.

Prevention of hyperinflammation occurs by preventing the onset of apoptosis [cell death] through increased sFAS production, regulation and suppression of CS [cytokine storms] through activation of Treg [T-regulatory] cells and decreased IL6, and prevention of chemoattraction of monocytes and macrophages, T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells through a decrease in CXCL10 and CCL2 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1; MCP-1).

Supplementation with the biological response modifier beta glucan (BRMG) could be a solution in the vulnerable population. Beta glucans are potent biological response modifiers. … Ethnically vulnerable populations such as Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, the elderly population, and patients with comorbidities [multiple health issues] are at high risk and require prevention during this hypercoagulable state. …In the present scenario, where there is no definite pharmacological remedy for prevention or treatment presently available, a biological response modifier beta glucan food supplement that has several advantages in modulating the immune response is considered to be worth recommendation for clinical studies of COVID-19, especially in vulnerable populations.”

Note: For in depth research from this study and research 3rd party sources, including why certain comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases plus being elderly are more susceptible to COVID-19, read the complete research paper free at the link DOI: 10.1186/s12959-020-00239-6 .  Current vaccines in distribution by the FDA in the U.S. are approved on an interim emergency classification subject to cancellation or adjustment at any time.

Beta Glucan – Coronavirus Infections: Jawhara S, “How to boost the immune defense prior to respiratory virus infections with the special focus on coronavirus infections,” Gut Pathog, 12:47, PMID 33062058, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13099-020-00385-2 , Oct 12 2020. Quote: Baker’s yeast B-glucan, a natural immunomodulatory component derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, primes the immune system to respond better to any microbial infection.  …oral administration of yeast B-glucans decreased the diarrhea, modulated cytokine expression, and reduced the intestinal inflammation. Additionally, …decreased coagulation in plasma and reduced the activation of platelets. …during the COVID-19 pandemic, our immune defense could be weakened by different factors, including stress, anxiety and poor nutrition. Additionally, B-glucan can be used to strengthen the immune defense in healthy individuals prior to any possible viral infections.”

Beta Glucan – Cognitive Impairment:   Shi H, Yu Y, Lin D, et al, “beta -glucan attenuates cognitive impairment via the gut-brain axis in diet-induced obese mice, “ Microbiome, 8(1):143, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-020-00920-y , PMID: 33008466, Oct 2, 2020. “This study provides the first evidence that β-glucan improves indices of cognition and brain function with major beneficial effects all along the gut microbiota-brain axis. Our data suggest that elevating consumption of β-glucan-rich foods is an easily implementable nutritional strategy to alleviate detrimental features of gut-brain dysregulation and prevent neurodegenerative diseases associated with Westernized dietary patterns.”

Beta Glucan – Cognitive Decline – Stress Induced – Learning & Memory Impairment:    Khan SH, Khan S, et al, “B-1,3-Glucan attenuated chronic unpredictable mild stress induced cognitive impairment in rodents via normalizing corticosterone levels,” Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem, PMID: 32778039, https://doi.org/10.2174/1871524920666200810142359, Aug 10 2020. Quote: “Chronic stress elevates the cortisol beyond normal levels which affects cognition including learning and memory. … The present study was aimed [to] appraise the neuroprotective effects of naturally occurring molecule B-1,3-glucan by interfering with stress-cortisol-mGR axis.  Results of the current study revealed the B-glucan provided dose dependent protection against deleterious [harmful or negative] effects of stress on learning and memory … B-glucan possesses therapeutic potential against stress induced memory impairment, and this effect can be attributed to its normalizing effect on corticosterone levels.” Note: “attenuated” means lessened or reduced; “deleterious” means harmful, hurtful, negative.

Beta Glucan – Bacterial Infections – Vaccine Adjuvant:   Paterson MJ, Caldera JR, Nguven C, Sharma P, Castro AM, et al, “Harnessing antifungal immunity in pursuit of a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine strategy,” PLoS Pathog, 16(8):c1008733, PMID: 328177694, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1008733, Aug 20 2020. Quote: “Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, and antibiotic resistant strains such as Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are a major threat and burden to public health. We generated glucan particles [Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] loaded with the four aureus proteins … . Vaccination of mice …promoted protection in a systemic model of S. aureus infection with a significant reduction on the bacterial burden in the spleen and kidneys. …This work suggests that the GP [glucan particle] vaccine system has potential as a novel approach to developing vaccines for S. aureus.”

Beta Glucan – Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) -Phagocytosis: – Respiratory Burst :  Dutta O, Espinosa V, et al, “Dectin-1 Promotes Type I and III Interferon Expression to Support Optimal Antifungal Immunity in the Lung,” Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 10:321, doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00321, PMID: 32733815, Jul 8 2020. Quote: “The downstream outcomes of B-glucan recognition by dectin-1 include the production of various cytokines, including TNF-a, IL6, and IL-22, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as expression of neutrophil chemoattractiants, MIP-1a and MIP-2.  …We find that dectin-1-dependent recognition of B-glucan exposure during Af germination induces increased production of type I and III interferons.

Phagocytosis of a microbe such as fungal conidia initiates a process known as a respiratory burst. Oxygen consumption by the phagocyte increases and the enzyme NADPH oxidase relocates to the phagosome and produces ROS [reactive oxygen species] to help contain and eliminate the invading threat. ROS [reactive oxygen species] can directly kill microbes by causing  oxidative damage to their DNA, cell membrane and wall components. …In aggregate, these finding indicate ROS [reactive oxygen species] are essential regulators of the host response to fungal infection both as direct effectors of fungal cell  inactivation and regulators of inflammation.”

Beta Glucan – Particle Size/Bioavailability:  Han AB, Baruah K, Cox E, et al-Reviewed by Vaclav Vetvicka, “Structure-Functional Activity Relationship of B-Glucans from the Perspective of Immunomodulation: A Mini-Review,” Front. Immunol., https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00658, April 22 2020. Quote: “B-Glucan is a key pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that is detected upon fungal infection to trigger the host’s immune responses in both vertebrates and invertebrates.  Recognition of B-glucan by Dectin-1 [a beta glucan receptor] on macrophages activates the downstream signaling pathway. As a consequence of these signaling pathway, Dectin-1 triggers phagocytosis, ROS generation, microbial killing, and cytokine production. Moreover, recent studies demonstrated that pre-administration of B-glucans resulted in innate immune memory, protecting the mice against re-infection with a lethal Escherichia coli. …

Particle Size: The particle size of glucan matters and its generally known that nanoparticles with a diameter 1-2 microns are better absorbed [bioavailability] by macrophages than large-size particles.**”  Note: ROS refers to reactive oxygen species or chemically reactive chemical species containing oxygen.  Phagocytosis is the engulfing and usually destruction of particulate matter; thus serving as an important bodily defense mechanism against infection by microorganisms.  ** Tabata Y, Ikada Y. Macrophage phagocytosis of biodegradable microspheres composed of L-lactic acid/glycolic acid homo- and copolymers. J Biomed Mater Res. (1988) 22:837–58. doi: 10.1002/jbm.820221002.  See also Beta Glucan-Particle Size & Micronized for more applicable Beta Glucan research.

Beta Glucan:  Castro EDM, Calder PC, Roche HM, “B-1,3/1,6-Glucans and Immunity: State of the Art and Future Directions,” Molecular Nutr, https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201901071 , Mar 29 2020. Quote: “The innate immune system responds in a rapid and non-specific manner against immunologic threats; inflammation is part of this response. This is followed by a slower but targeted and specific reesponse termed the adaptive or acquired immune response. There is emerging evidence that dietary components, including yeast-derived B-glucans, can aid host defense against pathogens by modulating inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of neutrophils and macrophages.”

Beta Glucan:  Xio Z, Zhou W, Zhang Y, “Fungal Polysaccharides,” Adv Pharmacol, 87:277-299. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.08.003, PMID: 32089236, 2020. Quote: “Most of the antitumor polysaccharides belong to conserved B-glucans, with a linear B-(1-3)-glucan backbone and attached B-(1-6) branch. …B-glucans act on several immune receptors including Dectin-1, complement receptor (CR3) and TLR-2/6, then trigger both innate and adaptive response[s] and enhance opsonic and nonopsonic phagocytosis. Note: “Opsonic” is an effect produced by an opsonin which is any molecule that enhances phagocytosis by marking an antigen (matter name tag) for an immune response. Phagocytosis is the engulfing and usually destruction of particulate matter; thus serving as an important bodily defense mechanism against infection by microorganisms.

Beta Glucan – Aging:  Song L, Yuan J, Ni S, Zhou Y, Wang X, Chen Y, Zhang S, “Enhancement of adaptive immune responses of aged mice by dietary intake of B-glucans, with special emphasis on anti-aging activity,” Mol Immunol, 117:160-167, PMID: 31801102, DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.10.019. Dec 1 2019. Quote: “The naturally occurring polysaccharide, B-1,3-glucans, a well known immunostimulant, has been highly valued for many years for their health-promoting and anti-aging properties. …We then showed that dietary intake of B-1,3-glucans induced a significant increase in T helper cells (CDE4) in young, middle-aged and aged male mice.  These data together indicate that oral administration of B-1,3-glucans enhanced the adaptive immune responses of aged mice without disturbing their general condition and physiology, supporting the idea that B-1,3-glucans are capable of counteracting the immunosenescence [various immune response aging negatives] of mice. They also suggest that B-1,3-glucans can be clinically useful to help the elderly generate an improved response to vaccine with stronger humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.”

Beta Glucan:  Yuan H, Lan P, He Y, Li C, Ma X, “Effect of the Modifications on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of B-Glucan-A Critical Review,” Molecules, pil: E57. https://doi.org/103390/molecules25010057, PMID 31877995, Dec 23 2019: Quote: “B-Glucan exhibits many biological activities and functions such as stimulation of the immune system and anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-infective, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-coagulant, cholesterol-lowering, radio protective, and wound healing effects. …Hunter et al successfully obtained an immunologically active, homogeneous, non-aggregated, micro-particulate 1-2 micron diameter B-glucan-containing material from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae… .”  Note: “Hunter” is Kenneth W Hunter, Jr., ScD, with beta 1,3/1,6 insoluble micro-particulate glucan provided by Nutritional Scientific Corporation (NSC).

Beta Glucan:  Xiaojie L, Cheung PCK, “Application of natural B-glucans as biocompatible functional nanomaterials,” Food Science and Human Wellness, Vol 8, Issue 4, Pp 315-319, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2019.11.005, Dec 2019. Quote: “B-glucans have been known as functional foods since they are capable of boosting both the innate and adaptive immune systems, thus modulating the immunological responses against cancer, bacteria, viruses and inflammation. …B-glucans from yeast also have a capacity to stimulate immune responses to suppress the chronic inflammation in diabetic mice. …B-glucans are natural bio-materials having the potential to form stable nano-hybrids with excellent bio-pharmaceutical properties to be orally administrated for therapeutic cancer treatment. …Furthermore, no obvious harmful side effect of these nano-hybrids was evident by histological analysis of major organs in treated mice.”

Beta Glucan:  Ciecierska A, Drywien ME, Hamulka J, Sadkowski T, “Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition,” Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, [Translation: Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny, National Institute of Public Health: Responsiveness to the hospital patient needs in Poland], 70(4):315-324, https://doi.org/10.32394/rpzh.2019.0082 (ISSN: 0035-7715), PMID:31960663, Oct 10, 2019. Quote: “Beta-glucan[s]…are attributed a number of beneficial health properties, including the prevention and treatment of certain digestive diseases and supporting the immune system. …Beta-glucan reduces cholesterol and glucose concentrations in the blood, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. …beta-glucan also exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing the risk of diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Immunostimulatory and antitumor effects have also been reported. …Beta-glucan belongs to the group of prebiotics which stimulate the growth and activity of the desired natural intestinal microbiota, while inhibiting the growth of pathogens. …Such a number of health benefits resulting from the properties of beta-glucan may play a key role in improving health benefits resulting from the properties of beta-glucan and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.”

Beta Glucan – Wound Healing:   Muthuramalingam K, Choi SI, et al, “B-glucan-Based Wet Dressing for Cutaneous Wound Healing,” Adv Wound Care, 8(4):125;135, PMID: 31737411, https://doi.org/10.1089/wound.2018.0843, Apr 1 2019. Quote: “B-Glucan-based hydrogel significantly accelerated the duration of wound healing and enhanced the development of skin appendages in the regenerated skin tissue. …skin regeneration rather than skin repair occurred, thereby minimizing cutaneous scarring.”

Beta Glucan:   Vetvicka V, Vannucci L, Sima P, Richter J, “Beta Glucan: Supplement or Drug? From Laboratory to Clinical Trials,” Molecules, 24(7), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24071251, PMID: 30935016, Mar 30, 2019. Quote: “Glucans are part of a group of biologically active natural molecules and are steadily gaining strong attention not only as an important food supplement, but also as an immunostimulant and potential drug. …With more than 80 clinical trials evaluating their biological effects..[and]  With over 20,000 published studies, glucan has the best position among other immunomodulators. …An immunomodulator is defined as the substance capable of interacting with the immune system resulting in up- or down-regulating specific parts of the immune response.”

Beta Glucan:  de Oliveria CAF, Vetvicka V, Zanuzzo FS, “B-Glucan successfully stimulated the immune system in different jawed vertebrate species,” Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 62:1-6, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cimid.2018.11.006 , PMID:30711038. Feb 2019. Quote: “…during 28 days we fed four different vertebrate species: mice, dogs, piglets and chicks, with two B-glucan molecules. We measured the serum interleukin 2 as an indicator of innate immune response, the neutrophils and monocytes phagocytosis index as a cellular response and antibody formation as an adaptive response. …both molecules stimulate the immune system in a similar pattern in these four species….and confirms the benefits of B-glucans across different vertebrate species.”

Beta Glucan:   Ciecierska A, Maigorzata E.D., et al, “Nutraceutical functions of beta-glucans in human nutrition.” Rocz Panctw Zaki Hig, 70(4); 315-324, https://doi.org/10.32394/rpzh.2019.0082 , PMID: 31960663, 2019. Quote: “Beta-glucan reduces cholesterol and glucose concentrations in the blood, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and cancer.   Beta glucan…stimulate[s] the growth and activity of the desired natural intestinal microbiota, while inhibiting the growth of pathogens. It plays an important role in the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and preventing inflammation as well as colon cancer.”

Beta Glucan: Colds/Flu-Human Controlled Trial:  Mah E, Kaden V, Kelley KM, Liska DJ, “Beverage Containing Dispersible Yeast B-Glucan Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” J Diet Suppl, DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2018.1495676, PMID: 30380356, Oct 31 2018. Quote: “In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel study, we examined the effect of dairy-based beverages (250 mL/day) containing 250 mg of dispersible baker’s yeast B-glucan (Well-) compared to macronutrient- and calorie-matched control on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in marathon runners. Total URTI severity was significantly lower for B-glucan (4.52) compared to control (5.60). Overall, consumption of dairy-based beverages containing dispersible yeast B-glucan decreased URTI symptomatic days, severity of specific URTI symptoms, and missed postmarathon workout days due to URTI, without affecting duration and number of URTI episodes.”

Beta Glucan: Camilli G, Tabouret G, Quintin J, “The Complexity of Fungal B-Glucan in Health and Disease: Effects on the mononuclear Phagocyte System,” Front Immunol, 16:9:673, PMID 29755450, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00673, Apr 16, 2018, Quote: “Study of this molecule [B-glucan] has been motivated by its importance as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern upon fungal infection as well as by its promising clinical utility as biological response modifier for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.  Its immune effect is attributed to the ability to bind to different receptors expressed on the cell surface of phagocytic and cytotoxic innate immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells.”  Note: A Pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) is a distinct evolutionarily conserved structure on pathogens detected by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), with PRRS relied upon by the innate immune system in the defense against invading microbial pathogens.

Beta Glucan: Vetvicka V, Vetvickova I, “Glucans and Cancer: Comparison of Commercially Available  B-glucans – Part IV,” Anticancer Res, 38(3):1327-1333, PMID 29491056, Mar 2018. Quote: “Among the well-studied effects of B-glucans, we can mention stimulation of both humoral and cellular immunity, metabolic control of diabetes, stimulation of wound healing, stress reduction, attenuation of chronic fatigue syndrome, lowering cholesterol levels, and inhibition of cancer. …Chronic respiratory problems.  In Japan, glucan has been widely used,  for over 30 years, in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.”

Beta Glucan-Trained Immunity:     Rusek P, Wala M, et al, “Infectious Agents as Stimuli of Trained Innate Immunity”, Int J Mol Sci, 19(2):456, PMID 29401667, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19020456, Feb 3 2018. Quote: “It [trained innate immunity] is based on epigenetic changes in innate immune cells (monocytes/macrophages, NK cells) after their stimulation with various infectious or non-infectious agents. Many infectious stimuli, including bacterial or fungal cells and their components (LPS, B-glucan, chitin) as well as viruses or even parasites are considered potent inducers of innate immune memory. Epigenetic cell reprogramming occurring at the heart of the phenomenon may provide a useful basis for designing novel prophylactic [preventative] and therapeutic strategies to prevent and protect against multiple diseases.”  Note: “epigenetics” refers to study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.  Excellent Study on “Trained Immunity”

Beta Glucan: Vetvicka V, “International Society for Glucan Research,” Research Study, (www.glucan-research.org), 2018. Quote: “Therefore, there is not a single research paper willing to state that one source of beta-glucan is better than another.”  

Beta Glucan Human Study: McFarlin BK, Venable AS, Carpenter KC, Henning AL, Ogenstad S, “Oral Supplementation with Baker’s Yeast Beta Glucan Is Associated with Altered Monocytes, T cells and Cytokines following a Bout of Strenuous Exercise,” Front Physiol, 8:786, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00786, (Wellm) PMID: 29104540, Oct 20, 2017. Quote: ” The purpose of this study was to determine if 10 days of oral supplementation with BYBG [Baker’s yeast beta glucan] could modify preciously observed suppression of monocytes. BYBG significantly altered total and classic monocyte concentration and expression of CD38, CD80, CD86, TLR2 and TLR4 on monocyte subsets. BYBG also significantly increased CD4+ and CD8 + T cell concentration. …Likewise, BYBG significantly altered serum IFN-y and IL-2, and LPS-stimulated IFN-y, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-7. Taken together these data support the hypothesis that oral BYBG supplementation modulates the expected exercise response for individuals of average fitness. This may result in a decrease in susceptibility to opportunistic infections after strenuous exercise.”

Beta Glucan:  Bashir KMI, Choi JS, “Clinical and Physiological Perspectives of B-Glucans: The Past, Present, and Future,” Int J Mol Sci, 18(9) PMID: 28872611, Sep 5 2017. Quote: “B-Glucans are a group of biologically-active fibers or polysaccharides from natural sources with proven medical significance. B-Glucans are known to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-allergic, anti-osteoporotic and immunomodulating activities.  …The medical significance and efficiency of B-glucans are confirmed in vitro, as well as using animal- and human-based clinical studies.”

Beta Glucan – Respiratory- Human Clinical Trial:  Fuller R, Moore MV, Lewith G, Stuart BL, Omiston RV, Fisk HL, NOakes PS, Calder PC. “Yeast-derived B-1,3/1,6 glucan, upper respiratory tract infection and innate immunity in older adults.” Nutrition, 39-40:30-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.03.003. PMID: 28606567. 3/23/ 2017.  Quote: “Daily oral B-1,3/1,6 glucan may protect against URTIs [upper respiratory tract infections] and reduce the duration of URTI symptoms in older individuals once infected. …A refined 1,3/1,6 glucopolysaccharide [beta glucan] food supplement may decrease the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infection.” [Note: double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 100 adults 50-70 yrs]

Beta Glucan:  Yeon JL, Doo-Jin P, et al, “Agrobacterium sp.-derived B-1,3-glucan enhances natural killer cell activity in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study,” Nutrition Research and Practice, The Korean Nutrition Society, plSSN 1976-1457, Jan 24 2017. Quote: “The results showed that supplementation with bacterial B-1,3-glucan significantly increased NK cell activity without causing any adverse effects. Additionally, the beneficial effect of B-1,3-glucan on NK cell activity was greater in participants experiencing severe stress.”

Beta Glucan:  Fatima N, Upadhyay T, et al, “Particulate Beta-Glucan Induces Early and Late Phagosomal Maturation in Murine Macrophages,” Front Biosci, 9, 129-140, PMID: 27814595, Jan 1, 2017. Quote: “Beta-glucans bind to glucan receptor[s] on phagocytic cells and modify these cells to become ‘immunologically active’ by generating a variety of innate immune responses. Here, we report that yeast-derived beta-glucan particles of a specific size are easily phagocytosed by macrophages and induce the production of ROS [antimicrobial reactive oxygen species].“

Beta Glucan:  Barton Claire, Vigor K, Scott R, et al, “Beta-glucan contamination of pharmaceutical products: How much should we accept?” Cancer Immunolg, Immunotherapy, 1289-1301, PMID: 27473075, DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-016-1875-9, Nov 2016. WARNING: Claire Barton as lead researcher has extensive disclosed conflicts of interest as a consultant to multiple pharmaceuticals as she stated, “We encountered beta-glucan contamination of one of OUR products (MOv18 IgE in which slow versus rapid infusion intravenously apparently helped resolved the alleged issue).”  While making a generalized accusation with only a single alleged negative event with no safety issues in a non-commercially available (2016) pharmaceutical therapeutic composition, Clair Barton then qualifies her personal conclusions apply only to “parenteral therapeutic agents,” meaning orally delivered beta 1,3/1,6 glucan supplements not requiring a prescription are exempted from and not subject to her “contamination” claim. This exclusion of beta 1,3/1,6 supplements taken orally from Barton et al’s contamination claim should have been noted in her study title for clarity related to contamination characteristics.

Multiple positive statements are presented in regard to beta 1,3/1,6 glucan taken orally, with several presented here. Quote: “There is also evidence that orally administered beta-glucans have beneficial anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects in inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated colon cancer. Beta-glucan supplements are also readily available…as oral formulations …and tend to be promoted as immune stimulants, protecting against microbial infections and cancer. …The broad-ranging immunological effects of beta-glucans …have also led to interest in their use in the prevention or treatment of allergic disease. The ability of beta-glucans to re-balance dysregulated Th1/Th2 [Helper T-cells] equilibrium is thought to be beneficial in these conditions.” Note: Beta-glucan oral supplements are not allowed by the FDA to claim to protect, prevent, treat or cure any disease and C Barton, et al offer no examples of inappropriate claims by any commercial beta-glucan supplements.

Beta Glucan: Borchani C, Fonteyn F, etc, “Structural Characterization, Technological Functionality, and Physiological Aspects of Fungal B-D-glucans: A Review,” Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 56(10:1746-52, PMIC 25830657, Jul 2016. Quote: “Thus, they [(1-3)(1-6)-B-glucans] are effective in inhibiting growth of cancer cells and metastasis and preventing bacterial infection. In humans, B-glucans reduce blood cholesterol, improve glucose absorption by body cells, and so help wound healing.”  

Beta Glucan; Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study:   Lee JG, Kim YS, Lee YJ, et al, “Effect of Immune-enhancing Enteral Nutrition Enriched with or without Beta-Glucan on Immunomodulation in Critically III Patients,” Nutrients, 8(6), 336; https://www.doi.org/10.3390/nu8060336, Jun 2 2016. Quote: “This study showed beneficial effects of a combination treatment of B-glucan and IMHP [immune-modulating nutrients] on NK cell activity. Additionally, strong correlations among changes in NK cell activity, PBMC IL-12 and hs-CRP suggested that B-glucan could be an attractive candidate for stimulating protective immunity without enhanced inflammation.”

Beta Glucan-Children’s Allergies:   Pontes MV, Ribeiro TCM, et al, “Cow’s Milk-Based Beverage Consumption in 1-t0-4-Year-Olds and Allergic Manifestations: an RCT,” Nutrition Journal 15:19-28, PMCD: 26920136, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0138-0 , Feb 17 2016. Quote: “A cow’s milk-based beverage containing DHA, PDX/GOS, and yeast β-glucan, and supplemented with micronutrients, including zinc, vitamin A and iron, when consumed 3 times/day for 28 weeks by healthy 1- to 4-year-old children was associated with fewer episodes of allergic manifestations in the skin and the respiratory tract.”

Beta Glucan- Adjuvant: Berner VK, duPre SA, Redelman D, Hunter KW, “Microparticulate B-glucan vaccine conjugates phagocytized by dendritic cells activate both naive CD4 and CD8 T Cells in vitro.” Cell Immunol. 298, 104-114, PMID 26549577 Nov-Dec 2015. Quote: “These results show that microparticulate B-glucan (MG) acts as an adjuvant to enhance antigen presentation by dendritic cells to naive, antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 * T-cells. …We have previously shown that MG has immunostimulatory effects on macrophages that result in upregulation of MHC and costimulatory molecules, and … demonstrated that mice immunized with MG: vaccine conjugates mount enhanced antibody responses to vaccine antigen.  Recent studies have confirmed that B-glucan particles can be used to deliver vaccine antigen for oral immunization.”

Beta Glucan :   Dalonso N, Goldman GH, Gern RM, “B-(1-3,(1,6)-Glucans: medicinal activities, characterization, biosynthesis and new horizons,” Appl Microbiol Bitechnol, 99(19):7893-906, PMID: 262252967, Oct 2015. Quote: “Antitumor, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antinociception, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, antioxidant, and antidiabetic are some of the different properties already described for B-(1,3),(1,6)-glucans. Immune activation systems, including specific B-glucan receptors like Dectin-1, complement (CR3), and Toll (TLR), have been identified to clarify these biological effects. Note: “antinociception” is the action or process of blocking the detection of a painful or injurious stimulus by sensory neurons.

Beta Glucan:  Raa J, “Immune modulation by non-digestible and non-absorbable beta-1,3/1,6-glucan,” Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease, Vol 26:1, Issue s3, https://doi.org/10.3402/mehd.v26.27824, May 29 2015. Quote: “White blood cells with beta-1,3/1,6 glucan and its specific receptors constitute the backbone of the body’s innate immune system, which is the first line of defense against most infections.  More than 30 years ago, Seljelid and co-workers screened a large number of glucans and glycans …for their macrophage-activating ability in vitro, and found that a particulate beta-1,3/1,6-glucan prepared from baker’s yeast was the most active.  Products with only one single glucose molecule in the side chain, as in most mushroom beta-1,3/1,6-glucans, have lower macrophage activating activity than yeast cell-wall beta 1,3/1,6 glucan.  …Due to their ability to enhance infection defense mechanisms and simultaneously down-regulate inflammations, beta-1,3/1,6-glucan is very promising as an alternative to the mainstream use of immunosuppressive drugs to treat inflammatory diseases, for instance, IBD. 

…Oral administration of beta-1,3/1,6 glucan exhibits intestinal anti-inflammatory activity, and they suggest that beta-1,3/1,6 glucan may be effective for the treatment of gut inflammation,  including Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Beta-1,3/1,6 glucans counteract not only LPS-induced inflammations but also the inflammation elicited by influenza virus.  The ability of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan to suppress inflammatory response has been tested also in humans scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting. Pretreatment for 5 days with oral particulate beta 1,3/1,6 glucan caused significantly lowered creatine kinase isozyme and cardiac troponin levels the first day of pot operation, and it was concluded that beta-1,3/1,6 glucan pretreatment is safe and may protect against ischemia reperfusion injury following CABG [Coronary artery bypass grafting]. Note: glycans are polysaccharides including yeast glucans containing other sugars than glucose.

Beta Glucan: Fungal Vaccine Conjugate:   Cox DJ, Anonysamy M, Stevens DA, “An immunomodulatory yeast-derived beta glucan as a component of a conjugate, “ National Institutes of Health, grant/NIH/R43-AI107999-01A1, Nov 30, 2014. Quote: “Fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, are a serious and growing problem. …Aspergillus fumigatus is a primary cause of these infections in several patient populations: transplants, leukemics, genetic deficiencies  such as chronic granulomatous disease and others, with mortality remaining high. The goal of this proposal is to develop a prototype glucan-protein vaccine by conjugating a protein to a particulate [beta] glucan immunomodulator, a cell wall component of many pathogenic fungi. The work described in this proposal will examine the potential of conjugating a specific, immunodominant recombinant protein from Aspergillus to [beta glucan-commercial name omitted] and enhancing the protective capacity of the vaccine in comparison to a conjugate with a non-fungal protein BSA. A [panfungal] vaccine of this type would not only save significant healthcare cost, but would reduce serious fungal infection in numerous patients and more importantly, save lives.”

Beta Glucan; Children’s Respiratory Infection Double Blind Study:   Li F, Ji X, “Follow-up Formula Consumption in 3-to 4 year Olds and Respiratory Infections: An RCT,” Pediatrics, 133(6)e1533-40, https://doi.org/10.542/peds-2013-3598, 6/19/ 2014. Quote:

Beta Glucan – Safety:    Stier H, Ebbeskotte V, Gruenweld J, “Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan,” Nutr J, 13:38, PMID 24774968, https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-38 , Apr 28 2014. Quote: “…several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed.  …The results of all studies taken together clearly indicate that oral intake of insoluble yeast beta-glucans is safe and has an immune strengthening effect. …Further, numerous studies reported other health benefits of B-glucans, including hepatoprotective, wound healing, weight loss, anti-diabetic and cholesterol lowering functions.” 

Beta Glucan : Samuelson AB, Schrezenmeir j, Knutsen SH, “Effects of orally administered yeast-derived beta-glucans,” Mol Nutr Food Res, 58(1):183-93, PMID 24019098, https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201300338, Jan 2014. Quote: “Yeast-derived beta-glucans are considered immunomodulatory compounds suggested to enhance the defense against infections and exert anti-carcinogenic effects. …In human trials, orally administered yeast derived beta-glucans (Y-BG) significantly reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections … . In animal models, oral Y-BG have reduced the incidence of bacterial infections and …enhanced antineoplastic [chemotherapy] agents. …Protective effects toward drug intoxication and ischemia/reperfusion injury [tissue damage when blood supply returns to tissue after period of a lack of oxygen] have also been reported.”

Beta Glucan – Human Study – Cold Infections :   Auinger A, Riede L, Bothe G, Busch R, Gruenwald J, “Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan helps to maintain the body’s defense against pathogens: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric study in healthy subjects,” Eur J Nutr. PMID: PMC 23340963, Dec 2013. Quote: “In the per-protocol population, supplementation with insoluble yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan reduced the number of symptomatic common cold infections by 25% as compared to placebo. …Beta-glucan significantly reduced sleep difficulties caused by cold episode as compared to placebo. The present study demonstrated that yeast beta-glucan preparation increased the body’s potential to defend against invading pathogens.”

Beta Glucan – Upper Respiratory Tract Infection – Immunoglobulin production:  McFarland BK, Carpenter KC, “Baker’s Yest Beta Glucan Supplementation Increases Salivary IgA [Immunoglobulin] and Decreases Cold/Flu Symptomatic Days After Intense Exercise,” Journal of Dietary Supplements, PMID: 23927372, https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2013.820248,  Sept 2013, Quote: “Strenuous exercise, such as running a marathon, is known to suppress mucosal immunity for up to 24 hr, which can increase the risk of developing upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and reduced performance capacity.  BG [beta glucan] was associated with a 37% reduction in the number of cold/flu symptom days postmarathon compared to placebo. BG was associated with a 32% increase in salivary IgA [immunoglobulin] at 2 hr after exercise compared to placebo.  In summary, the present study demonstrates that BG [beta glucan] may reduce URTI symptomatic days and improve mucosal immunity (salivary IgA) post exercise3.”  Note:  RTI-Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, IgA is immunoglobulin.

Beta Glucan :  Ilka Noss,  Doekes G, et al, “Comparison of the potency of a variety of B-glucans to induce cytokine production in human whole blood,” Innate Immun, 19(1): 10-19, PMID: 22653750, Feb 2013. Quote: “…a series of studies …reporting…protective effects of glucan exposure in early childhood against the development of asthma and allergy.”

Beta Glucan Human Study – Respiratory Tract Infections:   Jesenak M, Maitan J, et al, “Immunomodulatory effect of pleuran (B-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections,” Int Immunopharmacol, 15(2):395-9, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2012.11.020 , PMID: 23261366, Feb 2013. Quote: “In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, multicentre study, we have observed a group of 175 children with more than 5 respiratory infections that occurred during the 12 months prior to the beginning of the study. … In the active group [pleuran B-glucan+Vit C], 36% of the children did not suffer from any respiratory infections throughout the treatment, compared to 21% in the placebo [Vit C only] group. …[pleuran B-glucan + Vit C] also significantly decreased the frequency of flu and flu-like disease and the number of lower respiratory tract infections. …[pleuran B-glucan + Vit C] treatment resulted in a statistically significant modulation of humoral and cellular immunity.  Results from this study demonstrate that [pleuran-B-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus] is effective in the prevention of  RRTIs [recurrent respiratory tract infections] in children. [The commercial product name is omitted with the research-provided ingredient name inserted’]

Beta Glucan Human Study – Colds : Graubaum H-J, Busch R, Stier H, et al, “A double blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Study Using an Insoluble Yeast Beta-Glucan to Improve the Immune Defense System,” Food and Nutrition Sciences, Vol 3, No 6 p 738-746. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2012.36100. 2012. Quote: “In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of an insoluble yeast beta-glucan preparation on the incidences of common colds and its effect on common cold symptoms were compared to placebo. …During the most intense infection season, the beta-glucan group had significantly less infections compared to placebo. Beta-glucan significantly reduced the typical cold symptoms (‘sore throat and/or difficulty swallowing’, ‘hoarseness and/or cough’ and ‘runny nose’) as opposed to placebo. The present study demonstrates a prophylactic [preventative] effect of yeast beta-glucan on the occurrence of common colds as opposed to placebo. In addition, when these episodes occurred, they were from the beginning less pronounced and subsided faster.”

Beta Glucan – Respiratory-Human Study and Review: Talbott SM, Talbot JA, “Baker’s yeast beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed women.”  J Am Col Nutr, 31(4):295-300, PMID 23378458, https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2012.10720441 ,Aug 2012. Quote: Several studies have shown a baker’s yeast beta-1,3/1,6-d-glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is effective in reducing the incidence of cold and flu symptoms. …These data show the daily dietary supplementation with a beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed subjects, and thus it may be a useful approach for maintaining immune protection against daily stressors.”

Beta Glucan – Respiratory-Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial:   Fuller R, Butt H, et al, “Influence of Yeast-Derived [Beta] 1,3/1,6 Glucopolysaccharide on Circulating Cytokines and Chemokines With Respect to Upper Respiratory Tract Infections,” Nutrition 28(6):665-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2011.11.012. PMID: 22465901, Jun 2012. Quote: “[Beta Glucan] tended to decrease the total number of days with URTI [upper respiratory tract infection] symptoms. The ability to ‘breathe easily’ was significantly improved in the [Beta Glucan] group; …” Note: ‘Beta Glucan’ is substituted for the product name which states on the bottle, ‘Beta Glucan from Baker’s Yeast’.

Beta Glucan – Safety: European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). “Scientific opinion on the safety of ‘yeast beta-glucans’ as a novel food ingredient.” EFSA J, 9(5):2137, 2011. www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2137.htm . Quote: “Data provided on (sub)acute and sub-chronic toxicity, absorption, and limited human data do not give reason for concern. On the basis of the nature of ‘yeast beta glucans,’ the significant history of use of its source, the provided intake estimate [600 mg/d] and the supplementary data from human and animal studies, Panel concludes that ‘yeast beta-glucans’ is safe at the proposed conditions of use.”

Beta Glucan BioActivity:  Hyung K, Hyung K, Hong J, et al, “Stimulatory Effect of B-glucans on Immune Cells,” Immune Netw, 11(4): 191-195 PMC 3202617, Aug 31, 2011. Quote: “B-Glucans, generally called biological response modifiers, are now recognized as anti-tumor and anti-infective drugs. …B-Glucan has been shown to protect against infection by bacteria, viruses and pathogenic microorganisms. B-Glucan also prevents cancer promotion and progression and has anti-tumor effects with monoclonal antibodies and cancer chemotherapeutics.”

Beta Glucan BioActivity:  Barsanti L, Passarelli, etc, “Chemistry, physico-chemistry and applications linked to biological activities of B-glucans,” Nat Prod Rep 28(3):457-66, PMID: 2120441, Mar 2011. Quote: “B-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).”

Beta Glucan :  Murphy EA, Davis JM, Carmichael MD, “Immune modulating effects of b-glucan,” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0b013e32833f1afb, PMID: 20842027, Nov 2010. Quote: “Perhaps the most promising evidence to date in human trials has come from recent studies on a benefit of B-glucan on quality of life and survival when given in combination with cancer treatment. …B-Glucans appear to be effective at enhancing immune function and reducing susceptibility to infection and cancer.”

Beta Glucan – Respiratory- Human Study Double Blind: Talbott SM, Talbot JA, “Effect of Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes,” J Sports Sci Med, 8(4):509-515, PMID 24149590, WMD, Dec 1, 2009. Quote, ” …Beta-Glucan supplementation reduces post-exercise upper-respiratory tract symptoms (URTI) in marathon runners.  Maintenance of post-exercise immune function is associated with improved mood state, including reduced fatigue and increased vigor in athletes. …  Daily supplementation with BETA-GLUCAN reduced the incidence of symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections and improved the psychological well being of participants. “

Beta Glucan:   Goodridge HS, Wolf AJ, Underhill DM, “Beta-glucan Recognition by the Innate Immune System”, Immunol Rev, 230(1):38-50. PMID: 19594628, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-065X.2009.00793, Jul 2009. Quote: “Beta-glucans are recognized by the innate immune system. …Neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells among others express several receptors capable of recognizing beta-glucan in its various forms. …Dectin-1 -this key beta-glucan receptor translates recognition into intracellular signaling, stimulates cellular responses, and participates in orchestrating the adaptive immune response.”

Beta Glucan – Biologic Response Modifier & Adjuvant: Novak M, Vetvicka V, “Glucans as Biological Response Modifiers,” Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets, 9:67-75. https://doi.org/a0.2174/187153009787582423 , 2009. Quote: “B-Glucans are well-known biologic response modifiers that function as immunostimulants against infectious diseases and cancer. …B-Glucan has been used as an immuno-adjuvant therapy for cancer since 1980, primarily in Japan…B-glucans …caused significantly enhanced recovery of blood cell counts after gamma irradiation. Late studies demonstrated that glucan is similarly effective when hematopoiesis is compromised by various types of chemotherapy. …and were shown to enhance antibiotic efficacy in infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.” 

Beta Glucan – Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) – Cancer,   Liu J, Gunn L, Hansen R, Yan J, “Combined yeast-derived beta-glucan with anti-tumor monoclonal antibody for cancer immunotheray,” Exp Mol Pathol, 86(4):208-14; Jun 2009. Quote: “Beta-glucan is an immuno-stimulating agent that has been used to treat cancer and infectious disease for many years .. . Recent studies have unraveled the action mode of yeast-derived beta-glucan in combination with anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in cancer therapy. ….Pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of combned beta-glucan with anti-tumor mAb therapy in terms of tumor regression and long-term survival.”

Beta Glucan : Novak M, Vetvicka V, “B-Glucans, History, and the Present: Immunomodulatory Aspects and Mechanisms of Action,” Journal of Immunotoxicology, Vol 5, pages 47-57; PMID 18382858 Oct 9, 2008. Quote: “…B-glucan could reverse the myelosuppression produced with chemotherapeutic drugs.”  

Beta Glucan- Adjuvant:  Hunter KW Jr, Berner VK, Sura ME; “Conjugation of protein antigen to microparticulate beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a new adjuvant for intradermal and oral immunizations,” Dept of Microbiology and Immunology, U. of Nev Sch of Medicine Reno, NV 89557, USA, Appl Microbiol; PMID: 18677470, Aug 2 2008. Quote: “Our laboratory has prepared and characterized a novel microparticulate beta-glucan (MG). …we hypothesized that MG could serve as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance specific immune responses. …When used to immunize mice by the intradermal route, these conjugates enhanced the primary IgG antibody response to BSA in a manner comparable to the prototypic complete Freund’s adjuvant …These results suggest that protein antigens can be conjugated to MG via a carabondiimide linkage and that these conjugates provide an adjuvant effect for stimulating the antibody response to protein antigens.”

Beta Glucan :   VolmanJJ, Ramakers JD, Plat J, “Dietary modulation of immune function by beta-glucans,” Physiol Behav, 94(2):276-84. PMID 18222501,May 23 2008. Quote: 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 [and] …may be a useful tool to prime the host immune system and increase resistance against invading pathogens.”

Beta Glucan – Respiratory-Human Study: Harger-Domitrovich SG et al, “Effects of an Immunomodulating Supplement on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Wildland Fighters,” Med * Sci in Sports & Exer, 40:S353, 2008. Quote: “A beta glucan antioxidant supplement  [whole particle glucan] may help to suppress symptoms of URTI [upper respiratory tract infection] and increase perception of overall health in WLFF  [Wildland Fire Fighters] during 14 days of arduous wildfire management.”

Beta Glucan – Toxicity-Safety – Babicek K, Cechova I, Simon RR, Harwood M, Cox DJ. “Toxicological assessment of particulate yeast (1/3/1,6)-beta-D-glucan in rats.” Food Chem Toxicol, 45(9): 1719-30, PMID: 17493735, doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.03.013. Sep 2007. Quote: “No negative effects on animal weights or food consumption attributable to [beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] were evident at any dose. In addition, no mortality, clinical pathology, functional/behavioral, microscopic, or gross observations indicating toxicity were observed. …In conclusion, no adverse or toxic effects were observed after subchronic oral administration of 2, 33.3, or 100 mg/kg body weight/day of …[Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] in Fisher-344 rats, and therefore, a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 100 mg/kg body weight/day, the highest dose tested, was determined.”  Note: the commercial product name has been replaced with “[beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] as the described assessment ingredient” in keeping with website policy on being a non-commercial site.

Beta Glucan :  Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, et al, “Effects of B-glucans on the immune system,” Medicina (Kaunas), 43(8), Kaunas U of Med, Lithuania, Aug 6 2007. Quote: “It has been common knowledge in the scientific community that B-glucan is the most known powerful immune stimulant and a very powerful antagonist to both benign and malignant tumors; it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride level, normalizes blood sugar level, heals and rejuvenates the skin and has various other benefits. …B-Glucan itself can elicit broad anti-infective effects. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Pneumocystis carinii, Listeria monocytogenes, Leishmania donovani, Influenza virus are microorganisms, against which a protective effect of B-glucan has been established. …They [beta glucans] can prevent oncogenesis due to the protective effect against potent genotoxic carcinogens. As immunostimulating agent, which acts through the activation of macrophages and NK cell cytotoxicity, beta-glucan can inhibit tumor growth in promotion stage too. Anti-angiogenesis can be one of the pathways through which beta-glucans can reduce tumor proliferation, prevent tumor metastasis. Beta-glucan as adjuvant to cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy demonstrated the positive role in the restoration of hematopoiesis following by bone marrow injury.”

Beta Glucan : Chen J, Seviour R, “Medicinal importance of fungal beta-(1-3),(1-6)-glucans,” Mycol Res 111(Pt6):635-52, PMID: 17590323. Jun 2007. Quote: “Non-cellulosic beta-glucans are now recognized as potent immunological activators, and some are used clinically in China and Japan. …The literature suggests beta-glucans are effective in treating diseases like cancer, a range of microbial infections, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes.”

Beta Glucan – Lung Injury – Sepsis:   Abdulkadir B, Mustafa K, et al, “Beta-Glucan Attenuates Inflammatory Cytokine Release and Prevents Acute Lung Injury in an Experimental Model of Septis,” Shock, Vol 27(4) p397-401, https://doi.org/10.1097/01.shk.0000245030.24235.f1, Apr 2007. Quote: “In this study we investigated the putative protective role of B-glucan against sepsis-induced lung injury. …The present study demonstrates that B-glucan, a clinically relevant nonspecific immunomodulator, can significantly attenuate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and systemic inflammation in rat after sepsis. We have also shown that B-glucan can affect the lethality and occurrence of acute lung injury as measured through end-organ histological damage in response to sepsis. …

We have previously shown the beneficial effects of B-glucan such as decreased weight loss, anastomotic leakage, and mortality in the setting of peritonitis.   These findings, therefore, suggest that immunomodulation with B-glucan mediates the inhibition of the cytokine response, leading to a regression of neutrophilic lung inflammation.  We propose that B-glucan might be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of inflammatory lung injury related to sepsis.”

Beta Glucan-Cancer Human Trial:   Demir G, Klein HO, et al, “Beta glucan induces proliferation and activation of monocytes in peripheral blood of patients with advanced breast cancer,” Clinical Trial, Int Immunpharmacol: 113-6. https://doi.org/j.intimp.2006.08.011 , Jan 2007. Quote: “23 female patients with advanced breast cancer were included in the study. Expression of CD45RA on CD 14 positive monocytes was 49.9% at the beginning; it was increased significantly to 61.52% on day 15. Oral beta glucan administration seems to stimulate proliferation and activation of peripheral blood monocytes in vivo in patients with advanced breast cancer.”

Beta Glucan Safety and Tolerance Human Study:   Lehne G, Haneberg G, et al, “Oral administration of a new soluble branched B-1-3-D-glucan is well tolerated and can lead to increased salivary concentrations of immunoglobulin A in healthy volunteers,” Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 143(1), 65-69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2249.2005.02962.x, Jan 1 2006. Quote: ” In the present study oral administration of SBG [soluble branched yeast AB-1,3-D-glucan] has been investigated primarily for assessment of safety and tolerability in an early phase human pharmacological study (phase 1). …Groups of six individuals received SBG 100 mg/day, 200 mg/day or 400 mg/day, respectively, for 4 consecutive days.  No drug-related adverse event, including abnormalities in vital signs, was observed. …In saliva, the immunoglobulin A concentration increased significantly for the highest SBG dose employed.  SBG was thus safe and well tolerated by healthy volunteers, when given orally once daily for 4 consecutive days at doses up to 400 mg.”

Beta Glucan :  Hunter, KW Jr,  DuPre S, Redelman D, “Microparticulate Beta-Glucan Upregulates the Expression of B7.1, B7.2, B7-H1 [also known as PD-L1] , but Not B7-DC on Cultured Murine Peritoneal Macrophages,” Immunol Let 93(1), 71-8, PMID: 15134902, https://doi.org/10:1016/j.imlet.2004.02.006, Apr 30 2004. Quote: “Beta-1,3-(D)-glucan from a variety of biological sources has been shown to enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses to a variety of antigens, infectious agents, and tumors. …This study has demonstrated that a microparticulate form of beta-glucan can enhance B7 co-stimulatory molecule expression on macrophages, thereby enabling these antigen-presenting cells to deliver the second signal to T-lymphocytes that express CD28 [glycoprotein cytotoxic T-cells].  …MG [Microparticulate beta-glucan] upregulated B7.2 mRNA expression and enhanced the surface membrane expression of B 7.2 glycoprotein. …In addition, because MG also induces the expression of B7-H1[also known as PD-L1], it may enable macrophages to provide a concomitant downregulatory signal [anti-inflammatory] to T-lymphocytes expressing PD-1 or related receptors “

Beta Glucan – Adjuvant – Vaccine:  Hunter, KW Jr., Campbell MA, “Microparticulate Glucan as a Vaccine Adjuvant,” Dept of Health & Human Services – Grant Application, Feb 2003. Quote: “…immunological research with this …microparticulate B-1,3-(D)-glucan …has revealed a striking upregulation of the expression of B7 family co-stimulatory molecules on murine macrophages and human monocytes.  MG [microparticulate B-1,3-(D)-glucan] upregulated the expression of B7.1 and B7.2 MRNA in mouse macrophages and human monocytes.”

Beta Glucan: Digestive Tract Immunity :   Tsukada C, Yokoyama H, Miyaji C, et al, “Immunopotentiation of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the intestine by oral administrations of beta-glucan.” Cell Immunol, 221(1):1-5, PMID: 12742376, Jan 2003. Quote: “However, mice administered with beta-glucan produced Type 1 cytokine, namely, production of IFNgamma alone. These results suggest that beta-glucan may be an important potentiator for mucosal immunity in the digestive tract.”

Beta Glucan -Innate Immune Response:   Hunter KW, Jordan FM, Gault RA, “The Use of B 1,3-Glucan Containing Compositions to Potentiate Immune Responses by Upregulating the Expression of Costimulatory Molecules,” U.S. Patent Application 09/707,582, Nov 3 2000. Quote: “…glucan-containing compositions potentiate immune responses by causing the activation of macrophages. When B-glucan-containing compositions interact with the cell surface glucan receptor, [dectin 1, CR3,] the macrophage is activated and becomes capable of direct and indirect killing of the invading pathogen or tumor.…macrophage activation is certainly important for innate immunity through the enhanced destruction of pathogenic microorganisms and tumors, … .There is evidence that beta glucan-containing compositions can potentiate both innate and adaptive immunity, … .

Beta Glucan :    Yan J, Vetvicka V, et al, “Beta-glucan, a ‘specific’ biologic response modifier that uses antibodies to target tumors for cytotoxic recognition by leukocyte complement receptor type 3 (C11b/CD18),” J Immunol, 163(6):3045-52, WMD, PMID: 10477568, Sep 15 1999. Quote: “In vitro studies have shown that beta-glucans bind to a lectin domain with complement receptor type 3 (CR3..that functions as an adhesion molecule). Therapy of mice with glucan …exhibiting high affinity for CR3 caused a 57-90% reduction in tumor weight.” 

Beta Glucan : Cleary JA, Kelly GE, Kelly AJ, “The effect of molecular function in mice by (1,3)-beta-D-glucan,” Immunol Cell Biol, 77(5):395-403, WMD, 1999.

Beta Glucan :  Parikh I, “Adjuvant Compositions and Vaccine Formulations Comprising Same.” U.S. Patent No. 5,785,975 (expired 6/26/2015), July 28 1998. Quote: “Glucan, a B-1,3-polyglucose from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast, has been reported to induce antitumor effects, improve resistance to microbial pathogens and stimulate antibody response to a variety of antigens.” 

Beta Glucan :  Bohn JA, BMiller JN, “(1-3)-b-D-Glucans as biological response modifiers: a review of structure-functional activity relationships,” Carbohydrate Polymers, Vol 28, Issue 1, 3-14, 1995. Quote: “(1-3)-B-D-Glucans that have B-D-glucopyranosyl units attached by (1-6) linkages as single unit branches enhance the immune system systemically. This enhancement results in antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulatory and wound healing activities.”

Beta Glucan – Toxicity-Safety:  Feletti F, Valserra M, Contos S, et al, “Chronic Toxicity Study on a New Glucan Extracted from Candida Albicans in Rats”, Arzneimittelforschung. 42(11):1363-7, PMID: 1492853, Nov 1992. Quote: Fifty-two week oral toxicity of a new glucan …extracted from Candida albicans ATCC 20955 was investigated in rats. The glucan was orally administered in dose levels up to 200 mg/kg/d and was well tolerated. No deviation from normality was observed in mortality, physical appearance and general behavior of the treated animals. Hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis and autopsy finding were within normal ranges in every group of rats treated.”

Beta Glucan :  Czop JK [Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115], Kay J, “Isolation and characterization of beta-glucan receptors on human mononuclear phagocytes,” J Exp Med, 173(6): 1511-1520, https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.173.6.1511, Jun 1 1991. “Quote: “Glucan receptors were first identified on human monocytes as phagocytic receptors which initiate phagocytosis of particulate activators of the human alternative complement pathway.”  Note: human monocytes  differentiate into macrophages and myeloid lineage dendritic cells. 

Beta Glucan:  Seljeld JB, Lundwall A, “Glycan [yeast glucan] stimulation of maccrophaes in vitro,” Experimental Cell Research, Vol 131, Issue 1, Pages 121-129, https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-4827(81)90413-4 , Jan 1981. Quote: “…endocytosis of glycans [yeast glucans] with subsequent intracellular triggering of a complement reaction [C3] is the underlying mechanism of glycan stimulation.”  Note: “Endocytosis” is the process of capturing a substance or particle outside the cell by engulfing it with the cell membrane, and bringing it into the cell.

Beta Glucan : Manners DJ, Masson AJ, Patterson JC, Bjrndal H, Lindberg B, “The structure of a beta-(1–6)-D-glucan from yeast cell walls, “Biochem J, 135(1):31-6, PMID 4590991, https://doi.org/10.1042/bj135031 , Sep 1973. Quote: …a minor polysaccharide component has been isolated from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) glucan. This minor component has a degree of polymerization of about 130-140, a highly branched structure, and a high proportion of beta-(1–6)-glucosidic linkages. The molecules also contain a smaller proportion of beta-(1–3)-glucosidic linkages that serve mainly as interchain linkages, but some may also be inter-residue linkages.”

Beta Glucan : JS Bacon, VC Farmer, D Jones, F Taylor, “The glucan components of the cell wall of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) considered in relation to its ultrastructure.” Biochemical Journal 09-01 1969.

Beta Glucan- Shear’s polysaccharide :Beck L, Berkowitz D, Seltzer B, “Systolic blood pressure in normal and tumor-bearing mice as affected by the Serratia marcescens tumor necrotizing [killing] polysaccharide of Shear,” Anal Rec, 96(4):536, Dec 1946.

Beta Glucan- Shear’s polysaccharide :  Shear MJ, Turner FC, A Perrault, “Chemical Treatment of Tumors. V. Isolation of the Hemorrhage-Production Fraction from Serratia marcescens (Bacillus prodigiosus) Culture Filtrate, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1943. Note: “Shear’s polysaccharide was a combination of 3 polysaccharides with the primary chain composed of D-glucose and D-mannose units joined by (1-3) glycosidic linkages and believed by many to be the inspiration for the beginning of the research of polysaccharides as immunomodulators, but not a purified isolate from yeast cell wall.”

Beta Glucan – Micronized Particle Size: 1 micron = 1,000 nanos = 1/25,400 inch

 

Beta Glucan:  Han AB, Baruah K, Cox E, et al, “Structure-Functional Activity Relationship of B-Glucans from the Perspective of Immunomodulation: A Mini-Review,” Front. Immunol., https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00658, April 22 2020. Quote: “Particulate β-glucans isolated from yeast are hollow, porous 2–4 μm [micron] spheres with an outer shell capable of mediating uptake by phagocytic cells. Therefore, the high payload of therapeutic agents, such as DNA, siRNA, protein/ peptide, and small molecules could be reduced by encapsulating these agents into the particles using a core-polyplex and layer-by-layer synthetic strategies and be applied to optimize the tumor microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy. For example, an in situ layer-by-layer syntheses of DNA-caged yeast β-glucan particles was shown to not only effectively protect the caged DNA from degradation but also facilitate the systemic delivery of the DNA content to macrophages in vivo. The particle size of glucan matters and its generally known that nanoparticles with a diameter 1–2 μm [microns] are better absorbed by macrophages than large-size particles.”

Beta Glucan – Nanoparticles and Cancer Immunotherapies:   Zhang Mei, Kim JA, et al, “Optimizing Tumor Microenvironment [TME] for Cancer Immunotherapy: B-Glucan-Based Nanoparticles,” Front Immunl, 9:31, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00341 , PMID: 29535722, Feb 26 2018. Quote: “In this review we discuss the mechanisms of conditioning tumor microenvironment [TME] using B-glucan and B-glucan-based nanoparticles, and how this strategy enables future design of optimal combination cancer immunotherapies. …A particulate B-glucans derived from yeast mediates antitumor immune responses by inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and stimulating innate immune effector cell activation.” Note: “mediates” means to effect something by means of an intermediary substance.

Beta Glucan Microparticles: Baert K, et al, “Duality of B-glucan microparticles: antigen carrier and immunostimulants,” Int J Nanomedicine. 11: 2463–2469, . PMCID:PMC 4898424. May 31, 2016. Quote: “β-glucan microparticles (GPs) are emerging microparticles known for their safety, immunogenicity, and high antigen encapsulation efficiency. These promising antigen carriers are derived from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker’s yeast).  The resulting GPs [B-glucan microparticles] were hollow and porous biomimetic 2–5 µm [micron] particles consisting of >85% β-1,3-D-glucan polymers (β-glucans), ~2% chitin, and <1% lipids and proteins, with the rest being mostly ash and moisture.

Beta Glucan Particle Size: Farris E, Brown DM, Ramer-ETait, Pannnier AK, “Miro-and nanoparticulates for DNA vaccine delivery” Exp Biol Med (Maywood) pii:1535370216643771; PMID: 27048557; April 4, 2016.  Quote: “In contrast, nanoparticle [micronized] encapsulation leads to increased internalization, overall greater transfection efficiency, and the ability to increase uptake across mucosal surfaces. Moreover, selection of the appropriate biomaterial can lead to increased immune stimulation and activation through triggering innate immune response receptors and target DNA to professional antigen presenting cells. Finally, the selection of materials with the appropriate properties to achieve efficient delivery through administration routes conducive to high patient compliance and capable of generating systemic and local (i.e. mucosal) immunity can lead to more effective humoral and cellular protective immune responses.” [Note: 1,000 nanometers = 1 micron or micrometer]

Beta Glucan – Micronized: Vetvicka, V, “Beta Glucan, Natures Secret – 3rd Edition”, Self Published, pp153-154, 2015. Quote: “ … some companies are selling micronized glucans that are often accompanied by claims that they are more bioavailable.  It might be true.” 

Beta Glucan Particle Size:  Vetvicka V, “Beta Glucan, Natures Secret-3rd Edition,” p 153-154, 2015. Quote: “It is apparent that, in the case of macrophages and phagocytosis, size really does not matter.”  Note: V Vetvicka is the only researcher found to date to assert particulate beta glucan particle size does not matter in macrophages and phagocytosis – see additional research for research contradicting this V Vetvicka’ assertion, and Vetvicka’s own contradiction of his contention as a Reviewer of an April 22, 2020 published article (doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00658) that stated, “The particle size of glucan matters and its generally known that nanoparticles with a diameter 1–2 μm [microns] are better absorbed by macrophages than large-size particles. Micronized is considered to be 1-4 microns in size. 1,000 nanometers = 1 micron or micrometer.

Beta Glucan – Micronized:  Pacheco P, et al, “Effects of microparticle size and Fc density on macrophage phagocytosis.” PloSOne;8(4):e60989. PMID:23630577; PMCID:PMC363260 Apr 22 2013 . Quote: “The percentage of phagocytic macrophages was found to be strongly dependent on both the particle size and the particle Fc density. …Interaction with the smaller particles (0.5 µm and 1 µm) at a low Fc density resulted in a greater percentage of phagocytic macrophages than with high Fc density. …Therefore, larger microparticles (3 µm and 4.5 µm) may be more efficient at delivering a greater therapeutic payload to macrophages, but smaller opsonized microparticles (0.5 µm to 2 µm) can deliver bio-active substances to a greater percentage of the macrophage population. Note: Fc is an antibody molecule known as the crystallizable fragment. µm = microns. Larger Particle sizes in this study were 3 to 4.5 µm (microns)  However, particles from 5 to 100+ µm (microns) are considered aggregated or agglomerated and sometimes referred to as globular due to increased size and reduced phagocytic activity.

Beta Glucan Particle Size:   Soto ER, Caras AC, et al, “Glucan Particles for Macrophage Targeted Delivery of Nanoparticles,” J Drug Daily, 143524, PMID 22013535, Oct 13, 2011. Quote: “Glucan particles (GPs) are hollow, porous 2-4 micron microspheres derive from the cell walls of Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The 1,3-B-glucan outer shell provides for receptor-mediated uptake by phagocytic cells expressing B-glucan receptors.”

Beta Glucan – Particulate: Goodridge H, Reyes C, Becker C et al; “Activation of the innate immune receptor Dectin-1 upon formation of a ‘phagocytic synapse'” Nature, Vol 472 p 471-475, April 28, 2011. * Quote: “…Dectin-1 is a pattern-recognition receptor expressed by myeloid phagocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils) that detects b-glucans in fungal cell walls and triggers direct cellular antimicrobial activity… . Despite its ability to bind both soluble and particulate B-glucan polymers, Dectin-1 signaling is only activated by particulate B-glucans. …Studies in mice and humans have demonstrated an important role for Dectin-1 in anti-fungal defense. Dectin-1 signals activate anti-microbial phagocytosis, production of ROD [reactive oxygen species] and inflammatory innate immune responses, and influence the development of adaptive immunity…”

Beta Glucan Micronized: Zechner-Krpan V, Petravic-Tominac V, Galovic P, Galovic V, Filipovic-Grcic J, Srecec S, “Application of Different Drying Methods on B-Glucan Isolated from Spent Brewer’s Yeast Using Alkaline Procedure” University of Zagreb, Agriculture Conspectus Scientificus, Vol 75, No 1 2010. Quote: “The macrophage phagocytosis is more enhanced by microparticulate B-glucan than by its aggregated form. Biological activity of B-glucan can be improved by reducing the size of its particles.  …The particles having 1-2 µm [microns] in diameter are optimally phagocytized by macrophages.”

Beta Glucan Particle Size: Champion JA, Walker A, Mitragotri S, “Role of particle size in phagocytosis of polymeric microspheres.”  Pharmaceutical research 25: 1815–1821PMIC 18373181, PMC 2793372  2008.  Quote: “Particles possessing diameters of 2-3 microm [microns] exhibited maximal phagocytosis and attachment… . “

Beta Glucan Micronized:  Hunter, KW Jr,  DuPre S, Redelman D, “Microparticulate Beta-Glucan Upregulates the Expression of B7.1, B7.2, B7-H1, but Not B7-DC on Cultured Murine Peritoneal Macrophages,” Immunol Let 93(1), 71-8, PMID: 15134902, https://doi.org/10:1016/j.imlet.2004.02.006, Apr 30 2004. Quote: “Beta-1,3-(D)-glucan from a variety of biological sources has been shown to enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses to a variety of antigens, infectious agents, and tumors. …This study has demonstrated that a microparticulate form of beta-glucan can enhance B7 co-stimulatory molecule expression on macrophages, thereby enabling these antigen-presenting cells to deliver the second signal to T-lymphocytes that express CD28.  …MG [Microparticulate beta-glucan] upregulated B7.2 mRNA expression and enhanced the surface membrane expression of B 7.2 glycoprotein. …In addition, because MG also induces the expression of B7-H1, it may enable macrophages to provide a concomitant downregulatory signal [anti-inflammatory] to T-lymphocytes expressing PD-1 or related receptors “

Beta Glucan Micronized: Freitas Jr, RA, “15.4.3.1 Phagocytes, Phagocytosis, and the RES – Macrophages;” Nanomedicine, Volume IIA: Biocompatibility, Landes Bioscience, Georgetown, TX 2003. Quote: “The presence and activity of phagocytes is particularly related to the presence of small particles. …Maximum stimulus occurs at average particle sizes in the 0.1-2.0 [micron] range… Human blood monocytes [macrophage precursors] readily ingest inert 0.39 micron particles, rarely ingest 1.52 micron particles, and never ingest 5.1 micron particles.”

Beta Glucan Particulate: Brown G D, Gordon Siamon; “Fungal B-Glucans and Mammalian Immunity.” Sir William Dunn Sch of Pathology, U of Oxford, UK, Immunity, Vol19, 311-316, 2003.  Quote: “.. B-glucans, especially in particulate form, can produce proinflammatory and antimicrobial responses through the TLRs and Dectin-1 [cell receptors for B-glucan]. Many of these responses are required for the control of fungal infections, such as the production of TNF-Alpha, and is an essential early cytokine required for the control of infections with C. albicans, A. fumigatus, C. neoformans, and H capsulatum. This is also true for IL-12, another important anti-fungal cytokine….”

Beta Glucan Particle Size: Jordan F, Hunter Jr. KW, Gault R, “Method for preparing small particle size glucan in a dry material,” U.S. Patent 6,476,003. November 2002. Quote: “The greater generation and/or production of NO (Nitric Oxide) demonstrates the enhanced activity of the macrophage with a small particle size glucan which is indicative of an activity level of an immune system. … The measurement of NO production is indicative of an oxidative burst that kills and/or destroys the ingested microbes and/or particles by the macrophage. …As a glucan re-aggregates into particles of greater than one micron in diameter, it appears to pass through an animal or human digestive system without substantially complete absorption. … As the glucan re-aggregates to a size of greater than one micron in diameter, some of the beneficial effect of the glucan is not achieved because the macrophage receptors are not activated as readily by glucan greater than one micron in diameter because the receptor size on corresponding cells and molecules that accept the glucan is generally about one micron in size. …The greater percentage phagocytosis demonstrates the enhanced activity of the macrophage and the small particle size glucan’s ability to activate the immune system.”

Beta Glucan Particle Size: Hunter KW, Gault RA, Berner MD, “Preparation of microparticulate B-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae for use in immune potentiation.” Letters in Applied Microbiology,” Vol 35 Issue 4, 267-271, October 2002. Quote: “…there was evidence that macrophages, key target cells for the immunopharmacological activity of B-glucans, preferentially ingest particles in the 1-2-µ (micron) diameter size range.  Compared with the aggregated [5-100-µ micron diameter] form of B-glucan, the B-glucan microparticles remain in suspension longer for pharmaceutical applications and are more effective at enhancing phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages following oral administration. …Although both aggregated and microparticulate glucans enhanced peritoneal macrophage activation when administered orally in mice, the microparticulate glucan was significantly better than the aggregated form.”

Beta Glucan Particle Size: , Hunter Jr. KW, Gault R, Jordan F, “Mode of Action of B-Glucan Immunopotentiators,” Department of Microbiology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Oct 1998.

Globular Glucan (μg/ml)

Sonicated Microparticulate Glucan (μg/ml)

Media

Nitric Oxide (μM)

 275

 600

 0

Quote: “…these data do indicate Glucan particle size is an important factor in the production of nitric oxide.  Nitric oxide is generated during the “oxidative burst” that kills ingested microbes [bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc]. This would suggest that the small particle glucan has greater ability to enhance the immune system than the globular form of glucan.” 

Beta Glucan Particle Size – Smaller more Effective: Donzis B. A.; Substantially purified beta (1,3) finely ground yeast cell wall glucan composition with dermatological and nutritional uses; U.S. Patent 5702719; 1997. Quote: “The preferred particle size of the find grind glucan product is about 1.0 micron or less and more preferably, .20 microns or less.” [2,000 nanometers or less]

Beta Glucan Particle Size – Smaller more Effective: Donzis B. A.; Substantially purified beta (1,3) finely ground yeast cell wall glucan composition with dermatological and nutritional uses; U.S. Patent 5576015; 1996. Quote: “Upon oral administration, the smaller or finer particle sized glucan is more quickly dissolved in the gastrointestinal tract and consequently, more readily absorbed.”

Beta Glucan:    Goldman R, “Characteristics of the beta-glucan receptor of murine macrophages,” Exp Cell Res, 174(2):481-90, PMID: 2828085, https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-4827(88)90317-5, Feb 1988.

Beta Glucan – Phagocytosis

 

Beta Glucan:  Han AB, Baruah K, Cox E, et al, “Structure-Functional Activity Relationship of B-Glucans from the Perspective of Immunomodulation: A Mini-Review,” Front. Immunol., https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00658, April 22 2020. Quote: “…The difference [in soluble and particulate insoluble beta glucan] can be explained by the use of different receptors by soluble and particulate B-glucans. Particulate B-glucans directly stimulate immune cell activation through Dectin-1 [beta glucan receptors] pathways while soluble glucans require a complement and CR3-dependent pathway activation for their antitumor activities. …Phagocytosis and cytokine production by macrophages are only induced when Dectin-1 is bound to particulate B-glucan through the formation of a ‘phagocytic synapse’ and the exclusion of regulatory phosphatases.”

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis: Vetvicka, V, “Beta Glucan, Natures Secret” , 3rd Edition, Self Published, pp153-154, 2015. Quote: “…macrophages have glucan receptors the size of only several molecules. Yet they are able to phagocytose material of more than 20% of their own size.  It is apparent that, in the case of macrophages and phagocytosis, size really does not matter … some companies are selling micronized glucans that are often accompanied by claims that they are more bioavailable.  It might be true.”  [Note: The V Vetvicka’ position that beta glucan particle size does not matter in phagocytosis is the position to date of only V Vetvicka and in a recent study Vetvicka reviewed it was stated particle size does matter. (See “Beta Glucan Particle Size” above)Conflicting research of others that particle size  does matter in phagocytosis  based on extensive beta glucan’ phagocytosis research are presented below.]

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis:  Pacheco P, et al, “Effects of microparticle size and Fc density on macrophage phagocytosis.” PLoSOne, 8(4):e60989. PMID:23630577; PMCID:PMC363260 . Apr 22, 2013.  Quote: “The percentage of phagocytic macrophages was found to be strongly dependent on both the particle size and the particle Fc density. …Interaction with the smaller particles (0.5 µm and 1 µm) at a low Fc density resulted in a greater percentage of phagocytic macrophages than with high Fc density. …Therefore, larger microparticles (3 µm and 4.5 µm) may be more efficient at delivering a greater therapeutic payload to macrophages, but smaller opsonized microparticles (0.5 µm to 2 µm) can deliver bio-active substances to a greater percentage of the macrophage population.” Note: Fc is an antibody molecule known as the crystallizable fragment. µm = microns. Larger Particle sizes in this study were 3 to 4.5 µm (microns)   However, particles from 5 to 100+ µm (microns) are considered aggregated or agglomerated and sometimes referred to as globular due to increased size and reduced phagocytic activity.

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis: Zechner-Krpan V, Petravic-Tominac V, Galovic P, Galovic V, Filipovic-Grcic J, Srecec S, “Application of Different Drying Methods on B-Glucan Isolated from Spent Brewer’s Yeast Using Alkaline Procedure,” University of Zagreb, Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, Vol 75, No 1, 2010. Quote: “The macrophage phagocytosis is more enhanced by microparticulate B-glucan than by its aggregated form. Biological activity of B-glucan can be improved by reducing the size of its particles.  …The particles having 1-2 µm [microns] in diameter are optimally phagocytized by macrophages.”

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis: Champion JA, Walker A, Mitragotri S, “Role of particle size in phagocytosis of polymeric microspheres.”  Pharmaceutical research 25: 1815–1821 .PMIC 18373181, PMC 2793372. 2008.  Quote: “Particles possessing diameters of 2-3 microm[microns] exhibited maximal phagocytosis and attachment… . “

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis: Freitas Jr, RA, “15.4.3.1 Phagocytes, Phagocytosis, and the RES – Macrophages;” Nanomedicine, Volume IIA: Biocompatibility, Landes Bioscience, Georgetown, TX 2003. Quote: “The presence and activity of phagocytes is particularly related to the presence of small particles. …Maximum stimulus occurs at average particle sizes in the 0.1-2.0 [micron] range… Human blood monocytes [macrophage precursors] readily ingest  [phagocytize] inert 0.39 micron particles, rarely ingest 1.52 micron particles, and never ingest 5.1 micron particles.”

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis: Jordan F, Hunter Jr. KW, Gault R, “Method for preparing small particle size glucan in a dry material,” U.S. Patent 6,476,003. November 2002. Quote: “…The greater percentage phagocytosis demonstrates the enhanced activity of the macrophage and the small particle size glucan’s ability to activate the immune system.”

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis:    Engstad RE, Robertsen B, “Recognition of yeast cell wall glucan by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) macrophages,” Dev Comp Immunol, 17(4(:319-330, PMID: 8375567, https://doi.org/10.1016/0145-305x(93)90004-a, Jul-Aug 1993. Quote: “Phagocytosis of yeast (Saccharomces ceevisiae) glucan paricles by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) pronephric [kidney] macrophages was studied. The particles contained >95% glucose linked through beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-glycosidic linkages. The macrophages repidly phagocytized [engulfed] both native and opsonized glucan particles…”  Note: Opsonins are an antibody in blood serum that causes foreign cells to become more susceptible to phagocytosis.

Beta Glucan Phagocytosis:    Goldman R, “Characteristics of the beta-glucan receptor of murine macrophages,” Exp Cell Res, 174(2):481-90, PMID: 2828085, https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-4827(88)90317-5, Feb 1988. Quote: “…phagocytosis of HK-yeast [heat killed-yest] by murine macrophages is mediated by and large by the B-glucan receptors, while the mannose receptors and complement receptors do not contribute to the process.”

Beta Glucan – Safety  [See much more Beta Glucan “Safety” research on “S” Page]

Beta Glucan – Toxicity

 

Beta Glucan – Safety Plus:  Castro FM, Calder PC, Roche HM, “B-1,3/1,6-glucans and Immunity: State of the Art and Future Directions,” Mol Nutr Food Res, e1901071, doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201901071, PMID: 32223047, Mar 29 2020. Quote: “The innate immune system responds in a rapid and non-specific manner against immunologic threats [primarily pathogens and toxins]; inflammation is a part of this response.  This is followed by a slower but targeted and specific response termed adaptive or acquired immune response. There is emerging evidence that dietary components, including yeast-derived glucans, can aid host defense against pathogens by modulating inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of neutrophils and macrophages. …Overall, no adverse events were detected, and no major safety concerns were presented in response to any of the selected intervention studies”

Beta Glucan – Safety:    Stier H, Ebbeskotte V, Gruenweld J, “Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan,” Nutr J, 13:38, PMID 24774968, Apr 28 2014. Quote: “…several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed.  …The results of all studies taken together clearly indicate that oral intake of insoluble yeast beta-glucans is safe and has an immune strengthening effect. …Further, numerous studies reported other health benefits of B-glucans, including hepatoprotective, wound healing, weight loss, anti-diabetic and cholesterol lowering functions.” 

Beta Glucan – Safety: European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). “Scientific opinion on the safety of ‘yeast beta-glucans’ as a novel food ingredient.” EFSA J, 9(5):2137, 2011. www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2137.htm . Quote: “Data provided on (sub)acute and sub-chronic toxicity, absorption, and limited human data do not give reason for concern. On the basis of the nature of ‘yeast beta glucans,’ the significant history of use of its source, the provided intake estimate [600 mg/d] and the supplementary data from human and animal studies, Panel concludes that ‘yeast beta-glucans’ is safe at the proposed conditions of use.”

Beta Glucan Toxicity / Safety: Babicek K, Cechova I, Simon RR, Harwood M, Cox DJ. “Toxicological assessment of particulate yeast (1/3/1,6)-beta-D-glucan in rats.” Food Chem Toxicol, 45(9): 1719-30, PMID: 17493735, Sep 2007. Quote: “In conclusion, no adverse or toxic effects were observed after subchronic oral administration of 2, 33.3, or 100 mg/kg body weight/day of Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan in Fisher-344 rats, and therefore, a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 100 mg/kg body weight/day, the highest dose tested, was determined.”

Beta Glucan Toxicity: Li B, Allendorf D, Hansen R, Marroquin J, Ding C, Cramer DE, Yan J; “Yeast beta-Glucan Amplifies Phagocyte Killing of iC3b-Opsonized Tumor Cells via Complement Receptor 3-Syk-Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway.” J Immunology: 1:177(3):1661-9. Tumor Immunobiology Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Aug 2006. Quote: “Anti-tumor mAbs [monoclonal antibodies] hold promise for cancer therapy, but are relatively inefficient. …In this study, we report that tumor-bearing mice treated with a combination of beta-glucan and an anti-tumor mAb show almost complete cessation of tumor growth.  Beta-glucan, an agent without evident toxicity, may be used to amplify tumor cell killing and may open new opportunities in the immunotherapy of cancer.”

Beta Glucan – Toxicity-Safety:  Feletti F, Valserra M, Contos S, et al, “Chronic Toxicity Study on a New Glucan Extracted from Candida Albicans in Rats”, Arzneimittelforschung. 42(11):1363-7, PMID: 1492853, Nov 1992. Quote: Fifty-two week oral toxicity of a new glucan …extracted from Candida albicans ATCC 20955 was investigated in rats. The glucan was orally administered in dose levels up to 200 mg/kg/d and was well tolerated. No deviation from normality was observed in mortality, physical appearance and general behavior of the treated animals. Hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis and autopsy finding were within normal ranges in every group of rats treated.”

Go to the “S” page and then scroll down to the “Safety” category for many additional “Safety” research abstracts on Beta Glucan.

BioActivity: See Beta Glucan BioActivity

Biological Response Modifier Glucan:   Ikewaki N, Rao K, Archibold AD, Iwasaki M, Senthikumar R, Preethy S, Katoh S, Abraham JK, “Coagulopathy associated with COVID-19 – Perspectives & Preventive strategies using a biological response modifier Glucan,” Thrombosis Journal, Vol 18, 27, PMID: 33082714, DOI: 10.1186/s12959-020-00239-6, Oct 16 2020. Quote: ” Direct endothelial injury by viruses and dysregulation of clotting mechanisms due to cytokine storm [CK] are the major precipitating factors of mortality in COVID-19; both are attributed to a fundamental dysregulation of the immune system. …Although evaluation of D-dimer and prothrombin during admission is considered to predict prognosis and mortality, there are no preventive or prophylactic strategies before hospital admission. Herein, we present our perspectives on the effect of regular supplementation with the biological response modifier beta glucan based on its relevance to immune modulation. This effect is of paramount importance in decreasing the development of severe COVID-19 and reducing mortality against the background of coagulopathy, especially in vulnerable populations.

Supplementation with the biological response modifier beta glucan (BRMG) could be a solution in the vulnerable population. Beta glucans are potent biological response modifiers. … Ethnically vulnerable populations such as Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, the elderly population, and patients with comorbidities [multiple health issues] are at high risk and require prevention during this hypercoagulable state. …In the present scenario, where there is no definite pharmacological remedy for prevention or treatment presently available, a biological response modifier beta glucan food supplement that has several advantages in modulating the immune response is considered to be worth recommendation for clinical studies of COVID-19, especially in vulnerable populations.”

Biological Warfare – Anthrax:: Kourmikakis B, et al, “Anthrax-protective effects of yeast beta 1,3 glucans.” MedGenMed, ,5(1):1; PMD 12827062, Mar 21, 2003.  Quote: “A single injected dose of … beta glucan immune modulators given 2 days before challenge significantly: (a) increased the survival rate of infected mice (2.5-fold), (b) diminished the bacterial load in the lungs of infected mice (4-8-fold), and (c) increased the proportion of bacteria-free animals 10 days after challenge (2-fold).  In mice prophylactically administered oral … beta glucan for 1 week prior to infection, survival increased from 50% to 100%; therapeutic administration of oral … beta glucan for 10 days post infection increased survival from 30% up to 90% in treatment groups.  These results demonstrate the potential for beta1,3-glucan immune modulators to provide a significant degree of protection against anthrax, a potential biological warfare (BW) agent in a mouse model of anthrax infection.”

BioTerrorism – Anthrax: Vetvicka V, Terayama K, Ostroff G et al; “Orally-administered Yeast B1,3-glucan prophylactically protects against anthrax infection and cancer in mice.” J of the Amer Nutraceutical Assc; Vol 5-2, pp1-20; Spring 2002. Quote: “…orally-administered yeast B 1,3-glucan had significant effects as a prophylactic [taken regularly for a period before condition onset] treatment to reduce the mortality of anthrax infection in mice. The mechanism of action involves the stimulation of three important cytokines: IL-2, IFN-y, and TNF-alpha.”

Bloating: Spagnuoto R, Cosco C et al, “Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.” Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, Supply:102-107, PMID: 28724171, June 21, 2017. Quote: “We have shown that supplementation with a mixture of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes reduces bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain, improving the overall clinical condition of IBD-IBS patients.”

Blood Platelets: Saluk-Juszczak J, Krolewska K, Wachowicz B. “Response of blood platelets to beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” Platelets, 21(1):37-43. doi: 10.3109/09537100903359306; PMID: 1989-1527; 2010. Quote: “The obtained results indicate that beta-glucan has the inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation and secretion. … and therefore may be beneficial in the prevention of the excessive blood platelet activation-related diseases, such as cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases.”

Blood Pressure & Hypertension – Heart – Cardiovascular Disease:   Wouk J, Dekker RFH, Queiroz, et al, “B-Glucans as a panacea for a healthy heart? Their roles in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases,” Int J Biol Macromol, 17:80141-8130(21)00366-4. PMID:  33609583,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.087  , Feb 2021. Quote: “The B-glucans from all of the sources cited demonstrated potential hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and anti-obesogenicity activities, reduced hypertension and ameliorated the atherosclerosis condition. More recently, B-glucans are recognized as possessing prebiotic properties that modulate the gut microbiome and impact on the health benefits including cardiovascular. Overall, all the studies investigated unequivocally demonstrated the dietary benefits of consuming B-glucans regardless of source, thus constituting a promising panaceutical approach to reduce CVD risk factors.  …[Summary in study]: β-Glucans decrease aggregation of atherosclerotic plaque, size and secretion.  Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are reduced after intake of β-glucan. [and] β-Glucans reduce oxidative stress preventing & ameliorating cardiovascular diseases.”

Blood Pressure & Obesity Human Study: Mosikannon K, Arthan D, et al, “Yeast B-Glucan Modulates Inflammation and Waist Circumference in Overweight and Obese Subjects,” J Diet Suppl, PMID 27715351, August 11:1-13 2016. Quote: “A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial design enrolled 44 overweight/obese participants with body mass index ≥23 kg/m2. Supplementation of yeast β-glucan for six weeks modulated pro-cytokines that accelerate overweight/obese comorbidities [multiple health issues] and reduced blood pressure as well as waist circumference, the strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in overweight/obese subjects. “

Blood Pressure : Lieseloe C, et al, “Role of dietary beta-glucans in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome,” Nutrition Reviews, Vol 70:8, pp444-458, Aug 01 2012. Quote: promising results for a β-glucan intake to decrease appetite have been found using gut hormone responses and subjective appetite indicators. Beta-glucan also improves the glycemic index of meals and beneficially influences glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or MetS, [metabolic syndrome] as well as in healthy subjects. Furthermore, a blood-pressure-lowering effect of β-glucan in hypertensive subjects seems fairly well substantiated.” 

Boils: Enhanced Healing of Decubitus Ulcers by Topical Application of Particulate Glucan. Tulane University School of Medicine; Research Summary. 1984.

Bone Resorption – Osteoclastogenesis: Hara S, Nagai-Yoshioka Y, et al, “Dectin-1-mediated suppression of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by glucan from baker’s yeast,” Cell Physiol, PMID: 33305824, DOI: 10:1002/jcp.30217, Dec 11 2020. Quote: “Dectin-1 is a lectin receptor of B-glucan and is specifically expressed in osteoclast precursor cells. …glucan from baker’s yeast suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and can be applied as a new treatment strategy for bone-related diseases.”  Note: “Osteoclastogenesis” refers to the development of osteoclasts from blood cells from monocytes/macrophages.  Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down the tissue in bones and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone tissue to the blood. “RANKL” is Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-B Ligand; also known as tumor necrosis.

Bone Loss Aveolar – Periodontal Disease – Diabetes: Silva VO, Lobato RV, et al, “Effects of B-Glucans Ingestion on Alveolar Bone Loss, Intestinal Morphology, Systemic Inflammatory Profile, and Pancreatic B-Cell Function in Rats with Periodontitis and Diabetes,” Nutrients, 14;9(9). PMID 28906456, Sept 14, 2017. Quote: “The study aimed to evaluate the effects of B-glucan ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the plasmatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a0 and interleukin-10 (IL-10), alveolar bone loss, and pancreatic B-cell function (HOMA_BF) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease (PD).  …B-glucan ingestion reduced the systemic inflammatory profile, prevented alveolar bone loss, and improved B-cell function in diabetic animals.”

Bone Marrow – Lymphopenia & Neutropenia:  Sima P, Vetvicka V, et al, “Effects of glucan on bone marrow.” Ann Transl Med. Feb; 2(2)18. PMC 4202472; 2014.  Quote: “The extensive research studying various effects of glucans on bone marrow showed significant restoration of both lymphopenia and neutropenia. … glucan might be widely used as radioprotectant that could mitigate the biological effects of radiation exposure both in cases of radiation accidents or in medically used irradiation. …they [beta glucans] are inexpensive, generally free from side effects and capable of significant protection against bone marrow damage through restoration of bone marrow cell production. “

Bone Marrow Damage: Vetvicka V; “Glucan-immunostimulant, adjuvant, potential drug,” World J Clin Oncol, 2(2):115-119 Feb 10 2010. Quote: “The significant role of glucans in cancer treatment, infection immunity, stress reduction and restoration of damaged bone marrow has already been established.”

Bone Marrow Injury: Daniel E Cramer, Daniel J Allendorf, Jarek T Baran, Richard Hansen, Jose Marroquin, Bing Li, Janina Ratajczak, Mariusz Z Ratajczak, and Jun Yan; “Beta-glucan enhances complement-mediated hematopoietic recovery after bone marrow injury;” Blood; DOI 10.1182. Tumor Immunobiology Program and Stem Cell Biology Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA. Sept 2005.Quote: “…Myelotoxic injury in the bone marrow (BM) as a consequence of total body irradiation (TBI) or granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization results in the deposition of iC3b on BM [bone marrow] stroma [cell framework]. … Taken together, these observations suggest a novel role for C, CR3, and Beta glucan in the restoration of hematopoiesis [cell formation] following injury.”

NOTE: Mice were treated for 12 days with beta glucan and exposed to a sublethal dose of radiation. The beta glucan treated animals had approximately 40 percent more cell formation units in the spleen than untreated mice. When beta glucan was given orally, survival of animals receiving a lethal dose of radiation after stem cell transplantation was significantly enhanced. Forty days following radiation exposure, approximately 30 percent of mice treated with beta glucan survived compared with only 3 percent of untreated animals. Researchers discovered beta-glucan enhances the proliferation of stem cells, promoting white blood cell recovery in bone marrow injury and repair.

Bone Marrow: Hong F, Yan J, Baran JT, Allendorf DJ, Hansen RD, Ostroff G, Ross G, “Mechanism by Which Orally Administered B-1,3-Glucans Enhance the Tumoricidal Activity of Antitumor Monoclonal Antibodies in Murine Tumor Models,” The J of Immunology 173:797-806. James Graham Brown Cancer Ctr, Louisville, KY; July 15, 2004. Quote: “Orally administered B-1,3-glucans were taken up by macrophages that transported them to spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. Within the bone marrow, the macrophages degraded the large B-1,3 glucans into smaller soluble B-1,3-glucan fragments that were taken up by the CR3 [receptors] of marginated granulocytes [white blood cells formed in the bone marrow]. These granulocytes with CR3-bound B-1,3-glucan-fluorescein were shown to kill iC3b-opsonized tumor cells following their recruitment to a site of complement activation resembling a tumor coated with mAB [monoclonal antibodies].”

Bone Marrow: Browder IW., Williams D., Pretus H., et al; Beneficial Effect of Enhanced Macrophage Function in the Trauma Patients. Ann. Surg.;  Vol 211: 605-613. Dept of Surg and Physiol, Tulane U Sch of Med, LA and Istituto Di Chirurgia D’Urgenza, U of Torino, Torino, Italy.* 1990. Quote: “Use of glucan in a murine model of hind-limb crush injury decreased macrophage PGE2 release while stimulating bone marrow proliferation. “

Bordetella pertussis-respiratory virus:  Wolf MA, Boehm DT, et al, “Intranasal immunization with acellular pertussis vaccines results in long-term immunity to Bordetella pertussis in mice,” Infect  immun, IAI 00697-20 PMID: 33318136, https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.00607-20 , Dec 14 2020. Quote: “Mice were incubated with a mock vaccine …combined with …purified whole glucan particle (IRI-1501). …however, in both the serum and lung, the alum and IRI-1501 [purified whole glucan particles] induced significant B pertussis specific IgG antibodies, increased numbers of anti-B pertussis IgG secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow. Our data indicate that humoral responses induced by the IN vaccines correlated with protection, suggesting that long-term antibody responses can be protective.”

Bowel Anastomoses : Compton R., Williams D., Browder W., “The beneficial effect of enhanced macrophage function on the healing of bowel anastomoses,” Am. Surg. 62:14-18, 1996. Quote:  “…immuno-pharmacologic agents [glucan] that enhance macrophage function may be an important adjunct to surgical therapy requiring bowel anastomosis.”

BRAIN – COGNITION – GUT/BRAIN AXIS: See “Cognition also”

Brain – Cognition: 

Hu Minmin, Zhang P, et al, “Three Different Types of B-Glucans Enhance Cognition: The Role of the Gut-Brain Axis,” Front Nutr, 9.848930, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.848930, Mar 3, 2022. Quote: ” dietary fiber is fermented in the lower gastrointestinal tract, potentially impacting the microbial ecosystem and thus may improve elements of cognition and brain function via the gut-brain axis. This study aimed to compare the effects of B-glucans from …B-(1,3/(1,6)-glucan, B-(1,3), or B-(1,3)(1,4 on cognition and the gut-brain axis. … , ,,,[B-(1,3/(1,6)-glucan] significantly increased the post-synaptic thickness of synaptic ultrastructure in the PFC whilst the other two B-glucans had no significant effect.” 

Brain – Environmental Toxins: Tuckman NB, Ozek DA, et al, “Beta-glucan effects on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxicity in liver and brain,” Biotech Histochem, 1-8, PMID: 35073792, https://doi.org/10.1080/10520295.2022.2025902 , Jan 25, 2022. Quote: “2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a common environmental contaminant that is toxic to brain, heart, kidney and liver. TCDD toxicity is due to free radical formation. …The oxidative stress and histopathology caused by TCDD were ameliorated by beta-glucan treatment. Beta-glucan should be explored for preventing brain and liver damage caused by TCDD toxicity.”

Brain / Microglia: Harun Alp, Sefer Varol, et al, “Protective Effects of Beta Glucan and Gliclazide on Brain Tissue and Sciatic Nerve of Diabetic Rats Induced by Streptozosin,” Experimental Diabetes Res, Vol 2012, Article ID 23032, https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/230342 , Jan 16 2012. Quote: “Recent studies have reported that beta-glucans could reduce hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemis, and hypertension. …It was found that B-glucan is an antioxidant … . Therefore, beta-glucans have great potential for the treatment of diabetes and associated neurological diseases including diabetic neuropathy and encephalopathy.  Thus, beta glucan can lead new approaches for the prevention of diabetic neurologic complications and vascular risk factors by reducing oxidative damage of this molecule. … 

In addition, it has been suggested that beta-glucans may be used to prevent or treat excessive microglial activation during chronic inflammatory conditions. Gliclazide …is a second generation sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agent…gliclazide may contribute to the control of physiopathological mechanisms underlying both the process of aging and type 2 diabetes by reducing oxidant stress and DNA damage,… .In diabetic experimental models it has been reported that gliclazide potentially protects the vasculature through improvements in plasma lipids and platelet function. …This study results suggested that beta glucan and gliclazide may be considered to reduce oxidative stress in diabetic brain and sciatic nerve and may be used as a protective agent against diabetic damage of brain and sciatic nerve.”

Burns – Pediatric:   Lesher AP, Curry RH, et al, “Effectiveness of Biobrane for treatment of partial-thickness burns in children.”  J Pediatr Surg, 46(9);1759-1763, WMD, PMID: 21929986; DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg. Sept 2011.03.070, 2011

Burn Injuries – Oxidative Organ Damage: Toklu HZ, Sener G, “Beta-glucan protects against burn-induced oxidative organ damage in rats,” Int. Immunopharmacol; 6(2):156-69, Marmara U., Istanbul, Turkey; Feb 2006. Quote: “Thermal injury may lead to systemic inflammatory response, and multiple organ failure. The results indicate that both systemic and local administration of beta-glucan were effective against burn-induced oxidative tissue damage in the rat.  Beta-glucan, besides their immunomodulatory effects, have additional antioxidant properties.  Therefore, beta-glucans merit consideration as therapeutic agents in the treatment of burn injuries.”

Burns – Pediatric:  Delatte SJ, Evans J, Hebra A, Adamson W, Othersen HB, Tagge EP, “Effectiveness of beta-glucan collagen for treatment of partial-thickness burns in children,”  J Pediatr Surg, 36(1):113-118, WMD, PMID: 11150448, Jan 2001. Quote: “Observed advantages of BGC [Beta glucan collagen matrix] include reduction of pain, improved healing, and better scar appearance. …elimination of painful daily dressing changes to the burned epithelial surface, as well as decreased fluid loss. This report details the authors’ 2 year experience with the BGC in a pediatric burn center. … CONCLUSIONS: Partial-thickness burns in children can be effectively treated with BGC with good results, even in infants and toddlers. Beta glucan collagen matrix (BGC) markedly simplifies wound care for the patient and family and seems to significantly decrease post-injury pain.”

 

 

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