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

 

“C” through “D”

C

Cancer –  See also Tumors, Sarcoma, Melanoma, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy:

 

Cancer – 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” research category.

Cancer-Colorectal – Inflammation:    Yewen X, Shao F, et al, “Whole B-glucan particle attenuates AOM [azoxmethane]/DSS [dextran sodium sulfate]-induced colorectal tumorigenesis in mice via inhibition of intestinal inflammation,” Front Pharmacol, 14:1017475, PMID: 36713833,  https://doi.org/10.3339/fphar.2023107475 ,Jan 12, 2023.

Quote: “Yeast B-glucan is a polysaccharide purified from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, and its multiple biological activities are essential for immune regulation. However, the effect of B-glucan on the intestinal immune response during colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is unclear.  CAC  induced by AOM [azoxmethane]/DSS [dextran sodium sulfate]-had fewer tumors than untreated mice after oral B-glucan and dextran sodium sulfate [DSS] because of increased antitumor dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in more CD8:T cells and the production of related cytokines.

…These data suggest that B-glucan improves experimental intestinal inflammation and delays the development of CAC. Therefore B-glucan is feasible for treating chronic colitis and CAC [colitis-associated colorectal cancer] in clinical practice.”

Cancer – Checkpoint Inhibitor:    SH Chan A, Kangas T, et al, “[**Product–A soluble yeast B-1,3/1,6-glucan pathogen-associated molecular pattern] able to prime innate immune cells in a Dectin-1 dependent manner ** Enhances Anti-Tumor Effects of Tumor-Targeting, Anti-Angiogenic, and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Antibodies.”  Front Oncol; 12:869078. PMID: 356927PMID 35692755, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.8569078 , May 26, 2022. Quote: …These data demonstrate… potential to orchestrate a broad, yet coordinated, anti-cancer immune response and complement existing cancer immunotherapies.”

**betaglucan.org does not include or allow product names or vendors in abstracts and did not do so in this abstract.

Cancer – 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.”

Cancer – 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.”

Cancer – Breast – B-Glucan Nanoparticles: Parthasarathy R, Kumar SP, et al, “Synthesis of B-Glucan Nanoparticles from Red Algae-Derived B-Glucan for potential Biomedical Applications,” Appl Biochem Biotechnol, PMID: 34542823, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-021-03674-x , Sep 20 2021. Quote: “Hence, the study reports that the B-GLuNPs [B-Glucan nanoparticles] have a potential to be used as a promising alternative drug against human breast cancer.”

Cancer – Ovarian – Beta Glucan:   Fatemeh S, Asemi Z, et al, “Beta-glucan is a potential inhibitor of ovarian cancer: based on molecular and biological aspects,”  Current Phar Biotech, 2021; 22(), Online ISSN 1873-4316, Bentham Science Publisher, https://doi.org/10.174/1389201022666210810090728  2021. Quote: “Ovarian cancer is a lethal type of cancer which is initiated in the ovaries and affects 1 out of every 75 women …deaths almost 152,000.  Beta-glucans are a type of glucose linear polymers …[that] have the potential to be used as anti-cancer drugs.  These agents [beta glucans] are able to affect several mechanisms [in ovarian cancer] such as inflammation and apoptosis [cell death] , …” 

Cancer – Beta Glucan:   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.

Cancer – 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 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 … .”

Cancer – Myeloid-derived suppressor cells – Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma:   Lo Y-W, Lee Alan Y-L, et al, “B-glucan therapy converts the inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in oral cancer patients, “  Oral Diseases, https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.13827  , March 3 2021, Quote: “Preoperative administration of B-glucan can augment anti-tumor immunity and increase RFS [recurrence-free-survival] rate via subversion of suppressive function of MDSC [Myeloid-derived suppressor cells] in OSCC [oral squamous cell carcinoma] patients.”  Note: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells [MDSCs] are a group of immune cells from a family of cells that originate from bone marrow stem cells. MDSCs expand disease situations such as chronic infections and cancer caused by altered formation of blood cells.

Cancer –  Colorectal:   Benlier N, Uear N, Ogut E, et al, “Assessment of Antioxidant Effect of Beta-Glucan on the Whole Blood Oxidative DNA Damage with the Comet Assay in Colorectal Cancer,” Curr Mol Pharmacol, PMID: 33605867, https://doi.org/10.2174/1874467214666210219145445, Feb 19 2021. Quote: “A total of 19 adult females and males diagnosed with stage 3-4 colorectal cancer and a control group of 20 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study…to evaluate the antioxidant effect of beta glucan on oxidative DNA damage. …B-Glucan was found to reduce DNA damage substantially in colorectal cancer patients and show antimutagenic [stop genetic mutations] effects. Our results suggested that dietary B-glucan intake might be important in the genesis [beginning formation] of colorectal cancer tumors.”

Cancer – Chemotherapy:    de Graff P, Berrevoets C, Rosch C, et al, “Curdlan, zymosan and a yeast-derived B-glucan reshape tumor-associated macrophages into producers of inflammatory chemo-attractants,” Cancer Immuol 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…and zymosan have the unique ability to preferentially skew macrophages towards a chemo-attractant-producing phenotype that may aid in anti-cancer immune responses.” Note: “phenotype” refers to observable traits of an organism and products of behavior.” “Chemo-attractants” attract macrophages and neutrophils to the site of infection (tumor), ensuring that pathogens in the area (cancer cells example) will be destroyed.

Cancer – Carrier – Drug Delivery System:  Yuting S, Chen L, Yang F, Cheung PCK, “Beta-d-glucan-based drug delivery system and its potential application in targeting tumor associated macrophages [TAMS]”, Carbohydr Polym,253;117258, PMID: 33278940,  DOI: 10.1016/1-carbpol.2020.117258, Feb 1 2021. Quote: “B-d-glucans can be developed as promising carriers for targeting delivery with stability, biocompatibility and specificity when applied in immunotherapy. Targeting tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) is an emerging strategy for cancer immunotherapy since it exerts anti-cancer effects based on modulating body immunity in tumor microenvironment (TME).  This new strategy does not require high concentration of drugs to kill cancer cells directly and lessen tumor recurrence by creating unique immune memory for malignant cells.”

Cancer:  Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J, “Anti-infectious and Anti-tumor Activities of B-glucans,” Anticancer Research. Vol 40, No. 6 3139-3145, doi:10.21873/anticanres.14295, PMID: 32487608, June 2020. Quote: “From the current and previous studies, we can clearly confirm that glucans have significant immuno-stimulating, anti-infectious, and anti-cancer effects.”

Cancer – Lung:   Fatemeh S, Fatemeh P, et al, “The effect of Candida cell wall beta-glucan on treatment-resistant LL/2 [Lewis Lung carcinoma] cancer cell line: in vitro evaluation,” Mol Biol Rep, 47(5):3653-3661, doi: 10.1007/s1 1033-020-05459-7, PMID: 3323263, May 2020. Quote:  “Since the extracted beta-glucan showed an inhibitory effect on the expression of Oct4 and SOX2 genes involved in LL/2 [Lewis lung carcinoma cell line cells] metastasis, therefore, beta-glucan can be considered as an anti-tumor agent because of its anti-metastatic properties… .”

Cancer – 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.”

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, DOI: 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.”

Cancer – Lung:  Fatemeh P, Fatemeh S, et al, “Candida albicans Beta-Glucan Induce Anti-Cancer Activity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) against Lung Cancer Cell Line: An In-Vitro Experimental Study,” Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 1;21(3):837-843, PMID: 32212815, DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.3.837, Mar 1 2020. Quote: “Beta glucan may highlight a potential and novel promising candidate in future strategies to cause apoptosis [death] of cancer cells and consider as therapeutic agent against tumor growth as well.”

Cancer -:  Del Corno M, Gessanni S, Conti L, “Shaping the Innate Immune Response by Dietary Glucans: Any Role in the Control of Cancer?” Cancers (Basel), 12(1), pil: E155, doi: 10.3390/cancers12010155, PMID: 31936360, Jan 8 2020. Quote: “These compounds [b-glucans] can be taken orally as food supplements or as part of daily diets, and are safe to use, nonimmunogenic and well tolerated. A main feature of B-glucans is their capacity to function as biological response modifiers, exerting regulatory effects on inflammation and shaping the effector functions of different innate and adaptive immunity cell populations. The potential to interfere with processes involved in the development or control of cancer makes B-glucans interesting candidates as adjuvants in antitumor therapies as well as in cancer prevention strategies.”

Cancer:   Geller A, Shrestha R, et al, “Yeast-Derived B-Glucan in Cancer: Novel Uses of a Traditional Therapeutic,” Int J Mol Sci, 20(15), PMID: 31344853, DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153618;  Jul 24 2019. Quote: “Therapeutics that render the TME [tumor microenvironment] immune-reactive have a vast potential for establishing effective cancer interventions. One such intervention is B-glucan, a natural compound with immune-stimulatory and immunomodulatory potential that has long been considered an important anti-cancer therapeutic. B-glucan has the ability to modulate the TME [tumor microenvironment] both by bridging the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system  and by modulating the phenotype of immune-suppressive cells to be immune-stimulatory.

…B-glucan is involved in a concept called trained immunity, where innate cells take on memory phenotypes. Additionally, the hollow structure of particulate B-glucan has recently been harnessed to utilize particulate B-glucan as a delivery vesicle. …B-glucan may play an essential role in futures strategies to prevent and inhibit tumor growth.”

Cancer:  Sima P, Richdter J, Vetvicka V, “Glucans as New Anticancer Agents,” Anticancer Res, 3373-3378, PMID: 31262858, July 2019. Quote: “…the majority of studies focused on possible cancer suppression, where glucans showed clear and significant effects on numerous types of cancers,…”

Cancer: Maheshwari G, Sowrerajan S, et al, “B-Glucan, a dietary fiber in effective prevention of lifestyle diseases – An insight,” Bioactive Carb. and Dietary Fibre, Vol 19, DOI: 10.1016/j.bcdf.2019.100187, July 2019. “Quote: “B-Glucan (B-G), a dietary fiber and a biologically active natural polysaccharide, is helpful in the prevention and control of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetics and cancer. …Lowering the LDL cholesterol, the glycemic index and blood sugar, along with the antioxidant, anticancer and free radical scavenging property, B-glucan is efficient in trapping the reactive oxygen.”

Cancer – Zou S, Duan BA, Xu X, “Inhibition of tumor growth by B-glucans through promoting CD4 T cell immunomodulation and neutrophil-killing in mice.” Carbohydr Polym, 1:213:370-381. PMID 30879681, June 2019. Quote: “B-glucans…exhibited S-180 tumor-suppressing ability with good safety. B-glucans not only targeted to lymphoid organs and increased CD4 T cells number but also enhanced CD4 T cells and neutrophils populations in tumors. It was proposed that B-glucans promoted CD4 T cell immunomodulation and neutrophils infiltration into tumors, leading to tumor growth inhibition. These findings reveal that B-glucans can be used as an effective agent for cancer immunotherapy.” Notes: CD4 are white immune helper T cells.  An S-180 tumor is a sarcoma cancer tumor cell.

Cancer:   Vetvicka V, Vannucci L, Sima P, Richter J, “Beta Glucan: Supplement or Drug? From Laboratory to Clinical Trials,” Molecules, 24(7), 1251; doi 10.3390/molecules24071251, PMID: 30935016, Mar 30, 2019. Quote: “Our studies showed that the addition of glucan to food stabilized lgG1 levels depressed by cancer therapy. When the period of supplementation was increased to three months, significantly improved hematopoiesis was observed. …suggesting that the addition of glucan to the diet could help the prevention of cancer remission. In addition, the glucan-supplemented group exhibited improvements in psychic conditions, cancer related fatigue, and nutritional state.“ [Note: hematopoiesis is the production of all types of blood cells]

Cancer – 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.”

Cancer – Vaccine Carrier:  Wang H, Yang B, Wang Y, Liu F, et al, “B-Glucan as an immune activator and a carrier in the construction of a synthetic MUC1 vaccine,” Chem Common (Camb), 55(2):253-256, PMID: 30534737, DOI: 10.1039/c8cc07691j, Dec 20 2018. Quote: “We describe the preparation of a cancer vaccine candidate by conjugating a MUC1 peptide antigen to the B-glucan polysaccharide, which serves both as a carrier and an immune activator.  In contrast to amorphous polysaccharides, peptide-B-glucan conjugates form uniform nanoparticles that facilitate the delivery of antigens and binding to myeloid cells, thus leading to the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity.”

Cancer – Tumors –  de Graff P, Govers C, Wichers HJ, Debets R, “Consumption of B-glucans to spice up T cell treatment of tumors: a review,” Expert Opin Biol Ther, 18(10), PMID 30221551, Oct 18 2018. Quote: “Adoptive  T-cell treatments of solid cancers have evolved into a robust therapy with objective response rates surpassing those of standardized treatments. Unfortunately, only a limited fraction of patients show a durable response, which is …due to a T cell-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we argue that naturally occurring B-glucans can enable reversion of such T cell suppression by engaging innate immune cells and enhancing numbers and function of lymphocyte effectors. …we list effects toward well-being and immune functions in healthy subjects as well as cancer patients treated with orally administered B-glucans…When tested in mouse cancer models, B-glucans result in better control of tumor growth and shift the TME [tumor microenvironment] toward a T-cell-sensitive environment. …We advocate that intake of B-glucans provides an accessible and immune-potentiating adjuvant when combined with adoptive T-cell treatments of cancer.”

Cancer – 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, Apr 16, 2018. Quote: “Study of this molecule [B-glucan] has been motivated by its importance as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern [PAMP] 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.

Cancer – 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: “…highly purified and active glucans have significant pleiotropic [multiple benefits] effects. …Among the well-studied effects of B-glucans, we can mention … inhibition of cancer. …In Japan, glucan has been widely used,  for over 30 years, in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.”

Cancer – Immunotherapy:  Size: Zhang M, Kim Julian, et al, “Optimizing Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Immunotherapy: B-Glucan-Based Nanoparticles,”  Front Immunol, 9:341, PMC5834761, PMID 29535722; Feb 26 2018. Quote: “This article reviews the development of B-glucan and B-glucan-based nanoparticles as immune modulators of tumor microenvironment (TME). …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.”

Cancer – Roudi R, et al, “Lung cancer and B-glucans: review of potential therapeutic applications.” Invest New Drgs, 35(4):509-517, doi: 10.1007-0449-9, PMID: 28303529, Aug 2017. Quote: “B-glucans …potentiate the immune system against microbes and toxic substances. Moreover, B-glucans are known to exhibit direct anticancer effects and suppress cancer proliferation through immunomodulatory pathways. “

Cancer – Tumors: Mo L, Chen Y, Guo S, et al, “Anti-tumor effects of (1-3)-B-d-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in S180 tumor-bearing mice,” Int J Bil Macromol, pii:SO141-8130(16)30887-X, PMID 17838421; Nov 9, 2016. Quote: “The volume and weight of S180 [cancer] tumors decreased dramatically following treatment with (1-3)-B-d-glucan, and…was furthermore shown to increase the tumor inhibition rate. …these results indicate that the anti-tumor effects exerted by (1-3)-B-d-glucan may be attributed to …immunostimulating properties and apoptosis-inducing features.”  Note:  apoptosis=cell death

Cancer – Saber A, Alipour B, et al: “Cellular and molecular effects of yeast probiotics on cancer,” Crit Rev Microbiol, PMID 27561003, 1-20 Aug 25, 2016.  Quote: “Nonpathogenic yeasts, as members of probiotics family, can be effective on gut microbiota dysbiosis. …Probiotic yeasts influence physiology, metabolism, and immune homeostasis in the colon and contribute to cancer treatment due to possessing anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties. This study reviews some of the health-beneficial effects of probiotic yeasts and their biological substances like folic acid and β-glucan on cancer … .”

Cancer – 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.”

Cancer – Sima P, Vannuci L, Vetvicka V, “Glucans and Cancer: Historical Perspective,” Cancer Translational Medicine, Vol 1, Issue 6, P 209-214, DOI: 10.4103/2395-3977.172860. Dec 30 2015. Quote: “Since the first direct scientific study 40 years ago, the antitumor activity of glucan has been clearly demonstrated. These studies confirmed that glucans have strong activity against different cancers including lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers.” 

Cancer – Melanoma: Vetvicka V et al; “Glucan Supplementation Has Strong Anti-melanoma Effects: Role of NK Cells;” Anticancer Res,15 35(10):5287-92. . PMID:26408688; Oct 2015.  Quote: “…we focused on possible effects of insoluble yeast-derived β-glucan on the growth of melanoma cells. … glucan supplementation had a strong-positive effect in both reducing [melanoma] tumor weight, lung colonies and overall survival rate of tested animals. In addition, glucan inhibited the damage to blood cells and potentiated the effects of regular chemotherapy.”

Cancer –   Richter J, Stiborova K, et al, “Anti-Inflammatory Effects of B-Glucan in Cancer Related Fatigue,” Nutr Health Sci 2(3):304. doi: 10.15744/2393-9060.2.304, Aug 25 2015. Quote: “In cancer patients, fatigue is not only a manifestation of treatment, but also reflects biological effects of the tumor. …Glucan not only suppressed inflammatory manifestations, but also improved patient’s conditions. … In addition, glucan has been found to ameliorate both experimentally- or physically-induced stress.”

Cancer – Brest – Human Study:  Ostadrahimi A, Esfahani A, etc, “Effect of Beta glucan on quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Adv Pharm Bull,  (Suppl 1):471-1. doi: 10.5681/apb..070.; PMID:25364665 PMCID: PMC4213788; https://www.doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2014.15.14.5733 , Oct 4, 2014. Quote: “The findings suggest that Beta glucan may be useful as a complementary or adjuvant therapy for improving quality of life in breast cancer patients in combination with cancer therapies.” Note: Study conducted on 30 women with breast carcinoma w 2 10mg capsules daily.

Cancer – Jafaar ZM, Litchfield LM, etc. “B-D-glucan inhibits endocrine-resistant breast cancer cell proliferation and alters gene expression.” Int J Oncol, ;44(4):1365-75. doi: PMID 24534923; PMCID:PMC3977804. April 2014. Quote: “B-D-glucan regulates breast cancer-relevant gene expression and may be useful for inhibiting endocrine-resistant breast cancer cell proliferation.”

Cancer – Karaca H, Bozkurt O, etc., “Positive effects of oral B-glucan on mucositis and leukopenia in colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant FLFOX-4 combination chemotherapy.” Asian Pac J Cancer Prev,;15(8):3641-4, PMID 24870771; 2014. Quote: “Oral mucositis and diarrhea were less common in the B-glucan group.  We conclude that B-glucan can be used to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy. “

Cancer – Immune Response: Albeituni SH, Yan J, “The effects of B-glucans on dendritic cells and implications for cancer therapy,” Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 13(5):689-98, PMID 23092290, Jun 2013. Quote: “Modern biomedical research has identified B-glucans as biological response modifiers (BRM) with anti-tumor properties that elicit potent immune responses through their recognition by a variety of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and neutrophils. …  B-Glucan binding to specific receptors in DCs [dendritic cells] and macrophages triggers their activation and maturation, increases their antigen-presentation ability and enhances the production of proinflammatory cytokines that stimulate the polarization of TH1 [helper T cells] or TH17 responses and induces the activation of antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. …Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of B-glucan-induced signaling in immune cells is essential for the design of new therapeutic strategies against cancer.” Note: Th17 T-helper cells are generally thought to be pro-inflammatory and play an important role in host defense against infection, by recruiting neutrophils and macrophages to infected tissues.

Cancer – Aleem E, “B-Glucans and their applications in cancer therapy: focus on human studies,” Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 13(5):709-19, Jun 2013. Quote: β-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.

Cancer – Colon – 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: “Evidence has supported the idea that beta-glucans can decrease the size of xenografted colon cancer tumors via the stimulation of the immune system and direct cytotoxicity. 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.”

Cancer – Metastasis – Yoon TJ, Koppula S, Lee KH, “The effects of B-glucans on cancer metastasis,”  Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 13(5) 699-708, PMID: 23140352, Jun 2013. Quote: “An immunomodulating agent, B-glucan acts through the activation of innate immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes and natural killer cells. This activation triggers the responses of adaptive immune cells such as CD4 or CD8 T cells and B cells, resulting in the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis.”

Cancer – Tian J, Ma J, Ma K, etc, “B-Glucan enhances antitumor immune responses by regulating differentiation and function of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells.”  Eur J Immunonl, ;43(5):1220-30. doi ; May 2013. Quote: “Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulate in tumor-bearing hosts and play a major role in tumor-induced immunosuppression, which hampers effective immuno-therapeutic approaches. B-Glucans have been reported to function as potent immune-modulators to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses, which contribute to their antitumor property. …thereby leading to the delayed tumor progression.”

Cancer: : Batbayar S, Lee DH, Kim HW, “Immunomodulation of Fungal B-Glucan in Host Defense Signaling by Dectin-1,” Biomol Ther (Seoul), (5):433-45, PMID 24009832, Sep 2012. Quote: “Fungal and particulate B-glucans…can be taken up by the M cells of Peyer’s patches, and interact with macrophages or dendritic cells and activate systemic immune responses to overcome the fungal infection.  Dectin-1 receptor systems have been incorporated as the PRRs [pattern recognition receptor]of B-glucans in the innate immune cells of higher animal systems, which function on the front line against fungal infection, and have been exploited in cancer treatments to enhance systemic immune function.”

Cancer:   Hyung K, Hong J, Youngsoo K, etc. “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.”

Cancer: :Barsanti L, Passarelli, et al, “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).”

Cancer – LiB, 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; Nov 1, 2010. Quote: “IFN-y [interferon] 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 can be used as an adjuvant for tumor immunotherapy.”

Cancer: Murphy EA, Davis JM, Carmichael MD, “Immune modulating effects of B-glucan,” Curr Opin clin Nutr Meetab Care, 13(6):656-61, PMID 20842027, Nov 2010. Quote: “B-Glucans appear to be effective at enhancing immune function and reducing susceptibility to infection and cancer.”

Cancer: Thompson IJ, Oyston PC, Williamson DE, “Potential of the beta-glucans to enhance innate resistance to biological agents,” Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 8(3):339-52, PMID: 20192687, Mar 2010. Quote: “The beta-glucans…have a long track record of safe use. Due to their immunomodulatory properties, purified beta-glucans have been used clinically as part of a combination therapy for a variety of cancers and their potential anti-infective properties have received attention.”

Cancer – 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.”

Cancer – 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.”

Cancer:- Brain – Shah VB, Williams DL, Keshvara L, “beta-Glucan attenuates TLR2- and TLR4-mediated cytokine production by microglia,” Neurosci Lett 458(3):111-5, PMID: 19393720, July 24 2009. Quote: “Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are activated in response to any kind of CNS (central nervous system) injury. …during inflammatory conditions, sustained microglial activation results in damage to surrounding neuronal cells.  …These results suggest that beta-glucans may be used to prevent or treat excessive microglial activation during chronic inflammatory conditions.”  Note: TLR refers to toll-like receptors that contribute to enhanced immune cell activity.

Cancer:- Chan GC, Chan WK, Sze DM; “The effects of beta-glucan on human immune and cancer cells.” Dept of Pediatrics and Adolescent Med. U of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; J Hematol Oncol 2:25; Pub med 19515245; June 10, 2009. Quote: “…beta-glucans…trigger a group of immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. As a consequence, both innate and adaptive immune responses can be modulated by beta-glucans and they can also enhance opsonic and non-opsonic phagocytosis [ingestion of foreign matter including cancer cells]. …They [beta-glucans] are internalized and fragmented within the cells; then transported by the macrophages to the marrow and endothelial reticular system. …However, beta-glucans of different sizes and branching patterns may have significantly variable immune potency.”

Cancer-Human Trials :  Murphy EA, Davis JM, Carmichael MD, “Immune modulating effects of b-glucan,” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32833f1afb, PMID: 20842017, 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.”

Cancer – Chan GC, Chan WK, Sze DM, “The effects of beta-glucan on human immune and cancer cells.” J Hematol Oncol., PMID: 19515245, doi: 10.1186/1756-8722-2-25, WMD, Jun 10 2009.  Quote: “Beta-glucans …have been implicated in the initiation of anti-microbial immune response. …As a consequence, both innate and adaptive response can be modulated by beta-glucans… .”

Cancer – Immuotherapy: Liu J, Gunn L, Hansen R, Yan J; “Combined yeast-derived beta-glucan with anti-tumor monoclonal antibody for cancer immunotherapy.” Tumor Immunobiology Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Ctr, Louisville, KY; Exp Mol Pathol, WMD, 86(3): 208-14, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexmp.2009.01.006, PubMed 19454271; June 2009. Quote: “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. …It is proposed that the addition of beta-glucan will further improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-tumor mAbs in cancer patients.”

Cancer -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.” 

Cancer-Colorectal:   Hazama S, Watanabe S, et al, “Efficacy of orally administered superfine dispersed lentinan (beta 1,3-glucan) for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.” Anticancer Res 29(7):2611-2617, WMD, 2009.

Cancer-Monoclonal antibody:   Driscoll M, Hansen R, et al, “Therapeutic potential of various beta-glucan sources in conjunction with anti-tumor monoclonal antibody in cancer therapy.” Cancer Biol Ther, 8(3):218-225, WMD, 2009.

Cancer-Hepatocellular carcinoma:  Isoda N, Eguchi Y, et al, “Clinical efficacy of superfine dispersed lentinan (beta-1,3-glucan) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma,” Hepatogastroenterology, 56(90):437-441, WMD, 2009.

Cancer – Chemotherapy-Phase I/II Human Trial: Weitberg, A, “A phase I/II trial of beta-(1,3)/(1,6) D-glucan in treatment of patients with advanced malignancies receiving chemotherapy,” Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 27:40; PMCID: 18803849; PMC2570358, Sept 19, 2008: Quote: “B-(1,3)/(1,6) D-glucan, …has been shown to stimulate the immune system, enhance hematopoiesis, amplify killing of opsonized tumor cells and increase neutrophil chemotaxis and adhesion. … We conclude that B-(1,3)/1,6) D-glucan can be safely administered to patients with advanced malignancies receiving chemotherapy and that this adjunctive therapy may have beneficial effects on the blood counts in these patients”  NOTE: hematopoiesis is the formation of blood or blood cells in the living body.

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.”

Cancer: – Salvador C, Li B, Hansen R, Cramer DE, Kong M, Yan J. “Yeast-Derived {beta}-Glucan Augments the Therapeutic Efficacy Mediated by Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibody in Human Carcinoma Xenograft Models.” Clin Cancer Res, 14(4):1239-47. Feb 15 2008

Cancer – Breast – Human Study: Demir G, Klein HO, Mandel-Molinas N, Tuzuner N; “Beta glucan induces proliferation and activation of monocytes in peripheral blood of patients with advanced breast cancer.” Istanbul U, Medical Oncology Dept, Turkey; Int Immunopharmacol. 7(1):113-6; WMD, PubMed 17161824. Jan 2007. Quote: “In human studies it has been shown that beta glucan has an immunomodulatory effect and can increase the efficacy of the biological therapies in cancer patients. In this prospective clinical trial we assessed in vivo effects of short term oral beta glucan administration on peripheral blood monocytes and their expression of activation markers in patients with advanced breast cancer. METHODS: 23 female patients with advanced breast cancer were included in the study. … Sixteen healthy females with a median age of 48 years served as the control group for comparing the initial blood samples. Peripheral blood samples were drawn on day zero and patients started receiving oral 1-3, 1-6, D-beta glucan daily. Blood samples were recollected on the 15th day. In the initial samples mean lymphocyte count was significantly lower in the patients with breast cancer.  In the patients with breast cancer, mean monocyte count which was 326+124/mm(3) at the beginning, was increased to 496+194/mm(3) at the 15th day. …Oral beta glucan administration seems to stimulate proliferation and activation of peripheral blood monocytes in vivo in patients with advanced breast cancer.” Note: Monocytes are a phagocytic type of white immune cell made in the bone marrow that travels through the blood to body tissues before becoming a macrophage.

Cancer:  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: “The literature suggests beta-glucans are effective in treating diseases like cancer, a range of microbial infections, hypercholesterolaemia, and diabetes.”

Cancer:  Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, Didziapetriene J, Kevelaitis E; “Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system.” Medicina (Kaunas). Dept of Physiology, Kaunas U of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithunia. 43(8):597-606; 2007. Quote: “Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides….These substances increase host immune defense by activating complement system, enhancing macrophages and natural killer cell function.  beta-Glucans also show anticarcinogenic activity. They 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…reduce tumor proliferation, prevent tumor metastasis. beta-Glucan as adjuvant to cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy demonstrated the positive role in the restoration of hematopiesis [red blood cells] following by bone marrow injury.

Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies is a novel strategy of cancer treatment. These [monoclonal] antibodies activate complement system and opsonize tumor cells with iC3b fragment. …tumor cells, as well as other host cells, lack beta-glucan as a surface component and cannot trigger complement receptor 3-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and initiate tumor-killing activity.  This mechanism [tumor-killing activity] could be induced in the presence of beta-glucans.”

Cancer: 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.  …The importance of these observations is that B-glucan is without evident toxicity, and can be orally administered and used in conjunction with existing anti-tumor mAbs [monoclonal antibodies] to greatly amplify tumor cell killing. We believe this may open new opportunities in the immunotherapy of cancer.”

Cancer: 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.”

Cancer: Allendorf DJ, Yan J, Ross GD, Hansen RD, Baran JT, Suffarao K, Wang L, Haribabu B, “C5a-mediated leukotrienes B4-amplified neutrophil chemotaxis is essential in tumor immunotherapy facilitated by anti-tumor antibody and B-glucan.” J Immunology: 174:7050-56. 2005

Cancer: Gelderman K, Tomlinson S, Ross G, Gorter A; “Complement function in mAb-mediated cancer immunotherapy.” Trends in Immun: Vol 25 No 3, 159-164; March 2004. Quote: “…the use of B-glucan as an adjuvant for mAb [monoclonal antibodies] immunotherapy enables iC3b deposited on tumor cells by mAbs to activate complement [30 proteins circulating in blood plasma]receptor 3 (CR3) on effector cells, thus inducing CR3-dependent cellular cytotoxicity [toxic to cells].“

Cancer:: 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 [cancer] cells following their recruitment to a site of complement activation resembling a tumor coated with mAB [monoclonal antibodies].”

Cancer: Hunter K, Gault R, Jordan F, “Mode of Action of B-Glucan Immunopotentiators-Research Summary Release,” Department of Microbiology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Jan 2001. Quote: “MG Glucan has been shown to enhance the envelopment and digestion (phagocytosis) of pathogenic microorganisms that cause infectious disease…The Beta-1,3/1,6 glucans additionally enhance the ability of macrophages, one of the most important cells in the immune system, to kill tumor cells. Laboratory studies have revealed the new MG Glucan is significantly effective at activating Macrophages, and via the Macrophages, the entire immune cascade including T-Cells and B-Cells.”

Cancer:  Ooi VE, Liu F, “Immunomodulation and anti-cancer activity of polysaccharide-protein complexes,” Curr Med Chem, (7(7):715-29, PMID 10702635  DOI 10.2174/0929867003374705. WMD, Jul 2000. Quote: “The most promising biopharmacological activities of these biopolymers [polysaccharides] are their immunomodulation and anti-cancer effects.  A polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from a strain of Coriolus versicolor in China, has also been widely used as an anti-cancer and immunomodulatory agent. “

Cancer: Fullerton SA, et al, “Induction of apoptosis in human prostatic cancer cells with beta-glucan,” Molecular Urology, 4(1):7-13, PMID:10851301, Jan 2000. Quote: “..we investigated the potential antitumor effect of beta-glucan,…on prostatic cancer cells in vitro.  …A bioactive beta-glucan…has a cytotoxic effect, presumably through oxidative stress, on prostatic cancer cells in vitro, leading to apoptosis.”

Cancer: Ross GD, Vetvicka V, et al; “Therapeutic intervention with complement and beta-glucan in cancer.” Dept of Pathology, U of Louisville KY, 42(1-3):61-74; WMD, PMID: 10408367, DOI: 10.1016/s0162-3109(99)00013-2 May 1999. Quote: “…the cytotoxic activation of beta-glucan-primed NK cell CR3 by iC3b-opsinized tumors is shown to be accompanied by a tumor-localized secretion of the cytokines TNF alpha, IFN alpha, IFN gamma, and IL-6.”

Cancer – Carcinoma-Colon/Liver: “Inhibition of establishment and growth of mouse liver [colon carcinoma] mestastases after treatment with interferon gamma and beta-1,3-D-glucan;” Hepatology, 27:25, 1241-8. May 1998. Quote: “ Combination of IFN-gamma and animated beta-1,3-D glucan (AG) inhibited the growth of liver metastases [of colon carcinoma] almost entirely.”

Cancer: Penna C, Dean PA, Nelson H, “Pulmonary metastases neutralization and tumor rejection by in vivo administration of beta glucan and bispecific antibody,” Int J Cancer; 65(3):377-82, PMID 8575861, DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0215(19960126)65:3<377::AID-IJC17>3.0.CO;2-7. WMD, Jan 1996.

Cancer: Williams DL, Browder I and DiLuzio NR, “Methods and compositions for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of infections,” U.S. Patent 4900722, Issued Feb 13, 1990.  Quote: “The soluble phosphorylated glucans are also useful for stimulating macrophage cells, either in vivo or in vitro, to produce a cytotoxic/cytostatic factor effective against cancer cells.” [cytotoxic: toxic to cell – prevents reproduction or growth]

Cancer –  Carcinoma-Bladder: Thompson IM, Spence CR Lamn DL, DiLuzio NR, “ Immunochemotherapy of bladder carcinoma with glucan and cyclophosphamide,” Am. J. Med. Sci. 294 (5): 294-300. 1987.*

Cancer – Carcinoma of the Breast: Mansell PWA, Ichinose H, Reed RJ, Krements ET, McNamee RB, Di Luzio NR; “Macrophage-mediated Destruction of Human Malignant Cells in Vitro”.  Journal of National Cancer Institute; 54: 571-580. 1975. Quote: “The initial 9 patients studied had malignant carcinoma of the breast. Control and experimental lesions were injected; subsequently biopsies were performed at varying intervals for histologic evaluation. Always when glucan or glucan and RF fraction were administered intra-lesionally, the size of the lesion was strikingly reduced in as short a period as 5 days. …In small lesions, resolution was complete, whereas in large lesions, resolutions was partial.”

Cancer – Chemotherapy: Damia, et al, “Prevention of Acute Chemotherapy-Induced Death in Mice by Recombinant Human Interleukin 1: Protection from Hematological and Nonhematological Toxicities”, Cancer Research, vol. 52, pp. 4082-4089, Aug 1992.

Cancer Lung: Engel-Riedel W, Lowe J, Patchen ML, et al, “A randomized, controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of BTH1677 in combination with bevacizumab, carboplatin, and apaclitaxel in first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer,” J Immunother Cancer, 6(1):16, PMID: 29486797, Feb 27 2018. Quote: “BTH1677, a beta-glucan pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecule [PAMP} drives an anti-cancer immune response in combination with oncology antibody therapies. …Improvements in tumor assessments and survival were observed…in patients with advanced NSCLC [non-small cell lung cancer].”

Cancer Lung: Roudi R, Mohammadi SR, Roubary M, Mohsenzadegan M, “Lung Cancer and B-glucans: review of potential therapeutic applications,” Invest New Drugs 10.1007/s 10637-017-0449-9, PMID 28303529 Mar 16, 2017. Quote: “β-glucans…potentiate the immune system against microbes and toxic substances. Moreover, β-glucans are known to exhibit direct anticancer effects and can suppress cancer proliferation through immunomodulatory pathways. …Numerous researchers are now dedicated to using B-glucans as a therapy for lung cancer.”

Cancer – Lewis Lung Carcinoma: Suzuki, et al, “Inhibition of experimental pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma by orally administered B-glucan in mice, ” Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Todyo, 39:1606-1608, PMID: 1934182; 1991. Quote: “These results suggest that SSG [(1-3)-beta-D-glucan] given by both parenteral and nonparenteral routes is effective in inhibition of experimental pulmonary metastasis tumors.”

Cancer –Lymphoma: Cassone A, Bistoni F, Cenci E, Pesce C., Tissi L, Marconi P., “Immunopotentiation of anticancer chemotherapy by Candida albicans, other yeast and insoluble glucan in an experimental lymphoma model.” Sabouraudia, 20:115-125, 1982.

Cancer – Malignancies: DiLuzio NR, et al., “The Employment of Glucan and Glucan Activated Macrophages in the Enhancement of Host Resistance to Malignancies in Experimental Animals,” The Macrophage in Neoplasia; Academic Press, Inc. New York; pp. 181-198. 1976.

Cancer – Mammary Carcinoma: Proctor, et al, “Development of a Bioassay for Anti-Tumor Activity of the Reticuloendothelial Stimulant Class: Reproducibility of the Bioassay”. J. Immunopharmacol.; 3: 385-395. 1981-1982.* Quote: “Intravenously administered DiLuzio glucan…caused dose dependent increases in the tumor cell loss from the lungs of …mice challenged respectively with intravenous 125IuDR labelled B16 or T 1699 mammary carcinoma cells.”

Cancer – Mammary Carcinoma: DiLuzio NR Williams DL, et al, “Comparative evaluation of the tumor inhibitory and antibacterial activity of solubilized and particulate glucan,” Recent Results Cancer Res 75:165-172. 1980.* Quote: “Intravenous administration of soluble or particulate glucan resulted in significant reduction in the growth of a syngeneic anaplastic mammary carcinoma and melanoma B16 and enhanced survival.”

Cancer – Melanoma: Bogwald J, Johnson E, Seljelid R;, “The Cytotoxic Effect of Mouse Macrophages Stimulated in vitro by a .beta. 1,3-D-Glucan from Yeast Cell Walls”. Scand. J. Immuol. 15: 297-304. Institute of Med Bio, U of Tromso, Norway. 1982. Quote: “ Macrophages stimulated by an insoluble beta 1-3-D-glucan from yeast cell walls were able to destroy tumor cells as measured by the release of radioactive label from prelabeled 14C-thymidine cells.  Target cells were B-16 melanoma, P-815 mastocytoma, and the L-929 cell line.   A significant target cell killing by macrophages stimulated by glucan was observed after 72-96 h.”

Cancer – Melanoma: DiLuzio N.R. Williams D.L. et al, “Comparative evaluation of the tumor inhibitory and antibacterial activity of solubilized and particulate glucan,” Recent Results Cancer Res 75:165-172. 1980*.  Quote: “Intravenous administration of soluble or particulate glucan resulted in significant reduction in the growth of a syngeneic anaplastic mammary carcinoma and melanoma B16 and enhanced survival.”

Cancer – Ovarian:  Kobayashi H, Yoshida R, et al “Suppressing effects of daily oral supplementation of beta-glucan extracted from Agaricus blazei Murill on spontaneous and peritoneal disseminated metastasis in mouse model. ”Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu U Sch of Med;  J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 5 May 10, 2005.  Quote: “Results: … (1) beta-glucan had cytotoxic effect against human ovarian cancer HRA cells in vitro; (2) beta-glucan promotes p38 MAPK activity for suppressing HRA cell proliferation and amplifying the apoptosis cascade.  Conclusion: Treatment with beta-glucan may be beneficial for cancer patients with or at risk for metastasis.”

Cancer Radiation Protection: Tabele F, et al: “Radioprotective Effect of Beta D-Glucan and Vitamin E on Gamma Irradiated Mouse,” J Clin Diagn Res,; PMID:28384957   PMCID:PMC5376888, Feb 11 2017. Quote: “It is shown that beta-D-glucan is an immunologic system booster with radioprotectory effects. Radioprotectors are chemical components that can alleviate biological damage produced by ionizing radiation.”

Cancer – Radiotherapy: Gu YH, Takagi Y, et al; “Enhancement of radioprotection and anti-tumor immunity by yeast-derived beta-glucan in mice,” J Med Food. 8(2) 154-8; Dept of Radiological Technology, Suzuka U of Med Sc, Suzuka, Japan, Summer 2005. Quote: “Intraperitoneal injection of beta-glucan was shown to greatly delay mortality in mice exposed to whole-body X-ray radiation and tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. …Augmented immunological activity as seen in increased NK (natural killer) and LAK (lymphokine-activated killer) activity by beta-glucan seems to play a role in preventing secondary infections associated with irradiation and probably contributes to the attenuated [reduced] tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice through enhanced anti-tumour immunity.  These results suggest that beta-glucan may be a promising adjunct treatment for cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.”

Cancer-Sarcoma: Sveinbjornsson B, Olsen R, et al, “Macrophage cytotoxicity against murine met A sarcoma involves nitric oxide-mediated apoptosis.” Biochem Bioophys Res Commun. Jun 25;223(3):643-9; Jun 1996. Quote: “When stimulated with interferon-gamma and soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan, macrophages exerted cytotoxicity towards syngeneic Meth A tumor cells. This cytotoxicity was associated with a high level of nitric oxide production.”

Cancer – Human Study : Carrow, D.J.; “Beta-1,3-glucan as a Primary Immune Activator,” Townsend Letter; June 1996. Quote: “Over the past 11 months I have been able to convince five out of eight breast cancer patients who were undergoing radiation therapy, to consume one capsule of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan (NSC-24 3 mg) three times per day.  To date, I have observed that none of the patients using NSC-24 have suffered from any type of radiation injury to the skin, while the three patients who chose not to use NSC-24 all show signs of extensive radiation damage to the skin.”

Cancer – Sarcoma: Seljelid R, et al, “Evidence that tumor necrosis induced by an irradiated beta 1-3D polyglucose is mediated by a concerted action of local and systemic cytokines,” Scand J Immuno 30(6): 687-694. Dec 1989.*Quote: “Aminated beta 1-3D polyglucose (AG) causes regression of Meth A sarcoma in syngeneic mice when injected systemically on day 7 after tumour inoculation. AG does not concentrate in the tumour, but distributes throughout the body.  AG treatment causes release of large amounts of interleukin 1 (IL-1) both in vivo [in the body] and in macrophage cultures in vitro [out of body].”

Cancer – Cervical Randomized Study:   Okamura K, Suzuki M, et al, “Clinical evaluation of schizophyllan [polysaccharide] combined with irradiation in patients with cervical cancer. A randomized controlled study.”  Cancer, 58(4):865-72, PMID: 2941141, DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19860815)58:4<865::aid-cncr2820580411>3.0.co;2-s ; WMD, Aug 15 1986. Quote: “To evaluate the clinical effects of the anti-tumor polysaccharide Schizophyllan (SPG), a randomized study was done on 220 patients with Stage II or Stage III cervical cancer who had been given irradiation, concomitantly. The tumor-reducing effect of SPG was significant in patients in either stage.”

Cancer – Sarcoma and Melanoma: Williams DL, et al, “Therapeutic efficacy of glucan in a murine model of hepatic metastatic disease,” Hepatology 5(2):198-206. Mar 1985.* Quote: “…coincubation of particulate glucan with diverse populations of normal or tumor cells in vitro indicated that glucan exerted a direct cytostatic effect on sarcoma and melanoma cells and, in contrast, had a proliferative effect on normal spleen and bone marrow cells.”

Cancer: Williams D.L., et al.; Curr. Chemotherapy  and Infectious Disease, Proc.; 11th 1CC and 19th 1ICAAC pp. 1724-1726. 1980.

Cancer: Niskanen E.O., Burgaleta C., Cline M.J., Goide D.W.; Effect of glucan, a macrophage activator, on murine hemopoietic cell proliferation in diffusion chambers in mice; Cancer Res 38: 1406-1409, 1978.

Cancer: Schultz, et al., “Association of Macrophage Activation with Anti-tumor Activity by Synthetic and Biologic Agents”.  Cancer Res.; 37:3338-43. 1977.

Cancer: White Cell Enhancement: DiLuzio NR, et al, The Macrophage and Cancer, James et al., eds: Edinburgh Univer. Med. Pres.; pp. 181-201. 1977.

Cancer: Mansell P.W.A., et al, “Activation of the Alternative Complement Pathway by Water-Insoluble Glucans of Streptococcus mutans: the Relation Between Their Chemical Structures and Activating Potencies”. Macrophage-Mediated Destruction of Human Malignant Cells In Vitro; Inai et al., J. Immunol (1976); 1256-1260. 1976.

Cancer: Mansell PWA, Ichinose H, Reed RJ, Krements ET, McNamee RB, Di Luzio NR; Macrophage-medicated Destruction of Human Malignant Cells in Vivo.”  Journal of National Cancer Institute; 54: 571-580. 1975.

Cancer – Sacrcoma Tumors: Sveinbj B, Seternes O, Seljelid R, “Macrophage cytotoxicity against murine meth A sarcoma involves nitric oxide-mediated apoptosis,” Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 223:3, 643-9. Jun 1996.  Quote: “When stimulated with interferon-gamma and soluble beta 1,3-D-glucan, macrophages exerted cytotoxicity towards syngeneic Meth A [sarcoma] tumor cells.”

Candida albicans: See also “fungus”

Candida albicans:  Assis Leandro Jose de, Bain JM, Liddle C, et al, “Nature of B-1,3-Glucan-Exposing Features on Candida albicans Cell Wall and Their Modulation,” PMID: 36218309, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.02605-22 , Oct 11 2022. Quote: “We…reveal that downstream effectors of protein kinase A (PKA)…regulate the secretion of major glucanases, modulate the levels of B-1-3 glucan exposure, and influence the virulence of C. albicans in an invertebrate model of systemic infection.  Our data support the view that B-1-3 glucan masking contributes to immune evasion and the virulence of a major fungal pathogen of humans.”

Candida albicans – B-glucan & Dectin-1: Hameed S, Hans Sandeep, et al, “Revisiting the Vital Drivers and Mechanisms of B-Glucan Masking in Human Fungal Pathogen, Candida albicans,” Pathogens, 10(8); 942, https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10080942, July 27 2021. Quote: “C. albicans is a dimorphic, opportunistic fungus that causes candidiasis in immunocompromised patients, particularly among those individuals undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, burn injuries, etc. …When fungi infect our bodies, the [fungal] cell wall is crucial in triggering an immune response. The inner cell wall of fungi is high in glucan, which is responsible for triggering an inflammatory response, but immune cells are unable to recognize it. As soon as the glucan is exposed, it is recognized by Dectin-1, a C-type lectin PRR [pattern recognition receptors].

When Dectin-1 recognizes B-glucan, myeloid cell signaling is activated along with the phagocytic response, and a pro-inflammatory cytokine response is introduced. Other activities for destroying fungal cells by neutrophils and macrophages are also initiated via their reactive oxygen (RO) and reactive nitrogen (RN) species. …With the aid of macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, Dectin-1 receptors [after recognizing B-glucan 1,3/1,6] boost innate immunity against Candida albicans.”

Candida albicans: 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 gram negative [Escherichia coli], gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), fungal [Candida albicans] and parasitic infections. Further, glucan has been shown to decrease infectious complications in high risk surgical patients.”

Candida albicans:  Li D, Bai C, et al, “B-1,3-Glucan/CR3/SYK pathway-dependent LC3B-II accumulation enhanced the fungicidal activity in human neutrophils,” J Microbiol, PMID: 30721460, Epub, Feb 5 2019. “Quote: These data suggested that the killing capability of neutrophils to Candida albicans was monitored by B-1,3-glucan via CR3/SYK pathway-dependent LC3B-II accumulation and provided an explanation for the variable killing capability of neutrophils to different strains of C. albicans, which would be beneficial in improving infection control and therapeutic strategies for invasive candidiasis.”  Note: Research demonstrated the neutrophils with embedded B-1,3-Glucan had enhanced killing ability and phagocytosis (internalizing) capability against invasive candidiasis.

Candida albicans – Trained Immunity:  Rusek P, Wala M, et al, “Infectious Agents as Stimuli of Trained Innate Immunity,” Int J Mol Sci, 19(2):456, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19020456, PMID 29401667, Feb 3 2018. Quote: “… For example, during training of human monocytes with B-glucan (a component of fungal cell wall) from Candida albicans (a human opportunistic pathogen), the immunity is induced not only against fungi, but also against bacteria, viruses and even parasites. Furthermore, it was observed that training of human monocytes induced by chitin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae …leads to enhanced capacity to eliminate microbes like Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), or Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) compared to non-trained human monocytes.”

Candida albicans:  Bonfim-Mendonca, Ratti B, et al, “B-Glucan Induces Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Human Neutrophils to Improve the Killing of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata Isolates from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis,” PLoS One, 9(9):e107805/, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0107805, PMID: 25229476. Sep 17, 2014.  Quote: “B-glucan significantly increased oxidant species production, suggesting that B-glucan may be an efficient immunomodulator that triggers an increase in the microbicidal response of neutrophils for both of the species isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis [Two species referenced: Candida albicans and Candida glabrata]. The effects of B-glucan appeared to be mainly related to the activation of reactive oxygen species and modulation of cytokine release.”

Candida albicans: 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.”

Candida albicans:  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.”

Candida albicans, Staphyloccoccus  and Infectious Challenge: Rice PJ, Brown GD, Gordon S, Williams DL, et al; “Oral delivery and gastrointestinal absorption of soluble glucans stimulate increased resistance to infectious challenge.” East Tennessee State University. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. Jun 23, 2005. Quote: “Oral glucan administration also increased survival in mice challenged with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans …[and] increase[s] IL-12 expression and induce[s] protection against infectious challenge.”

Candida albicans: Gantner, et al, “Dectin-1 mediates macrophage recognition of Candida albicans yeast but not filaments;” The Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, Embo J; 23:24(6):1277.86, Mar 2005; Quote: “Dectin-1 is a receptor that binds beta-glucans and is important for macrophage phagocytosis of fungi. … the normal mechanisms of yeast budding and cell separation create permanent scars which expose sufficient beta-glucan to trigger antimicrobial responses through Dectin-1, including phagocytosis and activation of reactive oxygen production [anti-oxidant – free radical neutralization].”

Candida Albicans-Sepsis Human Study: Browder IW, et al, “Modification of Post-Operative C. albicas Sepis by Glucan Immunostimulation,” Int. J. Immunopharmac.; 6:19-26. Dept of Surg and Physiol, Tulane U Sch of Med, LA;  PubMed 6724765. 1984. Quote: “Protection against C. albicans was observed in the glucan-treated groups. ...glucan increased survival and reduced renal pathology associated with C. albicans challenge in the post-operative period. These observations suggest that Biologic Response Modifiers such as glucan may be effectively employed in patients who are at risk for post-operative infections.”

Candida Albicans: Janusz MJ, Austen KF, Czop JK; “Phagocytosis of heat-killed blastopores of Candida albicans by human monocytes beta-glucan receptors.”  Immunology. 65:181-185. 1988.

Candida glabrata:  Ghannoum M, Long L, et al, “Activity of a novel 1,3-beta-D-glucan Synthase Inhibitor, Ibrexafungerp (formerly SCY-078), Against Candida glabrata,” Antimicrob Agents Chemother, pil: AAC0 150-19, PMID: 31570395, Sep 30 2019. Quote: “Ibrexafungerp (formerly SCY-078) [as] a novel glucan synthase inhibitor with oral availability, …was active against the majority of echinoncandin-resistant [fungal] strains [echinoncandins are antifungal drugs]. Time kill studies showed a 4 to 6-log reduction in growth at concentrations of 0.25 to 4 microns/ml of  24 and 48 hr.”  Note: Infections caused by Candida glabrata can affect the urogenital tract or even cause systemic infections by entrance of the fungal cells in the bloodstream (Candidemia), especially prevalent in immunocompromised patients. C. glabrata is of special relevance in nosocomial infections due to its innately high resistance to antifungal agents.  Echinoncandins are a class of antifungal drugs that target the fungal cell wall while inhibiting beta 1,3-d-glucan synthase enzyme. The beta 1,3-d-glucan synthase enzyme forms glucan, a major component of the fungal cell wall; therefore by inhibiting beta glucans synthesis, fungal cell walls are damaged.

Candida krusei Infection :   Chen SM, Zou Z, et al, “The critical role of Dectin-1 in host controlling systemic Candida krusei infection,” Am J Transi es, 11(2);721-732, PMID 30899374, Feb 15, 2019. Quote: “Candida krusei is a major non-albicans [fungal infection] …which causes mortal infections in immune deficiency population. …We found that Dectin-1 ligand B-(1,3)-glucan [is] markedly exposed on the cell surface of C. krusei… . Dectin-1 is required for host myeloid cells recognition, killing of C. krusei, and development of subsequent Th1 and Th17 cell-mediated adaptive immune response.”  [Note: In neutropenic or low neutrophil white blood cell count patients, fungemia or presence of fungi in the blood is associated with high mortality. Candida krusei should be suspected in patients with leukemia who are receiving fluconazole prophylaxis.]

Candidiasis Candida Vulvovaginal Infection- :  Larkin EL, Long L, Ghannoum M, et al, “A novel 1,3-beta-D-glucan inhibitor, Ibrexafungerp (formerly SCY078), Shows Potent Activity in the Lower pH Environment of Vulvovaginitis.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother, AAC.02611-18, PMID: 3088896, Mar 18 2019. Quote: “Ibrexafungerp (IBX. formerly SCY078) is a novel glucan synthase inhibitor with oral availability being evaluated for efficacy against vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). …Potent in vitro activity was demonstrated against Candida strains obtained at baseline and end of study visits…with no development of resistance.  Importantly, activity of IBX in an acidic medium suggests a therapeutic advantage of this novel antifungal in the treatment of vaginal Candida infections.” (see also Candida glabrata)

Candidiasis: DiLuzio NR, Williams DL, Cook JL, Hoffman EO; “Protective effect of glucan in experimentally induced candidiasis;” J Reticuloendothel Soc 53: 479-490, Pubmed 702473. 1978.

Candidiasis: Bonfim-Mendonca Pde S, et al; “B-Glucan Induces Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Human Neutrophils to Improve the Killing of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata Isolates from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis,” PLoS One (Public Library of Science), 9(9):e107805. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107805. Sep 17, 2014. Quote: “B-glucan significantly increased oxidant species production, suggesting that B-glucan may be an efficient immunomodulator that triggers an increase in the microbicidal [microbe destroying] response of neutrophils for both of the species isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis.”

Carcinoma – Salvador C, Li B, Hansen R, Cramer DE, Kong M, Yan J, “Yeast-Derived {beta}-Glucan Augments the Therapeutic Efficacy Mediated by Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibody in Human Carcinoma Xenograft Models.” Clin Cancer Res, 14(4):1239-47. Feb 15 2008.

Carcinoma – Bladder:  Thompson I.M., Spence C.R. Lamn D.L., DiLuzio N.R., “ Immunochemotherapy of bladder carcinoma with glucan and cyclophosphamide,” Am. J. Med. Sci. 294 (5): 294-300.  1987.*

Carcinoma – Mammary: Proctor, et al, “Development of a Bioassay for Anti-Tumor Activity of the Reticuloendothelial Stimulant Class: Reproducibility of the Bioassay,” J. Immunopharmacol.; 3: 385-395. 1981-1982.* Quote:  “Intravenously administered DiLuzio glucan…caused dose dependent increases in the tumor cell loss from the lungs of …mice challenged respectively with intravenous 125IuDR labelled B16 or T 1699 mammary carcinoma cells.”

Cardiovascular Disease, Coronary Heart & Cardioprotective:

 

Cardiovascular Diseases – 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.”

Cardiovascular Disease – 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 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 … .”

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.”

Cardiovascular Disease:  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.”

Cardiovascular Disease:  Maheshwari G, Sowrerajan S, et al, “B-Glucan, a dietary fiber in effective prevention of lifestyle diseases – An insight,” Bioactive Carb. and Dietary Fibre, Vol 19, DOI: 10.1016/j.bcdf.2019.100187, July 2019. “Quote: “B-Glucan (B-G), a dietary fiber and a biologically active natural polysaccharide, is helpful in the prevention and control of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetics and cancer. …Lowering the LDL cholesterol, the glycemic index and blood sugar, along with the antioxidant, anticancer and free radical scavenging property, B-glucan is efficient in trapping the reactive oxygen.”

Cardiovascular-cardioprotective-Human Study: Aaraether E, Straumbotn F, Rosner A, Busund R, “Oral B-glucan reduces infarction size and improves contractile function in a porcine ischaemia/reperfusion model,” Eur J Cardio-Thorc, Surg.m 41:919-925, doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezr125, Jan 16 2012. Quote: We previously reported a cardioprotective effect of oral B-glucan in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. …Thus, pretreatment with B-glucan may be utilized to attenuate the global Ischaemia/reperfuson injury associated with cardiac surgery on CPB.”

Cardiovascular Disease: Barsanti L, Passarelli, et al, “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).”

Cardiovascular  Aarsaether, Rydningen M, et al, “Cardioprotective effect of pretreatment with beta-glucan in coronary artery bypass grafting.” Scand Cardiovasc. J, 40(5):298-304 WMD, 2006.

Cardiovascular Disease-Human Study: Robert Nicolosi, Stacey J Bell, Bruce R Bistrian, Isaac Greenberg, R Armour Forse and George L Blackburn, “Cholesterol Benefits from Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan Purified from Yeast Cell Wall,” Nutrition and Infection Laboratory, Harvard Medical School; the Centers for the Study of Nutrition and Medicine and for Nutritional Research, and Clowes Surgical Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70, No. 2, 208-212, August 1999. Quote: “The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect on serum lipids of a yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber in 15 free-living, obese, hypercholesterolemic men. … The yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber significantly lowered total cholesterol concentrations and was well tolerated…The link between elevated plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations and the risk of developing coronary artery disease has been clearly established…Elevated plasma cholesterol and, in particular, LDL-cholesterol concentrations are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, whereas an elevated of HDL-cholesterol concentration is inversely correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular…The yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber lowered total cholesterol and raised HDL-cholesterol concentrations significantly. …

Unlike the significant increases in HDL-cholesterol concentrations observed 4 wk after the end of the study for subjects receiving the yeast-derived ß-glucan, none of the 24 studies of oat products reported significant changes in HDL concentration. …Because higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations are associated with a reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease, there may be unique benefits of using the yeast-derived ß-glucan, and perhaps psyllium, rather than the oat products.”

Cardiovascular-Coronary Heart Disease:   Pietinen P, Rimm EB, Korhonen P, et al, “Intake of dietary fiber and risk of coronary heart disease in a cohort of Finnish men. The alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene cancer prevention study.”, 94:2720-7, WMD, 1996.

Cardiovascular Disease: Carrow, DJ; “Beta-1,3-glucan as a Primary Immune Activator,” Townsend  Letter; June 1996. Quote: “…immunosuppression is observed in people with stress-related disease such as coronary heart disease.  Under such influences the number of macrophages [white immune cells] available are reduced and unable to participate in the immune cascade, which caused an even greater immunosuppression.

 Beta 1,3 glucan has proven to both stimulate and activate the macrophage cells, which will counter these negative effects. …People with high risk of atherosclerosis should definitely add beta 1,3 glucan to their diet in addition to any cholesterol-reducing drugs.   Macrophage activation helps draw extra cholesterol from the blood, prevent further plaque formation on the arterial walls and phagocytes [eats] existing plaque which is recognized as a foreign body.”

Cardiovascular Disease: Bell S, Goldman VM, Bistrian BR, Arnold AH, Ostroff G, Forse RA, “Effect of beta-glucan from oats and yeast on serum lipids [cholesterol included],”  Critical  Rev Food Science Nutrition, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; 39(2):189-202, March 1999. Quote: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.  One way to reduce the risk of developing the disease is to lower serum cholesterol levels by making dietary changes. In addition to reducing intake of total fat, saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, serum cholesterol can be further reduced by added fiber, especially from sources rich in beta-glucan. …The yeast-derived fiber is a more concentrated source of beta-glucan than the oat product.”   

Cardiovascular-Coronary Heart Disease:   Van Horn L, “Fiber, lipids, and coronary heart disease. A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutr Committee, Am Heart Assn.”, 95:2701-4 WMD, 1997.

Cardiovascular anticoagulatory :  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.”

Cardiovascular-Coronary Heart Disease:   Khaw KT, Barett-Connor E, “Dietary fiber and reduced ischemic heart disease mortality rates in men and women: a 12-year prospective study.” Am J Epidemiol, 126:1093-102 WMD, 1987.

Cardiovascular-Coronary Heart Disease:  Kromhout D, de Lesenne C, Coulander C, “Diet, prevalence and 10-year mortality from coronary heart disease in 871 middle-aged men. The Zutphen Study, Am J Epidemiol, 119:733-41 WMD, 1984.

Cardiovascular-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: 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: “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 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.  Go to the Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting category below for study details.

Carrier Adjuvant, Conjugate and (GP) Glucan Particles – Beta Glucan-see “Conjugate” category also. 

Carrier – Gene:  WJ Jing, Rong MZ, Zhang MQ, Wong WL, “Preparation of a water soluble aminated B-1,3-D-glucan for gene carrier: The in vitro study of the anti-inflammatory activity and transfection efficiency,” J Biomed Mater Res A, PMID: 34110080, https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.37244, Jun 10 2021. Quote: “B-1,3-D-glucan has been reported to have a series of bioactivities including antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects; …AG [aminated glucan] shows no obvious cytotoxicity …and it exerts potent anti-inflammatory effect …posses[ing] an appropriate particle size ranged from 192.8 to 118.4 nm [nanometers = 0.1 to 0.2 microns]. …These results indicate that AG [aminated glucan] is a potential candidate for DNA delivery system due to its potent anti-inflammatory effect and high transfection efficiency.” Note: “Transfection” commonly refers to the introduction of nucleic acids into animal cells.

Carrier – Drug Delivery System:  Yuting S, Chen L, Yang F, Cheung PCK, “Beta-d-glucan-based drug delivery system and its potential application in targeting tumor associated macrophages [TAMS]”, Carbohydr Polym,253;117258, PMID: 33278940,  https://doi.org/10.1016/1-carbpol.2020.117258, Feb 1 2021. Quote: “B-d-glucans can be developed as promising carriers for targeting delivery with stability, biocompatibility and specificity when applied in immunotherapy. Targeting tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) is an emerging strategy for cancer immunotherapy since it exerts anti-cancer effects based on modulating body immunity in tumor microenvironment (TME).  This new strategy does not require high concentration of drugs to kill cancer cells directly and lessen tumor recurrence by creating unique immune memory for malignant cells.”

Carrier – Conjugation:  Sanchez V, Rosales-Mendoza S, et al, “Conjugation of B-glucans on heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) to enhance the immunogenic response in mouse leucocytes,” Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 118:111464, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2020.111464, PMID: 33255046,  Jan 2021, Epub Aug 30 2020. Quote: “Heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) plays a crucial role in triggering diarrhea and EETEC pathogenesis. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a conjugate of yeast-derived B-glucan with the ST enterotoxin (BGT-ST) and evaluate the antigenic and antioxidant activities. …conjugation efficiency was almost 90%. Cellular viability, phagocytic cell proportion, and respiratory burst enhanced splenocytes stimulated by BG-ST. In addition, nitric oxide production and antioxidant enzymes increased in cells stimulated with BG-ST. In conclusion, the results revealed the successful conjugation of B-glucan with ST peptide enhancing immune and antioxidant parameters  … .”

Carrier – Nanoparticles – Gene Delivery System:   Kyungwoo L, Min D, et al, “Self-Assembling B-Glucan Nanomedicine for the Delivery of siRNA [small interfering RNA],” Biomedicines, 8(11);E497, PMID: 33198404, https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8110497, Nov 12 2020.  Quote: “We aimed to design and manufacture a transporter capable of delivering small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into the skin without causing any damage. B-glucans are unique chiral polysaccharides with well-defined immunological properties and supramolecular wrapping ability. …In this study, B-glucan nanoparticles were designed and manufactured to deliver genetic material to the target cells. The B-glucan molecules were self-assembled with an siRNA into nanoparticles of 300-400 nm in diameter via a conformational transition process, in order to construct a gene delivery system. The assembled gene nanocarriers were associated with high gene-loading ability. …Our results provide evidence that B-glucan nanoparticles can be effectively used to deliver siRNA [small interfering RNA] into the cells.”

Carrier Composite (CpG oligodeoxynucleotide):  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. CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) has the potentiality to initiate an immune stimulatory cascade via activating B cells inducing proinflammatory cytokines, which is conducive to immunotherapy and nucleic acid vaccine. …Furthermore, this carrier together with class B CpGODN could enhance the secretion of cytokines including interleukin-6 and interferon-alpha as well as capable of interferon-alpha induction. “

Carrier 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.”

Carrier Composite (Doxorubicin):   Huang J, Wu C, et al, “Chiral Active B-Glucan Nanoparticles for Synergistic Delivery of Doxorubicin and Immune Potentiation,” Int J Nanomedicine, 15-5083-5095, PMID: 32764938, https://doi.org/10.2147/UN.525814-5, Jul 14 2020. Quote: “B-glucan molecules with different chain lengths were extracted from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and thereafter modified. ….B-glucan nanoparticles can activate macrophages to produce immune enhancing cytokines (IL-1B, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-y).  This work demonstrates that B-glucans nanoparticles with special chiral feature leading to strong immunopotentiation ability and high drug loading efficiency can be developed as a novel type of nanomedicine for anti-cancer treatment.”

Carrier Composite  (Diplacone):  Cerna L, O Zuzana Ba, Salamunova P, et al, “Anti-inflammatory potential of composites of yeast glucan particles and geranylated flavonoid diplacone, “69(3):130-136, PMID: 32972156, Summer 2020: Quote: “The composites of GPs with diplacone significantly decreased the activity of pro-inflammatory transcription factors …and activator protein 1 (AP-1).”

Carrier Composite  (Curcumin & Diplacone):   Rotrekl D, Devriendt B, et al, “Glucan particles as suitable carriers for the natural anti-inflammatory compounds curcumin and diplacone- Evaluation in an ex vivo model,” 30:582:119318. PMID: 32320720, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjpahrm.2020.119318, May 2020. Quote: The obtained results indicate a potentially beneficial effect of the incorporation of curcumin or diplacone into GPs against inflammation.” 

Carrier Vaccine Adjuvant:   Lang S, Huang X, “Carbohydrate Conjugates in Vaccine Developments,” Front Chem, 8:284, PMID: 32351942, https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2020.00284, Apr 15 2020. Quote: “Vaccines are powerful tools that can activate the immune system for protection against various diseases. …Polysaccharides such as dextran and B-glucan can serve as smart vaccine carriers for efficient antigen delivery to immune cells.”

Carrier – Cancer – Conjugated Vaccine Carrier:  Wang H, Yang B, Wang Y, Liu F, et al, “B-Glucan as an immune activator and a carrier in the construction of a synthetic MUC1 vaccine,” Chem Common (Camb), 55(2):253-256, PMID: 30534737,  https://doi.org/10.1039/c8cc07691j, Dec 20 2018. Quote: “We describe the preparation of a cancer vaccine candidate by conjugating a MUC1 peptide antigen to the B-glucan polysaccharide, which serves both as a carrier and an immune activator.  In contrast to amorphous polysaccharides, peptide-B-glucan conjugates form uniform nanoparticles that facilitate the delivery of antigens and binding to myeloid cells, thus leading to the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity.”  Note: “Amorphous” defines as shapeless and “Myeloid” to involving bone marrow

Carrier Vaccine Adjuvant: Abraham A, Ostroff G, Levitz SM, Oystn PCF, “A novel vaccine platform using glucan particles for induction of protective responses against Francisella tuarensis and other pathogens,” Clin Exp Immunol, 198(2):143-152, doi: 10.1111/cei.13356, PMID: 31400225, Nov 2019. Quote: “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.”

Carrier Composite (Curcumin):  Plavcova Z, Salamunova P, et al, “Curcumin encapsulation in yeast glucan particles promotes its anti-inflammatory potential in vitro,”  10:508:118532, PMID: 31323374   DOI: 10.101016/j.iipharm.2019.118532, Sep 2019. Quote: Glucan particles (GPS) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae are hollow shells that are composed mainly of B-1,3-d-glucan, which has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential both in vitro and in vivo.  Curcumin is a natural hydrophobic phenolic compound, which possesses a significant ant-inflammatory effect and is used as supportive therapy in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases. The activity of NF-kB/AP-1 [anti-inflammatory assay pathway] was substantially decreased by the tested GPS/curcumin composites, which also caused the attenuation of cytokines secretion.”

Carrier – Conjugate Vaccine Antigen Delivery System: Berner VK, duPre S, Redelman D, Hunter KW, “Microparticulate B-glucan vaccine conjugates phagocytized by dendritic cells activate both naive CD4 and CD8 T cells in vitro,” Cellular Immunology, 2015; U of Nevada School of Medicine, Dept of Microbiology. 2015. Quote: “The interaction between B-glucan and its receptors serves as an activating signal that promotes anti-fungal immunity, but fungal B-glucan also has a long history of use as an adjuvant to promote immune responses to tumors and other microorganisms…Microparticulate B-glucan (MG) was shown to exhibit adjuvant activity when conjugated to a test vaccine antigen. ….Recent studies have confirmed that B-glucan particles can be used to deliver vaccine antigen for oral immunization.

Carrier – Conjugate Vaccine Adjuvant (MUC1 conjugation): Wang H, Yang B, Wang Y, Liu F, et al, “B-Glucan as an immune activator and a carrier in the construction of a synthetic MUC1 vaccine,” Chemical Communications, Issue 2, 2019.  Quote: “We describe the preparation of a cancer vaccine candidate by conjugating a MUC1 peptide antigen to the B-glucan polysaccharide, which serves both as a carrier and an immune activator. …peptide-B-glucan conjugates form uniform nanoparticles that facilitate the delivery of antigens and binding to myeloid cells, thus leading to the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity.”

Carrier Vaccine Adjuvant: Mirza Z, Soto ER, Dikengil F, Levitz SM, Ostroff GR, “Beta-Glucan Particles as Vaccine Adjuvant Carriers.” Methods Mol Biol, 1625:143-157. soi 10.1007/978-1-4939-7104-6_11; PMID 28584989; 2017. Quote: “Glucan particles (GP) 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 [glucan particles] 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.”  …A detailed protocol for loading and entrapping a model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), into these particles using yeast RNA is presented. Similar methods are used to load pathogen-specific antigens (peptides, proteins, soluble extracts) which then can be tested in in-vivo vaccination models. ” 

Carrier – Antigen & Immunostimulants:  Baert K, De Geest B, Cox E, et al, “Duality of B-glucan microparticles: antigen carrier and immunostimulants,” Int J Nanomedicine. 11: 2463–2469, PMCID:PMC 4898424,  https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S101881  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.” [Immunogenicity is the ability of a particular substance to provoke an immune response in the body of a human and other animals. The B-glucan microparticles were micronized to be 2 to 5 microns in size.]

Carrier – 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, DOI: 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.”

Carrier – 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.”

Carrier Conjugate Vaccine Adjuvant:   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.” Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 80:1053-61, PMID: 18677470, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00253-008-1618-8m, Aug 2 2008. Quote: “Our laboratory has prepared and characterized a novel microparticulate beta-glucan (MG) from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Because MG particles are rapidly phagocytized by murine peritoneal macrophages and induce the expression of B7 Costimulatory molecules, we hypothesized that MG could serve as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance specific immune responses. …These results suggest that protein antigens can be conjugated to MG …and that these conjugates provide an adjuvant effect for stimulating the antibody response to protein antigens.”

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 (64). 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 (65, 66). The particle size of glucan matters and its generally known that nanoparticles with a diameter 1–2 μm are better absorbed by macrophages than large-size particles.

 

Cells Effector: Burgaleta C, Golde DW, “Effect of glucan on granulopoiesis and macrophage genesis in mice.” Cancer Research 37(6):1739-42; July 1977. Quote: “Peripheral white blood cell counts were two times greater than those of control in the glucan-treated mice. These studies indicate that glucan administration results in increased granulocyte and macrophage production. …These observations suggest that the use of glucan as an immunotherapeutic agent can result in an increased number of available effector cells.”  [Note: Effector cells are the short-lived activated cells that defend the body in an immune response.]

Checkpoint Inhibitors

Checkpoint Inhibitor:    SH Chan A, Kangas T, et al, “[**Product–A soluble intravenously administered yeast B-1,3/1,6-glucan pathogen-associated molecular pattern] able to prime innate immune cells in a Dectin-1 dependent manner ** Enhances Anti-Tumor Effects of Tumor-Targeting, Anti-Angiogenic, and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Antibodies.”  Front Oncol; 12:869078. PMID: 35692755, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.869078 , May 26, 2022. Quote: …These data demonstrate… potential to orchestrate a broad, yet coordinated, anti-cancer immune response and complement existing cancer immunotherapies.”

**betaglucan.org does not include or allow product names or vendors in abstracts and did not do so in this abstract.

Chemotherapy – See also “Radiation”

Chemotherapy:    de Graff P, Berrevoets C, Rosch C, et al, “Curdlan, zymosan and a yeast-derived B-glucan reshape tumor-associated macrophages into producers of inflammatory chemo-attractants,” Cancer Immuol 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…and zymosan have the unique ability to preferentially skew macrophages towards a chemo-attractant-producing phenotype that may aid in anti-cancer immune responses.” Note: “phenotype” refers to observable traits of an organism and products of behavior.” “Chemo-attractants” attract macrophages and neutrophils to the site of infection (tumor), ensuring that pathogens in the area (cancer cells example) will be destroyed.

Chemotherapy – accelerated recovery – 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.”

Chemotherapy-colon cancer:  Cheng H, Sun L, “Beta-1,6 glucan converts tumor-associated macrophages into an M1-like phenotype.” Carbohydr Polym, 247:116715, PMID: 32829842, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116715, Nov 1, 2020. Quote: “Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with an M2-like phenotype have been linked to immunosuppression and resistance to chemotherapies of cancer, thus targeting TAMs has been an attractive therapeutic strategy to cancer immunotherapy. …The present study showed that the B-1,6-glucan could promote the transformation of M2-like macrophages to M1-like phenotype and inhibit the viability of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.”

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, 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.”

Chemotherapy –   Duan B, Zou S, Sun Y, Xu X, “A nanoplatform constructed from a B-glucan and polydeoxyadenylic acid for cancer chemotherapy and imaging,” Biomacromolecules, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01780, PMID: 30799607, Feb 25 2019. Quote: “A nanoplatform carrying doxorubicin (Dox) for cancer therapy and a dye for imaging was developed based on a natural triple helix B-glucan (t-LNT) and polydeoxyadenylic acid (poly(dA)). …LNT-Dox conjugates effectively inhibited tumor growth and decreased adverse effects of the free Dox in vivo. Hence, this work develops a new strategy to fabricate the nanoplatform for therapy and imaging using a natural polysaccharide.”

Chemotherapy – Cancer – Brest – Human Study:  Ostadrahimi A, Esfahani A, etc, “Effect of Beta glucan on quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Adv Pharm Bull,  (Suppl 1):471-1. doi: 10.5681/apb..070.; PMID:25364665 PMCID: PMC4213788; https://www.doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2014.15.14.5733 , Oct 4, 2014. Quote: “The findings suggest that Beta glucan may be useful as a complementary or adjuvant therapy for improving quality of life in breast cancer patients in combination with cancer therapies.” Note: Study conducted on 30 women with breast carcinoma w 2 10mg capsules daily.

Chemotherapy-Human Study – Karaca H, Bozkurt O, etc., “Positive effects of oral B-glucan on mucositis and leukopenia in colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant FLFOX-4 combination chemotherapy.” Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 15(8):3641-4, PMID 24870771. 2014. Quote: “Oral mucositis and diarrhea were less common in the B-glucan group.  We conclude that B-glucan can be used to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy. ”  Note: Mucositis is the painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract-an adverse effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for cancer.

Chemotherapy / Environmental Toxins – 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. https://www.doi.org/10.5507/bp.2013.090  , April 1, 2014. Quote:“…glucan reduces the immunosuppressive effects of a number of agents including chemotherapy 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.”

Chemotherapy – Cancer – Colon – 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: “Evidence has supported the idea that beta-glucans can decrease the size of xenografted colon cancer tumors via the stimulation of the immune system and direct cytotoxicity. 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.”

Chemotherapy: Hofer M, Pospisil M, “Modulation of animal and human hematopoiesis by B-glucans: a review.” Molecules, Sep 15;16(9): 7969-79. PubMed 21921869. 2011. Quote: “B-glucans have been shown to support murine hematopoiesis suppressed by ionizing radiation or cytotoxic anti-cancer therapy [chemotherapy]. They also enhance stem cell homing and engraftment.”  Note: “Hematopoiesis” is the process of creating new blood cells in the body. All blood cells start off as hematopoietic stem cells, and then specialize or differentiate into myeloid cells including erythrocytes, megakaryocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, or eosinophils; or lymphoid cells including T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes.

Chemotherapy – 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.

Chemotherapy: “The Biological activity of beta-glucans“; Minerva Medical; 100(3):237-245; Pub Med 19571787;  Jun 2009; Quote: “…Beta-glucans have [been] 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].”

Chemotherapy-Phase I/II Human Trial: Weitberg, A, “A phase I/II trial of beta-(1,3)/(1,6) D-glucan in treatment of patients with advanced malignancies receiving chemotherapy,” Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research-Clinical Trial, 27:40; WMD, PMID: 18803849; PMCID: 2570358, https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-9966-27-40, Sept 19, 2008: Quote: “B-(1,3)/(1,6) D-glucan, …has been shown to stimulate the immune system, enhance hematopoiesis, amplify killing of opsonized tumor cells and increase neutrophil chemotaxis and adhesion. … We conclude that B-(1,3)/1,6) D-glucan can be safely administered to patients with advanced malignancies receiving chemotherapy and that this adjunctive therapy may have beneficial effects on the blood counts in these patients”  NOTE: hematopoiesis is the formation of blood or blood cells in the living body.

Chemotherapy-cyclophosphamide: Kogan G, Pajtinka M, Babincova M, Miadokova E, Rauko P, Slamenova D, Korolenko TA; “Yeast cell wall polysaccharides as antioxidants and anti mutagens: 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.”

Chemotherapy: 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.” NOTE: “myelosuppression” occurs when bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells (energy), white blood cells, and platelets.

Chemotherapy :  Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, et al, “Effects of B-glucans on the immune system,” Medicina (Kaunas), 43(8), Kaunas U of Med, Lithuania, 43(8):597-606  Aug 6 2007. Quote: “Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides….These substances increase host immune defense by activating complement system, enhancing macrophages and natural killer cell function.  beta-Glucans also show anti carcinogenic activity. 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 hematopiesis following by bone marrow injury.”

Chemotherapy-Methotrexate: 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.”

Chemotherapy:  Tsikitis VL, ALbina JE, “Beta-glucan affects leukocyte navigation in a complex chemotactdic gradient,” Surgery, 136(2):384-9, WMD, PMID: 15300205, DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2004.05.014, Aug 2004. Quote: “beta-glucan significantly enhanced chemotaxis toward C5a [a target chemoattractant] and suppressed that toward IL-8 [interleukin] in a CR3-dependent [complement receptor for beta-glucan] fashion.”

Chemotherapy: Tohamy AA, et al. “Beta-glucan inhibits the genotoxicity of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cisplatin.” Mutat. Research. 541(1-2):45-53. Nov 2003. Quote: “This protective effect of beta-glucan could be attributed to its scavenging ability to trap free-radicals produced during the biotransformation of these anti-neoplastic [abnormal tissue growth] drugs. Beta-glucan also markedly restored the mitotic [cell division] activity of bone marrow cells that had been suppressed by the anti-neoplastic drugs. These results indicate that in addition to known immunopotentiating activity of beta-glucan, it plays a role in reducing genotoxicity [capability to cause cancer] induced by anti-neoplastic [abnormal tissue growth] drugs during cancer chemotherapy.”

Chemotherapy: Carrow, DJ MD; “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.”

Chemotherapy: Damia, et al, “Prevention of Acute Chemotherapy-Induced Death in Mice by Recombinate Human Interleukin 1: Protection from Hematological and Nonhematological Toxicities”, Cancer Research, vol. 52, pp. 4082-4089. Aug 1992.

Chemotherapy – Leukemia: 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.”

Children – Respiratory- Human Trials

 

Children-Human Children Trials-Colds: Baldassarre ME, Maura AD, et al, “Resveratrol Plus Carboxymethyl-B-Glucan in Infants With Common Cold: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial,” Heliyon 6(4):e03814, PMID: 32322697, doi: 10: 10-.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03814, Apr 21 2020. Quote: “These data suggest that a solution containing resveratrol plus caraboxymethyl-B-glucan might have a positive impact on both clinical and socio-economic burden due to infant common cold.” Note: Resveratrol is a plant compound that acts like an antioxidant. The top food sources include red wine, grapes, some berries and peanuts.

Children-Human Children Trials-Colds: Meng F, “Baker’s Yeast Beta-Glucan Decreases Episodes of Common Childhood Illness in 1 to 4 Year Old Children during Cold Season in China,” Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences, 6:518. 2016. Quote: “Infections, especially upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), are common in early childhood…The ability of bakers yeast beta glucan (BYBG) to reduce the number of episodes of common childhood illness in 1 to 4 year old children was evaluated in a 12 week randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study conducted in China. …85% of children in the placebo group experienced one or more episodes of infectious illness. By contrast, there were only 47% and 32% children in BYBG treatment groups experienced infectious illness, significantly less than placebo group (p<0.001). The placebo group had significantly higher URTI incidence per child (p<0.0001) and more days with URTI symptoms (p< 0.0001).”

Children – Respiratory- Human Trials: Richter J, Svozil V, et al, “B-glucan affects mucosal immunity in children with chronic respiratory problems under physical stress: clinical trials.” Annals of Translational Med., Mar:3(4):52. doi: 10.3978. 2015. Quote: “Short term oral application of natural immunomodulator B-glucan stimulated physical endurance in children with respiratory problems and…helps their mucosal immunity.”

Children/Respiratory-Human Trial: Li F, Jin X, Liu B, Zhuang W, Scalabrin D, “Follow-up Formula Consumption [FUF] in 3- to 4-Year-Olds and [Acute] Respiratory Infections [ARI]: an RCT.,”  Pediatrics. 133(6):e1533-40. Jun 2014. Quote:“…Our objective was to determine if a follow-up formula (FUF) containing DHA,…prebiotics.. and yeast B-glucan affects incidence of respiratory infections … in healthy children.”  The study was, “…a double-blind, randomized, controlled, prospective trial, 3-4 year old children. …Daily consumption of a FUF was associated with fewer episodes and shorter duration of ARI [ acute respiratory infections], as well as less antibiotic use. “

Children – Mucosal Immunity-Human Trial: Richter J, Svozil V, et al, “Clinical trials of yeast-derived B-(1,3) glucan in children: effects on innate immunity,” Ann Transl Med, 2(2):15, PMID 25332991, Feb 2014:. Quote: “Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator B-glucan significantly stimulated mucosal immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems. …glucan administration …highly promising and at the same time inexpensive method in the treatment of chronic respiratory problems in children.”  

Children – Invasive Fungal Infections:  Katragkou A, Rollides E, “Best practice in treating infants and children with proven, probable or suspected invasive fungal infections., Curr. Opin. Infect .dis 24(3):225-229, WMD, PMID: 21455060, doi: 10.1097/QCO.013e3283460e22, 2011. Quote: “Although …treatment strategies based on surrogate markers (galactomannan and beta-glucan) have established utility in treating adults, limited data are available to guide pediatricians when managing children with invasive fungal infections. …The up-to-date data show that treatment recommendations are similar for pediatric and adult patients.”

Cholesterol

Nuclear Emergency: “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].” 

Cholesterol – 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.

Cholesterol -Obesity:   Maheshwari G, Sowrerajan S, et al, “B-Glucan, a dietary fiber in effective prevention of lifestyle diseases – An insight,” Bioactive Carb. and Dietary Fibre, Vol 19, DOI: 10.1016/j.bcdf.2019.100187, July 2019. “Quote: “B-Glucan (B-G), a dietary fiber and a biologically active natural polysaccharide, is helpful in the prevention and control of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetics and cancer. …Lowering the LDL cholesterol, the glycemic index and blood sugar, along with the antioxidant, anticancer and free radical scavenging property, B-glucan is efficient in trapping the reactive oxygen.”

Cholesterol – Dyslipidemia – Long NT, Anh NTN, et al, “Radiation Degradation of B-Glucan with a Potential for Reduction of Lipids and Glucose in the Blood of Mice, ” Polymers (Basel), 11(6) PMID: 31159434, Jun 1 2019. Quote: “Radiation-degraded B-glucans with molecular weights in the range of 11-48 KDa reduced the total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels in the blood of administered mice. …These results indicate that the degraded B-glucan …is a very promising ingredient that can be used in nutraceutical food for therapeutics of diabetic and dyslipidemia.”

Cholesterol : Sima P, VAnnucci L, Vetvicka V, “B-glucans and cholesterol (Review),” Int J Mol Med, PMID 2939350, Jan 22, 2018. Quote: “Hypercholesterolemia is one of primary risk factors of cardiovascular disease, together with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes. ….Due to their [beta glucans] structure they are able to interact with innate immunity receptors; however they also act as dietary fibers in the digestive tract. . …Therefore, they [beta glucans] may be developed as a suitable therapeutic option to treat patients with dyslipidemia, as they are natural molecules that do not induce any significant side effects.” Note: Dyslipidemia is an elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, or both.

Cholesterol: Borchani C, Fonteyn F, et al, “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.”

Cholesterol – Kusmiati, Dhewantara FX, “Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Beta Glucan Extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Rats,”  Sci Pharm, 14;84(1):153-65. PMID: 271105D6 PMCID: PMC4839553, Feb 201.: Quote: “The important benefit of B-glucan is to improve the immune system and to decrease cholesterol levels in the blood.  …Several studies have reported the benefits of B-glucan as: antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-aging, immune system activators, protection against radiation, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic anti-cholesterol etc. …Beta-glucan extract of S. cerevisiae can reduce total cholesterol approaching normal values at doses of 10 mg of 32.79% (blood plasma) and 33.71% (in the liver). The extract was capable of reducing triglyceride levels in a dose of 10 mg of beta-glucan 64.43% (blood plasma)… .”

Cholesterol: Zhu X, Sun X, et al, “Quantitative assessment of the effects of beta-glucan consumption on serum lipid profile and glucose level in hypercholesterolemic subjects,” Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, 25(8) 714-23, Aug 2015. Quote: “…beta-glucan consumption in hypercholesterolemic population significantly lowered total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration.  However, there were no significant differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. No adverse effects were reported among the eligible trials.”

Cholesterol-Human Clinical Trials: 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, Apr 28, 2014. Quote: “…several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed.  The results confirm the previous findings of in vivo studies. 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, antidiabetic and cholesterol lowering functions.”

Cholesterol: :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).”

Cholesterol – 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.”

Cholesterol: “The Biological activity of beta-glucans”; Minerva Medical; 100(3):237-245; Pub Med 19571787;  Jun 2009; Quote: “…Beta-glucans have been 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].” 

Cholesterol: 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..”

Cholesterol:  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.”

Cholesterol: Naumann E, Van Rees AB, Onning G, Oste R, Wydra M, Mensink RP; “Beta-glucan incorporated into a fruit drink effectively lowers serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations.” American J Clin Nutr:83(3):601-5. WMD, Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands. March 2006. Quote: “…beta-Glucan can reduce serum concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol. …: Beta-glucan lowers serum concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol when incorporated into a fruit drink. A reduced cholesterol absorption contributes to the cholesterol-lowering effect of beta-glucan without affecting plasma concentrations of lipid-soluble antioxidants.“

Cholesterol Control-Human Trial: Robert Nicolosi, Stacey J Bell, Bruce R Bistrian, Isaac Greenberg, R Armour Forse and George L Blackburn, “Cholesterol Benefits from Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan Purified from Yeast Cell Wall,” Nutrition and Infection Laboratory, Harvard Medical School; the Centers for the Study of Nutrition and Medicine and for Nutritional Research, and Clowes Surgical Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70, No. 2, 208-212,  PubMed 10426696, Aug 1999.  Quote: “The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect on serum lipids of a yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber in 15 free-living, obese, hypercholesterolemic men. … The yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber significantly lowered total cholesterol concentrations and was well tolerated…The link between elevated plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations and the risk of developing coronary artery disease has been clearly established…Elevated plasma cholesterol and, in particular, LDL-cholesterol concentrations are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, whereas an elevated of HDL-cholesterol concentration is inversely correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular…The yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber lowered total cholesterol and raised HDL-cholesterol concentrations significantly. …

Unlike the significant increases in HDL-cholesterol concentrations observed 4 wk after the end of the study for subjects receiving the yeast-derived ß-glucan, none of the 24 studies of oat products reported significant changes in HDL concentration. …Because higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations are associated with a reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease, there may be unique benefits of using the yeast-derived ß-glucan, and perhaps psyllium, rather than the oat products.“

Cholesterol Control: Bell S, Goldman VM, Bistrian BR, Arnold AH, Ostroff G, Forse RA, “Effect of beta-glucan from oats and yeast on serum lipids [cholesterol included],”  Critical  Rev Food Science Nutrition, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; 39(2):189-202, March 1999. Quote: “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.  One way to reduce the risk of developing the disease is to lower serum cholesterol levels by making dietary changes. In addition to reducing intake of total fat, saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, serum cholesterol can be further reduced by added fiber, especially from sources rich in beta-glucan. …The yeast-derived fiber is a more concentrated source of beta-glucan than the oat product.”   

Chromoblastomycosis – Fungal Skin Disease-Human Study: Silva E, Azevedo CD, et al; “The use of glucan as immunostimulant in the treatment of a severe case of chromoblastomycosis” [chronic fungal skin disease]; Dept. of Patologia [Pathology], U Federal do Maranhao Maranhao, Brazil; Mycoses, April 26, 2008. Quote: “We report the case of an alternative treatment for a patient with a severe form of chromoblastomycosis that responded poorly to the traditional antifungal therapy. We hereby show, in this study, the improvement of lesions after treatment with itraconazole associated with an intra muscular administration of glucan. We observed that the regression of lesions was associated with an improvement of the cellular immune response.”

Chronic Fatigue:

 

Chronic Fatigue: 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, … 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.”

Chronic Fatigue: Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J, “B-Glucan attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome in murine model,” J Nat Sci, Vol 1, No 6, 2015. Quote:…”demonstrated that the oral supplementation of food with highly purified 85% yeast-derived B-glucan could significantly improve the conditions of CFS (Chronic fatigue syndrome). This treatment increased the activity of splenic NK cells, proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, production of important cytokines, and restored the activities of four enzymes in the blood and brain. …We conclude that glucan might be considered a potential natural treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.”

Chronic Fatigue:  Takahashi T, Yu F, et al, “Beneficial effect of brewers’ yeast extract on daily activity in a murine model of chronic fatigue syndrome,” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 3(1):109-15, PMID:16550231, Jan 23 2006. Quote: “The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Brewers’ yeast extract (BYE) on daily activity in a mouse model of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Our results suggest that Brewer’s yeast extract might have a protective effect on the marked reduction in activity following repeated Brucella abortus (BA) injection via normalization of host immune responses.” Note: Brucella abortus is a rod-shaped pathogen classified under the domain Bacteria.

Chronic Fatique Syndrome: Uchida, A.; “Method for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome,” U.S. Patent 5424300 (A method for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, comprising administering a polysaccharide  which further contains a .beta(1-3)glucan.-1,3/1,6-glucoside bond). Issued June 13, 1995.

Climate Change

Climate Change – Mitigation   Chavanke SN, Penna Suprasanna, Dalvi SG, “B-Glucan and its nanocomposites in sustainable agriculture and environment: an overview of mechanisms and applications,” Environ Sci Polut Res Int, PMID: 35641741, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20938-z , May 31, 2022. Quote: “B-Glucan is an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and economical biopolymer with important roles for acquiring adaptations to mitigate climate change in crop plants. B-Glucan plays a crucial role in the activation of functional plant innate immune system by triggering the downward signaling cascade/s, resulting in the accumulation of different pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-proteins), reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant defense enzymes, CA”-influx as well as activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MARK) pathway.

The B-glucan and chitosan nanocomposites have proven to be useful for the activation of plant defense pathways and to enhance plant response/systemic acquired resistance (SAR) against broad types of plant pathogens and mitigating multiple stresses under the changing climate conditions.”

Clinical Trials -Beta Glucan: – See human studies in bold print throughout this web site

 

Clinical Trials -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: “Currently (2019) the American database https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov summarizes 177 B-glucan clinical trials; mostly in cancer, gastrointestinal tract therapy, lowering cholesterol and improvements of immune reactions.  In addition, this database mostly covers trials either performed in the USA or a least involving U.S. companies, therefore the overall number of clinical trials currently running will be much higher.” [Note: Additional clinical trials in international locations may not be currently reported]

Cognition / Memory/Cognitive Decline, Brain

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.”

Cognition, Beta Glucan & the Gut-Brain Axis:   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, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-020-00920-y , PMID 33008466, Oct 2, 2020. Quote: “This study provides the first evidence that B-glucan improves indices of cognition and brain function with major beneficial effects all along the gut microbiota brain axis.  …Our data suggest thatelevating consumption of B-glucan-rich foods is an….nutritional strategy to …prevent neurodegenerative diseases … .

Cognitive Decline, 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].”

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.”

Cognitive Decline – Stress Induced:    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.

Cognitive / 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.”

See “Colds” below also.

Colds: See also “Respiratory” and “Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI)”

 

Colds – Human Trials – Respiratory Tract Infection:   Shokri-Mashhadi N, Kazemi M, et al, “Effects of select dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections [RTI]: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials,” Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, 15:6, 805-82,  https://doi.org/10.1080/17476348.2021.1918546 , April 26, 2021. Quote: “Yeast beta-glucan supplementation may be associated with decreased RTIs [respiratory tract infections] symptoms such as the number of days with the common cold or flu symptoms.” 

Colds 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.”

Colds-Human Children Trials: Baldassarre ME, Maura AD, et al, “Resveratrol Plus Carboxymethyl-B-Glucan in Infants With Common Cold: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial,” Heliyon 6(4):e03814, PMID: 32322697, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03814 , Apr 21 2020. Quote: “These data suggest that a solution containing resveratrol plus caraboxymethyl-B-glucan might have a positive impact on both clinical and socio-economic burden due to infant common cold.” Note: Resveratrol is a plant compound that acts like an antioxidant. The top food sources include red wine, grapes, some berries and peanuts.

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.”

Colds / URTIs-Human Children Trials: Meng F, “Baker’s Yeast Beta-Glucan Decreases Episodes of Common Childhood Illness in 1 to 4 Year Old Children during Cold Season in China,” Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences, 6:518. March 29, 2016. Quote: “Infections, especially upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), are common in early childhood…The ability of bakers yeast beta glucan (BYBG) to reduce the number of episodes of common childhood illness in 1 to 4 year old children was evaluated in a 12 week randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study conducted in China. …85% of children in the placebo group experienced one or more episodes of infectious illness. By contrast, there were only 47% and 32% children in BYBG [bakers yeast beta glucan] treatment groups experienced infectious illness, significantly less than placebo group (p<0.001). The placebo group had significantly higher URTI incidence per child (p<0.0001) and more days with URTI symptoms (p< 0.0001).”

Colds-2 Clinical Trials: Stier H, Ebbeskotte V, Gruenwald J, “Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta 1,3/1,6-D glucan,” Nutr J 13:38, PMCID: PMC 4012169, 2014. Quote: “In contrast, a lower susceptibility to cold episodes reflects an improved defense against infections and, hence, a properly functioning immune system. Therefore, common cold is widely used as a proper model to investigate potential immune-modulating properties of natural substances, including β-glucans. …Two independent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials showed that daily oral administration of the proprietary insoluble (1,3)-(1,6)-β-glucan, derived from brewers’ yeast, reduced the incidence of common cold episodes during the cold season in otherwise healthy subjects….During the most intense infection season, the β-glucan group had significantly less infections compared to placebo. Ingestion of β-glucans significantly reduced the typical cold symptoms. …The second trial with 162 participants confirmed these results, as the number of cold episodes was reduced by 25% in the β-glucan group, compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the authors reported a milder progression of severe common cold episodes in subjects supplemented with β-glucans. Also, sleeping difficulties, regarded as a side effect of a cold infection, were improved by the supplementation of β-glucan”

Colds / Pathogens-Human Clinical Trial: Aulinger 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 [162]. ” Eur J Nutr, 52: 1913-1918; . PMID 233340963, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10048-012-0349-2 ,Jan 23, 2013. Quote: “…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…the yeast beta-glucan preparation increased the body’s potential to defend against invading pathogens.”

Colds/Flu -Beta Glucan – Upper Respiratory Tract Infection – Immunoglobulin production – Human Study:  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.

Colds/Flu-Human Study: 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, 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.”

Colds-Human Clinical Trial: Graugaum H-J, Busch R, Stier H., “A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled nutritional study using an insoluble yeast beta-glucan to improve the immune defense system.” Dood Nutr Sci, 3(6):738-746, WMD, June 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. …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.”

Colds/Influenza-Human Study:   Feldman SS, Kalman DS, Mayers A, Kohrman HM, Clemens R, Krieger DR, “Randomized Phase II Clinical Trials of Wellmune for Immune Support During Cold and Flu Season,” Journal of Applied Research: 9:30-42; Miami Research Associates, USC School of Pharmacy, WMD, July 16, 2009. Quote: “This pilot trial examined whether beta-glucan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae can favorably decrease the risk of or symptomology associated with upper respiratory illness. Forty healthy adult subjects (18-65 years of age) were enrolled in a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group trial conducted during cold/flu season. The treatment compared … gluco polysaccharide (beta glucan) (500 mg/d) vs a placebo (500 mg rice flour). Cold/flu symptoms were evaluated by medical staff … . There were no significant differences in the incidence of symptomatic respiratory infections (SRIs) among the study groups. However, none of subjects in the WGP group missed work or school due to colds, while …the placebo group missed an average of 1.38 days. Quality of Life, assessed by the Physical Component Summary score, improved significantly in the WPG group vs the placebo group after 90 days … . The WGP group had a significantly lower average fever score that the placebo group … . No adverse events were detected and no safety concerns were presented.  This preliminary study suggests 1,3-1,6 beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae may modulate the  immune system and reduce some risks associated with upper respiratory influenza infections.”

 

Colitis, Colorectal – Inflammation:     Yewen X, Shao F, et al, “Whole B-glucan particle attenuates AOM [azoxmehtane]/DSS [dextran sodium sulfate]-induced colorectal tumorigenesis in mice via inhibition of intestinal inflammation,” Front Pharmacol, 14:1017475, PMID: 36713833, https://doi.org/10:3389/fphar.2023.1017475 , Jan 12, 2023.

Quote: “Yeast B-glucan is a polysaccharide purified from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, and its multiple biological activities are essential for immune regulation. However, the effect of B-glucan on the intestinal immune response during colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is unclear.  CAC  induced by AOM [azoxmehtane]/DSS [dextran sodium sulfate]-had fewer tumors than untreated mice after oral B-glucan and dextran sodium sulfate [DSS] because of increased antitumor dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in more CD8:T cells and the production of related cytokines.

…These data suggest that B-glucan improves experimental intestinal inflammation and delays the development of CAC. Therefore B-glucan is feasible for treating chronic colitis and CAC [colitis-associated colorectal cancer] in clinical practice.”

 

Cancer-Colorectal – Inflammation:    Yewen X, Shao F, et al, “Whole B-glucan particle attenuates AOM [azoxmethane]/DSS [dextran sodium sulfate]-induced colorectal tumorigenesis in mice via inhibition of intestinal inflammation,” Front Pharmacol, 14:1017475, PMID: 36713833, https://doi.org/10:3389/fphar.2023.1017475 , Jan 12, 2023.

Quote: “Yeast B-glucan is a polysaccharide purified from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, and its multiple biological activities are essential for immune regulation. However, the effect of B-glucan on the intestinal immune response during colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is unclear.  CAC induced by AOM [azoxmethane]/DSS [dextran sodium sulfate]-had fewer tumors than untreated mice after oral B-glucan and dextran sodium sulfate [DSS] because of increased antitumor dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in more CD8:T cells and the production of related cytokines.

…These data suggest that B-glucan improves experimental intestinal inflammation and delays the development of CAC. Therefore B-glucan is feasible for treating chronic colitis and CAC [colitis-associated colorectal cancer] in clinical practice.”

Coitis: Vuong V, Muthruamalingam K, et al, “Effects of B-glucan, probiotics, and synbiotics on obesity-associated colitis and hepatic manifestations in C57BL/6J mice,” Eur J Nutr, PMID: 34561722, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02668-z , Sep 24, 2021. Quote: “Probiotics and prebiotics are commonly used to improve the gut microbiota. SYN [synbiotics] treatment groups, however, supported the growth of both indigenous and supplemented bacteria while maintaining bacterial diversity. Since prebiotics can support the growth of probiotics, co-administration of these is called synbiotics [SYN].  Obesity-associated colitis can be improved by modulating gut bacteria with B-glucan and probiotics. “

Colorectal Surgery: 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.”

Conjugation – Conjugate

Conjugation:  Sanchez V, Rosales-Mendoza S, et al, “Conjugation of B-glucans on heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) to enhance the immunogenic response in mouse leucocytes,” Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 118:111464, doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111464, PMID: 33255046,  Jan 2021, Epub Aug 30 2020. Quote: “Heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) plays a crucial role in triggering diarrhea and EETEC pathogenesis. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a conjugate of yeast-derived B-glucan with the ST enterotoxin (BGT-ST) and evaluate the antigenic and antioxidant activities. …conjugation efficiency was almost 90%. Cellular viability, phagocytic cell proportion, and respiratory burst enhanced splenocytes stimulated by BG-ST. In addition, nitric oxide production and antioxidant enzymes increased in cells stimulated with BG-ST. In conclusion, the results revealed the successful conjugation of B-glucan with ST peptide enhancing immune and antioxidant parameters  … .”

Conjugated Vaccine Carrier – Cancer – Conjugated Vaccine Carrier:  Wang H, Yang B, Wang Y, Liu F, et al, “B-Glucan as an immune activator and a carrier in the construction of a synthetic MUC1 vaccine,” Chem Common (Camb), 55(2):253-256, PMID: 30534737, https://www.doi.org/10.1039/c8cc07691j, Dec 20 2018. Quote: “We describe the preparation of a cancer vaccine candidate by conjugating a MUC1 peptide antigen to the B-glucan polysaccharide, which serves both as a carrier and an immune activator.  In contrast to amorphous polysaccharides, peptide-B-glucan conjugates form uniform nanoparticles that facilitate the delivery of antigens and binding to myeloid cells, thus leading to the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity.”  Note: “Amorphous” defines as shapeless and “Myeloid” to involving bone

Conjugate Vaccine -Meningococcal disease:   Qiao W, Shaoyang J, et al, “Conjugation of B-glucan markedly increase th immunognicity of meningococcal group Y polysaccharide conjugate vaccine,” Vaccine, 33(17):2066-72. PMID: 25728319, https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.201.02.045, Apr 21, 2015.  Quote: “Miningococcal disease is a fatal illness of sudden onset caused by Neisseria meningitides. … As a stimulator of humoral and cellular immunity, B-glucan can activate macrophages and trigger intracellular processes to secrete cytokines … . Presumably, conjugation of B-glucan ensured the two components to simultaneously reach the antigen presenting cells [APC] and stimulate the immune response. …Thus, conjugation of B-glucan is an effective strategy to markedly improve the CPS-spicific immunogenicity of the conjugate vaccine.

Conjugate Vaccine Adjuvant:   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.” Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 80:1053-61, PMID: 18677470, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00253-008-1618-8m, Aug 2 2008. Quote: “Our laboratory has prepared and characterized a novel microparticulate beta-glucan (MG) from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Because MG particles are rapidly phagocytized by murine peritoneal macrophages and induce the expression of B7 Costimulatory molecules, we hypothesized that MG could serve as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance specific immune responses. …These results suggest that protein antigens can be conjugated to MG …and that these conjugates provide an adjuvant effect for stimulating the antibody response to protein antigens.”

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 (64). 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 (65, 66). The particle size of glucan matters and its generally known that nanoparticles with a diameter 1–2 μm are better absorbed by macrophages than large-size particles.

Conjugate – Beta Glucan: Fungal Vaccine:   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.”

Conjugate – Fungal Pathogen Vaccine Adjuvant: Honey K, “B-Glucan conjugate provides protection,” [as a fungal vaccine], Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, Vol 4,p814; https://doi.org/10.1038/nri1716.  Oct 1 2005. Quote: “At present there are no antifungal vaccines available for the numerous people, in particular, immunocompromised individuals, who are at risk of infection with opportunistic fungal pathogens. …data published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine …indicate immunization with the B-glucan laminarin conjugated to the diphtheria toxiod CRM197 protects mice from infection with Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus….These data show that a single carrier-protein-conjugated B-glucan can induce a protective immune response to subsequent challenge with distinct fungal pathogens that cause markedly disparate disease states.”

 

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Lee HS, Kwon JY, Joo CK. “Topical Administration of B-1,3-Glucan to Modulate Allergic Conjunctivitis in a Murine Model.” Invest Opthalmol Vis Sci,, 57(3), 1352-60;  PMID 27002295; Mar 2016.” Quote: “BG is capable of stimulating IL-10-producing CD4 [Helper T cells]]+ T cells and suppressing both the Th2 response in draining LNs and conjunctival eosinophil infiltration. We therefore demonstrated the therapeutic potential of topical BG administration for allergic conjunctivitis.” Note: LN refers to Lymph Nodes and BG to Beta Glucan.

Constipation – Dysbiosis:  Chen Z, Lin S, et al, “Effects of Bread Yeast Cell Wall Beta-Glucans on Mice with Loperamide-Induced Constipation,” J Med Food,  https://www.doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2019.4407, PMID: 31536448, Sep 19 2019. Quote: “Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by changes in intestinal habits. Increasing evidence indicates that long-term use of irritant laxatives causes serious side effects. …This study showed that B-glucans can influence the intestinal microbiota and restore microecological balance to regulate the express of neurotransmitters and TJP [tight junction protein] to recover intestinal epithelial mechanical barrier. We suggested that B-glucans could be used as an active nutritional supplement to protect the damaged intestinal barrier and help patients who have constipation complications and dysbiosis.” Note: Dysbiosis – Often a gastrointestinal microbial imbalance including small intestinal bacterial or fungal overgrowth.

Coronary Artery Disease: (See Cardiovascular Disease also)

 

Coronary – Periodontal Disease:  Da Silva GC, Costa ED, et al, “Experimental periodontal disease triggers coronary endothelial dysfunction in middle-aged rats: preventive effect of a prebiotic B-glucan,” J Gerontol A Bil Sci Med Sci, glab066, PMID: 33677586, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glab066, Mar 3, 2021. Quote: “Treatment with B-glucan effectively reduced bone loss in periodontal disease and delayed endothelial dysfunction in the coronary artery. …These results suggest that B-glucan has a beneficial effect on the coronary vascular bed.”

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting -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: 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 post 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. [Note: See also below: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting:  Asrsaether E, Rydningen M, et al as the study referenced above]

Coronary – Cardiac Surgery: Aaraether E, Straumbotn F, Rosner A, Busund R, “Oral B-glucan reduces infarction size and improves contractile function in a porcine ischaemia/reperfusion model,” Eur J Cardio-Thorc, Surg.m 41:919-925, doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezr125, Jan 16 2012. Quote: We previously reported a cardioprotective effect of oral B-glucan in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. …Thus, pretreatment with B-glucan may be utilized to attenuate the global Ischaemia/reperfuson injury associated with cardiac surgery on CPB.”

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting:  Asrsaether E, Rydningen M, et al; “Cardioprotective effect of pretreatment with beta-glucan in coronary artery bypass grafting.” Dept of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Univ Hosp of N Norway, Norway. Sand Cardiovasc J. 40(5):298-304; PubMed 17012141. Oct 2006. Quote: “…The aims of the present study were to examine the safety of pretreatment with beta-1,3/1,6-glucan in patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and to investigate whether beta-1,3/1,6-glucan pretreatment could suppress inflammatory response and protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury following CABG.  ……Twenty one patients scheduled for CABG were assigned to oral beta-1,3/1,6-glucan 700 mg (Group 1) or 1 400 mg (Group 2) five consecutive days before surgery and were compared with a control group (Group 3). Blood samples were drawn preoperatively and on the first, third and fifth postoperative day for analysis of acute-phase reactants, hematology, cytokines and myocardial enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan pretreatment is safe in patients undergoing CABG [Coronary artery bypass grafting] and may protect against ischemia reperfusion injury following CABG.”

Coronary Artery Disease – Cholesterol Control-Human Study: Robert Nicolosi, Stacey J Bell, Bruce R Bistrian, Isaac Greenberg, R Armour Forse and George L Blackburn, “Cholesterol Benefits from Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucan Purified from Yeast Cell Wall,” Nutrition and Infection Laboratory, Harvard Medical School; the Centers for the Study of Nutrition and Medicine and for Nutritional Research, and Clowes Surgical Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70, No. 2, 208-212, August 1999. Quote: “The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect on serum lipids of a yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber in 15 free-living, obese, hypercholesterolemic men. … The yeast-derived ß-glucan fiber significantly lowered total cholesterol concentrations and was well tolerated…The link between elevated plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations and the risk of developing coronary artery disease has been clearly established…Elevated plasma cholesterol and, in particular, LDL-cholesterol concentrations are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, whereas an elevated of HDL-cholesterol concentration is inversely correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular…The yeast-derived  B-glucan fiber lowered total cholesterol and raised HDL-cholesterol concentrations significantly. …

Unlike the significant increases in HDL-cholesterol concentrations observed 4 weeks after the end of the study for subjects receiving the yeast-derived ß-glucan, none of the 24 studies of oat products reported significant changes in HDL concentration. …Because higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations are associated with a reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease, there may be unique benefits of using the yeast-derived ß-glucan, and perhaps psyllium, rather than the oat products.“

Coronavirus Infections:  See COVID-19 and Viruses and SARS-CoV-2

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.”

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.”  The red-bellied pacu, an invasive species related to the piranha but with human-like teeth.

 

COVID-19 (See also Viruses, Vaccines and Upper Respiratory Diseases) / SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), Sepsis related

COVID-19 –Brain Fog: EE, Dukes K, Jones D, C AP, Hoffman RM Garg A, “Brain Fog and Fatigue following COVID-19 Infection: An Exploratory Study of Patient Experiences of Long COVID,”  Int J Environ, Res Public Health 15499, https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijeerph192315499,   November 23, 2022. Quote: “The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the lives of millions of people around the globe. …there is a growing population of patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS.CoV-2 (PASC), a term coined by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and commonly referred to as long COVID … . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined post [long] COVID-19 conditions as, ‘ new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.’ “

COVID-19 – Sepsis:  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://www.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.

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. “

COVID-19: Beta Glucan as Adjuvant:  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.”

COVID-19 – 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. “

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.”

COVID-19 Antibodies: [Study does not involve Beta Glucan]  Cohen KW, Linderman S, Moodie Z, et al, “Longitudinal analysis shows durable and broad immune memory after SARS-C.V-2 infection with persisting antibody responses and memory B and T cells,” Cell Reports Mag, 100364, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100354 , July 14 2021. Quote: “Our findings show that most COVID-19 patients induce a wide-ranging [natural] immune defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection, encompassing antibodies and memory B cells recognizing both the RBD and other regions of the spike, broadly-specific and polyfunctional CD4+ T cells, and polyfunctional CD8+T cells.”

COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine 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 augmentng 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.”

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 COVI”D-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.” 

COVID-19 – Beta Glucan as 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.”  Note: Hyper inflammation causing cytokine storms is a major attribute and danger to life in COVID-19. This research did not directly involve COVID-19.

COVID-19 – Beta Glucan:   Ikewaki N, Iwasaki M, Abraham SJK, “Biological response modifier glucan through balancing of blood glucose may have a prophylactic potential in COVID-19 patients,” J Diabetes Metab Disord, 1-4, PMID: 33102263, DOI: 10.1007/s40200-020-00664-4, Oct 21 2020. Quote: “One …key independent indicator [and] predictor of relevance to its [COVID-19’s] prognosis…and outcome has been fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at the  time of admission. Earlier, co-morbidities such as diabetes also have been reported to have a risk of relatively increased mortality due to COVID-19. …We herein report on the beneficial effects of Biological response modifier glucan (BPMG)… which has been proven to bring under control blood sugar levels in human subjects and also has potential in enhancing & regulating the immune parameters in relevance to COVID-19.  We further recommend that this BRMG be tried in clinical studies of COVID-19 to provide a prophylactic effect for validation.”

COVID-19 – Beta Glucan:   Ikewaki N, Rao K, Archibold AD, Iwasaki M, Senthikumar R, Preethy S, Katoh S, Abraham SJK, “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.

BRMG 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 T reg 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 on 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 .

COVID-19:  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: “…a phenomenon known as the ‘cytokine storm’…is a rapid overreaction of the immune system [intense chronic inflammation] . Additionally, coagulation abnormalities, thrombocytopenia and digestive symptoms, including anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea, are often observed in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

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.”

COVID-19:  NIH, “COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines-Interleukin-6 Inhibitors,” https://www.nih.gov/coronavirus , Aug 27, 2020. Quote: “Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pleiotropic, pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of cell types, including lymphocytes, monocytes, and fibroblasts. Infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) induces a dose-dependent production of IL-6 from bronchial epithelial cells. COVID-19-associated systemic inflammation and hypoxic respiratory failure can be associated with heightened cytokine release, as indicated by elevated blood levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dime, and ferritin. It is hypothesized that modulating the levels of IL-6 or its effects may alter the course of the disease.” Note: No IL-6 inhibitors are FDA approved to date 9/9/20. This is an NIH information inclusion unrelated to beta glucan on published information to date. The word “pleiotropic” refers to one gene influencing two or more seemingly unrelated traits. “Hypoxic” refers to diminished transport, delivery and availability of oxygen to the body tissues.

COVID-19:  Murphy EJ, Masterson C, et al, “B-Glucan extracts from the same edible shiitake mushroom Lentinus edodes produce differential invitro immunomodulatory and pulmonary cytoprotective effects – Implications for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) immunotherapies,”  Sci Total Environ, 732:139330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139330. PMID: 32413619, Aug 25, 2020. Quote: “Coronavirus pneumonia is accompanied by rapid virus replication, where a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine storm may lead to acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. The uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-6 is associated with ARDS. …This constituted the first study to report …on the variability in physicochemical properties of B-glucans extracts …on the reduction of these pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.  Our findings demonstrate significant physicochemical differences …which produce differential in vitro immunomodulatory and pulmonary cytoprotective effects that may also have positive relevance to candidate COVID-19 therapeutics targeting cytokine storm.”

COVID-19: Geller A, Yan J, “Could the Induction of Trained Immunity by B-Glucan Serve as a Defense Against COVID-19?”, Front Immunol, 11:1782, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01782, PMID: 32760409, Jul 14 2020. Quote: “Recent studies show that innate immune populations may possess a form of memory, termed Trained Immunity (TRIM), where innate immune cells undergo metabolic, mitochondrial, and epigenetic reprogramming following exposure too an initial stimulus that results in a memory phenotype of enhanced immune responses when exposed to a secondary, heterologous, stimulus.  Here we hypothesize a potential role for B-glucan in decreasing worldwide morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19, and…how TRIM may actually shape the observed epidemiological phenomena related to COVID-19. Ultimately, we hypothesize that the use of oral B-glucan in a prophylactic setting could be an effective way to boost immune responses and abrogate symptoms in COVID-19, though clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this treatment … .”  Notes: “phenotype” is an observable characteristic of an organism. “heterologous” is derived from a different species. “epigenetic reprogramming” refers to no DNA change.

COVID-19:   Rao KS, Suryaprakash VS, et al, “Role of Immune Dysregulation [impairment, compromise] in Increased Mortality Among a Specific Subset of COVID-19 Patients and Immune-Enhancement Strategies for Combatting Through Nutritional Supplements,” Front Immunol, 11:1548, PMID: 32733487, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01548, July 9 2020. Quote: “A literature search on mortality-related comorbid conditions was performed …[including] pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could cause the draining of the immune reservoir. ..Major comorbid conditions associated with increased mortality include cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, being immunocompromised by cancer, and severe kidney disease with a senile immune system.  …People with co-morbid conditions who are more prone to COVID-19-related deaths due to immune dysregulation [compromise] are likely to benefit from consuming nutritional supplements that enhance the immune system.

Consumption of Aureobasidium strain (AFO)-202) beta 1,3-1,6 glucan supported enhanced IL-8, sFAS macrophage activity, and NK cells’ cytotoxicity, which are major defense mechanisms against viral infection.  We recommend clinical studies to validate … beta [1,3-1,6] glucan in COVID-19 patients to prove its efficacy in overcoming a hyper-inflammation status, thus reducing the mortality, … .” Note: AFO-202 beta glucan is a Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan produced by the AFO-202 strain of a black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans (U.S. Patent 6956120, Ikewaki N, et al; Japan Patent 2004-329077) https//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17895603

COVID-19:  DiNicolantonio JJ, Barroso-Aranda J, “Harnessing Adenosine A2A Receptors as a Strategy –or Suppressing the Lung Inflammation and Thrombotic Complications of COVID-19: Potential of Pentoxifylline and Dipyridamole,” Editorial, Med Hypotheses, 143:110051, PMID: 3250197,  https://doi.org/10.1016/i.mehv.2020.11051, and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32650197 Jul 2, 2020. “Quote: “Counterproductive lung inflammation and dysregulated thrombosis contribute importantly to the lethality of advanced COVID-19. Adenosine A2A receptors (A@AR) expressed by a wide range of immune cells, as well as endothelial cells and platelets, exert cAMP-mediated anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects that potentially could be highly protective in this regard. …we propose that the combination of PTX +DIP [Pentoxifylline + Dipyridamole] can be used in both early and advanced stages of COVID-19. Concurrent use of certain nutraceuticals- yeast beta-glucan, zinc, vitamin D, spirulina, phase 2 inducers, N-acetylcysteine, glucosamine, quercetin, and magnesium – might also improve therapeutic outcomes in COVID-19.”

COVID-19: Horowitz RI, Freeman PR, “Three Novel Prevention, Diagnostic, and Treatment Options for COVID-19 Urgently Necessitating Controlled Randomized Trials,” Medical Hypotheses, Vol 143, PMID: 32534175, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109851, May 22, 2020. Quote: “Prevention practices [for COVID-19] that need to be scientifically evaluated …shown to have anti-viral effects against COVID-19 in vitro, [are] nutraceuticals including zinc, vitamin C, Beta glucan and GSH. …Beta-glucans have been extensively published in the medical literature as having significant immunomodulatory properties and double blind, placebo controlled trials [Fuller R, 2011, https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2011.11.012 and Dharsono T, 2019, DOI 10.1080/07315724.2018.1478339] have shown benefit in decreasing the severity of upper respiratory tract infections and lowering monocyte chemotactic protein-1.”  Note: “GSH” refers to glutathione.

COVID-19:  Oz MC MD-Cardiologist, “Coronavirus Survival Guide,” Fox News, Attending Physician at NY Presbyterian-Columbia Medical Center, March 9, 2020. Quote: “…If you are sick [with COVID-19], take 80 mg of zinc daily, 250 mg of vitamin C twice daily, 250 mg of beta glucan daily and elderberry syrup or lozenges twice a day for 5 days.” Note: This is not a research study but opinion by Mehmet Oz, MD.  Dr. Oz makes additional recommendations while soliciting no commercial brand product in his Coronavirus Survival Guide. The website with the entire article: foxnews.com/media/dr-ozs-coronavirus-survival-guide .

COVID-19:  McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, “Nutraceuticals have potential for boosting the type 1 interferon response to RNA viruses including influenza and coronavirus,” Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases published by Elsevier, PMID: 32061635; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.02.007, Feb 12 2020. Quote: “In light of a worldwide concern regarding the recent outbreak of a deadly novel strain of coronavirus, it is fortuitous that…recent discoveries point the way to effective nutraceutical measures for potentiation the type 1 interferon response to interferon response to RNA viruses [including influenza and coronavirus].

…With respect to practical efforts to prevent and control RNA virus infections [including influenza and coronavirus], nutraceutical preparations intended to provide protection in this respect might reasonably also include brewer’s yeast beta-glucan – which can amplify dendritic cell activation via dectin-1 and CR3 receptors; this agent has clinically documented immunostimulant effects, and has been shown to protect mice challenged with influenza virus. …Provisional daily dosage suggestions for nutraceuticals that might aid control of RNA viruses including influenza and coronavirus: Ferulic acid-500-1,000 mg or Lipoic acid-1,200 to 1,800 mg; Spirulina-15g; N-Acetylcysteine-1,200 to 1,800 mg; Selenium-50 to 100 mcg; Glucosamine-3,000 mg; Zinc-30 to 50 mg; Yeast Beta-Glucan-250 to 500 mg; Elderberry-600 to 1,500 mg.”

COVID-19 -Not a Covid-19 study, but a Double blind Human Clinical Study involving Upper Respiratory Tract Infection:  Notice: This human study was not associated with COVID-19 or the SARSCoV-2 virus, but does relate to severe upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) recognized as a frequent, severe and potentially deadly component of COVID-19 and beta 1,3/1,6 glucan. Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan in the study was found to increase the cytokine IL-10 associated with a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha that promote inflammation.  While beta 1,3/1,6 glucan can contribute to inflammation, it is also indicated beta 1,3/1,6 glucan can help control and shut down inflammation on completion of need.

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.”

COVID-19 -Not a Covid-19 study, but a Double blind Human Clinical Study involving Upper Respiratory Tract Infection with Older Adults: Notice: This human study was not associated with COVID-19 or the SARSCoV-2 virus, but does relate to severe upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) recognized as a frequent, severe and potentially deadly component of COVID-19 and results of human tests to determine potential benefits of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan.

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]

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.”

 

Crohn’s Disease

 

Crohn’s Disease /(IBD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease)-Human Study:  Mall John-Peter, Casado-Bedmar M, et al, “A B-Glucan -Based Dietary Fiber Reduces Mast Cell-Induced Hyper permeability in Ileum From Patients with Crohn’s Disease and Control Subjects,’ Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Vol 24, Issue 1 pp 166-178, PMID 29272475, Jan 1, 2018. Quote: “B-Glucan significantly attenuated [weakened] MC-induced paracellular hyperpermeability in CD [Crohn’s Disease] and controls. …We demonstrated beneficial effects of B-glucan on intestinal barrier function and increased B-glucan-passage through FAE model.”  Note: mast cell (MC)-induced hyperpermeability in follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) and villlus epithelium (VE) of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). B-Glucan used was yeast derived Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan.

Cryptococcal meningitis – fungal:  Hester MM, Lee CK, Abraham A, et al, “Protection of mice against experimental cryptococcosis [fungus] using glucan particle-based vaccines containing novel recombinant antigens,” Vaccine, SO264-410X(19)31431-8, PMID: 31699504, Nov 4 2019. Quote”Meningitis due to Cryptococus neoformans is responsible for upwards of 180,000 deaths worldwide annually, mostly in immunocompromised individuals.  Currently there are no licensed fungal vaccines, and even with anti-fungal drug treatment, cryptococcal meningitis is often fatal. …Our lab previously demonstrated vaccination with recombinant cryptococcal proteins delivered in glucan particles (GPs) protects mice against an otherwise lethal infection. …These screens highlight the efficacy of Glucan-particle-subunit vaccines and identify promising antigens for further testing in anti-cryptococcal, multi-epitope vaccine formulations.”

Cytokine Release: Beta(1-3)glucan: “I1-1 Cytokine Release after Oral Application in Mice”. Baylor College of Medicine. Research Report. 1994.

Cytokine IL1 & IL2 enhanced production:   Sherwood ER, Williams DL, Browder IW, Di Luzio NR, et al, “Enhancements of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 production by soluble glucan.” Int J Immunopharmacol, 9(3):261-7, PMID: 3497113, DOI: 10.1016/0192-0561(87)90049, WMD, 1987. Quote: “This study demonstrates that: (1) glucan will enhance IL-1 and IL-2 production and (2) elevations in lymphokine production can be maintained up to 12 days post-glucan.”

D

“Dectin-1 Cell ReceptorDecubitus Ulcers,” “Diabetes”, “Dosage”, “Fungus”, “Heart Diseases” ,”Hepatitis” and Much More

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor

Dectin-1 – Independent Macrophage Phagocytosis, Ochoa AE, Congel JH, et al,  “Dectin-1- Independent Macrophage Phagocytosis of Mycobacterium abscssus,” J Mol Sci, 24(13);11062,  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241311062 , PMID: 37446240, Jul 4 2023.

Dectin-1 : “Dectin-1 signaling coordinates innate and adaptive immunity for potent host defense against viral infection,”  Kim HW, Ko MK, et al, Front Immunol, 14:1194502;  , eCollection 2023. PMID; 37334361, https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1194502  , Jun 2 2023.  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.  …B-D-glucan elicited a robust cellular immune response and early, mid- and long-term immunity. Moreover it exhibited potent host defense by modulating host’s innate and adaptive immunity. ”

Dectin-1 -Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Wang Min-xlu, Luo Wu, Ye Lin et al, “Dectin-1 plays a deleterious [harmful] role in high fat diet-induced NAFLD [non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]; Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 120-132.  https://doi.org/10.1038/S41401-022-0926-2; PMID: 35689091, June 10, 2022. Quote: “Dectin-1 was required for hepatic macrophage activation and inflammatory factor induction. …Condition media generated from Dectin-1 deficient macrophages failed to cause hepatocyte lipid accumulation and hepatic stellate activation. …[No Dectin-1 no activation] Dectin-1 in NAFLD through enhancing macrophage pro-inflammatory responses [when activated by beta 1,3/1,6 glucan] suggest that it can be targeted to prevent inflammatory NAFLD.”

Dectin-1 / Candida albicans : Hameed S, Hans Sandeep, et al, “Revisiting the Vital Drivers and Mechanisms of B-Glucan Masking in Human Fungal Pathogen, Candida albicans,” Pathogens, 10(8); 942, https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10080942, July 27 2021. Quote: “C. albicans is a dimorphic, opportunistic fungus that causes candidiasis in immunocompromised patients, particularly among those individuals undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, burn injuries, etc. …When fungi infect our bodies, the [fungal] cell wall is crucial in triggering an immune response. The inner cell wall of fungi is high in glucan, which is responsible for triggering an inflammatory response, but immune cells are unable to recognize it. As soon as the glucan is exposed, it is recognized by Dectin-1, a C-type lectin PRR.

When Dectin-1 recognizes B-glucan, myeloid cell signaling is activated along with the phagocytic response, and a pro-inflammatory cytokine response is introduced. Other activities for destroying fungal cells by neutrophils and macrophages are also initiated via their reactive oxygen (RO) and reactive nitrogen (RN) species. …With the aid of macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, Dectin-1 receptors [after recognizing B-glucan 1,3/1,6]  boost innate immunity against Candida albicans.” 

Dectin-1: Castro EDM, 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), PMID 32223047, https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201901071 , Jan 2021. Quote: “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. Innate immune training refers to a newly recognized phenomenon where in compounds may ‘train’ innate immune cells, such that monocyte and macrophage precursor biology is altered to mount a more effective immunological response.”

Dectin-1:Immune Cell Receptor –  Ambati S, Ferarro A, et al, “Dectin-1-Targeted Antifungal Liposomes Exhibit Enhanced Efficacy,” M Sphere 4(2): e00121-19, PMIC 30760610, March 6 2019.  Quote: “The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes pulmonary invasive aspergilliosis resulting in nearly 100,000 deaths each year….1 year survival among patients with invasive aspergillosis is only 25% to 60%.

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 efficient 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.

Dectin 1 – Fungal Diseases – Infection :   Chen SM, Zou Z, et al, “The critical role of Dectin-1 in host controlling systemic Candida krusei infection,” Am J Transi es, 11(2);721-732, PMID 30899374, Feb 15, 2019. Quote: “Candida krusei is a major non-albicans [fungal infection] …which causes mortal infections in immune deficiency population. …We found that Dectin-1 ligand B-(1,3)-glucan [is] markedly exposed on the cell surface of C. krusei… . Dectin-1 is required for host myeloid cells recognition, killing of C. krusei, and development of subsequent Th1 and Th17 cell-mediated adaptive immune response.”  Note: In neutropenic [low neutrophil white blood cell count] patients, fungemia [presence of fungi in the blood] is associated with high mortality. Candida krusei should be suspected in patients with leukemia who are receiving fluconazole prophylaxis.

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor – Takano T, Motozono C, et al, “Dectin-1 Intracellular domain determines species-specific ligand spectrum by modulating receptor sensitivity,” JBC Papers in Press, Manuscrit M117.800847, Aug 28, 2017. Quote: “Dectin-1 is a well-characterized CLR [c-type lectin receptor] that recognizes B-glucan. …Our bodies are continuously exposed to and infected by various types of pathogens, most of which are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)… An…additional member of emerging PRRs is the C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) [including Dectin-1] that sense pathogens or damaged tissues to trigger innate immune responses.” Note: Dectin-1 has been shown to recognize species of several fungal genera, including Candida, Pnemocystis, Coccidioides, Penicillium and others. Recognition of these organisms triggers many protective pathways, such as fungal uptake by phagocytosis and killing via respiratory burst. Activation of dectin-1 also triggers expression of many protecting antifungal cytokines and chemokines.

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor: Batbayar S, Lee DH, Kim HW, “Immunomodulation of Fungal B-Glucan in Host Defense Signaling by Dectin-1,” Biomol Ther (Seoul), (5):433-45, PMID 24009832, Sep 2012. Quote: “Fungal and particulate B-glucans…can be taken up by the M cells of Peyer’s patches, and interact with macrophages or dendritic cells and activate systemic immune responses to overcome the fungal infection. Dectin-1 receptor systems have been incorporated as the PRRs of B-glucans in the innate immune cells of higher animal systems, which function on the front line against fungal infection, and have been exploited in cancer treatments to enhance systemic immune function.”

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor: Drummond RA, Brown GD, “The Role of Dectin-1 in the host defense against fungal infections,” Curr Opin in Microbiol, Vol 14,Issue 4, PP 392-399, PMID 21803640, Aug 2011. Quote: “Dectin-1 is an innate immune pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that, through its ability to bind B-glucans, is involved in the recognition of several pathogenic fungi. Dectin-1 can stimulate a variety of cellular responses …including phagocytosis, cytokine production and the respiratory burst. ….Several advances in our understanding of Dectin-1 immunobiology have been made ….including demonstration of its ability to directly induce the development of adaptive immunity.“

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor: Goodridge H, Reyes C, Becker C, et al, “Activation of the innate immune receptor Dectin-1 upon formation of a “phagocytic synapse.” , Nature, 472(73(7344): 471-478: PMID 21525931, Apr 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, including phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). …In this study we show that despite its ability to bind both soluble and particulate B-glucan polymers, Dectin-1 signaling is only activated by particulate B-glucans. …The “phagocytic synapse” now provides a model mechanism by which innate immune receptors can distinguish direct microbial contact from detection of microbes at a distance, thereby initiating direct cellular anti-microbial responses only when they are required.”

Dectin-1 Receptor   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 other 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.”

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor: Reid DM, Gow NA, Brown GD, “Pattern recognition; recent insights from Dectin-1″ , Curr Opin Immunol, (1):30-7, PMID 1922162, Feb 2009. Quote: “The beta-glucan receptor Dectin-1 …can induce …a variety of cellular responses…. Furthermore, a broader appreciation of the cellular responses mediated by this receptor and the effects of interactions with other receptors… have greatly furthered our understanding of innate immunity and how this drives the development of adaptive immunity, particularly Th17 responses. …Recent studies have highlighted the importance of Dectin-1 in anti-fungal immunity, in both mice and humans, and have suggested a possible involvement of this receptor in the control of mycobacterial infections.“ Note: Th17 is a helper T-cell form.

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor: Brown GD, Gordon S, Herre J, Willment JA, “The role of Dectin-1 in antifungal immunity,” Crit Rev Immunol, 24(3):193-203, PMID 15482254, 2004. Quote: “Dectin-1 [C-type lectin-like receptor] is expressed on phagocytic cells, including macrophages and neutrophils, and mediates both the internalization and cellular responses to beta-glucan… . Dectin-1 can recognize and respond to live fungal pathogens…having a key role in the innate responses to these pathogens.“

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor: Williment JA, Brown G, Gordon S, “Characterization of the human beta-glucan receptor and its alternatively spliced isoforms.” J Biol Chem, 43818-23, PMID 11567029, Nov 2001. Quote: “Beta-1,3-d Glucans are biological response modifiers with potent effects on the immune system. The [Dectin-1] human beta-glucan receptor is a type II transmembrane receptor…widely expressed and functions as a pattern recognition receptor [PRR], recognizing a variety of beta-1,3- and/or beta-1-6 linked glucans [insoluble only] as well as intact yeast.“

Dectin-1 Immune Cell Receptor Dectin-1: Brown GD, Gordon S, “Immune Recognition. A new receptor for beta-glucans.” Nature, 413(6851):36-37, PMID 11544516, Sep 2001. Quote: “…beta-1,3-d-glucans exert potent effects on the immune system – stimulating antitumor and antimicrobial activity – by binding to receptors on macrophages and other white blood cells and activating them. …Hear we identify this unknown receptor as dectin-1…”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: See Muscular Dystrophy

Decubitus Ulcers – See also “Wound Healing” and “Ulcers” [Also described as “bed sores.”]

 

Definition: Bedsores or pressure ulcers are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Medical conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease increase the risk of tissue damage and resulting Decubitus ulcers.

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing-Human Study: Majtan J, Jesenak M, “B-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healing,” Molecules, 1;23(4) PMID: 29614757, Apr 2018. Quote: “B-glucans enhance wound repair by increasing the infiltration of macrophages, which stimulates tissue granulation, collagen deposition and repithelialization. B-glucan wound dressings represent a suitable wound healing agent, with great stability and resistance to wound proteases.”  Note: repithelialization is the process of covering a wound with a new layer of surface epithelial tissue. …”water-insoluble (1-3)-B-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was applied in the form of a cream with a final concentration of 3% directly onto the ulcer bed of 12 patients. This procedure was performed daily for up to 90 days. The…average percentage reduction of an ulcer was 11.3% after 30 days of treatment and 55.23% after 90 days. Insoluble B-glucan has been shown to enhance venous ulcer healing and increase epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increase plasmocyte and fibroblast proliferation.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing:: 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.“

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing-Human Clinical Phase II Trial:  Zykova SN, Balandina KA, et al, “Macrophage stimulating agent soluble yeast B-1/3/1,6-glucan as a topical treatment of diabetic foot and leg ulcers: A randomized double blind, placebo-controlled phase II study,”  J Diabetes Investig, 5(4):392-399, PMID: 25411598, ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT00288392, July 2014. Quote: “Local treatment of diabetic lower extremity ulcers with B-1,3/1,6-polyglucose shows good safety results. This B-glucan preparation shows promising potential as a treatment of accelerating cutaneous healing. …B-glucan can also directly induce production of collagen by dermal fibroblast in vitro.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing-Human Trials: 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, Apr 28, 2014. Quote: “…several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed.  The results confirm the previous findings of in vivo studies. 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, antidiabetic and cholesterol lowering functions.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing-Human Trial: Mederos SD, et al; “Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1-3)-B-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing;”  Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Ave., Petrópolis, Natal, RN 59012-570, Brazil; Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(7):8142-58. Epub Jul 2, 2012. Quote: “The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing – Diabetes-Human Study: Karaasian O, Kankaya Y, et al, “Case series of topical and orally administered B-glucan for the treatment of diabetic wounds: clinical study,” J Cutan Med Surg, 16(3):180-6, PMID 22713441, May-Jun 2012. Quote “Chronic, non healing wounds,  foot ulcers, and lower extremity amputations are among the most problematic complications associated with diabetes mellitus….Our observations support the view that application of glucan hastens epithelialization and wound closure, so topically and orally administered B-(1,3)-glucan therapy can help reverse some of the deficits in impaired healing diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Note: human study group

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing: Berdal M, Appelbom HI, Eikrem JH et al: “Aminated B-1-3-D-glucan has dose-dependent effect on wound healing in diabetic db/db mice.” 19(5):579-87. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-475X.2011.00715.x; Sep-Oct.2011;. Quote: “Inflammatory responses are common in diabetes and are operative in angiopathy, neuropathy, and wound healing. There are indications of incomplete macrophage activation in diabetes and reduced expression of growth factors. We have previously found that up to 15 topical applications of the macrophage-stimulant, aminated β-1,3-D-glucan.” (AG), improved wound healing in db/db mice.

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing: Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J: “B(1,3)-D-glucan affects adipogenesis, wound healing and inflammation,” , Orient. Pharm Exp Med, May 16, 2011. Quote:..B(1-3)-D-glucans…strongly inhibited adipogenic differentiation, supported wound healing and significantly lowered skin irritation.

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing:  BGulcelik MA, Dincer H, et al, “Glucan improves impaired wound healing in diabetic rats.” Wounds, 22(1):12-6, PMID 25901457, Jan 2010. Quote: “Diabetes mellitus is a contributing factor to impaired wound healing in humans. …These results demonstrate that glucan improves impaired wound healing in rats with Diabetes mellitus (DM).”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing – 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.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing-Human Study:  Cerci C, Yildirim M, Ceyhan M, Bozkurt S, Doguc D, Gokicimen A: “The effects of topical and systemic Beta Glucan administration on wound healing impaired by corticosteroids,” Wounds;10(12):341-6, PMID: 25941894, Dec 2008, Quote: “Although both systemic and local administration of beta glucan enhanced percentage wound  contraction, improved epithelialization time, tensile strength, and elevated hydroxyproline level, systemic administration was found to be more effective. These results indicate that systemic and topical beta glucan improve wound healing that has been impaired by corticosteroids… .”.

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing: Chen J, Raymond K, “Beta-glucans in the treatment of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risks,” Vascular Health Risk Management, 4(6): 1265-1272; Dec 2008. Quote: Management of diabetes includes: control of blood glucose level and lipids; and reduction of hypertension. Dietary intake of beta-glucans has been shown to reduce all these risk factors to benefit the treatment of diabetes and associated complications.  In addition, beta-glucans also promote wound healing and alleviate ischemic heart injury.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing: Dinc S, Durmus E, Gulcelik MA, Kuru B, Ustun H, REnda N, Alagol H, “Effects of beta-D-glucan on steroid-induced impairment of colonic anastomotic healing,” Acta Chir Belg, 106(1):63-67, PMID: 16612917, Jan-Feb 2006. Quote: “Inflammation during the early phase of anastomotic wound healing is an essential cellular response and is suppressed by corticosteroids. …Beta-D-glucan, a commonly used macrophage activator, has been shown to improve anastomotic wound healing under normal conditions.  The results indicate that in rat model, oral administration of beta-D-glucan causes a significant improvement in the healing of anastomotic [connecting two sections] wound impaired by long-term corticosteroid administration.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound  Healing-Human Study:  Wei D, Zhang L, Williams DL, Browder IW, “Glucan stimulates human dermal fibroblast collagen biosynthesis through a nuclear factor-1 dependent mechanism,” Wound Repair Regen, 10(3):161-8, PMID: 12100377, May-Jun 2002. Quote: Previous data suggest that glucan modulates wound healing via an indirect mechanism in which macrophages are stimulated to release growth factors and cytokines. …These data indicate that a glucan can directly stimulate human fibroblast collagen biosynthesis through an NF-1-dependent mechanism.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound  Healing-Human Study 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, 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.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound  Healing: Portera CA, Love EJ, Browder IW, Williams DL, et al. “Effect of macrophage stimulation on collagen biosynthesis in the healing wound.” Am Surg, 63(2):125-31, PMID 9012425, Feb 1997. Quote:“Immunomodulators that enhance macrophage function have been shown to be beneficial in a number of wound-healing models in humans and in experimental animals. …These data indicate that macrophage modulation with glucan phosphate will increase tensile strength in experimental colon and skin wounds. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between glucan phosphate treatment, wound tensile strength, and collagen biosynthesis.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing-Human Clinical Trial , Browder IW, DeLusio NR, et al. “Advances in Immunopharmacology: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Immunopharmacology”. May 6-9, 1985. Quote: “…clinical study [21 decubitus ulcers were] treated by the application of particulate glucan…to enhance wound healing by macrophage activation [resulting in] attraction of fibroblasts to the wound area with the subsequent enhancement of collagen formation and wound repair ..as well as reduced infections at the wound site as a consequence of macrophage mobilization and activation. ..17 of 21 Stage IV type ulcers or 81% were markedly improved in a relatively short period of time (2-4 weeks) [with] a significant decrease in wound surface area….These studies clearly indicate that particulate glucan may have a significant role in the promotion of wound healing when topically applied to wound areas.”

Decubitus Ulcers-Wound Healing: Leibovich SJ, Danon D, “Promotion of Wound Repair in Mice by Application of Glucan”.  J. Reticuloendothel, Soc. 27: 1-11. 1980. Quote: “Of all the substances tested, glucan was the only substance to exhibit a particularly marked enhancement of the proliferative phase of wound healing.  It appears, from these experiments, that the effect observed by others in terms of the activation of reticuloendothelial [immune response] function by glucan and the activation of macrophages, both locally and systematically, also apply to activation of macrophages in healing wounds.”

Dermatitus-Atopic-Human Study: Kim IS, Lee SH, et al, “Oral Administration of B-Glucan and Lactobacillus plantarum Alleviates Atoopic Dermatitis-like Symptoms,” J Microbiol Biotechnol, doi: 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.”

Dermatitus-Atopic-Human Study – 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.”

Dermatitis: – Castelli D, Colin L, Camel E, Ries G; “Pretreatment of skin with a Ginkgo biloba extract/sodium carboxymethyl-beta-1,3-glucan formulation appears to inhibit the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis in man;” Contact Dermatitia, 38:3,123-6. Mar 1998. Quote: “…Ginkgo biloba / carboxymethyl-beta-1,3-glucan formulation can mitigate against allergic contact dermatitis.”

Diabetes 

 

Diabetes,Type 2, Obesity – Beta Glucan / Silymarin-milk thistle: Filho V,  SantamalinaAB, et, “Novel nutraceutical supplements with yeast B-glucan, prebiotics, minerals, and silybum marianum (silymarin/milk thistle) ameliorate obesity-related metabolic and clinical parameters: A double-blind randomized trial.” Randomized Controlled Trial – Front Endocrinol (Lausanne); 13:1089938, PMID: 36778595, https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1089938 . Jan 27, 2023. Quote: “The WHO estimates the worldwide prevalence of 1.9 billion overweight adults and more than 650 million people with obesity.  These alarming data highlight the high and growing prevalence of obesity and represent a risk factor for the development and aggravation of other chronic disease, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is frequently considered the hepatic outcome of type 2 diabetes. …In a condition associated with sedentary and no nutritional intervention, the new nutraceutical supplement composition demonstrated the ability to be a strong …tool to improve important biomarkers associated with obesity and its comorbidities.”

Diabetes – 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.”

Diabetes – Beta Glucan:  So Sik Yu, Wu Qinglong, et al, “Yeast B-glucan reduces obesity-associated Bilophila abundance and modulates bile acid metabolism in healthy and high-fat diet mouse models,” Am J Physil Gastrointest Liver Physiol 321(6):G639-G655, PMID: 34643089, https://doi.org/10.1152/aipgi.00226.2021 , Dec 1, 2021. Quote: “Our results demonstrate that Y-BG [yeast beta glucan] modulates gut microbiota community composition and bile acid signaling,…Yeast-beta glucan [Y-BG] improved insulin sensitization ..and reduced Bilophila abundance.”  Note: Bilophila wadsworthia synergizes with high-fat diet to promote higher inflammation, intestinal barrier dysfunction and bile acid dysmetabolism, leading to higher glucose dysmetabolism and hepatic steatosis.

Diabetes – Periodontal Disease:  Assi DV, Pereira ANJ, et al, “Dose-response effect of prebiotic ingestion (B-glucans isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in diabetic rats with periodontal disease,” Diabetol Metab Syndr, 13(1);111., PMID: 34663444, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-021-00729-1 , Oct 18 2021. Quote: Periodontal disease is one of the most frequent comorbidities in diabetic patients and can contribute to poor blood glucose control. …BG [Bea-glucans] ingestion reduced ABL [alveolar bone loss] and improved inflammatory profile in a dose-dependent manner.”

Diabetes – 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 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 … .”

Diabetes – 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]: Cereal & fungal β-glucans reduce CVD risk factors presenting health benefits. Lowering lipid & glucose levels after β-glucan treatment positively effects CVD. 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.”

Diabetes – 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].”

Diabetes – Retinopathy-Human Study: Josef R, Jitka P, Martina Z, et al. “Concentration of NK cells after B-glucan and vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy,” Folia Microbiologica, PMID: 32248405, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-020-007789, April 4 2020. Quote: “In our study, we focused on possible effects of supplementation with glucan and vitamin D on total numbers of NK [natural killer lymphocyte immune cells] in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Our results show that 3 months of supplementation with both glucan and vitamin D resulted in significant improvements of  [desired] NK cell numbers. Based on these result we propose that the molecule responsible for these changes is glucan, as vitamin D alone or together with placebo caused no effects. Note: Retinopathy is an eye condition in which due to Diabetes mellitus, damage occurs to the eye retina’s blood vessels. NK immune cells are best known for killing virally infected cells.

Diabetes:  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.”

Diabetes: Maheshwari G, Sowrerajan S, et al, “B-Glucan, a dietary fiber in effective prevention of lifestyle diseases – An insight,” Bioactive Carb. and Dietary Fibre, Vol 19, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcdf.2019.100187, July 2019. “Quote: “B-Glucan (B-G), a dietary fiber and a biologically active natural polysaccharide, is helpful in the prevention and control of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetics and cancer. …Lowering the LDL cholesterol, the glycemic index and blood sugar, along with the antioxidant, anticancer and free radical scavenging property, B-glucan is efficient in trapping the reactive oxygen.”

Diabetes – Long NT, Anh NTN, et al, “Radiation Degradation of B-Glucan with a Potential for Reduction of Lipids and Glucose in the Blood of Mice, ” Polymers (Basel), 11(6) PMID: 31159434, Jun 1 2019. Quote: “Radiation-degraded B-glucans with molecular weights in the range of 11-48 KDa reduced the total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels in the blood of administered mice. …These results indicate that the degraded B-glucan …is a very promising ingredient that can be used in nutraceutical food for therapeutics of diabetic and dyslipidemia.”

Diabetes – Human Study:  Richter J, Zavorkova M, Vetvicka, V, et al, “Effects of B-glucan and Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy,” J Diet Suppl, 1-10. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1458769, PMID 29920123, Jun 19 2018. Quote: “Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. …Based on these findings, we conclude the importance of Vitamin D and B-glucan supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy.” 

Diabetes – Insulin Delivery:  Sabu C, Raghav D, et al, “Bioinspired oral insulin delivery system using yeast microcapsules,” Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 103:109753, PMID: 31349477, May 23 2019. Quote, “We present a promising bioinspired approach against type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) using yeast microcapsule (YMC). The glucan component in the outer shell of baker’s yeast undergoes receptor-mediated uptake by phagocytic cells through M cell-mediated endocytosis. Thus, a drug can be expected to be delivered to the systemic circulation via lymphatic transport if it is attached to the surface of [a] yeast microcapsule (YMC). …A significant hypoglycemic effect was observed after oral administration of the alginate coated insulin-loaded yeast microcapsule (AL-IYMC) in diabetic rats. The AL-IYMCs could serve as a promising approach towards the oral delivery of insulin.”

Diabetes-Human Study:  Zavorkova M, Vetvicka, V, et al, “Effects of Glucan and Vitamin D Supplementation on Obesity and Lipid Metabolism in Diabetic Retinopathy,” Open Biochem J, 12:36-45, PMID: 29760812, Mar 30, 2018. Quote: “Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease manifested by an increase of blood glucose. Objective: To evaluate the effects of glucan and vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. …Results: The supplementation strongly decreased the cholesterol levels and improved the levels of HDL cholesterol.  Conclusion: From our data, we concluded that glucan and vitamin D supplementation strongly influence lipid metabolism and have positive effects on human health.”

Diabetes –  Inflammation – Suppression – 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, 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 SAA. 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.”

Diabetes: Cao Y, Zou S, Sun Y, et al., “Orally Administered Baker’s Yeast B-Glucan Promotes Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis in the Livers of Obesity and Diabetes Model Mice,”  J Agric Food Chem, 8;65(44):9665-9674, PMID: 29035040; Nov 2017. Quote: “BYG [Baker’s yeast glucan] “It was found that [orally administered] BYG decreased the blood glucose and the hepatic glucose and lipid disorders. …All these findings demonstrated that Baker’s Yeast Glucan (BYG) is beneficial for regulating glucose and lipid homeostasis in diabetic mice, and thus has potential applications in anti-diabetic foods or drugs.”

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.”

Diabetes: Andrade, et al, “Exercise and Beta-Glucan Consumption (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Improve the Metabolic Profie and Reduce the Atherogenic Index in Type 2 Diabetic Rats (HFD?STZ)” Nutrients 8(12) Dec 17, 2016. Quote: “It was concluded that both beta-glucan and exercise improved metabolic parameters …Isolated use of beta-glucan decreased glucose levels in fasting, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and atherogenic index of plasma.”

Diabetes:  Cao Y, Zou S, et al., “Hypoglycemic activity of Baker’s yeast B-glucan in obese/type 2 diabetic mice and the underlying mechanism,” Mol Nutr Food Res, PMID:27396408  DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201600032 , July 10, 2016. Quote: “B-Glucans have been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. …pure B-glucan (BYGlc) was a linear Beta-(1,3) glucan.. It was first found that the oral administration of pure B-glucan into T2D and DIO mice significantly down-regulated the blood glucose through suppressing SGLT-1 expression in intestinal mucosa. Meanwhile pure B-glucan promoted glycogen synthesis and inhibited fat accumulation in the liver… and depressed pro-inflammatory cytokines.”

Diabetes:: 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.”

Diabetes-Human Studies Review: Andrede EF, Vieira L, Vasques A, “Effect of Beta-Glucans in the Control of Blood Glucose Levels of Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review.” Nutr Hosp, 1;31(1):170-177,  2015; Quote: “…the ingestion of BGs [beta- glucans] was efficient in decreasing glucose levels of diabetic patients.”

Diabetes – Silva VO, Lobato RV, et al, “B-Glucans (Saccharomyces cereviseae) Reduce Glucose Levels and Attenuate Alveolar Bone Loss in Diabetic Rats with Periodontal Disease,” PLoS One, Aug 20;10(8):e0134742. PMID 26291983: PMC4546386, 2015. Quote: “…oral ingestion of β-glucans isolated from Saccharomyces cereviseae … reduced the amount of alveolar bone loss in animals with periodontal [gum] disease in both the diabetic and non-diabetic groups). β-glucans reduced blood glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in diabetic animals, both with and without periodontal disease.” It was concluded that usage of β-glucans has beneficial metabolic and periodontal effects in diabetic rats with periodontal disease.

Diabetes – Wound Healing: Gulcelik M, Sahin D, Dincer H, Alagol H, “Glucan Improves Impaired Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats,” Wounds, 22(1) April 2015: Quote: “The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of glucan on improving abdominal wall wound healing in rats with Diabetes mellitus (DM). …These results demonstrate that glucan improves impaired wound healing in rats with Diabetes mellitus (DM)”,

Diabetes – Karmuthil-Melethil S, Sofi MH, etc, “TLR2- and Dectin 1-associated innate immune response modulates T-cell response to pancreatic B-cell antigen and prevents type 1 diabetes;” Diabetes 64(4):1341-57. PMID: 25377877 PMCID:PMC4375080; Apri 2015. Quote: “These results show that zymosan [containing beta glucan] can be used as an immune regulatory adjuvant for modulating the T-cell response to pancreatic B-cell-Ag [antigen] and reversing early-stage hyperglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes.” [hyperglycemia=high blood sugar glucose]

Diabetes – Karumuthil-Melethil S, Gudi R, etc. “Fungal B-glucan, a Dectin-1 ligand, promotes protection from type 1 diabetes by inducing regulatory innate immune response.” J Immunol, 193(7):3308-21, https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1400186. PMID:25143443; PMCID:PMC4170060. Oct 1, 2014 ; Quote: “Studies using  B-glucans and other Dectin 1 binding components have demonstrated the potential of these agents in activating the immune cells for cancer treatment and controlling infections. …In this study, we show that the β-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae induces the expression of immune regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β1, and IL-2) and a tolerogenic enzyme (IDO) in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells as well as spleen cells.…NOD mice with low-dose β-glucan resulted in a profound delay in hyperglycemia, and this protection was associated with increase in the frequencies of Foxp3(+), LAP(+), and GARP(+) T cells.  …the innate immune response induced by low-dose B-glucan is regulatory in nature and can…modulate T cell response to B cell Ag  for inducing an effective protection from Type 1 Diabetes.” Note: B cell Ag (antigen) receptors mediate different types of signals between immature B cells and mature B cells.

Diabetes: foot & leg ulcers-Human Clinical Trial:  Zykova SN, Balandina KA, et al, “Macrophage stimulating agent soluble yeast B-1/3/1,6-glucan as a topical treatment of diabetic foot and leg ulcers: A randomized double blind, placebo-controlled phase II study,”  J Diabetes Investig, 5(4):392-399, PMID: 25411598, ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT00288392, July 2014. Quote: “Local treatment of diabetic lower extremity ulcers with B-1,3/1,6-polyglucose shows good safety results. This B-glucan preparation shows promising potential as a treatment of accelerating cutaneous healing.”

Diabetes-Human Clinical Trials Review: 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, Apr 28, 2014. Quote: “…several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed.  The results confirm the previous findings of in vivo studies. 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, antidiabetic and cholesterol lowering functions.”

Diabetes – colon anastomosis:  Yenidogan, E, Gulcelik MA, et al, “Effects of Beta-d-glucan on diabetic colon anastomosis,” Wounds, J25(7):171-7, PMID 25867035, Jul 2013. Quote: “This study indicates that oral administration of beta-D-glucan significantly improves the impaired anastomotic healing in rats with diabetes mellitus.”  Note: Colonic anastomosis is used to restore colonic continuity, or a new connection between two body structures that carry fluid, including  after resection of colon related to diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes-Human Study: Lieseloe C, et al, “Role of dietary beta-glucans in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome,” Nutrition Reviews, Vol 70:8, pp 444-458, 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.”

Diabetes: Ulcers – Venous- Human Study: Medeiros SD, et al; “Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1-3)-B-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing;”  Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Ave., Petrópolis, Natal, RN 59012-570, Brazil; Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(7):8142-58. Jul 2, 2012. Quote: “The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. …”water-insoluble (1-3)-B-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was applied in the form of a cream with a final concentration of 3% directly onto the ulcer bed of 12 patients.

This procedure was performed daily for up to 90 days. The…average percentage reduction of an ulcer was 11.3% after 30 days of treatment and 55.23% after 90 days. Insoluble B-glucan has been shown to enhance venous ulcer healing and increase epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increase plasmocyte and fibroblast proliferation. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing.” Note: Hyperplasia is increased cell production in a normal tissue or organ.

Diabetes -Wound Healing-Human Study: Karaasian O, Kankaya Y, et al, “Case series of topical and orally administered B-glucan for the treatment of diabetic wounds: clinical study,” J Cutan Med Surg, 16(3):180-6, PMID 22713441, May-Jun 2012. Quote “Chronic, nonhealing wounds, foot ulcers, and lower extremity amputations are among the most problematic complications associated with diabetes mellitus….Our observations support the view that application of glucan hastens epithelialization and wound closure, so topically and orally administered B-(1,3)-glucan therapy can help reverse some of the deficits in impaired healing diseases such as diabetes mellitus.”  Note: human study group

Diabetes / 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. …  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.”

“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.”

Diabetes- Najm WI, “An Overview on Nutraceuticals and Herbal Supplements for Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome,” Nutritional and Therapeutic Interventions for Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, Pages 355-365, 2012, Quote: “Beta-glucan can modulate the autoimmune mechanisms directed to pancreatic islets and inhibit the development of diabetes in BB rats.”

Diabetes-Metabolic Syndrone:  Cloetens L, Ulmius M, et al, “Role of dietary beta-glucans in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome,” Nutr Rev, 70(8):444-458, WMD,  PMID: 22835138; https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00494, Aug 2012. Quote: “Beta-glucan also improves the glycemic index of meals and beneficially influences glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or MetS [metabolic syndrome].”

Diabetes:  Khoury DE, Cuda C, et al, “Beta Glucan: Health Benefits in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome,” J Nutr Metab,  eoi: 10.1155/2012/851362 , PMID 22187640, Dec 11 2011. Quote: “In this particular study, chitin-glucan [Beta 1-3 branched chitin-glucan] decreased high fat-induced body weight gain, fat mass development, fasting hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, hepatic triglyceride accumulation, and hypercholesterolemia, irrespective of caloric intake.”

Diabetes: :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).”

Diabetes – Wound Healing:  B Gulcelik MA, Dincer H, et al, “Glucan improves impaired wound healing in diabetic rats.” Wounds, 22(1):12-6, PMID 25901457, Jan 2010. Quote: “Diabetes mellitus is a contributing factor to impaired wound healing in humans. …These results demonstrate that glucan improves impaired wound healing in rats with Diabetes mellitus (DM).”

Diabetes – Human & Animal Study: 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.”

Diabetes:   Gugnet-Anceau C, Nazare C, et al, “P.A. controlled study of consumption of beta-glucan -enriched soups for 2 months by type 2 diabetic free-living subjects.” Br J Nutr, 103(3):422-428, WMD 2010.

Diabetes: Chen J, Raymond K, “Beta-glucans in the treatment of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risks,” Vascular Health Risk Management, 4(6): 1265-1272; PMCID:PMC2663451; WMD, Dec 2008. Quote: “Management of diabetes includes: control of blood glucose level and lipids; and reduction of hypertension. Dietary intake of beta-glucans has been shown to reduce all these risk factors to benefit the treatment of diabetes and associated complications.  In addition, beta-glucans also promote wound healing and alleviate ischemic heart injury.”

Diabetes – Wound Healing:  Berdal M, Appelbom HI, etc, “Aminated beta-1,3-D-glucan improves wound healing in diabetic db/db mice,.” Wound Repair Regen 15(6):825-32 PMID 18028130, Nov-Dec 2007: Quote: “The macrophage-stimulant aminated beta-1,3-d glucan (AG) improves wound healing in db/db mice.”

Diabetes :  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.”

Diabetes: 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: “The literature suggests beta-glucans are effective in treating diseases like cancer, a range of microbial infections, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. … The major risk is vascular injury leading to heart disease, which is accelerated by increased lipid levels and hypertension.    Dietary intake of beta-glucans has been shown to reduce all these risk factors to benefit the treatment of diabetes and associated complications. In addition, beta-glucans also promote wound healing and alleviate ischemic heart injury.”

Diabetes / Glucose Metabolism:   Reyna NY, Cano C, et al, “Sweeteners and beta-glucans improve metabolic and anthropometrics variables in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients,” Am J Ther, 10(6):438-43, WMD, PMID: 14624282, https://doi.org/10.1097/00045391-d00311000-00010, Nov-De 2003. Quote: “A diet incorporating a fat replacer [beta glucan] and non-sucrose sweeteners produced a greater improvement in metabolic and anthropometric variables in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients when compared with a diet based on American Diabetic Associations nutrition recommendations.”

Diabetes / Glucose Control: Pola P, “Composition for the prevention and/or treatment of lipid metabolism disorders and allergic forms,” U.S. Patent Application 20030017999, January 23, 2003. Quote:“…beta-1,3-D-glucan has proved effective not only in preventing lipid metabolism disorders, but also in stimulating immune defenses, in preventing onset of tumors and in controlling serum glucose.”

Diabetes / Glucose Metabolism:  Battilana P, Ornsstein K, et al, “Mechanisms of action of beta-glucan in postprandial glucose metabolism in healthy men.” Eur.J.Clin.Nutr, 55(5):327-333, WMD, PMID: 11378805, DOI: 10.1038/sjejcn.1601160, 2001. Quote: ” Glucose rate of appearance at steady state was 12% lower with beta-glucan. This corresponded to a 21% reduction in the systemic appearance rate of exogenous carbohydrate with beta-glucan,… .”

Diabetes: Carrow, D.J.; “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 with chronic degenerative disorders such as diabetes or chronic inflammation.…”

Diabetes: Kida K, Inoue T, Kaino Y, Goto Y, Ikeuchi M, Ito T, Matsuda H, Elliott RB. “An immunopotentiator of beta-1,6;1,3 D-glucan prevents diabetes and insulitis in BB rats.”  Dept of Pediatrics, Ehime U Sch of Med, Japan; Diabetes Res Clin Pract 17(2):75-9, PMID 1425150; Aug 1992. Quote: “The intravenous administration of 1 mg kg- 1 week- of beta-1,6;1,3 D-glucan from the age of 4 weeks decreased the cumulative incidence of diabetes from 43.3% to 6.7% and also incidence of insulitis from 82.4% to 26.3% at the age of 20 weeks. …These data indicate that immunopotentiators [beta-1,6;1,3 D-glucan] could modulate the autoimmune mechanisms directed to pancreatic islets and inhibit the development of diabetes in BB rats.”

Diabetes: Lang C.H., Dobrescu C.; “Interleukin-1 induced increases in glucose utilization are insulin mediated.” Life Sciences; 45(22):2127-34. 1989.

Diabetes: Sherwood. E.R., et al., “Enhancement of Interleukin-1 and Interleukin-2 Production by Soluble Glucan,” International  Journal of Immunopharmacology; 9:(3):261-267. 1987.

Diabetes: DiLuzio N.R. and Williams D.L.,  “ The Roll of Glucan in the Prevention and Modification of Microparasitic Diseases;” in Chemical Regulation of Immunology in Veterinary 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.“

Diabetes: Silva V, et al, “B-Glucans (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Reduce Glucose Levels and Attenuate Alveolar Bone Loss in Diabetic Rats with Periodontal Disease.” PLoS One; 10(8):e0134742; Aug 20; 2015. Quote: “β-glucans reduced the amount of alveolar bone loss in animals with periodontal disease in both the diabetic and non-diabetic groups.”

Diabetes:  Jenkins AL, Jenkins DJ, et al, “Depression of the glycemic index by high levels of beta-glucan fiber in two functional foods tested in type 2 diabetes.” Eur J Clin Nutr, 56(7)622-628, WMD, 2002.

Digestive Issues:

 

Digestive Issues: Beta Glucan-Human Study:  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.”

Dogs – Animals – 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.”

Dosage:

Dosage: Exercise – Strenuous – Inflammation: Human Double Blind Trial:  Zabariskie HA, Blumkatis JC, et al, “Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation Downregulates Markers of Systemic Inflammation After Heated Treadmill Exercise,” Nutrients, 12((4):E1144; PMID 32325856, doi: 10.3390/nu1204144, Apr 19 2020. Quote: “Aerobic exercise and thermal stress instigate robust challenges to the immune system. …The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of yeast beta-glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation. …In conclusion, a 13-day prophylactic [advance] period of supplementation with 250 mg of yeast derived beta-glucans invoked favorable changes in cytokine markers of inflammation after completing a prolonged bout of heated treadmill exercise.”

Dosage: 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, (commercially MG Beta Glucan) October 2002 Quote: “…we compared the ability of orally administered microparticulate and aggregated B-glucan preparations given at 0·1 mg kg 1 daily for 14 d to enhance peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis. Note that this dosage is equivalent to a 10-mg capsule of B-glucan given orally to a 75-kg human. … It appears that the same dose of microparticulate B-glucan is better able to enhance macrophage phagocytosis than aggregated B-glucan.”

Dosage: U. of Nev School of Medicine and Nutritional Supply Corporation, “Beta Glucan Research Project Report,” Press Release, Feb 1, 2000. Quote: “The preliminary dose response studies demonstrate that oral doses of micronized MG glucan equivalent to 10 mg per day in humans provided significant immunopotentiation in mice.”

Dosage: U. of Nev School of Medicine and Nutritional Supply Corporation, “Beta Glucan Project Preliminary Findings,” Press Release, October 8, 1999. Quote: “Moreover, studies in mice included in the extensive research project at the University of Nevada School of Medicine have demonstrated a strong immunopotentiating effect in doses [of MG Beta Glucan] that would be equivalent to a human dose of 10 milligrams.”

Drug – 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: “In Japan, glucans derived from the Shitake mushroom (lentinan) and from Coriolus versicolor (polysaccharide-K0 have been licensed as successful drugs since 1983.  

Drug Delivery System – Cancer – See also Carrier:  Yuting S, Chen L, Yang F, Cheung PCK, “Beta-d-glucan-based drug delivery system and its potential application in targeting tumor associated macrophages [TAMS]”, Carbohydr Polym,253;117258, PMID: 33278940,  https://doi.org/10.1016/1-carbpol.2020.117258, Feb 1 2021. Quote: “B-d-glucans can be developed as promising carriers for targeting delivery with stability, biocompatibility and specificity when applied in immunotherapy. Targeting tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) is an emerging strategy for cancer immunotherapy since it exerts anti-cancer effects based on immodulating body immunity in tumor microenvironment (TME).  This new strategy does not require high concentration of drugs to kill cancer cells directly and lessen tumor recurrence by creating unique immune memory for malignant cells.”

Drug Iintoxication: Samuelson AB, Schrezenmeir j, Knutsen SH, “Effects of orally administered yeast-derived beta-glucans,” Mol Nutr Food Res, 58(1):183-93, PMID 24019098, Jan 1014. Quote: “Yeast-derived beta-glucans are considered immunomodulatory compounds suggested to enhance the defense against infections and exert anticarcinogenic effects. …In human trials, orally administered yeast derived beta-glucans (Y-BG) significantly reduced he 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.”

Dysbiosis-Constipation:  Chen Z, Lin S, et al, “Effects of Bread Yeast Cell Wall Beta-Glucans on Mice with Loperamide-Induced Constipation,” J Med Food, doi: 10.1089/jmf.2019.4407, PMID: 31536448, Sep 19 2019. Quote: “Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by changes in intestinal habits. Increasing evidence indicates that long-term use of irritant laxatives causes serious side effects. …This study showed that B-glucans can influence the intestinal microbiota to recover intestinal epithelial mechanical barrier. We suggested that B-glucans could be used as an active nutritional supplement to protect the damaged intestinal barrier and help patients who have constipation complications and dysbiosis.” Note: Dysbiosis – Often a gastrointestinal microbial imbalance including small intestinal bacterial or fungal overgrowth.

Dyslipidemia – Long NT, Anh NTN, et al, “Radiation Degradation of B-Glucan with a Potential for Reduction of Lipids and Glucose in the Blood of Mice, ” Polymers (Basel), 11(6) PMID: 31159434, Jun 1 2019. Quote: “Radiation-degraded B-glucans with molecular weights in the range of 11-48 KDa reduced the total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels in the blood of administered mice. …These results indicate that the degraded B-glucan …is a very promising ingredient that can be used in nutraceutical food for therapeutics of diabetic and dyslipidemia.”

Dyslipidemia – Cholesterol : Sima P, VAnnucci L, Vetvicka V, “B-glucans and cholesterol (Review),” Int J Mol Med, PMID 2939350, Jan 22, 2018. Quote: Hypercholesterolemia is one of primary risk factors of cardiovascular disease, together with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes. ….Due to their [beta glucans] structure they are able to interact with innate immunity receptors; however they also act as dietary fibers in the digestive tract. . …Therefore, they [beta glucans] may be developed as a suitable therapeutic option to treat patients with dyslipidemia, as they are natural molecules that do not induce any significant side effects.” Note: Dyslipidemia is an elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, or both.

 

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