epiglucan and Body-Weight

The current review examines the totality of the evidence to determine if there exists a relationship between β-glucan and body weight and adiposity and whether such a relationship is a consistent, causal and plausible one. Observational studies suggest an association between oat (i.e., β-glucan) intake and reduced body weight, waist circumference and adiposity. High and moderate quality randomized controlled trials that were specifically designed to evaluate the efficacy of β-glucan on anthropometric outcomes were given the highest weight. Several of these studies indicated a causal relationship between β-glucan consumption and reduction in body weight, BMI, and at least one measure of body fat within diets that were not calorie-restricted. A review of additional animal and human evidence suggests multiple plausible mechanisms by which β-glucan may impact satiety perception, gastric emptying, gut hormones, gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids in the complex interplay of appetite and energy regulation.Supplemental data for this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1994523.

Topics: Adiposity; Animals; Avena; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Edible Grain; Humans; Obesity

Dietary fiber supplementation has been studied as a promising strategy in the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to verify whether the consumption of yeast beta-glucan (BG) favors weight loss in obese and non-obese rodents. The PICO strategy was employed, investigating rodents (Population), subjected to the oral administration of yeast BG (Intervention) compared to animals receiving placebo (Comparison), evaluating body weight changes (Outcome), and based on preclinical studies (Study design). Two reviewers searched six databases and the grey literature. We followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021267788). The search returned 2467 articles. Thirty articles were selected for full-text evaluation, and seven studies remained based on the eligibility criteria. The effects of BG intake on body weight were analyzed based on obese (

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Eating; Mice; Obesity; Rats; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Weight Loss

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and a common medical condition associated with a variety of chronic diseases. Cereal beta-glucans are soluble fibers with potential health benefits. A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the effect of cereal beta-glucan consumption on weight, but these results have not been summarized in a meta-analysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cereal beta-glucan consumption on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference and a total energy intake.. Studies were identified using MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Screening of relevant articles and references was carried out until December 2018. There were no language restrictions. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the Preferred Items for Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.. The findings of this study indicates that cereal beta-glucan consumption seems to decrease body weight and BMI, but has no effect on waist circumference and energy intake.

Topics: beta-Glucans; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Edible Grain; Energy Intake; Humans; Obesity; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Waist Circumference

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide in the form of fiber and the main element of fiber in grains such as barley, oats, yeast and mushrooms. Many studies have examined the efficacy of beta-glucan in terms of the lipid lowering effects, blood sugar reduction, weight reduction, immune modulator, and anticarcinogenic effect. However, there is no comprehensive review article on the biomedical issues regarding beta-glucan. The authors searched for systematic reviews and clinical experiments for each relevant topic and reviewed the biomedical effects of beta-glucan, for the purpose of developing research strategies for the future.

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Infections; Neoplasms

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is the Japanese name for an edible fungus with a large fruiting body characterized by overlapping caps. It is a premier culinary as well as medicinal mushroom. Maitake is increasingly being recognized as a potent source of polysaccharide compounds with dramatic health-promoting potential. The most recent development is the MD-fraction, a proprietary maitake extract its Japanese inventors consider to be a notable advance upon the preceding D-fraction. The D-fraction, the MD-fraction, and other extracts, often in combination with whole maitake powder, have shown particular promise as immunomodulating agents, and as an adjunct to cancer and HIV therapy. They may also provide some benefit in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hepatitis.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-HIV Agents; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Drug Administration Schedule; Glucans; HIV Infections; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertension; Hypolipidemic Agents; Liver Diseases; Neoplasms; Polyporaceae

Studies have shown that β-glucans extracted from the cell wall of cereals, algae, and yeasts have been associated with improved immune function. However, it is unknown whether algae β-glucan supplementation affects the performance, blood metabolites, or cell counts of immune cells in dairy calves. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate whether supplementation of β-glucans to milk replacer in dairy calves fed 6 L/d improved growth performance and fecal status and altered the blood metabolite profile. In this trial, we enrolled Holstein calves (n = 34) at birth (body weight 36.38 ± 1.33 kg; mean ± standard deviation) to receive, from 1 d of age, either 2 g/d algae β-glucans mixed into 6 L/d of milk replacer (22.4% crude protein and 16.2% fat) or an unsupplemented milk replacer (control). The calves were blocked in pairs according to birth weight, sex, and date of birth (up to 5 d difference). Calves were housed individually, and calf starter (24.7% crude protein and 13.9% neutral detergent fiber) was offered ad libitum based on orts of the previous day until 56 d of age (end of the trial). Body weight was measured weekly, and health checks and daily fecal consistency were evaluated daily in every calf by the same observer. Calves with 2 consecutive days of loose feces that sifted through bedding were considered diarrhea positive. We used a linear mixed effects model to evaluate the effects of β-glucan supplementation fed during the preweaning period on performance (average daily gain), final weight, feed efficiency (FE), white blood cell count, and selected blood metabolites, repeated by time. A generalized linear mixed effects model was also run to evaluate the likelihood of a diarrhea bout in the first 28 d of life, controlling for the calf as the subject with a logistic distribution. We included age, serum total protein at 48 h, and birth weight as covariates. At 56 d, β-glucan-supplemented calves weighed more than control calves (56.3 vs. 51.5 kg). Treatment had no effect on total starter intake, but there was a treatment by age interaction for FE, with greater FE for β-glucan-supplemented calves in wk 3 and 5 of age. There was only a tendency for average daily gain to be greater in supplemented calves than in control calves for the duration of the study. Furthermore, control calves had 14.66 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 9.87-21.77] times greater odds of having a diarrheal bout than β-glucan-supplemented calves. Control ca

Topics: Albumins; Animal Feed; Animals; beta-Glucans; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Cattle; Creatinine; Detergents; Diarrhea; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Glucose; Milk; Weaning

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in the world. Beta glucan can be a hematopoietic and an immune modulator agent in cancer patients. The aim of this trial was to determine the effect of beta glucan on white blood cell counts and serum levels of IL-4 and IL-12 in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 30 women with breast carcinoma aged 28-65 years. The eligible participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n=15) or placebo (n=15) groups using a block randomization procedure with matching based on age, course of chemotherapy and menopause status. Patients in the intervention group received two 10-mg capsules of soluble 1-3, 1-6, D-beta glucan daily and the control group receiving placebo during 21 days, the interval between two courses of chemotherapy. White blood cells, neuthrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts as well as serum levels of IL-4 and IL-12 were measured at baseline and at the end of the study as primary outcomes of the study.. In both groups white blood cell counts decreased after 21 days of the intervention, however in the beta glucan group, WBC was less decreased non significantly than the placebo group. At the end of the study, the change in the serum level of IL-4 in the beta glucan group in comparison with the placebo group was statistically significant (p=0.001). The serum level of IL-12 in the beta glucan group statistically increased (p=0.03) and comparison between two groups at the end of the study was significant after adjusting for baseline values and covariates (p=0.007).. The findings suggest that beta glucan can be useful as a complementary or adjuvant therapy and immunomodulary agent in breast cancer patients in combination with cancer therapies, but further studies are needed for confirmation.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Breast Neoplasms; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Eating; Female; Humans; Interleukin-12; Interleukin-4; Lymphocyte Count; Middle Aged; Monocytes; Neutrophils; Placebos

Type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk and there has been a growing interest in using dietary intervention to improve lipid profile and glucose control. The present work aims at analysing the effects of the enrichment of a normal diet with beta-glucan (3.5 g/d) in free-living type 2 diabetic subjects for 2 months, using a palatable soup. This trial was a parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blinded randomised study performed in fifty-three type 2 diabetic subjects. During a 3-week run-in period, subjects daily consumed a ready meal control soup (without beta-glucan). For the following 8 weeks, subjects were randomly assigned to consume daily either a control soup or a beta-glucan soup. Changes in lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), HDL- and LDL-cholesterol (HDLc and LDLc), apo B and TAG) and in glucose control (HbA1c and fasting glucose) were measured. There was no significant alteration in lipid profile in the two groups (TC, HDLc, LDLc and apo B). TAG decreased significantly in the beta-glucan group compared with the control group ( - 0.12 (SD 0.38) v. 0.12 (SD 0.44) mmol/l, P = 0.03). HbA1c and fasting glucose were not reduced in any group. A single daily ingestion of 3.5 g beta-glucan, as required by official dietary recommendations, for 8 weeks did not change the lipid profile and HbA1c in type 2 diabetic subjects. To improve the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetic subjects in the long term, the quantity, the food vectors and the tolerability of beta-glucan products may be re-evaluated.

Topics: Aged; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Angiopathies; Diet, Diabetic; Double-Blind Method; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Lipids; Middle Aged; Placebos; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires

Barley fiber rich in beta-glucans lowers serum lipids, but is difficult to incorporate into products acceptable to consumers. We investigated the physiological effects of two concentrated barley beta-glucans on cardiovascular disease (CVD) endpoints and body weight in human subjects.. Hypercholesterolemic men and women (n = 90) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: low molecular weight (low-MW) or high molecular weight (high-MW) concentrated barley beta-glucan consumed as a daily supplement containing 6 grams beta-glucan/day. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and week 6 and analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). Dietary intakes, body weights, blood pressure, hunger ratings, and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured at baseline and 6 weeks.. The only difference between treatments in lipid outcomes at week 6 was a reduction of the cholesterol/HDL ratio in the low-MW group and a small increase in the high-MW group. No changes were found in blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Body weight decreased from baseline to 6 weeks in the high-MW group while body weight increased in the low-MW group. Levels of hunger decreased slightly in the low-MW group and decreased significantly in the high-MW group (P = 0.02). Overall, supplementation with isolated barley beta-glucans of different molecular weights had small effects on cardiovascular disease markers. Molecular weight of the barley fiber did alter effects on body weight with the high-MW fiber significantly decreasing body weight.

Topics: Adult; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Energy Intake; Female; Gastrointestinal Tract; Hordeum; Humans; Hunger; Hypercholesterolemia; Insulin; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Triglycerides

Increasing evidence has confirmed that whole grain oats are effective in regulating hyperlipidemia. However, which specific ingredient is crucial remains unclear. This study focused on which whole grain components, oat phenolic compounds (OPC) or oat β-glucan (OBG), can regulate lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. The experiment unveiled that OPC and/or OBG not only reduced the body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) but also regulated serum and hepatic lipid levels in high-fat-diet (HFD) fed mice. There was no significant difference in the regulatory effects of OPC and OBG (

Topics: Animals; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diet, High-Fat; Hyperlipidemias; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Whole Grains

The effect of arabinoxylan (AX) combined with β-glucan and xyloglucan on lipid metabolism by regulating bile acids and gut microbiota was investigated in mice fed with high-fat diet. Fifty male ICR/KM mice were randomly divided into five groups: control diet (CON) group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, high-fat diet with AX (HFAX) group, high-fat diet with AX and β-glucan (HFAB) group, and high-fat diet with AX and xyloglucan (HFAG) group. After 8 weeks of feeding, the mice were sacrificed and samples were collected. In contrast to CON, HFD disturbed lipid metabolism, bile acids, and gut microbiota in mice. Mice in HFD group had increase in weight, blood lipids and liver fat, and circulating bile acid as well as abnormal liver tissue morphology and disordered gut microbiota. Compared with HFD, HFAB and HFAG mice had reduced body weight and cholesterol and triglyceride levels; Fxr was activated, Cyp7a1 was inhibited to reduce bile acids, the microbial species diversity increased, the number of beneficial bacteria increased, and the number of conditional pathogenic bacteria decreased. HFAG uniquely activated intestinal bile acid receptors (Fxr and Tgr5) and increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Akkermansia. In summary, the effect of AX compounded glucans (β-glucan or xyloglucan) on lipid metabolism was better than that of single AX by regulating bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota possibly due to the more complex chemical structure of combined polysaccharides.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; China; Cholesterol; Diet, High-Fat; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Glucans; Lipid Metabolism; Lipid Metabolism Disorders; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Obesity; Xylans

The prebiotic effect of high β-glucan barley (HGB) flour on the innate immune system of high-fat model mice was investigated. C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with HGB flour for 90 days. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the cecum and serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Real-time PCR was used to determine mRNA expression levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 in the ileum as well as the composition of the microbiota in the cecum. Concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and organic acids were analyzed by GC/MS. Concentrations of sIgA in the cecum and serum were increased in the HGB group compared to the control. Gene expression levels of

Topics: Animals; Bacterial Load; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Carboxylic Acids; Cecum; Cytokines; Diet; Eating; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Feces; Flour; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gene Expression Profiling; Hordeum; Ileum; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Obesity; Organ Size; Prebiotics; Receptors, Polymeric Immunoglobulin; RNA, Messenger

The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) is increasing worldwide, and it has currently become a serious public health issue in society. The treatment of CD continues throughout a patient's lifetime, and therefore, it is necessary to develop new, effective treatment methods, including dietotherapy. The present study aimed to determine the effects of consumption of oat beta-glucans with different molar mass on colon inflammation (. Sprague-Dawley rats (control and TNBS-induced CD) were divided into three dietary groups and fed for 3 days (reflecting acute inflammation) or 7 days (reflecting remission) with a feed containing 1% low (βGl) or high (βGh) molar mass oat beta-glucan or a feed without this polysaccharide. The level of colon inflammatory markers and the expression of cytokines and their receptor genes were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR methods, respectively.. Acute inflammation or remission (3 or 7 days after TNBS administration, respectively) stages of experimentally induced CD were characterized by an increase in the level of inflammatory markers (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, CRP, MPO, COX, and PGE2) and the disruption of some cytokine signaling pathways as well as macro- and microscopic changes of colon tissue. The consumption of oat beta-glucans reduced the level of inflammatory markers and recovered the signaling pathways and histological changes, with stronger effects of βGl after 7 days of. Dietary oat beta-glucans can reduce

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Avena; beta-Glucans; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Carrier Proteins; Colon; Crohn Disease; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Regulation; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Rheological properties of digesta play a role in digesta passage kinetics through the gastrointestinal tract, in turn affecting nutrient absorption kinetics. Therefore, we studied the effects of diet viscosity on digesta passage and physicochemical properties in pigs. Twenty male growing pigs (35 kg body weight at the start) were assigned to one of five diets with increasing dietary concentrations of β-glucans (BG; from 0 % to 10 %), in exchange for maize starch. After a 17-day adaptation period, pigs were euthanised and the mean retention time (MRT) of digesta solids (TiO2) and liquids (Cr-EDTA) in the stomach, and proximal and distal half of the small intestine was quantified. In the stomach, the MRT of liquids, but not of solids, increased when dietary BG level increased (6 min per % dietary BG, P = 0.008 and R2 = 0.35). Concomitantly, stomach DM content (5 g/kg per % dietary BG, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.53) and apparent digesta viscosity (56 Pa × s at 1/s shear rate per % dietary BG, P = 0.003 and R2 = 0.41) decreased. In the proximal half of the small intestine, no effects of dietary BG level were observed. In the distal half of the small intestine, water-binding capacity (WBC) of digesta increased (0.11 g/g digesta DM per % dietary BG, P = 0.028 and R2 = 0.24) and starch digestibility decreased (0.3% per % dietary BG, P = 0.034 and R2 = 0.23) when dietary BG level increased. In the colon, apparent digesta viscosity at 45/s shear rate increased (0.1 Pa × s per % dietary BG, P = 0.03 and R2 = 0.24) in the proximal half of the colon, and digesta WBC increased (0.06 g/g digesta DM per % dietary BG, P = 0.024 and R2 = 0.26) in the distal half of the colon when dietary BG level increased. To conclude, increasing dietary BG level caused the MRT of liquids, but not that of solids, to increase in the stomach, resulting in reduced separation of the solid and liquid digesta fractions. This caused dilution of the stomach content and reduction in digesta viscosity when dietary BG levels increased. Effects of dietary BG level on physicochemical properties in the proximal small intestine were absent and may have been due to a low DM content. The WBC of digesta in the distal small intestine and colon increased when dietary BG level increased, as did apparent digesta viscosity in the proximal colon. This likely reflects the concentration of BG in digesta when moving through the gastrointestinal tract.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Diet; Digestion; Gastrointestinal Contents; Gastrointestinal Tract; Intestine, Small; Kinetics; Male; Rheology; Stomach; Swine; Viscosity

The current study was conducted to evaluate the synergetic effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (HK L-137) and β-glucan (BG) on digestive enzyme activity and intestinal morphology of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) with focus on insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). For 12 weeks, fish fed the control, or three diets incorporated with 100 HK L-137, 100 BG, or 50 HK L-137 + 50 BG mg/kg (HK L-137, BG, and HK L-137/BG diets). After final sampling, fish fed HK L-137 or HK L-137/BG diets exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) increased final body weight and weight gain while the specific growth rate and feed efficiency ratio enhanced only in HK L-137/BG group. Mucosal and villi lengths and muscle thickness significantly (P < 0.05) increased by HK L-137 or/and BG for the middle intestine. Lipase and protease improved significantly (P < 0.05) in fish fed both HK L-137 and BG when compared to the control group. Interestingly, qRT-PCR revealed a significant (P < 0.05) upregulation in the IGF-1 gene expression in fish fed HK L-137 or/and BG additives compared to the control. Muscle and liver G6PD gene expression were upregulated significantly (P < 0.05) in fish fed HK L-137/BG diet as compared to the control group. In addition, feeding HK L-137 or both additives effectively elevated the hematocrit, hemoglobin, and WBCs and decreased triglyceride and glucose levels. Accordingly, the use of both HK L-137 and BG is an efficient scheme to reach economically feasible and sustainable tilapia production.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cichlids; Digestion; Digestive System; Enzymes; Gene Expression; Lactobacillus plantarum; Probiotics

Consumption of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) is associated with reduced risk of obesity. This study aimed to compare the effects of cereals (oats) and legumes (soybean), rich in different classes of NSP, on appetite regulation and fat accumulation in rats. Soy pectin fermented more efficient than cereal arabinoxylan in rats. Soy pectin and oat β-glucan were utilized mainly in the caecum of rats. Only small amount of maltodextrin, cello-oligosaccharides and xylo-oligosaccharides were detected in the digesta. Caecal fermentation of soy pectin produced significantly higher concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control. Retroperitoneal (RP) fat-pad weight was significantly lower for rats fed with soybean meal enriched diet than for controls. An inverse correlation between rat RP fat-pad weight and concentration (and proportion) of butyrate was observed. Consumption of soy pectin and oat β-glucan enriched foods to produce targeted SCFAs in vivo could be a potential strategy to lower fat mass accumulation and a potential tool to manage obesity.

Topics: Animals; Appetite Regulation; Avena; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cecum; Dietary Fiber; Digestion; Fermentation; Glycine max; Humans; Obesity; Pectins; Polysaccharides; Rats

This study evaluated the immunostimulatory activity of curdlan oligosaccharides (GOS) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice and in RAW264.7 cells. GOS was able to stimulate the release of nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and improve the phagocytic rate of peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells. It further enhanced immunoglobulins (Ig) release (IgG by 50.6%-74.7%, IgA by 31.3%-34.9%, IgM by 28.3%-66.7%), splenic lymphocyte proliferation (by 74.8%-91.3%), nature killer cells cytotoxicity (by 32.0%-49.6%), immunophenotypes of splenic lymphocytes (from 1.7 to 2.4, 2.2 and 2.7) in immunosuppressed mice. Compared with curdlan, higher immunostimulatory activity of GOS was found in CTX-treated mice. Moreover, GOS could activate nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways through toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and complement receptor 3 (CR3). These results indicated that GOS may be a favorable candidate of functional food in regulating immune responses.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Administration, Oral; Alcaligenes; Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cyclophosphamide; Cytokines; Immune System Diseases; Immunity, Humoral; Immunosuppression Therapy; Killer Cells, Natural; Macrophages; Male; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oligosaccharides; RAW 264.7 Cells; T-Lymphocytes

Different supplements or strategies have been proposed as alternatives to the use of antibiotics at sub-therapeutic levels in chickens. Mannan oligosaccharides and β-glucans, yeast cell wall fractions (YCW), have been reported to beneficially influence broiler performance and health. Two differently produced yeast cell wall fractions derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated in this study using two different supplementation strategies offered to full-term broilers. The birds were placed in floor pens on used pine-shaving litter to increase potential microbial stress and mimic industry practice. The study utilized a three-phase feeding program with a 1- to 21-day starter, 21- to 35-day grower and 35- to 42-day finisher phases. Five dietary treatments were compared in this study. The experimental diets consisted of a control basal broiler diet; or the basal diet supplemented with the two differently produced fractions of YCW. The YCW products were supplemented at a constant 250 ppm or a decreasing concentration program (500, 250, 125 ppm) throughout the three feeding phases. Birds fed diets supplemented with either YCW products at any inclusion regimen demonstrated higher (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) in all three phases than control birds. The difference in final 42-day BW of the YCW treatments (3041 g) averaged 165 g higher (P < 0.05) than the control group. For all YCW treatments, productivity index was higher (P < 0.05) in the grower (418) and finisher phase (441) versus control birds (389 grower and 415 finisher). These results suggested that both YCW fractions prepared from Saccharomyces cerevisiae can improve broiler performance when added at either a constant rate (250 ppm) or at a decreasing rate from 500 ppm for the starter to 125 ppm for the finisher phase.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cell Wall; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Mannans; Oligosaccharides; Prebiotics; Random Allocation; Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The effects of β-glucans from Coriolus versicolor (CVP), which are extracted from a well-known immune stimulator C. versicolor, have been demonstrated extensively in vitro and in vivo. However, until now, the phagocytic activity has not been elucidated. Hence, the objective of the present study was to identify the antibacterial activity of CVP or CVP-treated macrophages by an analysis of cell cytotoxicity, phagocytic activity, intracellular bacterial survival, macrophage activation, production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in CVP-treated macrophages using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, a gentamicin protection assay, a Nitric oxide assay and an iNOS enzymatic activity assay. The results indicate that CVP-treated macrophages can phagocytize and kill bacteria, probably due to the production of NO and iNOS. More importantly, CVP-treated macrophages are effective at protecting mice against the challenge of Salmonella typhimurium. The results of this study suggest that the antibacterial effects of CVP are probably caused by the activation of innate immune cells, especially macrophages, because the activated macrophage produces NO, which kills bacteria. These phenomena indicate the possibility of CVP as a potential alternative for antibiotics against resistant bacteria.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Intracellular Space; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Phagocytosis; Polyporaceae; RAW 264.7 Cells; Salmonella typhimurium

Protective and antioxidant properties of highly purified oat β-glucans of high and low molecular weight in liver and stomach were evaluated. The novelty in approach was to determine whether dietary β-glucans affect the parameters of oxidative stress directly in the stomach and indirectly in the liver, especially in inflammation states. Physicochemical properties e.g. viscoelastic was found as strictly dependent from molecular weight of oat β-glucans hence its metabolic activity could also show dependence. Three groups of rats were fed control diet and diet supplemented with low and high molecular weights oat β-glucans. Animals were divided into controls and individuals with experimentally induced intestinal inflammation. Most active in increasing of total antioxidant status was low molecular weight β-glucan. High molecular weight β-glucan supplementation inhibits lipid oxidation the most in LPS treated animals. The results obtained from experiment encourage for dietary intervention with oat β-glucans for stomach and liver protection during existing enteritis.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cytoprotection; Dietary Supplements; Gastric Mucosa; Liver; Male; Molecular Weight; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Stomach

This study was initiated to investigate the mechanism by which oat β-d-glucan (OBG) can control blood sugar levels and improve hepatogenic glycometabolism in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced mice. After administration of different concentrations and molecular weights of β-d-glucan by oral gavage for 28 days, the body weight, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, hepatic glycogen, glucose kinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity of the diabetic mice were measured. In comparison with a negative control group (saline), β-d-glucan, especially medium or high doses of high-molecular-weight β-d-glucan, had a strong hypoglycaemic effect in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced mice. The mechanism of this effect may be associated with the high viscosity of the solution, an increase in insulin secretion, a decline in insulin resistance, and especially an improvement in hepatogenic glycometabolism. Moreover, β-d-glucan also markedly repaired and improved the integrity of pancreatic islet β-cell and tissue structures.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Drinking; Fasting; Glucose Tolerance Test; Glycogen; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Liver; Liver Glycogen; Male; Mice; Molecular Weight; Niacinamide; Pancreas

beta-glucans (BG) derived from plant tissues are reported to show metabolic effects. In contrast, those fibers isolated from yeast seem to be more related to immune response modulation. Since diabetic individuals are more susceptible to exacerbation of inflammatory signs, the ingestion of fibers that could conjugate both metabolic and immune effects would be of great importance.. we investigated the effect of BG - Saccharomyses cerevisae - ingestion on glycemic and lipoprotein profile of diabetic rats.. twenty-four adult Wistar rats were used, distributed into 4 groups in a design of entirely casualized delineation with a 2 x 2 factorial model (with and without diabetes; with and without BG). Diabetes Mellitus was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 80mg/kg of strepzotocin. Thus, animals with fasting glycemia of over 250 mg/dl were considered diabetic. Forty-eight hours after induction, the rats received daily doses of 30 mg/kg of BG or saline solution by gavage during 28 days.. the Groups with DM presented a higher glycemic index and lower C peptide levels than the control groups, in addition to lower weight gain and higher ration consumption, water ingestion and urinary volume. Total cholesterol levels (CT), LDL-C + VLDL-C, plasma triacylglycerides (TAG) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also higher in the diabetic animals (p < 0.05), and there were no alterations in the HDL-C levels. The ingestion of BG reduced blood glucose concentrations (30%), TAG (32%) and ALT (41%) (p < 0.05). No histopathological hepatic alterations were observed in any of the groups. Furthermore, the diabetic animals present increase in villous:crypt ratio (V:C) in the duodenum, without interference of BG. No alterations in the carcass were observed between the groups.. it was concluded that the use of BG significantly reduced the glycemic, TAG and ALT levels, showing its therapeutic potential.. Introdución: los beta-glucanos (BG) derivados de tejidos vegetales se ha informado que muestran efectos metabólicos. Por el contrario, esas fibras aisladas de levadura parecen estar más relacionadas con la modulación de la respuesta inmune. Dado que los individuos con diabetes son más susceptibles a la exacerbación de los signos inflamatorios, la ingestión de fibras sí podría conjugar ambos efectos metabólicos e inmunológicos, lo cual sería de gran importancia. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos de la ingestión de los BG —Saccharomyses cerevisiae— en el perfil glucémico y la lipoproteína de ratas diabéticas. Metodos: en el diseño de delineación, totalmente precario, fueron utilizadas 24 ratas Wistar macho adultas distribuidas en cuatro grupos, con un modelo factorial 2 x 2 (con y sin diabetes, con y sin BG). La diabetes mellitus fue inducida por la inyección intraperitoneal de un 80 mg/kg de estrepzotocina. Por lo tanto, los animales con glucemia en ayunas de más de 250 mg/dl fueron considerados diabéticos. Cuarenta y ocho horas después de la inducción, las ratas recibieron dosis diarias de 30 mg/kg de BG o solución salina mediante alimentación forzada durante 28 días. Resultados y discusión: los grupos con DM presentó el mayor índice glucémico y menores niveles de péptido C que los grupos de control, además de reducir el aumento de peso y un mayor consumo de la ración, la ingestión de agua y el volumen urinario. Los niveles de colesterol total (CT), LDL-C + VLDL-C, triacilglicéridos plasmáticos (TAG) y alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) también fueron más altos en los animales diabéticos (p < 0,05), y había alteraciones en los niveles de HDL-C. La ingestión de BG redujo las concentraciones de glucosa en sangre (30%), TAG (32%) y ALT (41%) (p < 0.05). No se observaron alteraciones hepáticas en ninguno de los grupos. Además, los animales diabéticos presentaron un aumento de la relación cripta:vellosidades (V:C) en el duodeno, sin interferencia de BG. No se observaron alteraciones en la carcasa entre los grupos. Conclusión: se concluyó que el uso de BG redujo significativamente la glucemia, los niveles de TAG Y ALT, mostrando su potencial terapéutico.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Fungal Polysaccharides; Hypoglycemic Agents; Male; Pancreas; Rats; Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The object of this study was to obtain acute oral toxicity information of Polycalcium, a mixed composition of Polycan and Calcium lactate-gluconate 1:9 (g/g), in Sprague-Dawely (SD) rats. In order to investigate the toxicity and identify target organs, Polycalcium were once orally administered to female and male SD rats at dose levels of 2000, 1000, 500 and 0 (control) mg/kg body weights. The mortality, changes on body weight and clinical signs were monitored during 14 days after treatment with gross observation, changes on the organ weights and histopathology of principle organs and treatment sites based on the recommendation of KFDA Guidelines [2009-116, 2009]. As the results of single oral treatment of Polycalcium, no treatment related mortalities were observed within 14 days after end of treatment up to 2000 mg/kg, the limited dosage of rodents in the both genders. In addition, no Polycalcium treatment related changes on the body and organ weights, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings were detected. The results obtained in this study suggest that the Polycalcium is non-toxic in rats. The LD50 and approximate LD in rats after single oral dose of Polycalcium were considered over 2000 mg/kg in both female and male, respectively.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Calcium Compounds; Calcium Gluconate; Female; Lactates; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Toxicity Tests

The soluble fiber β-glucan, a natural component of barley, has been shown to lower the postprandial glucose response and is thought to improve insulin resistance.. This study examined the effect of chronic consumption of the high β-glucan barley flour on glucose control, liver lipids and markers of muscle fatty acid oxidation in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat. Two groups of ZDF rats were fed diets containing either 6% β-glucan in the form of barley flour or cellulose as a control for 6 weeks. A group of Zucker lean rats served as a negative control.. The barley flour group had an increased small intestinal contents viscosity compared to the obese control group. After 6 weeks, the barley flour group had reduced glycated hemoglobin, lower relative kidney weights and a reduced area under the curve during a glucose tolerance test, indicating improved glucose control. Fasting plasma adiponectin levels increased in the barley flour group and were not different than the lean control group. ZDF rats on the barley flour diet had lower relative epididymal fat pad weights than the obese control and a greater food efficiency ratio. The barley flour group also had reduced liver weights and a decreased concentration of liver lipids. The barley flour group had significantly higher concentrations of muscle acylcarnitines, a metabolite generated during fatty acid oxidation.. These results show that chronic consumption of β-glucans can improve glucose control and decrease fatty liver in a model of diabetes with obesity.

Topics: Adiponectin; Animals; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Carnitine; Cholesterol; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Fatty Liver; Flour; Glucose Tolerance Test; Hordeum; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Intestine, Small; Ketones; Liver; Obesity; Organ Size; Postprandial Period; Rats; Rats, Zucker; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Triglycerides

Oat β-glucan was purified from oat bran and its effects on running performance and related biochemical parameters were investigated. Four-week-old male Sparsgue-Dawley rats, fed with/without oat β-glucan (312.5 mg kg(-1) d(-1)) for 7 weeks, were subjected to run on a treadmill system to make them exhausted. All rats were immediately sacrificed after prolonged exercise, and the major metabolic substrates were measured in serum and liver. The results showed feeding dietary oat β-glucan to rats could significantly reduce the body weight and increase the maximum running time compared with normal control (P<0.05). Furthermore, dietary oat β-glucan decreased the levels of blood urea nitrogen, lactate acid, and creatine kinase activity in serum, and increased the levels of non-esterified fatty acids, lactic dehydrogenase activity in serum, and the content of liver glycogen. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that dietary oat β-glucan can enhance the endurance capacity of rats while facilitating their recovery from fatigue.

Topics: Animals; Avena; Behavior, Animal; beta-Glucans; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Body Weight; Chemical Phenomena; Creatine Kinase; Eating; Exercise Test; Fatigue; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Glycogen; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lactic Acid; Liver; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Physical Endurance; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Running

Polycan is a promising candidate for the treatment of periodontal disease. This study was undertaken to examine whether Polycan, a type of β-glucan, has a protective effect on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss in Sprague-Dawley rats..  Polycan was orally administered, daily, for 10 d, at 21.25, 42.5 or 85 mg/kg, beginning 1 d after ligation. Changes in body weight and alveolar bone loss were monitored, and the anti-inflammatory effects of Polycan were determined by measuring the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in gingival tissue. We also evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as a measure of the antioxidant effect.. Ligature placement led to a marked decrease in body weight, increased alveolar bone loss and increased concentrations of MPO, IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA, as well as increased iNOS activity and inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen-fiber content. Histological examination revealed increases in the number and activity of osteoclast cells, decreases in alveolar bone volume and elevated percentages of osteclasts on the alveolar bone surface. Daily oral treatment with 42.5 or 85 mg/kg of Polycan for 10 d led to significant, dose-dependent inhibition of the effect of ligature placement.. Taken together, these results suggest that 10 d of oral treatment with Polycan effectively inhibits ligature placement-induced periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss via an antioxidant effect.

Topics: Alveolar Bone Loss; Animals; Antioxidants; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Gingiva; Interleukin-1beta; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Oxidative Stress; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Infants are susceptible to infections in early life and must rely on their innate immune system for protection. β-Glucans potentiate immune responses. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of purified yeast (1,3/1,6)-β-d-glucan (Wellmune WGP, here referred to as WGP) on the development of the gastrointestinal tract and the intestinal and systemic immune systems in neonatal piglets. Piglets were fed formula containing 0 (control), 1.8, 18, or 90 mg WGP/kg body weight (BW) and were vaccinated against human influenza. Piglets were euthanized at 7 or 21 days of age. Piglet weight and small intestinal length and weight were unaffected by dietary WGP. In addition, WGP did not affect ileal crypt depth, villus height, or ascending colon cuff depth. Immune parameters not affected by WGP supplementation included T cell phenotypes, cytokine gene expression, and cell proliferation. However, vaccination and developmental effects were seen. Overall, the doses of 1.8, 18, and 90 mg/kg BW of dietary WGP had no effect on intestinal or immune development and did not improve the antibody response to vaccination in neonatal piglets.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Biometry; Body Weight; Cell Proliferation; Cytokines; Diet; Glucans; Immunologic Factors; Influenza Vaccines; Intestines; Swine; T-Lymphocytes; Vaccination

The objective of this study is to detect the effect of beta-glucan derived from Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001, a UV induced mutant of A. pullulans on the ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic asthma. The test articles were orally administered to OVA-inducing asthmatic mice 4 days after sensitization for 13 days at 31.25, 62.5 or 125 mg/kg levels. Three days after the OVA sensitization, ten mice were selected per group based on body weight and were sacrificed three days after the OVA aerosol challenge. The changes on the body weight, lung weight, total leukocytes in peripheral blood and total cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were observed with changes on the lung histopathology and histomorphometry. The results were compared with dexamethasone (DEXA) 3 mg/kg intraperitoneally treated mice. The results showed increases of body weight after the OVA aerosol challenge, lung weight, total leukocytes and eosinophils in peripheral blood, total cell numbers, neutrophil and eosinophils in BALF were detected in the OVA control compared to sham control (non-OVA). However, these changes from asthmatic responses were significantly or dose-dependently decreased in the beta-glucan-dosing groups compared to those of the OVA control. Therefore, it is concluded that beta-glucan has favorable effects on asthmatic response induced by OVA. It was found that beta-glucan 125 mg/kg showed similar or slightly lower efficacy compared with DEXA 3 mg/kg.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Ascomycota; Asthma; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Glucocorticoids; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-(1,3/1,6)-D: -glucan isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus (β-glucan-PO) on prophylactic treatment of adjuvant arthritis (AA) with methotrexate (MTX) in rats. Groups of rats with AA were treated with methotrexate (1 mg/kg/week), β-glucan-PO (1 mg/kg every second day) or their combination for the period of 28 days from adjuvant application. Body mass, hind paw swelling, arthrogram scores and a level of serum albumin were measured as markers of inflammation and arthritis. Treatment with low dose of MTX significantly inhibited the markers of both inflammation and arthritis. MTX and its combination with β-glucan-PO significantly increased body mass of arthritic rats. β-glucan-PO administered alone significantly decreased both the hind paw swelling and arthritic score. In combination with MTX, β-glucan-PO markedly potentiated the beneficial effects of MTX, which resulted in a more significant reduction of hind paw swelling and arthritic scores. The concentration of albumin in the serum of arthritic controls was significantly lower than in healthy controls. Both MTX alone and the combination treatment with MTX + β-glucan-PO significantly inhibited the decrease in serum albumin. β-Glucan-PO increased the treatment efficacy of basal treatment of AA with MTX.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Experimental; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Male; Methotrexate; Pleurotus; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Serum Albumin

Soy products are primarily composed of proteins, phytochemicals such as isoflavones, soy lipids, and carbohydrates. Recently, soy isoflavones with L-carnitine were reported to exhibit anti-obesity effects in mice. FCD, a combination of soybean extract and L-carnitine, is a newly developed food substance. As a part of its safety assessment, acute and 13-week subchronic toxicity studies were performed in a total of 100 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In the acute study, a single limit dose of 2000 mg/kg was orally administered to five male and five female rats. No adverse effects or mortality was observed during a 14-day period or upon gross pathological examination. In the subchronic study, FCD was orally administered in daily doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg for 13 weeks, resulting in no mortality, and no changes in hematological and serum biochemistry parameters, gross pathology or histopathology. However, body weights of females were significantly decreased 10 weeks after treatment at an average of 2000 mg/kg. In addition, a slight decrease in mean food and water consumption was observed at the same dose level for 13 weeks. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of FCD was considered to be 2000 mg/kg for male and 1000 mg/kg for female SD rats.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Carnitine; Female; Glycine max; Isoflavones; Male; No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; Organ Size; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Toxicity Tests, Acute; Toxicity Tests, Chronic

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of separate and simultaneous dietary intake of atorvastatin (ATO) and the soluble fiber oat bran on serum and hepatic lipid levels and the degree of atherosclerosis. Ninety female LDL-receptor-deficient (LDLr-/-) mice were fed a Western-type diet containing either low dose (0.0025%), high dose (0.01%) or no ATO, with or without oat bran (27%) (n=15 per group) for 16 weeks. Both ATO and oat bran were effective in reducing serum total cholesterol levels (low ATO: -5.48, high ATO: -9.12, oat bran: -3.82 mmol/l, compared to control (no ATO/no oat bran), all p<0.0001). When oat bran was added to a low dose ATO, the cholesterol-lowering effects of this combination were 50% smaller compared to the low dose ATO diet alone (between-group difference: 2.77 mmol/l, p=0.002), whereas total cholesterol decreased to a similar extent in the groups fed a high dose ATO, with or without oat bran (between-group difference: 1.10 mmol/l, p=0.21). Serum LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hepatic lipid levels and atherosclerotic lesion development showed a similar pattern. In conclusion, the efficacy of oat bran and atorvastatin to lower lipid levels and atherosclerosis is reduced after simultaneous intake. We hypothesize that oat bran inhibits the intestinal absorption of atorvastatin, and consequently its cholesterol-lowering effects. The effects are likely dependent on the type of statin and dietary fiber, and on the relative timing of intake of the statin and the dietary fiber. Future studies should focus on these aspects to provide further insight into the exact mechanism of this food-drug interaction.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Aorta; Atherosclerosis; Atorvastatin; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Combined Modality Therapy; Dietary Fiber; Eating; Female; Heptanoic Acids; Intestinal Absorption; Lipids; Liver; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Mice, Knockout; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Pyrroles; Receptors, LDL; Treatment Outcome; Triglycerides

The response of Peking ducks to supplements of Sophy β-glucan was studied. A total of 160 healthy 1-d-old mixed-sex ducklings were randomly allocated to 3 groups: Sophy β-glucan (n = 80), bacitracin zinc (n = 40), and control (n = 40), which received the same antibiotics-deficient diet supplemented with 1% β-glucan, 5% bacitracin zinc, or nothing, respectively. During 2 mo of the study, growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality of Peking ducks were evaluated. Additionally, a separate immunological study was conducted with a total of 105 healthy male Peking ducks in 7 groups (n = 15) and immunized with different doses of β-glucan (0, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, and 62.5 μg/duck) and BSA (200 μg/duck). Blood was taken for detection of anti-BSA-IgG antibody and peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation assays. Groups subjected to different dietary treatments showed almost no differences in growth performance and slaughter traits except breast muscle percentage and intestinal length. These 2 indicators were significantly higher in the bacitracin zinc group than in the control and β-glucan groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, chemical compositions, fatty acids, and amino acids of breast muscle were not significantly influenced by the diet. Ducks immunized with Sophy β-glucan did not have enhanced level of anti-BSA-IgG antibodies but had significant peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation compared with unchallenged ducks (P < 0.01). With an increase in the glucan concentration, the proliferative responses approximately linearly increased. These findings indicate that 1% Sophy glucan did not improve duck growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality significantly under the conditions of the present experiment and mainly had regulatory or enhancing properties on poultry nonspecific cellular immunity.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Ducks; Fatty Acids; Female; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Meat; Muscle, Skeletal; Random Allocation

This study tested the effects of (1→3),(1→4) β-D-glucan from oats, on activation of the gut-hypothalamic (PYY₃₋₃₆-NPY) axis, satiety, and weight loss in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. DIO mice were fed standard lab chow diets or varied doses of β-glucan for 6 weeks. Energy intake, satiety, body weight changes and peptide Y-Y₃₋₃₆ (PYY₃₋₃₆) were measured together with a satiety test and measurement of neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc). The average energy intake (-13%, p<0.05) and body weight gain was lower with increasing β-glucan over 6 wk with acute suppression of energy intake over 4 h. The highest β-glucan diet significantly increased plasma PYY₃₋₃₆, with suppression of Arc NPY mRNA.

Topics: Animals; Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus; Avena; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Energy Intake; Gastrointestinal Tract; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neuropeptide Y; Obesity; Peptide Fragments; Peptide YY; RNA, Messenger; Satiety Response

Beta-glucans are glucose polymers present in cereal grains, particularly barley and oat. Consumption of these grains or concentrated beta-glucan preparations has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. The present study was conducted to assess the safety of a high purity (>75%) barley beta-glucan (Glucagel). The product was fed to Wistar rats (5/sex/group) at dietary levels of 0% (control), 1%, 5% and 10% for 28 days. Clinical and neurobehavioural observations, growth, feed and water consumption, ophthalmoscopy, haematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, organ weights, necropsy and histopathological examination revealed no adverse effects of Glucagel. High-dose males exhibited lower plasma cholesterol and phospholipids levels and a higher plasma urea level. These slight changes were considered of no toxicological significance. Full and empty caecum weights were increased in mid- and high-dose males. This caecal enlargement was a physiological response to the consumption of a high amount of indigestible carbohydrate and considered of no toxicological concern. In conclusion, feeding Glucagel at dietary levels up to 10% for 28 days was tolerated without any signs of toxicity. This dietary level was equivalent to 7.7 g Glucagel (5.8 g beta-glucan)/kg body weight/day in male rats and 7.8 g Glucagel (5.9 g beta-glucan)/kg body weight/day in female rats.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animal Feed; Animals; Behavior, Animal; beta-Glucans; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eating; Eye Diseases; Female; Hordeum; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Urinalysis

The objectives were to ascertain whether a yeast cell-wall derivative that was 1.8% beta-glucan in combination with ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate could improve innate immunity and mediate transportation stress in neonatal calves, and to compare the 1.8% beta-glucan yeast cell-wall derivative with a more purified yeast cell-wall derivative (70% beta-glucan). Treatments were 1) an unsupplemented control (CNT); 2) 113 g of a 1.8% (approximately 2%) beta-glucan derivative of yeast cell walls plus 250 mg of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG2); or 3) 150 mg of a purified beta-glucan fraction from yeast cell walls (approximately 70% beta-glucan) plus 250 mg/feeding of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG70). Calves (n = 39) were transported for 4 h, placed in outdoor hutches, and randomly assigned to treatments. Treatments (mixed with a milk replacer) were individually fed twice daily for 28 d. Calves were offered calf starter, free choice, throughout the study. Weekly starter intake and BW were measured, and fecal samples were collected for Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 PCR analysis. Blood was collected immediately before transport (d 0) and on d 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 after transport. Starter intake and DMI were less (P < 0.05) at d 28 for the BG2 and BG70 treatments compared with the CNT treatment. Hematocrit percentages increased (P = 0.002) throughout the experiment. White blood cell counts (treatment x time interaction, P = 0.066) were less for the calves supplemented with BG70 than for those supplemented with BG2 (P = 0.01) or for CNT calves (P = 0.04) on d 28. Granulocyte counts changed (P = 0.04) throughout the experiment. A trend (P = 0.077) for a treatment x time interaction was detected for peripheral blood mononuclear cell counts (PBMC). Counts of PBMC were greater (P = 0.006) for the BG2 treatment compared with the CNT treatment on d 3. Calves given the BG70 supplement had fewer PBMC than those given the BG2 supplement on d 21 (P = 0.03) and 28 (P = 0.05). Fibrinogen concentrations were affected only by time (P = 0.002). Time effects were detected for phagocytosis (P = 0.005), oxidative burst (P < 0.001), expression of cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.001), and increased cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.006). Phagocytosis was less (P = 0.05) for calves in the BG70 group than for those in the CNT group. Percentage of calves positive for E. coli O157:H7 was greatest (P

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cattle; Cell Wall; Eating; Escherichia coli O157; Feces; Fibrinogen; Hematocrit; Immunity, Innate; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Salmonella typhimurium; Stress, Psychological; Transportation; Yeast, Dried

Consumption of a diet high in barley beta-glucan (BG) has been shown to prevent insulin resistance. To investigate the mechanism for the effects of barley BG, three groups of male 7-wk-old C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat diets containing 0, 2, or 4% of barley BG for 12 wk. The 2% BG and 4% BG groups had significantly lower body weights compared with the 0% BG group. The 4% BG group demonstrated improved glucose tolerance and lower levels of insulin-resistance index and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Consumption of the BG diet decreased hepatic lipid content. Mice on the BG diet also demonstrated decreased fatty acid synthase and increased cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase gene expression levels. The BG diet promoted hepatic insulin signaling by decreasing serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 and activating Akt, and it decreased mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. In summary, consumption of BG reduced weight gain, decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, and improved insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet. Insulin signaling enhanced due to the expression changes of glucose and lipid metabolism genes by BG consumption. Consumption of barley BG could be an effective strategy for preventing obesity, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Dietary Fats; Fatty Liver; Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Glucose Intolerance; Hordeum; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins; Insulin Resistance; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Obesity; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; RNA, Messenger; Seeds; Signal Transduction

Oat beta-glucan can counteract the exercise-induced increased risk for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in mice, which is at least partly mediated by its effects on lung macrophages. Substantial evidence in humans indicates that carbohydrate-containing sports drinks can offset the decreased immune function associated with stressful exercise. However, no studies in animals or humans have directly examined their effects on URTI using a controlled virus-challenge model. We examined the effects of sucrose feedings alone and in combination with oat beta-glucan on susceptibility to infection and on macrophage antiviral resistance in mice following stressful exercise. These effects were also examined in rested, nonimmunocompromised control mice. Mice were assigned to one of four groups: H(2)O (water), sucrose (S), oat beta-glucan (ObetaG), and sucrose + oat beta-glucan (S+ObetaG). ObetaG and S treatments consisted of a solution of 50% ObetaG and 6% sucrose, respectively, and were administered in drinking water for 10 consecutive days. Exercise consisted of a treadmill run to fatigue performed on three consecutive days. Mice were then intranasally inoculated with a standardized dose of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and monitored for morbidity and mortality for 21 days. Additional mice were used to determine macrophage antiviral resistance. In the exercise experiment, S, ObetaG, and S+ObetaG all reduced morbidity (P < 0.05), while only S+ObetaG reduced mortality (P < 0.05). Macrophage antiviral resistance was also increased in S, ObetaG, and S+ObetaG treatments (P < 0.05). In resting controls, S and S+ObetaG reduced morbidity and mortality (P < 0.05) and showed a trend toward increased macrophage antiviral resistance. There was no significant additive effect of S and ObetaG in either control or exercised animals. These data extend our previous work on the benefits of oat beta-glucan to show that sucrose feedings have similar effects on susceptibility to respiratory infection and macrophage antiviral resistance in both resting controls and following exercise stress.

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Avena; beta-Glucans; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Dietary Sucrose; Disease Models, Animal; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Muscle Fatigue; Physical Exertion; Respiratory Tract Infections; Stress, Physiological; Time Factors

Estrogens downregulate eating behavior, and soy isoflavones are known to be estrogenic agents. We aimed to examine whether the estrogenic property of soy isoflavones can affect food intake and body weight.. Seven-week-old male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were given free access to a diet containing 100-300 mg total isoflavone/kg diet, or to a control diet, either with or without concurrent administration of estradiol by subcutaneous implantation.. Dietary soy isoflavone was shown to lower food intake in female rats, whether or not the animals had undergone ovariectomy. Administration of estradiol lowered the food intake in male rats and in OVX female rats. The decrease in weekly food intake in female rats led to a reduction in their weekly gain in body weight. Dietary soy isoflavone significantly increased the concentration of serum isoflavones, especially equol (a metabolite of daidzein), regardless of gender or ovariectomy. Dietary soy isoflavone did not affect either serum estradiol concentration or uterine and didymus weights, but estradiol administration improved the uterine atrophy in OVX rats, and decreased the didymus weight in male rats.. Soy isoflavone lowers the food intake in female rats, but not in the male animals. Contrary to the hypothesis currently in vogue, the reduction in food intake caused by soy isoflavone may not be a purely estrogenic effect. This follows from the finding that the effects of soy isoflavones on food intake and on the reproductive organs differ from the corresponding effects produced by estrogen.

Topics: Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Epididymis; Estradiol; Female; Isoflavones; Male; Ovariectomy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sex Characteristics; Uterus

The effects of beta-glucan isolated from Aureobasidium pullulans were observed on acute xylene-induced inflammation. beta-glucan at a dose of 62.5, 125 or 250 mg/kg were administered once orally to xylene-treated mice (0.03 mL of xylene was applied on the anterior surface of the right ear to induce inflammation), and the body weight change, ear weight, histological profiles and histomorphometrical analyses of ear were conducted upon sacrifice. The xylene was topically applied 30 min after dosing with beta-glucan. The results were compared to those of diclofenac, indomethacin and dexamethasone (15 mg/kg injected once intraperitoneally). All animals were sacrificed 2 h after xylene application. Xylene application resulted in marked increases in induced ear weights compared to that of intact control ear; hence, the differences between intact and induced ear were also significantly increased. The histological characteristics of acute inflammation, such as severe vasodilation, edematous changes of skin and infiltration of inflammatory cells, were detected in xylene-treated control ears with marked increase in the thickness of the ear tissues. However, these xylene-induced acute inflammatory changes were significantly and dose-dependently decreased by beta-glucan treatment. We conclude that beta-glucan from A. pullulans has a somewhat favorable effect in the reduction of the acute inflammatory responses induced by xylene application in mice.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Ascomycota; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Ear, External; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR

This study investigates the toxicity of WGP 3-6, a yeast-derived beta-glucan ingredient, during single-dose acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies in rats. For the acute study, Fisher-344 rats were administered WGP 3-6 via gavage at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, and any evidence of toxicity was monitored over a 14-day period. WGP 3-6 was well tolerated, indicating that the LD(50) value is greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight. For the sub-chronic study, Fisher-344 rats (10/sex/group) were randomly allocated to receive daily gavage treatment with WGP 3-6 at doses of 0, 2, 33.3, or 100 mg/kg body weight. Control and high-dose satellite recovery groups of each sex also were included. Full toxicological monitoring and endpoint investigations were performed throughout and upon completion of the study. No negative effects on animal weights or food consumption attributable to WGP 3-6 were evident at any dose. In addition, no mortality, clinical pathology, functional/behavioral, microscopic, or gross observations indicating toxicity were observed. Sporadic changes in some biochemical and hematological parameters were observed; however, since the effects were within the physiological ranges in historical controls, were not dose-responsive, or were not observed in both sexes, they were determined to be of no toxicological significance. In conclusion, no adverse or toxic effects were observed after subchronic oral administration of 2, 33.3, or 100mg/kg body weight/day of WGP 3-6 in Fisher-344 rats, and therefore, a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 100 mg/kg body weight/day, the highest dose tested, was determined.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; beta-Glucans; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Hematologic Tests; Intubation, Gastrointestinal; Lethal Dose 50; Male; No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Toxicity Tests, Acute; Toxicity Tests, Chronic

We have developed an animal model of sepsis in mice by repeatedly administering beta-glucan, a biological response modifier, and indomethacin (IND), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The combination of these drugs induced bacteremia by translocation of the enterobacterial flora, resulting in increasing the number of activated leukocytes, and inducing hyper cytokinemia. In the present study, we examined the effect of antibiotics on beta-glucan and IND-induced septic shock. Treatment with antibiotics inhibited microbial translocation, inhibited contraction of the colon, reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-elicited production of TNF-alpha and IL-6, and finally prolonged survival. However, the efficacy of antibiotics treatment was limited in mice administered IND orally. These findings strongly suggested that the antibiotics controlled the gut-associated action of IND and reduced various symptoms accompanying sepsis.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Translocation; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Colon; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Indomethacin; Liver; Male; Mice; Shock, Septic

We studied the effect of macrophage stimulator water-soluble beta-(1-->3)-D-carboxymethylglucan on the efficiency of cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in Lewis lung carcinoma. Cyclophosphamide inhibited the growth of primary tumor nodes by 57%. The preparation possessed pronounced antimetastatic activity: metastases were found in 40.9% animals. Combination therapy with cyclophosphamide and (1-->3)-beta;-D-glucan inhibited the growth of intramuscular tumors by 75-89% and reduced the incidence of metastases into the lungs by 92-94%. The therapeutic effect was most pronounced after simultaneous administration of these preparations: tumor growth was suppressed by 89.3% and metastases were found in only 7.5% animals (vs. 100% in the control). The potentiating effect of beta-(1-->3)-D-carboxymethylglucan is related to accumulation of cysteine proteinase inhibitors in the tumor tissue and plasma, but not to changes in blood cell composition.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Carcinoma, Lewis Lung; Cathepsin B; Cathepsin L; Cathepsins; Cyclophosphamide; Cystatin A; Cystatin C; Cystatins; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Drug Synergism; Glucans; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Lung Neoplasms; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred CBA; Neoplasm Transplantation

The effect of orally or intraperitoneally administered particulate 1,3-beta-D-glucan (PBG), carboxymethylglucan (CMG) or sulfoethylglucan (SEG), obtained from the culture filtrate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on the functions of murine peritoneal adherent cells (PC) (peroxidase activity, nitric oxide synthesis), on relative organ mass and on proliferation of splenocytes was determined. The modulating activities after parenteral and non-parenteral administration of these polysaccharides were compared. Significant enhancement of NO production was observed only after in vitro cultivation of PC in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in groups of mice treated repeatedly orally with CMG, PBG and SEG at a dose of 50 mg/kg body mass. Peroxidase activity increased significantly after repeated oral administration of CMG and PBG at doses 150 and 50 mg/kg, SEG 150 mg/kg body mass. The peroxidase activity and NO synthesis in mice given a single intraperitoneal injection of glucans (15 mg/kg body mass) were slightly higher than those after oral administration. Neither a significant enhancement of relative organ mass nor enhancement of the proliferative response of splenocytes to in vitro added stimuli (LPS, phytohemagglutinin) after repeated oral or single intraperitoneal administration of beta-glucans was observed.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Enzyme Activation; Glucans; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Lipopolysaccharides; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nitric Oxide; Organ Size; Peroxidase; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Spleen