RESUMEN
AIM: ß-Glucan is one of the most abundant polymers in nature and has been established as an immunomodulator. This compound has notable physiological effects on mammalian immune systems, including anti-tumor and anti-infective activities and can activate the immune response. It is considered that the immune-stimulating activities of ß-glucan can depend on physicochemical parameters, such as molecular size. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as baker's yeast, is a frequently used source of ß-glucan. The aim of the experiments was to investigate how different Saccharomyces cerevisiae ß-glucan preparations with different molecular size affect interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production in BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo and in vitro BALB/c mouse models were used for the investigations. Different ß-glucan preparations were orally administrated in the in vivo experiments. IFN-γ production in BALB/c mice was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and measuring interferon-γ RNA concentration. RESULTS: The results showed that orally-administered ß-glucan from S. cerevisiae enhanced IFN-γ production in BALB/c mice in the in vivo model, but not by mouse leukocytes in vitro. Moreover, water-soluble ß-glucan enhanced IFN-γ production more effectively than did particulate ß-glucan. CONCLUSION: IFN-γ plays an important role in immunity against viral and bacterial infections. Our experiments have shown that ß-glucan preparations enhance IFN-γ production in BALB/c mice and can be potentially used for immune system stimulation in mammals. Current results may be used to develop soluble ß-glucan nutritional supplements.
Asunto(s)
Polisacáridos Fúngicos/farmacología , Factores Inmunológicos/farmacología , Interferón gamma/biosíntesis , beta-Glucanos/farmacología , Animales , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Femenino , Interferón gamma/sangre , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/químicaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the anti-arthritic and antioxidant effects of herbal and active organic ingredient complex (EM 1201) in rats with experimental adjuvant arthritis (AA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: AA was induced in 30 male Wistar rats by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the left hind paw. The course of disease in 30 rats in response to the treatment with EM 1201 and diclofenac, the parameters including body weight, joint swelling, blood indices pro-/antioxidant status of blood serum, and histology of joints and the liver, were investigated. RESULTS: Preparation EM 1201 showed anti-inflammatory effect analogous to diclofenac, improved blood indices, significantly decreased joint swelling and histological changes in them. Joint swelling was suppressed by 29%-42.8% and 9.3%-34.4% in response to administration of EM 1201 and diclofenac during the entire experiment. Both preparations significantly suppressed pannus formation, general inflammatory reaction and edema in soft periarticular tissues and synovium, diminished MDA level and elevated AOA in the blood serum. Significantly lower absolute and relative weight of the liver and lower dystrophic processes in it, and general inflammatory infiltration of hepatic stroma proved the positive effect of treatment with EM 1201. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that EM 1201 has protective activity against arthritis and demonstrated its potential beneficiary effect analogical to diclofenac. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect of EM 1201 in rats with AA support the need of further investigations by using it as supplementary agent alone or together with other anti-arthritic drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.