Glucan and resveratrol complex--possible synergistic effects on immune system.
BACKGROUND
Recent data showing that glucan elicited defense responses in grapevine and induced protection via induction of resveratrol production led us to evaluate the possible synergetic effects of glucan and resveratrol complex on immune reactions.


METHODS
We measured phagocytosis using HEMA particles, expression of cell surface markers via fl ow cytometry, expression of cytokines using ELISA, recovery after fluorouracil-induced leucopenia and effects on gene expression via RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Our results showed that both glucan and resveratrol complex stimulated phagocytosis of blood leukocytes, caused increase in surface expression of CD(+) splenocytes and showed higher restoration of spleen recovery after experimentally induced leucopenia. In all these cases, strong synergetic effects were observed. When we measured the effects of these substances on expression level of NF-kappaB2, Cdc42 and Bcl-2 in breast cancer cells, upregulation of Cdc42 expression was evident only using both immunomodulators in combination.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, our data suggest significant synergy in stimulation of immune reactions and support further studies of these natural immunomodulators.
Vetvicka
Vaclav
V
University of Louisville, Department of Pathology, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. Vaclav.vetvicka@louisville.edu
Volny
Tomas
T
Saraswat-Ohri
Sujata
S
Vashishta
Aruna
A
Vancikova
Zuzana
Z
Vetvickova
Jana
J
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077185:Resveratrol; D013267:Stilbenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D016207:Cytokines; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013267:Stilbenes; D047071:beta-Glucans; D000077185:Resveratrol