title: Immunological effects of yeast- and mushroom-derived beta-glucans.
abstract: Glucans have a long history as nonspecific biological modulators. We compared the effects of three different glucans on immune reactions. Using two different administrations (intraperitoneal and oral) and two different animal models, we showed that yeast-derived Betamune (Biorigin, São Paulo, Brazil) caused significant stimulation of phagocytic activity as well as potentiation of synthesis and release of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In addition, Betamune inhibited growth of tumor cells in vivo and affected expression of several important genes in breast cancer cells. Compared to adult mice, young animals showed different sensitivity to glucan action.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA. Vaclav.vetvicka@louisville.edu
authors.forename: Vaclav
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vetvicka
authors.forename: Aruna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vashishta
authors.forename: Sujata
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saraswat-Ohri
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vetvickova
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007912:Lentinan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015674:Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D023421:Models, Animal; D010587:Phagocytosis; D008517:Phytotherapy; D020942:Shiitake Mushrooms / Q000737:chemistry; D015003:Yeasts / Q000737:chemistry; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016207:Cytokines; D047071:beta-Glucans; D007912:Lentinan