Beta-Glucan as natural immunomodulator: The future is now - EAV040X01
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Last update: Ing. Lenka Křikavová (23.05.2018)
University of Louisville Department of Pathology Louisville, KY, USA Natural products, useful in preventing and/or treating various diseases, have been sought after throughout the history of mankind. Most often, the mechanisms of the actions remain unknown and the interest of both general public and professionals slowly evaporates. -Glucans from different producing organisms are different at least with regard to their solubility, degree of polymerization and degree of branching. Even in defined organism, there are several types of β-glucans having the same differences. Therefore, the proper and scientifically well-founded evaluation of -glucan properties had to focus not only on biochemical characteristics and biological activities of certain isolated preparation. β-Glucans isolated from various sources—including yeast, fungi and oat—are known as ballast polysaccharides, which are parts of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. They are indigestible in the small intestine and can be slightly cleaved by some enzymes of human colon microflora. As dietary fiber components, these polysaccharides show some nutritional benefits such as restriction of indigestion problems, positive influence of cholesterol, fat and glucose metabolism. These properties are instrumental in the preparation of health-improving food supplements containing β-glucans. At present, these polysaccharides are mainly known for their antitumor and immunomodulating activities. Moreover, immunity activation by β-glucans increases resistance of organisms against viral and microbial infections. With over 15,000 published papers on biological activities of glucan, it is not surprising that at least 80 clinical trials are currently under way. In conclusion, we would like to express one wish: that this lecture is regarded as a startling point to join the highly remote bioscientific disciplines, such as carbohydrate chemistry or clinical practice, with immunology. We presume that, in the next few years, the fields of natural immunomodulators, and -glucan in particular, will provide not only inspiration for further investigation in biomedicine, but also a number of practical applicable results. |
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Last update: Ing. Lenka Křikavová (23.05.2018)
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Last update: Ing. Lenka Křikavová (23.05.2018)
Účast |