BETA GLUCAN: THE ULTIMATE IMMUNE MODULATOR!

INTRODUCTION
The emergence of multiple antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has led to a search for alternatives to traditional therapeutic regimens. Beta Glucan, an immunomoduator, can selectively enhance the microbicidal activities of neutrophils and macrophages without stimulating proinflammatory cytokine production.

Glucan is a potent reticuloendothelial-modulating agent whose immunobiological activity is mediated, in part, by an increase in the number and function of macrophages. Lysozyme concentrations were increased approximately sevenfold in some studies. Biologic response modifiers, like Beta Glucan, will modulate immunity, modify neoplastic (cancer) disease and increase resistance to microbial challenge. Glucan can enhance some elements of the immune system against staphylococcal infections.

PROTECTS AGAINST BACTERIA AND PARASITES
Beta Glucan has been found to protect against infection with Babesia microti, an intra- erythrocytic protozoan parasite, nonspecific protection. Glucan has been shown to significantly inhibit renal necrosis associated with systemic staphylococcal diseases and showed enhanced survival. Glucan has been shown to increase peripheral leukocyte counts. Beta Glucan induced increase in phagocytosis and induced hyperplasia of macrophages. Glucan significantly enhanced survival when challenged systemically with Staphylococcus aureus.

These studies indicate that glucan confers an enhanced state of host defense against bacterial infections. With orally administered glucan, interleukin-2 was evaluated in treated animals and showed an increase. There was significant increase in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and peripheral monocyte number. A significant increase in number and in vitro candidacidal activity was also observed for alveolar (lung) macrophages. The resistance towards systemic infection with Candida albicans of Staphylococcus aureus increased, significantly reducing the growth of microorganisms in the kidneys of infected animals. Toxicological studies showed that glucan is highly tolerated. In the area of protective capacity in respiratory infection, Beta Glucan significantly increased rated of phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus.

Beta Glucan greatly increased numbers of macrophages in the lungs of glucan- treated rats; the lungs of glucan-treated mice appeared normal and that glucan can enhance intrapulmonary bacterial killing. The ability of glucan was shown to increase the number of lung macrophages resulting in increased bacterial ingestion. Particulate glucan resulted in significant reductions in the growth of a syngeneic anaplastic mammary carcinoma and melanoma and showed enhanced survival. Studies demonstrate that prophylaxis with Beta Glucan in combination with antibiotics provided enhanced protection against lethal challenge with Esherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus as compares with the use of antibiotics alone.

Dr. J. K. Czop, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. "The cell wall glucans of Saccharomyces cerevisiae [yeast cell wall] consist of two structurally distinct Beta-glucans: major components comprised of consecutively, 1,3-linked glucopyranosyl residues with small numbers of 1,6-linked branches, and minor components with consecutive 1,6-linkages and 1,3-branches."

Browder W., et al., "Modification of Post-Operative C. albicans Sepsis by Glucan Immunostimulation," Int. J. Immunopharmac.; 6:19-26. 1984. Dept of Surg and Physiol, Tulane U Sch of Med, LA Quote: "These observations suggest that Biologic Response Modifiers such as glucan may be effectively employed in patients who are at risk for post-operative infections."*

Browder W., Williams D., Pretus H., et al; Beneficial Effect of Enhanced Macrophage Function in the Trauma Patients. Ann. Surg.; Vol 211: 605-613. 1990. Dept of Surg and Physiol, Tulane U Sch of Med, LA and Istituto Di Chirurgia D'Urgenza, U of Torino, Torino, Italy. * Quote: "Previous studies have demonstrated that glucan, a beta-1, 3-linked glucopyranose polymer, isolated from the inner cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a potent macrophage stimulant and is beneficial in the therapy of experimental bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. Use of glucan in a murine model of hind-limb crush injury decreased macrophage PGE2 release while stimulating bone marrow proliferation."

This is just a sampling of the data that exists in abundance out of peer reviewed volumes. Anyone who takes the time to examine this data would be prudent to explore Beta Glucan as a source to help your immune system be all that it could be without the misuse, overuse, or abuse of antibiotics.