The structure of glucan complexes isolated from fruit bodies of medicinal white-rot fungi Phellinus and Inonotus spp. was investigated. Water-soluble fractions contained - and ß-glucans, glucose and other sugars (mannose, galactose, xylose and arabinose). FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of ?- and ß-polysaccharides (mostly glucans), uronic acids, some proteins and aromatic compounds. The water-soluble fractions of the Inonotus fruit bodies were structurally different from those of Phellinus sp. Watersoluble polysaccharides constituted only a minor part of the fruit bodies, while a chitin ? glucan complex together with aromatic polymers made the basis of insoluble cellwall residues. Complex structure of the water-soluble fractions was also investigated by TGA and DSC.
The present paper represents a comprehensive up-to-date review of beta -glucans, their chemical and biological properties, and their role in immunological reactions. beta -D-Glucans belong to a group of physiologically active compounds called biological response modifiers and represent highly conserved structural components of cell walls in yeast, fungi, or seaweed. Despite almost 150 years of research, the exact mechanisms of their action remain unclear. The present review starts with the history of glucans. Next, attention is focused on sources and structure, comparing the effects of physicochemical properties, and sources on biological effects. As glucans belong to natural products useful in preventing various diseases, they have been highly sought after throughout human history. Based on extensive recent research, this paper explains the various mechanisms of effects and the ways glucans mediate their effects on defense reactions against infections. Despite the fact that predominately pharmacological effects of glucans are positive, their unfavorable and potentially toxic side effects were not overlooked. In addition, attention was focused on the future research, possible alternatives such as synthetic oligosaccharides, and on clinical applications.
- MeSH
- aktivace makrofágů imunologie účinky léků MeSH
- antibakteriální látky chemie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antitumorózní látky chemie terapeutické užití MeSH
- beta-glukany dějiny chemie imunologie metabolismus terapeutické užití MeSH
- buněčná stěna chemie metabolismus MeSH
- dějiny 19. století MeSH
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- houby chemie izolace a purifikace klasifikace metabolismus MeSH
- imunologické faktory dějiny chemie imunologie metabolismus terapeutické užití MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mediátory zánětu škodlivé účinky MeSH
- myši MeSH
- prezentace antigenu imunologie účinky léků MeSH
- toll-like receptory imunologie metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- dějiny 19. století MeSH
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- přehledy MeSH
