Hypercholesterolemia is one of primary risk factors of cardiovascular disease, together with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes. Although progress has been made, the search for novel methods of preventing and treating dyslipidemia is ongoing and current therapies for cardiovascular disease induce various side effects. β‑glucans are linear unbranched polysaccharides found in various natural sources, such as mushrooms. Due to their structure they are able to interact with innate immunity receptors, however they also act as dietary fibers in the digestive tract. As there are two forms of β‑glucans, insoluble and soluble forms, they are able to interact with lipids and biliary salts in the bowel and consequently reduce cholesterol levels. Therefore, they may be developed as a suitable therapeutic option to treat patients with dyslipidemia, as they are natural molecules that do not induce any significant side effects. The current review discusses the evidence supporting the effects of β‑glucans on cholesterol levels.

• MeSH
• Anticholesteremic Agents chemistry   therapeutic use   MeSH
• beta-Glucans chemistry   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Cholesterol blood   immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Hypercholesterolemia blood   immunology   metabolism   therapy   MeSH
• Immunologic Factors chemistry   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Dietary Fiber analysis   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anticholesteremic Agents MeSH
• beta-Glucans MeSH
• Cholesterol MeSH
• Immunologic Factors MeSH
• Dietary Fiber MeSH

BACKGROUND: The role of β-glucan in children with respiratory problems is getting more and more attention. In this report we focused on the effects of 30 days oral supplementation with β-glucan on physical activity and immune status of children with respiratory problems. METHODS: We measured the level of sIgA, eNO and physical activity [using a 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in 77 children and evaluated the effect of 100 mg/day oral dose. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between males and females in physical endurance. In the glucan group, the positive effects of glucan were significant in both age groups. In the glucan group, we found significant decrease of eNO levels and stabilization of the sIgA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator β-glucan stimulated physical endurance in children with respiratory problems and, via stabilization of the sIgA levels, helps their mucosal immunity.

• Keywords
• Glucan, IgA, children, saliva, physical activity,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: The role of glucan in the stimulation of immune reactions is well established. In our report, we focused on the effects of orally administered glucan on nonspecific immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the levels of albumin, lysozyme. C-reactive protein (CRP) and calprotectin in the saliva of 60 children ages 8-12 years and evaluated the effects of 30-day treatment with 100 mg/d oral dose of glucan. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in the production of lysozyme, CRP and calprotectin in glucan-treated children. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator β-glucan significantly stimulated mucosal immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems.

• Keywords
• Glucan, children, lysozyme, mucosal immunity, saliva,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH