β-Glucans are components of fungal cell walls and potent stimulants of innate immunity. The majority of research on biological activities of glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans, which have been implicated in relation to fungal exposure-associated respiratory symptoms and as important stimulatory agents in anti-fungal immune responses. Fungi - and bacteria and plants - produce a wide variety of glucans with vast differences in the proportion and arrangement of their β-(1→3)-, -(1→4)- and -(1→6)-glycosidic linkages. Thus far, the pro-inflammatory potential of different β-glucans has not been studied within the same experimental model. Therefore, we compared the potency of 13 different glucan preparations to induce in vitro production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in human, whole blood cultures. The strongest inducers of all cytokines were pustulan [β-(1→6)-glucan], lichenan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], xyloglucan [β-(1→4)- glucan] and pullulan [α-(1→4)-(1→6)-glucan]. Moderate-to-strong cytokine production was observed for curdlan [β-(1→3)-glucan], baker's yeast glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→6)-glucan] and barley glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], while all other glucan preparations induced very low, or no, detectable levels of cytokines. We therefore conclude that innate immunity reactions are not exclusively induced by β-(1→3)-glucans, but also by β-(1→6)- and β-(1→4)-structures. Thus, not only β-(1→3)-glucan, but also other β-glucans and particularly β-(1→6)-glucans should be considered in future research.

β-Glucans are components of fungal cell walls and potent stimulants of innate immunity. The majority of research on biological activities of glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans, which have been implicated in relation to fungal exposure-associated respiratory symptoms and as important stimulatory agents in anti-fungal immune responses. Fungi - and bacteria and plants - produce a wide variety of glucans with vast differences in the proportion and arrangement of their β-(1→3)-, -(1→4)- and -(1→6)-glycosidic linkages. Thus far, the pro-inflammatory potential of different β-glucans has not been studied within the same experimental model. Therefore, we compared the potency of 13 different glucan preparations to induce in vitro production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in human, whole blood cultures. The strongest inducers of all cytokines were pustulan [β-(1→6)-glucan], lichenan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], xyloglucan [β-(1→4)- glucan] and pullulan [α-(1→4)-(1→6)-glucan]. Moderate-to-strong cytokine production was observed for curdlan [β-(1→3)-glucan], baker's yeast glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→6)-glucan] and barley glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], while all other glucan preparations induced very low, or no, detectable levels of cytokines. We therefore conclude that innate immunity reactions are not exclusively induced by β-(1→3)-glucans, but also by β-(1→6)- and β-(1→4)-structures. Thus, not only β-(1→3)-glucan, but also other β-glucans and particularly β-(1→6)-glucans should be considered in future research.

The main goal of this thesis was to analyse the amount of beta glucans in selected mushroom species. The overall characterization of the composition and content of bioactive compounds in mushrooms was studied too. The theoretical part was focused on description of Fungi, especially the Basidiomycota phyla. The overview of fungal morphology and chemical composition was elaborated. Further, theoretical basis of analytical methods used was introduced. In the experimental part, extracts from selected species of mushrooms (shiitake, oyster mushroom, white champignon, brown champignon and jew’s ear) were prepared. Overall group parameters such as polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometry. The amount of beta-glucans in the fungi was measured after enzyme hydrolysis using commercial kit. The content and composition of fatty acids was measured by gas spectrometry. Using emission spectrometry (ICP/OES) the presence of heavy metals was analysed in fungal extracts. Cytotoxicity was tested by MTT test on human cell lines. In the last part the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus luteus, Gram-negative Serratia marcescens and yeast Candida labrata was tested. In the thesis, a complex characterization of composition and biological effect of some mushrooms was given.

Several yeast strains and microalgae were selected for this diploma thesis. -glucans, lipids, carotenoids, ergosterol and coenzyme Q were determined in selected producers, and the cultivation conditions for yeast strains were optimized to gain enhanced production of -glucans. Microalgae cultivations were carried out according to the instructions of the Collection of Autotrophic organisms (CCALA). Selected microalge strains include Desmodesmus acutus, Dunaliella salina, Arthrospira maxima and Cyanothece sp. Selected yeast species include Rhodotorula glutinis, Cystofilobasidium macerans and Sporidiobolus metaroseus. Edible yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultivated to compare with other yeast strains because of it's verified production of -glucans. -glucans were then determined by the enzymatic kit K-YBGL Megazyme, carotenoids, ergosterol and coenzyme Q were analyzed by HPLC/PDA and fatty acids were analyzed by GC/FID. The best producer of yeast -glucans was R. glutinis and S. metaroseus, and the best conditions for the production of -glucans and other metabolites was the C/N ratio of 70. Within the microalgae species, only -glucan production was observed, the best producer was D. acutus.

The aim of the diploma thesis is study of glucans production in selected species of yeasts, algae and plants. Cultivation conditions for yeast strains were performed to gain increased production of glucans under different temperature conditions and in media of different composition. Into the set of tested yeasts species strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CCY 6646), Sporidiobolus pararoseus (CCY 19-9-6), Phaffia rhodozyma (CCY 77-1), Rhodotorula glutinis (CCY 20-78-26) and Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum (CCY 17-18-4) were enrolled. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultivated as a control strain because of its verified production of -glucans. -glucans were determinated by the enzyme kit K-YBGL Megazyme. For comparison, algal strain Euglena gracilis (CCALA 349), some species of mushrooms (shiitake, oyster mushroom, garden champignon and Jew’s ear) and cereals (wheat, rye, oats, rice and barley) were analysed too. Further, fatty acid content in the yeast cells was determined by the GC/FID. The best producer of yeast -glucans was R. glutinis CCY 20-7-26, which showed the highest biomass production (12-14 g/l) and also a relatively high amount of -glucans (25-30 %), in cultivation at 15 °C in a medium containing yeast extract in combination with ammonium sulphate. The presence of -glucans has been demonstrated in the microalgae, Euglena gracilis CCALA 349, as well as in samples of higher fungi and cereals.

The content of beta-glucans and arabinoxylans in barley grain, malt and wort was monitored. The varieties of barley were Pionier, Libuše, Manta, Tango, KWS Amadora, Kampa, KWS Irina, Francin, Odyssey, Overture, Vendela, Petrus, Laudis 550, Sunshine, Kangoo, Xanadu, Sebastian, Bojos and Malz. These varieties were grown on three different habitats (Uherský Ostroh, Věrovany and Vysoká u Příbramě). The content of beta-glucans and arabinoxylans was also analysed in five different types of beer. In brewing and malting industry the content of beta-glucans and arabinoxylans is mainly monitored because of their negative influence on decanting of wort and filtration of beer. These substances can contribute to turbidity and precipitation in beer and thus negatively effect the stability of beer. The content of beta-glucans in barley grain, malt, wort and beer was determined by FIA method and the content of arabinoxylans was determined in barley grain, wort and beer by Douglas method. The highest content of beta-glucans in barley grain was found in 14/19 varieties at Uherský Ostroh, where the amount of beta-glucan content was in the range of 3,65-5,60 %. The highest beta-glucan content in malt was found in 17/19 varieties at Vysoká u Příbramě, where the beta-glucan content was between 0,15-0,79 % and the highest content of beta-glucans in wort was found in 16/19 varieties also at Vysoká u Příbramě. There was the beta-content in the range of 22-184 mg/l. The results of content of arabinoxylans in barley grain and wort were more balanced. The highest content of arabinoxylans in barley grain was found in 10/19 varieties at Věrovany. The content of arabinoxylans at this habitat was in the range of 3,04-4,56 %. The highest content of arabinoxylans in wort was determined in 8/19 varieties at Uherský Ostroh. The content of arabinoxylans at this habitat was in the range of 542-1040 mg/l. The highest content of beta-glucans in samples of beer was determined in a sample of light lager (207 mg/l) and the highest content of arabinoxylans was found in a samle of wheat lager (1465 mg/l).

Thesis (MSc (Genetics. Institute of Plant Biotechnology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Traditional methods used for the discovery of novel genes have previously relied upon the ability to culture the relevant microbes and then demonstrate the activity of a specific enzyme. Although these methods have proved successful in the past, they severely limit our access to the genomes of organisms which are not able to be cultured under laboratory conditions. It was therefore the aim of this project to use metagenomic strategies for the identification of novel polymer-producing genes with the prospect of commercial exploitation. In this study, soil-derived metagenomic libraries were functionally screened for potential -glucan producing clones using aniline blue staining. Positive reacting clones were selected and sequenced. Initial sequencing revealed a gene with high homology to previously described glucan synthases, the products of these genes all having significant industrial value. The clone was transformed into a suitable bacterial host, cultured and allowed to produce the polymer of interest. The polysaccharide was purified and subjected to various chemical analyses so as to confirm its monosaccharide composition. Data suggests that this polymer is composed mainly of glucose units and that it may be secreted out of the cell. Purification of the active enzyme was attempted using classical protein purification methods with faint activity being detected using Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Further attempts to demonstrate activity were made through the construction of a GST (glutathione S-transferase) tagged fusion protein. The second part of this study focuses on the construction and screening of a metagenomic DNA library from whey, a by-product of the cheese manufacturing process. It was envisaged that this could provide a resource for the identification of high value polymers when lactose is provided as a sole carbon source. The library was screened for function using Congo Red for the detection of extra-cellular polysaccharides.

Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Os cogumelos há muitos anos vêm sendo utilizados na alimentação por seus valores nutricionais e/ou como agente terapêutico. Um dos fungos mais estudados atualmente é o Agaricus blazei Murrill, popularmente conhecido como Cogumelo do Sol, em função dos efeitos benéficos que lhe é creditado na prevenção de câncer. O estudo analisou os efeitos da ingestão do A. blazei, no parênquima pulmonar de ratos Wistar submetidos a estímulo carcinógeno induzido pela nitrosamina 4-(metilnitrosamina)-1-(3-piridil)-1 butanona NNK, potente carcinogênico pulmonar sistêmico em roedores. Foi preparado extrato aquoso de A. blazei nas doses de 14,3 mg e 42,9 mg administrado por gavagem durante 22 semanas juntamente com a NNK administrada via subcutânea na dose de 1,5 mg de NNK/Kg de peso corporal do animal durante 20 semanas. Foram formados seis grupos experimentais: Grupo Controle (GC); Grupo Cogumelo do Sol nas doses de 14,3 mg e 42,9 mg por gavagem e injeção de óleo de milho subcutânea (CSOL 14,3 e CSOL 42,9); Grupo Nitrosamina (GN) com injeção de NNK subcutânea e salina por gavagem; Grupo Nitrosamina com Cogumelo do Sol nas doses de 14,3 e 42,9 mg (NSOL 14,3 e NSOL 42,9). Os animais foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada (TC) para monitoramento do surgimento de possíveis tumores, foi analisado também peso corporal, consumo de ração ao longo de todo o experimento e realizada a composição centesimal do A. blazei Murrill. Ao final do experimento os animais foram mortos e foram analisados: hemograma completo, hepatograma, colesterol, triglicerídeo, análise macroscópica e microscópica do pulmão e a análise de curtose da curva do histograma fornecido pelo software BEBÚI utilizado no estudo através da imagem pulmonar da TC. Como conclusão foi verificado que a substância NNK na dose utilizada neste experimento não foi capaz de desenvolver uma neoplasia pulmonar nos animais estudados no período do experimento; no presente modelo experimental as diferenças encontradas nas análises histopatológicas e na análise da curtose mostram que a dose de cogumelo do sol de 14,3 mg se mostrou mais eficaz contra o surgimento de inflamação e opacidades pulmonares se comparada à dose de 42,9 mg. / The mushrooms have been used for many years as food for its nutritional value and/or as a therapeutic agent. One of the most studied fungus is currently the Agaricus blazei Murrill, popularly Known as Cogumelo do Sol, for its beneficial credited in the prevention of cancer. This study examined the effects of ingestion of A. blazei in the lung parenchyma of wistar rats subjected to stimulus-induced carcinogen 4 - (metilnitrosamina) -1 - (3-pyridyl) -1 butanone NNK, a potent systemic lung carcinogen in rodents. Was prepared aqueous extract of A. blazei in doses of 14,3 mg and 42,9 mg administered by gavage during 22 weeks together with NNK administered subcutaneously at a dose of 1,5 mg NNK/Kg body weight of the animal during 20 weeks. Were formed six groups: Control Group (CG); Mushroom Group at doses of 14,3 mg and 42,9 mg by gavage and injection of corn oil subcutaneously (CSOL 14.3 and 42.9); Group Nitrosamine (GN) with subcutaneous injection of NNK and saline by gavage; Group Nitrosamine + Mushroom at doses of 14,3 mg and 42,9 mg (NSOL 14.3 and NSOL 42.9). The animals were submitted to Computed Tomografy (CT) to monitor the possibility of development of lung tumors. Was also examined body weight and food intake throughout the experiment. At the end of 22 weeks, the experiment lasted for over four months for observation of development or growth of tumors via CT. After this period the animals were killed and analyzed: complete blood count, hepatogram, cholesterol, triglycerides, macroscopic and microscopic analysis of lung and kurtosis of the histogram curve supplied by the software used in the study called BEBÚI through the lung CT image. In conclusion it was found that NNK dose used on this study was not able to development a lung cancer in animals studied during the experiment. On this experimental model the differences found in histological analysis and the analysis of kurtosis shows that the dose of A. blazei of 14,3 mg was more effective against inflammation and the appearance of opacities compared to the dose of 42,9 mg.

Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Os cogumelos há muitos anos vêm sendo utilizados na alimentação por seus valores nutricionais e/ou como agente terapêutico. Um dos fungos mais estudados atualmente é o Agaricus blazei Murrill, popularmente conhecido como Cogumelo do Sol, em função dos efeitos benéficos que lhe é creditado na prevenção de câncer. O estudo analisou os efeitos da ingestão do A. blazei, no parênquima pulmonar de ratos Wistar submetidos a estímulo carcinógeno induzido pela nitrosamina 4-(metilnitrosamina)-1-(3-piridil)-1 butanona NNK, potente carcinogênico pulmonar sistêmico em roedores. Foi preparado extrato aquoso de A. blazei nas doses de 14,3 mg e 42,9 mg administrado por gavagem durante 22 semanas juntamente com a NNK administrada via subcutânea na dose de 1,5 mg de NNK/Kg de peso corporal do animal durante 20 semanas. Foram formados seis grupos experimentais: Grupo Controle (GC); Grupo Cogumelo do Sol nas doses de 14,3 mg e 42,9 mg por gavagem e injeção de óleo de milho subcutânea (CSOL 14,3 e CSOL 42,9); Grupo Nitrosamina (GN) com injeção de NNK subcutânea e salina por gavagem; Grupo Nitrosamina com Cogumelo do Sol nas doses de 14,3 e 42,9 mg (NSOL 14,3 e NSOL 42,9). Os animais foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada (TC) para monitoramento do surgimento de possíveis tumores, foi analisado também peso corporal, consumo de ração ao longo de todo o experimento e realizada a composição centesimal do A. blazei Murrill. Ao final do experimento os animais foram mortos e foram analisados: hemograma completo, hepatograma, colesterol, triglicerídeo, análise macroscópica e microscópica do pulmão e a análise de curtose da curva do histograma fornecido pelo software BEBÚI utilizado no estudo através da imagem pulmonar da TC. Como conclusão foi verificado que a substância NNK na dose utilizada neste experimento não foi capaz de desenvolver uma neoplasia pulmonar nos animais estudados no período do experimento; no presente modelo experimental as diferenças encontradas nas análises histopatológicas e na análise da curtose mostram que a dose de cogumelo do sol de 14,3 mg se mostrou mais eficaz contra o surgimento de inflamação e opacidades pulmonares se comparada à dose de 42,9 mg. / The mushrooms have been used for many years as food for its nutritional value and/or as a therapeutic agent. One of the most studied fungus is currently the Agaricus blazei Murrill, popularly Known as Cogumelo do Sol, for its beneficial credited in the prevention of cancer. This study examined the effects of ingestion of A. blazei in the lung parenchyma of wistar rats subjected to stimulus-induced carcinogen 4 - (metilnitrosamina) -1 - (3-pyridyl) -1 butanone NNK, a potent systemic lung carcinogen in rodents. Was prepared aqueous extract of A. blazei in doses of 14,3 mg and 42,9 mg administered by gavage during 22 weeks together with NNK administered subcutaneously at a dose of 1,5 mg NNK/Kg body weight of the animal during 20 weeks. Were formed six groups: Control Group (CG); Mushroom Group at doses of 14,3 mg and 42,9 mg by gavage and injection of corn oil subcutaneously (CSOL 14.3 and 42.9); Group Nitrosamine (GN) with subcutaneous injection of NNK and saline by gavage; Group Nitrosamine + Mushroom at doses of 14,3 mg and 42,9 mg (NSOL 14.3 and NSOL 42.9). The animals were submitted to Computed Tomografy (CT) to monitor the possibility of development of lung tumors. Was also examined body weight and food intake throughout the experiment. At the end of 22 weeks, the experiment lasted for over four months for observation of development or growth of tumors via CT. After this period the animals were killed and analyzed: complete blood count, hepatogram, cholesterol, triglycerides, macroscopic and microscopic analysis of lung and kurtosis of the histogram curve supplied by the software used in the study called BEBÚI through the lung CT image. In conclusion it was found that NNK dose used on this study was not able to development a lung cancer in animals studied during the experiment. On this experimental model the differences found in histological analysis and the analysis of kurtosis shows that the dose of A. blazei of 14,3 mg was more effective against inflammation and the appearance of opacities compared to the dose of 42,9 mg.

Orientador: Marjorie de Assis Golim / Resumo: A infecção crônica pelo vírus da hepatite B (VHB) é a principal causa de cronificação da hepatite, cirrose hepática e carcinoma hepatocelular em humanos. A vacinação contra hepatite B é essencial a saúde da população, sendo a medida de menor custo e maior eficiência para controlar o vírus. A vacina desencadeia resposta imune com produção de anticorpos contra o antígeno de superfície do VHB (anti-HBs), contudo, alguns indivíduos não desenvolvem imunidade efetiva, havendo necessidade de doses adicionais. Assim, estimular a resposta imune nos indivíduos já vacinados, porém pouco respondedores ou não respondedores previamente, poderia contribuir para o aumento da produção de anticorpos e persistência dos mesmos ao longo do tempo. Considerando o potencial imunomodulador de β-glucanas, inclusive no aumento da ativação de células T e B em resposta a antígenos, propôs-se neste estudo avaliar a influência do uso de β-glucanas como suplemento alimentar em indivíduos com imunidade não efetiva pós-vacina, que necessitassem de dose booster. Foram incluídos 46 doadores de sangue do Hemocentro de Botucatu, com idade entre 18 anos e 25 anos completos, do sexo masculino, vacinados com três doses para hepatite B na primeira infância. Aqueles que apresentaram anti-HBs<10UI/L foram considerados não imunes, sendo mantidos no estudo (n=31) e divididos em dois grupos de forma aleatória. Ambos os grupos receberam booster da vacina, sendo um grupo suplementado via oral com cápsulas de amido (n=11; pl... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main cause of hepatitis chronification, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in humans. Vaccination against hepatitis B is essential to the health of the population, being the least costly and most efficient measure to control the virus. The vaccine triggers an immune response with the production of antibodies against HBV surface antigen (Anti-HBs), however, some individuals do not develop effective immunity, requiring additional doses. Thus, stimulating the immune response in individuals who have already been vaccinated, but with little or no previous response, could contribute to increased antibody production and persistence over time. Considering the immunomodulatory potential of β-glucans, including the increased activation of T and B cells in response to antigens, it was proposed in this study to evaluate the influence of the use of βglucans as a food supplement in individuals with post-vaccine ineffective immunity , who needed a booster dose. 46 blood donors from the Hemocenter of Botucatu, aged between 18 and 25 years old, male, who received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine in childhood were included. Those who had anti-HBs <10 IU / L were considered non-immune, being maintained in the study (n = 31) and randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received a vaccine booster, one group supplemented orally with starch capsules (n = 11; placebo - 500mg / day), and the other with β-glucans (n = 20; 500mg / day) f... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre