O teor de β-glucanas interfere diretamente nos parâmetros de qualidade do malte para a produção de cerveja, principalmente na etapa de filtração. Elevadas concentrações de β-glucanas na cevada exigem maior tempo e temperatura na maceração e germinação. A aplicação de β-glucanase comercial é uma alternativa para reduzir o conteúdo de β-glucanas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o efeito da adição da β-glucanase no malte produzido a partir das cultivares de cevada BRS - Cauê e Elis (safra 2013/2014) com um tempo reduzido de germinação. As cultivares foram submetidas a micromalteações com 96 horas (convencional) e 64 horas (tempo reduzido) de germinação. As análises de β-glucanas e de qualidade da cevada, do malte e do mosto foram realizadas segundo a metodologia analítica EBC (European Brewery Convention). As cultivares BRS - Cauê e Elis, germinadas com 96 h apresentaram respectivamente os teores de 90,7 e 64,3 mg/L de β-glucanas. O processo com 64 h de germinação resultou em teores acima do limite máximo recomendado pela EBC (178 mg/L), sendo 320,0 e 370,7 mg/L para os maltes das cultivares BRS-Cauê e Elis respectivamente. A aplicação de 100 mg/kg de β- glucanase no malte produzido com 64 h de germinação reduziu os teores de β- glucanas para 74,7 (BRS-Cauê) e 81,7 mg/L (BRS-Elis). Houve uma redução no teor de β-glucanas de 76,67% para BRS - Cauê e 77,96% para BRS - Elis. Sendo que para o malte da cultivar BRS - Cauê a aplicação de 25 mg/kg da enzima e para a BRS - Elis a aplicação de 50 mg/kg foram suficientes para a obtenção de maltes com teores de acordo com o recomendado. A redução nos valores de viscosidade também foi observada. A aplicação da β-glucanase comercial reduziu o teor de β- glucanas no malte produzido em um tempo menor de germinação permitindo a otimização do tempo no processo de malteação. / The β-glucan content interferes directly in the malt quality parameters for the production of beer, especially in the filtration step. High β-glucans concentrations in barley require more time and temperature in the steeping and germination. The application of a commercial β-glucanase is an alternative to reduce the content of β- glucans. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the addition of β-glucanase in malt produced from barley cultivars BRS - Cauê and Elis (season 2013/2014) with a reduced germination time. The cultivars were subjected to micromalteações 96 hours (conventional) and 64 hours (reduced time) germination. The analyzes of β-glucans and quality of barley, malt and wort were performed according to the analytical methodology EBC (European Brewery Convention). The BRS - Cauê and Elis, germinated after 96 hours respectively showed the levels of 90.7 and 64.3 mg / L of β-glucans. The process with 64 h of germination resulted in levels over the maximum limit recommended by the EBC (178 mg / L), with 320.0 and 370.7 mg / L for the malts of BRS-Cauê and Elis cultivars respectively. The application of 100 mg / kg of malt β-glucanase produced in 64 h germination lowered β-glucan content to 74.7 (BRS-Cauê) and 81.7 mg / L (BRS-Elis). There was a reduction in β-glucan content of 76.67% for BRS - Cauê and 77.96% for BRS - Elis. Since for malt cultivar BRS - Cauê application of 25 mg / kg of the enzyme and the BRS - Elis application of 50 mg / kg was sufficient to obtain malt content according to recommended. The reduction in viscosity values were also observed. The application of commercial β-glucanase reduced the β-glucan content in malt produced in a shorter germination allowing the optimization of time in the malting process.

β-Glucans have beneficial health effects due to their immune modulatory properties. Oral administration of β-glucans affects tumour growth, microbial infection, sepsis, and wound healing. We hypothesized that pre-treatment with orally delivered soluble and particulate β-glucans could ameliorate the development of aggravate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced intestinal inflammation. To study this, mice were orally pre-treated with β-glucans for 14 days. We tested curdlan (a particulate β-(1,3)-glucan), glucan phosphate (a soluble β-(1,3)-glucan), and zymosan (a particle made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contains around 55% β-glucans). Weight loss, colon weight, and feces score did not differ between β-glucan and vehicle treated groups. However, histology scores indicated that β-glucan-treated mice had increased inflammation at a microscopic level suggesting that β-glucan treatment worsened intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, curdlan and zymosan treatment led to increased colonic levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, compared to vehicle. Glucan phosphate treatment did not significantly affect cytokine and chemokine levels. These data suggest that particulate and soluble β-glucans differentially affect the intestinal immune responses. However, no significant differences in other clinical colitis scores between soluble and particulate β-glucans were found in this study. In summary, β-glucans aggravate the course of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation at the level of the mucosa.

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 CD5 lymphocyte surface receptor is a group B member of the ancient and highly conserved scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily. CD5 is expressed on mature T and B1a cells, where it is known to modulate lymphocyte activation and/or differentiation processes. Recently, the interaction of a few group B SRCR members (CD6, Spα, and DMBT1) with conserved microbial structures has been reported. Protein binding assays presented herein indicate that the CD5 ectodomain binds to and aggregates fungal cells (Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans) but not to Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) or Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Accordingly, the CD5 ectodomain binds to zymosan but not to purified bacterial cell wall constituents (LPS, lipotheicoic acid, or peptidoglycan), and such binding is specifically competed by β-glucan but not by mannan. The K d of the rshCD5/(1→3)-β-D-glucan phosphate interaction is 3.7 ± 0.2 nM as calculated from tryptophan fluorescence data analysis of free and bound rshCD5. Moreover, zymosan binds to membrane-bound CD5, and this induces both MAPK activation and cytokine release. In vivo validation of the fungal binding properties of the CD5 ectodomain is deduced from its protective effect in a mouse model of zymosan-induced septic shock-like syndrome. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the CD5 lymphocyte receptor may sense the presence of conserved fungal components [namely, (1→3)-β-D- glucans] and support the therapeutic potential of soluble CD5 forms in fungal sepsis.

O efeito de sete tratamentos, contendo β-glucano, um probiótico experimental, e um produto de exclusão competitiva assim como suas associações, foram avaliados frente a um desafio com Salmonella Typhimurium Nalr e na resposta imune, em frangos de corte. Dois experimentos foram realizados; o primeiro experimento apresentou seis tratamentos que consistiram de: a) produto de exclusão competitiva (EC); b) EC + probiótico experimental (LEB); c) EC + betaglucano (G); d) EC+LEB+G; e) controle negativo e f) controle positivo. O segundo experimento, foi delineado com nove tratamentos que consistiram em: a) EC; b) LEB; c) G; d) EC+LEB; e) EC+G; f) EC+LEB+G; g) LEB+G; h) controle negativo e i) controle positivo. Experimento 1: no dia 0 do experimento as aves foram tratadas com 0,1mL de EC por inoculação no inglúvio. No dia 1 do experimento as aves foram desafiadas com 107 CFU/mL de Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr. Durante o período de 1 ao 6 dia, as aves foram tratadas com o tratamento apropriado, e sacrificadas aos 7 dias de idade. Experimento 2: no dia 0 do experimento as aves foram tratadas com 0,1mL de EC por inoculação no inglúvio. Durante 28 dias as aves foram tratadas com o tratamento apropriado. Nos dias 1, 9, 16 e 23 do experimento as aves foram desafiadas com 107 UFC/mL de Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr, e sacrificadas uma semana após cada desafio. Nos dois experimentos, cecos, fígado e baço foram removidos assepticamente e examinados para Salmonellae; e foram colhidas amostras de soro e fluido intestinal, para se avaliar as concentrações de IgG e IgA totais. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variança de uma via, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Duncan. Os tratamentos EC+LEB+G e LEB+G mostraram uma inibição significativa (p<0,05) de invasão dos órgãos por Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr, com altos níveis de proteção. No segundo experimento, a colonização cecal foi reduzida somente após a segunda semana de tratamento. Os níveis de IgG não foram significativos no soro ou fluido intestinal, mas a concentração de IgA foi significativamente (p<0,05) alta no soro e fluido intestinal, quando comparada com a do controle negativo. Estes resultados sugerem que os tratamentos associados usando produto de EC, probióticos e betaglucano são mais eficazes no controle de Salmonella, do que preparações individuais; estimulando a produção de IgA sistêmica e de mucosas. Outros estudos complementares são necessários para se determinar os mecanismos pelos quais as interações destas substâncias poderiam regular a resposta imune inata. / The effects of seven treatments, containing β-glucan, experimental probiotic, competitive exclusion products and their associations were evaluated, on a Salmonella Typhimurium Nalr challenge and assessment of the immune response, in broiler chickens. Two sets of trials were performed; the first trial was arranged with six treatments. Treatments in the first set consisted of a) commercial competitive exclusion (EC), b) EC + experimental probiotic (LEB), c) EC + betaglucan (G), d) EC+LEB+G, e) negative control, and e) positive control. The second one, was designed with nine treatments consisted of a) EC, b) LEB, c) G, d) EC+LEB, e) EC+G, f) EC+LEB+G, g) LEB +G, h) negative control, and i) positive control. Trial 1: on day 0 birds were administered 0,1mL of the EC treatment by oral gavage. On day 1, birds were challenged with 107CFU/mL of Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr. During 1 to 6 days, birds were administered of appropriate treatment, and were sacrificed at 7 days of age. Trial 2: on day 0 birds were administered 0,1mL of the EC treatment by oral gavage. During 28 days, birds were administered of appropriate treatment. On day 1, 9, 16 and 23 birds were challenged with 107CFU/mL of Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr, and were sacrificed one week after challenge. In two sets of trials, ceca, liver and spleen were aseptically removed and examined for salmonellae; and were taken serum and intestinal fluid samples, in order to evaluate total antibody concentrations of IgG and IgA. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, and means compared by Duncan′s test. Treatments EC+LEB+G and LEB+G resulted in a significant inhibition (p<0,05) in Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr organ invasion offering a higher level of protection. In the second set of trial, colonization was reduced after the second week of treatment. IgG was no significantly in serum and intestinal fluid samples, but IgA was found significantly (p<0,05) higher in serum and intestinal fluid samples, when compared to control ones. These results suggest that associated treatment using EC products, probiotics and betaglucans are more effective in Salmonella control, than individual preparations; stimulating the systemic and mucosal immune response mediated by IgA. Further research is necessary to determine the mechanisms by which the interaction of these substances could regulate avian innate immune response.

O efeito de sete tratamentos, contendo β-glucano, um probiótico experimental, e um produto de exclusão competitiva assim como suas associações, foram avaliados frente a um desafio com Salmonella Typhimurium Nalr e na resposta imune, em frangos de corte. Dois experimentos foram realizados; o primeiro experimento apresentou seis tratamentos que consistiram de: a) produto de exclusão competitiva (EC); b) EC + probiótico experimental (LEB); c) EC + betaglucano (G); d) EC+LEB+G; e) controle negativo e f) controle positivo. O segundo experimento, foi delineado com nove tratamentos que consistiram em: a) EC; b) LEB; c) G; d) EC+LEB; e) EC+G; f) EC+LEB+G; g) LEB+G; h) controle negativo e i) controle positivo. Experimento 1: no dia 0 do experimento as aves foram tratadas com 0,1mL de EC por inoculação no inglúvio. No dia 1 do experimento as aves foram desafiadas com 107 CFU/mL de Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr. Durante o período de 1 ao 6 dia, as aves foram tratadas com o tratamento apropriado, e sacrificadas aos 7 dias de idade. Experimento 2: no dia 0 do experimento as aves foram tratadas com 0,1mL de EC por inoculação no inglúvio. Durante 28 dias as aves foram tratadas com o tratamento apropriado. Nos dias 1, 9, 16 e 23 do experimento as aves foram desafiadas com 107 UFC/mL de Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr, e sacrificadas uma semana após cada desafio. Nos dois experimentos, cecos, fígado e baço foram removidos assepticamente e examinados para Salmonellae; e foram colhidas amostras de soro e fluido intestinal, para se avaliar as concentrações de IgG e IgA totais. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variança de uma via, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Duncan. Os tratamentos EC+LEB+G e LEB+G mostraram uma inibição significativa (p<0,05) de invasão dos órgãos por Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr, com altos níveis de proteção. No segundo experimento, a colonização cecal foi reduzida somente após a segunda semana de tratamento. Os níveis de IgG não foram significativos no soro ou fluido intestinal, mas a concentração de IgA foi significativamente (p<0,05) alta no soro e fluido intestinal, quando comparada com a do controle negativo. Estes resultados sugerem que os tratamentos associados usando produto de EC, probióticos e betaglucano são mais eficazes no controle de Salmonella, do que preparações individuais; estimulando a produção de IgA sistêmica e de mucosas. Outros estudos complementares são necessários para se determinar os mecanismos pelos quais as interações destas substâncias poderiam regular a resposta imune inata. / The effects of seven treatments, containing β-glucan, experimental probiotic, competitive exclusion products and their associations were evaluated, on a Salmonella Typhimurium Nalr challenge and assessment of the immune response, in broiler chickens. Two sets of trials were performed; the first trial was arranged with six treatments. Treatments in the first set consisted of a) commercial competitive exclusion (EC), b) EC + experimental probiotic (LEB), c) EC + betaglucan (G), d) EC+LEB+G, e) negative control, and e) positive control. The second one, was designed with nine treatments consisted of a) EC, b) LEB, c) G, d) EC+LEB, e) EC+G, f) EC+LEB+G, g) LEB +G, h) negative control, and i) positive control. Trial 1: on day 0 birds were administered 0,1mL of the EC treatment by oral gavage. On day 1, birds were challenged with 107CFU/mL of Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr. During 1 to 6 days, birds were administered of appropriate treatment, and were sacrificed at 7 days of age. Trial 2: on day 0 birds were administered 0,1mL of the EC treatment by oral gavage. During 28 days, birds were administered of appropriate treatment. On day 1, 9, 16 and 23 birds were challenged with 107CFU/mL of Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr, and were sacrificed one week after challenge. In two sets of trials, ceca, liver and spleen were aseptically removed and examined for salmonellae; and were taken serum and intestinal fluid samples, in order to evaluate total antibody concentrations of IgG and IgA. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, and means compared by Duncan′s test. Treatments EC+LEB+G and LEB+G resulted in a significant inhibition (p<0,05) in Salmonella Typhimurium (1796NR) Nalr organ invasion offering a higher level of protection. In the second set of trial, colonization was reduced after the second week of treatment. IgG was no significantly in serum and intestinal fluid samples, but IgA was found significantly (p<0,05) higher in serum and intestinal fluid samples, when compared to control ones. These results suggest that associated treatment using EC products, probiotics and betaglucans are more effective in Salmonella control, than individual preparations; stimulating the systemic and mucosal immune response mediated by IgA. Further research is necessary to determine the mechanisms by which the interaction of these substances could regulate avian innate immune response.

acase@tulane.edu

ABSTRACT Occupational exposure to wood dust and biohazards associated with wood dust (endotoxins, (1->3)-b-D-glucans, Gram (-)ve bacteria and fungi), their correlation to respiratory function, and symptoms among woodworkers have been investigated in the present study. Wood dust, endotoxins, and allergenic fungi are the main hazards found in woodworking environments. Relatively very few studies have been done on wood dust exposure. The present study was designed to comprehensively investigate the health effects of wood dust exposure, and in particular provide new information regarding: Exposure to (1->3)-b-D-glucans in an occupational environment; Levels of exposure to wood dust and biohazards associated with wood dust in different woodworking environments; Correlations among personal exposures, especially correlations between (1->3)-b-D-glucans and fungi exposures, and endotoxins and Gram (-)ve bacteria exposures; Effects of personal exposure to biohazards on lung function; Effects of personal exposure to biohazards on work-related symptoms; and Determinants of inhalable exposures (provide which factors in the environment influence the personal inhalable exposures). Workers at four different woodworking processes; two logging sites, four sawmills, one major woodchipping operation and five joineries situated in the state of New South Wales in Australia were studied for personal exposure to inhalable dust (n=182) and respirable dust (n=81), fungi (n=120), Gram (-)ve bacteria (n=120), inhalable endotoxin (n=160), respirable endotoxin (n=79), inhalable (1->3)-b-D-glucan (n=105), and respirable (1->3)-b-D-glucan (n=62). The workers (n=168) were also tested for lung function. A questionnaire study (n=195) was carried out to determine the prevalence of work-related symptoms. The geometric mean inhalable exposure at logging sites was 0.56 mg/m3 (n=7), sawmills 1.59 mg/m3 (n=93), the woodchipping mill 1.86 mg/m3 (n=9) and joineries 3.68 mg/m3 (n=66). Overall, sixty two percent of the exposures exceeded the current standards. Among joineries, 95% of the hardwood exposures and 35% of the softwood exposures were above the relevant standards. Compared with green mills, the percentage of samples, which exceeded the hardwood standard was high for dry mills (70% in dry mills, 50% in green mills). The respirable dust exposures were high at the joineries compared with the other worksites. Exposure levels to fungi at logging sites and sawmills were in the range 103-104 cfu/m3, woodchipping 103-105 cfu/m3 and joineries 102-104 cfu/m3. The predominant fungi found at sawmills were Penicillium spp. High exposure levels of Aureobasidium pullulans were also found at two sawmills. At the woodchipping mill the predominant species were Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium spp., and Paecilomyces spp. The sawmills, which employed kiln drying processes, had lower exposure levels of fungi compared with the green mills. Those workplaces which had efficient dust control systems showed less exposure to fungi and bacteria. Although mean endotoxin levels were lower than the suggested threshold value of 20 ng/m3, some personal exposures at sawmills and joineries exceeded the threshold limit value. The mean inhalable (1->3)-b-D-glucan level at the woodchipping mill was 2.32 ng/m3, at sawmills 1.37 ng/m3, at logging sites 2.02 ng/m3, and at joineries 0.43 ng/m3. For the respirable size fraction, mean endotoxin and mean (1->3)-b-D-glucan concentrations were much lower, being similar to observed dust concentrations. Significant correlations were found between mean inhalable endotoxin and Gram (-)ve bacteria levels (p<0.0001), and mean airborne inhalable (1->3)-b-D-glucan and fungi levels (p=0.0003). The correlations between mean respirable endotoxin levels vs Gram (-)ve bacteria exposure levels (p=0.005), and respirable (1->3)-b-D-glucan exposure levels vs total fungi levels (p=0.005) were also significant. Significant correlations were found between lung function and personal exposures. Multivariate analyses showed that the effect of all the personal exposures on cross-shift decrements in lung function was more prominent among sawmill and chip mill workers compared with joinery workers. Woodworkers had markedly high prevalence of cough, phlegm, chronic bronchitis, frequent headaches, throat and eye irritations, and nasal symptoms compared with controls. Among the woodworkers, smokers had a high prevalence of chronic bronchitis (20%) compared with non-smokers (10%). Some workers also reported a variety of allergy problems due to exposure to various types of wood dust. Both joinery workers and sawmill and chip mill workers revealed significant correlations between work-related symptoms and personal exposures. Chronic bronchitis was significantly correlated with personal exposure to wood dust, endotoxin, (1->3)-b-D-glucan, fungi, and Gram (-)ve bacteria among joinery workers. Whereas among sawmill workers chronic bronchitis was significantly correlated with personal exposure to endotoxin, (1->3)-b-D-glucan, and fungi. Woodworkers showed significant positive correlations between percentage cross-shift change (decrease) in lung function and respiratory symptoms. Significant inverse correlations were also found among percentage predicted lung function and respiratory symptoms. The elevated inhalable dust exposures observed in this study can be explained by a combination of factors, including: lack of awareness of potential health effects of wood dust exposure among both management and workers, aging equipment, inadequate and ineffective dust extraction systems or usually none especially for hand held tools, poor maintenance of the ventilation system in some, non-segregation of dusty processes, dry sweeping, and the use of compressed air jets. The determinant-of-exposure analysis confirmed the field observations. The significant determinants of personal inhalable dust exposures (n=163) were found to be: local exhaust ventilation, job title, use of hand-held tools, cleaning method used, use of compressed air, and green or dry wood processed. Type of wood processed was not found to be statistically significant. A majority of workers (~90%) did not wear appropriate respirators approved for wood dust, while the workers who did wear them, used them on average less than 50% of the time. Workers should be protected by controlling dust at its source. When exposure to wood dust cannot be avoided, engineering controls should be supplemented with the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

No description available.