Vlastimil Král

Clinical trials of yeast-derived β-(1,3) glucan in children: effects on innate immunity

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.

Placebo-driven clinical trials of yeast-derived β-(1,3) glucan in children with chronic respiratory problems

BACKGROUND The role of glucan in stimulation of immune reactions has been studied for several decades. In this report we focused on the effects of orally administered glucan in children with chronic respiratory problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured the levels of albumin, lysozyme and CRP in saliva of 40 children aged 8-12 years and evaluate the effects of 100 mg/d oral dose of glucan. RESULTS We found a significant increase in production of changes in production of lysozyme and CRP in glucan-treated children. In addition, a strong improvement in general conditions was found. CONCLUSIONS Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulator β-glucan stimulated mucosal immunity of children with chronic respiratory problems.

β-glucan affects mucosal immunity in children with chronic respiratory problems under physical stress: clinical trials

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.

Effects of Glucan and Vitamin D Supplementation on Obesity and Lipid Metabolism in Diabetic Retinopathy

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease manifested by an increase of blood glucose. Objective: To evaluate the effects of glucan and vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Method: We evaluated the effects of 3-month supplementation with glucan and vitamin D in 54 patients with diabetic retinopathy. We measured levels of vitamin D, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Results: The supplementation strongly decreased the cholesterol levels and improved the levels of HDL cholesterol. In addition, vitamin D levels were strongly improved, but still not at optimal values. Conclusion: From our data, we concluded that glucan and vitamin D supplementation strongly influence lipid metabolism and have positive effects on human health.

Effects of β-glucan and Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

ABSTRACT The objective of this article is to evaluate the potential effects of beta-glucan and vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. We evaluated the levels of several parameters of inflammatory reactions (C-reactive protein [CRP], serum amyloid A [SAA], and interleukin- [IL-] 6), leptin, and vitamin D. Using a 3-month interval, we divided the patients into three groups: (1) supplemented with beta-glucan and vitamin D, (2) supplemented with vitamin D and placebo, and (3) supplemented with vitamin D alone. By this division, we aim not only to observe whether beta-glucan can increase the effects of vitamin D, but also to eliminate the potential effects of placebo. The doses of vitamin D corresponded to phototype, weight, age, and sex of the individual. Fifty-two diabetic retinopathy patients were selected for our study. We found significant vitamin D deficits in all cases, even after three months of supplementation with vitamin D. Significant changes in levels of CRP were observed in the beta-glucan–supplemented group; levels of SAA and IL-6 were not changed. Leptin levels were significantly lowered in the beta-glucan–supplemented group and increased in the other groups. More detailed studies and/or longer supplementation is necessary.

Clinical significance of anti-C1q antibodies in SLE

Abstract Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe and frequent complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Untreated cases very often lead to patients’ death; therefore, it is important to use markers sensitive and specific enough for the diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of nephritis. Autoantibodies against double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) are believed to play a major role in SLE in general and so their significance in prediction and monitoring of glomerular inflammation is low. For prediction of renal flares and effective, well-timed therapy, it is required to have an appropriate marker available. In our study, we have tested sera of 85 SLE patients with or without LN. The criterion for LN determination was the degree of proteinuria (persistent proteinuria > 0.5 g/day, according to ACR criteria for LN). Disease activity was described by SLE disease index (SLEDAI) score, renal functions were stated according to British Isles Lupus Assessment Group score. There were anti-C1q, total anti-dsDNA and high-avidity anti-dsDNA detected in the patients’ sera. We did not find any significant difference in average SLEDAI value between patients with renal and non-renal organ complications. Positivity of anti-C1q was more frequent in patients with nephritis than in those without any history of renal disease (58.3 vs. 39.1%). Higher prevalence of these antibodies was evident in patients with clinically active LN than in those without renal improvement (73.1 vs. 39.1%). When comparing anti-C1q with antibodies against structures of DNA, significant differences were found in case of high avidity anti-dsDNA. Our results have confirmed the studies showing that anti-C1q antibodies could serve as a reliable serological marker of LN activity along with other laboratory tests. Detection of anti-C1q together with high avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies seems to be a good algorithm for the prediction of possible renal flares in SLE patients.