Beta 1,3 Glucan May Protect Against Anthrax
In the midst of an increasing threat of bioterrorism,
researchers have found that the yeast beta 1,3 glucan can increase the survival
of mice exposed to anthrax.
Researchers administered beta glucan by subcutaneous injection to mice two days
before the animals were exposed to anthrax. Beta glucan also was administered
orally for seven days before exposure or in drinking water for 10 days after the
animals were exposed to a lethal dose of Bacillus anthracis spores. The
researchers compared the treated animals to a group of untreated controls.
A single injection of beta glucan given two days before exposure to anthrax
significantly increased the survival rate of the infected mice, diminished the
bacterial load in the lungs of the infected mice by 4 - 8 fold, and doubled the
proportion of bacteria-free animals 10 days after exposure to anthrax. In mice
given the oral beta glucan for one week prior to infection, survival increased
from 50% to 100%. Administration of oral beta glucan for 10 days post-infection
increased survival from 30% to 90%.
Beta glucan is thought to protect the body against bacteria because it can
enhance the antibacterial activity of circulating immune cells. Beta glucan can
increase the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in
higher levels of these immunity-enhancing cells in the body. This natural immune
enhancer can activate macrophages and neutrophils, white blood cells that defend
against bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Macrophages and neutrophils are
the first immune cells to interact with anthrax, killing the bacterial spores
that produce the lethal anthrax toxin.
The researchers concluded, These results demonstrate the potential for beta
1,3-glucan immune modulators to provide a significant degree of protection
against anthrax, a potential biological warfare agent, in a mouse model of
anthrax infection. Further studies are needed to optimize protection, evaluate
activity in combination with other treatment options, demonstrate activity in a
validated primate model of infection, and determine if protection is effective
against other potential biological warfare agents.
This study suggests that beta 1,3 glucan may be an important addition to any
anti-anthrax supplement arsenal.
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Reference:
Kournikakis B, Mandeville R, Brousseau P, Ostroff G. Anthrax-Protective Effects
of Yeast Beta1,3 Glucans. Medscape General Medicine. 2003; 5(1), available at
www.medscape.com.
