AIM:The role of glucan in potentiation of immune system is well established, including effects on cancer development. In this study, we focused on effects of short term glucan supplementation in patients during complex cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We measured the levels of leptin and changes in NK cell numbers after oral application of 200 mg/day of glucan. RESULTS: We found significant improvement in total numbers of NK cells. Levels of leptin remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show the significant effects of glucan supplementation on induction of NK cell, suggesting that addition of glucan to the diet could be beneficial for prevention of cancer remission. The glucan-supplemented group exhibited some improvements in psychic conditions, nutritional state and overall feeling of well-being. Longer supplementation seems to be necessary.

Glucan is the most studied immunomodulator. Among its properties, effects on cancer are the closest to clinical use. In our study, we evaluated the effects of short-term supplementation with glucan on NK cells in patients recovering from different types of cancer treatment. NK cells represent a distinct sub-population of lymphocytes endowed with the capacity to kill tumor cells without prior sensitization and form one of the most important defense mechanisms against cancer. To measure the numbers of NK cells, flow cytometer measuring four colors was used. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we found that adding glucan to the diet strongly increased the number of NK cells in blood.

Heavy industrial pollution and/or passive smoking negatively affect the overall immune health of a population. We used a model of children with chronic respiratory problems and evaluated the effects of short term supplementation of their diet with nucleotides. We measured the level of sIgA, eNO levels and total physical activity. We found positive effects of oral supplementation with commercially available nucleotides. Our data demonstrate strong improvements in physical activity, strong decrease of eNO levels and maintaining of the levels of sIgA. We conclude that supplementation with nucleotides offers an easy way to improve health conditions in children.

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