Oral Supplementation with Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan Is Associated with Altered Monocytes, T Cells and Cytokines following a Bout of Strenuous Exercise

Abstract

Exercise and physical labor in extreme environmental conditions causes transient decreases in immune cell and cytokine concentrations, likely increasing the susceptibility to opportunistic infection. Baker's yeast beta glucan (BYBG) has been previously demonstrated to be an effective countermeasure in athletes, but its effectiveness in individuals of average fitness under similar physical stress is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if 10 days of oral supplementation with BYBG could modify previously observed suppression of monocytes, T cells, circulating and whole blood LPS-stimulated cytokines due to strenuous exercise. Venous blood samples were collected from 109 healthy volunteers prior to, immediately after, 2 and 4 h post-exercise. Monocyte and T cell concentration, cell-surface receptor expression and serum and LPS-stimulated cytokines were assessed. BYBG significantly (P < 0.05) altered total and classic monocyte concentration and expression of CD38, CD80, CD86, TLR2, and TLR4 on monocyte subsets. BYBG also significantly increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell concentration and the exercise response of CCR7+/CD45RA- central memory (TCM) cells. Likewise, BYBG significantly (P < 0.05) altered serum IFN-γ and IL-2, and LPS-stimulated IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7. Taken together these data support the hypothesis that oral BYBG supplementation modulates the expected exercise response for individuals of average fitness. This may result in a decrease in susceptibility to opportunistic infections after strenuous exercise.

Debunking the Myth of Exercise-Induced Immune Suppression: Redefining the Impact of Exercise on Immunological Health Across the Lifespan

“…Instead, the observed lymphopenia represents a heightened state of immune surveillance and immune regulation driven by a preferential mobilization of cells to peripheral tissues. As such, nutritional interventions, which have been employed to dampen the magnitude of exercise lymphopenia ( 124 , 129 ) are unlikely to reduce the incidence of infections, but interventions that augment exercise-induced lymphocyte trafficking may provide benefits ( 130 ).…”

β‐1,3/1,6‐Glucans and Immunity: State of the Art and Future Directions

“…The effect of Wellmune supplementation (250 mg day −1 for 10 days) was measured after a high heat and humidity bout of aerobic exercise in two clinical trials. [ 122,123 ] Wellmune significantly prevented the drop of T cells and monocytes commonly seen after an intense exercise session, and improved the LPS‐challenged response in monocytes from recreational athletes [ 122 ] and individuals of average fitness level. [ 123 ] In a third study, Wellmune prevented post‐exercise suppression of mucosal immunity as measured by a 32% increase in salivary IgA 2 h post‐exercise compared to the placebo group.…”

“…[ 122,123 ] Wellmune significantly prevented the drop of T cells and monocytes commonly seen after an intense exercise session, and improved the LPS‐challenged response in monocytes from recreational athletes [ 122 ] and individuals of average fitness level. [ 123 ] In a third study, Wellmune prevented post‐exercise suppression of mucosal immunity as measured by a 32% increase in salivary IgA 2 h post‐exercise compared to the placebo group. [ 99 ] The plasma cytokine profile seen in the β‐glucan supplemented group is linked to lymphocyte proliferation (IL‐7), neutrophil‐related increased chemotaxis (IL‐8), anti‐inflammatory action (IL‐10), [ 122 ] reduced drop of circulating monocyte levels, and favorable alteration in their cell‐surface receptors.…”

“…The last refers to receptors CD38, CD86, and TLR4, which confer improved T cell stimulation capacity, increased T cell concentration and activity (IL‐2), leukocyte priming (IFN‐γ), and other markers that may suggest increased immuno‐surveillance (CD8 + T CM cells). [ 123 ] The LPS‐stimulated cytokine profile showed a significant increase in IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐7, and IFN‐γ compared to the placebo counterpart, which also suggests enhanced immuno‐surveillance by the priming of monocytes, reflected in the higher Th1 cytokine production and increased TLR4 expression. [ 123,124 ]…”

“…[ 123 ] The LPS‐stimulated cytokine profile showed a significant increase in IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐7, and IFN‐γ compared to the placebo counterpart, which also suggests enhanced immuno‐surveillance by the priming of monocytes, reflected in the higher Th1 cytokine production and increased TLR4 expression. [ 123,124 ]…”