Protective effects of water-soluble low-molecular-weight <I>β</I>-(1,3-1,6)d-glucan purified from <I>Aureobasidium pullulans</I> GM-NH-1A1 against UFT toxicity in mice

Abstract

Objectives 5-Fluorouracil and its derivatives are widely used in the treatment of a variety of tumours. However, their use is associated with gastrointestinal toxicity, myelotoxicity and immune toxicity. In this study, we examined the protective effects of low-molecularweight b-glucan isolated from Aureobasidium pullulans GM-NH-1A1 against toxicity of UFT (combination of tegafur (1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil) and uracil) in mice bearing colon 26 tumours. Methods UFT was administered orally at 50 mg/kg once daily for 14 days alone or with orally administered low-molecular-weight b-glucan, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg twice daily. Key findings Tumour growth was inhibited equally in all treatment groups. Onset of diarrhoea, which started on day 9 of UFT administration, was delayed by concomitant administration of the b-glucan (50 and 100 mg/kg twice daily). Histological analysis showed that damage to small-intestine villi by UFT was inhibited by the orally administered b-glucan. Conclusions Oral administration of low-molecular-weight b-glucan prevents gastrointestinal mucositis associated with UFT therapy without interfering with its anti-tumour activity.

Biological Activity of High-Purity β-1,3-1,6-Glucan Derived from the Black Yeast Aureobasidium pullulans: A Literature Review

“…When insulin levels were measured (at 15 min after glucose administration) during the glucose tolerance test on day 8, the increase in postprandial blood glucose tended to be suppressed, and blood insulin levels were significantly decreased. Based on these results, APβG intake with a meal might be effective in controlling postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of metabolic syndromes [35].…”

“…The structure comprises a mixture of a 1-3-beta-D-glucan backbone with single 1-6-beta-D-glucopyranosyl side-branching units in every two residues (major structure) and a 1-3-beta-D-glucan backbone with single 1-6-beta-D-glucopyranosyl side-branching units in every three residues (minor structure). [35] Reduction and control of blood glucose Reduction and control of blood glucose level in mice.…”