Insoluble β-glucan from the cell wall of Candida albicans induces immune responses of human THP-1 monocytes through Dectin-1

Background β-glucan is the major structure component of Candida albicans （C. albicans） cell wall. It has been demonstrated that Dectin-1 as the principal C-type lectin pattern-recognition receptor （PRR） can recognize fungal β-glucan and induce immune responses. In this study, we sought to clarify whether insoluble β-glucan from the cell wall of C. albicans （CalG） could induce immune responses in human THP-1 monocytes （a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line） and to determine the underlying mechanisms. Methods Human THP-1 monocytes were challenged with CalG in vitro. The mRNA expression of Dectin-1, Toll-like receptors （TLR2）, proinflammatory cytokine （TNF-a） and chemokine （IL-8） was assayed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The secretion of TNF-a and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. H2O2 release was determined by microplate fluorescent assay. Western blotting was used to analyze IKB-a phosphorylation and degradation. Results Exposure of THP-1 monocytes to CalG led to increased gene expression and secretion of TNF-a and IL-8. CalG induced H2O2 release in a time-dependent manner. CalG hydrolyzed with zymolyase failed to induce gene expression and secretion of TNF-a, IL-8 and H2O2 release. CalG up-regulated the mRNA of Dectin-1, whereas the mRNA level of TLR2 was not altered. THP-1 monocytes challenged with CalG resulted in the activation of NF-KB in a time-dependent manner. Dectin-1 inhibitor laminarin blocked the CalG-induced production of TNF-a and H2O2 in THP-1 monocytes, but no such effect was observed in pretreatment with anti-TLR2 neutralizing antibody and the LPS inhibitor （polymyxin B）. Conclusion CalG may play a role in activation of immune responses in human THP-1 cells throuah Dectin-1, not TLR2.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Study Using an Insoluble Yeast Beta-Glucan to Improve the Immune Defense System

Purpose: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of an insoluble yeast beta-glucan preparation on the incidences of common colds and its effect on common cold symptoms were compared to placebo. Methods: 100 healthy participants with recurring infections were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or yeast beta-glucan (Yestimun?;n = 50 each group) over a period of 26 weeks. The subjects had to document each common cold episode in a diary, and rate 6 predefined infections symptoms on a 3-point rating scale during an infection period, resulting in an infection score. The common cold episodes were confirmed by the investigators. Results: A total of 171 common cold episodes were documented. Of these, 76 were experienced by 38 subjects in the beta-glucan group and 96 were experienced by 48 subjects in the placebo group (p = 0.406). The beta-glucan group had significantly more subjects without incidences of common cold than the placebo group (15.6% vs 2.0%;p = 0.019). During the most intense infection season (first 13 weeks of the study), the beta-glucan group had significantly less infections compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Beta-glucan significantly reduced the typical cold symptoms (“sore throat and/or difficulty swallowing”, “hoarseness and/or cough” and “runny nose”) as opposed to placebo. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a prophylactic effect of yeast beta-glucan on the occurrence of common colds as opposed to placebo. In addition, when these episodes occurred, they were from the beginning less pronounced and subsided faster.

Combinatorial Enzyme Approach to Convert Wheat Insoluble Arabinoxylan to Bioactive Oligosaccharides

Combinatorial enzyme technology was applied for the conversion of wheat insoluble arabinoxylan to oligosaccharide structural variants. The digestive products were fractionated by Bio-Gel P4 column and screened for bioactivity. One fraction pool was observed to exhibit antimicrobial property resulting in the suppression of cell growth of the test organism ATCC 8739 E. coli. It has a MIC value of 1.5% (w/v, 35°C, 20 hr) and could be useful as a new source of prebiotics or preservatives. The present results further confirm the science and useful application of combinatorial enzyme approach.

Effects of β-Glucan Supplementation on Repairing of Phenol-Induced Vaginal Mucosal Epithelium Damage in Rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of β-glucan on the repair of damaged vaginal mucosa, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the inflammatory factor-6 (IL-6) in vaginal tissues. Methods: Thirty-six adult female specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 phase groups with 12 rats each. Vaginal inflammation rat models were established by injecting phenol gel into the vagina of each rat at a dose of 0.1 ml/100g body weight. After modeling, rats were divided into 4 groups based on different concentrations of the test agent. The control group was injected with 0.5 ml of saline, experimental group A was injected with 0.375 ml saline 0.125 ml β-glucan, experimental group B was injected with 0.25 ml saline 0.25 ml β-glucan, and experimental group C was injected with 0.50 ml β-glucan. The injection sites were selected at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions of the vagina. Rats were sacrificed at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-injection, and tissue samples were collected from the injection sites and prepared for histological analysis. New blood vessels and fibroblast numbers in the tissues were observed after Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of VEGF and IL-6 in the tissues were measured using quantificational reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Histological examination of vaginal tissue specimens at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-injection showed that on day 7, there were no significant changes in the experimental groups compared to the control group. However, on days 14 and 28, the experimental groups showed more new blood vessels, macrophages, and fibroblasts with increased activity compared to the control group. The expression levels of VEGF in vaginal tissues were elevated on days 14 and 28 in the experimental groups. The comparison of IL-6 levels in vaginal tissues on day 28 showed that serum IL-6 levels returned to normal, and there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: In the 3 experimental phases, the increase in VEGF levels in vaginal tissues on day 14 post-injection was more pronounced with higher concentrations of β-glucan, and IL-6 levels returned to normal on day 28. β-Glucan can enhance VEGF levels in damaged vaginal tissues, promote the repair of damaged vaginal tissues, and higher concentrations of β-glucan have a better effect.

Production and characterization of insoluble α-1,3-linked glucan and soluble α-1,6-linked dextran from Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides G29

Exopolysaccharides can be produced by various bacteria and have important biological roles in bacterial survival depend on molecular weight,linkage,and conformation.In this study,Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides G29 was identified and found to produce two types of exopolysaccharides from sucrose including soluble and insoluble a-glucans.By regulation of pH above 5.5,soluble a-glucan production was increased to 38.4 g∙L^(-1) from 101.4 g∙L^(-1) sucrose with fewer accumulation of lactic acid and acetic acid.Simultaneously,the quantity of thick white precipitate,that is insoluble a-glucan,was also increased.Then,a-glucans were prepared by enzymatic reaction with crude glucansucrases from the supernatant of G29 fermentation broth and purified for structure analysis.Based on the integration analysis of FT-IR and NMR,it was observed that soluble a-glucan is a highly linear dextran with α-1,6 glycosidic bonds while the insoluble a-glucan has 93%of α-1,3 and 7%of α-1,6 glycosidic bond.The results extend our understanding of exopolysaccharides production by L.pseudomesenteroides,and this water insoluble α-1,3-glucan might have potential application as biomaterials and/or biochemicals.

Effect of wheat bran insoluble dietary fiber with different particle size on the texture properties, protein secondary structure, and microstructure of noodles

This study was conducted to explore how the insoluble dietary fiber(IDF)of wheat bran with different particle size affects the texture properties,water distribution,protein secondary structure and microstructure of noodles.The results suggested that IDF addition increased the cooking loss and decreased the sensory evaluation because of the damage on dough structure,while as the IDF particle size decreased,the sensory score increased from 78.8 to 82.3 and cooking loss decreased from 8.65%to 7.65%,which could be attributed to that small particle-sized IDF limited the damage on protein network structure,decreased the T22 and t-structure,and increased the β1-structure.Moreover,IDF particle size had a significant correlation with protein secondary structures,texture properties and evaluation score of noodles.In conclusion,adding appropriate particle sizewould be an effectiveway of enhancing the nutritional and textural properties of noodles.

phytoestrogens/insoluble fibers and colonic estrogen receptor β: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

AIM:To assess the safety and effect of the supplementation of a patented blend of dietary phytoestrogens and insoluble fibers on estrogen receptor (ER)-β and biological parameters in sporadic colonic adenomas. METHODS:A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed. Patients scheduled to undergo surveillance colonoscopy for previous sporadic colonic adenomas were identified, and 60 eligible patients were randomized to placebo or active dietary intervention (ADI) twice a day, for 60 d before surveillance colonoscopy. ADI was a mixture of 175 mg milk thistle extract, 20 mg secoisolariciresinol and 750 mg oat fiber extract. ER-β and ER-α expression, apoptosis and proliferation (Ki-67 LI) were assessed in colon samples. RESULTS:No adverse event related to ADI was recorded. ADI administration showed a significant increases in ER-β protein (0.822 ± 0.08 vs 0.768 ± 0.10, P = 0.04) and a general trend to an increase in ER-β LI (39.222 ± 2.69vs 37.708 ± 5.31,P = 0.06), ER-β/ER-α LI ratio (6.564 ± 10.04 vs 2.437 ± 1.53, P = 0.06), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (35.592 ± 14.97 vs 31.541 ± 11.54, P = 0.07) and Ki-67 (53.923 ± 20.91 vs 44.833 ± 10.38, P = 0.07) approximating statistical significance. A significant increase of ER-β protein (0.805 ± 0.13 vs 0.773 ± 0.13,P = 0.04), mRNA (2.278 ± 1.19vs 1.105 ± 1.07, P < 0.02) and LI (47.533 ± 15.47 vs 34.875 ± 16.67,P < 0.05) and a decrease of ER-α protein (0.423 ± 0.06vs 0.532 ± 0.11,P < 0.02) as well as a trend to increase of ER-β/ER-α protein in ADI vs placebo group were observed in patients without polyps (1.734 ± 0.20 vs 1.571 ± 0.42, P = 0.07). CONCLUSION:The role of ER-β on the control of apoptosis, and its amenability to dietary intervention, are supported in our study.

Modifi cation of wheat bran insoluble and soluble dietary fibers with snail enzyme

Insoluble dietary fiber(IDF)and soluble dietary fiber(SDF)extracted from wheat bran were modifi ed by snail enzyme and their physicochemical properties(water retention capacity and oil retention capacity),functional properties(cholesterol adsorption capacity,glucose adsorption capacity and antioxidant activity)and structural characterizations were evaluated.The results showed that snail enzyme modification led to the significant increase in oil retention capacity of IDF,glucose adsorption capacity and cholesterol adsorption capacity of IDF and SDF.Enzymatic modification also markedly improved the DPPH radical scavenging capacity and reducing power of IDF and SDF.Meanwhile,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis indicated the microstructures of IDF and SDF powders were signifi cantly changed.Fourier transfer-infrared spectrometry(FT-IR)showed that snail enzyme modifi cation could degrade the part of cellulose and hemicellulose of IDF and SDF.All these improved physicochemical and functional properties of IDF and SDF might depend on their structural changes.It suggested that snail enzyme modifi cation could effectively improve physicochemical and functional properties of IDF and SDF from wheat bran.

Comparison of acid-detergent lignin,alkaline-peroxide lignin,and acid-detergent insoluble ash as internal markers for predicting fecal output and digestibility by cattle offered bermudagrass hays of varying nutrient composition

Background： The potential for acid-detergent insoluble ash （ADIA）, alkaline-peroxide lignin （APL）, and acid-detergent lignin （ADL） to predict fecal output （FO） and dry matter digestibility （DMD） by cattle offered bermudagrass [Cynodon doctylon （L） Pers.] hays of different qualities was evaluated. Eight ruminally cannulated cows （594 ± 35.5 kg） were allocated randomly to 4 hay diets： low （L）, medium low （ML）, medium high （MH）, and high （H） crude protein （CP） concentration （79, 111,131, and 164 g CP/kg on a DM basis, respectively）. Diets were offered in 3 periods with 2 diet replicates per period and were rotated across cows between periods. Cows were individually fed 20 g DM/kg of body weight in equal feedings at 08：00 and 16：00 h for a 10-d adaptation followed by a 5-d total fecal collection. Actual DM intake （DMI）, DMD, and FO were determined based on hay offered, ort, and feces excreted. These components were then analyzed for ADL, APL, and ADIA concentration to determine marker recovery and marker-based estimates of FO and DMD. Results： Forage DMI was affected by diet （P = 0.02）, and DMI from MH and H was greater （P 〈 0.05） than from L. Apparent DMD tended （P = 0.08） to differ among diets while FO （P = 0.20） was not affected by diet treatments. Average ADL recovery （1.16） was greater （P 〈 0.05） than that of ADIA （1.03） and APL （1.06）, but ADIA and APL did not differ （P = 0.42）. Estimates of FO and DMD derived using APL and ADIA were not different （P≥0.05） from total fecal collection while those using ADL differed （P 〈 0.05）. There was no diet by marker interaction （P≥ 0.22） for either FO or DMD. Conclusion： Acid-detergent insoluble ash and APL accurately predicted FO and DMD of cattle fed bermudagrass hay of varying nutrient composition. These internal markers may facilitate studies involving large numbers of animals and forages. Results from such studies may be used to develop improved equations to predict energy values of forages based on the relationship of dietary components to digestibility across a wide range of forages.

Determination of the Insoluble Aluminum Content in Steel Samples by Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The insoluble aluminum content in steel samples has a significant influence on the quality of the steel. In this paper, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy （LIBS） is used to analyze the insoluble aluminum content in steel samples using a scanning mode. The average intensity plus 2.5 standard deviations was iterated and the final iteration value was taken as the threshold that distinguishes soluble and insoluble aluminum, and thus total and soluble aluminum content calibration curves were generated. Using the relevant total and soluble aluminum content calibration curves, the total and soluble aluminum contents in steel samples could be determined. The insoluble aluminum content could be determined by subtracting the soluble aluminum content from the total aluminum content. The insoluble aluminum content of standard samples and process product samples were determined using the present mathematical model; the results agreed well with the certified reference values. This method could be used to rapidly characterize the insoluble aluminum content in steel samples.

Ion-beam-assisted characterization of quinoline-insoluble particles in nuclear graphite

The irradiation behavior of graphite is essential for its applications in the nuclear industry.However,the behavioral differences of graphite remain obscure because of the very limited comprehension of its microstructural differences.One typical structure,the quinoline-insoluble(QI)particle,was investigated using IG-110 and NBG-18 graphite.After irradiation,the QI particles on the polished surface were proven to become hillocks,which were easily identifiable via scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Thus,a method that combined ion irradiation and SEM characterization was proposed to study the distribution and concentration of QI particles in graphite.During irradiation,the QI particles were found to evolve into densified spheres,which were weakly bonded with the surrounding graphite structures,thereby indicating that the densification of QI particles did not evidently contribute to graphite dimensional shrinkage.A much higher concentration of QI particles in NBG-18 than IG-110,which was suggested to be responsible for the smaller maximum dimensional shrinkage of former over the latter during irradiation,was characterized.

Separation of Toluene Insoluble Matter from Syncrude Coker Heavy Gas Oil

Toluene insoluble matter (TIM) in coker heavy gas oil (CHGO) from oil sands bitumen is harmful to the downstream hydrotreating, and it may be difficult to be removed by conventional filtration. In order to determine its origin, the TIM must first be separated from CHGO for characterization. Two techniques are described to accomplish this goal. In the ultra-centrifugation approach used in this work, CHGO is blended with a miscible liquid and centrifuged under 366000 G (gravity) force. Through this procedure toluene and hexane diluents yielded TIM contents of 24μg·g-1 and 88μg·g-1 respectively. In an alternative simplified procedure, the initial ultra-centrifugation step is omitted. Several different solvents are evaluated for use as diluents but, in each case, toluene is still used in the subsequent washing steps. TIM contents determined by this method range from 23 to about 200μg·g-1. The amount of TIM separated by means of this method depends primarily on the initial diluent used. Other conditions, such as diluent-oil ratio, water-oil ratio, mixing time, temperature and water pH value, are also studied.

Preparation of insoluble β-CD polymer and its application to enantiomers and isomers separation

An insoluble β-cyclodextrin polymer cross-linked with epichlorohydrin was prepared, and its structure was identified with infrared spectrum. Colloid stationary phase was prepared by dissolving the polymer in the mixed solvent of diisopropyl ether, methylene dichloride and benzene and treated for 0.5 h by ultrasonication, and then was coated on a fused silica capillary column. The optimun reaction conditions are as follows: the mole ratio of epichlohydrin to β-cyclodextrin is 12.1:1, reacting at 65 °C for 24 h. The Chromatographic performance such as column efficiency, thermal stabilities and polarity were studied, two kinds of disubstituted benzene isomers and eight pairs of enantiomers were separated on the capillary column. The results show that the β-cyclodextrin polymer is suitable for use as a capillary gas chromatographic stationary phase, and possess excellent chromatographic properties in separating enantiomers and position isomers.

Effect of Inoculation Rhizobium and Response of Soybean-Rhizobium System to Insoluble Phosphate

In order to produce efficiently symbiotic system in acid soils which could be used for the recovery of insoluble phosphate soil and improvement of the fertility, etc., host range of Rhizobium was isolated from the root nodules of wild and cultivated soybean varieties growing in south China, evaluated the effects of Rhizobium on enhance nitrogen fixing activities, phosphorus(P), nitrogen(N) uptakes, growth and yield of soybean under pot and field conditions. The results showed that combined Rhizobium inoculation was more effective than individual Rhizobium inoculation. The combined Rhizobium of CW54 strains had the highest effect, nodule number, nodule weight and nodule nitrogenase activity were markedly stimulated as compared to those of the control U110, respectively. The nitrogen contents in the plants treated with CW54 strains were significantly increased by 43.2% as compared to those of the control U110 in Al-P soil, but statistical significance was not observed in Fe-P soil. By contrast, inoculation with CW54 significantly enhanced phosphorus uptake of plant in Fe-P soil than that in Al-P soil. The effects of inoculation of CW54 strains in a field condition were similar to those of in a pot condition. The total biomass and yield in the plants treated with CW54 strains were significantly increased by 86.4% and 51.4% as compared to those of the control at the time of soybean podding in a field condition, respectively. These results suggested that inoculation Rhizobium was beneficial for soybean nutrient uptake, growth and yield under insoluble phosphate soil conditions.

The Role of Soluble, Insoluble Fibers and Their Bioactive Compounds in Cancer: A Mini Review

The cancer incidence has risen dramatically over the last decades. About 8 million people died globally according to latest reports, which represented almost 40% more than it was 20 years ago. Risk factors for the development of cancer have been found to include smoking, alcohol, drugs, obesity and diet. Fiber intake has shown to exhibit chemoprotective effects on cancer proliferation and metastasis that may seem to be very promising. This article will review the role of different types of fiber such as, cellulose, lignin, pectin and inulin in development and prevention of different types of cancers. This article would also discuss the effectiveness of both types of fiber in cancer prevention.

Mushroomβ-glucan and polyphenol formulations as natural immunity boosters and balancers:nature of the application

Mushrooms are experiencing a kind of renaissance as a part of the contemporary human diet.These valuable organisms are more than food,they fit in perfectly as a novel market group known as nutra-mycoceuticals.Immune-balancing mushroom dietary fibers and secondary metabolites such as polyphenols are the main focus of the healthcare industry.Wellness and cosmetic companies are increasingly using mushroom extracts rich in these ingredients.This review considers the basic molecular immunomodulatory mechanisms of action of the most commonly used mushroom dietary fibers,β-glucans.The literature data on their bioavailability,metabolic transformations,preclinical and human clinical research,and safety are discussed.Immunomodulatory mechanisms of polyphenol ingredients are also considered.These molecules present great potential in the design of the new immunity balancer formulations according to their widespread structural diversity.Finally,we draw attention to the perspectives of modern trends in mushroom nutraceutical and cosmeceutical formulations to strengthen and balance immunity.

Mathematical analysis of physicochemical phenomena in the catalyst during hydrogenating depolymerization of coal extract benzene insoluble fraction

Efficiency and selectivity of hydrogenating depolymerization of the coal extract benzene-insoluble part over the heterogeneous Co–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst were assessed using a mathematical model. The analytical equations of the mathematical model were generated based on material balance incorporating the physico-chemical phenomena(reaction and diffusion) both in the autoclave and the catalyst grain. The equations offer the possibility for predicting changes of the reactants in the autoclave during the process and for determining the distribution of reactant concentrations in the grain as a function of its radius. The analytical equations of the model serve as the basis of the algorithm for assessing the influence of restrictive diffusion on the effectiveness and selectivity of the catalyst, and also for defining the optimal radii of the catalyst's pores to enable free transport of reactants in the grain interior.

Extraction, Purification, and Characterization of Insoluble Dietary Fiber from Oat Bran

The dietary fiber in oats is mainly concentrated in the bran;however,the oat bran is mostly used for livestock and poultry feed and thus has a low utilization rate and low added value.In this study,insoluble dietary fiber(IDF)was extracted by a combination ofα-amylase and neutral protease.The optimal extraction conditions of the IDF were obtained by response surface methodology.The material-to-water ratio was 1:12.1,the concentration ofα-amylase was 1.85%,and the hydrolysis time was 39.14 min.After purifying the crude fiber with 4%sodium oxide(Na OH),70°C hot water,and anhydrous ethanol,the purity of dietary fiber exceeded 95%.X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the IDF was predominantly amorphous.Scanning electron microscopy showed that the IDF surface exhibited a loose porous network structure.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of the crude IDF showed characteristic absorption peaks at 3626,2929,1667,1538,1455,1242,and1048 cm^(-1),while the infrared spectrum of the purified IDF showed characteristic absorption peaks at 3401,2924,1744,1643,1418,and 1040 cm^(-1),which is consistent with the structure of cellulose polysaccharide.Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that there were three exothermic peaks at 270–310°C,320–350°C,and 440–460°C,which may represent the pyrolysis peaks of hemicellulose,cellulose,and lignin,respectively,indicating that the oat bran IDF had good thermal stability.The results indicate that the oat bran IDF can be used for the production of dietary fiber products and health-care products.

Studies on the in Vitro Dissolution of Insoluble Volatile Drug from Su-Anxin Nasal Inhalant and Its Correlation on the Nose Steady Self-Controllable Expiration and Inspiration at Night

In the paper, the in vitro dissolution of borneol in 12 hours from 6 batches of optimized inhalant samples were investigated. As a new dosage form, the in vitro release apparatus of nasal inhalant was invented and a pushing bump was used according to the simulation of the nose expiration and inspiration. Based on the data of r2 in the profile and similar factor f2 from 6 linear release tendencies, a good controlled release and a zero order tendency were observed. It can be suggested that there is a good correlation between the in vitro controlled release and the nose steady self-controllable expiration and inspiration, which will contribute to the trend of insoluble volatile drug controlled release and the effect of quick absorption in nasal pulmonary delivery to cure severe or acute cardiovascular or lung diseases at patients' sleeping, such as angina or breathing obstruction. Also, it was concluded that the prescription composed of insoluble volatile drugs can be prepared to be nasal inhalant from which drugs can be absorbed through nose steady self-controllable inspiration to the lung then into the blood and have a great effectiveness improvement of bioavailability at night timing drug delivery system.

Simulation calculation of solubility of insoluble compound M_mA_a in complex system

A simulation calculation model for the solubility of insoluble compound MmAa in complex system was established.According to coordination equilibrium principle,relevant dissociation reaction,complexation reaction,self-complexation reaction and protonation reaction during insoluble compound dissolving were considered and then the mass balance equations about solubility calculation were obtained.In the case analysis,the solubility of silver chloride in ammonia system was obtained by simulation calculation,and curved surface charts of thermodynamic equilibrium about the total concentration of silver ions,pH and concentration of ammonia ions were drawn correspondingly.The results show that under the conditions of room temperature and 6 mol/L ammonia concentration,the calculated solubility value of silver chloride(34 g/L) is close to the actual value(31 g/L),demonstrating that this model is suitable for solubility calculation of insoluble compound MmAa in the complex system.