• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1019-1027
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• 2021

There are a lot of efforts to develop new compounds having skin whitening effect from natural products. Sparassis crispa is a medicinal mushroom containing more than 40% β-glucan, which exhibits anticancer and immunostimulating effects. The aim of this study was to assess the availability of β-glucan extracted from cauliflower mushroom S. crispa as a skin whitener through the evaluation of inhibitory effects of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity and their mechanisms. B16F1 cells were treated with S. crispa β-glucan (10, 100, and 1,000 ㎍/ml, respectively) and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), simultaneously. Content of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity were determined. The expressions levels of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1), TRP-2 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) were also measured by western blotting. Treatment with 10, 100 and 1,000 ㎍/ml S. crispa β-glucan and 200 nM α-MSH significantly decreased melanin synthesis by 13.9%, 18.7% and 39.5%, respectively, and tyrosinase activity by 15.6%, 26.9% and 43.2%, respectively, compared to the α-MSH alone group. In addition, S. crispa β-glucan inhibited expressions of tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2 and MITF induced by α-MSH. These results indicated that S. crispa β-glucan inhibited MITF expression, thereby reducing tyrosinase expression and inhibiting melanin production in B16F1 melanoma cells. Therefore, S. crispa β-glucan might be available as a skin whitener.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.308-308
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• 2022

β-glucan, a nonstarch polysaccharide, is one of the main functional component in the cell wall of barley. This study was quality characteristics to use a korean variety with a high β-glucan as an original material for developing functional food. The high β-glucan 'Jeonju528, and 'Betaone' were compared with 'Hyeyang', 'Dahyang', 'Hwanggeumchal' and 'Glacier AC38' total 6 varieties. Seed section dyed to classify of Waxy/non-waxy type, starch granule was tested and moisture, protein, amylose, and β-glucan of whole grains and pearl barleys were experiment. Whole grains were the average protein of 13.2% and were the average starch 50.1%. β-glucan of whole grains were 5.3-10.0%, and amylose were 3.0-23.4%. Pearl barleys were the average protein of 11.7% and were the average starch of 65.0%. β-glucan of pearl barleys were 6.5-12.3%, and amylose were 3.6-31.1%. As a results of the correlation analysis were recognized significance among varieties for protein, starch and β-glucan but there was no difference in other traits. It was concluded that amylose showed a positive correlation with starch and β-glucan showed a negative correlation with amylose.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.22-30
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• 2020

Objectives This study was conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of β-glucan on epithelial inflammation induced by atopic dermatitis through Endocannabinoid system (ECS) activity. Methods Six-week-old NC/Nga mice were divided into a control group (Ctrl), atopic dermatitis elicitation group (ADE), and a β-glucan-treated group (β-glucan treatment after atopy dermatitis elicitation, β-GT). After 3 weeks, CB1, CB2, and GPR55 were observed to confirm the regulation of ECS activity, and filaggrin in the stratum corneum and Kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) 7 in the stratum corneum and protease activated receptor (PAR)-2 were observed to confirm the inhibition of the inflammation, Phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK), Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and E-Cadherin were observed to confirm microenvironmental regulation. Results β-GT was significantly increased in CB1, CB2, and GPR55 positive reactions compared to that of the ADE. In positive reaction of the filaggrin in the stratum corneum, β-GT was significantly increased than that of the ADE. For KLK7 positive and PAR2 positive, β-GT was significantly reduced compared to the ADE. The p-ERK-positive and p-mTOR-positive reactions were significantly reduced in β-GT than in ADE. E-cadherin positive reaction was significantly increased in β-GT than in ADE (All p < 0.01). Conclusions It was confirmed that β-glucan has the effect of inhibiting the epithelium induced by atopic dermatitis through the ECS activity.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.929-942
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• 2023

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of β-glucan with vitamin E supplementation on the growth performance, blood profiles, immune response, pork quality, pork flavor, and economic benefit in growing and finishing pigs. Methods: A total of 140 growing pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) were assigned to five treatments considering sex and initial body weight (BW) in 4 replications with 7 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet with or without 0.05% or 0.1% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E. The pigs were fed the diets for 12 weeks (phase I, 0 to 3; phase II, 3 to 6; phase III, 6 to 9; phase IV, 9 to 12). The BW and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. Blood samples were collected at the end of each phase. Four pigs from each treatment were selected and slaughtered for meat quality. Economic benefit was calculated considering the total feed intake and feed price. Pork flavor was analyzed through inosine monophosphate analysis. Results: The average daily gain and feed efficiency were improved compared to the control when β-glucan or vitamin E was added. Supplementing 0.05% β-glucan significantly increased the lymphocyte concentration compared to the addition of 0.1% β-glucan and the content of vitamin E in the blood increased when 0.02% vitamin E was added. The treatment with 0.1% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E showed the most economic effect because it had the shortest days to market weight and the lowest total feed cost. The addition of β-glucan or vitamin E had a positive role in improving the flavor of pork when considering that the content of inosine monophosphate was increased. However, carcass traits and meat quality were not affected by β-glucan or vitamin E. Conclusion: The addition of 0.1% β-glucan with 0.02% vitamin E in growing and finishing pig diets showed great growth performance and economic effects by supplying vitamin E efficiently and by improving the health condition of pigs due to β-glucan.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.493-499
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• 2023

In this study we evaluated the immune-enhancing effects of β-glucan, the main component of Euglena gracilis (Euglena), and Euglena on inflammatory factor expression in RAW264.7 macrophages and ICR mice with cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. Macrophages were treated with β-glucan or Euglena for 48 h. The β-glucan and Euglena groups exhibited higher levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α than the control (vehicle alone) group. Animals were fed saline and β-glucan (400 mg/kg body weight (B.W.)) or Euglena (400 or 800 mg/kg B.W.) for 19 days, and on days 17-19, cyclophosphamide (CCP, 80 mg/kg B.W.) was administered to induce immunosuppression in the ICR mouse model. CCP reduced the body weight, spleen index, and cytokine expression of the mice. To measure cytokine and receptor expression, splenocytes were treated with concanavalin A (ConA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a mitogen for 24 h. In vivo, ConA stimulation significantly upregulated the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 receptor β1, IL-1β, and IL-2 in splenocytes from the β-glucan- or Euglena-treated groups compared with those in the splenocytes from the CCP-treated group; LPS stimulation increased the levels of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in splenocytes from the β-glucan- or Euglena- treated groups compared with those from the CCP-treated group, but most of these differences were not significant. These results demonstrate the effect of Euglena in ameliorating macrophages and immunosuppression in CCP-treated mice. Thus, Euglena has the potential to enhance macrophage- and splenocyte- mediated immune-stimulating responses.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.264-274
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• 2023

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of β-glucan with vitamin E supplementation on the physiological response, litter performance, blood profiles, immune response, and milk composition of lactating sows. Methods: A total of 50 multiparous F₁ sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with an average body weight (BW) of 233.6±4.30 kg and an average parity of 4.00±0.307 and their litters were used in this experiment. All sows were allotted to one of five treatments, taking into consideration BW, backfat thickness, and parity in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet with or without 0.1% or 0.2% β-glucan and 110 IU vitamin E/kg diet. Results: All treatments added with β-glucan or vitamin E were statistically higher in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of lactating sows compared to those of the control (Diet, p<0.01). Additionally, the ADFI of lactating sows was significantly higher in the groups supplemented with 0.1% β-glucan compared to 0.2% β-glucan (BG, p<0.01). There was an increasing trend in piglet weight at weaning (BG, p = 0.07), litter weight at the 21st day of lactation (BG, p = 0.07) and litter weight gain (BG, p = 0.08) in groups supplemented with 0.1% β-glucan. The addition of 110 IU vitamin E/kg diet increased vitamin E concentration significantly in lactating sows (VE, p<0.01) and exhibited a trend for higher concentrations of vitamin E (VE, p = 0.09) in piglets. Adding 0.1% β-glucan compared to 0.2% β-glucan induced a decrease in the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α in lactating sows (BG, p = 0.06) and in piglets (BG, p = 0.09) on the 21st day of lactation. There were no significant differences in the milk composition of sows. Conclusion: Adding 0.1% β-glucan and 110 IU vitamin E/kg to a lactating sow's diet was beneficial to the growth performance of piglets by leading to an increase in the feed intake of sows and efficiently supplying vitamin E to both the sows and piglets.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.1028-1034
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• 2021

The effect of medium composition on enzyme and β-glucan production by Aspergillus oryzae KCCM 12698 was investigated. Brown rice, rice bran, nitrogen, and ascorbic acid are key components of the synthetic medium used in liquid-state fermentation. To determine the optimal concentrations of these components for enzyme and β-glucan production, we conducted one factor at a time experiments, which showed that the optimal concentrations were 30 g/l brown rice, 30 g/l rice bran, 10 g/l soytone, and 3 g/l ascorbic acid. Pretreatment of brown rice for 60 min prior to inoculation enhanced fungal biomass, while increasing the production of enzymes and β-glucan using solid-state fermentation. Maximum fungal biomass of 0.76 mg/g, amylase (26,551.03 U/g), protease (1,340.50 U/g), and β-glucan at 9.34% (w/w) were obtained during fermentation. Therefore, solid-state fermentation of brown rice is a process that could enhance yield and overall production of enzymes and β-glucan for use in various applications.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.926-933
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• 2023

Aspergillus oryzae KCCM 11372 was used to enhance the production of β-glucan using humidity control strategies. Under conditions of 60% humidity, solid-state fermentation (SSF) increased the yields of enzymes (amylase and protease), fungal biomass (ergosterol), and β-glucan. The maximum concentrations obtained were 14800.58 U/g at 72 h, 1068.14 U/g at 120 h, 1.42 mg/g at 72 h, and 12.0% (w/w) at 72 h, respectively. Moreover, the β-glucan containing fermented brown rice (β-glucan-FBR) extracts at concentrations of 25-300 ㎍/ml was considered noncytotoxic to 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. We then studied the inhibitory effects of the extracts on fat droplet formation in 3T3-L1 cells. As a result, 300 ㎍/ml of β-glucan-FBR extracts showed a high inhibition of 38.88% in lipid accumulation. Further, these extracts inhibited adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes by decreasing the expression of C/EBPα, PPARγ, aP2, and GLUT4 genes.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.652-659
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• 2021

Microorganism-derived compounds, such as peptidoglycan, lipoteichoic acid, and β-glucan were supplemented in the scuticociliate Miamiensis avidus (M. avidus) vaccine to verify the specify component contribution to the adjuvant effect. Vaccine was formulated with the inactivated M. avidus antigen (YS2, 4.44×10⁵ cells/fish) in combination with either peptidoglycan (10 ㎍ and 100 ㎍/fish), lipoteichoic acid (5 ㎍ and 50 ㎍/fish), or β-glucan (10 ㎍ and 100 ㎍/fish). Olive flounder injected with peptidoglycan supplemented vaccine (10 ㎍ and 100 ㎍/fish) exhibited significant protection, and the relative percent survival (RPS) was 55% and 65% at 4 weeks post vaccination (wpv), respectively, at the corresponding doses. The vaccine groups with added lipoteichoic acid (5 ㎍ and 50 ㎍/fish) exhibited RPS of 40% and 5%, respectively. Additionally, the group with added β-glucan (100 ㎍/fish) exhibited RPS of 35%, but no effect was observed in the group with added 10 ㎍/fish β-glucan. At 8 wpv, olive flounder injected with peptidoglycan and lipoteichoic acid supplemented vaccines exhibited protection with RPS range of 11/11% and 5/21%, respectively, at the respective doses. M. avidus vaccine containing 10 ㎍ and 100 ㎍/fish of β-glucan exhibited the RPS of 32% and 37%, respectively. Conclusively, peptidoglycan contributed in high protection of the M. avidus vaccine, and thus, it can be used as an effective adjuvant in the M. avidus vaccine.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2009

Mycelia of Pleurotus ostreatus, Phellinus linteus, Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinus edodes were cultured in the selected cereals to generate functionally active cereals. The optimum water contents for the mycelial growth were 50%(wt/wt) for brown rice, barley and soybean and 75% for wheat and corn, respectively. P. ostreatus grew well in the most cereals while the mycelial growth of P. linteus, G. lucidum and L. edodes in soybean were siginificantly retarded. The contents of β-glucan and glucosamine in the mycelial cereals were determined. Wheat cultured with mushroom mycelia showed high ß-glucan content. Especially, wheat with G. lucidum contained the highest value of 26.16%. Soybean cultured with G. lucidum showed two-fold increase in glucosamine content with 9.63% of total mass while wheat showed 7.91%. Overall, wheat cultured with G. lucidum was the best functional cereal in terms of β-glucan and glucosamine contents.