β-glucans: a potential source for maintaining gut microbiota and the immune system

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract holds a complex and dynamic population of microbial communities, which exerts a marked influence on the host physiology during homeostasis and disease conditions. Diet is considered one of the main factors in structuring the gut microbiota across a lifespan. Intestinal microbial communities play a vital role in sustaining immune and metabolic homeostasis as well as protecting against pathogens. The negatively altered gut bacterial composition has related to many inflammatory diseases and infections. β-glucans are a heterogeneous assemblage of glucose polymers with a typical structure comprising a leading chain of β-(1,4) and/or β-(1,3)-glucopyranosyl units with various branches and lengths as a side chain. β-glucans bind to specific receptors on immune cells and initiate immune responses. However, β-glucans from different sources differ in their structures, conformation, physical properties, and binding affinity to receptors. How these properties modulate biological functions in terms of molecular mechanisms is not known in many examples. This review provides a critical understanding of the structures of β-glucans and their functions for modulating the gut microbiota and immune system.

Pulsed electric field‐assisted extraction of mushroom ß‐glucan from Pleurotus pulmonarius by‐product and study of prebiotic properties

“…Additionally, BG‐C and BG‐S exhibited approximately four‐time greater resistance to digestion compared to inulin. Singh & Bhardwaj (2023) similarly reported on the ability of ß‐glucan to resist digestion and absorption in both the gastric and small intestine. Our study confirmed that BG‐C and BG‐S could resist digestion in simulated gastric conditions by 94.71% and 99.07%, respectively, and in the small intestine by 91.63% and 99.43%, respectively.…”

Goreisan‐induced modulation of fecal bile acid composition and gut microbiota in mice

“…GRS contains Polyporus sclerotium and Poria sclerotium, which are rich sources of β‐glucans [31, 32]. β‐Glucans have been reported to alter the gut microbiota [33, 34], suggesting that they may play a role in the modification of gut microbiota composition and the increased formation of secondary bile acids. Therefore, the estimations of the content of β‐glucans and their chemical and biological characterizations are necessary to elucidate the modulation of gut microbiota by GRS.…”

Alterations of Glycan Composition in Aerobic Granular Sludge during the Adaptation to Seawater Conditions

“…It is also noticed that, in the three EPS samples, the amount of glucose is extremely high in comparison to that of all of the other monomers. The possible explanation could be that there might be glucose-rich glycans, such as β glucan or lipopolysaccharides produced as part of the EPS . Further investigation is needed to understand the high glucose content.…”

“…The possible explanation could be that there might be glucose-rich glycans, such as β glucan or lipopolysaccharides produced as part of the EPS. 29 Further investigation is needed to understand the high glucose content.…”