The dual role of SS1, 3 glucan in immunomodulation and chemoradio protection

Abstract EN

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of β 1, 3 glucan as a radioprotective agent for the gingiva (as being a part of the oral mucosa) of rats from the undesirable side effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy used in treatment of head and neck carcinoma.

Method : Forty male rats were used in this study, based on the experiment to be performed ; the animals were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each : Four experimental groups and a control one.

Six gray of fractionated radiation were given (2 gray day after day), while mitomycin was given by intraperitoneal injection at the dose of 3 mg / kg body weight.

β 1, 3 Glucan (Natural food supplements) was orally administrated at a dose of 120 mg / kg body weight.

Results : Histopathological examination showed that the cellular integrity and the structural configuration of the epithelium in the experimental groups were altered as compared to the control one.

This was particularly obvious in group I (radiation and mitomycin) which wasn’t given ß 1, 3 glucan.

Immuno-histochemical findings revealed increased expression of the used antibodies (CD3, CD20cy and CD15) in group IV where ß 1, 3 glucan was given with radiation and mitomycin.

These findings denoted enhanced immune response and stimulated immune reaction in the oral mucosa especially in the 4 weeks observation period.

Conclusion : The obtained results suggest that ß 1, 3 glucan administration can reduce the undesirable side effects of cancer treatment (chemo / radiotherapy) on the oral mucosa.