β(1-3)(1-6)-D-glucans Modulate Immune Status and Blood Glucose Levels in Dogs

Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of adding two different glucans coded as BGO1 and BGO2 into commercial feed of dogs.
Study Design: We measured changes in phagocytosis, levels of IL-2 in blood, antibody formation and level of blood sugar (normal homeostasis and experimentally-induced hyperglycaemie with streptozotocin).
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, and Department of Research and Development, Biorigin, June 2012 and May 2013.
Methodology: The technique employing phagocytosis of synthetic polymeric microspheres was used for evaluation of phagocytic activity. IL-2 production was evaluated in serum by an ELISA kit. Formation of antibodies was tested using ovalbumin as an antigen, level of specific antibodies was measured by ELISA. Blood sugar evaluation was done both in normal animals and in animals with experimentally-induced hyperglycaemie. The level of glucose in serum was measured by Antech Diagnostics.
Results: In phagocytosis, both glucans significantly (P ≤0.05 level) increased the phagocytic activity of blood monocytes and neutrophils. Both glucans were active in IL-2 tests, but BG01 activity was 160% of that of BG02. Similar data were achieved in evaluation of effects on antibody response – BG01 reached OD of 0.717, whereas BG02 reached OD 0.411. Blood sugar evaluations showed no effect of glucan on normal dogs, but significant (P ≤0.05 level) reduction in dogs with hyperglycaemie (both glucans showed same activity).
Conclusion: Our data showed that both glucans had significant immunomodulating effects in immune reactions in the dog model, strongly suggesting that supplementation of feed with these glucans results in improvement of biological and immunological conditions of dogs.