Glucan and immunotoxicity

Abstract

Some interesting experiments have shown that glucans of different sources have a strong protective ability against different mutagenic agents such as 22-aminoanthracene or methyl methyanesulfonate. In these studies, glucans protected the cells by sheltering their DNA and effectively increasing the repair of the double-strand breaks. These studies were further confirmed by findings showing the efficacy of glucan in reducing the damage caused by other mutagenic agents such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and adriamycin. Some of the effects of glucans are attributed to their ability to trap free radicals which are produced during the biotransformation of these chemotherapeutic drugs.