Effect of beta-glucan in lung damage secondary to experimental obstructive jaundice

This study aimed at investigating the protective effects of beta-glucans on the lungs in obstructive jaundice.

In total, five groups -Sham (1), control (2) and treatment groups (3,4,5)- were established; each comprising randomly selected seven Wistar Albino rats. Beta-glucan was given after choleduct ligation in Group 3 while it was given before and after the choleduct ligation in Group 4. As pre-treatment beta-glucan was given before ligation in Group 5. Beta-glucan was administered in a single dose of 50 mg/kg/day by gavage for a ten-day period. Superoxide dismutase, and myeloperoxidase levels in serum; malondialdehyde, lipid hydroxyperoxidase and glutathione levels in lung tissue; lactate dehydrogenase levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured.

The blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes level was highest in the control group and lower in the sham and treatment groups. Serum superoxide dismutase and tissue glutathione values were significantly higher in Groups 3 and 4 (p≤0.04) whilst Groups 3 and 4 did not differ from each other. In Groups 3 and 4 malondialdehyde, lipid hydroxyperoxidase, and myeloperoxidase values were significantly lower. However, Groups 3 and 4 did not differ for malondialdehyde or lipid hydroxyperoxidase values. Lactate dehydrogenase level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was significantly lower in all of the treatment groups (Groups 3,4,5) (p≤0.008). When compared to the control group, it was observed that lung damage was much more limited in the treatment groups (p<0.001).

This study suggests that beta-glucan exhibits protective effect in pulmonary tissue against oxidative damage in obstructive jaundice.