glucans from Euglena gracilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae effects on immunity and inflammatory parameters in dogs

Considering the differences in molecular structure and function, the effects of [beta]-1,3-glucans from Euglena gracilis and [beta]-1,3/1,6-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on immune and inflammatory activities in dogs were compared. Four diets were compared: control without [beta]-glucans (CON), 0.15 mg/kg BW/day of [beta]-1,3/1,6-glucans ([BETA]-Y15), 0.15 mg/kg BW/day of [beta]-1,3-glucans ([BETA]-S15), and 0.30 mg/kg BW/day of [beta]-1,3-glucans ([BETA]-S30). Thirty-two healthy dogs (eight per diet) were organized in a block design. All animals were fed CON for a 42-day washout period and then sorted into one of four diets for 42 days. Blood and faeces were collected at the beginning and end of the food intake period and analysed for serum and faecal cytokines, ex vivo production of hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) and nitric oxide (NO), phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), ex vivo production of IgG, and faecal concentrations of IgA and calprotectin. Data were evaluated using analysis of covariance and compared using Tukey's test (P