Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been causing varying severities of illness Some are asymptomatic and some develop severe disease leading to mortality across ages This contrast triggered us explore the causes, with the background that a vaccine for effective immunization or a drug to tackle COVID-19 is not too close to reality We have discussed strategies to combat COVID-19 through immune enhancement, using simple measures including nutritional supplements Discussion: A literature search on mortality-related comorbid conditions was performed For those conditions, we analyzed the pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could cause the draining of the immune reservoir We also analyzed the immune markers necessary for the defense mechanism/immune surveillance against COVID-19, especially through simple means including immune enhancing nutritional supplement consumption, and we suggest strategies to combat COVID-19 Major comorbid conditions associated with increased mortality include cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, being immunocompromised by cancer, and severe kidney disease with a senile immune system Consumption of Aureobasidium pullulans strain (AFO-202) beta 1,3-1,6 glucan supported enhanced IL-8, sFAS macrophage activity, and NK cells' cytotoxicity, which are major defense mechanisms against viral infection Conclusion: People with co-morbid conditions who are more prone to COVID-19-related deaths due to immune dysregulation are likely to benefit from consuming nutritional supplements that enhance the immune system We recommend clinical studies to validate AFO-202 beta glucan in COVID-19 patients to prove its efficacy in overcoming a hyper-inflammation status, thus reducing the mortality, until a definite vaccine is made available

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Role of Immune Dysregulation in Increased Mortality Among a Specific Subset of COVID-19 Patients and Immune-Enhancement Strategies for Combatting Through Nutritional Supplements.

Conventional vaccines to combat COVID-19 through different approaches are at various stages of development. The complexity of COVID-19 such as the potential mutations of the virus leading to antige...

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/21645515.2021.1880210

β-glucans: wide-spectrum immune-balancing food-supplement-based enteric (β-WIFE) vaccine adjuvant approach to COVID-19.

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and statins are the common drugs used to correct dyslipidemia. Herein, we report a case where the subject was a nondiabetic, dyslipidemia patient on medication with Rosuvastatin. After the intake of Rosuvastatin, his triglycerides decreased to a minimum of 220 mg/dL. In order to augment the action of Rosuvastatin, he was advised to take 1.5 mg of Nichi Glucan food supplement, which is a 1,3-1,6 Beta Glucan derived from the black yeast, Aureobasidium pullulans, daily for 2 months. At the end of 2 months, his triglyceride levels decreased from 523 mg/dL (at start of the study) to 175 mg/dL. His VLDL levels, which were 104.6 mg/dL at the start of the study decreased to 35 mg/dL and the HDL cholesterol levels increased from 27 to 38 mg/dL. This is a first of its kind report on the effect of the black yeast derived 1,3-1,6 Beta Glucans on dyslipidemia not associated with diabetes. Thus supplementation of Nichi Glucan, 1,3- 1,6 Beta Glucan derived from the black yeast along with the routine medications was beneficial to treat dyslipidemia and a larger trial is needed to confirm the effects.

Beneficial effects of black yeast derived 1-3, 1-6 Beta Glucan-Nichi Glucan in a dyslipidemic individual of Indian origin--a case report.

Direct endothelial injury by viruses and dysregulation of clotting mechanisms due to cytokine storm are the major precipitating factors of mortality in COVID-19; both are attributed to a fundamental dysregulation of the immune system. While immune dysregulation can be attributed to several factors, the risk of associated thrombogenic disruption varies across individuals. This variation depends on several factors, such as comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. When considering ethnic variations, the vulnerability of Caucasians, African Americans and Hispanics needs to be addressed before arriving at strategies to handle thromboembolic complications, which have been identified in recent reports as the leading causes of mortality in COVID-19. Although evaluation of D-dimer and prothrombin during admission is considered to predict prognosis and mortality, there are no preventive or prophylactic strategies before hospital admission. Herein, we present our perspectives on the effect of regular supplementation with the biological response modifier beta glucan based on its relevance to immune modulation. This effect is of paramount importance in decreasing the development of severe COVID-19 and reducing mortality against the background of coagulopathy, especially in vulnerable populations.

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Coagulopathy associated with COVID-19 – Perspectives &Preventive strategies using a biological response modifier Glucan

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are highly prevalent conditions characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the liver which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. Lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes and dyslipidaemia predispose to and are associated with the disease progression. Conventional modalities are mainly symptomatic, with no definite solution. Beta glucan-based biological response modifiers are a potential strategy in lieu of their beneficial metabolic effects. Aureobasidium pullulans strains AFO-202 and N-163 beta glucans were evaluated for anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory hepatoprotective potentials in a NASH animal model in this study. MethodsIn the STAM murine model of NASH, five groups were studied for eight weeks-- (1) vehicle (RO water), (2) AFO-202 beta glucan; (3) N-163 beta glucan, (4) AFO-202+N-163 beta glucan, and (5) telmisartan (standard pharmacological intervention). Evaluation of biochemical parameters in plasma and hepatic histology including Sirius red staining and F4/80 immunostaining were performed. ResultsAFO-202 beta glucan significantly decreased inflammation-associated hepatic cell ballooning and steatosis. N-163 beta glucan decreased fibrosis and inflammation significantly (p value<0.05). The combination of AFO-202 with N-163 significantly decreased the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) compared with other groups. ConclusionThis preclinical study supports the potential of N-163 and AFO-202 beta glucans alone or in combination as potential preventive and therapeutic agent(s), for NASH. Graphical abstract O_FIG_DISPLAY_L [Figure 1] M_FIG_DISPLAY C_FIG_DISPLAY

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Hepatoprotective effects of Aureobasidium pullulans derived Beta 1,3-1,6 biological response modifier glucans in a STAM- animal model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Beta Glucan food supplements have been reported to be of benefit in diabetes and hyperlipidemia. We report a pilot study of the effects of Nichi Glucan, 1, 3-1, 6 Beta Glucan food supplement, in lowering the blood glucose and lipid levels in three patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) from India. These patients had increased blood glucose and lipid levels inspite of routine antidiabetic and lipid level lowering medications. Each of the participants took 1.5 g of Nichi Glucan per day with food for two months along with their routine medications. The relevant parameters to assess glycemic status and lipid levels were calculated at the baseline and at the end of two months. After two months of continuous consumption, in one patient, the HbA1c decreased from 9.1% to 7.8%, and the glycemic target of HbA1c <6.5% laid down by the International Diabetes Federation was reached in two patients. Lipid levels also decreased significantly. Based on our findings, Nichi Glucan food supplement can be considered along with routine medications in patients with Type II diabetes with hyperlipidemia. Further studies are needed to validate the results.

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Potential Effects of Nichi Glucan as a Food Supplement for Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperlipidemia: Preliminary Findings from the Study on Three Patients from India

Athi P. Venkatesh

Papers

Potential Effects of Nichi Glucan as a Food Supplement for Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperlipidemia: Preliminary Findings from the Study on Three Patients from India