The possible mechanisms for β-glucans to prevent atherosclerotic lesions

Authors

Tiphaine Gislette, University of Wollongong
Kong-Nan Zhao, University of Queensland
Wenyi Gu, University of Queensland
Jiezhong Chen, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

61917

Publication Details

Gislette, T., Zhao, K., Gu, W. & Chen, J. (2012). The possible mechanisms for β-glucans to prevent atherosclerotic lesions. Current Bioactive Compounds, 8 (2), 146-150.

Abstract

Foods enriched in β-glucans including oat and edible fungi as well as some purified β-glucans have been shown to reduce atherosclerotic lesions. The multiple mechanisms may be involved to affect several aspects of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis such as phagocytosis of macrophages, NO production, epithelial cell functions and blood levels of cholesterol. Structurally different β-glucans may have different effects in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The study of structure-function relationship may provide an approach for optimizing β-glucans to be used in the prevention of atherosclerosis.