Preventive and early therapeutic effects of beta-Glucan on the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The beta-glucans are long-chain polymers of glucose, which comprise the fungal cell wall, stimulate cells of the innate immune system, enhance disturbed epithelization, and have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and various antioxidant agents have been studied for prevention and treatment of the disease. In this experimental animal study, we assessed effects of beta-glucan, extracted from barley, on the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, and evaluated differences of starting before and after bleomycin instillation.