Pharmacokinetic Parameters and Tissular Biodistribution of 1,3 β-glucans From Maitake Pro4x in Balbc Mice.

The objective of this study was to examine the pharmacokinetic parameters of 1,3-beta-glucans from Maitake Pro4X in BALBc mice through oral and intravenous (IV) administration. The parameters of interest included Tmax (time to reach maximum concentration), Cmax (maximum concentration), t1/2 (half-life), ta1/2 (mean residence time), Ke (elimination rate constant), Ka (absorption rate constant), clearance, Vd (volume of distribution), Cp0 (initial plasma concentration), and AUC (area under the concentration-time curve). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the tissular biodistribution of the 1,3-beta-glucans following both administration routes and identify the organs involved in absorption, elimination, and distribution. The comparison of the results revealed that some elimination constants (ke3 IV and ke2 oral) were similar for both routes. Additionally, Tmax was found to be approximately 10 hours for both routes, and the elimination t1/2 showed similarity between oral (12.93 h) and IV (12.81 h) administration. Similarities were also observed in total systemic clearance values. However, the IV route exhibited a higher volume of distribution while having a lower AUC Cp vs. time. The results indicated that the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, duodenum, and colon) exhibited the highest levels of uptake for both routes of administration. Conversely, the liver and kidney showed the lowest uptake for both routes. Comparatively, oral administration resulted in greater gastrointestinal accumulation. However, cerebral, pulmonary, renal, and hepatic uptake was higher following intravenous administration. Based on the in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in murine models, it can be concluded that oral and intravenous administration of Maitake Pro4X presented similar values for elimination speed, Tmax, t1/2, total systemic clearance, and bioavailability.