Immuno-enhancement effects of barely β-glucan and barley extracts in arsenic trioxide -induced immunosuppressed rat model

Barely β-glucans are polysaccharides that are biologically active and have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study examined the effects of barely β-glucan and barley extracts on sodium trioxide-induced immunosuppression. Fifty-four male albino rats (weighing 100 ± 25 g) were divided into eight groups, each including six rats in this investigation. Group 1: PBS was injected intraperitoneally into the rats, while saline was given orally (negative control). Groups 2–8 received daily intraperitoneal injections of As 2 O 3 (5 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The second group serves as a positive control. The rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 were given daily doses of β-glucan extracts of 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, with ATO (arsenic triodide). Groups 6, 7, and 8 were given barley extract at doses of 0.7,1.4, and 2.8 g/kg bw/day, respectively, with ATO. After the treatments were completed, all of the rats were slaughtered for biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis. Barley β-glucan and barley extracts increased CAT and GPx activity while lowering MDA levels in the spleen tissue of rats. They also improved haematological and histopathological changes caused by arsenic trioxide. The levels of IgG and IgM in the groups treated with barley β-glucan extract were considerably greater than those in the groups treated with barley extract. The cytokine levels, hepatic, and renal biomarker markers were all affected by arsenic trioxide. Our findings show that barley extracts and barely β-glucan extracts could be employed as a component of functional foods to boost immunity.