Abstract
Euglena gracilis EOD-1, a microalgal strain known for high yields of the β-1, 3-glucan paramylon, is suggested to function as a dietary fiber and enhance immunity. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of E. gracilis EOD-1 biomass (EOD1BM) ingestion on immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody titers in saliva, its reactivity, and the health-related quality of life (QOL) in humans. Reacting human immunoglobulin preparations and saliva with paramylon granules revealed the presence of anti-paramylon antibodies in the blood and saliva. We conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study involving 13 healthy subjects who ingested the placebo or EOD1BM for 4 weeks. Saliva was collected from each subject before and after ingestion, and IgA titers and E. gracilis EOD-1 paramylon (EOD1PM) reactivity were compared. In the EOD1BM Ingestion group, the anti-EOD1PM IgA content and titer increased after EOD1BM ingestion. No such change was observed in the Placebo group. Furthermore, the health-related QOL, especially mental health, increased in the EOD1BM Ingestion group. Thus, EOD1BM ingestion led to the production of paramylon (PM)-specific IgA antibody and increased salivary IgA antibody titers. We demonstrate that EOD1BM ingestion enhanced the immunity in the mucosal surface, evoked an antigen-specific response, and increased the health-related QOL, thereby contributing to health improvement.
Highlights
Euglena gracilis, a type of microalgae, contains several nutrients and is well known for the synthesis of paramylon, a polysaccharide component
2019, 11, 1144the binding of a mucosal antibody secreted in response to exposure mucosal surface to foreign antigens, we investigated the anti-EOD-1 paramylon (EOD1PM) immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody in the saliva samples obtained from the study subjects
To understand the binding of a mucosal antibody secreted in response to exposure of the mucosal surface to foreign antigens, we investigated the anti-EOD1PM IgA antibody in the saliva samples obtained from the study subjects
Summary
A type of microalgae, contains several nutrients and is well known for the synthesis of paramylon, a polysaccharide component. Its functionality as a food ingredient has garnered much attention in recent years, and the immunomodulatory effects of E. gracilis in mice and other animals have been reported [1,2,3]. The E. gracilis EOD-1 strain can produce high paramylon yields (70–80%) depending on culture conditions [4]. The potential of oral administration of E. gracilis EOD-1 biomass (EOD1BM) and purified paramylon (EOD1PM) in improving impaired glucose tolerance and serum lipids has been reported in diet-induced obesity mouse models [4]. EOD1BM has been suggested to function as a dietary fiber, and studies exploiting its functionality in improving immunity have been suggested. The effect of E. gracilis ingestion on the human immune system remains unknown
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