Impact of purified oat 1-3,1-4-β-d-glucan of different molecular weight on alleviation of inflammation parameters during gastritis

The antiinflammatory activity of purified oat 1-3,1-4-β-d-glucan against acute gastritis (sodium deoxycholate induced) model in rats was investigated as second part of experiment studying impact of oat β-glucan on inflammatory states in gastrointestinal tract (first part was related to enteritis). 48 rats (Spraque-Dawley males, two groups - control and gastritis) were fed high and low molecular weights (MW) β-glucan. Antioxidant defense parameters - SOD, TAS, GSH, GSSG and inflammation markers - TBARS, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-12 were analyzed. Strong activity of both fractions was observed; high MW β-glucan caused high TNF-α decrease in both experimental groups while low MW β-glucan decreased the concentration of IL-10 in gastritis group. Both fractions significantly support innate antioxidant defense of stomach tissue not only in gastritis but in healthy state as well. The results reveal the potential therapeutic activity of purified oat β-glucan in acidic environment of stomach at acute gastritis states.