Enhanced muscle regeneration in mdx mice, Duchenne muscular dystrophy animal model, proven by CD44 & MYH3 expression, on oral feeding of N-163 strain of Aureobasidium Pullulans produced B-Glucan

Introduction Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a X-linked fatal myogenic disorder, in which lack of dystrophin leads to significant fibrosis and a progressive loss of muscle mass. Regeneration of the muscles in response to the degeneration is not adequate to contribute to restoration of muscle function. Having proven the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of the 1,3-1,6 B-glucan (Neu REFIX) produced by the N-163 strain of Aureobasidium Pullulans in clinical and pre-clinical studies, we have now examined its effects on muscle regeneration in a DMD animal model of mdx mice.

Methods Forty-five mice were divided into the three groups, Gr. 1 (n=15): normal mice, Gr.2 (n=15): mdx mice as vehicle, Gr.3 (n=15) mdx mice administered the N-163 β-glucan for 45 days. Expression of CD44 and Myosin heavy chain (MYH3) were evaluated in the skeletal muscles.

Results In the Gr.3 (N-163 group), CD44+ve staining in immunohistochemistry was more intense, with an H-score of > 2.0 as opposed to 1.0 in Gr. 2 and 0.1 in Gr. 1. Immunofluorescence staining showed 20% higher MYH3-staining positive area in Gr.3 (N-163 group) than that in the Gr.2.

Conclusion Successful muscle regeneration indicated by (i) increased MYH3 expression, characteristic of early myosin and muscle formation, followed by (ii) differentiation evident by an increase in CD44, upon oral feeding of N-163 B-Glucan, have been proven in this study. The earlier reported anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammatory effects in pre-clinical and human clinical studies along with the present study’s findings, unravel the potentials of this safe B-Glucan food supplement as a disease modifying adjunct in the management of DMD and other muscular dystrophies.