Researching Economical Adjuvants to Cancer Therapy

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if beta-glucan (a dietary fiber) improves the function of the immune system in adults. It will also tell the investigators if combining beta-glucan with single bouts of exercise provides additional benefit. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does beta-glucan change the ability of immune cells to recognize cancer cells? 2. Does exercise change the type of immune cells in the blood? Researchers will compare beta-glucan to a placebo (a look-alike substance with no effect) to see if beta-glucan could improve immune function against cancer. Participants will: 1. Take beta-glucan or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. 2. Visit the laboratory for three exercise tests. 3. Provide blood samples so researchers can study immune system cells.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Physically fit enough to engage in maximal exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

* BMI \> 40 kg/m2
* Stage 2 hypertension (140/90 mmHg)
* Type I or II diabetes
* Autoimmune diseases
* Overt cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disease (e.g., previous heart attack, pacemaker, heart failure, asthma)
* Hormone replacement therapy (e.g., androgens, estrogens)
* Daily medication usage that may affect immune function (e.g., beta blockers, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, allergy medications)
* Current antibiotic use
* Heavy alcohol usage (\>2 drinks per day)
* Tobacco use within the last 6 months
* Adults unable to consent
* Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
* Self-reported pregnancy
* Prisoners

Conditions2

Locations1 site

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