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Lee SW, Woo SC, Lyu YR, Yang WK, Kim SH, Kim JH, Kim SY, Kang W, Jung IC, Kim T, Park YC. Efficacy and Safety of Bojungikgi-Tang for Persistent Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Trial. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1017. [PMID: 38786427 PMCID: PMC11120927 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional treatments for allergic rhinitis (AR) exhibit insufficiency and long-term use-related side effects. Considering the reported anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT), we aimed to assess its efficacy on persistent AR (PAR). Patients with PAR were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into high-dose BJIGT, standard-dose BJIGT, and placebo groups, followed by 1-week run-in and 4-week treatment periods. The primary outcome included the mean change in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), with secondary outcomes encompassing the Korean Allergic Rhinitis-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, biomarkers, overall assessment, TNSS by AR pattern identification, and the Sasang constitution. The mean TNSS change was more improved in the BJIGT group than in the placebo group; however, no statistically significant differences were observed. Additional interaction effect analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in the high-dose BJIGT group compared with the placebo group from weeks 1-2 to weeks 3-4. Regarding secondary outcomes, the BJIGT group exhibited similar or improved results compared with the placebo group, showing no statistically significant differences. No serious adverse effects or clinically significant changes in safety assessments were observed. Given that this study validated clinical improvement and safety, it serves as potential groundwork for pertinent future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Won Lee
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea; (S.W.L.); (S.-C.W.); (W.-K.Y.)
| | - Seong-Cheon Woo
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea; (S.W.L.); (S.-C.W.); (W.-K.Y.)
| | - Yee Ran Lyu
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea;
| | - Won-Kyung Yang
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea; (S.W.L.); (S.-C.W.); (W.-K.Y.)
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seung-Hyung Kim
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea;
| | - Je Hyun Kim
- Clinical Trial Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (S.Y.K.); (I.C.J.)
| | - Si Yeon Kim
- Clinical Trial Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (S.Y.K.); (I.C.J.)
- Department of Statistics, Graduate School, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea;
| | - Weechang Kang
- Department of Statistics, Graduate School, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea;
| | - In Chul Jung
- Clinical Trial Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (S.Y.K.); (I.C.J.)
- Department of Neuropsychology, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesoo Kim
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yang Chun Park
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea; (S.W.L.); (S.-C.W.); (W.-K.Y.)
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea;
- Clinical Trial Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea; (J.H.K.); (S.Y.K.); (I.C.J.)
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Efficacy and Safety of Bojungikgi-Tang for Persistent Allergic Rhinitis: A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4414192. [PMID: 35769160 PMCID: PMC9236759 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4414192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease, and conventional medications are often insufficient for treatment. Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT) is an herbal medicine widely used in traditional medicine and has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. We hypothesize that BJIGT would improve nasal symptoms in patients with persistent AR (PAR). Methods This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial. A total of 105 patients, identified with perennial allergens, with a history of PAR and a mean total nasal symptom score (TNSS) ≥ 5 during the run-in period will be recruited from Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to a high-dose BJIGT group, standard-dose BJIGT group, or control group (placebo) in a 1 : 1 : 1 allocation ratio after a week run-in period. The treatment medication will be taken three times per day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the mean change in the TNSS before and after medication. The secondary outcome measures include the Korean Allergic Rhinitis-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, total IgE and eosinophil count, overall assessment of AR, pattern identification questionnaire for AR, and Sasang constitution. Discussion. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of BJIGT in the treatment of PAR and to determine the suitable dosage of BJIGT. Therefore, we planned a randomized, controlled, phase II trial of two different doses of BJIGT compared with placebo, and the results of this study are expected to provide evidence for the use of BJIGT as a treatment of PAR. Trial Registration. The National Clinical Trial Registry Clinical Research Information Service, CRIS, KCT0006616, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/20706.
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Takayama S, Kikuchi A, Makino T, Kainuma M, Namiki T, Ito T. Basic pharmacological mechanisms and clinical evidence of the efficacy of hochuekkito against infectious diseases and its potential for use against COVID‐19. TRADITIONAL & KAMPO MEDICINE 2020. [PMCID: PMC7753421 DOI: 10.1002/tkm2.1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Hochuekkito extract (HET) has multiple effects through the digestive and immune systems, including for acute viral infection and chronic inflammation. We review basic pharmacological and clinical researches of HET and discuss the effects of HET against the pandemic COVID‐19. Methods We reviewed pharmacological studies from 1996 to 30 April 2020 that used experimental animals orally treated with HET and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2000 to 30 April 2020. Results Altogether, 64 pharmacological studies reported immuno‐stimulatory effects against infection and cancer, immuno‐modulative effects against allergy and some inflammatory diseases, and ameliorating effects against exhaustion and frailty. Nine RCTs showed improvement of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease on chest X‐ray; improved systemic inflammation, nutrition, and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a decrease in the number getting common cold and exacerbations; reduction of soluble interleukin‐2 receptor and the serum cortisol concentration of postoperative patients; a reduction of the incidence of inflammatory complications and C‐reactive protein elevation after cerebrovascular disease; a reduction of the volume of steroid and tacrolimus during the treatment of atopic dermatitis; a healing effect for intractable chronic wounds; improvement of the physical status of elderly weak patients; and improvement of the fatigue level of cancer patients. Conclusion CODIV‐19 is characterized by high risk for the aged and people with other disease complications, cytokine hyperactivity in the severe stage, and sequelae in the recovery stage. Considering the immune‐stimulative/modulative effects of HET on inflammatory conditions and against exhaustion and frailty, it may be useful for prevention, treatment, and recovery from COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Takayama
- Department of Kampo Medicine Tohoku University Hospital Sendai Japan
- Department of Education and Support for Regional Medicine Tohoku University Hospital Sendai Japan
- Department of Kampo and Integrative Medicine Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Akiko Kikuchi
- Department of Kampo Medicine Tohoku University Hospital Sendai Japan
- Department of Education and Support for Regional Medicine Tohoku University Hospital Sendai Japan
- Department of Kampo and Integrative Medicine Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Toshiaki Makino
- Department of Pharmacognosy Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University Nagoya Japan
| | - Mosaburo Kainuma
- Community Medicine Education Unit Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Takao Namiki
- Department of Japanese‐Oriental (Kampo) Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University Chiba Japan
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Gandhi GR, Leão GCDS, Calisto VKDS, Vasconcelos ABS, Almeida MLD, Quintans JDSS, Barreto E, Narain N, Júnior LJQ, Gurgel RQ. Modulation of interleukin expression by medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites: A systematic review on anti-asthmatic and immunopharmacological mechanisms. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 70:153229. [PMID: 32361292 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory conditions of the lungs in modern society. Asthma is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling of the airways, with typical symptoms of cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Interleukins (IL) play an integral role in its inflammatory pathogenesis. Medicinal herbs and secondary metabolites are gaining considerable attention due to their potential therapeutic role and pharmacological mechanisms as adjunct tools to synthetic bronchodilator drugs. PURPOSE To systematically review the literature on the use of single or mixed plants extracts therapy in vivo experimental systems for asthma, emphasizing their regulations on IL production to improve lung. METHODS Literature searches were performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. All articles in English were extracted from 1999 up to September 2019, assessed critically for data extraction. Studies investigating the effectiveness and safety of plant extracts administered; inflammatory cell count, immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and T helper (Th) 1 and Th2-driven cytokine expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung of asthmatic animals were included. RESULTS Four hundred and eighteen publications were identified and 51 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six studies described bioactive compounds from plant extracts. The most frequent immunopharmacological mechanisms described included reduction in IgE and eosinophilic recruitment, decreased mucus hypersecretion and airway hyperreactivity, enhancement of the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, suppression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and reversal of structural alterations. CONCLUSION Plant extract therapies have potential control activities on asthma symptoms by modulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-8), Th17 (IL-17), anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-23, IL-31, IL-33), Th1 (IL-2, IL-12) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13) cytokines, reducing the level of biomarkers of airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalsamy Rajiv Gandhi
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Campos de Sousa Leão
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Valdete Kaliane da Silva Calisto
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Alan Bruno Silva Vasconcelos
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, 49.100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Doria Almeida
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil; Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Jullyana de Souza Siqueira Quintans
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Barreto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, 57.072-900 Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Narendra Narain
- Laboratory of Flavor and Chromatographic Analysis, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Aracaju, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Lucindo José Quintans Júnior
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Queiroz Gurgel
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000 Sergipe, Brazil; Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova, Aracaju, 49.100-000, Sergipe, Brazil.
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Cai M, Yang EJ. Hochu-Ekki-To Improves Motor Function in an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Animal Model. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11112644. [PMID: 31689925 PMCID: PMC6893748 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hochu-ekki-to (Bojungikgi-Tang (BJIGT) in Korea; Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Tang in Chinese), a traditional herbal prescription, has been widely used in Asia. Hochu-ekki-to (HET) is used to enhance the immune system in respiratory disorders, improve the nutritional status associated with chronic diseases, enhance the mucosal immune system, and improve learning and memory. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is pathologically characterized by motor neuron cell death and muscle paralysis, and is an adult-onset motor neuron disease. Several pathological mechanisms of ALS have been reported by clinical and in vitro/in vivo studies using ALS models. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, and the critical pathological target needs to be identified before effective drugs can be developed for patients with ALS. Since ALS is a disease involving both motor neuron death and skeletal muscle paralysis, suitable therapy with optimal treatment effects would involve a motor neuron target combined with a skeletal muscle target. Herbal medicine is effective for complex diseases because it consists of multiple components for multiple targets. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the herbal medicine HET on motor function and survival in hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. HET was orally administered once a day for 6 weeks from the age of 2 months (the pre-symptomatic stage) of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. We used the rota-rod test and foot printing test to examine motor activity, and Western blotting and H&E staining for evaluation of the effects of HET in the gastrocnemius muscle and lumbar (L4–5) spinal cord of mice. We found that HET treatment dramatically inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress both in the spinal cord and gastrocnemius of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. Furthermore, HET treatment improved motor function and extended the survival of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. Our findings suggest that HET treatment may modulate the immune reaction in muscles and neurons to delay disease progression in a model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Cai
- Department of Herbal medicine Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-811, Korea.
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-811, Korea.
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Jin SE, Ha H, Shin HK. Effects of Herbal Formulas Bojungikgi-tang and Palmijihwang-hwan on Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Cells and the Activities of Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Human Hepatic Microsomes. J Med Food 2018; 21:1173-1187. [PMID: 30457473 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2017.4123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, Bojungikgi-tang (BJIKT: Buzhongyiqi-tang, Hochuekki-to) and Palmijihwang-hwan (PMJHH: Baweidìhuang-wan, Hachimijio-gan), traditional herbal formulas, investigated anti-inflammatory efficacies in murine macrophage cell line and the influence on the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs). The anti-inflammatory potentials of the herbal formulas were evaluated to inhibit the production of the inflammatory mediators and cytokines and the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. The activities of the major human DMEs, cytochrome P450 isozymes (CYP450s) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isozymes (UGTs), were measured by in vitro enzyme assay systems. BJIKT and PMJHH significantly suppressed the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production (IC50 = 317.3 and 282.2 μg/mL, respectively) and the protein expression of COX-2 in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. On the human microsomal DMEs, BJIKT inhibited the activities of CYP1A2 (IC50 = 535.05 μg/mL), CYP2B6 (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL), CYP2C9 (IC50 = 800.78 μg/mL), CYP2C19 (IC50 = 563.11 μg/mL), CYP2D6 (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL), CYP2E1 (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL), CYP3A4 (IC50 = 879.60 μg/mL), UGT1A1 (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL), and UGT1A4 (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL), but it showed no inhibition of the UGT2B7 activity at doses less than 1000 μg/mL. PMJHH inhibited the CYP2D6 activity (IC50 = 280.89 μg/mL), but IC50 values of PMJHH exceeded 1000 μg/mL on the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4. At concentrations less than 1000 μg/mL, PMJHH did not affect the activities of CYP2B6, CYP2C9, UGT1A1, UGT1A4, and UGT2B7. The results indicate that both BJIKT and PMJHH may be potential candidates to prevent and treat PGE2- and COX-2-mediated inflammatory diseases. In addition, this study will expand current knowledge about herb-drug interactions by BJIKT and PMJHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Eun Jin
- Herbal Medicine Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyekyung Ha
- Herbal Medicine Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyeun-Kyoo Shin
- Herbal Medicine Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon, Korea
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Liu L, Wang LP, He S, Ma Y. Immune Homeostasis: Effects of Chinese Herbal Formulae and Herb-Derived Compounds on Allergic Asthma in Different Experimental Models. Chin J Integr Med 2018; 24:390-398. [PMID: 29752613 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-018-2836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is thought to arise from an imbalance of immune regulation, which is characterized by the production of large quantities of IgE antibodies by B cells and a decrease of the interferon-γ/interleukin-4 (Th1/Th2) ratio. Certain immunomodulatory components and Chinese herbal formulae have been used in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years. However, there are few studies performing evidence-based Chinese medicine (CM) research on the mechanisms and effificacy of these drugs in allergic asthma. This review aims to explore the roles of Chinese herbal formulae and herb-derived compounds in experimental research models of allergic asthma. We screened published modern CM research results on the experimental effects of Chinese herbal formulae and herb-derived bioactive compounds for allergic asthma and their possible underlying mechanisms in English language articles from the PubMed and the Google Scholar databases with the keywords allergic asthma, experimental model and Chinese herbal medicine. We found 22 Chinese herb species and 31 herb-derived anti-asthmatic compounds as well as 12 Chinese herbal formulae which showed a reduction of airway hyperresponsiveness, allergen-specifific immunoglobulin E, inflflammatory cell infifiltration and a regulation of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo, respectively. Chinese herbal formulae and herbderived bioactive compounds exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflflammatory and anti-asthma activities in different experimental models and their various mechanisms of action are being investigated in modern CM research with genomics, proteomics and metabolomics technologies, which will lead to a new era in the development of new drug discovery for allergic asthma in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China.,University Course of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lin-Peng Wang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Shan He
- Molecular Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine Group, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yan Ma
- University Course of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Molecular Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine Group, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Yoshioka H, Fukaya S, Onosaka S, Nonogaki T, Nagatsu A. Kampo formula "Hochu-ekki-to" suppressed carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Environ Health Prev Med 2016; 21:579-584. [PMID: 27709423 PMCID: PMC5112200 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-016-0571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether pretreatment with the Japanese herbal medicine "Hochu-ekki-to" (TJ-41) has an ameliorative effect on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity through anorexia prevention. METHODS Twenty-four hours before CCl4 injection, TJ-41 or saline solution was intraperitoneally administered. Furthermore, 24 h after TJ-41 injection, mice were intraperitoneally administered 1.6 g/kg CCl4 or olive oil. Moreover, 24 h after CCl4/olive oil injection, mice from each group were euthanized and bled for plasma analysis. RESULTS Mice injected with CCl4 exhibited severe anorexia. Moreover, CCl4 increased the plasma levels of hepatic injury markers (i.e., alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) as well as lipid peroxidation and hepatic Ca levels. Pretreatment with TJ-41 recovered the CCl4-induced anorexia and plasma levels of the hepatic injury markers. Moreover, CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation and hepatic Ca levels decreased upon TJ-41 pretreatment. In addition, hepatic metallothionein levels in the TJ-41 + CCl4-treated group were decreased by >50 % compared with the levels in the TJ-41-treated group, implying that metallothionein was consumed by CCl4-induced radicals. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that TJ-41 attenuates CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, presumably by the induction of metallothionein, which in turn scavenges radicals induced by CCl4 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Yoshioka
- College of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, 2-1723 Omori, Moriyamaku, Nagoya, 463-8521, Aichi, Japan.
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe, 651-2180, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Shiori Fukaya
- College of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, 2-1723 Omori, Moriyamaku, Nagoya, 463-8521, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satomi Onosaka
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe, 651-2180, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tsunemasa Nonogaki
- College of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, 2-1723 Omori, Moriyamaku, Nagoya, 463-8521, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akito Nagatsu
- College of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, 2-1723 Omori, Moriyamaku, Nagoya, 463-8521, Aichi, Japan.
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Immune-modulatory effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic asthma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127636. [PMID: 26035827 PMCID: PMC4452780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), an herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine, has been an effective regimen of allergic diseases for nearly 800 years. Our previous report has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, and the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-asthmatic effect of BZYQT. Methods Female BALB/cByJNarl mice were sensitized with normal saline (control group) or OVA. Mice sensitized by OVA were fed with distilled water (OVA group), oral 0.5 g/Kg (low-dose group) or 1 g/Kg (high-dose group) of BZYQT solution once daily on days 36-40 besides their routine diet. Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), eosinophil infiltration, levels of cytokines and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The lungs and tracheas were removed, and histopathologic examination was subsequently performed. Results AHR was significantly reduced in both low- and high-dose BZYQT groups compared with the OVA group after inhalation of the highest dose of methacholine (50 mg/ml). The levels of eotaxin, Th2-related cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), IgE, and eosinophil infiltration in BALF were significantly decreased in both BZYQT groups compared with the OVA group. Histopathologic examination revealed that eosinophil infiltration of the lung and trachea tissues was remarkably attenuated in both BZYQT groups. Conclusions Oral administration of BZYQT solution may exert anti-asthmatic effect by relieving AHR in OVA-sensitized mice, which is compatible with our clinical experience. Although detailed mechanism is to be determined, we surmise that it may be correlated with the immune-modulatory effects of inhibiting Th2 responses on the basis of our limited results.
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Kim JH, Kim MH, Yang G, Huh Y, Kim SH, Yang WM. Effects of topical application of Astragalus membranaceus on allergic dermatitis. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2012; 35:151-6. [PMID: 23083228 DOI: 10.3109/08923973.2012.733708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is one of the most popular health-promoting herbs in East Asia, and has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2000 years. This study was performed to examine whether AM suppresses atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. Seven-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) to induce allergic dermatitis. Skin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to assess epidermal and dermal hyperplasia, which were determined by measuring the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis, respectively. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgE) concentration was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the levels of interleukins (IL)-4, -5, -6, and -13 and tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in mouse serum. Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Topical AM markedly improved the AD skin lesions in DNCB-induced mice. The AD skin lesions were significantly thinner in the AM treatment group compared with untreated controls, and the hyperkeratosis disappeared. Topical treatment of AM also restored nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression. In addition, the serum IgE level was reduced. AM suppressed the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, -5, -6, and -13) and significantly decreased the TNF-α level. AM is effective for treating AD by regulating cytokines. AM may be an alternative or complementary therapeutic option for treating patients with AD. More in-depth studies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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Cho S, Hong T, Kaneko A, Yoshino G, Sato N, Kikuchi K, Aikawa Y, Yasuno F, Inoue K, Cyong JC. Evaluation of Immunological Effects of Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41) Prophylactic Administration in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 32:235-43. [PMID: 15315261 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x04001898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the immunological effects of a Kampo (Chinese) prescription Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41) for 32 weeks and 1 week prophylactically in mice. The splenic natural killer cells (NK) of C57BL/6N mice prophylactically treated with TJ-41 for 32 weeks showed little enhanced cytotoxicity against NK-sensitive YAC-1 targets, but mice treated for 1 week showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity. TJ-41 administration for 32 weeks increased the splenic NK cell population and CD4/CD8 significantly, but TJ-41 for 1 week was not affected. Further, there were no adverse effects of TJ-41 administration for 32 weeks. Whether or not that duration of administration can have the same beneficial effects on humans await further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigefumi Cho
- Department of Bioregulatory Function, Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
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Shen HH, Wang K, Li W, Ying YH, Gao GX, Li XB, Huang HQ. Astragalus Membranaceus prevents airway hyperreactivity in mice related to Th2 response inhibition. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2008; 116:363-369. [PMID: 18226482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Revised: 11/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Asthma is recognized as a common pulmonary disease throughout the world. To date, there has been a growing interest in herbal products in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is considered to be effective to treat asthma. A Chinese herb Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) was found useful in treating allergic diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this herbal injection could suppress allergic-induced AHR and mucus hypersecretion in allergic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mouse model of chronic asthma was used to investigate AM injection on the airway lesions in compared with glucocorticoids. The study was conducted on mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin and the whole body plethsmography was performed to assess AHR. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histopathology were examined. RESULTS We found 28-day AM administration significantly decreased inflammatory infiltration and mucus secretion in the lung tissues of allergic mice. 28-day AM administration enhanced Ova-induced decreased IFN-gamma, and the Ova-induced elevations of IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF were prevented by 28-day injection. We also showed 28-day AM injection markedly suppressed increased AHR in allergic mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate Astragalus Membranaceus has a potential role in treating allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Hao Shen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Zhejiang University, 88# Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China.
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Lee SJ, Oh SG, Seo SW, Ahn HJ, Geum D, Cho JJ, Park CS. Oral Administration of Astragalus membranaceus Inhibits the Development of DNFB-Induced Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2007; 30:1468-71. [PMID: 17666805 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.30.1468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epicutaneously administered chemical antigens like 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), evoke an atopic dermatitis (AD)-like dermatitis reaction in NC/Nga mice under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions. Astragalus membranaceus (AM), is a popular herbal medicine used to treat allergic diseases in East Asia. In the present study, we examined whether AM suppress AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice treated with DNFB under SPF conditions. Oral administration of AM to DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was found to inhibit ear thickness increases and the skin lesions induced by DNFB. Moreover, IFN-gamma production by CD4(+) T cells from the lymph nodes of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by AM treatment, although levels of IL-4 and total IgE in serum were not. Study findings suggest that AM may suppress the development of AD-like dermatitis in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IFN-gamma production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Lee
- Department of Microbiology (BK21), College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, #1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Korea
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Ohno H, Tsunemine S, Isa Y, Shimakawa M, Yamamura H. Oral administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 suppresses total and antigen specific immunoglobulin E production in mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2005; 28:1462-6. [PMID: 16079493 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.28.1462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that oral bacteriotherapy with probiotics might be useful in the management of allergic diseases. We investigated the effect of oral administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) on immunoglobulin (Ig) E production in BALB/c mice. Live BBG9-1 was orally administered to mice for 2 weeks from 1 week before ovalbumin (OVA)-immunization. The treatment of BBG9-1 significantly reduced serum total IgE level. In addition, BBG9-1 significantly and largely reduced the serum level of OVA-specific IgE without lowering of the specific IgG1 and increasing of the specific IgG2a. We also examined T helper type (Th) 1 and Th2 cytokine production from OVA-immunized splenocytes by restimulation with OVA in vitro. Productions of interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 from the splenocytes of mice given BBG9-1 were weaker than those of control mice. We conclude that oral administration of BBG9-1 selectively and powerfully suppresses total and antigen specific IgE production in mice. It is suggested that BBG9-1 is useful for the prophylactic treatment in IgE-dependent allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ohno
- Research & Development Department, Biofermin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 7-3-4 Higashi-nachi, Ibukidai, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2242, Japan.
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15
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Kuroiwa A, Liou S, Yan H, Eshita A, Naitoh S, Nagayama A. Effect of a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, hochu-ekki-to (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Tang), on immunity in elderly persons. Int Immunopharmacol 2004; 4:317-24. [PMID: 14996423 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2003.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2003] [Revised: 12/01/2003] [Accepted: 12/05/2003] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In general, the elderly show a significant age-related decline in their immune response, thus leading to an increased vulnerability to infections or to an increase in the occurrence of malignant tumors. In this study, we examined the effect of Hochu-ekki-to (HOT or TJ-41) on the immunological capacity of the elderly. A group of elderly patients complaining of general fatigue or weakness were orally administered 7.5 g of HOT everyday for at least 120 days (4 months), whereas another group of aged patients mainly complaining of a loss of appetite were daily given 7.5 g of Anchu-san (TJ-5) during the same period and served as a control group. From the immunological point of view, the total number of circulating leukocytes remained unchanged, during the observation period both in the HOT and Anchu-san groups, as well as the ratios between CD3(+) T and CD20(+) B cells and between CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells. In addition, no differences were observed in the expression of CD25 antigen, which represents an activated state of T cells. However, as verified on day 30 as well as on day 120 after the administration of HOT, the natural killer (NK) activity against K562 target cells was significantly enhanced, in comparison to the results on day 0 in the HOT group, as well as to that activity on days 0, 30 and 120 in the Anchu-san group. In addition, on days 30 and 120 in the HOT group, there was a significant increase in the serum IFN-gamma level, which is thought to be associated with the NK activity, whereas no significant changes in that level were observed in the Anchu-san group, during the study period. From these results, it may be concluded that the administration of HOT to elderly people may help them improve, at least to some degree, their immunological capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ataru Kuroiwa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Fukuoka University School of Medicine 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Johnan, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
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Liou S, Kuroiwa A, Yan H, Eshita A. Immunopharmacological effect of a Japanese herbal medicine (Hochu-ekki-to) on the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2004.00173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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17
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Hong C, Yang-shen D, Fen-hua C, Jing-zhi J, Yan-feng C, Yikura Y, Ueno K. Effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on murine liver damage induced by food allergy. Chin J Integr Med 2004. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02836564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Kang H, Ahn KS, Cho C, Bae HS. Immunomodulatory Effect of Astragali Radix Extract on Murine Th1/Th2 Cell Lineage Development. Biol Pharm Bull 2004; 27:1946-50. [PMID: 15577210 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.27.1946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Astragali Radix (AR), is a popular herbal medicine used to treat allergic diseases in Korea, Japan and China. Our study examined the effect of an AR ethanol extract on both in vitro and in vivo murine CD4 T cells' differentiation into Th1 and Th2 subsets. CD4 T cells from Balb/c mice were activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAb in the presence of AR for 2 d. AR treated cells showed an elevated level of IL-4 but a reduced level of IFN-gamma secretion. In addition, in vitro Th1/Th2 polarization experiments revealed that AR enhanced the levels of IL-4 in Th2 cells but reduced the levels of IFN-gamma in Th1 cells. To elucidate the effects of AR in Th1/Th2 lineage development during the in vivo condition, AR was administrated orally to BALB/c mice. The results demonstrated that AR administration significantly increased IL-4 production in both the serum and supernatant of splenocyte culture, while IFN-gamma secretion was diminished upon in vivo activation with anti-CD3 antibody. Our data clearly indicates that AR selectively alters Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion patterns and provides the pharmacological basis for AR's clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Kang
- Department of Pathology, College of Oriental Medicine, KyungHee University, Seoul, South Korea
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Hsieh CC, Lin WC, Lee MR, Hsu SL, Liu HS, Kao ST, Hsieh MT. Dang-Gui-Bu-Xai-Tang modulated the immunity of tumor bearing mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2003; 25:259-71. [PMID: 12784917 DOI: 10.1081/iph-120020474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Dang-Gui-Bu-Xai-Tang (DGBXT), which includes Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Astragali Membranaceus, is a traditional Chinese medicine used to modulate the lymphocyte activity of cancer patients after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the present study, we examined the cytotoxicity of DGBXT on transformed cells and the immunomodulating effects of DGBXT in a tumor-bearing murine model. DGBXT markedly inhibited the growth of the EJ-Ha-ras transformed LZEJ and LZEJ-C2 cells lines. Oral administration of DGBXT for three weeks significantly prevented the tumor development in mice that injected with LZEJ-C2 cells subcutaneously. Moreover, DGBXT effectively increased the population of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and NK cells, and down-regulated activated T helper cells (CD4+/CD25+) in spleen and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN). Furthermore, DGBXT stimulated the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in in vitro cultured splenocytes. These results might explain the antitumor effects of DGBXT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Chi Hsieh
- Institute of Chinese Pharmaceutical Science, China Medical College, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Nakada T, Watanabe K, Matsumoto T, Santa K, Triizuka K, Hanawa T. Effect of orally administered Hochu-ekki-to, a Japanese herbal medicine, on contact hypersensitivity caused by repeated application of antigen. Int Immunopharmacol 2002; 2:901-11. [PMID: 12188032 DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5769(02)00027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of oral administration of Hochu-ekki-to (HET; bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in Chinese), a traditional Japanese and Chinese herbal medicine, on chronic contact hypersensitivity were investigated. HET suppressed ear swelling due to chronic contact hypersensitivity caused by repeated application of 2,4,6-trinitro-1-chlorobenzene (TNCB). HET significantly suppressed not only increases in hapten-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG1 titer due to repeated application of TNCB, but also total IgE and IgG1 concentration in the serum. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) level in inflamed ear tissue was significantly increased by repeated application of TNCB, and this increase in IL-4 level in the ear was significantly suppressed by oral administration of HET. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-2, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-12 levels are not changed as much as IL4 by TNCB and HET did not alter these cytokines as much as IL-4. These results suggest that oral administration of HET suppresses chronic contact hypersensitivity, and it can be assumed that the suppression of serum Ig E and Ig G1 and IL-4 in inflamed ear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Nakada
- Oriental Medicine Research Center of the Kitasato Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Hirokawa K, Utsuyama M. Animal models and possible human application of immunological restoration in the elderly. Mech Ageing Dev 2002; 123:1055-63. [PMID: 12044955 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(01)00389-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autopsy reports by pathologists in geriatric hospitals reveal that the leading direct cause of death in the elderly over 65 years of age are infectious diseases such as pneumonia and urinary tract infection, neither cancer nor vascular diseases in the brain and heart. This indicates that severe impairment of immune functions is developing in the elderly people. The impairment of immune functions does not occur abruptly in the elderly people. The immune function starts to decline as early as at the 2nd decades, showing approximately 50 and 90% decline at the 5th and 8th decades, respectively. Thus, immunological restoration is acutely needed for the improvement of their general health condition of the elderly. This report communicates several methods of immunological restoration using animal models and suggests possibilities of human application. Methods presented are: (1) a low dose of cyclophosphamide; (2) vitamin E; (3) Japanese herbal medicines; (4) caloric restriction and exercise; (5) vaccine; (6) oral administration of antigens; (7) grafting of cells and tissues, including a future program. Discussion will be made on the possibilities of these methods for human application.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hirokawa
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Aging and Developmental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, 1-4-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan.
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Utsuyama M, Seidlar H, Kitagawa M, Hirokawa K. Immunological restoration and anti-tumor effect by Japanese herbal medicine in aged mice. Mech Ageing Dev 2001; 122:341-52. [PMID: 11311321 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(00)00249-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We examined the effect of two Japanese herbal medicines (Kampo-Hozai) on immunological functions and anti-tumor activity in old mice. Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41) was remarkably effective in the restoration of impaired immune functions of old mice, in terms of number of T cells and NK cells, and anti-SRBC antibody response, while it was not effective in enhancing immune functions of young mice. Juzen-taiho-to was also effective in increasing the number of T cells, remarkably, and NK cells, slightly, in the aged mice. While a significant increase was not observed in young mice. NK activity increased both in young and old mice with the treatment of TJ-48. A significant decrease was observed in metastatic pulmonary colonies of B16 melanoma cells both in young and old mice treated with Juzen-taiho-to for 16 weeks. These results suggested that some of Japanese herbal medicines were useful in restoration of impaired immune functions of old mice and could be recommended for human elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Utsuyama
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Aging and Developmental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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