AHCCⓇ inhibited Hepatic Stellate Cells Activation by Regulation of Cytoglobin induction via TLR2-SAPK/JNK pathway and Collagen Production via TLR4-NFκB pathway.

[Introduction] Cirrhosis, which represents the end stage of liver fibrosis, remains a life-threatening condition without effective treatment. Therefore, prevention of the progression of liver fibrosis through lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise is crucial. The functional food AHCCⓇ has been reported to be effective in improving the pathophysiology of various liver diseases. In this study, the aim was to analyze the influence of AHCCⓇ on hepatic stellate cells, which are responsible for liver fibrosis. [Materials and Methods] Eight-week-old male C57BL6/j mice were induced liver fibrosis by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Simultaneously, they were orally administered 3% AHCCⓇto investigate its impact on the progression of liver fibrosis. Using the human hepatic stellate cell line HHSteC, we analyzed the influence of AHCCⓇ on the expression of molecules related to hepatic stellate cell activation. [Results] The administration of AHCCⓇ resulted in reduced expression of collagen1a, alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and Heat shock protein 47 in the liver. Furthermore, the expression of cytoglobin, a marker for quiescent hepatic stellate cells, was enhanced. In vitro study, it was confirmed that AHCCⓇ inhibited αSMA by induction of cytoglobin via upregulating the SAPK/JNK pathway through toll-like receptor (TLR) 2. In addition, AHCCⓇ suppressed collagen1a production by hepatic stellate cells through TLR4-NFκß pathway. [Conclusion] AHCCⓇ was suggested to suppress hepatic fibrosis by inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation. Daily intake of AHCCⓇ from mild fibrotic stages may have the potential to prevent the progression of liver fibrosis.

The efficacy of thought field therapy and its impact on heart rate variability in student counseling: A randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Thought Field Therapy is an evidence-based method validated by 17 clinical trials, including five Randomized Controlled Trials. This study investigates whether a single Thought Field Therapy session can improve psychological issues such as stress, depression, and performance anxiety in university students. METHODS: Fifty university students were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group received a single counseling session of Thought Field Therapy and was assessed by Subjective Units of Distress and Heart Rate Variability before and after the session. The waitlist group received Thought Field Therapy and was administered the Profile of Mood States Second Edition. All participants completed the latter after a waiting period of 1-3 weeks. RESULTS: The 39 students who received Thought Field Therapy showed significantly higher Heart Rate Variability post-compared to pre-therapy (p < .001). The 33 students who were assessed for Subjective Units of Distress also reported significant improvements (p < .001) by a 91% reduction in distress for an average duration of 36 minutes. The Profile of Mood States Second Edition score did not show significant improvements in the intervention group (n = 24) as compared to the control group (n = 15). CONCLUSION: A brief intervention of Thought Field Therapy can reduce stress and psychological distress among university students, and increase their physiological resilience in a limited timeframe, after a single session of counseling. However, the single session did not suffice to significantly improve their psychological conditions over the long term.