RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood, affecting 3-5% of school-age children. The present study investigated whether the supplementation of soy-derived phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring phospholipid, improves ADHD symptoms in children. METHODS: Thirty six children, aged 4-14 years, who had not previously received any drug treatment related to ADHD, received placebo (n = 17) or 200 mg day(-1) PS (n = 19) for 2 months in a randomised, double-blind manner. Main outcome measures included: (i) ADHD symptoms based on DSM-IV-TR; (ii) short-term auditory memory and working memory using the Digit Span Test of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; and (iii) mental performance to visual stimuli (GO/NO GO task). RESULTS: PS supplementation resulted in significant improvements in: (i) ADHD (P < 0.01), AD (P < 0.01) and HD (P < 0.01); (ii) short-term auditory memory (P < 0.05); and (iii) inattention (differentiation and reverse differentiation, P < 0.05) and inattention and impulsivity (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in other measurements and in the placebo group. PS was well-tolerated and showed no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: PS significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short-term auditory memory in children. PS supplementation might be a safe and natural nutritional strategy for improving mental performance in young children suffering from ADHD.
Assuntos
Transtorno do Deficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade/tratamento farmacológico , Suplementos Nutricionais , Memória/efeitos dos fármacos , Fosfatidilserinas/administração & dosagem , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Método Duplo-Cego , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein acts as a transcription factor in the nucleus and also as a pro-inflammatory cytokine when released into extracellular fluids. The presence of higher levels of HMGB1 is reported in the gingival crevicular fluid from periodontal patients. Since the proliferation of bacteria within the periodontal pocket is closely involved in the exacerbation of periodontal disease, it is hypothesized that the periodontal pocket causes the release of HMGB1. Immunohistochemical staining of inflamed gingiva revealed that HMGB1 is exclusively dislocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in the pocket epithelium, whereas it is mainly present in the nucleus in the gingival epithelium. Butyric acid, an extracellular metabolite from periodontopathic bacteria populating the periodontal pocket, induced the passive release of HMGB1 as a result of eliciting necrosis in the human gingival epithelial cell line. Thus, the periodontal epithelium may provide a unique pathological setting for HMGB1 release by bacterial insult.
Assuntos
Ácido Butírico/farmacologia , Líquido do Sulco Gengival/química , Proteína HMGB1/metabolismo , Bolsa Periodontal/metabolismo , Fatores de Virulência/metabolismo , Adulto , Idoso , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Linhagem Celular , Células Epiteliais/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Feminino , Gengiva/citologia , Proteína HMGB1/análise , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Necrose/metabolismo , Bolsa Periodontal/microbiologia , Bolsa Periodontal/patologia , Transporte Proteico , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Fatores de Virulência/análiseRESUMO
We have investigated the inhibitory effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA), one of the principal constituents of essential oil derived from Cinnamomi cortex, on the growth of influenza A/PR/8 virus in vitro and in vivo. When 1-h drug treatment was initiated at various times post-infection (p.i.) in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells using a fixed dose of CA (40 microM), the maximum inhibitory effect (29.7% virus yield of control) was obtained when drug treatment was started at 3h p.i. Under the same treatment schedule, CA inhibited the virus growth in a dose-dependent manner (20-200 microM), and, at 200 microM, the virus yield was reduced to an undetectable level. RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE analyses showed that CA inhibited viral protein synthesis at the post-transcriptional level. In mice infected with the lung-adapted PR-8 virus, inhalation (50mg/cage/day) and nasal inoculation (250 microg/mouse/day) of CA significantly increased survival rates on the 8 days to 100% and 70%, respectively, in contrast to a survival rate of 20% in the untreated control group. Importantly, inhalation of CA caused virus yield reduction by 1 log in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on day 6 after infection, compared with that of the untreated control group. These findings might provide further support to the empirical indication of Cinnamomi cortex-containing Kampo medicines for acute respiratory infectious diseases.
Assuntos
Acroleína/análogos & derivados , Antivirais/farmacologia , Cinnamomum/química , Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H1N1/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/tratamento farmacológico , Acroleína/administração & dosagem , Acroleína/química , Acroleína/farmacologia , Administração por Inalação , Administração Intranasal , Animais , Antivirais/administração & dosagem , Antivirais/química , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar/virologia , Linhagem Celular , Embrião de Galinha , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Feminino , Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H1N1/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H3N2/efeitos dos fármacos , Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H3N2/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Vírus da Influenza B/efeitos dos fármacos , Vírus da Influenza B/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Camundongos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/virologia , Proteínas Virais/biossíntese , Proteínas Virais/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
This is a case report of chylous ascites caused by performing para-aortic lymph node dissection for a patient with cervical cancer. Postoperative chylous ascites is a rare condition that usually develops as a result of operative trauma to the thoracic duct, cisterna chyli, or their major tributaries. It has mainly occurred in thoracic operations, and chylous ascites has rarely been reported in gynecologic surgery. It is associated with serious nutritional and immunologic consequences due to the constant loss of protein and lymphocytes. Treatment that comprises conservative and surgical procedures is selected based on disease severity. We experienced massive chylous ascites after para-aortic surgery and successfully managed it conservatively with dietary intervention and parenteral nutrition.
Assuntos
Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/administração & dosagem , Carcinoma Adenoescamoso/cirurgia , Ascite Quilosa/terapia , Excisão de Linfonodo/efeitos adversos , Nutrição Parenteral Total/métodos , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/cirurgia , Camptotecina/administração & dosagem , Camptotecina/análogos & derivados , Carcinoma Adenoescamoso/terapia , Ascite Quilosa/etiologia , Cisplatino/administração & dosagem , Feminino , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos em Ginecologia , Humanos , Irinotecano , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Espaço Retroperitoneal , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/terapiaRESUMO
Transcription factor 2 gene (TCF2) encodes hepatocyte nuclear factor 1beta (HNF1beta), a transcription factor associated with development and metabolism. Mutation of TCF2 has been observed in renal cell cancer, and by screening aberrantly methylated genes, we have now identified TCF2 as a target for epigenetic inactivation in ovarian cancer. TCF2 was methylated in 53% of ovarian cancer cell lines and 26% of primary ovarian cancers, resulting in loss of the gene's expression. TCF2 expression was restored by treating cells with a methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2'deoxycitidine (5-aza-dC). In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation showed deacetylation of histone H3 in methylated cells and, when combined with 5-aza-dC, the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A synergistically induced TCF2 expression. Epigenetic inactivation of TCF2 was also seen in colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cell lines, suggesting general involvement of epigenetic inactivation of TCF2 in tumorigenesis. Restoration of TCF2 expression induced expression of HNF4alpha, a transcriptional target of HNF1beta, indicating that epigenetic silencing of TCF2 leads to alteration of the hepatocyte nuclear factor network in tumours. These results suggest that TCF2 is involved in the development of ovarian cancers and may represent a useful target for their detection and treatment.
Assuntos
Fator 1-beta Nuclear de Hepatócito/biossíntese , Fator 1-beta Nuclear de Hepatócito/metabolismo , Neoplasias Ovarianas/genética , Sequência de Bases , Metilação de DNA , Epigênese Genética , Feminino , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/genética , Neoplasias Gastrointestinais/patologia , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Hochuekkito, a traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine, in the treatment of elderly patients with general weakness. To devise a suitable study design for assessing the clinical effectiveness of traditional herbal medicines. METHODS: Fifteen elderly patients (mean +/- SD: age 78.4 +/- 7.8; m/f 3/12) participated in this study. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with N of one and responder restricted design was performed. After the run-in period, the patients were divided into responders and non-responders. Only responders were entered in the study, and were randomized into three groups: an active-placebo group, a placebo-active group and an active-active group. The study consisted of two 6-week terms with a 2-week washout period in between. We assessed the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) as an endpoint of quality of life (QOL). In addition, we assessed the biodefense status by measuring the natural killer cytolytic activity (NK activity), IL-2 producing activity of peripheral lymphocytes, lymphocyte proliferating activity and lymphocyte cell-surface antigens. RESULTS: The physical component summary of the SF-36 analysis significantly improved in the Hochuekkito-treated group. Four components (A-H: anger-hostility, F: fatigue, T-A: tension-anxiety, C: confusion) out of six improved in the Hochuekkito-treated group in the POMS analysis. Lymphocyte proliferating activity improved in the Hochuekkito-treated group but not significantly. Concerning the surface antigens of peripheral lymphocytes, the population of CD3 positive cells and CD3CD4 double positive cells increased in the Hochuekkito-treated group. CONCLUSION: We revealed that Hochuekkito improved the QOL and immunological status of elderly patients with weakness by randomized controlled trial. Our study design might be useful for assessing the efficacy of traditional herbal medicine in the future.
Assuntos
Antidepressivos/uso terapêutico , Transtorno Depressivo/tratamento farmacológico , Fitoterapia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Plantas Medicinais , Afeto , Idoso , Antidepressivos/administração & dosagem , Antidepressivos/farmacologia , Transtorno Depressivo/patologia , Método Duplo-Cego , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/farmacologia , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Humanos , Japão , Masculino , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Qualidade de Vida , Inquéritos e Questionários , Linfócitos T/efeitos dos fármacos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Juzen-taiho-to (TJ-48), a mixture of extracts from 10 medicinal herbs, has been used traditionally to treat patients with anemia, anorexia or fatigue. It is well known that the treatment of TJ-48 result in the decrease of patient's complaints, as well as the increase of NK cytolytic activity (NK activity) although its augmentation is not clear in the other kampo formula from the clinical viewpoint. To investigate its biological activities, such as the augmentation of NK activity, we analyzed the effects of TJ-48 on the expression of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) in vitro experiment. The peripheral lymphocytes were incubated in medium alone, or medium containing TJ-48 or interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus TJ-48 at several concentrations for 48 h. After each incubation, cells were collected and their KIRs were detected by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies CD158a and CD158b. TJ-48 increased the populations of CD16+CD158a+ and CD16+CD158b+ cells in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, CD16-CD158a/b+ cells did not increase. Additionally, the extract of TJ-48 enhanced the increase of KIRs expression induced by IL-2. These actions contribute to the augmentation of NK cytolytic activity by TJ-48, and might explain, in part, its antitumor effects which has been observed in vivo.
Assuntos
Adjuvantes Imunológicos/farmacologia , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/farmacologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/efeitos dos fármacos , Fitoterapia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Plantas Medicinais , Receptores Imunológicos/metabolismo , Adjuvantes Imunológicos/administração & dosagem , Adjuvantes Imunológicos/uso terapêutico , Antígenos CD8/efeitos dos fármacos , Antígenos CD8/metabolismo , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Citometria de Fluxo , Humanos , Interleucina-2/farmacologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/metabolismo , Linfócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Linfócitos/imunologia , Linfócitos/metabolismo , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
The vasodilative effect of perillaldehyde, one of the major oil components in Perilla frutescens BRITTON, was studied using isolated rat aorta. Perillaldehyde at final concentrations of 0.01 to 1 mM showed dose-dependent relaxation of the aorta contracted by treatment with prostaglandin F2alpha or norepinephrine. Neither the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester nor removal of the aortic endothelium affected the vasodilatation, suggesting that perillaldehyde exerts a direct effect on vascular smooth muscle cells. The vasodilative effect of perillaldehyde was not inhibited by pretreatment with a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (propranolol), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (theophylline), a delayed rectifier K+ channel blocker (tetraethylammonium chloride), or an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker (glibenclamide). However, perillaldehyde showed contrasting effects on vasodilatation of the aorta contracted by an influx of extracellular Ca2+ - perillaldehyde caused little vasodilatation on the aorta contracted by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, while it inhibited the vasoconstriction induced by treatment with high-concentration K+, which dominantly opened the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel. These results suggest that the vasodilative effect of perillaldehyde is derived from blocking the Ca2+ channels.
Assuntos
Aorta Torácica/efeitos dos fármacos , Monoterpenos/farmacologia , Perilla frutescens , Fitoterapia , Vasodilatadores/farmacologia , Animais , Canais de Cálcio/efeitos dos fármacos , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Masculino , Monoterpenos/administração & dosagem , Monoterpenos/uso terapêutico , Relaxamento Muscular/efeitos dos fármacos , Músculo Liso Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Óleos de Plantas/administração & dosagem , Óleos de Plantas/farmacologia , Óleos de Plantas/uso terapêutico , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Vasodilatadores/administração & dosagem , Vasodilatadores/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Experiments have been performed to measure the response of a spherical tissue-equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) and a silicon-based LET spectrometer (RRMD-III) to protons with energies ranging from 50-200 MeV. This represents a large portion of the energy distribution for trapped protons encountered by astronauts in low-Earth orbit. The beam energies were obtained using plastic polycarbonate degraders with a monoenergetic beam that was extracted from a proton synchrotron. The LET spectrometer provided excellent agreement with the expected LET distribution emerging from the energy degraders. The TEPC cannot measure the LET distribution directly. However, the frequency mean value of lineal energy, y(-)(f), provided a good approximation to LET. This is in contrast to previous results for high-energy heavy ions where y(-)(f) underestimated LET, whereas the dose-averaged lineal energy, y(-)(D), provided a good approximation to LET.
Assuntos
Transferência Linear de Energia , Prótons , Radiometria , SilícioRESUMO
Keishi-bukuryo-gan (Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan) (KBG) is a traditional Chinese/Japanese medical (Kampo) formulation that has been administered to patients with "Oketsu" (blood stagnation) syndrome. In the process of neuronal cell death induced by brain ischemia, excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO) free radicals is implicated in the neurotoxicity. In the present study, we examined the protective effects of KBG and its constituent medicinal plants against NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 2,2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazino)bis-ethanamine (NOC18)-induced neuronal death in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). MTT assay showed cell viability to be significantly increased by the addition of KBG extract (KBGE) (100 microg/ml), Cinnamomi Cortex extract (CCE) (3, 10 and 30 microg/ml), Paeoniae Radix extract (PRE) (100 microg/ml) and Moutan Cortex extract (MCE) (10 and 30 microg/ml) compared with exposure to SNP (30 microM, 24 h) only. Also, cell viability was significantly increased by the addition of KBGE (100 and 300 microg/ml), CCE (30 and 100 microg/ml), PRE (100 and 300 microg/ml) and MCE (30 and 100 microg/ml) compared with exposure to NOC 18 (100 microM, 48 h) only. Persicae Semen extract and Hoelen extract did not protect against NO donor-induced neuronal death. These results suggest that KBG has protective effect against NO-mediated neuronal death in cultured CGCs and that it is derived from Cinnamomi Cortex, Paeoniae Radix and Moutan Cortex.
Assuntos
Cerebelo/efeitos dos fármacos , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/farmacologia , Fitoterapia , Plantas Medicinais , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Animais , Isquemia Encefálica/induzido quimicamente , Isquemia Encefálica/prevenção & controle , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Cerebelo/citologia , Cinnamomum , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Nitroprussiato , Compostos Nitrosos , Paeonia , Polyporales , Substâncias Protetoras/administração & dosagem , Substâncias Protetoras/uso terapêutico , Prunus , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Keishi-bukuryo-gan (Gui-zhi-fu-ling-wan) is a formula used for the improvement of blood circulation. Recently it has often also been used for arteriosclerosis. One of the mechanisms involved is thought to be the improvement of endothelial dysfunction, but the details are still unclear. In this study, the effect of Keishi-bukuryo-gan on vascular function and hemorheological factors in spontaneously diabetic (WBN/kob) rats was studied. Rats were given Keishi-bukuryo-gan in chow for 30 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose, endothelium-dependent/-independent relaxation, vasocontraction by free radical-induced and contractive prostanoids, triglyceride, advanced glycation endproduct, lipid peroxides, serum NO2-/NO3- and blood viscosity were measured. The results indicated that Keishi-bukuryo-gan caused a decrease in endothelium-dependent relaxation by acetylcholine to become significantly increased, and vasocontraction induced by free radicals and contractive prostanoids was significantly decreased. Furthermore, serum NO2-/NO3- and blood viscosity were significantly decreased. From these results, it was supposed that Keishi-bukuryo-gan exerted a protective effect on the endothelium. The WBN/kob rat is a useful study model for the complications of human diabetes, and Keishi-bukuryo-gan showed a protective effect against vascular injury in the susceptible rat.
Assuntos
Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/farmacologia , Fitoterapia , Vasodilatadores/farmacologia , Administração Oral , Ração Animal , Animais , Arteriosclerose/prevenção & controle , Glicemia/efeitos dos fármacos , Viscosidade Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Peso Corporal/efeitos dos fármacos , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Masculino , Nitratos/sangue , Prostaglandinas , Distribuição Aleatória , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos , Ratos Wistar , Triglicerídeos/metabolismo , Vasodilatação/efeitos dos fármacos , Vasodilatadores/administração & dosagem , Vasodilatadores/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
We found that a herbal medicine (Mao-to) relieves the side effects of interferon (IFN)-beta and the combination therapy improves the biochemical response rate. However, the exact mechanism by which Mao-to is effective remains to be established. We conducted a controlled trial to clarify the effects of Mao-to. The study was carried out in 18 patients with chronic hepatitis C, and we examined subjective symptoms, body temperature and cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-beta, IL-1receptor antagonist (ra), IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Each patient received 6 million units of IFN-beta intravenously. Mao-to was given orally just before, just after, and 1 hour after IFN administration. The control study was carried out 6 months after the combination therapy of Mao-to and IFN-beta. The scores for general malaise, arthralgia and discomfort were significantly lower in the combination group than in control group. Body temperature did not significantly differ between the two groups. Plasma IL-6 level and IL-1ra were significantly elevated in the combination group compared to control (P = 0.0057 and 0.0003, respectively). Mao-to did not affect plasma concentrations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. We considered the increment of IL-1ra caused by Mao-to is to be one of the key factors involved in reducing the flu-like symptoms accompanying IFN-beta and improving the biochemical response rate.
Assuntos
Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Hepatite C Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Fatores Imunológicos/uso terapêutico , Interferon beta/uso terapêutico , Fitoterapia , Plantas Medicinais , Adulto , Idoso , Temperatura Corporal , Citocinas/sangue , Quimioterapia Combinada , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Feminino , Hepatite C Crônica/imunologia , Humanos , Fatores Imunológicos/administração & dosagem , Infusões Intravenosas , Interferon beta/administração & dosagem , Proteína Antagonista do Receptor de Interleucina 1 , Interleucina-1/sangue , Interleucina-6/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sialoglicoproteínas/sangue , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/metabolismoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation was able to ameliorate attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(AD/HD) symptoms in AD/HD children. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A placebo-controlled double-blind study with 40 AD/HD (including eight AD/HD-suspected) children of 6-12 y of age who were mostly without medication. Subjects of a DHA group (n=20) took active foods containing fish oil (fermented soybean milk, bread rolls and steamed bread; 3.6 g DHA/week from these foods) for 2 months, whereas those of a control group (n=20) took indistinguishable control foods without fish oil. The following items were measured at the start and end of the study: (1) attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity (AD/HD-related symptoms according to DSM-IV criteria); (2) aggression assessed by both parents and teachers; (3) visual perception (finding symbols out of a table); (4) visual and auditory short-term memory; (5) development of visual-motor integration; (6) continuous performance; (7) impatience. RESULTS: Changes in tests 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 over time did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, visual short-term memory and errors of commission (continuous performance) significantly improved in the control group compared with the changes over time in the DHA group (P=0.02 and 0.001, respectively). Recalculation without AD/HD-suspected subjects (n=4 each group) showed similar P-values with regard to both measures. CONCLUSION: DHA supplementation did not improve AD/HD-related symptoms. Treatment of ADHD with fatty acids deserves further investigation, but careful attention should be paid as to which fatty acid(s) is used.
Assuntos
Transtorno do Deficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade/tratamento farmacológico , Comportamento Infantil/efeitos dos fármacos , Ácidos Docosa-Hexaenoicos/farmacologia , Óleos de Peixe , Agressão/efeitos dos fármacos , Criança , Ácidos Docosa-Hexaenoicos/uso terapêutico , Método Duplo-Cego , Feminino , Óleos de Peixe/administração & dosagem , Óleos de Peixe/química , Humanos , Masculino , Memória/efeitos dos fármacos , Placebos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Keishi-bukuryo-gan (Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan) (KBG) is one of the prescriptions in Japanese traditional medicine for improving the "oketsu" syndrome, so-called blood stasis syndrome. "Oketsu" syndrome is an important pathological conception in Japanese traditional medicine and often accompanies cerebro-vascular disorders. Previously, we were able to reveal a deterioration of RBC (Red blood cell) deformability and viscoelasticity in patients with "oketsu" syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether KBG has an effect on RBC deformability in comparison with pentoxifylline (PXF). The subjects were 30 male patients with multiple lacunar infarctions. Eighteen patients (44-79 yrs, mean +/- SD, 66.1 +/- 10.7 yrs) were treated with 12 g of KBG daily for 4 weeks (KBG group). Twelve patients (59-78 yrs, 70.7 +/- 6.4 yrs) were treated with 300 mg of PXF daily for 4 weeks (PXF group). Based on the "oketsu" score, the patients of each group were divided into two subgroups, a non-"oketsu" group ("oketsu" score 20 points or less) and an "oketsu" group ("oketsu" score 21 points or higher). KBG had significant effects on RBC deformability as evaluated by filtration method. KBG also significantly increased intracellular ATP content, as did PXF. Moreover, KBG was more effective for patients with a more severe "oketsu" state. However, PXF was effective only in patients with "oketsu" syndrome, who might have deteriorated RBC deformability. In conclusion, the effect of KBG on RBC deformability was by no means inferior to PXF.
Assuntos
Infarto Cerebral/tratamento farmacológico , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Deformação Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Pentoxifilina/uso terapêutico , Fitoterapia , Inibidores da Agregação Plaquetária/uso terapêutico , Administração Oral , Adulto , Idoso , Infarto Cerebral/patologia , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/farmacologia , Hemólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Japão , Masculino , Medicina Tradicional , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pentoxifilina/administração & dosagem , Pentoxifilina/farmacologia , Inibidores da Agregação Plaquetária/administração & dosagem , Inibidores da Agregação Plaquetária/farmacologia , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Using a high-performance liquid chromatographic method and mass spectrometry analysis, we successfully measured the absorption of orally administered procyanidin B-2 and procyanidin B-3 isolated from Cinnamonomi cortex (the bark of Cinnamomum cassia Blume) in the rat plasma. This method used a TSK- GEL ODS-80TS column, two solvents (A: 0.01% acetic acid; B: methanol with 0.01% acetic acid) in a linear gradient at a flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min, and fluorescence detection at excitation and emission wavelengths of 220 and 327 nm.
Assuntos
Biflavonoides , Catequina/farmacologia , Cinnamomum aromaticum , Proantocianidinas , Administração Oral , Animais , Catequina/sangue , Catequina/química , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Masculino , Espectrometria de Massas , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Crude preparations of Fun-boi (Stephania tetrandra), a traditional antirheumatic herb, have been reported to have immunomodulatory effects on both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in vitro, but little is known about the mode of action in vivo. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the efficacy of Fun-boi against arthritis and its effect on the immune system. METHODS: Mice were divided into the following 3 groups of 7 mice each: 1) a normal group, not treated to cause collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), received water orally; 2) a control group with CIA received water orally; and 3) the Fun-boi group with CIA, received Fun-boi (3 mg/g body weight/day) orally. We analyzed the arthritis score, the serum anti-type II collagen (CII) antibody level, and the percentage of the following lymphocyte subsets from lymphoid organs: B220, CD3/CD4, CD3/CD8 and CD40L/CD4 lymphocytes from blood or lymph nodes; and CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ from the thymus. RESULTS: Fun-boi therapy markedly reduced the severity of arthritis (p < 0.001) and tended to reduce the serum anti-CII antibody level (p = 0.06). Whereas CII immunization of DBA/1J mice caused a significant redistribution of CD3/CD8 lymphocytes from blood or lymph nodes, Fun-boi therapy caused significant normalization of the same types of lymphocyte subsets from lymph nodes, but did not affect the CD4 or CD4/CD40L lymphocyte subsets. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that Fun-boi therapy exerts therapeutic effects in CIA mice, possibly by causing immunomodulatory effects at specific sites.
Assuntos
Adjuvantes Imunológicos/uso terapêutico , Artrite Experimental/tratamento farmacológico , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/uso terapêutico , Fitoterapia , Stephania tetrandra , Adjuvantes Imunológicos/administração & dosagem , Administração Oral , Animais , Artrite Experimental/fisiopatologia , Colágeno Tipo II/imunologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas/administração & dosagem , Linfonodos/efeitos dos fármacos , Linfonodos/patologia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Subpopulações de Linfócitos/patologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos DBA , Raízes de Plantas/química , Plantas Medicinais/química , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
The present study is designed to test our hypothesis that the ingestion of Uncaria sinensis (US), the main medicinal plant of Choto-san (Diao-teng-san, CS), would protect red blood cell (RBC) membrane from free radical-induced oxidation if polyphenolics in US could be absorbed and circulated in blood. When incubated with RBC suspension, Choto-san extract (CSE) and Uncaria sinensis extract (USE) exhibited strong protection for RBC membrane against hemolysis induced by 2,2-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), an azo free-radical initiator. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent at concentrations of 50 to 1000 microg/mL. Ingestion of 200 mg of USE was associated with a significant decrease in susceptibility of RBC to hemolysis in rats. Furthermore, caffeic acid, an antioxidative hydroxycinnamic acid, was identified in rat plasma after administration of URE.
Assuntos
Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas , Eritrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Hemólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Caules de Planta/química , Uncaria , Amidinas/farmacologia , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Radicais Livres/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Patients with chronic hepatitis C, with a high serum viral load (> or = 1 Meq/ml) and genotype 1b seem to be resistant to interferon (IFN) therapy. To evaluate the efficacy of a herbal medicine (Mao-to) in combination with natural IFN-beta for the treatment of these patients, eighteen Japanese patients were enrolled in this study. Every patient received 6 million units (MU) of IFN-beta intravenously daily for 8 weeks. Mao-to was given orally 3-4 times a day during the IFN-beta administration, Sixteen of the 18 patients (89%) became negative for serum HCV RNA at the end of treatment, but only 2 of them (11%) remained negative for the virus RNA at 6 months of follow-up. Serum ALT levels normalized in 17 patients (94%) at 2 weeks of follow-up after the cessation of therapy, and 11 patients (61%) retained normal ALT levels for more than 6 months of follow-up. This rate of biochemical response was high as compared with that of therapy with IFN-beta alone (19%) in the largest IFN-beta trial in Japan. Serum hyaluronic acid levels were decreased significantly from 147.0 +/- 110.5 ng/ml to 77.4 +/- 67.4 ng/ml in the sustained biochemical response group (P = 0.003). None of the patients needed to interrupt therapy because of side effects of IFN-beta. Thus, Mao-to administration together with IFN-beta treatment could increase the sustained biochemical response rate, and reduce liver fibrosis.
Assuntos
Genótipo , Hepacivirus/genética , Hepatite C Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Medicina Herbária , Interferon beta/uso terapêutico , Carga Viral , Adulto , Idoso , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Feminino , Hepacivirus/isolamento & purificação , Humanos , Ácido Hialurônico/sangue , Interferon beta/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , RNA Viral/sangueRESUMO
With prolonged use of rhubarb-containing Kampo medicines, some patients come to ask for high-dose rhubarb because of deteriorated reactivity to rhubarb. We divided patients into two groups in terms of rhubarb-dose, and compared clinical backgrounds between regular-dose group and excess-dose group. Patients who were treated with rhubarb-containing Kampo extracts (manufactured prescriptions) or Kampo formulae (decoctions) for more than 12 months were enrolled. These two groups were compared for age, sex, shape of stool, abdominal symptoms, existence of hemorrhoids, Kampo diagnosis of abdomen, past stimulant laxative use, duration of stimulant laxative use before the first administration of rhubarb, duration of rhubarb use in our hospital, and initial existence of stimulant pain caused by taking stimulant laxatives for the first time. No significant difference was shown between the two groups in terms of age, duration of stimulant laxative-use before the first prescription of rhubarb, shape of stool, abdominal symptoms, existence of hemorrhoids, or duration of rhubarb-use. However, most patients in the regular-dose group had initial stimulant pain of the abdomen upon taking stimulant laxatives for the first time, but most patients in the excess-dose group did not (p < 0.001). All patients except one in the regular dose group had the sign of "umbilical region tenderness on pressure", but half of the excess-dose group did not have it (p = 0.041). Based on these findings, the absence of "initial stimulant pain" and the absence of "umbilical region tenderness on pressure" may predict increasing or excess use of rhubarb, and long-term use of rhubarb should be discouraged more strongly in the patients without these signs.
Assuntos
Catárticos/administração & dosagem , Medicina Kampo , Rheum , Catárticos/efeitos adversos , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Oren-gedoku-to (Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang, OGT) has been used for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, gastritis and liver disease in Japan. The present study was to test whether ingestion of OGT extract (TJ-15) would affect the metabolism of fatty acids and the usual antioxidant molecule (such as albumin, uric acid and bilirubin) levels in human plasma. After the administration of TJ-15, plasma total cholesterol and the triglyceride level significantly decreased, and lipoprotein lipase mass increased. Significant enhancement of plasma albumin level and reduction of the total plasma protein level resulted in an increment of the albumin/globulin ratio. Plasma fibrinogen, an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, declined considerably, but the reduction was not statistically significant. The findings of this study suggest that ingestion of TJ-15 improves the microcirculation through lipid and protein metabolisms, and is useful for the treatment of cerebral vascular attack in human.