Impact of extended ginsenoside Rb1 on early chronic kidney disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Ginsenoside Rb1 (GS-Rb1) is a well-known antioxidant derived from traditionally used herbal medicine ginseng. It has been suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in which GS-Rb1 may play a protective role. The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the effects of GS-Rb1 in patients with early chronic kidney disease. 197 patients who have been diagnosed with early CKD (stage 2 or 3) were recruited and randomly assigned to receive GS-Rb1 (500 mg daily oral administration, n = 103) or placebo (n = 94) for consecutive 6 months. Analytical procedures performed at baseline, the end of the treatments, and 6 months after the treatments included renal function evaluation (creatinine and urea clearance), oxidative stress measurement, inflammation assessment, and lipid profile. Of 177 patients completing the study, the GS-Rb1 group (n = 91) showed a positive response in significantly alleviating renal function impairments compared to the placebo group (n = 86). In addition, GS-Rb1 treatment was effective in reducing the extent of oxidative stress and inflammation in CKD patients, whereas continued deterioration was observed in the placebo group. Thus, extended treatment of patients using GS-Rb1 may present an antioxidant-based approach to slow the progression of CKD at the early stages.

Serum uric acid: a new therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

INTRODUCTION: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major, worldwide public health problem. NAFLD is recognized as a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. However, physicians are currently limited by available treatment options. Recently, numerous studies have reported a correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and NAFLD with numerous clinical and experimental studies demonstrating a significant correlation. This review will focus on the role of SUA in the development of NAFLD and its potential role as a new target for therapeutic intervention. AREAS COVERED: This review discusses SUA as a significant independent factor in the development of NAFLD. Moreover, we introduce the causal relationship between SUA, metabolic syndrome, and NAFLD. We discuss two major theories of insulin resistance and inflammasomes as potential explanations of the mechanistic link between SUA and NAFLD. In addition, we review current and emerging therapeutic medications to control appropriate SUA levels. EXPERT OPINION: There is an urgent need to develop novel, safe and effective therapies for the growing NAFLD epidemic. Reduction of SUA may be a promising potential treatment for patients with NAFLD. Clinical studies are required to determine the therapeutic effect of attenuation of hyperuricemia in humans with NAFLD.