RESUMEN
Chronic oxidative stress induces deterioration of health and a risk for the onset of various diseases. Previous clinical studies revealed that electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW) is effective to reduce oxidative stress during hemodialysis in patients with chronic dialysis. In the present observational study, we investigated the antioxidant effects of a daily continuous intake of EHW in healthy adults. The concentrations of serum reactive oxygen metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs) and blood urea nitrogen in healthy volunteers (n = 64) who had a habit of intake over 500 mL/day of EHW at least 5 days a week for longer than 6 months were lower than those of age- and sex-matched controls (n = 470) without the habit of EHW intake. Oxidation stress index which the ratio between concentrations in d-ROMs and biological antioxidant potential was correlated with the serum concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the EHW group. These results suggest that the continuous intake of EHW induces antioxidant effects and may contribute to alleviate the risk of various oxidative stress-related dysfunctions and diseases in healthy adults.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms that patients with cancer experience, but the mechanisms underlying it are unknown. We aimed to quantify and mechanistically evaluate the improvement in fatigue related to administration of the Kampo medicine, Kamikihito. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, we recruited outpatients with urological diseases and compared fatigue levels of 37 patients with cancer with a control group of 23 volunteers who had recovered completely from cancer or who were being treated for dysuria. Fatigue level was estimated using an autonomic function analyzer. Then, Kamikihito was administered to another 35 patients treated with hormone or antitumor therapy for prostate cancer and metastatic renal cell cancer. Subjective fatigue and other problems of the patients were assessed using the Chalder fatigue scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and the Epworth sleepiness scale. Serum levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen species and biological antioxidant potential were also measured. RESULTS: Patients in the cancer treatment group experienced more fatigue compared with the control patients when evaluated using an autonomic function analyzer. The group of 35 patients who were administered Kamikihito showed improved scores for fatigue, depression, and sleepiness. Autonomic nervous system balance was also improved with Kamikihito administration. The Kamikihito group also had significantly lower reactive oxygen species metabolite levels and significantly higher antioxidant potential. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue was more serious in patients with cancer than in control patients. Kamikihito rescued this fatigue and improved anxiety and sleepiness. It restored autonomic nervous system balance and antioxidant function.
RESUMEN
Health and a vibrant life are sought by everyone. To improve quality of life (QOL), maintain a healthy state, and prevent various diseases, evaluations of the effects of potentially QOL-increasing factors are important. Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation cause deteriorations in central nervous system function, leading to low QOL. In healthy individuals, aging, job stress, and cognitive load over several hours also induce increases in oxidative stress, suggesting that preventing the accumulation of oxidative stress caused by daily stress and daily work contributes to maintaining QOL and ameliorating the effects of aging. Hydrogen has anti-oxidant activity and can prevent inflammation, and may thus contribute to improve QOL. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the QOL of adult volunteers using psychophysiological tests, including questionnaires and tests of autonomic nerve function and cognitive function. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with a two-way crossover design, 26 volunteers (13 females, 13 males; mean age, 34.4 ± 9.9 years) were randomized to either a group administered oral HRW (600 mL/d) or placebo water (PLW, 600 mL/d) for 4 weeks. Change ratios (post-treatment/pre-treatment) for K6 score and sympathetic nerve activity during the resting state were significantly lower after HRW administration than after PLW administration. These results suggest that HRW may reinforce QOL through effects that increase central nervous system functions involving mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function.
