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Jo T, Shigemi D, Konishi T, Yamana H, Michihata N, Kumazawa R, Yokoyama A, Urushiyama H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Nagase T, Yasunaga H. Antiemetic Effect of Rikkunshito, a Japanese Kampo Herbal Medicine, on Cisplatin-induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Nationwide Database Study in Japan. Intern Med 2024; 63:919-927. [PMID: 37495535 PMCID: PMC11045374 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1946-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The effect of Rikkunshito, a Japanese herbal Kampo medicine, on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) has been evaluated in several small prospective studies, with mixed results. We retrospectively evaluated the antiemetic effects of Rikkunshito in patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy using a large-scale database in Japan. Methods The Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database from July 2010 to March 2019 was used to compare adult patients with malignant tumors who had received Rikkunshito on or before the day of cisplatin administration (Rikkunshito group) and those who had not (control group). Antiemetics on days 2 and 3 and days 4 and beyond following cisplatin administration were used as surrogate outcomes for CINV. Patient backgrounds were adjusted using the stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting, and outcomes were compared using univariable regression models. Results We identified 669 and 123,378 patients in the Rikkunshito and control groups, respectively. There were significantly fewer patients using intravenous 5-HT3-receptor antagonists in the Rikkunshito group (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.87; p=0.023) on days 2 and 3 of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Conclusion The reduced use of antiemetics on day 2 and beyond of cisplatin administration suggested a beneficial effect of Rikkunshito in palliating the symptoms of CINV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Jo
- Department of Health Services Research, the University of Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shigemi
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, the University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaaki Konishi
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, the University of Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hayato Yamana
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, the University of Tokyo, Japan
- Data Science Center, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Michihata
- Department of Health Services Research, the University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kumazawa
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, the University of Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan
| | - Akira Yokoyama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, the University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, Japan
| | - Takahide Nagase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, the University of Tokyo, Japan
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Tian JG, Liu XP, Zhang BQ, Zhang JP, Sun GB, Li M. Mechanism of gastrointestinal injury in COVID-19 and potential use of ghrelin therapy. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:431-437. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i11.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most obvious symptoms occur in the respiratory and digestive systems, posing a serious threat to the health of patients. Decreased appetite is the most common digestive system symptom and is an important predictor of mortality. A large number of patients have decreased appetite after infection and do not show obvious organic disease characteristics. Currently, no drugs can directly alleviate such symptom. In order to reduce the number of severe and critically ill patients and decrease the hospitalization rate, it is very important to understand the pathogenic mechanism of appetite loss caused by COVID-19 and manage such symptom. Ghrelin is a key gastric hormone that has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antidepressant effects. In this paper, we will review the progress in the understanding of the mechanism of appetite loss associated with COVID-19, and introduce a potential therapeutic drug, ghrelin.
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Tran PV, Tamura Y, Pham CV, Elhussiny MZ, Han G, Chowdhury VS, Furuse M. Neuropeptide Y modifies a part of diencephalic catecholamine but not indolamine metabolism in chicks depending on feeding status. Neuropeptides 2021; 89:102169. [PMID: 34229214 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The role of the monoaminergic system in the feeding behavior of neonatal chicks has been reported, but the functional relationship between the metabolism of monoamines and appetite-related neuropeptides is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the changes in catecholamine and indolamine metabolism in response to the central action of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in different feeding statuses and the underlying mechanisms. In Experiment 1, the diencephalic concentrations of amino acids and monoamines following the intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of NPY (375 pmol/10 μl/chick), saline solution under ad libitum, and fasting conditions for 30 min were determined. Central NPY significantly decreased L-tyrosine concentration, the precursor of catecholamines under feeding condition, but not under fasting condition. Central NPY significantly increased dopamine metabolites, including 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid (HVA). The concentration of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol was significantly reduced under feeding condition, but did not change under fasting condition by NPY. However, no effects of NPY on indolamine metabolism were found in either feeding status. Therefore, the mechanism of action of catecholamines with central NPY under feeding condition was elucidated in Experiment 2. Central NPY significantly attenuated diencephalic gene expression of catecholaminergic synthetic enzymes, such as tyrosine hydroxylase, L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, and GTP cyclohydrolase I after 30 min of feeding. In Experiment 3, co-injection of α-methyl-L-tyrosine, an inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase with NPY, moderately attenuated the orexigenic effect of NPY, accompanied by a significant positive correlation between food intake and HVA levels. In Experiment 4, there was a significant interaction between NPY and clorgyline, an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A with ICV co-injection which implies that co-existence of NPY and clorgyline enhances the orexigenic effect of NPY. In conclusion, central NPY modifies a part of catecholamine metabolism, which is illustrated by the involvement of dopamine transmission and metabolism under feeding but not fasting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong V Tran
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yui Tamura
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Cuong V Pham
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Mohamed Z Elhussiny
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Guofeng Han
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Vishwajit S Chowdhury
- Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Metabolism, Division of Experimental Natural Science, Faculty of Arts and Science, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Furuse
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
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Sakaki M, Harai K, Takahashi R, Amitani M, Amitani H, Takimoto Y, Inui A. Medicine and food with particular reference to chinpi, dried citrus peel, and a component of Ninjin'yoeito. Neuropeptides 2021; 89:102166. [PMID: 34174540 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Kampo medicines contain many kinds of herbal drugs. Chinpi and Kippi, dried citrus peels, are components of a substantial number of Kampo medicine. They contain abundant flavonoids and studies on hesperidin, narirutin, and nobiletin as active ingredient have been conducted. Conversely, in Kagoshima prefecture, located in the southwestern part of the Japanese Islands, various citrus products are cultivated. Among them, Tankan and Daimasaki are specialies. In this study, we conducted high- performance liquid chromatography to determine the difference in flavonoid contents among Tankan, Daimasaki, Tankan related product, Chinpi, and Kippi. As a result, several active components, such as hesperidin, narirutin, nobiletin, and tangeretin, in common with crude drug, Chinpi, were detected in local citrus fruits. In addition, some active components little or not found in Chinpi, for example hesperetin and rutin, were detected in the local products. A detailed analysis of active components considering their genetic origin, the time of fruit collection, and different parts of the fruit used (peel, albedo, edible parts, and the whole) will need to be discussed to get the most out of the citrus fruits or make best use of them for health and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Sakaki
- Pharmacological Department of Herbal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan; Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Kenji Harai
- Kampo Research Labs, Kracie Pharma, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Marie Amitani
- Department of Community-Based Medicine, Education Center for Doctors in Remote Islands and Rural Areas, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Haruka Amitani
- Pharmacological Department of Herbal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan; Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takimoto
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akio Inui
- Pharmacological Department of Herbal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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Inokuchi K, Masaoka T, Kanai T. Rikkunshito as a Therapeautic Agent for Functional Dyspepsia and its Prokinetic and Non-Prokinetic Effects. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:640576. [PMID: 34168558 PMCID: PMC8217963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.640576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prokinetics is one of the therapeutic agents for functional and motility disorders of the stomach. However, its efficacy is limited. Kampo medicine is a unique medical system that was developed in Japan. In Kampo medicine, herbal medicine is prescribed based on the patient’s condition. Therefore, even for functional and motility disorders of the stomach, some herbal medicines are considered as a therapeutic option. Recently, there has been an increase in evidence for the efficacy or the mechanism of herbal medicine for functional and motility disorders of the stomach. Among these, rikkunshito is a well-studied herbal medicine that could be used as an alternative to prokinetics. In this review, we discuss the possibilities of rikkunshito for functional dyspepsia with its prokinetic and non-prokinetic effects and provide an overview of their current use with a focus on their therapeutic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumi Inokuchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Masaoka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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The Role of Ghrelin in Anorexia Nervosa. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072117. [PMID: 30037011 PMCID: PMC6073411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide hormone expressed in X/A-like endocrine cells of the stomach, is the only known peripherally produced and centrally acting peptide that stimulates food intake and therefore attracted a lot of attention with one major focus on the treatment of conditions where an increased energy intake or body weight gain is desired. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a pronounced reduction of body weight, a disturbed body image and hormonal alterations. Ghrelin signaling has been thoroughly investigated under conditions of anorexia nervosa. The present review will highlight these alterations of ghrelin in anorexia and discuss possible treatment strategies targeting ghrelin signaling. Lastly, gaps in knowledge will be mentioned to foster future research.
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The Leptin, Dopamine and Serotonin Receptors in Hypothalamic POMC-Neurons of Normal and Obese Rodents. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:821-837. [PMID: 29397535 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2485-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) are involved in the control of food intake and metabolic processes. It is assumed that, in addition to leptin, the activity of these neurons is regulated by serotonin and dopamine, but only subtype 2C serotonin receptors (5-HT2CR) was identified earlier on the POMC-neurons. The aim of this work was a comparative study of the localization and number of leptin receptors (LepR), types 1 and 2 dopamine receptors (D1R, D2R), 5-HT1BR and 5-HT2CR on the POMC-neurons and the expression of the genes encoding them in the ARC of the normal and diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents and the agouti mice (A y /a) with the melanocortin obesity. As shown by immunohistochemistry (IHC), all the studied receptors were located on the POMC-immunopositive neurons, and their IHC-content was in agreement with the expression of their genes. In DIO rats the number of D1R and D2R in the POMC-neurons and their expression in the ARC were reduced. In DIO mice the number of D1R and D2R did not change, while the number of LepR and 5-HT2CR was increased, although to a small extent. In the POMC-neurons of agouti mice the number of LepR, D2R, 5-HT1BR and 5-HT2CR was increased, and the D1R number was reduced. Thus, our data demonstrates for the first time the localization of different types of the serotonin and dopamine receptors on the POMC-neurons and a specific pattern of the changes of their number and expression in the DIO and melanocortin obesity.
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Taguchi M, Dezaki K, Koizumi M, Kurashina K, Hosoya Y, Lefor AK, Sata N, Yada T. Total gastrectomy-induced reductions in food intake and weight are counteracted by rikkunshito by attenuating glucagon-like peptide-1 elevation in rats. Surgery 2016; 159:1342-50. [PMID: 26775072 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decrease in appetite and weight after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer leads to a decrease in quality of life, increased mortality, and may necessitate discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to determine whether rikkunshito, a Japanese herbal medicine, increases food intake and weight after gastrectomy in rats. METHODS Male rats underwent gastrectomy followed by roux-en-Y reconstruction or sham operation and were then treated with rikkunshito for 14 days starting on postoperative day 3. Daily food intake, weight, plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and ghrelin levels were measured. A pilot study to measure pre- and postoperative plasma GLP-1 levels was conducted in patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. RESULTS Administration of rikkunshito after gastrectomy in rats significantly increased food intake and weight, which continued for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Both fasting and postprandial plasma GLP-1 levels were increased markedly after gastrectomy compared with sham-operated animals. Increased GLP-1 levels in rats after gastrectomy were suppressed markedly by rikkunshito. rikkunshito had no significant effect on plasma ghrelin levels after gastrectomy. Treatment with a GLP-1 receptor antagonist significantly improved food intake and weight after gastrectomy. Plasma fasting GLP-1 levels in patients with gastric cancer were increased greatly after gastrectomy on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSION Administration of rikkunshito suppresses plasma GLP-1 levels after total gastrectomy, which is associated with recovery from reduced food intake and weight in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Taguchi
- Division of Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan; Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Katsuya Dezaki
- Division of Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masaru Koizumi
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kurashina
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hosoya
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Alan Kawarai Lefor
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Naohiro Sata
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yada
- Division of Integrative Physiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.
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Peng F, Du Q, Peng C, Wang N, Tang H, Xie X, Shen J, Chen J. A Review: The Pharmacology of Isoliquiritigenin. Phytother Res 2015; 29:969-77. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fu Peng
- School of Chinese Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; 10 Sassoon Road Pokfulam Hong Kong
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Chengdu 610075 China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources; Sichuan Province and Ministry of Science and Technology; Chengdu 610075 China
| | - Qiaohui Du
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Chengdu 610075 China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources; Sichuan Province and Ministry of Science and Technology; Chengdu 610075 China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Chengdu 610075 China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources; Sichuan Province and Ministry of Science and Technology; Chengdu 610075 China
| | - Neng Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; 10 Sassoon Road Pokfulam Hong Kong
| | - Hailin Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; 10 Sassoon Road Pokfulam Hong Kong
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Xiaoming Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Jiangang Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; 10 Sassoon Road Pokfulam Hong Kong
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; 10 Sassoon Road Pokfulam Hong Kong
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Chengdu 610075 China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources; Sichuan Province and Ministry of Science and Technology; Chengdu 610075 China
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Fujitsuka N, Uezono Y. Rikkunshito, a ghrelin potentiator, ameliorates anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:271. [PMID: 25540621 PMCID: PMC4261902 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia–cachexia syndrome develops during the advanced stages of various chronic diseases in which patients exhibit a decreased food intake, weight loss, and muscle tissue wasting. For these patients, this syndrome is a critical problem leading to an increased rate of morbidity and mortality. The present pharmacological therapies for treating anorexia–cachexia have limited effectiveness. The Japanese herbal medicine rikkunshito is often prescribed for the treatment of anorexia and upper gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Thus, rikkunshito is expected to be beneficial for the treatment of patients with anorexia–cachexia syndrome. In this review, we summarize the effects of rikkunshito and its mechanisms of action on anorexia–cachexia. Persistent loss of appetite leads to a progressive depletion of body energy stores, which is frequently associated with cachexia. Consequently, regulating appetite and energy homeostasis is critically important for treating cachexia. Ghrelin is mainly secreted from the stomach, and it plays an important role in initiating feeding, controlling GI motility, and regulating energy expenditure. Recent clinical and basic science studies have demonstrated that the critical mechanism of rikkunshito underlies endogenous ghrelin activity. Interestingly, several components of rikkunshito target multiple gastric and central sites, and regulate the secretion, receptor sensitization, and degradation of ghrelin. Rikkunshito is effective for the treatment of anorexia, body weight loss, muscle wasting, and anxiety-related behavior. Furthermore, treatment with rikkunshito was observed to prolong survival in an animal model of cachexia. The use of a potentiator of ghrelin signaling, such as rikkunshito, may represent a novel approach for the treatment of anorexia–cachexia syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasuhito Uezono
- Division of Cancer Pathophysiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute Tokyo, Japan
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Honda H, Nagai Y, Matsunaga T, Okamoto N, Watanabe Y, Tsuneyama K, Hayashi H, Fujii I, Ikutani M, Hirai Y, Muraguchi A, Takatsu K. Isoliquiritigenin is a potent inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation. J Leukoc Biol 2014; 96:1087-100. [PMID: 25210146 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3a0114-005rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammasome activation initiates the development of many inflammatory diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, agents that target discrete activation steps could represent very important drugs. We reported previously that ILG, a chalcone from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, inhibits LPS-induced NF-κB activation. Here, we show that ILG potently inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and the effect is independent of its inhibitory potency on TLR4. The inhibitory effect of ILG was stronger than that of parthenolide, a known inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. GL, a triterpenoid from G. uralensis, had similar inhibitory effects on NLRP3 activity, but high concentrations of GL were required. In contrast, activation of the AIM2 inflammasome was inhibited by GL but not by ILG. Moreover, GL inhibited NLRP3- and AIM2-activated ASC oligomerization, whereas ILG inhibited NLRP3-activated ASC oligomerization. Low concentrations of ILG were highly effective in IAPP-induced IL-1β production compared with the sulfonylurea drug glyburide. In vivo analyses revealed that ILG potently attenuated HFD-induced obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, ILG treatment improved HFD-induced macrovesicular steatosis in the liver. Finally, ILG markedly inhibited diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation and IL-1β and caspase-1 production in white adipose tissue in ex vivo culture. These results suggest that ILG is a potential drug target for treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroe Honda
- Toyama Prefectural Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Toyama, Japan; Departments of Immunobiology and Pharmacological Genetics
| | - Yoshinori Nagai
- Departments of Immunobiology and Pharmacological Genetics, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Saitama, Japan;
| | | | - Naoki Okamoto
- Departments of Immunobiology and Pharmacological Genetics, Teika Pharmaceutical, Toyama, Japan; and
| | | | | | - Hiroaki Hayashi
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Japan
| | - Isao Fujii
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Japan
| | | | | | - Atsushi Muraguchi
- Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science for Research, University of Toyama, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Takatsu
- Toyama Prefectural Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Toyama, Japan; Departments of Immunobiology and Pharmacological Genetics,
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