Supplementation with active hexose correlated compound increases survival following infectious challenge in mice

Natural and synthetic drugs and formulations for intravaginal HPV clearance

BACKGROUND

Except for a few preventative Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, there is currently no cure for HPV infection. There are a number of cutting-edge strategies and potent medications or herbal formulations that can be applied topically for early clearance of HPV infection before HPV DNA gets integrated into host cell genome. This is facilitated due to cervical cancer having distinct and well-recognized long precancerous stages.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to outline every possible medication and formulation, both natural and synthetic, that can be applied topically as intravaginal application to help remove HPV infection at an early precancerous stage.

RESULTS

Several anti-HPV/HPV clearance compounds and formulations for high-grade lesions are undergoing clinical trials. However, the majority of compounds are still in the early stages of development and require additional research to become viable HPV clearance candidates. Synthetic drugs may be more promising because they may have a more targeted effect; however, they may also have significant adverse effects. On the other hand, natural medications are safer to use. They are less specific, but have minimal to no adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This article may serve as a valuable resource of information for managing and preventing precancerous carcinogenic HPV infections. Research could be directed toward developing candidate drugs to make evidence-based decisions about advancing them to clinical trials and, eventually, to the market for potential use in the prevention and control of cervical cancer, which is almost always preventable or even curable if detected early.

Oral Supplementation with AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinula edodes Mycelia, Enhances Host Resistance against SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global public health safety and the economy. Multiple antiviral drugs have been developed, and some have received regulatory approval and/or authorization. The use of nutraceuticals can be beneficial for preventing and treating COVID-19 complications. AHCC is a standardized, cultured extract of an edible mushroom Lentinula edodes of the Basidiomycete family of fungi that is enriched in acylated α-1,4-glucans. Here, we evaluated the effects of the oral administration of AHCC on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in two murine models, K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Oral administration of AHCC every other day for one week before and one day post SARS-CoV-2 infection in both strains of mice decreased the viral load and attenuated inflammation in the lungs. AHCC treatment also significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2-induced lethality in the K18-hACE2 mice. AHCC administration enhanced the expansion of γδ T cells in the spleen and lungs before and after viral infection and promoted T helper 1-prone mucosal and systemic T cell responses in both models. In AHCC-fed BALB/c mice, SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG responses were also enhanced. In summary, AHCC supplementation enhances host resistance against mild and severe COVID-19 infection primarily via the promotion of innate and adaptive T cell immune responses in mice.

The Effect of Novel Selenopolysaccharide Isolated from Lentinula edodes Mycelium on Human T Lymphocytes Activation, Proliferation, and Cytokines Synthesis

Polysaccharides isolated from Lentinula edodes are bioactive compounds with immunomodulatory properties. In our previous studies from L. edodes mycelium, we have isolated a selenium(Se)-enriched fraction (named Se-Le-30), a mixture of linear 1,4-α-glucan and linear 1,3-β- and 1,6-β-glucans. In this study, we analyzed the effects of Se-Le-30 on the activation and proliferation of human T lymphocytes stimulated by anti-CD3 and anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies (Abs) and on the production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Se-Le-30 had effects on T cell proliferation induced by Abs against CD3 and CD28. It significantly inhibited the proliferation of CD3-stimulated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells and enhanced the proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 Ab. Moreover, Se-Le-30 downregulated the number of CD3-stimulated CD4⁺CD69⁺ cells, CD4⁺CD25⁺ cells, as well as CD8⁺CD25⁺ cells, and upregulated the expression of CD25 marker on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells activated with anti-CD3/CD28 Abs. Furthermore, Se-Le-30 enhanced the synthesis of IFN-γ by the unstimulated and anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMCs, inhibited synthesis of IL-2 and IL-4 by CD3-stimulated cells, and augmented the synthesis of IL-6 and IL-10 by unstimulated, CD3-stimulated, and CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMCs. Together, we demonstrated that Se-Le-30 exerts immunomodulatory effects on human T lymphocytes. These observations are of importance for the prospective use of Se-Le-30 in research or as a therapeutic compound.

AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinula Edodes Mycelia, Promotes the Anti-Tumor Effect of Dual Immune Checkpoint Blockade Effect in Murine Colon Cancer

Treatment strategies combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with other agents have emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of cancers. AHCC^®, a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia, has been reported to inhibit tumor growth and enhance immune cell function. Here we investigated whether AHCC^® promotes the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy in cancers. A combination of oral AHCC^® and dual immune checkpoint blockade (DICB), including PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade, had reduced tumor growth and increased granzyme B and Ki-67 expression by tumor-infiltrating CD8⁺ T cells in MC38 colon cancer bearing mice compared to a combination of water and DICB. In the same tumor bearing mice, AHCC^® and DICB treatment also altered the composition of the gut microbiome with the increased abundance of the species of Ruminococcaceae family which is associated with increased therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy. The anti-tumor effect of AHCC^® and DICB was not found in MC38 tumor-bearing mice treated with antibiotics. These data suggest that AHCC^® increases the anti-tumor effect of DICB by enhancing T cell function and affecting the gut microbiome.

Preventing Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Hepatectomy With Active Hexose-correlated Compound Derived From Lentinula edodes Mycelia

Purpose:

Active hexose-correlated compound (AHCC), a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia, exerts antitumor effects through anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory functions. Adjuvant therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have undergone curative hepatectomy has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AHCC as adjuvant therapy in patients with advanced HCC after curative hepatectomy.

Patients and methods:

The study design was single-armed, non-randomized, open (no one was blinded), and uncontrolled. Patients with HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy were treated with AHCC (1 g) 3 times daily orally for 2 years. The inclusion criteria were HCC diagnosed preoperatively as stages A and B of the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) classification and alpha-fetoprotein × protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) ≥ 10⁵ for stage A.

Results:

A total of 29 patients were treated with AHCC, of which 25 (4 patients discontinued) were followed up. The 2-year recurrence-free survival rate after resection was 48% for those without discontinuations and 55.2% for all patients with a history of treatment. Serum albumin levels decreased to a minimum in the first postoperative month and gradually recovered to the preoperative level at 6 months. Almost no change in lymphocyte percentage was observed during follow-up. Inflammation-based prognostic scores were maintained at favorable levels after hepatectomy. Toxicity and adverse events were not observed in any patient.

Conclusion:

AHCC may be safe and effective in preventing HCC recurrence after curative hepatectomy, and further randomized trials of AHCC for its use in this setting are warranted.

This clinical trial was registered in UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (ID UMIN000024396).

Active Hexose-Correlated Compound Restores Gene Expression and Protein Secretion of Protective Cytokines of Immune Cells in a Murine Stress Model during Chlamydia muridarum Genital Infection

Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Previously, we reported that cold-induced stress results in immune suppression of mice that subsequently leads to increased intensity of Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. Furthermore, we demonstrated that stressed mice orally fed with active hexose-correlated compound (AHCC) have reduced shedding of C. muridarum from the genital tract. However, the mechanism of AHCC in reducing the organ load and changing the immune response in the stress model is not well known. This study evaluated infection and changes in immunological parameters of stressed AHCC-fed mice with or without C. muridarum genital infection. We hypothesized that AHCC feeding to stressed mice restores protective immune function and reduces susceptibility to C. muridarum genital infection. The results show that oral feeding of stressed mice with AHCC resulted in decreased shedding of C. muridarum from the genital tract, reduced production of plasma catecholamines, increased expression of T-bet and reduced GATA-3 in CD4⁺ T cells, increased production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and reduced production of IL-4 in CD4⁺ T cells, and enhanced expression of surface markers and costimulatory molecules of CD4⁺ T cells, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and natural killer cells. Coculturing of mature BMDCs with splenic CD4⁺ T cells led to the increased and decreased production of T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokines, respectively. Overall, our results show that AHCC fosters the restoration of Th1 cytokine production while reducing Th2 cytokine production, which would promote C. muridarum clearance in the murine stress model.

The Effects of AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinura edodes Mycelia, on Natural Killer and T Cells in Health and Disease: Reviews on Human and Animal Studies

Mushrooms have been used for various health conditions for many years by traditional medicines practiced in different regions of the world although the exact effects of mushroom extracts on the immune system are not fully understood. AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured shiitake or Lentinula edodes mycelia (ECLM) which contains a mixture of nutrients including oligosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals obtained through liquid culture. AHCC® is reported to modulate the numbers and functions of immune cells including natural killer (NK) and T cells which play important roles in host defense, suggesting the possible implication of its supplementation in defending the host against infections and malignancies via modulating the immune system. Here, we review in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells of humans and animals in health and disease, providing a platform for the better understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms and clinical implications of AHCC®.

Increased Efficacy of Oral Fixed-Dose Combination of Amphotericin B and AHCC® Natural Adjuvant against Aspergillosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis represents one of the most serious fungal infections among immunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to analyze the in vivo efficacy of prophylactic oral amphotericin B (AMB) encapsulated in modified chitosan-nanoparticles (Nanomerics’ Molecular Envelope Technology (MET)) supplemented with a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia (AHCC^®) in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis. We determined fungal burden and survival of mice and additionally, we carried out a cytokine analysis in an attempt to understand the immunomodulation of the extract. Our results evidenced equivalent efficacy between orally administered AMB-MET and the intravenous liposomal AMB marketed formulation. Addition of the AHCC^® supplement significantly improved efficacy in terms of burden reduction and survival increase of both oral and intravenous AMB therapies compared to the untreated control group. Moreover, a protective effect of the extract was observed in terms of weight loss. Regarding the cytokine profiles, the Th1 immune response was stimulated in treated animals when compared to the control group. This response was marked by an enhancement in the MCP-1, GM-CSF, VEGF, RANTES and IL-17 levels and a decrease in the IL-6, a biomarker related to the severity of the infection.

Components in Lentinus edodes mushroom with anti-biofilm activity directed against bacteria involved in caries and gingivitis

The present study investigated the compounds present in the low molecular mass fraction of Lentinus edodes mushroom (shiitake) extract and their anti-virulence activity against oral pathogens.

Active Hexose Correlated Compound Activates Immune Function to Decrease Chlamydia trachomatis Shedding in a Murine Stress Model

A cold-induced stress mouse model for investigating chlamydia genital infection and immune response analysis was established in our laboratory. Previous results showed that cold-induced stress results in suppression of the immune response and increased intensity of chlamydia genital infection in the mouse model. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic value of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) against chlamydia genital infection in mice. AHCC is an extract of mushroom commonly used as a dietary supplement is known to boost the immune system. Mice were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia trachomatis after a 24-day cold-stress application. Oral administration of AHCC to stressed or non-stressed mice was carried out seven days before infection and during the course of infection along with cervicovaginal swabbing. Cytokine production by peritoneal and splenic T cells isolated from AHCC-fed stressed mice and non-stressed mice was measured ELISA. Splenic T cells from both animal groups were co-cultured with mouse monocyte J774.2 cell line or cultured by addition of supernatants of AHCC-treated J774.2 cell line for 24 hours. Infection studies showed that AHCC-feeding compared to phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-feeding to stressed mice resulted in reduced Chlamydia trachomatis shedding from the genital tract. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly increased in stressed mice receiving AHCC compared to stressed mice receiving PBS. Production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) in the AHCC group was significantly high compared to production in PBS-fed group. Splenic T cells from stressed and non-stressed cultured with supernatants of AHCC-treated J774.2 cell line resulted in significantly increased TNF-α or IFN-γ production. Results obtained in this study show that AHCC improves the function of immune cells as indicated by the restoration of levels of cytokines production that were suppressed under cold induced-stress conditions. This is the first report showing that oral administration of AHCC enhances the function of the immune system, which could result in increased resistance of the host to chlamydia genital infection.

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) promotes an intestinal immune response in BALB/c mice and in primary intestinal epithelial cell culture involving toll-like receptors TLR-2 and TLR-4

PURPOSE

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC(®)) is a cultured mushroom extract that is commercially available and promoted for immune support. Available data suggest that AHCC supplementation affects immune cell populations and immune outcomes, including natural killer cell response to infection. The mechanism by which AHCC exerts its effects is not well understood. The present work aimed to characterize the immunomodulatory activity of AHCC in the gut and to study the effects of AHCC on toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs).

METHODS

BALB/c mice were fed AHCC by gavage. In vivo activities were assessed by immunohistochemistry and cytokine production. The effects of AHCC on ex vivo primary cell culture from IECs were examined after challenge with LPS or E. coli alone or in the presence of anti-TLR-2 and TLR-4 blocking antibodies.

RESULTS

Feeding AHCC resulted in increased IgA+ cells in the intestine and increased sIgA, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the intestinal fluid. In IECs, contact with AHCC increased IL-6 production but not to the pro-inflammatory level of positive controls, LPS and E. coli. Blocking TLR-2 and TLR-4 reduced the induction of IL-6 by AHCC, suggesting that these innate receptors are involved in generating the immune response of IECs to AHCC.

CONCLUSIONS

AHCC may play a role in the orchestration of immune response and the maintenance of immune homeostasis in part by priming the TLR-2 and TLR-4 gate at the intestinal epithelium. Such a response is likely due to the recognition of non-pathogenic food-associated molecular patterns (FAMPs) such as those found associated with other mushroom or yeast-derived compounds.

An evidence-based systematic review of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration

An evidence-based systematic review of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

A natural immune modulator attenuates stress hormone and catecholamine concentrations in polymicrobial peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Activated hexose correlated compound (AHCC), derived from shiitake mushrooms, increases resistance to infection in immunocompromised hosts with positive effects on dendritic cells, natural killer cell function and interleukin 12 production. It may also be attenuating the systemic inflammatory response by regulating the secretion of cortisol and norepinephrine (NE).

METHODS

Female Swiss-Weber mice were pretreated with AHCC (Amino Up Chemical Co., Sapporo, Japan) or water by gavage for 10 days before undergoing cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Peritoneal exudate cells and blood samples were harvested at 4 hours and 24 hours following CLP. Plasma and peritoneal concentrations of cortisol and NE were obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Peritoneal bacteria were quantified by colony counts after 4 hours and 24 hours. Significance was denoted by a p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Plasma and peritoneal cortisol concentrations were increased 4 hours after CLP compared with normal controls, with no difference between the pretreated groups. Concentrations of cortisol decreased from 4 hours to 24 hours after CLP with AHCC (plasma, p = 0.009; peritoneal, p < 0.001), and peritoneal cortisol at 24 hours was lower with AHCC as compared with water (p = 0.028). There was no change in plasma or peritoneal NE concentrations at 4 hours. At 24 hours, higher concentrations of NE were detected in both plasma and peritoneal fluid, with lower plasma concentrations in those gavaged with AHCC (p = 0.015). There was no significant difference in peritoneal bacteria counts.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced immune function observed with AHCC could be caused by attenuated concentrations of stress hormones and catecholamines.

The nutritional supplement Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) has direct immunomodulatory actions on intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages involving TLR/MyD88 and NF-κB/MAPK activation

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is an immunostimulatory nutritional supplement. AHCC effects and mechanism of action on intestinal epithelial cells or monocytes are poorly described. AHCC was added to the culture medium of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC18 and HT29 cells) and monocytes (THP-1 cells) and assessed the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by ELISA. Inhibitors of NFκB and MAPKs were used to study signal transduction pathways while TLR4 and MyD88 were silenced in IEC18 cells using shRNA. It was found that AHCC induced GROα and MCP1 secretion in IEC18 and IL-8 in HT29 cells. These effects depended on NFκB activation, and partly on MAPKs activation and on the presence of MyD88 and TLR4. In THP-1 cells AHCC evoked IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α secretion. The induction of IL-8 depended on JNK and NFκB activation. Therefore, AHCC exerts immunostimulatory effects on intestinal epithelial cells and monocytes involving TLR4/MyD88 and NFκB/MAPK signal transduction pathways.

Active Hexose Correlated Compound promotes T helper (Th) 17 and 1 cell responses via inducing IL-1β production from monocytes in humans

The differentiation of T helper (Th) cells is critically dependent on cytokine milieu. The innate immune monocytes produce IL-1β which can affect the development of Th17 and Th1 cells that predominantly produce IL-17 and IFN-γ, respectively. Oligosaccharides from microorganisms, crops and mushrooms can stimulate innate immune cells. Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) that contains a large amount of oligosaccharides is a natural extract prepared from the mycelium of the edible Basidiomycete fungus. This compound is reported to modulate immune responses against pathogens although the mechanisms for this effect are largely unknown. Here we show that AHCC could induce high levels of IL-1β production from human monocytes. Furthermore, AHCC-treated monocytes increased the production of IL-17 and IFN-γ from autologous CD4(+) T cells, which was blocked by adding IL-1 receptor antagonist. These finding provide new insight into how food supplements like AHCC could enhance human immunity by modulating monocytes and Th cells.

Low-dose supplementation with active hexose correlated compound improves the immune response to acute influenza infection in C57BL/6 mice

Supplementation with mushroom-derived active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) modulates immunity and increases survival in response to a broad spectrum of acute infections, including influenza virus infection. However, dose-response data are nonexistent. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate AHCC supplementation at various doses and determine the effects of low-dose supplementation on the immune response in a mouse model of influenza virus infection. We hypothesized that AHCC supplementation would influence the immune response to influenza infection in a dose-dependent manner. Male C57BL/6 mice were supplemented with AHCC at daily doses of 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 g/kg and infected intranasally with influenza A virus (H1N1, PR8). Supplemented mice demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in survival and reduction in the loss of body weight. To further evaluate the effects of low-dose AHCC supplementation on the immune response to influenza infection, mice were supplemented with 0.1 g/kg per day and infected with a sublethal dose of influenza virus. Supplemented mice exhibited enhanced virus clearance and decreased weight loss compared to controls. Low-dose supplementation did not influence total natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, although lytic efficiency was increased in the spleens of AHCC-supplemented mice, indicating enhanced NK cell function per cell. In conclusion, these data suggest that the effects of AHCC on the immune response to influenza infection are dose dependent and that low-dose AHCC supplementation improves the response to influenza infection despite no effect on total NK cell cytotoxicity.