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He Z, Lin J, He Y, Liu S. Polysaccharide-Peptide from Trametes versicolor: The Potential Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2841. [PMID: 36359361 PMCID: PMC9687461 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer have shown an upward trend in the past decade. Therefore, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer still need our continuous attention. Finding compounds with strong anticancer activity and low toxicity is a good strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. Trametes versicolor is a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom with a long history of being used to regulate immunity and prevent cancer. Its extractions were demonstrated with strong cell growth inhibitory activity on human colorectal tumor cells, while the anticancer activity of them is not acted through a direct cytotoxic effect. However, the intricacy and high molecular weight make mechanistic research difficult, which restricts their further application as a medication in clinical cancer treatment. Recent research has discovered a small molecule polysaccharide peptide derived from Trametes versicolor that has a distinct structure after decades of Trametes versicolor investigation. Uncertain molecular weight and a complex composition are problems that have been solved through studies on its structure, and it was demonstrated to have strong anti-proliferation activity on colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo via interaction with EGFR signaling pathway. It opens up new horizons for research in this field, and these low molecular weight polysaccharide peptides provide a new insight of regulation of colorectal cancer proliferation and have great potential as drugs in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingying He
- School of Chemical Science & Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Shubai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Sharma VK, Liu X, Oyarzún DA, Abdel-Azeem AM, Atanasov AG, Hesham AEL, Barik SK, Gupta VK, Singh BN. Microbial polysaccharides: An emerging family of natural biomaterials for cancer therapy and diagnostics. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:706-731. [PMID: 34062265 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microbial polysaccharides (MPs) offer immense diversity in structural and functional properties. They are extensively used in advance biomedical science owing to their superior biodegradability, hemocompatibility, and capability to imitate the natural extracellular matrix microenvironment. Ease in tailoring, inherent bio-activity, distinct mucoadhesiveness, ability to absorb hydrophobic drugs, and plentiful availability of MPs make them prolific green biomaterials to overcome the significant constraints of cancer chemotherapeutics. Many studies have demonstrated their application to obstruct tumor development and extend survival through immune activation, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest by MPs. Synoptic investigations of MPs are compulsory to decode applied basics in recent inclinations towards cancer regimens. The current review focuses on the anticancer properties of commercially available and newly explored MPs, and outlines their direct and indirect mode of action. The review also highlights cutting-edge MPs-based drug delivery systems to augment the specificity and efficiency of available chemotherapeutics, as well as their emerging role in theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek K Sharma
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dongan Road, Xuhui, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Diego A Oyarzún
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed M Abdel-Azeem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Atanas G Atanasov
- Institute for Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland; Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. G. Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Abd El-Latif Hesham
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Saroj K Barik
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Center for Safe and Improved Food, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom.
| | - Brahma N Singh
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India.
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Liu H, Wang ZY, Zhou YC, Song W, Ali U, Sze DMY. Immunomodulation of Chinese Herbal Medicines on NK cell populations for cancer therapy: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113561. [PMID: 33157222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Immunomodulation has become a crucial modality for cancer treatment. Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs) are expected as adjuvant therapy for immunomodulation against cancer, but face the key challenge of poor scientific evidence. Changes of natural killer (NK) cells on numbers and/or cytotoxicity are a novel respect to evaluate the immunomodulation of CHMs. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this review is to investigate the immunomodulation of Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs) on NK cell populations for cancer therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review was conducted and outside mainstream electronic databases were screened for potential reference articles. This review tried to report and critically analyzed all the correlative studies, especially these clinical trials (3 CHM extracts and 11 CHM formulas). RESULTS Evidence-based functions of CHMs against cancer could be summarized as: (1) enhancement of NK cells activity or relative percentage; (2) prevention of tumor growth and metastasis; (3) relief on side-effects or complications of therapeutic strategies (i.e. chemotherapy, radiotherapy and resection). Briefly, most of cellular studies and two thirds animal studies were based on the extract or components of single herbs, whilst most of clinical trials were keen on formula or prescription of CHMs. The main components of CHMs were demonstrated active on promoting the cytotoxicity of NK cells, including Angelica sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Panax ginseng, Radix Astragali, Lentinus edodes, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive review demonstrated NK cells activity was positively associated with quality of life but not survival benefit of cancer patients. Thus exploring the roles of NK cells in adjuvant therapy against cancer is confirmed to be beneficial to explore the underlying relationship between immunomodulation and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, And Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yu-Cong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, And School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Usman Ali
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Daniel M-Y Sze
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
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Habtemariam S. Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050135. [PMID: 32466253 PMCID: PMC7277906 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél. is a higher fungi or mushroom which is now known by its accepted scientific name as Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (family Polyporaceae). The polysaccharides, primarily two commercial products from China and Japan as PSP and PSK, respectively, have been claimed to serve as adjuvant therapy for cancer. In this paper, research advances in this field, including direct cytotoxicity in cancer cells and immunostimulatory effects, are scrutinised at three levels: in vitro, in vivo and clinical outcomes. The level of activity in the various cancers, key targets (both in cancer and immune cells) and pharmacological efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
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Saleh MH, Rashedi I, Keating A. Immunomodulatory Properties of Coriolus versicolor: The Role of Polysaccharopeptide. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1087. [PMID: 28932226 PMCID: PMC5592279 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional uses of herbal medicine have depended mostly on anecdotal evidence for much of history. The increasing application of scientific rigor to the study some of these traditional therapies in recent years has revealed potent bioactivity, notably demonstrated by the 2015 Nobel Prize for the discovery of an antimalarial compound from traditional Chinese herbs. Given the recent successes of immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade, there is a renewed interest in identifying new drugs with immunomodulatory effects. As an estimated 45-60% of cancer patients worldwide are reported to use complementary alternative medicine alongside traditional therapy, this review will highlight the literature on the immunomodulatory effects of one of these compounds. We report on the induction of a largely pro-inflammatory cytokine profile by the polysaccharopeptide (PSP) isolated from the Coriolus versicolor (Yun zhi) mushroom, as well as its effects on various immune subsets, and the clinical data that have led to its widespread adoption as an adjunct cancer therapeutic in many Eastern cultures. Particular focus is given to the potential mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of PSP and reports of its ability to promote antitumor immunity by helping overcome tolerogenic tumor microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Saleh
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Cell Therapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Iran Rashedi
- Cell Therapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Armand Keating
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Cell Therapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Yu Y, Jiang H, Li H, Song W, Xia X. Alpha-A-Crystallin Protects Lens Epithelial Cell-Derived iPSC-Like Cells Against Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress. Cell Reprogram 2016; 18:327-332. [PMID: 27696911 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2016.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Haibo Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Weitao Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Liang W, Yew DT, Hon KL, Wong CK, Kwok TCY, Leung PC. Indispensable value of clinical trials in the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine: 12 years' experience at CUHK and future perspectives. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:587-604. [PMID: 24871653 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has seen a wealth of information reporting the beneficial effects of Chinese herbal medicines. While a lot more studies were done using in vitro and in vivo research platforms, much fewer investigations were conducted according to evidence-based requirements in clinical settings. The Institute of Chinese Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has had the opportunity to collaborate with clinicians over the years to initiate and conduct dozens of clinical trials investigating and verifying the therapeutic values of Chinese herbs in selected disease conditions. Of the many disorders, we chose to focus on those that are known for their difficulties achieving perfect results with conventional treatment methods. Examples include non-healing ulcers, allergic conditions, degenerative diseases and cancer. Protective effects of the herbs in such chronic diseases as coronary artery disease and osteoporosis were also part of our focus. Even in healthy individuals and those recovering from chemotherapy, Chinese herbs could help with the immune system and were studied in our clinical trials as well. This paper aims to highlight the important findings from these clinical studies while at the same time, stressing the indispensable value of clinical trials in modernizing the use of Chinese herbs in present-day medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willmann Liang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Pasupuleti N, Matsuyama S, Voss O, Doseff AI, Song K, Danielpour D, Nagaraj RH. The anti-apoptotic function of human αA-crystallin is directly related to its chaperone activity. Cell Death Dis 2011; 1:e31. [PMID: 21364639 PMCID: PMC3032290 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2010.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
αA-crystallin is a molecular chaperone and an antiapoptotic protein. This study investigated the mechanism of inhibition of apoptosis by human αA-crystallin and determined if the chaperone activity of αA-crystallin is required for the antiapoptotic function. αA-crystallin inhibited chemical-induced apoptosis in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and HeLa cells by inhibiting activation of caspase-3 and -9. In CHO cells, it inhibited apoptosis induced by the overexpression of human proapoptotic proteins, Bim and Bax. αA-crystallin inhibited doxorubicin-mediated activation of human procaspase-3 in CHO cells and it activated the PI3K/Akt cell survival pathway by promoting the phosphorylation of PDK1, Akt and phosphatase tensin homologue in HeLa cells. The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) activity was increased by αA-crystallin overexpression but the protein content was unaltered. Downregulation of PI3K by the expression of a dominant-negative mutant or inhibition by LY294002 abrogated the ability of αA-crystallin to phosphorylate Akt. These antiapoptotic functions of αA-crystallin were enhanced in a mutant protein (R21A) that shows increased chaperone activity than the wild-type (Wt) protein. Interestingly, a mutant protein (R49A) that shows decreased chaperone activity was far weaker than the Wt protein in its antiapoptotic functions. Together, our study results show that αA-crystallin inhibits apoptosis by enhancing PI3K activity and inactivating phosphatase tensin homologue and that the antiapoptotic function is directly related to its chaperone activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pasupuleti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Bao YX, Wong CK, Leung SF, Chan ATC, Li PW, Wong ELY, Leung PC, Fung KP, Yin YB, Lam CWK. Clinical Studies of Immunomodulatory Activities of Yunzhi-Danshen in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. J Altern Complement Med 2006; 12:771-6. [PMID: 17034283 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2006.12.771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent tumor in Hong Kong. The immune system of such patients could be adversely affected during the course of conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Yunzhi-Danshen capsules in NPC patients treated with radiotherapy. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 16-week study. SETTING/LOCATION The Prince of Wales Hospital, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. SUBJECTS Twenty-seven (27) patients with histologically proven NPC, at least 18 years of age. METHODS Twenty-seven patients with histologically proven NPC were recruited to take Yunzhi (3.6 g daily) and Dangshem (1.4 g daily) in the form of 12 combination capsules (TCM group) or placebo (12 capsules) daily for 16 weeks, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages and absolute counts of human lymphocyte subsets in whole blood. Plasma concentration of soluble interleukin-2 receptor and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ex vivo production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in the whole blood assay culture supernatant was measured by ELISA. RESULTS The decreases in percentage and absolute count of T lymphocytes in the TCM group were less than those in the placebo group after they took the capsules for 16 weeks (both p < 0.05). Furthermore, the decreases in absolute count of T suppressor cells plus cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and T helper cells in the TCM group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group after they took the capsules for 16 weeks (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These results suggest that Yunzhi-Danshen can exert an immunomodulating effect in alleviating lymphopenia during radiotherapy in NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xi Bao
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Wong CK, Bao YX, Wong ELY, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lam CWK. Immunomodulatory activities of Yunzhi and Danshen in post-treatment breast cancer patients. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2005; 33:381-95. [PMID: 16047556 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x05002990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Discomfort and fatigue are usually arisen from anticancer therapy such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or combination therapy, because of the suppressed immunological functions. Yunzhi (Coriolus versicolor) can modulate various immunological functions in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical trials. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has been shown to benefit the circulatory system by its vasodilating and anti-dementia activity. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules in post-treatment breast cancer patients. Eighty-two patients with breast cancer were recruited to take Yunzhi [50 mg/kg body weight, 100% polysaccharopeptide (PSP)] and Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) capsules every day for a total of 6 months. EDTA blood samples were collected every 2 months for the investigation of immunological functions. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages and absolute counts of human lymphocyte subsets in whole blood. Plasma level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that the absolute counts of T-helper lymphocytes (CD4+), the ratio of T-helper (CD4+)/T suppressor and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+), and the percentage and the absolute counts of B-lymphocytes were significantly elevated in patients with breast cancer after taking Yunzhi-Danshen capsules, while plasma slL-2R concentration was significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Therefore, the regular oral consumption of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules could be beneficial for promoting immunological function in post-treatment of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, PR. China
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Wong CK, Tse PS, Wong ELY, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lam CWK. Immunomodulatory effects of Yun Zhi and Danshen capsules in health subjects—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Int Immunopharmacol 2004; 4:201-11. [PMID: 14996412 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2003.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2003] [Revised: 10/17/2003] [Accepted: 12/04/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Immunostimulating polysaccharides extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) have been found to enhance various immunological functions, and Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) to show beneficial effects on the circulatory system. In the present clinical study, we investigated if regular consumption of Yun Zhi and Danshen capsules could improve cellular immunity in healthy subjects. One hundred healthy subjects were recruited to take Yun Zhi (50 mg/kg body weight) plus Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) or placebo capsules daily for four successive months and, after a 2-month wash-out period, crossover to take placebo or Yun Zhi plus Danshen capsules for four successive months. Flow cytometry was used to assess the lymphocyte subtypes and concentration of T helper (Th) cell cytokines in culture supernatant. Gene expression of cytokines and cytokine receptors of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was analyzed by cDNA expression array. Results showed that regular oral consumption of Yun Zhi-Danshen capsules could significantly elevate PBMC gene expression of interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, increase the percentage and absolute counts of T helper cell and ratio of CD4(+) (T helper)/CD8(+) (T suppressor and cytotoxic T) cell, and significantly enhance the ex vivo production of typical Th1 cytokine interferon-gamma from PBMC activated by phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide (all p<0.005). Such consumption had no adverse effects on liver and renal functions, and the biochemical bone profile. Therefore, regular consumption of Yun Zhi and Danshen could be beneficial for immunological functions by potential enhancement of cell-mediated immunity in healthy subjects without any adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
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Tsang KW, Lam CL, Yan C, Mak JC, Ooi GC, Ho JC, Lam B, Man R, Sham JS, Lam WK. Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Respir Med 2003; 97:618-24. [PMID: 12814145 DOI: 10.1053/rmed.2003.1490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, and over 60% of patients present with advanced stages. Although polysaccharide peptides (PSP), isolated from the fungus Coriolus versicolor, have been reported to have anti-tumor effects, its clinical efficacy has not been properly evaluated. METHODS Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study to evaluate the effects of 28-day administration of PSP (Windsor Pharmaceutical, Hong Kong) on patients, who had completed conventional treatment for advanced NSCLC. RESULTS Thirty-four patients, with no significant difference in their baseline demographic, clinical or tumor characteristics, or previous treatment regimes (P>0.05) were recruited into each of the PSP and control arms. After 28-day treatment, there was a significant improvement in blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts, serum IgG and IgM, and percent of body fat among the PSP, but not the control, patients (P<0.05). Although the evaluable PSP patients did not improve in NSCLC-related symptoms, there were significantly less PSP patients withdrawn due to disease progression, than their control counterparts (5.9 and 23.5%, respectively; P=0.04; OR 4.00). There was no reported adverse reaction attributable to the trial medications. CONCLUSION PSP treatment appears to be associated with slower deterioration in patients with advanced NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Tsang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Talyshinsky MM, Souprun YY, Huleihel MM. Anti-viral activity of red microalgal polysaccharides against retroviruses. Cancer Cell Int 2002; 2:8. [PMID: 12204093 PMCID: PMC140136 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2002] [Accepted: 07/05/2002] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Red microalgal polysaccharides significantly inhibited the production of retroviruses (murine leukemia virus- MuLV) and cell transformation by murine sarcoma virus(MuSV-124) in cell culture. The most effective inhibitory effect of these polysaccharides against both cell transformation and virus production was obtained when the polysaccharide was added 2 h before or at the time of infection. Although, addition of the polysaccharide post-infection significantly reduced the number of transformed cells, but its effect was less marked than that obtained when the polysaccharide was added before or at the time of infection.The finding that the inhibition of cell transformation by MuSV-124 was reversible after removal of the polysaccharide suggested that microalgal polysaccharides inhibited a late step after provirus integration into the host genome. In conclusion, our findings could support the possibility that the polysaccharide may affect early steps in the virus replication cycle, such as virus absorption into the host cells, in addition to its effect on a late step after provirus integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Talyshinsky
- The Institute for Applied Biosciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yelena Y Souprun
- The Institute for Applied Biosciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mahmoud M Huleihel
- The Institute for Applied Biosciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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