scholarly journals A Single-Center, Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Effects of Poly-Gamma-Glutamate on Human NK Cell Activity after an 8-Week Oral Administration in Healthy Volunteers

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kyung-Soo Kim ◽  
Tae-Young Lee ◽  
Jang-Hee Hong ◽  
Ahrom Kim ◽  
Sung-Jin Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Administration ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Cytokine Production ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Nk Cell Activity ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Low Dosage

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled immunity study involving 99 healthy volunteers was performed to investigate the effect of poly-γ-glutamate (γ-PGA) on human natural killer (NK) cell activity in peripheral blood. The volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups and orally treated with solutions (25 mL) containing 0 mg (placebo), 250 mg (low dosage), or 500 mg (high dosage) ofγ-PGA. Each volunteer took one dose every 12 hours for 8 weeks. Blood samples were drawn before the initial treatment and at the 4th and the 8th weeks of treatment. NK cell activity was assessed by measuring its degranulation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity against the K562 cell line. Our results revealed that the cytotoxic activities of NK cells from the high-dosageγ-PGA group were significantly higher (P<0.05for all comparisons) compared to the low dosage and placebo groups at weeks 4 and 8 after the initial treatment. This increase in the NK cell activity among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy individuals was also confirmedin vitro(as assessed by the degranulation and cytokine production). These results suggest that the oral administration ofγ-PGA induces a cell-mediated immunity by increasing the NK cell activity in humans.

scholarly journals Effect of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) green leaf extract on immune response in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Yosuke Hirayama ◽  
Jun Takanari ◽  
Kazunori Goto ◽  
Hiroshi Ueda ◽  
Aiko Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Immune Competence ◽  
Nk Cell Activity ◽  
Welsh Onion ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

Background: Welsh onion belongs to genus allium. Although its medicinal benefit such as cold prevention is well known by tradition, the underlying mechanism and active components have never been elucidated. The recent study revealed that Welsh onion mucus enhances tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 production from RAW 264 cells and natural killer (NK) cell activity in murine spleen cells. This mucilage was abundant in the leaf blade of Welsh onion. Thus, we investigated the effect of Welsh onion green leaf extract (GLE) on immune competence in the human clinical trial. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Fifty-five healthy subjects were enrolled after the screening based on NK cell activity, and each sample (placebo, low-dose GLE or high-dose GLE) was supplemented for four weeks. The immune competence activity was evaluated through the primary endpoints that were NK cell activity and the score of immunological vigor (SIV). The SIV was calculated from lymphocyte subset analysis by flow cytometry method.Results: NK cell activity was enhanced in all supplemented groups including placebo, especially, it was significant in both GLE groups. The result of immune score showed that the immunity of high-dose GLE group did not change although it was significantly lowered in placebo group (p<0.01), suggesting that GLE ameliorated the immunity suppression. In addition, when SIV was compared between pre- and post-intake, the ratios of the improved subjects in two GLE groups were higher than that of placebo group while those of the aggravated subjects showed the opposite result. In particular, they were remarkable in high-dose GLE group.Conclusion: These results suggest that the intake of low- or high-dose GLE might positively regulate immune competence.Keywords: welsh onion, immunity, natural killer cell, clinical trial

Clinical response augments NK cell activity independent of treatment modality: a randomized double-blind placebo controlled antidepressant trial

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 491-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. FRANK ◽  
S. E. HENDRICKS ◽  
W. J. BURKE ◽  
D. R. JOHNSON
Keyword(s):  
Immune Function ◽  
Clinical Response ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Nk Cell Activity ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

Background. Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with alterations in immune function. Suppression of natural killer (NK) cell activity (NKCA) reliably characterizes immunological alterations observed in MDD. Antidepressant pharmacotherapy has been associated with modulation of NKCA. Previous investigations into antidepressant modulation of NKCA have not employed randomized double-blind placebo controlled designs. Thus, it is unknown whether treatment-associated changes in immune function are due to drug, placebo, or spontaneous remission effects. The present investigation examined the effect of antidepressant treatment on NKCA utilizing a randomized double-blind placebo controlled experimental design.Method. Patients (N=16) met DSM-IV criteria for MDD and were randomly assigned to drug (N=8; citalopram, 20 mg/day) or placebo (N=8) under double-blind conditions. Severity and pattern of depressive symptoms were assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). NK cell function was measured using a standard chromium-release assay and NK cell number assessed by flow cytometry. HDRS scores, NK cell function, and NK cell numbers were collected at 0, 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment.Results. Clinical response was associated with augmented NKCA independent of treatment condition. Failure to respond to treatment resulted in significantly reduced NKCA over treatment interval.Conclusions. The present results suggest that alterations in the depressive syndrome, regardless of therapeutic modality, may be sufficient to modulate NKCA during antidepressant trials and thus may significantly impact on co-morbid health outcomes in MDD.

scholarly journals Effect of Daily Intake of Heat-Killed Lactobacillus plantarum HOKKAIDO on Immunocompetence: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Jun Nishihira ◽  
Akane Haseda ◽  
Mie Nishimura ◽  
Miwako Sugawara ◽  
Masafumi Kudo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽  
Common Cold ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Nk Cell Activity ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Parallel Group

Background: Consumption of Lactobacillus plantarum HOKKAIDO (HOKKAIDO strain) reportedly increases immunocompetence. However, the concentration of viable bacteria and the type of food they can be incorporated into limits their consumption. The study aims to demonstrate the effect of daily intake of the heat-killed L. plantarum HOKKAIDO strain (HK-HOKKAIDO strain; 5 × 1010 colony-forming units/day) by healthy subjects with low natural killer (NK) cell activity for 8 weeks.Method: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 70 healthy Japanese subjects who showed relatively low NK cell activity were recruited and randomly assigned to the HK-HOKKAIDO strain or placebo group. All subjects ingested one capsule per day for 8 weeks. We conducted medical interviews and performed body composition measurements, vital sign examinations, and blood sampling at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, and 8, and we collected salivary samples at weeks 0 and 8. In addition, the frequency and severity of cold symptoms in the subjects were recorded daily during the intake period.Results: Intake of the HK-HOKKAIDO strain did not increase the NK cell activity or immunity marker levels, including those of immunoglobulin, leukocyte fraction, and salivary secretory immunoglobulin A. However, the frequency and severity of the common cold symptoms were significantly reduced after the daily consumption of the HK-HOKKAIDO strain.Conclusions: The results showed that HK-HOKKAIDO strain administration can decrease the frequency and severity of common cold symptoms in healthy subjects. Our findings support the use of the HK-HOKKAIDO strain as a functional food with health benefits.Clinical trial registration: UMIN000034822 

N-acetylcysteine does not affect the lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activity responses to exercise

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (4) ◽  
pp. R1227-R1231
Author(s):  
H. B. Nielsen ◽  
N. H. Secher ◽  
M. Kappel ◽  
B. K. Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Killer ◽  
Lymphocyte Proliferation ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Natural Killer Cell Activity ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Nk Cell Activity ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ergometer Rowing

This study evaluated whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuates the reduced lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity responses to exercise in humans. Fourteen oarsmen were double-blind randomized to either NAC (6 g daily for 3 days) or placebo groups. During 6-min “all-out” ergometer rowing, the concentration of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood increased, with no significant difference between NAC and placebo as reflected in lymphocyte subsets: CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, and CD19+ cells. The phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation decreased from 9,112 ± 2,865 to 5,851 ± 1,588 cpm ( P < 0.05), but it was not affected by NAC. During exercise, the NK cell activity was elevated from 17 ± 3 to 38 ± 4% and it decreased to 7 ± 1% below the resting value 2 h into recovery. Yet, when evaluated as lytic units per CD16+ cell, the NK cell activity decreased during and after exercise without a significant effect of NAC. We conclude that NAC does not attenuate the reduction in lymphocyte proliferation and NK cell activity associated with intense exercise.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment of the Patients with Acquired Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3552-3552
Author(s):  
Zhao Wang ◽  
Yini Wang ◽  
Cuicui Feng ◽  
Liping Tian
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Nk Cell Activity

Abstract Acquired hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life threatening condition characterized by uncontroling hyperinflammation on the basis of various infection, tumor and inherited immune deficiency. Awareness of the clinical symptoms and of the diagnostic criteria of HLH is crucial in order not to overlook HLH and to start life-saving therapy in time. In this study, we reviewed 57 suspected HLH patients from March 2006 to June 2008. 25 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study as control. NK cell activity in peripheral blood was tested by a released LDH assay. Meanwhile, solution interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) was examined with ELISA double antibody sandwich assay. The level of glycosylated ferritin was also detected and the ratio of glycosylated ferritin to ferritin was determined. 41 out of 57 patients were definitely diagnosed according to HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria in this study and 16 patients were excluded. We found that the level of NK cell activity and the ratio of glycosylated ferritin in the all 41 final diagnozed HLH patients were significantly lower than those in the 16 excluded patients and 25 healthy control subjects (p<0.01). Meanwhile, the level of sCD25 in peripheral blood was much higher in all the 41 HLH patients than that in the excluded and healthy people (p<0.05). We compared the coincidence of each diagnostic index in the 41 HLH patients before and after final diagnosis. It was found that 100% patients had abnormal expression on NK cell activity, sCD25 and glycosylated ferritin in the early disease. The three diagnostic indexes were more sensitive and specific than other indexes, such as fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, hyper-triglyceridemia, hypo-fibrinogenemia. 41 diagnosed patients received the regimen containing methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin, with or without fludarabine, 26 out of 41 were markedly improved after treatment, 10 out of 41 were exacerbated, and other 5 patients gave up treatment. It is concluded that detection of NK cell activity, sCD25 and glycosylated ferritin may play a very important role in the early diagnosis of HLH. Our data also suggest that fludarabine combined with methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin (FDIg) may provide a new viewpoint for HLH therapy.

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