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 

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 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 Effects of Ingesting Fucoidan Derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus Tokida on Human NK Cells: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 340
Author(s):  
Makoto Tomori ◽  
Takeaki Nagamine ◽  
Tomofumi Miyamoto ◽  
Masahiko Iha
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Nk Cell Activity ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Immunological Tests ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Cladosiphon Okamuranus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ingesting fucoidan derived from Okinawa mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) on natural killer (NK) cell activity and to assess its safety in healthy adults via a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled pilot study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups—a placebo group (ingesting citric acid, sucralose, and caramel beverages; n = 20; 45.5 ± 7.8 years (mean ± standard deviation)) and a fucoidan group (3.0 g/day from beverages; n = 20; 47.0 ± 7.6 years); after 12 weeks, blood, biochemical, and immunological tests were performed. Clinically adverse events were not observed in any of the tests during the study period. In addition, adverse events due to the test food were not observed. In the immunological tests, NK cell activity was significantly enhanced at 8 weeks in the fucoidan group, compared to before ingestion (0 weeks). In addition, a significantly enhanced NK cell activity was observed in male subjects at 8 weeks, compared with the placebo group. These results confirm that Okinawa mozuku-derived fucoidan enhances NK cell activity and suggest that it is a safe food material.

scholarly journals Correction to: Evaluation of the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2 on aspects of common cold infections in children attending day care: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 419-419
Author(s):  
Irini Lazou Ahrén ◽  
Anna Berggren ◽  
Cristina Teixeira ◽  
Titti Martinsson Niskanen ◽  
Niklas Larsson
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽  
Common Cold ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Lactobacillus Paracasei ◽  
Original Version ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Controlled Clinical Study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. A number in Table 6 has been corrected.

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.

scholarly journals Effect of 12-Week Daily Intake of the High-Lycopene Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), a Variety Named “PR-7”, on Lipid Metabolism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mie Nishimura ◽  
Naoki Tominaga ◽  
Yuko Ishikawa-Takano ◽  
Mari Maeda-Yamamoto ◽  
Jun Nishihira
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Solanum Lycopersicum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Parallel Group

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that confers various positive biological effects such as improved lipid metabolism. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study to investigate the effects of regular and continuous intake of a new high-lycopene tomato, a variety named PR-7, for 12 weeks, based on 74 healthy Japanese subjects with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥120 to <160 mg/dL. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the high-lycopene tomato or placebo (lycopene-free tomato) group. Each subject in the high-lycopene group ingested 50 g of semidried PR-7 (lycopene, 22.0–27.8 mg/day) each day for 12 weeks, while subjects in the placebo group ingested placebo semidried tomato. Medical interviews were conducted, vital signs were monitored, body composition was determined, and blood and saliva samples were taken at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome assessed was LDL-C. The intake of high-lycopene tomato increased lycopene levels in this group compared to levels in the placebo group (p < 0.001). In addition, high-lycopene tomato intake improved LDL-C (p = 0.027). The intake of high-lycopene tomato, PR-7, reduced LDL-C and was confirmed to be safe.

scholarly journals Effects of daily intake of Harudori-kombu: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Mie Nishimura ◽  
Miwako Sugawara ◽  
Masafumi Kudo ◽  
Yasunori Kinoshita ◽  
Hiroyuki Yoshino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Parallel Group Study ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Medical Interviews ◽  
Functional Components

Background: Kombu (Laminariaceae) is traditionally consumed in Japan. “Harudori-kombu” is young kombu harvested in spring. Harudori-kombu contains functional components, such as fucoxanthin—a carotenoid—which confer various biological effects.Methods: In this study, we investigated effects of the continuous intake of dried Harudori-kombu (2.0 g/day) for 6 weeks. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study including 70 healthy Japanese subjects with body mass index between 22 and 30 kg/m2 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between 120 and 160 mg/dL. Subjects were randomly assigned to either Harudori-kombu group or placebo group. Subjects ingested 9 capsules per day for 6 weeks. We conducted medical interviews, vital sign examinations, and blood sampling at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, and 6. Moreover, we assessed body composition at weeks 0 and 6.Results: Harudori-kombu intake did not improve the lipid profile but did reduce body fat. In addition, adiponectin levels were significantly improved.Conclusions: Harudori-kombu intake showed beneficial health effects, such as reduction in body fat and improvement of adiponectin levels, and was deemed safe at the dose administered in this study.

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