Effects of Japanese Herbal Medicine Juzentaihoto on Immune Activation
Author Information
Author(s): Fujiki Kazuhiko, Nakamura Masanori, Matsuda Takako, Isogai Mariko, Ikeda Minako, Yamamoto Yutaka, Kitamura Mari, Sazaki Naoko, Yakushiji Fumiatsu, Suzuki Shinji, Tomiyama Junji, Uchida Takashi, Taniguchi Ken
Primary Institution: Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital
Hypothesis
Does Juzentaihoto induce IL-12 and IL-18 production and activate NKT cells?
Conclusion
Juzentaihoto treatment leads to increased levels of IL-12 and IL-18, which may activate NKT cells and contribute to anti-tumor effects.
Supporting Evidence
- Juzentaihoto treatment increased IL-18 levels in patients compared to non-treated individuals.
- In vitro studies showed that JTT induced IL-12 and IL-18 production in human lymphocyte cultures.
- Mice treated with JTT exhibited significant infiltration of NKT cells in the liver.
Takeaway
This study shows that a Japanese herbal medicine can help boost the immune system by increasing certain important substances that fight cancer.
Methodology
The study involved measuring cytokine levels in patients and conducting experiments with mice and human lymphocyte cultures.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not detect several cytokines in patient sera.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 12 individuals with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, compared to healthy volunteers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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