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Y. Kamiyama et al. First Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University
The 34th Congress of the European Society for Surgical Research (Bern, Switzerland) 1999.
Medicinal mushrooms and their extracts have been reported to have a variety of biological effects including immunomodulation (1,2), anti-tumor properties (2-5), and beneficial influences on serum lipids, blood pressure and blood sugar (6-9). Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a newly developed extract from a hybridization of several kinds of mushrooms, is one such product whose most active ingredient, among many, is thought to be an oligosaccharide with a molecular weight of approximately 5,000. Research suggests that the immune effects are produced through stimulation of NK cells, killer T-cells and cytokine production, specifically gamma interferon, IL-12 and TNF-alpha (2,6).
To illustrate the clinical influence of AHCC therapy on viral loads in Hepatitis C patients and on CD4 counts in patients with breast cancer, we present the following preliminary case reports:
Case 1: 35 YO Female with Hepatitis C
A.G. presented 8/93 for treatment of Hepatitis C. She was diagnosed 7/92 with elevated liver enzymes and positive Hepatitis C antibodies, and had a history of IV drug abuse. She was prescribed a dietary and nutritional supplement regimen as well as intravenous (IV) vitamin treatments, all of which were focused on immune support and anti-viral effect. Blood work was largely normal for five years except for slight, fluctuating elevations in the liver enzymes AST (GOT), ALT (GPT) and GGT. She also reported occasional pain and tingling in the area of the liver.
Blood work 11/98 showed a Hepatitis C Virus RNA level of 2,160,900 by PCR testing (nl<2000 copies/MCP). AHCC was added within a week after this test -6 gms in divided doses and no other adjustments to the patients treatment protocol were made. Follow-up testing 3/99 showed a decrease in Hepatitis C Virus RNA to 1,573,400 (a 27.2 % decrease in 4 months).
Case 2: 64 YO Female with Hepatitis C
M.F. presented 11/98 for treatment of Hepatitis C, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and allergies. The hepatitis diagnosis was made 2-3 years earlier when liver enzymes significantly increased, although there was some evidence of elevated liver enzymes up to 35 years earlier. At presentation, the liver enzymes Gamma GT and AST were high (100.0 and 67.0 respectively), and the WBC count was low (3.4 thous/ml). Hepatitis C Virus RNA by PCR testing, done 1/99, showed a count of 1,475,000. Nutritional supplementation and IV vitamin therapy did not produce significant results as liver enzymes were still high and the patient was still fatigued. AHCC was begun 3/99, 6 gms in divided doses. Follow-up testing showed Hepatitis C Virus RNA level of 167,000 (a dramatic 89% decrease in 4 months). Liver enzyme levels were essentially unchanged, however, the patient reported significant improvement in energy.
Case 3: 47 YO Male with Hepatitis C and Prostate Cancer
D.F. presented 1/98 with Hepatitis C and prostate cancer (PSA 14.2, Gleason 6). He was diagnosed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with high heterogeneity, when he experienced painless hematuria 11/97. Hepatitis C was first treated in 1974 with acupuncture and homeopathy with resolution of increased liver enzymes.
The patient was treated with total androgen blockage (TAB) starting in 5/98 to stabilize the prostate cancer - his PSA decreased to 4.9. The last Lupron was administered 1/99 and the last Casodex was taken 2/99. Measurement 12/98 of Hepatitis C Vims RNA by PCR testing was 2,498,200. D.F. began AHCC 1/99. 2/99 AHCC was increased to 6 gms per day in divided doses. Follow-up testing done 7/99 showed a significant decrease in the level of Hepatitis C Virus RNA to 499,600 ( an 80% reduction in 6 months).
Case 4: 48 YO Female with Metastatic Breast Cancer
M.K. presented 12/96 for treatment of breast adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated her original diagnosis was made in 1990 when she had a lumpectomy. An evaluation of hip pain in 1996 showed bilateral breast masses, positive bilateral axillary lymph nodes, and metastases to the sternum, ilia and sacrum. After a bilateral mastectomy, an aggressive alternative medical therapy was begun (all standard treatments were refused). After various alternative protocols, the patient stabilized regarding extent of metastases, pain control, and immune function, although she reported that she was not feeling well.
M.K. had AHCC added to tier treatment protocol 2/99 - 6 grams per day in divided doses. After 10 weeks on AHCC she showed a significant improvement in reported well-being as well as improved immunological parameters. These improved results (measured 4/16/99 compared with 1/28/99) included: (a) Total WBC 3.6 vs 2.8 Th/mm3; (b) Helper-Inducer T-cells (CD4) 275 vs. 232; (c) Total lymphocytes 810 vs 742; (d) Total T lymphocytes 492 vs 460; (e) B lymphocytes 124 vs 68; and (0 Helper/Suppressor ratio 1.3 vs 1.1.
These cases illustrate the clinical influences of AHCC therapy. Clearly more evaluations are necessary with larger numbers of patients over a longer study period using a double blind approach. At the same time, systematic clinical and basic research is required to elaborate on the mechanisms of benefit and the indications for AHCC's optimal use. Until then, our preliminary clinical experience suggests that AHCC has significant potential benefit in this population group worthy of further research.
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