ABSTRACT
Objective: Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide in brown seaweeds. Previous studies show that fucoidan from Gagome kombu (GKF) exhibit immune-enhancing capabilities on healthy adults. In this study, we focused on the women with the history of gynecological cancer and evaluated the safety and immune-efficacy of GKF.Methods: Ten Japanese women subjects were chosen to ingest the test samples (1 drink / day containing 200 mg GKF) for 4 weeks. Before and after ingestion, blood chemistry analysis, hematological analysis, urinalysis and immune analysis were conducted. Result: Results showed no adverse clinical changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious symptoms were observed. Moreover, decrease of serum levels of Eotaxin, IL-7, IL-17 and VEGF were observed.Conclusion: These results indicate that in the case of women with the history of gynecological cancer, GKF is a safe functional food ingredient.
ABSTRACT
<b>Objective:</b> Gagome kombu (<i>Kjellmaniella crassifolia</i>), an edible brown seaweed grown around the southern area of Hokkaido, is known to abundantly contain fucoidan. Previous studies show that on animals, fucoidan from Gagome kombu (GKF) exhibits immune-enhancing, anti-cancer and anti-influenza virus capabilities. In this study, we focused on the elderly and evaluated the safety and immune-efficacy of GKF.<br> <b>Methods:</b> Eighteen (18) Japanese elderly subjects were chosen to ingest the test samples (3 tablets/day containing 50 mg GKF and lactic acid bacteria) for 8 weeks. Before ingestion and every 4 weeks thereafter (4<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> week), blood chemistry analysis, hematological analysis, urinalysis and immune analysis were conducted.<br> <b>Result:</b> Test results showed no adverse clinical changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious symptoms were observed. Moreover, GKF markedly decreased serum IgE levels.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> These results indicate that in the case of elderly, GKF is a safe functional food ingredient.<br>
ABSTRACT
Objective:To compare immune effects of hepatitis B-BCG combined vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine.Methods:The vaccines were administered to the guinea pig at 0, 1, 2 months. The tests were divided into three parts. The immune effects were compared in three kinds of the combined vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine(Part One), in three lots of the combined vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine(Part Two), in the group of combined vaccine and the group of hepatitis B vaccine and BCG(Part Three). After 1 month of each vaccine dose, serum specimens were measured for anti-HBs by ELISA.Results:The several studies have documented the serum anti-HBs concentritious in the group of combined vaccine in first dose were lower than those of the group of control, and the data showed no significantly difference. However, anti-HBs levels of the combined vaccine group in second vaccine dose and third vaccine dose were higher than those of the control group, and this difference was no longer statistically significant in group of combined vaccine and control, and among groups of combined vaccine.Conclusion:The immune efficacy of HBsAg in group of combined vaccine is similar to the group of hepatitis B vaccine in three doses immunization schedules.