RESUMO
We studied the effects of a supplement containing freeze-dried earthworm powder : “Protein Related compound Derived from Redworm (PR-DR)” for atherosclerosis in 19 patients (10 females, average age : 61.5 ± 6.9), whose vascular ages were estimated to be older than their actual ages based on the index of atherosclerosis ; Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) by carotid ultrasonography and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI). After we obtained informed consent, they took daily dose of 6 PR-DR capsules for 6 months. Each capsule contains 40 mg of powdered extract of <i>Lumbricus rubellus</i>, which is known to contain fibrin-degrading an enzyme and to increase the effect of t-PA.<br>Before and 6 months after intake, we found significant decrease in 3 indicators of atherosclerosis. The scores of difference between 2 time points (6 month-pre) were IMT-Cmax : -0.15 ± 0.16 mm, maxIMT : -0.22 ± 0.17 mm, plaque score : -1.57 ± 1.12 (all p < 0.01 by Wilcoxon signed-rank test). As statins and EPA also decrease atherosclerosis, we excluded 6 patients who were taking these medications. Even in the remaining 13 patients (7 females, average age : 61.2 ± 7.9), 3 indicators were still significantly lower (IMT-Cmax : -0.07 ± 0.07 mm, maxIMT : -0.19 ± 0.17 mm, plaque score : -1.39 ± 1.04 ; all p < 0.01) after 6 months of intake. Thus, the results showed that PR-DR has anti-atherosclerosis effect and can be used clinically for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diseases associated with it.