ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Coccomyxa sp. strain KJ (Coccomyxa KJ), a microalga found in Japan, has a potential function in controlling viral infections. Recently, its dry powder has been marketed as a health food product. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study investigated the effects of Coccomyxa KJ powder tablet intake on allergic reactions and immune functions in healthy participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine healthy volunteers (4 males and 5 females) who expressed interest in foods containing Coccomyxa KJ, and were willing to undergo blood tests, were recruited. Each individual was asked to take 2 Coccomyxa KJ powder tablets (0.3 g) before breakfast once a day for 4 weeks. The salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) level and blood parameters (white blood cell (WBC) count, eosinophil and lymphocyte counts and percentages, natural killer (NK) cell activity, interleukin (IL)-6 level, and T helper (Th)1/Th2 cell ratio) were evaluated at baseline and weeks 2 and 4. RESULTS: The 4-week intake of Coccomyxa KJ did not affect salivary IgA levels, WBC count, eosinophil and lymphocyte counts and percentages, or the Th1/Th2 ratio. There were significant differences in the NK cell activity after 4 weeks, with an average increase of 11.78 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 6.80-16.76). None of the patients experienced adverse reactions during or after the study. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term Coccomyxa KJ intake improved NK cell activity without causing adverse effects on the indicators of local immunity, systemic inflammation and immune response balance. This study suggests that Coccomyxa KJ powder tablets can induce beneficial immune modifications without causing any adverse effects.
Subject(s)
Microalgae , Male , Female , Humans , Pilot Projects , Allergens , Powders , Interleukin-6 , Immunoglobulin AABSTRACT
We have previously shown that the C-terminal region of the intermediate subunit of Entamoeba histolytica galactose- and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-inhibitable lectin (C-Igl) is a useful antigen for serodiagnosis of amebiasis. An immunochromatographic kit was developed using fluorescent silica nanoparticles coated with C-Igl prepared in Escherichia coli. Samples for examination were added to the freeze-dried particles and then applied to the immunochromatographic device, in which a test line on the membrane was also coated with C-Igl. Fluorescent intensity was measured using a hand-held reader. In an evaluation of the kit using a human monoclonal antibody, the minimum amount of C-Igl specific antibody showing positive results was 100 pg. In the evaluation of serum samples with different antibody titers in indirect immunofluorescent antibody tests in the kit, 20 µL of serum was sufficient to obtain positive results at 30 min. Serum samples from symptomatic patients with amebic colitis and amebic liver abscess and those from asymptomatic E. histolytica-cyst carriers showed positive results in the kit. Based on evaluation using sera from healthy controls and patients with other infectious diseases, the sensitivity and specificity of the kit were 100 and 97.6%, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that the newly developed kit is useful for rapid serodiagnosis of amebiasis.
