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Published on: January 19, 2019
[Antitumor effects of intratumoral injection of Basidiomycetes preparations]
1Division of Immunology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute.
Abstract:
The antitumor effects of Basidiomycetes preparations in an experimental mouse model, the "double grafted tumor system" were analyzed. Some BRMs prevented metastases by utilizing the anti-tumor immunological cascade reactions, which activates macrophages in the body. The following Basidiomycetes preparations were analyzed: PSK was a hot water extract of cultured mycelia from Coliolus versicolor and a protein bound beta-glucan. Matsumax was extracted from mycelia of Tricholoma matsutake and was a protein bound (38%) a-glucan. The Agaricus preparation was extracted from fruit bodies of Agaricus blazei and a protein-bound (17%) a-glucan, beta-glucan. Himematsutake preparation was extracted from fruit body of Agaricus blazei (Himematsutake) and a protein bound (5%) glucan. Lentinan was purified from fruit bodies of Lentinus edodes and is a purified beta-glucan. PSK cured both primary and metastatic tumors in the double grafted tumor system. Lentinan inhibited the growth of neither primary nor metastatic tumors. Matsumax and Agaricus preparation cured primary tumor and inhibited the growth of metastatic tumor. Himematsutake preparation inhibited the growth of primary tumor. Immunosuppresive acidic protein (IAP) is produced by activated mactrophates. The PSK, Matsumax, Agaricus preparation and Himematsutake preparation induced IAP but Lentinan did not.
Insights
Certain Basidiomycetes mushroom extracts, like PSK, Matsumax, and Agaricus, show significant antitumor effects by activating immune responses. These biological response modifiers (BRMs) demonstrate potential in preventing tumor growth and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- * Mycology
- * Immunology
- * Pharmacology
Background:
- * Basidiomycetes fungi produce bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties.
- * Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs) from mushrooms can modulate the immune system.
- * The
- double grafted tumor system
- mouse model is used to study anti-tumor effects, including metastasis prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To analyze the anti-tumor effects of various Basidiomycetes preparations.
- * To investigate the efficacy of these preparations in preventing tumor metastasis.
- * To explore the relationship between BRM administration and immune activation, specifically macrophage activation and Immunosuppressive Acidic Protein (IAP) production.
Main Methods:
- * Evaluation of Basidiomycetes preparations including PSK, Matsumax, Agaricus, Himematsutake, and Lentinan in a double grafted tumor system mouse model.
- * Analysis of tumor growth, metastasis inhibition, and survival rates.
- * Measurement of Immunosuppressive Acidic Protein (IAP) levels as an indicator of macrophage activation.
Main Results:
- * PSK (from *Coliolus versicolor*) demonstrated complete cure of primary and metastatic tumors.
- * Matsumax and Agaricus preparation (from *Tricholoma matsutake* and *Agaricus blazei*, respectively) cured primary tumors and inhibited metastasis.
- * Himematsutake preparation (from *Agaricus blazei*) inhibited primary tumor growth, while Lentinan (from *Lentinus edodes*) showed no significant effect on primary or metastatic tumors.
- * PSK, Matsumax, Agaricus, and Himematsutake preparations induced IAP production, indicating macrophage activation, whereas Lentinan did not.
Conclusions:
- * Several Basidiomycetes preparations exhibit potent anti-tumor and anti-metastatic properties.
- * The anti-tumor efficacy of these BRMs is linked to the activation of anti-tumor immunological cascade reactions, particularly macrophage activation.
- * Different Basidiomycetes extracts possess varying degrees of anti-tumor activity and mechanisms of action.
