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Rikkunshito and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist improve cisplatin-induced anorexia via hypothalamic ghrelin interaction
Koji Yakabi1, Susumu Kurosawa, Mitsuo Tamai
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, 1981 Tsujido-machi, Kamoda, Kawagoe-city, Saitama 350-8550, Japan.
Regulatory Peptides
|February 23, 2010
Summary
Chemotherapy-induced anorexia may stem from reduced hypothalamic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) gene expression. Rikkunshito (RKT) and a 5-HT2C antagonist reversed this decrease, restoring appetite.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Circulating ghrelin regulates appetite, but central ghrelin's role in chemotherapy-induced anorexia is unknown.
- Cisplatin chemotherapy often causes anorexia, significantly impacting patient well-being and treatment adherence.
- Rikkunshito (RKT), a traditional Japanese medicine, may offer therapeutic benefits for chemotherapy side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of rikkunshito (RKT) on hypothalamic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) expression in cisplatin-induced anorexia.
- To elucidate the central mechanisms underlying cisplatin-induced anorexia and RKT's action.
- To determine the role of 5-HT2C receptors in chemotherapy-induced appetite loss.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of ghrelin, cisplatin, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), SB242084HCl, and RKT in rats.
- Measurement of hypothalamic GHS-R1a mRNA expression and food intake.
- Assessment of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (granisetron, ondansetron) and GHS-R1a antagonist effects.
Main Results:
- Cisplatin and mCPP significantly reduced hypothalamic GHS-R1a gene expression and food intake.
- SB242084HCl (5-HT2C antagonist) and RKT reversed the decrease in GHS-R1a expression and restored food intake.
- RKT's beneficial effects were partly mediated by hesperidin and isoliquiritigenin.
Conclusions:
- Cisplatin-induced anorexia may be exacerbated by reduced hypothalamic GHS-R1a gene expression.
- Rikkunshito (RKT) and 5-HT2C receptor antagonism suppress chemotherapy-induced anorexia by preserving GHS-R1a signaling.
- RKT shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing chemotherapy-related appetite loss.
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