Inhibitory Action of a (l→6)-β-D-Glucan-Protein Complex (FIII-2-b) Isolated from Agaricus blazei Murili (“Himematsutake”) on Meth A Fibrosarcoma-Bearing Mice and Its Antitumor Mechanism

Abstract

In the group receiving FIII-2-b, the percentages of splenic Thyl.2-, L3T4 and asialo GM1-positive cells were significantly increased as compared with the tumor-bearing mice treated with saline. Furthermore, the L3T4+/Lyt2+ ratio showed a tendency to increase, and the Lyt2+/Thy1.2+ ratio was markedly decreased. These results suggest that the antitumor effect of F III -2-b may be correlated with the changing pattern of the Thyl.2-, L3T4 and asialo GM1-positive cells.

An Extract of the Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill Administered Orally Protects Against Systemic Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection in Mice

“…Because the immune system uses similar mechanisms for fighting cancer and viral infections, i.e. NK cells and cytotoxic T cells, and AbM has proved to be effective against cancer in mice [9,10], AbM will probably also have an effect against viral infections. Because AbM stimulates monocyte secretion of cytokines [6], activates complement [26] and contains b-glucans [9,10], which are known stimulators of the native immune system [7], the observed action of AbM most probably is due to induced enhanced native immunity.…”

“…NK cells and cytotoxic T cells, and AbM has proved to be effective against cancer in mice [9,10], AbM will probably also have an effect against viral infections. Because AbM stimulates monocyte secretion of cytokines [6], activates complement [26] and contains b-glucans [9,10], which are known stimulators of the native immune system [7], the observed action of AbM most probably is due to induced enhanced native immunity. We have also found that the particular AbM extract used presently stimulates monocyte production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-8 and TNF-a, as demonstrated by enhanced gene expression and gene products using microarrays and immunoassays, respectively (submitted manuscripts by Ellertsen et al and Bernardshaw et al ).…”

“…The antitumour effects of AbM components have been documented in mouse models and cancer cell cultures [9][10][11]. AbM mycelium has also been shown to inhibit the cytopathic effects of Western equine encephalitis virus on VERO cells in culture [12], and in vitro bactericidal and fungicidal effects of Agaricus sp.…”

“…These in vivo effects were observed after parenteral injection of the polysaccharides but not confirmed in the S. pneumoniae model after oral administration. Because AbM [9,10], similarly to b-glucans [22,23], has antitumour effects, and b-glucans also have anti-infection effects [20,24,25], the aims of the present study were to examine whether AbM extract protects against systemic S. pneumoniae infection in a mouse model and to examine the effect of a water extract of AbM administered orally against infections with the moderately virulent S. pneumoniae serotype 6B. End points were peripheral bacteraemia and survival rate of the animals.…”

Inhibitory Effect ofAgaricu blazeiMurill Components on Abnormal Collagen Fiber Formation in Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells

“…Anti-tumor activity [1][2][3][4][5] and activation of lymphocytes [6][7][8] were observed as in vivo biological activities of Agaricus blazei. Additionally, an Agaricus blazei Murill extract treatment has improved the chemotherapic side effects in gynecological cancer patients.…”