title: Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients.
abstract: Preclinical studies have established that the Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS) fractions have potent anti-tumor activity, which has been associated with the immuno-stimulating effects of GLPS. However, it is unclear whether GLPS has immuno-modulating effects in humans in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ganopoly, the polysaccharides fractions extracted from G. lucidum, on the immune function of advanced-stage cancer patients. Thirty-four advance-stage cancer patients were entered onto this study, and treated with 1800 mg Ganopoly, three times daily orally before meals for 12 weeks. Immune parameters (cytokines, T cell subsets, mitotic response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and natural killer activity) were compared between baseline and after 12-week treatment. Thirty patients are assessable for their immune functions. Treatment of Ganopoly for 12 weeks resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the mean plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL-2), IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, whereas the levels of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. A marked variability among patients with advanced-stage cancer was observed in the numbers of each lymphocyte subset at baseline. The mean absolute number of CD56+ cells was significantly (P < 0.05) increased after 12-week treatment of Ganopoly, whereas the numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ were just marginally increased compared to baseline levels, with the CD4:CD8 T cell ratios unchanged. PHA responses after 12-week treatment with Ganopoly were enhanced in most patients, when compared to pretreatment baselines (P < 0.05). In addition, Ganopoly treatment resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the mean NK activity compared to baselines (34.5 +/- 11.8% vs 26.6 +/- 8.3%). The present study indicates that Ganopoly enhanced the immune responses in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Clinical evaluations of response and toxicity are ongoing.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Yihuai
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Shufeng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Wenqi
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Xihu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Dai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020940:Reishi
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D016207:Cytokines; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D011134:Polysaccharides