Standardized astragalus extract for attenuation of the immunosuppression induced by strenuous physical exercise: randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background This paper aimed to verify how a supplementation of rower’s diet with Astragalus Membranaceus Root (AMR) modulated their immune system response to maximal physical exertion. Methods The double-blind study included 18 members of the Polish Rowing Team assigned to the supplemented group (n = 10), and the placebo group (n = 8). The participants performed a 2000 m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the six-week of intensive training camp during which the supplemented group received 500 mg of AMR. Blood samples were obtained prior to, 1 min after completing, and 24 h after the exertion test. The levels of interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin 10 (IL10), interferon ɤ (IFN-ɣ), and lactic acid were determined. Subpopulations of T regulatory lymphocytes [CD4+/CD25+/CD127−] (Treg), cytotoxic lymphocytes [CD8+/TCRαβ+] (CTL), natural killer cells [CD3−/CD16+/CD56+] (NK), and TCRδγ-positive cells (Tδγ) were determined with flow cytometry. Results After the camp, the initial NK and Treg levels sustained at the baseline, while Tδγ counts increased relative to the levels in the placebo group. In the supplemented subgroup, a decrease in IL2 level in reaction to maximal exertion clearly deepened while the change in IL-2/IL-10 level induced by the recovery after this exertion clearly increased, relative to the changes in the placebo group. Conclusions AMR restored the immunological balance in strenuously trained athlets through a stabilization of NK and Treg cells with a positive trend in Tδγ towards Th1 response during restitution by cytokine IL2 modulation.

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Standardized astragalus extract for attenuation of the immunosuppression induced by strenuous physical exercise: randomized controlled trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-195634/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ewa Latour ◽

Jarosław Arlet ◽

Emilia Ewa Latour ◽

Artur Juszkiewicz ◽

Karolina Łuczkowska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Interleukin 2 ◽

Physical Exertion ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Interleukin 4 ◽

System Response ◽

Positive Trend ◽

Cytotoxic Lymphocytes ◽

Intensive Training

Abstract Background This paper aimed to verify how a supplementation of rower’s diet with Astragalus Membranaceus Root (AMR) modulated their immune system response to maximal physical exertion. Methods The doubleblind study included 18 members of the Polish Rowing Team assigned to the supplemented group (n = 10), and the placebo group (n = 8). The participants performed a 2000 m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the sixweek of intensive training camp during which the supplemented group received 500 mg of AMR. Blood samples were obtained prior to, one minute after completing, and 24 hours after the exertion test. The levels of interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin 10 (IL10), interferon ɤ (IFNɣ), and lactate acid were determined. Subpopulations of T regulatory lymphocytes [CD4+/CD25+/CD127−] (Treg), cytotoxic lymphocytes [CD8+/TCRαβ+] (CTL), natural killer cells [CD3−/CD16+/CD56+] (NK), and TCRδγpositive cells (Tδγ) were determined with flow cytometry. Results After the camp, the initial NK and Treg levels sustained at the baseline, while Tδγ counts increased by about x [y z] % relative to the levels in the placebo group. In the supplemented subgroup, a change in IL2 level in reaction to maximal exertion clearly decreased (x [y x]%), while the change in IL2/IL10 level induced by the recovery after this exertion clearly increased (x[y z] %), relative to the changes in the placebo group. Conclusions AMR restored the immunological balance through a stabilization of NK and Treg cells with a positive trend in Tδγ towards Th1 response during restitution by cytokine IL2 modulation.

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Effects of 4-Week Intervention withUlmus macrocarpaHance Extract on Immune Function Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/5690816 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

A Ra Cho ◽

Sang Yeoup Lee ◽

Young Hye Cho ◽

Cheol Min Kim ◽

Sung Goo Kim

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Immune Function ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Interleukin 2 ◽

Optimal Dosage ◽

Short Term ◽

Double Blind ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Term Administration

Ulmus macrocarpaextract has been shown to have immune-related effects in animals, but no studies have yet been performed in humans. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of short-term administration ofUlmus macrocarpaHance extract (UME) on immune function biomarkers and its safety in human subjects. Fifty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to a UME group or a placebo group. Subjects in the UME group were given 500 mg per day of UME orally for 4 weeks. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of tumor necrotic factor-αincreased only in the UME group at 1 week(P=0.027). The MFI of interleukin-2 decreased less significantly in the UME group than in the placebo group at 1 week(P=0.028). However, unfortunately, at 4 weeks, no intergroup differences were detected in MFIs of cytokine. In conclusion, administration of UME for 1 week increased serum TNF-αand sustains IL-2 in human, which suggests that UME increases Th1-related immune function in the short term in healthy people. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the results of this first-stage study and further trials are required to decide on optimal dosage and duration of administration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02414412.

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Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy for Prevention of Infection in High-Risk Premature Infants: Report of a Multicenter, Double-Blind Study

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.88.3.437 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 88 (3) ◽

pp. 437-443

Author(s):

Jean-François Magny ◽

Clothilde Bremard-Oury ◽

Dominique Brault ◽

Claudie Menguy ◽

Marcel Voyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

High Risk ◽

Deleterious Effect ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Immunoglobulin Therapy ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy ◽

Probable Infection ◽

And Control

The effectiveness of intravenously administered immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy for prophylaxis of infection was evaluated in high-risk preterm infants. Two hundred thirty-five premature newborns were randomly assigned, in a double-blind controlled trial, to treatment and placebo groups. Thirty-five infants (29%) of the Ig group and 29 (25%) of the placebo group had one or more episodes of certain infection. Thirty infants (25%) of the Ig group and 18 (16%) of the placebo group had one or more episodes of probable infection. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of certain or probable infection in treated and control infants. Nevertheless, among the infants who had one or more certain or probable episodes of infection, more of them belonged to the Ig group than to the placebo group. The possible deleterious effect of the administration of large amounts of polyspecific Ig is discussed.

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Perioperative Anxiolytic and Analgesic Effects of Pregabalin in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery: A randomized, double-blind study

Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine ◽

10.5812/aapm.117414 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Ayman Elrashidy ◽

Ahmed Metwally Khattab ◽

Zeinab Ahmed Elseify ◽

Mohamed E Oriby

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Needle Insertion ◽

Anxiety Score ◽

Control Group ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Analgesic Effects ◽

Peribulbar Block ◽

American Society

Objectives: This study was done to examine the effect of a single, one-time pregabalin dose on postoperative pain, anxiety, and analgesic consumption after vitrectomy performed under the peribulbar block and to assess the satisfaction of the patients as well as the surgeons. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Magrabi Eye, ENT and Dental Center, Doha, Qatar on 58 adult patients aged 37 - 75 years, who met status I and II of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and scheduled for elective vitrectomy, under the peribulbar block (PB). Of the total participants, 30 cases were randomized to receive pregabalin, while the remaining received placebo 90 minutes before surgery. Pain was assessed using a Verbal Analog Scale (VAS) score, and the levels of anxiety were gauged by verbal anxiety score. Results: Patients who received pregabalin had a significantly higher sedation score (3 ± 0 vs. & 2 ± 0.65; P < 0.05), and a significantly less anxiety score (3 ± 1.3 vs. 5 ± 1.6; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. During needle insertion for PB, patients in the pregabalin group experienced less pain compared to the control group (32 ± 15 vs. 44 ± 15; P < 0.05). Pregabalin group showed a significantly higher cooperation rate and patient satisfaction scores (3.2 ± 0.7 and 3.8 ± 0.4, respectively), compared to the placebo group (2.8 ± 0.7 and 3.4 ± 0.5, respectively). The placebo group required intraoperative midazolam more in comparison to the pregabalin group (19 vs. 5; P < 0.001). Moreover, the need for postoperative analgesia was more in the placebo group two hours postoperatively. Conclusions: Pregabalin is a potent premedication in controlling post-surgical pain and anxiety in patients undergoing vitrectomy under the PB.

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The Effect of Warfarin Sodium on the Duration of Platelet Aggregation

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1655087 ◽

1967 ◽

Vol 18 (03/04) ◽

pp. 766-778 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

H. J Knieriem ◽

A. B Chandler

Keyword(s):

Platelet Count ◽

Placebo Group ◽

Platelet Aggregation ◽

Prothrombin Time ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Warfarin Sodium

SummaryThe effect of the administration of warfarin sodium (Coumadin®) on the duration of platelet aggregation in vitro was studied. Coumadin was given for 4 consecutive days to 10 healthy adults who were followed over a period of 9 days. The duration of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma, the prothrombin time, and the platelet count of platelet-rich plasma were measured. Four other healthy adults received placebos and participated in a double-blind study with those receiving Coumadin.Although administration of Coumadin caused a prolongation of the prothrombin time to 2 or 21/2 times the normal value, a decrease in the duration of platelet aggregation was not observed. In most individuals who received Coumadin an increase in the duration of platelet aggregation occurred. The effect of Coumadin on platelet aggregation was not consistently related to the prothrombin time or to the platelet count. In the placebo group there was a distinct relation between the duration of platelet aggregation and the platelet count in platelet-rich plasma.The mean increase in the duration of platelet aggregation when compared to the control value before medication with Coumadin was 37.7%. In the placebo group there was a mean increase of 8.4%. The difference between the two groups is significant (p <0.001). Increased duration of platelet aggregation also occurred in two individuals who received Coumadin over a period of 10 and 16 days respectively.

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Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Prebiotic Enriched Infant Formula—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13041276 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1276

Author(s):

Franka Neumer ◽

Orenci Urraca ◽

Joaquin Alonso ◽

Jesús Palencia ◽

Vicente Varea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infant Formula ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

First Year ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Term Infants ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Prebiotic Oligosaccharides ◽

First Year Of Life

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an infant formula supplemented with a mixture of prebiotic short and long chain inulin-type oligosaccharides on health outcomes, safety and tolerance, as well as on fecal microbiota composition during the first year of life. In a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, n = 160 healthy term infants under 4 months of age were randomized to receive either an infant formula enriched with 0.8 g/dL of Orafti®Synergy1 or an unsupplemented control formula until the age of 12 months. Growth, fever (>38 °C) and infections were regularly followed up by a pediatrician. Digestive symptoms, stool consistency as well as crying and sleeping patterns were recorded during one week each study month. Fecal microbiota and immunological biomarkers were determined from a subgroup of infants after 2, 6 and 12 months of life. The intention to treat (ITT) population consisted of n = 149 infants. Both formulae were well tolerated. Mean duration of infections was significantly lower in the prebiotic fed infants (p < 0.05). The prebiotic group showed higher Bifidobacterium counts at month 6 (p = 0.006), and higher proportions of Bifidobacterium in relation to total bacteria at month 2 and 6 (p = 0.042 and p = 0.013, respectively). Stools of infants receiving the prebiotic formula were softer (p < 0.05). Orafti®Synergy1 tended to beneficially impact total daily amount of crying (p = 0.0594). Supplementation with inulin-type prebiotic oligosaccharides during the first year of life beneficially modulates the infant gut microbiota towards higher Bifidobacterium levels at the first 6 months of life, and is associated with reduced duration of infections.

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The Effect of Protein Supplementation versus Carbohydrate Supplementation on Muscle Damage Markers and Soreness Following a 15-km Road Race: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13030858 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 858

Author(s):

Dominique S. M. ten Haaf ◽

Martin A. Flipsen ◽

Astrid M. H. Horstman ◽

Hans Timmerman ◽

Monique A. H. Steegers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Muscle Soreness ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Protein Supplementation ◽

Group Differences ◽

Double Blind ◽

Carbohydrate Supplementation ◽

Protein Group ◽

Road Race

We assessed whether a protein supplementation protocol could attenuate running-induced muscle soreness and other muscle damage markers compared to iso-caloric placebo supplementation. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed among 323 recreational runners (age 44 ± 11 years, 56% men) participating in a 15-km road race. Participants received milk protein or carbohydrate supplementation, for three consecutive days post-race. Habitual protein intake was assessed using 24 h recalls. Race characteristics were determined and muscle soreness was assessed with the Brief Pain Inventory at baseline and 1–3 days post-race. In a subgroup (n = 149) muscle soreness was measured with a strain gauge algometer and creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations were measured. At baseline, no group-differences were observed for habitual protein intake (protein group: 79.9 ± 26.5 g/d versus placebo group: 82.0 ± 26.8 g/d, p = 0.49) and muscle soreness (protein: 0.45 ± 1.08 versus placebo: 0.44 ± 1.14, p = 0.96). Subjects completed the race with a running speed of 12 ± 2 km/h. With the Intention-to-Treat analysis no between-group differences were observed in reported muscle soreness. With the per-protocol analysis, however, the protein group reported higher muscle soreness 24 h post-race compared to the placebo group (2.96 ± 2.27 versus 2.46 ± 2.38, p = 0.039) and a lower pressure muscle pain threshold in the protein group compared to the placebo group (71.8 ± 30.0 N versus 83.9 ± 27.9 N, p = 0.019). No differences were found in concentrations of CK and LDH post-race between groups. Post-exercise protein supplementation is not more preferable than carbohydrate supplementation to reduce muscle soreness or other damage markers in recreational athletes with mostly a sufficient baseline protein intake running a 15-km road race.

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Effects of Fermented Milk Containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain Shirota on Constipation in Patients with Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2238

Author(s):

Xiaomei Zhang ◽

Shanbin Chen ◽

Ming Zhang ◽

Fazheng Ren ◽

Yimei Ren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Placebo Group ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fermented Milk ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Double Blind ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Factor Α

Probiotics have been shown to benefit patients with constipation and depression, but whether they specifically alleviate constipation in patients with depression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS), formerly Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, on constipation in patients with depression with specific etiology and gut microbiota and on depressive regimens. Eighty-two patients with constipation were recruited. The subjects consumed 100 mL of a LcS beverage (108 CFU/mL) or placebo every day for 9 weeks. After ingesting beverages for this period, we observed no significant differences in the total patient constipation-symptom (PAC-SYM) scores in the LcS group when compared with the placebo group. However, symptoms/scores in item 7 (rectal tearing or bleeding after a bowel movement) and items 8–12 (stool symptom subscale) were more alleviated in the LcS group than in the placebo group. The Beck Depression Index (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores were all significantly decreased, and the degree of depression was significantly improved in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups. The LcS intervention increased the beneficial Adlercreutzia, Megasphaera and Veillonella levels and decreased the bacterial levels related to mental illness, such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Sutterella and Oscillibacter. Additionally, the interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05). In particular, the IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the LcS group than the placebo group after the ingestion period (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the daily consumption of LcS for 9 weeks appeared to relieve constipation and improve the potentially depressive symptoms in patients with depression and significantly decrease the IL-6 levels. In addition, the LcS supplementation also appeared to regulate the intestinal microbiota related to mental illness.

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Tranexamic acid for acute intracerebral haemorrhage growth based on imaging assessment (TRAIGE): a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Stroke and Vascular Neurology ◽

10.1136/svn-2021-000942 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. svn-2021-000942

Author(s):

Jingyi Liu ◽

Ximing Nie ◽

Hongqiu Gu ◽

Qi Zhou ◽

Haixin Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Tranexamic Acid ◽

Intracerebral Haemorrhage ◽

Intracranial Haemorrhage ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intracerebral Haematoma ◽

Spot Sign ◽

Double Blind ◽

Risk Of Death

BackgroundStudies show tranexamic acid can reduce the risk of death and early neurological deterioration after intracranial haemorrhage. We aimed to assess whether tranexamic acid reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcome in intracerebral haemorrhage patients susceptible to haemorrhage expansion.MethodsWe did a prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial at 10 stroke centres in China. Acute supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage patients were eligible if they had indication of haemorrhage expansion on admission imaging (eg, spot sign, black hole sign or blend sign), and were treatable within 8 hours of symptom onset. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either tranexamic acid or a matching placebo. The primary outcome was intracerebral haematoma growth (>33% relative or >6 mL absolute) at 24 hours. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 90 days.ResultsOf the 171 included patients, 124 (72.5%) were male, and the mean age was 55.9±11.6 years. 89 patients received tranexamic acid and 82 received placebo. The primary outcome did not differ significantly between the groups: 36 (40.4%) patients in the tranexamic acid group and 34 (41.5%) patients in the placebo group had intracranial haemorrhage growth (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.77, p=0.89). The proportion of death was lower in the tranexamic acid treatment group than placebo group (8.1% vs 10.0%), but there were no significant differences in secondary outcomes including absolute intracranial haemorrhage growth, death and dependency.ConclusionsAmong patients susceptible to haemorrhage expansion treated within 8 hours of stroke onset, tranexamic acid did not significantly prevent intracerebral haemorrhage growth. Larger studies are needed to assess safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid in intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the efficacy and tolerability of sertraline in Iranian veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291711000201 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 41 (10) ◽

pp. 2159-2166 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Y. Panahi ◽

B. Rezazadeh Moghaddam ◽

A. Sahebkar ◽

M. Abbasi Nazari ◽

F. Beiraghdar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Double Blind ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Mean

BackgroundUnlike civilian post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the efficacy of sertraline for the treatment of combat-related PTSD has not yet been proven. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of sertraline against combat-related PTSD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.MethodSeventy Iranian veterans of the Iran–Iraq war who met the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of PTSD were randomized to receive either flexibly dosed sertraline (50–200 mg/day) (n=35, completers=32) or placebo (n=35, completers=30) for 10 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Clinical Global Impression scale – Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I) ratings. Responder criteria were defined as a ⩾30% reduction in the IES-R total score plus a CGI-I rating of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved.ResultsOn both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (completer) methods of analysis, the mean reductions in the IES-R total and subscale (re-experiencing/intrusion, avoidance/numbing and hyperarousal) scores (p<0.001) and also in the CGI-S score (p<0.01) were significantly greater in the sertraline group than in the placebo group. For the CGI-I, the mean endpoint score was significantly lower in the sertraline group than in the placebo group (p⩽0.001). The number of responders in the sertraline group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (44% v. 3%, p⩽0.001). Sertraline was well tolerated, with a 6% discontinuation rate as a result of adverse reactions.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that sertraline can be an effective, safe and tolerable treatment for combat-related PTSD in Iranian veterans.

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