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Adding Compound Kushen Injection (CKI), a traditional Chinese medicine, to chemotherapy treatment enhanced treatment response and reduced side effects in advanced colorectal cancer patients.
2024 Integrative Cancer Therapies Efficacy and Safety of Compound Kushen Injection for Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials with Trial Sequential Analysis Wu J, Ma X, Wang X, Zhu G, Wang H, Zhang Y, et al.
Meta-Analysis Colorectal Cancer Ku Shen
This study systematically collected data from a myriad of sources including, but not limited to, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to April 20, 2024. An assessment tool, ROB2, was used to measure the quality of the included trials, while data analysis was done using Stata 16. Publication bias was evaluated with the funnel plot and Egger's test. To calculate the final required sample size in this meta-analysis and verify whether the results presented a stable conclusion, trial sequential analysis was used.
The data collected from these sixteen trials, consisting of 1378 patients showcased that when compared to chemotherapy alone, the combination of CKI and chemotherapy resulted in improved response rates and enhancement of the patient's performance status. Furthermore, this combination therapy was associated with fewer adverse reactions like leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal reactions, and liver damage. Patients also exhibited high CD4 ratios and comparatively low CD8 T cell ratios. A subgroup analysis further demonstrated that the response rates improved significantly when CKI was combined with specific chemotherapy regimens. Overall, this data strongly suggests that the addition of CKI to chemotherapy provided statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in treatment response rates, patient wellbeing, reduction in adverse reactions, and enhanced immune function.
Carrageenan, a common food additive, potentially exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) symptoms by altering gut microbiota, inducing intestinal permeability, and triggering inflammation.
2024 Nutrients Carrageenan in the Diet: Friend or Foe for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Kimilu N, Gładyś-Cieszyńska K, Pieszko M, Mańkowska-Wierzbicka D, Folwarski M
Carrageenan Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The study involved a comprehensive literature review, where the researchers carried out an in-depth analysis of past studies evaluating carrageenan's impact on gut health, particularly in relation to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Using predefined search terms, they scoured medical and scientific databases, MEDLINE and SCOPUS. They considered research focusing on carrageenan's effect on the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, inflammatory processes, its relationship with cancer, and its role as a food additive in the context of autoimmune diseases.
The review divulged that degraded carrageenan, as used in animal studies, appeared to promote intestinal ulceration and inflammation, suggesting a potential risk in exacerbating IBD. Additionally, carrageenan also appeared to disrupt gut microbiota, reducing bacterial diversity therein, and increased intestinal permeability, which in turn could possibly contribute to 'leaky gut' syndrome. Interestingly, some studies suggested a possible anti-cancer effect, since carrageenan might inhibit the growth of cancer cells by affecting cell cycle progression. Besides, the additive seemed to elevate glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Berry fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries could potentially improve gut microbiota and reverse dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease patients.
2023 Nutrition Reviews Blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry as modulators of the gut microbiota: target for treatment of gut dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease? From current evidence to future possibilities Coutinho-Wolino KS, Melo MFS, Mota JC, Mafra D, Guimarães JT, Stockler-Pinto MB
Review Article Chronic Kidney Disease Cranberry Gut Microbiota
Methodology: This research explores the therapeutic potential of berry fruits, including blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, in relation to modulating gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The fruit’s rich polyphenol and nutrient content are assumed to promote the selective growth of beneficial bacteria, thus improving the clinical status of these patients. The study scrutinizes the impact on the abundance of mucus-producing bacteria and short-chain fatty acids specifically.
Discussion of Results: The gathered evidence illustrates that berry fruits, particularly with a daily intake of 5 mg, can promote diversity in the gut microbiota and possibly reverse dysbiosis, a common issue in chronic kidney disease patients. These fruits are found to increase the expression of mRNA involved in gut tight junctions such as occludin, TJP1, and mucin, and they may reduce uremic toxins by controlling the gut microbiota, improving the uremic condition. As such, long-term use of berry fruits could be an effective strategy for CKD patients.
Crocin, a compound derived from saffron, has shown considerable potential in hindering tumor growth and improving immune status, across various malignant tumors.
2023 PeerJ Advances on the anti-tumor mechanisms of the carotenoid Crocin Bao X, Hu J, Zhao Y, Jia R, Zhang H, Xia L
Review Article Anti-Tumour Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer
The methodology for the study involved an in-depth review of modern pharmacological studies that have analyzed the therapeutic effects of crocin, a natural compound that can be extracted from saffron. Various anti-tumor effects were assessed including the induction of tumor cell death (apoptosis), restrictions on tumor cell proliferation, and potential barriers to invasion and metastasis of these cells. The potential for enhancement of sensitivity to chemotherapy and improvement of immune status were also examined.
Following the review, the study revealed that crocin has significant anti-tumor properties. It showed that this natural compound can induce apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibit their expansion and progression, and even prevent their invasiveness and metastasis. Furthermore, crocin demonstrated the potential to enhance the body’s responsiveness to chemotherapy and help boost the immune system. These effects were observed across a range of different malignant tumors, including stomach, liver, cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers.
Seaweed polysaccharides, especially those found in the cell walls of marine algae, hold significant potential as a natural, complementary treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
2023 Life The Role of Seaweed Polysaccharides in Gastrointestinal Health: Protective Effect against Inflammatory Bowel Disease Liyanage NM, Nagahawatta DP, Jayawardena TU, Jeon YJ
Digestive Health Inflammatory Bowel Disease Seaweed
The study analysed the therapeutic properties of sulfated polysaccharides, including carrageenan in red algae, ulvan in green algae, and fucoidan in brown algae, which are abundantly present in the cell walls of marine algae. Addressing key IBD pathologic treatment targets, the research explored polysaccharides' effects on inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, intestinal epithelial cells, and intestinal microflora. These therapeutic targets were analyzed with an emphasis on utilizing natural substances like seaweed polysaccharides for improving IBD treatment efficacy.
Building upon the theory of a nutritional preventive mechanism for IBD and the restoration of intestinal health, the findings underscore the potent therapeutic capabilities of these natural compounds. Algal polysaccharides were found to have immense potential as a complementary treatment for IBD. It was suggested that these natural substances can be developed into effective drugs and functionally nutritious products, emphasizing a natural approach towards managing this global public health issue.
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