C U J O Lima, V C Souza, M C Morita, M D Chiarello, M G de Oliveira Karnikowski
Journal: Scandinavian journal of immunology 2012;75(3):336-41
PMID: 22010847
The Brazilian mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects which are thought to be due to its content of beta-glucans and proteoglycans. Polymorphisms in the genes that code for IFN-c (interferon-c), TNF-a (tumour necrosis factor alpha) and IL-6 (interleukin-6) have been implicated in variations in the levels of these cytokines and may account for discrepancies seen in studies of the effects of AbM on cytokines in humans. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of AbM on IL-6, IFN-c, and TNF-a) levels in elderly overweight women with the most common genetic polymorphisms for these cytokines. Dietary habits were assessed and controlled for. 57 women completed the study and were given either 900 mg AbM dry extract or placebo (600 mg psyllium husk and 600 mg gelatin) for 60 days. The investigators found no statistically significant difference in the three cytokines evaluated between the AbM and the placebo group. This is in contrast to animal and in vitro studies and to the results of a trial in healthy younger adults. The authors discuss various possible explanations for this discrepancy, including the fact that this study used a dry extract of AbM, whereas other studies have used fluid extracts.
There is scientific evidence to suggest that the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) has immunomodulatory effects on cytokine synthesis, both in vitro and in vivo. This study was the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to investigate these purported actions in elderly women. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of AbM intake on serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in community-living seniors. The sample consisted of 57 elderly females who were carriers or homozygous for the majority allele of functional polymorphisms for the chosen cytokines. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive placebo (n = 29) or AbM dry extract (n = 28), 900 mg/day for 60 days. Body mass index, abdominal girth, body composition, blood pressure and cytokine (IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) levels were measured, and food intake was assessed as a possible confounder. Analysis of these parameters showed the sample was characterized by overweight and excess adiposity. After the study period, no changes from baseline were detectable for any parameter in either group. In this study, AbM extract had no modulating effect on IL-6, IFN-γ or TNF-α levels in elderly females.
© 2011 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
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