Document 2831
 DOCN  M94A2831
 TI    AHCC immunotherapy in AIDS patients.
 DT    9412
 AU    Ghoneum M; Priestly J; Drew Univ. of Med. & Sci., Dept. of
       Otolaryngology, L.A., CA; 90059.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):215 (abstract no. PB0291). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369744
 AB    OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the immunologic effects of Active Hemicellulose
       Compound (AHCC) therapy for 12 months in 20 HIV positive homosexual men.
       AHCC is a mycelic extract of Basidiomycota which was originated from
       hybridization of several types of mushrooms. METHODS: Patients were
       given AHCC 3 g/d daily. The following parameters were examined; NK cell
       activity, absolute counts and percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells and the
       ratio of CD4/CD8. RESULTS: Treatment with AHCC resulted in: 1)
       Significant induction of NK cytotoxicity occurred at one month (220%)
       and maximized at 3 mon (440%) and was maintained at this high level. 2)
       Marked increase in the absolute CD4+ cell counts in 14/20 patients
       (120%) at one month and continued at the same level. 3) No change in
       percentage of CD4+ cells. 4) Significant increase in absolute CD8 cell
       counts in 12/20 patients (137%). 5) No change in CD4/CD8 ratio.
       DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that AHCC is a potent
       immunomodulator, with potential therapeutic role in the stimulation of
       host immune response against HIV. Its importance requires further
       studies for clinical trials.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/IMMUNOLOGY/*THERAPY  Adjuvants,
       Immunologic/PHARMACOLOGY/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Cytotoxicity,
       Immunologic/DRUG EFFECTS  CD4-CD8 Ratio/DRUG EFFECTS  Drug Evaluation
       Human  Killer Cells, Natural/DRUG EFFECTS  Leukocyte Count/DRUG EFFECTS
       Male  Polysaccharides/PHARMACOLOGY/*THERAPEUTIC USE  MEETING ABSTRACT

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