Enhanced Production of Interleukin 1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor by Peripheral Monocytes After Lentinan Administration in Patients with Gastric Carcinoma

Authors: Shinya Arinaga, Nobunaga Karimine, Kiyosuke Takamuku, Shigeru Nanbara, Masaaki Nagamatsu, Hiroaki Ueo, and Tsuyoshi Akiyoshi

Journal: International Journal of Immunopharmacology

Study Design: The study was an uncontrolled clinical trial that investigated the effect of lentinan on the production of interleukin 1-alpha (IL-1a), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1b), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) by monocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) in patients with gastric carcinoma.

Participants: 10 patients with gastric carcinoma

Intervention: The patients were given a single dose of 2 mg lentinan intravenously.

Outcome Measures: The production of IL-1a, IL-1b, and TNF-a from monocytes in PBM was assayed before and 3, 5, and 7 days after lentinan administration.

Summary: The study found that the ability of monocytes to produce IL-1a, IL-1b, and TNF-a was significantly enhanced following intravenous administration of lentinan in patients with gastric carcinoma. The authors concluded that the augmentation of these cytokines’ production may contribute to the antitumor action of lentinan in patients with gastric carcinoma.