Category: Alternative Treatments

Pharmacological significance of MitoQ in ameliorating mitochondria-related diseases

Abstract:

The Mitochondria is a critical sub-cellular organelle that plays an integral part in a normal cellular process. Besides ATP production, the mitochondria participate in various key cellular processes such as cell signaling, epigenetic regulation leading to cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, differentiation, and autophagy – highlighting their importance to cellular health. However, mitochondrial dysfunction has serious organismal consequences, playing critical roles in the pathophysiology of many diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, pulmonary and liver diseases. In recent years, mitochondrial dysfunction has spurred a surge of interest in developing mitochondria-targeted therapies.

MitoQ is a selective antioxidant that concentrates in the mitochondria and prevents oxidative damage to the mitochondria. The therapeutic relevance of MitoQ has been studied in various diseased conditions to determine its efficacy in either slowing disease progression or alleviating symptoms. In this review, we discussed mitochondrial dysfunction in selected diseases and the therapeutic benefit of MitoQ in numerous studies.

Source: Lateef Adegboyega Sulaimon, Lukman Olalekan Afolabi, Rahmat Adetutu Adisa, Akinrinade George Ayankojo, Mariam Olanrewaju Afolabi, Abiodun Mohammed Adewolu, Xiaochun Wan. Pharmacological significance of MitoQ in ameliorating mitochondria-related diseases. Advances in Redox Research, 2022 [In Press, Journal pre-proof]  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667137922000091 (Full text)

Electroacupuncture at BL15 attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome by downregulating iNOS/NO signaling in C57BL/6 mice

Abstract:

in English, Chinese

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has a high incidence due to the increased pressure of daily life and work in modern society. Our previous clinical studies have found the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on CFS patients, however, the mechanism of EA on CFS is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of EA on cardiac function in a CFS mouse model to explore its underlying mechanism.

The mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, CFS, and CFS mice receiving EA (CFS + EA). After behavioral assessments and echocardiographic measurement, blood and heart tissue of the mice were collected for biochemical tests, and then we evaluated the effects of EA on the CFS mouse model when nitric oxide (NO) levels were enhanced by l-arginine.

The results showed that EA ameliorated the injured motor and cardiac function. Meanwhile, EA also inhibited increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at heart tissue and the serum NO levels in mice subjected to sustained forced swimming stress. Furthermore, the NO level in serum increased with l-arginine administration, which blocked the effects of EA on CFS mice. This study suggested that EA could improve the motor function and cardiac function in CFS mice and its effects may be associated with the down-regulation of iNOS/NO signaling.

Source: Zhu Y, Wang J, Yao L, Huang Y, Yang H, Yu X, Chen X, Chen Y. Electroacupuncture at BL15 attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome by downregulating iNOS/NO signaling in C57BL/6 mice. Anat Rec (Hoboken). 2022 May 24. doi: 10.1002/ar.24953. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35608198. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35608198/

Improvement in Long-COVID Symptoms Using Acupuncture: A Case Study

Abstract:

Background: The long-COVID syndrome (LCS), defined by residual symptoms from acute COVID-19 for <60 days, affects about one-third of all COVID survivors and is an emerging public health challenge. Empirical data about the range of symptoms or the utility of acupuncture alone for the LCS are very limited.

Case: This observational case study of a 46-year-old male with LCS was conducted to preliminarily define the range of symptoms, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic structure, and evaluate the potential utility of prescribed acupuncture for LCS.

Results: The primary TCM diagnostic patterns from this patient’s LCS presentation included Lung Qi and Yin Deficiency, Qi and Blood Stagnation, and Spleen Qi Deficiency with dampness. Acupuncture for this patient was associated with reduced symptoms and signs of LCS.

Conclusion: A preliminary TCM diagnostic structure for LCS was defined. Acupuncture appears to have been helpful for a patient with LCS. Further research is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of acupuncture and/or other TCM modalities for LCS.

Source: Michael Hollifield, Karen Cocozza, Teresa Calloway, Jennifer Lai, Brianna Caicedo, Kala Carrick, Ruth Alpert, and An-Fu Hsiao. Medical Acupuncture (ahead of print). http://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2021.0088 https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acu.2021.0088  (Full text)

Aromatherapy blend of thyme, orange, clove bud, and frankincense boosts energy levels in post-COVID-19 female patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial

Abstract:

Background: A large proportion of individuals who have recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection continue to experience symptoms months later. Post-acute COVID-19 (long-haul COVID-19) can range from serious complications to quality of life symptoms such as fatigue or insomnia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential for inhalation of essential oils to improve energy levels among otherwise healthy female survivors of acute COVID-19 who experience a lack of energy more than five months after recovery. This study was conducted in the United States in late 2021.

Method: This was a randomized double blind, placebo controlled trial to evaluate the potential for inhalation of Longevity™, a proprietary essential oil blend manufactured by Young Living Essential Oils (Lehi, Utah, USA), on energy levels among female survivors of COVID-19 who continue to experience fatigue more than 5 months recovery from the acute infection. Forty women were randomized to two groups: intervention and placebo. Both groups inhaled the assigned product twice daily for fourteen consecutive days. Fatigue scores were measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory (MFSI). Secondary outcomes included scores on each of the MFSI’s ten subscales.

Results: Individuals who inhaled the essential oil blend for 2 weeks had significantly lower fatigue scores after controlling for baseline scores, employment status, BMI, olfactory function, and time since diagnosis, with a large effect size (F (1,39) = 6.15, p = .020, partial eta squared = 0.198). Subscale analysis identified subscales of vigor, as well as global, behavioral, general, and mental fatigue as benefiting from the intervention. This study provides evidence that a proprietary aromatherapy blend can significantly improve energy levels among women who are experiencing fatigue after recovering from COVID-19.

Source: Hawkins J, Hires C, Keenan L, Dunne E. Aromatherapy blend of thyme, orange, clove bud, and frankincense boosts energy levels in post-COVID-19 female patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2022 Aug;67:102823. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102823. Epub 2022 Mar 25. PMID: 35341944; PMCID: PMC8949693. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8949693/ (Full text)

Ginger-indirect moxibustion plus acupuncture versus acupuncture alone for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract:

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of ginger-indirect moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Methods: In this central randomized, controlled trial, 290 CFS participants were recruited and randomly allocated to group A (ginger-indirect moxibustion plus acupuncture) or group B (acupuncture alone). The study consisted of a treatment period of 8 weeks with a total of 24 treatments (3 sessions per week, every other day), and a follow-up period of 12 weeks. The outcome was measured by Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Psychological Health Report (SPHERE), the Self-rating depression scale (SDS) and the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) at baseline, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 20 weeks.

Results: With the treatment undergoing, the changes of FSS, SPHERE, SDS and HAMA scores in both groups increased gradually, and the effect maintained at the 12th week. Between groups, significantly higher score changes were seen in group A in FSS after 4 weeks treatment (11.94 9.12, 95%: 0.94, 4.7) and in SPHERE after 2 weeks treatment (3.7 2.27, 95%: 0.56, 2.31). But for SDS and HAMA, the improvement did not differ significantly between groups. No severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: Ginger-indirect moxibustion is a safe and effective intervention to relieve fatigue and accompanying physical symptoms of CFS.

Source: Tingting MA, Jie WU, Lijie Y, Fen F, Huilin Y, Jinhua Z, Yanjin Z, Qing N, Lirong H, Youbing L, Jue Y, Guiquan C, Tianshu H, Li W, Yuanfang R, Jing T. Ginger-indirect moxibustion plus acupuncture versus acupuncture alone for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. J Tradit Chin Med. 2022 Apr;42(2):242-249. doi: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20211214.003. PMID: 35473345. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35473345/

Molecular Hydrogen as a Medical Gas for the Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Possible Efficacy Based on a Literature Review

Abstract:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disorder that is characterized by fatigue that persists for more than 6 months, weakness, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction.

There are multiple possible etiologies for ME/CFS, among which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a major role in abnormal energy metabolism.

The potential of many substances for the treatment of ME/CFS has been examined; however, satisfactory outcomes have not yet been achieved. The development of new substances for curative, not symptomatic, treatments is desired.

Molecular hydrogen (H2) ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction by scavenging hydroxyl radicals, the most potent oxidant among reactive oxygen species.

Animal experiments and clinical trials reported that H2 exerted ameliorative effects on acute and chronic fatigue. Therefore, we conducted a literature review on the mechanism by which H2 improves acute and chronic fatigue in animals and healthy people and showed that the attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction by H2 may be involved in the ameliorative effects.

Although further clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy and mechanism of H2 gas in ME/CFS, our literature review suggested that H2 gas may be an effective medical gas for the treatment of ME/CFS.

Source: Shin-ichi Hirano, Yusuke Ichikawa, Bunpei Sato, Yoshiyasu Takefuji and Fumitake Satoh. Molecular Hydrogen as a Medical Gas for the Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Possible Efficacy Based on a Literature Review. Front. Neurol., 11 April 2022  https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.841310 (Full text)

Long COVID and long chain fatty acids (LCFAs): Psychoneuroimmunity implication of omega-3 LCFAs in delayed consequences of COVID-19

Abstract:

The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the lasting pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the post-acute phase sequelae of heterogeneous negative impacts in multiple systems known as the “long COVID.” The mechanisms of neuropsychiatric complications of long COVID are multifactorial, including long-term tissue damages from direct CNS viral involvement, unresolved systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, maladaptation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and coagulation system, dysregulated immunity, the dysfunction of neurotransmitters and hypothalamus–pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis, and the psychosocial stress imposed by societal changes in response to this pandemic. The strength of safety, well-acceptance, and accumulating scientific evidence has now afforded nutritional medicine a place in the mainstream of neuropsychiatric intervention and prophylaxis.

Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 or n-3 PUFAs) might have favorable effects on immunity, inflammation, oxidative stress and psychoneuroimmunity at different stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Omega-3 PUFAs, particularly EPA, have shown effects in treating mood and neurocognitive disorders by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, altering the HPA axis, and modulating neurotransmission via lipid rafts. In addition, omega-3 PUFAs and their metabolites, including specialized pro-resolvin mediators, accelerate the process of cleansing chronic inflammation and restoring tissue homeostasis, and therefore offer a promising strategy for Long COVID. In this article, we explore in a systematic review the putative molecular mechanisms by which omega-3 PUFAs and their metabolites counteract the negative effects of long COVID on the brain, behavior, and immunity.

Source: Yang CP, Chang CM, Yang CC, Pariante CM, Su KP. Long COVID and long chain fatty acids (LCFAs): Psychoneuroimmunity implication of omega-3 LCFAs in delayed consequences of COVID-19. Brain Behav Immun. 2022 Apr 4;103:19-27. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.04.001. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35390469; PMCID: PMC8977215. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8977215/ (Full text)

Reducing fatigue-related symptoms in Long COVID-19: a preliminary report of a lymphatic drainage intervention

Abstract:

In the early days of the first global wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential for a postviral syndrome to manifest following COVID-19 infection was first recognized. Here, we present an analysis of a case series of the first 20 patients’ data collected in clinical practice to evaluate the potential of a possible alternative treatment for Long COVID.

Methods: Face-to-face treatment sessions with Perrin technique practitioners occurred weekly involving effleurage/other manual articulatory techniques. The individuals being treated also undertook daily self-massage along with gentle mobility exercises. Patients recorded symptom severity using the self-report 54-item profile of fatigue-related states (PFRS) before and after treatment.

Results: The mean age of male patients was 41.8 years (range, 29-53 years), and for female patients, 39.3 years (range, 28-50 years). None of the participants had a prior diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, and all were new attendees to the clinics at the time of initial assessment. The average number of treatment sessions was 9.7 in men and 9.4 in women. The reduction in PFRS scores was 45% in men and 52% in women. The highest subscale scores on average were for fatigue, with the lowest for somatic symptoms. All subscale scores showed, on average, a similar reduction of approximately 50% postintervention, with the reduction in score relating to a decrease in the severity of symptoms.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a specific manual lymphatic drainage intervention may help to reduce fatigue symptoms related to Long COVID. Perhaps preventing acute symptoms through early intervention.

Source: H Heald A, Perrin R, Walther A, Stedman M, Hann M, Mukherjee A, Riste L. Reducing fatigue-related symptoms in Long COVID-19: a preliminary report of a lymphatic drainage intervention. Cardiovasc Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Apr 12;11(2):e0261. doi: 10.1097/XCE.0000000000000261. PMID: 35441129; PMCID: PMC9010124. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9010124/ (Full text)

Dietary Recommendations for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Abstract:

At the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, global efforts focused on containing the spread of the virus and avoiding contagion. Currently, it is evident that health professionals should deal with the overall health status of COVID-19 survivors. Indeed, novel findings have identified post-COVID-19 syndrome, which is characterized by malnutrition, loss of fat-free mass, and low-grade inflammation. In addition, the recovery might be complicated by persistent functional impairment (i.e., fatigue and muscle weakness, dysphagia, appetite loss, and taste/smell alterations) as well as psychological distress.

Therefore, the appropriate evaluation of nutritional status (assessment of dietary intake, anthropometrics, and body composition) is one of the pillars in the management of these patients. On the other hand, personalized dietary recommendations represent the best strategy to ensure recovery. Therefore, this review aimed to collect available evidence on the role of nutrients and their supplementation in post-COVID-19 syndrome to provide a practical guideline to nutritionists to tailor dietary interventions for patients recovering from COVID-19 infections.

Source: Barrea L, Grant WB, Frias-Toral E, Vetrani C, Verde L, de Alteriis G, Docimo A, Savastano S, Colao A, Muscogiuri G. Dietary Recommendations for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 20;14(6):1305. doi: 10.3390/nu14061305. PMID: 35334962; PMCID: PMC8954128. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8954128/(Full text)

Metabolomics study of the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang on rats with chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for “invigorating qi and enriching blood”, has been reported to produce a good effect on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, the related mechanism remains largely unresolved. In this study, a metabolomics approach with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry combined with pattern recognition was devised to estimate the extent to which DBT alleviated CFS induced by food restriction and force swimming in rats.

After four weeks of treatment, the endurance capability of rats was significantly better and the motionless time was significantly shorter in the DBT group than in CFS model group. Moreover, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were increased, while the levels of MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the DBT treatment group. Fifteen significantly changed metabolites were observed in the serum of rats with CFS, which was reversed markedly by DBT treatment. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that DBT could possibly alleviate CFS in rats by regulating phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, glycine, serine and the metabolism of threonine, glycerolipid, glyoxylate, dicarboxylate and tyrosine. It was observed that the metabolism of glycine, serine and threonine was most closely related to the improvement of CFS by DBT treatment. This study showed that DBT could improve CFS effectively and metabolomics was a powerful means to gain insights into the traditional Chinese medicine formulas against CFS.

Source: Miao X, Li S, Xiao B, Yang J, Huang R. Metabolomics study of the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang on rats with chronic fatigue syndrome. Biomed Chromatogr. 2022 Apr 4:e5379. doi: 10.1002/bmc.5379. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35373377.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35373377/