Klinischer Nachweis durch Lektine im Rahmen der Misteltherapie

Author(s): Hostanska, K., Trittin, A., Gabius, S., Hajto, T.

Journal/Book: therapeutikon. 1990; 4: 38-45.

Abstract: Proof of therapeutical efficiency of individual components is an essential requirement for rational clinical application of extracts. Additionally, it is also a prerequisite for standardization and elucidation of optimal use Based on the assumptions that protein(lectin)-carbohydrate(glycoconjugate)-recognition plays a fundamental role in immune regulation and that success with mistletoe therapy is correlated to defineable extract components, we focus on the potential importance of lectins, especially a ?-galactoside-specific lectin, in proprietary mistletoe extract. Indeed, intravenous injection of purified lectin enhances certain parameters of the host defense system in rabbits, when given in optimal doses of 0,8 ng/kg. Similar immunomodulatory effects were seen in tumor patients following injection of extract that was standardized in terms of lectin content. Complete and selective removal of lectin from the extract led to abrogation of its immunomodulatory potency in healthy volunteers. Moving to the cellular level, sugar-specific binding of the lectin was ascertained for monocytes and Iymphocytes. This binding caused the stimulation of cytokine secretion in vitro. Therefore, it is justified to call the lectin a biomodulator with potential clinical perspective and to count mistletoe therapy among the generally accepted treatment modalities with cytokines.

Keyword(s): Lektin

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