Mistletoe extract standardized for the galactoside-specific lectin (ML I)induces ß- endorphin release and immunopotentiation in breast cancer patients

Journal/Book: Anticancer Research 14, 1339-1342. 1994;

Abstract: The ability of immunomodulating mistletoe extract standardized for thegalactoside-specific lectin (ML-1) to affect immunological parameters(peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, cytokine release) as well asneuroendocrinological parameters (beta-endorphin release) wasinvestigated in breast cancer patients (n = 36). Regular subcutaneousinjections of the optimal immunomodulating ML-1 dosage (1ng/kg bodyweight, twice a week) fo 12 weeks induced 1) a significant increase (p < 0.005) ofbeta-endorphin plasma levels, 2) a reduced decrease (respectivelymoderate increase) of defined peripheral blood lymphatic subsets afterstandard chemotherapy, 3) an evidently increased in vitro cytokinerelease by mononuclear immune cells after adequate stimulation. Theincreased levels of plasma beta-endorphin after ML-1 administrationobviously correlate with an improved quality of life in this group ofpatients; however, increased in vitro cytokine release and stabilizationof peripheral blood lymphocyte counts after chemotherapy demonstrate theimmunoactive potency of ML-1. Author.

Keyword(s): BETA-ENDORPHIN/BL (blood)

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