lyoniside and Tuberculosis--Pulmonary

Beta-sitosterol (BSS) and its glycoside (BSSG) are sterol molecules which are synthesized by plants. When humans eat plant foods phytosterols are ingested, and are found in the serum and tissues of healthy individuals, but at concentrations orders of magnitude lower than endogenous cholesterol. Epidemiological studies have correlated a reduced risk of numerous diseases with a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and have concluded that specific molecules, including b-carotene, tocopherols, vitamin C, and flavonoids, confer some of this protective benefit. However, these epidemiologic studies have not examined the potential effect that phytosterols ingested with fruits and vegetables might have on disease risk reduction. In animals, BSS and BSSG have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-pyretic, and immune-modulating activity. A proprietary BSS:BSSG mixture has demonstrated promising results in a number of studies, including in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical trials. This phytosterol complex seems to target specific T-helper lymphocytes, the Th1 and Th2 cells, helping normalize their functioning and resulting in improved T-lymphocyte and natural killer cell activity. A dampening effect on overactive antibody responses has also been seen, as well as normalization of the DHEA:cortisol ratio. The re-establishment of these immune parameters may be of help in numerous disease processes relating to chronic immune-mediated abnormalities, including chronic viral infections, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, cancer, and auto-immune diseases.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Cats; HIV Infections; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Sitosterols; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

To evaluate the adjuvant effect of beta-sitosterol and its glucoside in the treatment of culture proven pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).. A blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial in culture proven drug sensitive PTB. Patients were hospitalised for the duration of treatment and evaluated at monthly intervals with regard to sputum culture positivity, chest radiography, weight gain, Mantoux test response, routine haematology and liver functions. STATISTICAL EVALUATION: General linear models for repeated measures (SAS GLM package) compared the interaction effects, group effects and time effects of findings in 19 patients receiving sitosterols with those in 18 patients receiving a placebo (talcum powder). Absolute values and change from baseline values were evaluated, although only the latter are reported.. Weight gain was significantly greater in the sitosterol group (mean weight gain 8.9 kg) than the placebo group (mean gain 6.1 kg) (P = 0.0023 group effects; P = 0.0001 for time effects). Speed of achieving culture negativity, radiological improvement and induration on Mantoux testing was similar in the two groups. Change in lymphocyte counts from baseline was significantly higher in the sitosterol group (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001 for group and time effects) as was the increase in eosinophil counts (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0137 for group and time effects).. The study has shown significantly improved weight gain and higher lymphocyte and eosinophil counts in PTB patients receiving sitosterols in addition to an efficacious antituberculosis regimen. Sitosterols and their possible mode of action should now be evaluated in larger numbers of tuberculosis patients and in diseases with a similar immunopathogenesis.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Male; Sitosterols; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Weight Gain