We have reported that heat as well as X-rays induced p53-centred signal transduction. The p53 molecule determines the fate of cells, especially apoptosis. Wild-type (wt) p53 cells are resistant to heat as compared with the mutated-type (m) p53 cells. Apoptosis is efficiently induced in the wtp53 cells by heat through the activation of Bax and Caspase-3, not but mp53 cells. Therefore, we proposed that wtp53 patients would be more suitable for hyperthermic therapy than mp53 patients. To enhance apoptosis in mp53 cells, however, we succeeded the establishing new cancer therapies against mp53 cells using chemical chaperon therapy with glycerol and peptide therapy with p53 C-terminal peptide. In addition, we applied siRNA or gene therapy with p53-targeted genes to mp53 and p53-deficient cells. It is our hope to show that these new therapies prove more effective as cancer therapies as soon as possible.

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Background: Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound abundant in broccoli sprouts (BS), protects cells from oxidative injury by activating nrf2-mediated antioxidant enzymes. Sulforaphane also shows bactericidal activity against H. pylori in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine if daily intake of SFN-rich BS inhibits H. pylori colonization and mitigated gastritis in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa in mice and humans.
Methods: Study 1: Nrf2+/+ and nrf2−/− C57BL/6 female mice were infected with H.pylori Sydney Strain; SS1. Mice were maintained for 2 mo. on a high salt diet (7.5% NaCl), supplemented with or without BS containing approximately 2.5 mM SFN. Degree of gastritis was evaluated by updated Sydney system. Study 2: Fifty subjects infected with H. pylori were randomly assigned to either the BS group (n=25) or the Alfalfa Sprouts (AS) group (n=25). All subjects were asked to eat BS 70 g/day (containing approximately 180 mg SFN) or AS 70 g/day (no SFN) for 2 months. H.pylori colonization was evaluated by measurement of HpSA. The degree of gastritis was evaluated by measuring serum levels of pepsinogen (PG) I and II.
Results: Study 1: BS treatment decreased Hp colonization and mitigated gastritis in nrf2+/+ but not in nrf2−/− mice. Study 2: Two months intervention with BS decreased HpSA values and serum levels of PG I and II, while AS showed on effect.
Conclusion: Daily intake of SFN-rich BS suppresses H.pylori colonization and improves gastritis in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa via nrf2-dependent mechanisms.

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Unresolved problems remain in the clinical research methodology of acupuncture. In particular, the creation of placebo group in randomized controlled trial (RCT) is controversial: sham and / or minimal acupuncture may appear more powerful than placebo treatments in trials. Hence, in the future more emphasis should be placed on pragmatic RCTs, which compare typical treatment vs typical treatment plus acupuncture.
In order to more effectively integrate acupuncture therapy into modern Western medicine, evidence of efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness should be clearly shown from both rational and clinical points of view. At the same time, we should reassess whether or not the present research methodology appropriately evaluates the essence of acupuncture therapy.

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A nationwide survey of nurses in palliative care units was conducted to clarify the present state of the profession with regard to training and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Questionnaires were completed by 907 nurses (return rate: 77.3%). Approximately 90% of respondents had implemented CAM as an element of nursing care, and gave high scores for interest in CAM, perception of physical and psychological effects of, as well as need for, these medicines. Among the most commonly used treatments were massage, foot baths, and application of heat/cold, all of which nurses had the opportunity to learn as undergraduates. Different CAMs were used depending on the patient’s physical/psychological symptoms. Problems indicated in regard to carrying out these treatments included: “Insufficient skill level,” “Insufficient time,” and “Cannot evaluate results.” Many respondents indicated a desire for further CAM training. The results of this survey indicate that in order for CAM to be effectively incorporated into nursing care it will be necessary to accumulate evidence regarding various CAMs, and to improve CAM training programs for undergraduates and continuing education.

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Oxidative stress is considered to contribute to degenerative disease. The urinary excretion of the DNA repair product 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is proposed as a noninvasive biomarker of current oxidative stress in vivo. We investigated the effect of an antioxidant mixture on urinary 8-OHdG excretions in 12 otherwise healthy smokers. During the intervention period for 2 weeks, subjects consumed four capsules of PICACE^® (Pycnogenol^® 15 mg/capsule, Vitamin E; 56.1 mg/capsule, Squalene; 138.9 mg/capsule) per day. On days 0 (pre-internal use), 3, 7, 14, and 44, morning urine samples were collected. The urinary 8-OHdG was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The urinary 8-OHdG level on day 3 was significantly reduced compared to day 0. The level of 8-OHdG after a washout period for PICACE^® (days 44) returned to day 0 baseline. These preliminary data suggest that PICACE^® supplements can protect smokers from oxidative stress and possibly reduce disease risk caused by free radicals associated with smoking.

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AHCC is a nutritional food that has been broadly adopted in Japan as well as other countries. Several laboratories have demonstrated that AHCC has immune modulating effect. Increasing immunity against bird flu virus, H5N1, may help to prevent the next pandemic. We hypothesize that uptaking AHCC improve immunity against infection with this virus. Administration of AHCC for 7 days effectively improved survival rate by 30%, and this effect can last for 3 to 4 weeks. Our results indicate a potential role of AHCC in helping to build up immunity for preventing the pandemic of bird flu.

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