The effects of PG102, a water-soluble extract from Actinidia arguta, on serum total IgE levels: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled exploratory clinical study.

Background: Recent studies have reported that blocking IgE has a potentially beneficial role in the treatment of various allergic diseases. Previously, we found that PG102, a water-soluble extract prepared from the edible fruits of Actinidia arguta, can effectively reduce IgE levels using murine models. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of PG102 at lowering levels of total IgE in asymptomatic subjects with atopy. Methods: A total of 90 asymptomatic subjects with atopy were randomized equally to a PG102 group or a placebo control group and treated for 8 weeks in a double-blind manner. Total serum IgE, eosinophilic cation protein (ECP), eotaxin, thymus, and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels were measured. Eosinophil counts were determined before and after treatment, and results were compared. In addition, possible adverse reactions were thoroughly checked in this first human trial. Results: Levels of total IgE significantly increased in the control group but showed no change in the PG102 group, and change differences between the control and PG102 groups were significant (+12.9%, vs.−5.7%, p = 0.015). Levels of ECP and eotaxin and eosinophil counts produced similar results. However, the other variables showed no significant changes after treatment. Conclusion: In this exploratory clinical trial, it was found that 8 weeks of treatment with PG102 effectively reduced the levels of total IgE in apparently asymptomatic subjects with atopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]