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In this study, we focused on immune stimulation by Propolis, and examined changes in the effect of irradiation after Propolis administration. We also examined the radioprotective effect of Propolis by observing its effect on the immune system. The effect of immune activation by Propolis was investigated by measuring the total immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM. The radioprotective effect of immune activation by Propolis was investigated by measuring the T-lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of mice following whole body irradiation.

Compared with the control group, the IgG was significantly reduced in the Propolis group, indicating that Propolis suppressed IgG production. ELISA revealed that the amount of IgM in mouse serum was significantly higher in the Propolis group as compared with the control group, indicating that Propolis increased IgM production.

The number of CD4-positive cells was increased only in the Propolis group. Likewise, the number of CD4-positive cells increased by 81% in the Propolis with irradiation group compared with the irradiation group alone. Compared with the control group, the Propolis group increased CD8-positive cells. Compared with the irradiation alone group, CD8-positive cells were decreased by Propolis with irradiation group.

Propolis activated macrophages to stimulate interferon (IFN)-γ production in association with the secondary activation of T-lymphocytes, resulting in a decrease in IgG and IgM production. Cytokines released from macrophages in mouse peripheral blood after Propolis administration activated helper T-cells to proliferate. In addition, activated macrophages in association with the secondary T-lymphocyte activation increased IFN-γ production and stimulated proliferation of cytotoxic T-cells and suppressor T-cells, indicating the activation of cell-mediated immune responses.

We investigated the effect of acupuncture therapy on obese women's body weight and peripheral blood levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Sixty-three healthy women were assigned into 3 groups: placebo electroacupuncture (n = 13; mean age, 40.5 ± 4.2 years; body mass index [BMI], 33.5 ± 4.2), diet restriction (n = 23; mean age, 42.9 ± 4.0 years; BMI, 34.6 ± 2.9), and electroacupuncture (n = 24; mean age, 40.1 ± 5.9 years; BMI, 33.9 ± 2.7). Electroacupuncture was applied to the Hunger and Shen Men ear points and to the LI 4, LI 11, St 36, St 44, and Ren 6 body points for 30 min once daily for 20 days. A restricted diet of 1400 kilocalories was given to participants in all 3 groups for 20 days. Weight was lost significantly in subjects in the electroacupuncture group compared to those in the diet restriction and placebo electroacupuncture groups (p < 0.000, Tukey test). Modulations in serum IgG (p < 0.001) were apparent in women treated with electroacupuncture compared with women treated with placebo electroacupuncture and restricted diet only. No significant changes were seen in serum IgA, IgM, and IgE levels among the 3 groups. Our results suggest that electroacupuncture can be effectively used to treat obesity. We also observed a modulating effect of serum IgG, which is associated with weight loss, in patients in the electroacupuncture group.