Record 1 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Inhibition of senile amyloidosis of mice by biscarboxyethyl germanium sesqui-oxide.
Author
Kuga N; Oboshi S; Sato H; Sato R
Address

Source
Acta Pathol Jpn, 1976 Jan, 26:1, 63-71
Abstract
A mouse strain, ICR/SLC, was involved in spontaneous amyloidosis with high incidence. The amyloid deposition in this strain was seen mainly in the mucosal propria of duodenum and terminal ileum, liver, spleen, adrenal cortices, and renal glomeruli. The mice, orally administered more than 300 mg/kg of organic germanium for 22 months since 5 weeks old, did not develop amyloidosis. Half of the mice, given 30 mg/kg of organic germanium for 22 months developed amyloidosis. The mice given 5% carboxymethylcellulose, the solvent of organic germanium, were affected with systemic amyloidosis with high frequency. The results showed that the organic germanium successfully inhibited the occurrence of senile amyloidosis with dose response. The agent did not have any apparent relation to the incidence of hepatic cell carcinoma or pulmonary adenoma which is frequently combined with aged mice. Although the actual mechanism involved is not clear, the evidence of the inhibition of senile amyloidosis by organic germanium may give a light to elucidate the pathogenesis of amyloidosis.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
76202414
MeSH Heading (Major)
Amyloidosis|PA/*PC; Germanium|*TU
MeSH Heading
Animal; Female; Kidney|PA; Liver|PA; Male; Mice; Myocardium|PA; Propionic Acids|TU
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0001-6632
Country of Publication
JAPAN

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Record 2 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Effect of germanium on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced intestinal cancer in rats.
Author
Jao SW; Lee W; Ho YS
Address
Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Republic of China.
Source
Dis Colon Rectum, 1990 Feb, 33:2, 99-104
Abstract
Through recent research, the trace element, germanium, was found to have an anticancer effect. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of germanium on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced intestinal cancer in rats. Ninety-six 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups, with 24 rats in each group. All received dimethylhydrazine, 20 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, once a week for 20 weeks. Except for one control group, the other three groups were subdivided into six groups and administered three different kinds of germanium (inorganic germanium, organic germanium, and natural organic germanium) one month before and during dimethylhydrazine treatment, and during dimethylhydrazine treatment, respectively. Twenty-four weeks after carcinogen exposure, all surviving animals were sacrificed and examined for intestinal tumors. The number and location of the tumors were recorded and the pathology examined. The incidence of intestinal cancer in the control group (dimethylhydrazine only) was 91 percent; in groups provided with inorganic germanium one month before and during dimethylhydrazine treatment, and during dimethylhydrazine treatment only, it was 91 and 78 percent; in groups provided with organic germanium one month before and during dimethylhydrazine treatment, and during dimethylhydrazine treatment only, it was 64 and 64 percent; in groups provided with natural organic germanium one month before and during dimethylhydrazine treatment and during dimethylhydrazine treatment only, it was 50 and 45 percent. From these results, the authors conclude that natural organic germanium has the best prevention effect for intestinal cancer in this animal model (P less than 0.01), followed by organic germanium (P less than 0.05). Inorganic germanium has no effect. However, there is no difference in the cancer prevention effect of germanium provided one month before and during dimethylhydrazine treatment, and during dimethylhydrazine treatment only.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
90126120
MeSH Heading (Major)
Germanium|*TU; Intestinal Neoplasms|CI/*DT/PC
MeSH Heading
Adenocarcinoma|CI/DT/PC; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous|CI/DT/PC; Animal; Carcinogens; Dimethylhydrazines; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0012-3706
Country of Publication
UNITED STATES

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Record 3 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Effect of organic germanium compound (Ge-132) on experimental osteoporosis in rats.
Author
Fujii A; Kuboyama N; Yamane J; Nakao S; Furukawa Y
Address
Department of Pharmacology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Chiba, Japan.
Source
Gen Pharmacol, 1993 Nov, 24:6, 1527-32
Abstract
1. The therapeutic effect of organic germanium compound, 2-carboxyethylgermaniumsesquioxide (Ge-132), for experimental osteoporosis was studied using ovariectomized rats maintained on a low calcium containing diet. 2. Serum calcitonin (sCT) level was decreased and serum parathyroid hormone (sPTH) level was increased by ovariectomy and the decrement and increment rates, respectively, were reduced by administration of Ge-132. Thus, the sCT/sPTH ratio was greater in the groups given Ge-132, indicating that the resorption was somehow inhibited by Ge-132. 3. The transverse strength of femur bone was significantly enhanced by Ge-132. 4. A trend was found in the group given Ge-132 for a larger femur cortical bone index. 5. The relative femur bone wet weight was greater in the group given Ge-132. 6. These results indicate that Ge-132 prevents decreased bone strength, and affects the femur cortical bone index, and bone mineral mass caused by osteoporosis.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
94156120
MeSH Heading (Major)
Germanium|*TU; Organometallic Compounds|*TU; Osteoporosis|*DT/ME/PA
MeSH Heading
Animal; Bone Density|DE; Calcitonin|BL; Calcium|DF/ME; Calcium, Dietary; Female; Femur|ME/PA; Organ Weight|DE; Ovariectomy; Parathyroid Hormones|BL; Phosphorus|ME; Rats; Rats, Wistar
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0306-3623
Country of Publication
ENGLAND

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Record 4 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Interaction of germanium (Ge) with biosilicification in the freshwater sponge Ephydatia mülleri: evidence of localized membrane domains in the silicalemma.
Author
Simpson TL; Garrone R; Mazzorana M
Address

Source
J Ultrastruct Res, 1983 Nov, 85:2, 159-74
Abstract
In the presence of germanium (Ge) the needle-shaped silica spicules of the freshwater sponge Ephydatia m ulleri are very short and thin and possess bulbs with large spines. SEM-coupled X-ray analyses confirm the incorporation of Ge into the silica. A small number of bulbs are susceptible to erosion by HNO3 and hypochlorite and although the chemical basis of such erosion is presently unknown it suggests the presence of an organic matrix within the bulbs and/or an incomplete polymerization of the silica. Addition of Ge to control media in which silicification is newly initiated increases the incidence of erosion and results in centrally located eroded areas of the silica and discontinuities in its deposition. Removal of Ge from such newly forming structures results in a partial recovery of normal morphology (spine development and thickening of the silica) but only in the central region surrounding the bulbs. Both results establish the presence of a central, active region for silicification and further support the view that there is a distal spreading, away from this center, of transported forms of silica. Secondary centers may also be present. The newly assembled organic core of control structures is associated with tubular elements possibly derived from the surrounding membrane. In such newly silicifying structures the spicule tips contain oriented material in the form of "rays." Both of these new observations increase the likelihood of the presence of an organic matrix within the silica.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
84188635
MeSH Heading (Major)
Germanium|*ME; Porifera|*ME/UL; Silicon Dioxide|*ME
MeSH Heading
Animal; Membranes|ME; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0022-5320
Country of Publication
UNITED STATES

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Record 5 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Hazard assessment of germanium supplements.
Author
Tao SH; Bolger PM
Address
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204, USA.
Source
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 1997 Jun, 25:3, 211-9
Abstract
Germanium-containing dietary supplements became popular in the 1970s in Japan and later in other countries, as elixirs for certain diseases (e.g., cancer and AIDS). Germanium is not an essential element. Its acute toxicity is low. However, at least 31 reported human cases linked prolonged intake of germanium products with renal failure and even death. Signs of kidney dysfunction, kidney tubular degeneration, and germanium accumulation were observed. Other adverse effects were anemia, muscle weakness, and peripheral neuropathy. Recovery of renal function is slow and incomplete even long after germanium intake was stopped. The total dose of ingested germanium (as dioxide, carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide, germanium-lactate-citrate, or unspecified forms) varied from 15 to over 300 g; the exposure duration varied from 2 to 36 months. In laboratory animals, elevated germanium in tissues and impaired kidney and liver function were observed in a life-time drinking water (5 ppm germanium) study. Other toxicities associated with ingested germanium products in human cases were also demonstrated in animal studies with germanium dioxide and sometimes other germanium compounds. Based on the evidence of persistent renal toxicity associated with germanium dioxide, the lack of conclusive findings of differential nephrotoxicity of organic germanium compounds, and the possibility of contamination of the organic germanium products with inorganic germanium, it is clear that germanium products present a potential human health hazard.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
97380534
MeSH Heading (Major)
Food, Fortified|*; Germanium|*AE/PD/TO; Kidney|*DE; Liver|*DE
MeSH Heading
Administration, Oral; Adolescence; Adult; Anemia|CI; Animal; Antimutagenic Agents|AE/PD/TO; Antineoplastic Agents|AE/PD/TO; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Human; Kidney Failure|CI; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Middle Age; Muscle Weakness|CI; Neurons|DE; Organometallic Compounds|AE/PD/TO; Risk Assessment
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW OF REPORTED CASES
ISSN
0273-2300
Country of Publication
UNITED STATES

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Record 6 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of germanium compounds.
Author
Gerber GB; Léonard A
Address
Teratogenicity and Mutagenicity Unit, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Source
Mutat Res, 1997 Dec, 387:3, 141-6
Abstract
The metalloid germanium has found widespread application in electronics, nuclear sciences and in medicine. General toxicity of germanium is low, except for the tetrahydride germane, and few observations on toxicity of germanium in man exist. Germanium is not carcinogenic and even appears to inhibit cancer development and, in the form of the organic germanium compound, spirogermanium, to destroy cancer cells. Germanium compounds have no mutagenic activity and may, under certain conditions, inhibit the mutagenic activity of other substances. High doses of germanium may result in an increased embryonic resorption, but possible malformations have been reported only after administration of dimethyl germanium oxide to pregnant animals. Germanium may thus be considered an element of rather low risk to man.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
98102883
MeSH Heading (Major)
Carcinogens|*TO; Germanium|CH/ME/*TO; Mutagens|*TO
MeSH Heading
Animal; Female; Human; Pregnancy
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
ISSN
0027-5107
Country of Publication
NETHERLANDS

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Record 7 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Accumulation of germanium in the tissues of a long-term user of germanium preparation died of acute renal failure.
Author
Nagata N; Yoneyama T; Yanagida K; Ushio K; Yanagihara S; Matsubara O; Eishi Y
Address

Source
J Toxicol Sci, 1985 Nov, 10:4, 333-41
Abstract
Acute renal failure developed in a patient accompanied by systemic manifestations such as myopathy and skin rash. The patient, a middle aged house wife, had been taking 600 mg of germanium (Ge) preparation daily for 18 months as an elixir. The main component of the preparation was GeO2 and some organic compound was also present. Histological study of the kidney post mortem showed foamy cell transformation of glomerular epithelia, degeneration of tubular epithelia with red blood cell casts and urate crystals, and a mild proliferation of mesangial matrix. Analysis of the tissue content of Ge, prompted by her history, revealed an increased accumulation of the metal. As compared to a non-user died of liver cirrhosis, the concentration of the metal was higher particularly in the spleen (183X), thyroid gland (175X), psoas muscle (93X), jejunum (76X), and renal cortex (69X). So far, neither accumulation of Ge in humal tissue nor systemic toxicity of the Ge in human has been reported. The relevance of massive accumulation of Ge to the renal failure as well as to other systemic manifestations the patient presented remains to be clarified.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
86171879
MeSH Heading (Major)
Germanium|AD/AE/*ME; Kidney Failure, Acute|*CI/PA
MeSH Heading
Case Report; Female; Human; Kidney|PA; Tissue Distribution
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0388-1350
Country of Publication
JAPAN

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Record 8 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Determination of germanium in human specimens: comparative study of atomic absorption spectrometry and microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometry.
Author
Shinohara A; Chiba M; Inaba Y
Address
Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Source
J Anal Toxicol, 1999 Nov, 23:7, 625-31
Abstract
The determination methods of germanium (Ge) in biological specimens such as blood plasma, erythrocytes, urine, hair, nail, and other organs were established using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometry (MIP-MS). The detection limits of Ge standard solution were 3 ng/mL with GFAAS and 0.05 ng/mL with MIP-MS. The detection limits in organ samples depended on the type of samples and sampling amounts: 3-30 ng/g by GFAAS and 0.05-0.5 ng/g by MIP-MS. The sensitivity of GFAAS was lower than that of MIP-MS; however, it was adequate for determining Ge concentrations in specimens from patients who had ingested Ge. Samples were digested by a simple wet-ashing procedure using nitric acid and perchloric acid. To avoid the interfering effects of coexisting elements and perchloric acid residue, an extraction method using organic solvent was tried. When using MIP-MS, extraction was not necessary; however, both dilution and addition of an internal standard were needed. Special attention was required for iron-rich samples because a molecular ion of 56Fe16O was observed at nm/z72 where 2Ge was monitored. The results of Ge concentrations in human samples obtained by these methods agreed well. Interfering effects of perchloric acid, which was used for digestion and which remained in samples, were observed in both methods. Hair and nail samples from people who had ingested Ge were useful for monitoring Ge in the body. Hair samples were useful for determining past exposure to Ge when the distribution patterns from the scalp to the end of the strand were analyzed. In control subjects, Ge concentrations in the listed specimens and organs were lower than 0.1 microg/g or mL, and these low levels of Ge were able to be determined by MIP-MS in combination with the extraction method.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
20061300
MeSH Heading (Major)
Germanium|*AN/PK; Spectrophotometry, Atomic Absorption|*MT; Spectrum Analysis, Mass|*MT
MeSH Heading
Aged; Comparative Study; Female; Human; Male; Microwaves; Middle Age; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tissue Distribution
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0146-4760
Country of Publication
UNITED STATES

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Record 9 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Induction of interferon and activation of NK cells and macrophages in mice by oral administration of Ge-132, an organic germanium compound.
Author
Aso H; Suzuki F; Yamaguchi T; Hayashi Y; Ebina T; Ishida N
Address

Source
Microbiol Immunol, 1985, 29:1, 65-74
Abstract
After oral administration of an organic germanium compound, Ge-132 (300 mg/kg), a significant level of interferon (IFN) activity was detected in the sera of mice at 20 hr and it reached a maximum of 320 U/ml at 24 hr. This IFN activity was lost after heat- or acid-treatment, suggesting that the induced IFN is of gamma-nature. The molecular weight of this IFN was estimated to be 50,000 daltons by gel filtration. The NK activity of spleen cells was increased 24 hr after the oral administration of Ge-132, and cytotoxic macrophages were induced in the peritoneal cavity by 48 hr. In the mice receiving an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of trypan blue or carrageenan 2 days before oral administration of Ge-132, neither induction of IFN nor augmentation of NK activity occurred, and X-ray irradiation of mice also rendered the mice incapable of producing IFN, all indicating that both macrophages and lymphocytes are required for this IFN induction. Both NK and cytotoxic macrophages appeared 18 hr after ip administration of the induced IFN with a titer as low as 20 U/ml. These facts suggest that both the augmentation of NK activity and activation of macrophages in mice after oral administration of Ge-132 are mediated by the induced IFN.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
85187651
MeSH Heading (Major)
Antineoplastic Agents|*PD; Germanium|*PD; Interferons|*BI/PD; Killer Cells, Natural|*DE; Macrophage Activation|*DE; Organometallic Compounds|*PD
MeSH Heading
Administration, Oral; Animal; Heat; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunosuppressive Agents|PD; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Whole-Body Irradiation
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0385-5600
Country of Publication
JAPAN

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Record 10 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Protection against concanavalin A-induced murine liver injury by the organic germanium compound, propagermanium.
Author
Ishiwata Y; Yokochi S; Hashimoto H; Ninomiya F; Suzuki T
Address
Developmental Research Department, Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co. Ltd, Mie, Japan.
Source
Scand J Immunol, 1998 Dec, 48:6, 605-14
Abstract
Propagermanium (3-oxygermylpropionic acid polymer) is an organic germanium compound that activates the immune system. In this study, we investigated the action of propagermanium on T-cell-mediated murine hepatic injury induced by concanavalin A (Con A). Oral administration of propagermanium inhibited the development of liver injury about 10 h after ConA injection. Histological analysis demonstrated that propagermanium attenuated the extent of liver damage compared with controls, reducing infiltration by leucocytes, especially CD11b-positive cells. Infiltration by CD4-positive cells was not affected. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma are crucial for the development of hepatitis in this model. Propagermanium treatment induced significant inhibition of subsequent TNF-alpha production about 10 h after Con A injection, without affecting IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4 and IL-12 production. This effect on TNF-production coincided with the inhibition of aminotransferase activity late in the progression of Con A-induced liver injury. These facts suggest that this compound affects the macrophages (Mphi) function in the liver sinusoid. Therefore, Mphi were cultured with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) and the effect of propagermanium on TNF-alpha production in the presence of IFN-gamma was determined. TNF-alpha production was reduced significantly in the coculture of Mphi and SEC when Mphi was treated with propagermanium. These results might explain the mechanisms by which propagermanium inhibits Con-A-induced liver injury. That is, propagermanium improves hepatitis through mechanisms including the reduced production of TNF-alpha, without modification of Th1- and Th2-cell function.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
99089890
MeSH Heading (Major)
Germanium|*PD; Hepatitis, Toxic|IM/PA/*PC; Interferon Inducers|*PD; Liver|*IN; Organometallic Compounds|*PD
MeSH Heading
Animal; Antibodies|IM; Cells, Cultured; Coculture; Concanavalin A; Endothelium, Vascular|CY; Female; Interferon Type II|BL; Macrophages|ME; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Tumor Necrosis Factor|AN/IM
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0300-9475
Country of Publication
ENGLAND

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Record 11 from database: MEDLINE

Title
Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in association with modification of immune response by novel organic germanium compounds.
Author
Sato I; Yuan BD; Nishimura T; Tanaka N
Address

Source
J Biol Response Mod, 1985 Apr, 4:2, 159-68
Abstract
The effects of two novel organic germanium compounds, 1-phenyl-2-carbamoylethylgermanium sesquisulfide (PCAGeS) and 1-phenyl-2-carbamoylethylgermanium sequioxide (PCAGeO), on transplantable murine tumors and immune responses were studied. Both drugs showed low toxicity for mice. In culture, neither substance displayed significant cytotoxicity against murine tumor cells L1210 leukemia, L5178Y lymphoma, or IMC carcinoma. Growth of subcutaneously transplanted IMC carcinoma or Meth-A fibrosarcoma was markedly reduced by oral administration of PCAGeS. PCAGeO exhibited a similar but smaller effect on the tumor growth. Pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma was inhibited by oral or intraperitoneal treatment with PCAGeS. The activity of cyclophosphamide or Adriamycin against L1210 leukemia was significantly potentiated by oral administration of PCAGeS. PCAGeS enhanced the delayed-type hypersensitivity response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) of mice or restored the response suppressed by ascitic IMC carcinoma, but did not significantly affect the formation of antibody to SRBC. PCAGeO similarly stimulated the DTH reaction. Phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was enhanced by oral treatment of mice with PCAGeS. The results suggest that PCAGeS and PCAGeO display tumor-inhibitory activity by modification of the immune mechanism.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
85209937
MeSH Heading (Major)
Antineoplastic Agents|PD/*TU; Germanium|PD/TO/*TU; Neoplasms, Experimental|*DT/IM; Organometallic Compounds|PD/TO/*TU
MeSH Heading
Animal; Antibody Formation|DE; Comparative Study; Cyclophosphamide|TU; Doxorubicin|TU; Drug Synergism; Female; Fibrosarcoma|DT; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Leukemia L1210|DT; Lung Neoplasms|SC; Macrophages|DE; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred DBA; Mice, Inbred ICR; Phagocytosis|DE; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Type
JOURNAL ARTICLE
ISSN
0732-6580
Country of Publication
UNITED STATES

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