Aristolochic Acids and the Risk of Liver and Renal Disease, and Evaluation of the Effectiveness after the Ban of Herbs Containing Aristolochic Acids

Previous study showed aristolochic acid (AA) have nephrotoxicity and can increase the risk of renal cancer and urinary tract cancer. Recently research presented that 98 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from two hospitals in Taiwan and found that 78% showed the distinctive mutational signature of AA exposure. The result indicated that most HCC in Taiwan might relate with ingestion of AA-containing plants. Clinical data regarding the association between AA and liver disease or renal disease are limited so far. In November 2003, Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Ministry of Health and Welfare prohibit the usage of Guang Fang Ji, Qing Mu Xiang, Guan Mu Tong, Ma dou ling, Tian Xian Teng which contain AA. There were no epidemiology researches about renal cancer and urinary tract cancer to evaluate the effectiveness after the ban.We will accomplish four aims in three years for this program:1. To examine the association between liver/renal disease and AA by using Chang Gung Research Database and National Health Insurance Research Database.2. To investigate the change of liver function and renal function after use Chinese herbal products may contain aristolochic acids.3. Conduct epidemiology researches about renal cancer and urinary tract cancer to evaluate the effectiveness after the ban for most herbal drugs containing AA.4. Randomly test the content of aristolochic acid of the Chinese herbal products may contain aristolochic acids over the counter. 5. Exam whether any misuse of aristolochia-related species in related herb.

Project ID:PD10708-0209
External Project ID:MOST107-2314-B182-060