[Frontiers in Bioscience E3, 1128-1138, June 1, 2011]

Postconditioning hormesis and the similia principle

Roeland Van Wijk1,2, Fred A.C. Wiegant,3,4

1International Institute of Biophysics, Neuss, Germany, 2Meluna Research, Geldermalsen, The Netherlands, 3University College, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, 4Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
2.1. Hormesis
2.2. Universality of hormesis in science
2.3. Preconditioning and postconditioning hormesis
2.4. Postcondioning hormesis and the homeopathic Similia principle
3. Clinical potential of postexposure conditioning
3.1. Postconditioning in immunology
3.2. Postconditionig in cardiovascular disease
3.3. Postconditioning in psychological diseases
3.4. Postconditioning in intoxication
4. Basic research
4.1. HomBRex database
4.2. Studies on intact rats
4.3. Studies on cultured cells
4.3.1. Homologous postconditioning hormesis with arsenite
4.3.2. Homologous postconditioning hormesis with cadmium
4.3.3. Homologous postconditioning hormesis with heat shock
4.4. Heterologous postconditioning hormesis: Towards the Similia principle
4.4.1. Methodological aspects
4.4.2. Remedy picture and similarity
4.4.3. Similia principle tested
4.4.4. Molecular aspects
5. Discussion and conclusion
6. References

1. ABSTRACT

Postexposure conditioning, as a part of hormesis, involves the application of a low dose of stress following exposure to a severe stress condition. The beneficial effect of a low level of stress in postconditioning hormesis is illustrated by a number of examples found in experimental and clinical research. Depending on whether the low-dose stress is of the same type of stress or is different from the initial high-dose stress causing the diseased state, postconditioning is classified as homologous or heterologous, respectively. In clinical homeopathy, where substances are applied according to the Similia principle, the same distinction is found between the isopathic and the 'heteropathic' or homeopathic use of low dose substances. The Similia principle implies that substances causing symptoms in healthy biological systems can be used to treat similar symptoms in diseased biological systems. Only when heterologous substances are tested for therapeutic effects, the Similia principle can be studied. It is then possible to compare the effect of treatment with the degree of similarity between the diseased state and the effects caused by different substances. The latter research was mainly performed with cells in culture using heat shocked cells post exposed to a variety of stress conditions in low dose.