Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and optimal waist circumference cut-off values in Japan

The present study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) when the Japanese diagnostic criteria was used, the prevalence of each component in the criteria, and also the validity of the waist circumference cut-off value measured at the navel level, using the results obtained from the Japanese National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) in 2003. The prevalence of MetS in 2113 subjects according to the Japanese diagnostic criteria was 22.8% (95% CI: 20.2-25.5) for males and 8.7% (7.1-10.4) for females. The prevalence for high blood pressure (HBP), dyslipidemia (DLP), high fasting blood glucose (HFG) and central obesity for males/females were 59.1% (56.0-62.2)/47.2% (44.3-50.1), 40.5% (37.3-43.6)/27.9% (25.4-30.5), 19.1% (16.6-21.6)/16.2% (14.0-18.3) and 45.9% (42.7-49.0)/17.4% (15.3-19.5), respectively. The low prevalence of MetS for females was attributed to a larger waist circumference cut-off value for females (90 cm) than for males (85 cm). Optimal waist circumference cut-off values of subjects, who fulfil at least two of HBP, DLP or HFG, estimated from the receiver operating characteristic curve were subsequently found to be 85 cm for males and 80 cm for females. Based on the new values, the prevalence of MetS was found to be 22.8% for males and 19.2% for females. The present study revealed that optimal waist circumference cut-off value was much shorter than that previously proposed in females.     

Pore-Forming Proteins Share Structural and Functional Homology with Amyloid Oligomers

Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases are believed to be causally related to the accumulation of amyloid oligomers that exhibit a common structure and may be toxic by a common mechanism involving permeabilization of membranes. We discovered that amyloid oligomers and the pore-forming bacterial toxin, α-hemolysin (αHL), as well as human perforin from cytotoxic T lymphocytes, share a structural and functional homology at the level of their common reactivity with a conformation-dependent antibody that is specific for amyloid oligomers, A11. The αHL oligomeric pores and partially folded αHL protomer, but not the monomer αHL precursor reacts with A11 antibody. A11 antibody inhibits the hemolytic activity of αHL, indicating that the structural homology is functionally significant. Perforin oligomers were also recognized by A11. Amyloidogenic properties of αHL and perforin were confirmed spectroscopically and morphologically. These results indicate that pore forming proteins (PFP) and amyloid oligomers share structural homology and suggest that PFPs and amyloid oligomers share the same mechanism of membrane permeabilization.     

Potential predictive factors of positive prostate biopsy in the Japanese population

Introduction There are numerous arguments for the predictive factors of positive prostate biopsies, differing according to race and region. This study aimed to determine predictive factors for a positive prostate biopsy in East Asian, especially Japanese men, using clinical, laboratory, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) findings. Methods Data were collected from 466 men who underwent a prostate biopsy for suspected prostate cancer. Variables analyzed including age, digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, PSA density, prostate volume, and TRUS findings. Logistic regression analysis and the Mann–Whitney U test were used for this study. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that significant predictors for a positive prostate biopsy for all patients were positive DRE results, prostate volume, and hypoechoic lesions on TRUS. Especially in the patients with PSA levels <10 ng/ml, the significant predictor for positive biopsy was prostate volume. The Mann–Whitney U test showed that significant predictors for a positive prostate biopsy in all patients were PSA density >0.15, positive DRE results, and prostate volume <25 cm³. Especially in patients with PSA levels <10 ng/ml, significant predictors for a positive prostate biopsy were prostate volume <25 cm³ and PSA density >0.15. Additionally, even if the data were confined to those patients with seven or more core biopsies, all the predictive factors shown in all patients were significant predictors in this category. Conclusion This study investigated potential predictors for positive prostate biopsy and demonstrated that prostate volume was an independent predictive factor for positive prostate biopsy in patients with PSA levels <10 ng/ml. In the future, we may be able to use our findings to create a nomogram for predicting positive prostate biopsy in Japanese men.     

Localization of the alpha 3 (V) chain of type V collagen in human skin

Serum from goats immunized with human type V collagen chains that were cut out of polyacrylamide gels contained an antibody that recognized only type V collagen in an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay and did not label laminin, fibronectin, or types I and IV collagen. Western blot analysis of the antibody showed that its determinant was the alpha 3 (V) chain of type V collagen. Indirect immunofluorescent staining of intact human skin with the antibody produced staining of the dermal blood vessels but not of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). In contrast, both the dermal blood vessels and the DEJ were labeled by the antibody if the skin substrate was first split through the lamina lucida region of the DEJ by incubation in 1 M NaCl solution. Indirect immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the staining pattern found by immunofluorescence and defined the ultrastructural localization of type V collagen in skin. Type V collagen is localized within the DEJ to the lamina lucida region and polar aspects of the basal cell keratinocyte plasma membrane.     

Effects of fenoterol on ventilatory response to hypercapnia and hypoxia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: It has previously been shown that fenoterol, a beta 2 adrenergic agonist, increases the ventilatory response to hypoxia (HVR) and hypercapnia (HCVR) in normal subjects. The effects of beta 2 adrenergic agonists on chemoreceptors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain controversial. This study was designed to examine whether fenoterol increases the HVR and HCVR in patients with COPD. METHODS: The HCVR was tested in 20 patients using a rebreathing method and the HVR was examined using a progressive isocapnic hypoxic method. The HCVR and HVR were assessed by calculating the slopes of plots of occlusion pressure (P0.1) and ventilation (VE) against end tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), respectively. Spirometric values, lung volumes, and respiratory muscle strength were also measured. The HCVR and HVR were examined after the oral administration of fenoterol (15 mg/day) or placebo for seven days. RESULTS: Fenoterol treatment increased the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and inspiratory muscle strength. In the HCVR the slope of P0.1 versus PETCO2 was increased by fenoterol from 0.35 (0.23) to 0.43 (0.24) (p < 0.01). Moreover, the P0.1 at PETCO2 of 8 kPa was higher on fenoterol than on placebo (p < 0.05) and the VE was also greater (p < 0.01). In the HVR fenoterol treatment increased the P0.1 at 80% SaO2 from 0.90 (0.72) to 0.97 (0.55) kPa (p < 0.05) while the slopes of the response of P0.1 and VE were not changed. CONCLUSIONS: Fenoterol increases the ventilatory response to hypercapnia in patients with COPD, presumably by stimulation of the central chemoreceptor. The hypoxic ventilatory response is only slightly affected by fenoterol.


     

Folate intakes and folate biomarker profiles of pregnant Japanese women in the first trimester

OBJECTIVE: To assess the status of dietary folate intake, serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate, and related nutritional biomarkers in healthy Japanese women in early pregnancy. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, observational study. SUBJECTS: Pregnant women in the first trimester, at 7-15 weeks gestation (n=70), who were not consuming any folate supplements or folate fortified foods. METHODS: Three-day dietary records were obtained from each subject to assess dietary folate intake. Blood samples were collected for measurement of biomarkers. Biomarkers and nutrient intake were analyzed in two groups defined by their serum folate concentrations: the low folate group (serum folate < 9 ng/ml) and the high folate group (serum folate > or = 9 ng/ml). RESULT: Mean serum and RBC folate concentrations in all subjects were 10.3 and 519 ng/ml, respectively. These levels were remarkably higher than the reported values from many other countries despite our subjects receiving no folic acids supplements. However, mean folate intake by our subjects from natural foods was 289 microg/day, which is thought to be low according to the Japanese dietary recommendation specified for pregnant women. The intake of spinach and fruits was significantly greater in the high folate group than in the low folate group. CONCLUSION: Folate intake was thought to be adequate to maintain a desirable level of serum folate concentration in Japanese pregnant women in the first trimester, although the intake of folate from natural food was not high enough to meet the recommended daily intake.     

Relationship between dietary folate intakes,maternal plasma total homocysteine and B-vitamins during pregnancy and fetal growth in Japan

Background Adequate folate status in pregnancy is important for satisfactory pregnancy outcome. Aim of the Study The objective of the present study was to evaluate folate status in healthy pregnant women by assessing dietary folate intakes and measuring changes in folate-related biomarkers including plasma tHcy, serum vitamin B₁₂ (B₁₂), and serum and RBC folate concentrations in each trimester and to examine their relation to fetal growth. Methods From 94 pregnant women, 3-day-dietary records were obtained and blood was collected for plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), serum B₁₂, and serum and red-blood cell (RBC) folate measurements. Infant anthropometric measurements were made immediately after birth. Results Average folate intake was less than 300 μg/day with a mean energy intake of about 1800 kcal. Mean serum and RBC folate concentrations declined significantly during gestation (p < 0.05). Mean serum B₁₂ also significantly decreased (p < 0.01), whereas plasma tHcy increased from 5.1 in the first trimester to 5.9 μmol/l in the third trimester (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analyses, after controlling for maternal age, parity and pre-pregnancy body-mass index indicated that a 1.0 μmol/l increase in plasma tHcy in the third trimester corresponded to a 151 g decrease in birth weight (p < 0.01). Neither B₁₂ nor folate concentrations in all three trimesters showed any significant associations with birthweight. Plasma pyridoxal-5′-phosphate concentrations were markedly low, and were consistent with low intake of vitamin B₆ in our population. Conclusion Our data suggest that higher plasma tHcy in the third trimester is a predictor of lower birth weight. In general, the dietary intake of B-vitamins and energy may be inadequate in our population, suggesting intervention is necessary.