Serum levels of retinol and other antioxidants for hearing impairment among Japanese older adults.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the relation between serum levels of retinol and other antioxidants and hearing impairment in Japanese older adults. METHODS: This is a community-based cross-sectional study comprising 762 residents aged 65 years or older in Kurabuchi, Gumma, Japan. We measured serum retinol and other antioxidants (alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, and carotenoids including beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha- and beta-carotenes, lycopene, and lutein plus zeaxanthin) by high-performance liquid chromatography and divided each measurement into quartiles. Hearing impairment was defined as a failure to hear a 30-dB hearing level (HL) signal at 1 kHz and a 40-dB HL signal at 4 kHz in the better ear in pure-tone audiometric tests. The odds ratios (OR) for hearing impairment were calculated for each of the upper three quartiles of retinol and other antioxidant levels relative to the lowest quartile. RESULTS: Crude analysis showed that serum levels of retinol and provitamin A carotenoids (beta-cryptoxanthin, and alpha- and beta-carotenes) were inversely related to the prevalence of hearing impairment. The multiadjusted ORs (95% confidence intervals) for the highest quartile of retinol and the provitamin A family (combinations of provitamin A carotenoids) compared with the lowest were 0.51 (0.26-1.00) and 0.53 (0.27-1.02), respectively. A dose-response relationship was observed for retinol (p = .03) and provitamin A (p = .09). CONCLUSION: Increased serum levels of retinol and provitamin A carotenoids were clearly associated with a decreased prevalence of hearing impairment

Consumption of highly processed foods in relation to overall diet quality among Japanese adults: a nationwide study

Abstract Objective: To (i) examine the consumption of highly processed foods (HPFs) in relation to diet quality among Japanese adults and (ii) compare the results when dishes prepared away home are disaggregated into food ingredients before classification by processing levels and the results when they are not. Design: Cross-sectional analysis using 4-day dietary record data. Foods were categorised by level of processing using the framework developed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Specifically, dishes prepared away from home were classified at both the food level (classified after disaggregation into ingredients) and dish level (classified without disaggregation). Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3. Setting: Twenty areas in Japan. Participants: Adults aged 20–69 years (n 388). Results: Energy contribution of HPFs was higher when dishes prepared away from home were classified at dish level than food level (48.3% vs. 32.9%, P<0.0001). Regardless of the classification method, cereals and starchy foods were the top food groups contributing to total energy intake from HPFs. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in higher tertiles of the energy contribution of HPFs had lower total scores for Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (P for trend ≤0.007 for all), irrespective of the food- or dish-level classification. Conclusions: HPFs account for at least one-third of energy intake of Japanese adults. Regardless of the classification methods for dishes prepared away from home, higher consumption of HPFs was associated with lower diet quality

Different Patterns of Vascular Response Between Patients With or Without Diabetes Mellitus After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation Optical Coherence Tomographic Analysis

ObjectivesWe performed this study to investigate with optical coherence tomography (OCT) the vascular response after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation between patients with and those without diabetes mellitus (DM).BackgroundThe difference in vascular response after SES implantation between patients with and those without DM has not been fully evaluated with OCT.MethodsOptical coherence tomography was performed to examine 74 nonrestenotic SES implanted in 63 patients (32 with DM and 31 without DM) at 9 months after SES implantation. For struts showing neointimal coverage, the neointimal thickness on the luminal side of each strut section was measured, and neointimal characteristics were classified into high, low, and layered signal pattern.ResultsBaseline patient characteristics and lesion and procedural characteristics data were similar between the 2 groups. In total, 11,422 struts were analyzed. High signal neointima was observed in 90.2 ± 13.9%, low signal neointima in 7.3 ± 10.0%, and layered neointima in 2.7 ± 5.8%/stents. There was higher incidence of low signal neointima (10.5 ± 10.3% vs. 4.5 ± 5.6%, p = 0.003), neointimal thickness was larger (median: 106.8 μm, interquartile range: 79.3 to 130.4 μm vs. median: 83.5 μm, interquartile range: 62.3 to 89.3 μm; p < 0.0001), and neointimal coverage of stent struts was higher (92.1 ± 6.2% vs. 87.2 ± 11.9%; p = 0.03) in DM patients.ConclusionsHigh signal neointimal pattern was predominantly observed, and low or layered signal pattern was observed in some cases. In DM patients, low signal neointima was observed with high frequency. Neointimal coverage and neointimal thickness was also higher in DM patients as compared with non-DM patients

Catecholamines Facilitate Fuel Expenditure and Protect Against Obesity via a Novel Network of the Gut-Brain Axis in Transcription Factor Skn-1-deficient Mice

AbstractTaste signals and nutrient stimuli sensed by the gastrointestinal tract are transmitted to the brain to regulate feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. This system is referred to as the gut-brain axis. Here we show that both brush cells and type II taste cells are eliminated in the gastrointestinal tract of transcription factor Skn-1 knockout (KO) mice. Despite unaltered food intake, Skn-1 KO mice have reduced body weight with lower body fat due to increased energy expenditure. In this model, 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamines was significantly elevated, accompanied by increased fatty acid β-oxidation and fuel dissipation in skeletal muscle and impaired insulin secretion driven by glucose. These results suggest the existence of brain-mediated energy homeostatic pathways originating from brush cells and type II taste cells in the gastrointestinal tract and ending in peripheral tissues, including the adrenal glands. The discovery of food-derived factors that regulate these cells may open new avenues the treatment of obesity and diabetes.Research ContextTaste signals and nutrient stimuli sensed by the gastrointestinal tract are transmitted to the brain to regulate feeding behavior and energy homeostasis along the gut-brain axis. We propose the concept that taste-receiving cells in the oral cavity and/or food-borne chemicals-receiving brush cells in the gut are involved in regulation of the body weight and adiposity via the brain. The discovery of food-derived factors that regulate these cells may open new avenues for the treatment of obesity and diabetes

Carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecule-derived CO regulates tissue factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in human endothelial cells

Introduction: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the rate limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of heme into biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). The first human case of HO-1 deficiency showed abnormalities in blood coagulation and the fibrinolytic system. Thus, HO-1 or HO-1 products, such as CO, might regulate coagulation and the fibrinolytic system. This study examined whether tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer (CORM-2), which liberates CO, modulates the expression of tissue factor (TF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and TF expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Additionally, we examined the mechanism by which CO exerts its effects. Materials and Methods: HUVECs were pretreated with 50 μM CORM-2 for 3 hours, and stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 10 ng/ml) for an additional 0-5 hours. PBMCs were pretreated with 50-100 μM CORM-2 for 1hour followed by stimulating with lipopolysaccharid (LPS, 10 ng/ml) for additional 0-9 hours. The mRNA and protein levels were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results: Pretreatment with CORM-2 significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced TF and PAI-1 up-regulation in HUVECs, and LPS-induced TF expression in PBMCs. CORM-2 inhibited TNF-α-induced activation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK, and NF-κB signaling pathways in HUVECs. Conclusions: CORM-2 suppresses TNF-α-induced TF and PAI-1 up-regulation, and MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways activation by TNF-α in HUVECs. CORM-2 suppresses LPS-induced TF up-regulation in PBMCs. Therefore, we envision that the antithrombotic activity of CORM-2 might be used as a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.Thesis of Keiko Maruyama / 丸山 慶子 博士論文 金沢大学医薬保健学総合研究科（保健学専攻

Identification and Modulation of the Key Amino Acid Residue Responsible for the pH Sensitivity of Neoculin, a Taste-Modifying Protein

Neoculin occurring in the tropical fruit of Curculigo latifolia is currently the only protein that possesses both a sweet taste and a taste-modifying activity of converting sourness into sweetness. Structurally, this protein is a heterodimer consisting of a neoculin acidic subunit (NAS) and a neoculin basic subunit (NBS). Recently, we found that a neoculin variant in which all five histidine residues are replaced with alanine elicits intense sweetness at both neutral and acidic pH but has no taste-modifying activity. To identify the critical histidine residue(s) responsible for this activity, we produced a series of His-to-Ala neoculin variants and evaluated their sweetness levels using cell-based calcium imaging and a human sensory test. Our results suggest that NBS His11 functions as a primary pH sensor for neoculin to elicit taste modification. Neoculin variants with substitutions other than His-to-Ala were further analyzed to clarify the role of the NBS position 11 in the taste-modifying activity. We found that the aromatic character of the amino acid side chain is necessary to elicit the pH-dependent sweetness. Interestingly, since the His-to-Tyr variant is a novel taste-modifying protein with alternative pH sensitivity, the position 11 in NBS can be critical to modulate the pH-dependent activity of neoculin. These findings are important for understanding the pH-sensitive functional changes in proteinaceous ligands in general and the interaction of taste receptor–taste substance in particular

Mastication stimuli regulate the heartbeat rate through rhythmic regulation by the hypothalamic-autonomic system; molecular and telemetric studies in weaning-stage rats

Mastication stimuli have been demonstrated to affect memory function and autonomic nerve activity; however, this process has not been well studied during weaning compared to old age. Previously, we conducted molecular analyses of the thalamus and hippocampus to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this memory-enhancing effect in weaning-stage rats. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of masticatory stimuli on the regulation of heartbeat rate (HR) through the hypothalamic-autonomic system. Three-week-old male rats were administered a powdered diet (P group) or chow-diet (C group) for 10 days. Thereafter, transcriptome analysis was performed. Vasopressin, cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript prepropeptide, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which are involved in sympathetic activation of heart rate, were downregulated in the C group. Electrocardiograms were recorded continuously for 12 days under the same condition. Interestingly, rats in the C group had a significantly lower HR than those in the P group on day 11. We checked several parameters representing the autonomic regulation of HR. The C group had higher values for the high-frequency band integration of the HR power spectrum (parasympathetic marker) and root mean square successive difference of R-wave intervals (parasympathetic marker) relative to the P group. Such findings provide a molecular and physiological basis for understanding the regulation of cardiovascular function in response to masticatory stimuli in the autonomic nervous system

Lifestyle factors and visible skin aging in a population of Japanese elders.

BACKGROUND: The number of studies that use objective and quantitative methods to evaluate facial skin aging in elderly people is extremely limited, especially in Japan. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study we attempted to characterize the condition of facial skin (hyperpigmentation, pores, texture, and wrinkling) in Japanese adults aged 65 years or older by using objective and quantitative imaging methods. In addition, we aimed to identify lifestyle factors significantly associated with these visible signs of aging. METHODS: The study subjects were 802 community-dwelling Japanese men and women aged at least 65 years and living in the town of Kurabuchi (Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan), a mountain community with a population of approximately 4800. The facial skin condition of subjects was assessed quantitatively using a standardized facial imaging system and subsequent computer image analysis. Lifestyle information was collected using a structured questionnaire. The association between skin condition and lifestyle factors was examined using multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Among women, the mean values for facial texture, hyperpigmentation, and pores were generally lower than those among age-matched men. There was no significant difference between sexes in the severity of facial wrinkling. Older age was associated with worse skin condition among women only. After adjusting for age, smoking status and topical sun protection were significantly associated with skin condition among both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed significant differences between sexes in the severity of hyperpigmentation, texture, and pores, but not wrinkling. Smoking status and topical sun protection were significantly associated with signs of visible skin aging in this study population

The Tokyo Oldest Old Survey on Total Health (TOOTH): A longitudinal cohort study of multidimensional components of health and well-being

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>With the rapid worldwide increase in the oldest old population, considerable concern has arisen about the social and economic burden of diseases and disability in this age group. Understanding of multidimensional structure of health and its life-course trajectory is an essential prerequisite for effective health care delivery. Therefore, we organized an interdisciplinary research team consisting of geriatricians, dentists, psychologists, sociologists, and epidemiologists to conduct a longitudinal observational study.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>For the Tokyo Oldest Old Survey on Total Health (TOOTH) study, a random sample of inhabitants of the city of Tokyo, aged 85 years or older, was drawn from the basic city registry. The baseline comprehensive assessment consists of an in-home interview, a self-administered questionnaire, and a medical/dental examination. To perform a wide variety of biomedical measurements, including carotid ultrasonography and a detailed dental examination, participants were invited to our study center at Keio University Hospital. For those who were not able to visit the study center, we provided the option of a home-based examination, in which participants were simultaneously visited by a geriatrician and a dentist. Of 2875 eligible individuals, a total of 1152 people were recruited, of which 542 completed both the in-home interview and the medical/dental examination, with 442 completed the in-home interview only, and another 168 completed self or proxy-administered data collection only. Carotid ultrasonography was completed in 458 subjects, which was 99.6% of the clinic visitors (n = 460). Masticatory assessment using a colour-changeable chewing gum was completed in 421 subjects, a 91.5% of the clinic visitors.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Our results demonstrated the feasibility of a new comprehensive study that incorporated non-invasive measurements of subclinical diseases and a detailed dental examination aiming at community-dwelling individuals aged 85 years or older. The bimodal recruitment strategy is critically important to capture a broad range of health profiles among the oldest old. Results form the TOOTH study will help develop new models of health promotion, which are expected to contribute to an improvement in lifelong health and well-being.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>This study has been registered in the UMIN-Clinical Trial Registry (CTR), ID: UMIN000001842.</p