Characterization and Functions of Protease-Activated Receptor 2 in Obesity, Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a cell surface receptor activated by serine proteinases or specific synthetic compounds. Interest in PAR2 as a pharmaceutical target for various diseases is increasing. Here we asked two questions relevant to endothelial dysfunction and diabetes: How is PAR2 function affected in blood vessels? What role does PAR2 have in promoting obesity, diabetes, and/or metabolic syndrome, specifically via the endothelium and adipose tissues? We conducted a systematic review of the published literature in PubMed and Scopus (July 2015; search terms: par2, par-2, f2lr1, adipose, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome). Seven studies focused on PAR2 and vascular function. The obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome animal models differed amongst studies, but each reported that PAR2-mediated vasodilator actions were preserved in the face of endothelial dysfunction. The remaining studies focused on nonvascular functions and provided evidence supporting the concept that PAR2 activation promoted obesity. Key studies showed that PAR2 activation regulated cellular metabolism, and PAR2 antagonists inhibited adipose gain and metabolic dysfunction in rats.We conclude that PAR2 antagonists for treatment of obesity indeed show early promise as a therapeutic strategy; however, endothelial-specific PAR2 functions, which may offset mechanisms that produce vascular dysfunction in diabetes, warrant additional study

食育プログラムの教育効果 : 食育プログラム実施前後の給食残量の変化

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a dietary education program implemented in the general studies classes of third-grade elementary school students. The amount of school lunch left over by all students at the school（ N = 1,047） was measured. Then, the amounts left over by the 187 third-grade students who participated in the program（ dietary education group） and the 860 students in grades 1, 2, 4,5, and 6 who did not participate in the program（ non-dietary education group） were compared. Students in the dietary education group also completed a self-administered questionnaire about their awareness of leftover food and a survey in which they freely described their goals for the future following the dietary education program. The results showed that after the program, the proportion of school lunch that was left over was significantly lower for the dietary education group compared to the non-dietary education group. Among the students’ goals for the future, the most frequently mentioned goal was “Eat,” which had a strong concurrent relationship with “School lunch,” ”No leftovers,” and “Value.” The results suggested that the dietary education program effectively fostered an attitude of valuing food and encouraged students to reduce the amount of leftover food