Biomedical subjects

Kazuo Sugawara

Publications and source records attributed to Kazuo Sugawara.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Gender differences in the psychological response to weight reduction in judoists.

We examined gender-related differences in the psychological response to weight reduction in 43 judoists. Twenty-two males and 8 females who required weight reduction [weight reduction (WR) group] (the average percentages of weight reduction observed for males and females were 3.4% and 4.9%, respectively), and 5 males and 8 females who did not require weight reduction (non-WR group). The POMS scores were measured before and after weight reduction. The TMD (total mood disturbance) score in POMS significantly increased after weight reduction only in WR group males. In the female WR group, the anger and depression scores decreased after weight reduction, and the pre-value of the TMD score in thisgroup was relatively high. The psychological stress may be caused by anxiety engendered by the overall concept of weight reduction before actual weight reduction in females, whereas in males it may be caused by the actual weight reduction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Confounding by dietary factors in case-control studies on the efficacy of cancer screening in Japan.

Evaluation of cancer screening using case-control studies is less valid in comparison to randomized controlled trails, due to the intrusion of a possible self-selection bias in the former. The randomized controlled trial approach, however, may be difficult in developed countries where mass cancer screening programs are already being performed nationally. Accordingly, case-control studies are often performed instead of randomized controlled trials. In case-control studies, no reports could be found in the literature using dietary habit, an important influencing factor in carcinogenesis, as an adjusting item. We surveyed nutrition and food intake status through a nutrition survey using the weighing method, and smoking prevalence and alcohol consumption with questionnaires in the general population in northern Japan, in subjects over 30 years of age. We then compared these results among non-participants and participants in cancer screening programs, and evaluated how any differences between the two groups might affect the results of case-control studies. Non-participants had a significantly lower intake of vegetables, carotene, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which are thought to be beneficial factors in the prevention of carcinogenesis. Non-participants had a significantly higher cigarette smoking prevalence than participants. In relation to the intake of vegetables, a difference between participants and non-participants was evident, as proper adjustment for vegetable intake led to an odds ratio closer to the null value. The value of the odds ratio will probably not decrease, but it might increase when other dietary factors or smoking are taken into consideration.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of the amount of pectin in the human terminal ileum with the amount of orally administered pectin.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary fiber by definition is resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine, and it should naturally reach the large intestine. To date, there have been several reports that have examined in vivo how much dietary fiber actually reaches the terminal ileum in human subjects using glucose, with large differences in results. We compared the amount of pectin in the human terminal ileum with that of orally administered pectin. METHODS: Seven healthy male volunteers ages 20 to 27 y were given a test meal containing 4.05 g of pectin. A double-lumen tube was placed in the terminal ileum by using the endoscopic retrograde bowel insertion method, and the ileal contents were aspirated through the tube. Amounts of pectin orally administered and collected from the terminal ileum were estimated as galacturonic acid concentrations (Englyst's method) and were compared with each other. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation amount of pectin collected in the terminal ileum was 3.58 +/- 0.43 g, or 88.4 +/- 10.5% of pectin administered. Further, there were large individual differences in recovery, ranging from 76.8% to 105.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 90% of ingested pectin was recovered in the terminal ileum in this study. Ten percent may have been degraded by bacteria within the digestive tract, especially the terminal ileum.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2004

Defoliation effects on the community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi based on 18S rDNA sequences.

The effects of defoliation on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations in the field were investigated in terms of the community structure of AM fungi colonizing roots of grassland plants; the carbohydrate balance of the host plants was also determined. We focused on two plant species dominating Japanese native grasslands: the grazing-intolerant species Miscanthus sinensis and the grazing-tolerant species Zoysia japonica. Community structures of AM fungi were determined from 18S rRNA gene sequences. The dominant fungal group in both plant species was the Glomus clade, which was classified into several phylogenetic groups based on genetic distances and topology. In Miscanthus roots, the Glomus-Ab, Glomus-Ac, and Glomus-Ad groups were detected almost equally. In Zoysia roots, the Glomus-Ab group was dominant. Defoliation effects on the community structure of AM fungi differed between the plant species. In Miscanthus roots, the percentage of root length colonized (%RLC) by the Glomus-Ac and Glomus-Ad groups was significantly reduced by defoliation treatment. On the other hand, AM fungal group composition in Zoysia roots was unaffected by defoliation except on the last sampling date. Decreased %RLC by Glomus-Ac and Glomus-Ad coincided with decreased non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) levels in host plants; also, significant positive correlations were found between the %RLC and some NSC levels. On the other hand, the %RLC by Glomus-Ab in both plant species was unaffected by the NSC level. These results suggest that AM fungal groups have different carbohydrate requirements from host plants.

Andropogon↗

PubMed2004

Seasonal changes in mortality rates from main causes of death in Japan (1970--1999).

BACKGROUND: It is well recognized that the season of the year exerts an influence on some diseases and causes of death such as coronary heart diseases, stroke, infectious diseases and so on. METHODS: We evaluated the influence of seasonal changes on diseases and causes of death in Japan using the Japan Vital Statistics from 1970 to 1999 and recorded weather data (mean temperature), by a Fourier decomposition in a log linear regression model. RESULTS: Major influences of seasonal change with the highest rates in winter were seen on the following: the overall causes of death; infectious and parasitic diseases including tuberculosis; respiratory disease, including pneumonia and influenza; heart and cerebrovascular diseases; diabetes; and digestive diseases and accidents. Two peaks were seen in suicides, a large peak in April and a small peak in autumn. Cancer and homicides were little or not at all influenced by seasonality. There was no major difference in changes between the years studied, except for respiratory disease and tuberculosis, which showed a clear reduction in the seasonality effect from 1970 to 1999. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the overall mortality rate and to prolong life expectancy in Japan, measures must be taken to reduce those mortality rates associated with seasonal differences, especially those causes of death which show a strong correlation with seasonal change: respiratory, heart, cerebrovascular, diabetes and infectious diseases.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2004

Firm measures are required to effect any significant decrease in the Japanese age-adjusted mortality rate from malignant neoplasms for the 21st century.

The Japanese have the longest lifespan worldwide, but this has been mostly due to reductions in the mortality rates from diseases other than malignant neoplasms. Changes in the age-adjusted mortality rates (AMRs) for malignant neoplasms in Japan from 1950 to 2000 are analyzed to elucidate the overall trend. The overall AMRs for all malignant neoplasms in men increased from 1950 to 2000, and decreased slowly in women during the same period. Changes since 1990 have been small in both genders, but show a hopeful trend towards a decrease in the total AMR since 1995. These trends reflect a balance between the decreased AMR from gastric (both male and female) and uterine cancers and increases in many other malignant neoplasms. However, in the period 1990-2000, the decrease in the AMR from gastric and uterine cancers has shown a trend towards leveling off. Therefore, improving the trend towards reductions in cancer incidence and mortality in the 21st century and beyond will depend on achieving changes in other cancer sites, which can only be realized through the twofold approach of preventative medicine and research as well as improvements in the levels of diagnosis and therapy. Much more emphasis must therefore be placed on primary prevention, in particular on anti-smoking campaigns, as well as stepping-up research into the etiology of, and novel treatments for other malignant neoplasms, especially colorectal and breast cancers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Adverse effects of energy restriction on myogenic enzymes in judoists.

In this study, we examined the effects of weight reduction by restricting energy intake on muscle function and serum concentrations of myogenic enzymes in judoists. Twenty-seven male judoists aged 19.3 +/- 0.6 years (mean +/- s) were divided into three groups based on the extent of body weight reduction: high weight reduction (height 1.70 +/- 0.05 m, body mass 78.5 +/- 13.6 kg), low weight reduction (height 1.70 +/- 0.05 m, body mass 80.7 +/- 13.1 kg) and a group that maintained body weight while continuing to perform exercise training (height 1.78 +/- 0.07 m, body mass 78.7 +/- 8.8 kg). Body composition, blood biochemistry, energy intake and anaerobic power were assessed on four occasions: 20 days (baseline data), 4 days and 1 day before and 7 days after competition. Compared with baseline, body mass and fat-free mass were significantly lower 1 day before competition in the high and low weight reduction groups (both P < 0.01); these changes persisted for 7 days after competition in the high weight reduction group. Serum creatine kinase was significantly elevated 1 day before competition in all groups (all P < 0.05), and remained higher 7 days after competition in both the high and low weight reduction groups. Compared with baseline, maximal anaerobic power was significantly lower 1 day before competition only in the high weight reduction group (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that energy restriction in addition to intense exercise training before major competition has an adverse effect on anaerobic power and elevates serum creatine kinase concentration, leading to an impairment of muscular function and an increased susceptibility of muscle tissue to injury.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

PubMed2004

The prevention of colon carcinogenesis in rats by dietary cellulose is greater than the promotive effect of dietary lard as assessed by repeated endoscopic observation.

We developed a method which we used in the current study to observe the rat colon endoscopically. Our goal was to evaluate the entire course in the development of experimental large bowel tumors through serial observations in the same rat. We compared the effects of dietary lard and cellulose on rat colon tumorigenesis in a 2 x 3 factorial design. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 90) were divided into 6 diet groups: rats were fed a diet without cellulose that contained 5, 10, and 15 g/100 g lard, or diets containing 15% cellulose diet (15 g cellulose/100 g diet) and the same concentrations of lard. The development of large bowel tumors induced by the administration of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (25 mg/kg body weight) for 19 wk was examined endoscopically. Tumor induction rates in the 15% cellulose groups were lower than in the 0% cellulose groups (P = 0.008), independent of the lard concentration. These results suggest that the preventive effect of cellulose against large bowel tumorigenesis is greater than the promotive effect of fat under the current experimental conditions.

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine↗

PubMed2004

The fermentation of different dietary fibers is associated with fecal clostridia levels in men.

Only a few reports have compared the fermentation of pectin and cellulose using the hydrogen-breath test, and no studies have examined the relation between the hydrogen breathing pattern and colonic microflora. Using breath-hydrogen measurements, we investigated whether different dietary fibers (DFs) were fermented differently and whether there were individual differences after ingestion of the same DF; we also examined the relation between individual fecal microflora and the fermentation of DF. Results of hydrogen tests in 14 men were compared after they had ingested 20 g of pectin, 20 g of cellulose, or 6 g of lactulose (a DF-like substance). We examined the relation between the breath hydrogen results and the subjects' fecal microflora. We defined significant fermentation (i.e., positive cases) as a continuous rise in hydrogen in the expiratory air of >19 ppm. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to their hydrogen breath test pattern, i.e., positive for lactulose and pectin (Group LP, n = 4); positive for lactulose alone (Group L, n = 7); and negative for pectin, cellulose, and lactulose (Group N, n = 3). Individual differences were noted in subjects from Group LP and Group L. The detection frequency of lecithinase-negative clostridia was higher in Group LP than in the other groups (P < 0.05), and the detection frequency and the number of lecithinase-positive clostridia were higher in Groups LP and L than in Group N (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the Clostridium species are associated with hydrogen production. The hydrogen breath test results of DFs depend on both the type of DF and the individual colonic microflora. The amount and constitution of colonic microflora might be predicted by the hydrogen-breath test using different DFs.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Effects of gender-related weight reduction on the physical condition of male and female college judoists].

OBJECTIVE: In order to study the gender-related effects of weight reduction on the physical condition of male and female college judoists during weight reduction periods, we examined changes in anthropometric, nutritional intake and biochemical parameters in 43 male and female college judoists 20 days (pre-weight reduction) before and one day (post-weight reduction) before the game. METHODS: Subjects were divided into two groups. Thirty subjects (22 males, 8 females) who required weight reduction were defined as the weight reduction (WR) group, and the remaining 13 subjects (5 males, 8 females) were defined as the non-reduction (non-WR) group. RESULTS: In both WR groups, anthropometric parameters and nutritional intake significantly decreased after weight reduction compared to the pre-values. The change ratios of nutritional intake during the weight reduction period in the female WR group were higher than those in the male WR group. Serum lipids and electrolytes significantly decreased after the weight reduction compared to the pre-values in both WR groups. In the female WR group, Cr and UA significantly increased after the weight reduction compared to the pre-values. Although it was not significant, Ht increased after the weight reduction compared to the pre-values only in the female WR group. TP, Cr, UA, BUN, CK, LDH and IgA significantly increased after the weight reduction compared to the pre-values in the weight reduction compared to the pre-values in the male WR group. In contrast, in both non-WR groups, these parameters did not change significantly during the research period. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that nutritional exhaustion and dehydration may be the major effects brought about by energy and fluid restriction in female college judoists during a weight reduction period. On the other hand, in male college judoists undergoing weight reduction, the data suggest that muscle damage and myogenic protein catabolism may be caused chiefly by exercise. These differences may be due to the difference in the method of weight reduction for the different genders, namely, mainly exercise in males and mainly energy and fluid restriction in females.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Nutritional effects of supplementing liquid-formula diet with dietary fiber on elderly bed-ridden patients.

In the past few decades, the number of bed-ridden elderly patients has been increasing. This group of patients is frequently fed with a liquid formula diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a liquid formula diet containing dietary fiber (DF) for elderly bed-ridden patients. Eighteen elderly, bed-ridden patients were given L-3 Fiber, a DF-containing liquid formula diet (DF-LFD), for 4 weeks, while a number of parameters were monitored, including serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, creatinine, uric acid, glucose, sodium, potassium, and calcium, urine protein/sugar, and defecation frequency. Total protein, albumin and total cholesterol significantly increased following the administration of the DF-LFD, associated with an average increase in body weight of 1.94 kg (5.0%). Defecation frequency significantly increased one week after DF-LFD administration was started, but this effect was transient. Although a few patients complained of nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, no severe side effects were seen. In conclusion, DF-LFD supplementation appears to be beneficial for elderly bed-ridden patients, and can increase nutritional-related parameters, such as body weight, total protein, albumin and total cholesterol, without severe side effects.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

A population-based study on defecatory conditions in Japanese subjects: methods for self-evaluation.

We examined the defecatory conditions in a population of Japanese subjects and analyzed the measured parameters as a means for self-evaluation of defecation. Subjects (n=1195) were residents of northern Japan and were all aged over 40 years. The state of defecation and fecal characteristics were assessed with regard to nine parameters including "self-reported bowel habit" and "bowel movement frequency." Logistic regression analysis was carried out to analyze the association between the complaint of constipation and other eight parameters. A higher tendency for constipation was noted in women than in men. The highest value of the odds ratio was "bowel movement frequency"; especially the value "once per three days or more" was noted in both genders (odds ratio: 13.38 and 42.46 in men and women, respectively). In addition, "stool appearance", "length of time for bowel movement", "straining after bowel movement", "alternating diarrhea/constipation/disorder" and "travel-related changes in bowel movements" were significantly related with the complaint of constipation ("self-reported bowel habits") in both genders. In conclusion, the study elucidated that personal and subjective evaluation of bowel habits in normal subjects consisted of various factors under the heading of "bowel movement frequency".

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Environmental factors affect colon carcinoma and rectal carcinoma in men and women differently.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colon cancer is thought to be more closely associated with environmental factors than rectal cancer, but evidence is currently insufficient. We examined whether there are differences in the degree of environmental effect on colon cancer and rectal cancer in Japan. METHODS: We performed a birth cohort analysis for colon and rectal cancers using Japanese vital statistics from 1950 to 1998 and analyzed time trends by cancer site and gender. RESULTS: The mean annual increase in age-adjusted mortality rate from colon cancer was greater than that from rectal cancer and was greater in men than in women. In men left colon cancer showed the greatest rate of increase whereas cancer of the right colon showed only a slight change. Although left colon cancer rapidly increased until the middle 1980s and thereafter showed no change, right colon cancer showed no change until the middle 1980s and thereafter rapidly increased in men. However, the rates of increase in left colon cancer were greater than those in right colon cancer until the middle 1980s, after which a reversal in trend was seen in women. Birth cohort analysis indicates that for all cohorts the mortality rates at the same age were higher in the recent cohorts than in the previous ones. This trend was more marked for colon cancer than for rectal cancer and was stronger among men than among women. CONCLUSION: Colon cancer is more closely associated than rectal cancer with environmental factors, and this association is more pronounced in men than in women. Consequently cancers at these two sites should not be combined in studies of the role of lifestyle factors in causing these neoplasms. Furthermore, the causes of these diseases may differ in men and women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Low-level laser irradiation attenuates production of reactive oxygen species by human neutrophils.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on production of reactive oxygen (ROS) species by human neutrophils. BACKGROUND DATA: LLLT is an effective therapeutic modality for inflammatory conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The laser device used was the infrared diode laser (GaAlAs), 830-nm continuous wave (150 mW/cm(2)). After irradiation, ROS production by neutrophils was measured using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LmCL) and expression of CD11b and CD16 on neutrophil surface was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The LmCL response of neutrophils was reduced by laser irradiation at 60 min prior to the stimulation with opsonized zymosan and calcium ionophore. The attenuating effect of LLLT was larger in neutrophils of smokers than non-smokers, while the amount of produced ROS was larger in neutrophils of smokers. Expression of CD11b and CD16 on neutrophil surface was not affected by LLLT. CONCLUSION: Attenuation of ROS production by neutrophils may play a role in the effects of LLLT in the treatment of inflammatory tissues. There is a possible usage of LLLT to improve wound healing in smokers.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

The resistant starch level of heat moisture-treated high amylose cornstarch is much lower when measured in the human terminal ileum than when estimated in vitro.

According to the definition of resistant starch (RS), the true value of foodstuff-derived RS can be assessed only from that found in the contents of the terminal ileum. To date, a few methods exist for in vivo measurement of RS in the terminal ileum, but their accuracy is questionable. The aim of this study was to quantify the level of RS in the terminal ileum to determine its true value as dietary fiber (DF). Volunteers (n = 7 men) were given a test meal containing 10 g of heat moisture-treated high amylose cornstarch (HMT-HAS) containing 8.8 g of RS as measured by Englyst's method. A double-lumen tube was positioned in the terminal ileum using the endoscopic retrograde bowel insertion method (ERBI). Intestinal contents were aspirated, and the amount of RS was measured as the glucose concentration (Englyst's method), and compared with the values for RS administrated orally using the same method. The mean amount of HMT-HAS-derived RS collected in the terminal ileum was 3.37 +/- 0.95 g (mean +/- SD), which was 34.5 +/- 9.7% of the in vitro RS value. Furthermore, there were large individual differences in recoveries, ranging from 22.2 to 47.5%. The measured amount of HMT-HAS-derived RS was much smaller in our in vivo study than that measured in vitro, suggesting that in vitro measurement may inaccurately estimate the RS and DF levels of foodstuffs. The problem is further compounded by the large individual in vivo variations in RS values from subjects consuming identical diets.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Life expectancies in the United Kingdom and Japan.

BACKGROUND: Compared with other developed countries, the United Kingdom has exhibited less of an increase in life expectancy over the past 30 years. METHODS: We compared the chronological changes in the age-adjusted mortality rates (AMRs) from all causes or major causes, and in life expectancy in the United Kingdom and Japan between 1970 and 1997. RESULTS: In both 1970 and 1997 the AMRs for most major causes were higher in the United Kingdom than in Japan; the difference in the AMR between countries was smaller in 1970 than in 1997. The difference in the AMR from all causes between the United Kingdom and Japan in 1997 was mainly due to differences in the AMR for heart diseases. The trend for an increasing difference over time between the United Kingdom and Japan in the AMR from all causes was due to the decreased rate of AMR from heart diseases from 1970 to 1997 in the United Kingdom being lower than those from cerebrovascular diseases in same period in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that mortality rates could be reduced by a change in focus of the National Health Service toward an emphasis on primary rather than secondary prevention and associated clinical interventions. The greatest priority should be placed on reducing the incidence of heart disease by aggressively improving primary prevention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

No preventive effect of dietary fiber against colon cancer in the Japanese population: a cross-sectional analysis.

The report of Fuchs et al. in 1999 on the protective effects of dietary fiber (DF) against colon carcinogenesis has led many researchers to question the benefits of DF. We analyzed the relationship between dietary intake and mortality from colon cancer in Japan cross-sectionally. Dietary data were taken from the National Nutrition Survey. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated using data from "Vital Statistics" and "the Population Census in Japan." Multiple regression analysis (stepwise variable selection method) was performed with the SMR of colon cancer as the objective variable and intake of DF, nutrients, and food groups in 1966 as the explanatory variables. The beta regression coefficient was significantly positive for intakes of fat, protein, and vitamin C and significantly negative for intakes of calcium and vitamin A to the SMR of colon cancer. However, no significant correlation was observed for DF or for any of the various food groups analyzed. In conclusion, our data do not demonstrate any protective effect of DF on colon cancer in subjects with a low fat intake (Japanese subjects), which supports Fuchs' findings in subjects with high fat intake (U.S. subjects).

Colonic Neoplasms↗

PubMed2003

Impact of a competitive marathon race on systemic cytokine and neutrophil responses.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether cytokines and neutrophils mediate exercise-related pathogenesis, we examined their responses and possible association after exhaustive exercise. METHODS: Plasma and urine samples were obtained from 10 male runners before and after a 42.195-km marathon race. Major cytokines and neutrophil activation markers [myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lactoferrin (LTF)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Functional modulation of standard neutrophils and monocytes by plasma was determined on their luminol-dependent chemiluminescence responses. RESULTS: The race induced peripheral neutrophilia accompanied by an increase in band neutrophils and monocytosis. Plasma MPO and LTF concentrations increased significantly by 1.8 and 1.4 times after the race. There was a greater increase in urine concentrations of MPO and LTF, 12.3 and 3.5 times after exercise, respectively, suggesting that neutrophil activation occurred and that renal clearance exceeded the increase in plasma concentrations. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage CSF (M-CSF), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) increased significantly after the race, and urine IL-1beta, IL-6, G-CSF, M-CSF, and MCP-1 increased significantly. The plasma IL-6 responses correlated with the increases of band neutrophil count (r = 0.860, P < 0.01), suggesting IL-6-mediated bone marrow release of neutrophils. Furthermore, the increases in urine MPO concentration were correlated with increases in urine IL-6 (r = 0.868, P < 0.01) and G-CSF (r = 0.875, P < 0.01), suggesting that these cytokines promoted neutrophil activation. However, preincubation of neutrophils and monocytes with postexercise plasma could not cause priming responses, possibly because of the exercise-induced enhancement of plasma antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: Although many cytokines recruiting and priming neutrophils and monocytes were secreted and functional after exhaustive exercise, overwhelming antioxidant and antiinflammatory defenses were induced, preventing exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Adult↗