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Biomedical subjects

Shigeru Nakano

Publications and source records attributed to Shigeru Nakano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Bezafibrate regulates the expression and enzyme activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in murine adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

A clinically employed antihyperlipidemic drug, bezafibrate, has been characterized as a PPAR(alpha, -gamma, and -delta) pan-agonist in vitro. Recent extended trials have highlighted its antidiabetic properties in humans. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully elucidated. The present study was designed to explore potential regulatory mechanisms of intracellular glucocorticoid reactivating enzyme, 11beta-HSD1 and anti-diabetic hormone, adiponectin by bezafibrate in murine adipose tissue, and cultured adipocytes. Treatment of db/db mice with bezafibrate significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, accompanied by a marked reduction of triglyceride and nonesterified fatty acids. Despite equipotent in lipid-lowering effects, another fibrate, fenofibrate, did not show such beneficial effects on glycemic control. Treatment of bezafibrate caused a marked decrease in the mRNA level of 11beta-HSD1 preferentially in adipose tissue of db/db mice (-47%, P<0.05), concomitant with a significant increase in plasma adiponectin level (+37%, P<0.01). Notably, treatment of bezafibrate caused a marked decrease in the mRNA level (-34%, P<0.01) and enzyme activity (-32%, P<0.01) of 11beta-HSD1, whereas the treatment substantially augmented the expression (+71%, P<0.01) and secretion (+27%, P<0.01) of adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Knockdown of 11beta-HSD1 by siRNA confirmed that 11beta-HSD1 acts as a distinct oxoreductase in adipocytes and validated the enzyme activity assays in the present study. Effects of bezafibrate on regulation of 11beta-HSD1 and adiponectin in murine adipocytes were comparable with those in thiazolidinediones. This is the first demonstration that bezafibrate directly regulates 11beta-HSD1 and adiponectin in murine adipocytes, both of which may contribute to metabolically-beneficial effects by bezafibrate.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗
PubMed2006

Insulin responses to selective arterial calcium infusion under hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamps: case studies in adult nesidioblastosis and childhood insulinoma.

Selective arterial calcium stimulation and hepatic venous sampling (ASVS) for insulin secretion is used as a diagnostic procedure in patients with insulinomas or adult nesidioblastosis. In some of those patients, severe hypoglycemia requiring urgent glucose administration occurs during the procedure. Such glucose administration, however, may affect the results and damage the validity of the test. We report two cases of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, in which ASVS tests were successfully performed under hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamps. A 40-year-old male with nesidioblastosis developed continual severe hypoglycemia several years after a Billroth II-Braun gastrectomy, and continuous glucose infusion could not be stopped even during ASVS tests. A 9-year-old girl with an insulinoma that showed atypical hypovascularity on imaging examinations had ASVS tests under a glucose clamp for safety. Hyperinsulinemic (approximately 100 microU/ml) euglycemic (approximately 90 mg/dl) clamps were achieved by an artificial endocrine pancreas. The insulin analogue lispro was utilized for clamps and endogenous insulin was measured with an assay that does not cross-react with the analogue. Diagnostically significant responses (more than twofold) of insulin secretion were observed under hyperinsulinemic clamps in both cases. The use of the hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp technique during the ASVS test should be considered for maintaining the safety of some hypoglycemic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effects of bezafibrate, PPAR pan-agonist, and GW501516, PPARdelta agonist, on development of steatohepatitis in mice fed a methionine- and choline-deficient diet.

We evaluated the effects of bezafibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pan-agonist, and GW501516, a PPARdelta agonist, on mice fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet, a model of non-alcholic steatohepatitis (NASH), to investigate (a) the efficacy of bezafibrate against non-alcholic steatohepatitis and (b) the relation between non-alcholic steatohepatitis and the functional role of PPARdelta. Bezafibrate (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) and GW501516 (10 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage once a day for 5 weeks. Hepatic lipid contents, plasma triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations were evaluated, as were histopathological changes in the liver and hepatic mRNA expression levels. Bezafibrate and GW501516 inhibited the MCD-diet-induced elevations of hepatic triglyceride and thiobarbituric acid-reactants contents and the histopathological increases in fatty droplets within hepatocytes, liver inflammation and number of activated hepatic stellate cells. In this model, bezafibrate and GW501516 increased the levels of hepatic mRNAs associated with fatty acid beta-oxidation [acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), liver-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and peroxisomal ketothiolase], and reduced the levels of those associated with inflammatory cytokines or chemokine [transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB1]. In addition, bezafibrate characteristically reduced the elevation in the level of plasma ALT, but enhanced that in plasma adiponectin and increased the mRNA expression levels of its receptors (adiponectin receptors 1 and 2). These results suggest that (a) bezafibrate (especially) and GW501516 might improve hepatic steatosis via an improvement in fatty acid beta-oxidation and a direct prevention of inflammation, (b) treatment with a PPARdelta agonist might improve non-alcholic steatohepatitis, (c) bezafibrate may improve non-alcholic steatohepatitis via activation not only of PPARalpha but also of PPARdelta, because bezafibrate is a PPAR pan-agonist.

Acyl-CoA Oxidase↗
PubMed2006

Effect of emergent aquatic insects on bat foraging in a riparian forest.

1. Riparian zones serve several ecological functions for bats. They provide a source of prey and likely provide favourable structural habitats and shelter from predators. Many studies have shown that bats use the space above streams, ponds or riparian vegetation as feeding habitat. These studies, however, have never distinguished between the effects of habitat structure and prey availability on the foraging activities of bats. Such effects can only be distinguished by an experimental approach. We predicted that bat activity along a stream is influenced by the number of emerged aquatic insects. 2. We evaluated the response of terrestrial consumers, insectivorous bats, to changes in the abundance of emergent aquatic insects by conducting a manipulative field experiment. In a deciduous riparian forest in Japan, aquatic insect flux from the stream to the riparian zone was controlled with an insect-proof cover over a 1.2 km stream reach. 3. We estimated the abundance of emergent aquatic and flying terrestrial arthropods near the treatment and control reaches using Malaise traps. The foraging activity of bats was evaluated in both treatment and control reaches using ultrasonic detectors. 4. The insect-proof cover effectively reduced the flux of emergent aquatic insects to the riparian zone adjacent to the treatment reach. Adjacent to the control reach, adult aquatic insect biomass was highest in spring, and then decreased gradually. Terrestrial insect biomass increased gradually during the summer at both treatment and control reaches. 5. Foraging activity of bats was correlated with insect abundance. In spring, foraging activity of bats at the control reach was significantly greater than at the treatment reach, and increased at both sites with increasing terrestrial insect abundance. 6. Our result suggests that the flux of aquatic insects emerging from streams is one of the most important factors affecting the distribution of riparian-foraging bats. As is the case with other riparian consumers, resource subsidies from streams can directly enhance the performance or population density of riparian-dependent bats. To conserve and manage bat populations, it is important to protect not only forest ecosystems, but also adjacent aquatic systems such as streams.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Putative ABC transporter responsible for acetic acid resistance in Acetobacter aceti.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis of the membrane fraction of Acetobacter aceti revealed the presence of several proteins that were produced in response to acetic acid. A 60-kDa protein, named AatA, which was mostly induced by acetic acid, was prepared; aatA was cloned on the basis of its NH2-terminal amino acid sequence. AatA, consisting of 591 amino acids and containing ATP-binding cassette (ABC) sequences and ABC signature sequences, belonged to the ABC transporter superfamily. The aatA mutation with an insertion of the neomycin resistance gene within the aatA coding region showed reduced resistance to acetic acid, formic acid, propionic acid, and lactic acid, whereas the aatA mutation exerted no effects on resistance to various drugs, growth at low pH (adjusted with HCl), assimilation of acetic acid, or resistance to citric acid. Introduction of plasmid pABC101 containing aatA under the control of the Escherichia coli lac promoter into the aatA mutant restored the defect in acetic acid resistance. In addition, pABC101 conferred acetic acid resistance on E. coli. These findings showed that AatA was a putative ABC transporter conferring acetic acid resistance on the host cell. Southern blot analysis and subsequent nucleotide sequencing predicted the presence of aatA orthologues in a variety of acetic acid bacteria belonging to the genera Acetobacter and Gluconacetobacter. The fermentation with A. aceti containing aatA on a multicopy plasmid resulted in an increase in the final yield of acetic acid.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed2005

Relationship between impaired aldosterone response to adrenocorticotropic hormone and prevalence of hemodialysis in type 2 diabetic patients without azotemia.

The present prospective observational study was designed to assess the prevalence of hemodialysis in type 2 diabetic patients with an impairment of plasma aldosterone responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Sixty seven patients (43 men and 24 women) were selected. The inclusion criteria were age < 65 years; presence of normoalbuminemia (serum albumin > 3.6 g/dl); and absence of azotemia (serum creatinine < or = 1.2 mg/dl in males, and < or = 1.0 mg/dl in females). Soluble alpha(1-24)-ACTH was injected intramuscularly in a single dose of 0.25 mg after overnight recumbency. The area under the aldosterone curve (aldosterone AUC) was calculated. The diabetic patients were divided into two groups according to the levels of aldosterone AUC. Patients with an aldosterone AUC in the range of 0-381 were considered poor responders (n = 31) and those with an AUC of 397-1,007 were considered good responders (n = 36). The follow-up was performed during a 144-month period. The end point of the study was the introduction of hemodialysis. A total of 14 patients (12 poor responders and 2 good responders; p < 0.001) were introduced to hemodialysis. The prevalence of hemodialysis in the poor responders (5.74 per 100 patient-years) was significantly higher (p < 0.001, log-rank test) than that in the good responders (0.68 per 100 patient-years). One possible explanation is that an inappropriate level of salt intake relative to the impaired plasma aldosterone control may have contributed to the high prevalence of risks and hemodialysis in the poor responders.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2005

A prognostic role of mean 24-h pulse pressure level for cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic subjects under 60 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic role of ambulatory 24-h pulse pressure (PP) on various vascular events in relatively young type 2 diabetic subjects under 60 years of age. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 237 type 2 diabetic subjects without any history of vascular complications were analyzed. After excluding 9 dropout subjects, 228 subjects (mean age, 46 years; 69% men; mean follow-up period, 100 months) entered the study. RESULTS: Distribution of 24-h PP for all subjects showed left skewed data, indicating that there may be a diabetic subgroup that had a wide PP. Therefore, further analysis was performed by stratifying the diabetic subjects by quartile of 24-h PP. Outcomes for the widest quartile (n = 58; cut point = 53.3 mmHg) was then compared with those from the other narrower quartiles (n = 170). In the diabetic subjects with a wide PP, cardiovascular events occurred more frequently than those in the diabetic subjects with a narrow one (20.7 vs. 4.1%; P < 0.001), resulting in the significant difference in the cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events (P < 0.001, log-rank test), but not cerebrovascular events, between the two subgroups. The Cox model revealed that a wide 24-h PP at baseline independently predicted subsequent cardiovascular events but not cerebrovascular events. By contrast, only duration of diabetes was the risk factor for cerebrovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that a wide 24-h PP is predictive for cardiovascular events in relatively young diabetic subjects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Enhanced expression of aconitase raises acetic acid resistance in Acetobacter aceti.

Acetobacter spp. are used for industrial vinegar production because of their high ability to oxidize ethanol to acetic acid and high resistance to acetic acid. Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis of a soluble fraction of Acetobacter aceti revealed the presence of several proteins whose production was enhanced, to various extents, in response to acetic acid in the medium. A protein with an apparent molecular mass of 100 kDa was significantly enhanced in amount by acetic acid and identified to be aconitase by NH2-terminal amino acid sequencing and subsequent gene cloning. Amplification of the aconitase gene by use of a multicopy plasmid in A. aceti enhanced the enzymatic activity and acetic acid resistance. These results showed that aconitase is concerned with acetic acid resistance. Enhancement of the aconitase activity turned out to be practically useful for acetic acid fermentation, because the A. aceti transformant harboring multiple copies of the aconitase gene produced a higher concentration of acetic acid with a reduced growth lag-time.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2004

Receptor gene expression of glucagon-like peptide-1, but not glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, in rat nodose ganglion cells.

We previously reported that afferent signals of the rat hepatic vagus increased upon intraportal appearance of insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36) amide (GLP-1), but not glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). To obtain molecular evidence for the vagal chemoreception of GLP-1, the concept derived from those electrophysiological observations, receptor gene expressions of GLP-1 and GIP in the rat nodose ganglion were examined by means of reverse transcriptase-mediated polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analysis. Gene expression of the GLP-1 receptor was clearly detected by both RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis. In situ hybridization study confirmed that the expression occurs in neuronal cells of the ganglion. As to the GIP receptor, RT-PCR amplified the gene transcript faintly though Northern blot analysis failed to detect any messages. However, semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the ratio of the gene expression level of the GIP receptor to that of the GLP-1 receptor was less than 1:250, indicating that receptor gene expression of GIP is practically negligible in the ganglion. Additionally, an equal level of GLP-1 receptor gene expressions between left- and right-side ganglia was evidenced by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, implying possible extrahepatic occurrence of vagal GLP-1 reception in addition to the reception through the hepatic vagus (originating from the left-side ganglion). The present results offer, for the first time, the molecular basis for the vagal chemoreception of GLP-1 via its specific receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Implication of steady state concentrations of nitrite and nitrate metabolites of nitric oxide in plasma and whole blood in healthy human subjects.

1. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the steady state NOx concentration reflects NOx formation in vivo. 2. A NO3- load study was performed after achieving NOx steady state. Chronological changes in NOx concentrations in plasma and whole blood samples from nine healthy subjects were determined by the HPLC-Griess system and NOx concentrations in erythrocytes were estimated as a possible NOx compartment influential in regulating plasma NOx concentrations. 3. Analysis was performed using the first-order one-compartment open model and the NOx formation rate was subsequently calculated. 4. The mean (+/-SEM) steady state NOx concentration of plasma (15.5 +/- 1.6 micromol/L), whole blood (12.8 +/- 1.2 micromol/L) and erythrocytes (11.9 +/- 0.7 micromol/L) did not correlate with the NOx formation rate in the compartments (0.50 +/- 0.05, 0.61 +/- 0.04 and 0.91 +/- 0.17 micromol/kg per h, respectively), whereas a significant correlation was found between the steady state NOx concentration and NOx elimination rate (Kel) in plasma (r=-0.69; P=0.04) and whole blood (r=-0.79; P=0.01). 5. Although there was no direct correlation between steady state NOx concentrations and serum creatinine levels, the correlation between half-life and serum creatinine levels was significant (plasma: r=0.60, P=0.02; whole blood: r=0.49, P=0.04). 6. Plasma NOx concentrations correlated significantly with erythrocyte NOx concentrations (r=0.92, P <0.01; erythrocyte NOx=0.66 x plasma NOx). 7. The results of the present study indicate that NOx does not accumulate excessively into erythrocytes at steady state and during a NO3- load and that the steady state NOx concentration in whole blood and plasma preferentially implies NOx elimination (mainly depending on renal function) rather than NOx formation.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Ambulatory blood pressure level rather than dipper/nondipper status predicts vascular events in type 2 diabetic subjects.

To clarify which parameter, diurnal pattern of blood pressure (BP) or level of BP variability, has the stronger predictive value for fatal and nonfatal vascular events, vital status after a mean (+/-SD) follow-up period of 86+/-46 months was determined in 392 type 2 diabetic subjects without any history of vascular disease, in whom the 24-h BP profile had been monitored between 1988 and 1998. After the exclusion of 28 subjects who died during the follow-up period of causes unrelated to diabetes, 364 subjects were recruited for further analysis. A total of 147 first events, including 50 fatal vascular events and 97 nonfatal vascular events, were recorded during the follow-up period. The rates of various vascular events increased with both reduced nocturnal falls in systolic BP (SBP) and levels of all ambulatory BP parameters. The ambulatory BP parameter showing the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCAUC) for fatal events was the mean 24-h pulse pressure (PP), and that for nonfatal events was the mean nighttime SBP; both exceeded the respective values of nocturnal fall in SBP. Furthermore, when dipper and nondipper diabetic subjects were divided into subgroups based on the 24-h PP (54.3 mmHg) and the nighttime SBP (116.5 mmHg) cut-off points derived from the ROC analyses, Kaplan-Meier plots showed that the diabetic subgroups with high ambulatory BP levels had worse outcomes, independent of dipper/nondipper status. Finally, these parameters were applied to the Cox model with the values of nocturnal fall in SBP and other confounding factors, and results showed that mean 24-h PP and mean nighttime SBP predicted fatal and nonfatal vascular events, respectively, more strongly than nocturnal fall in SBP in type 2 diabetic subjects. These findings therefore suggest that ambulatory BP levels in type 2 diabetic subjects have a higher predictive value for organ damage and death compared with diurnal BP patterns or dipper/nondipper status.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

A PCR assay for detection of acetic acid-tolerant lactic acid bacteria in acidic food products.

A PCR assay for the detection of acetic acid-tolerant lactic acid bacteria in the genera of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus was developed in this study. Primers targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were newly designed and used in this PCR assay. To determine the specificity of the assay, 56 different bacterial strains (of 33 genera), 2 fungi, 3 animals, and 4 plants were tested. Results were positive for most tested bacterial members of 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic groups (classified in the Lactobacillus casei and Pediococcus group), including Lactobacillus fructivorans, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus paracasei. For all other bacterial strains and eukaryote tested, results were negative. Bacterial DNA for PCR was prepared with a simple procedure with the use of Chelex 100 resin from culture after growth in deMan Rogosa Sharpe broth (pH 6.0). To test this PCR assay for the monitoring of the acetic acid-tolerant lactic acid bacteria, L. fructivorans was inoculated into several acidic food as an indicator. Before the PCR, the inoculation of 10 to 50 CFU of bacteria per g of food was followed by a 28-h enrichment culture step, and the PCR assay allowed the detection of bacterial cells. Including the enrichment culture step, the entire PCR detection process can be completed within 30 h.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2004

PCR detection of Bacillus and Staphylococcus in various foods.

A broad-range PCR assay for the detection of bacteria belonging to Bacillus and Staphylococcus genera was developed. Primers targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were newly designed and used in a PCR assay. To determine the specificity of the assay, 81 different bacterial strains (of 50 genera), 2 fungi, 3 animals, and 4 plants were tested. Results were positive for every tested Bacillus, Staphylococcus, or Aerococcus strain. In addition, the result for Listeria grayi was positive with lower PCR product. For all other bacterial strains and eukaryotes tested, results were negative. Bacterial DNA was prepared with the use of achromopeptidase and Chelex 100 resin from culture after growth in brain heart infusion medium. To test the sensitivity of this PCR assay for Bacillus or Staphylococcus genus, either Bacillus cereus or Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated into various foods with undetectable levels of endogenous microbial contamination as an indicator. Inoculation of bacteria at 10 to 30 CFU/g of food was followed by a 5-h enrichment culture step after which the PCR assay allowed the detection of bacterial cells. When the inoculation (B. cereus or S. aureus) of 10 to 90 CFU/g into noodle foods containing endogenous microflora (10(3) to 10(5) CFU/g) was followed by a 6-h enrichment culture step, the PCR assay detected the bacteria. Including the enrichment culture step, the entire PCR detection process can be completed within 8.5 h.

Bacillus↗
PubMed2004

A PCR assay based on a sequence-characterized amplified region marker for detection of emetic Bacillus cereus.

A PCR assay for the detection of Bacillus cereus strains able to produce an emetic toxin (cereulide) was developed in this study based on a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) derived from a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragment. One of the RAPD fragments generated was selected, cloned, and sequenced. A set of PCR primers was newly designed from the SCAR obtained (the sequence of the cloned RAPD fragment) and used in this assay. To determine the specificity of the assay, 30 different B. cereus strains, 8 other Bacillus strains (of six species), and 16 other non-Bacillus strains (from 16 genera) were tested. Results were positive for every emetic B. cereus strain and for only one nonemetic B. cereus strain. For all other bacterial strains, results were negative. Bacterial DNA for PCR was prepared by a simple procedure using Chelex 100 resin from the bacterial colony on the agar plate or from culture after growth in brain heart infusion medium. This PCR assay enabled us to detect the bacteria of emetic B. cereus grown on agar plates but not the bacteria of nonemetic B. cereus. To test this PCR assay for the monitoring of the emetic bacteria, 10 to 70 CFU of B. cereus DSM 4312 (emetic) per g of food was inoculated into several foods as an indicator, followed by a 7-h enrichment culture step. Because this PCR assay based on the SCAR derived from the RAPD fragment was able to detect bacterial cells, this assay should be useful for rapid and specific detection of emetic B. cereus.

Bacillus cereus↗
PubMed2003

Insulin resistant state in type 2 diabetes is related to advanced autonomic neuropathy.

To elucidate the relationships between obesity, glycemic control, dyslipidemia, hypertension, microvascular complications, and insulin resistance assessed using an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique, we studied 54 hospitalized type 2 diabetic subjects (DM) and 10 age- and sex-matched normotensive, nonobese control subjects (C). Glucose infusion rate (GIR) derived from the clamp study was used as an index of insulin resistance. Body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of hypertension, HbA1c and serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were significantly higher, and serum high-density-lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was significantly lower in DM than in C (p < 0.05 or less). The median GIR level was significantly lower inDM than in C (p = 0.038). The difference in GIR between the two groups wasstill statistically significant even after adjustment for BMI, mean BP, HbA1c, NEFA, and HDL-cholesterol. However, after simultaneous adjustment for these factors, there was no difference in GIR between the two groups. Body mass index, mean BP, HbA1c, and NEFA showed negative correlations, and serum HDL-cholesterol showed a positive correlation with GIR, but neither age nor duration of diabetes correlated with GIR. When GIR values in DM were divided according to the degree of neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, and compared to those in C, GIR levels tended to be decreased with increasing severity of each microvascular complication, but there was no difference in median GIR levels among the diabetic subgroups. Relationships between the GIR levels and confounding factors such as age, sex, BMI, mean BP, HbA1c, serum NEFA, and serum HDL-cholesterol, were examined simultaneously with a multiple regression analysis. This analysis revealed that HbA1c and serum NEFA may affect the GIR level. Furthermore, together with these two factors, the relationships between the GIR levels and the severity of each microvascular complication were explored with the same analysis. This model clearly demonstrated that both the decreased CVR-R and pronounced orthostatic fall in systolic BP were independent factors for the decreased GIR. These findings suggest that marked autonomic dysfunction, rather than other confounding factors, is related to increased insulin resistance in DM.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A practical procedure for achieving a steady state of NOx concentration in plasma: with special reference to the NOx content of Japanese daily food.

To establish a concrete procedure to achieve a steady state plasma NOx concentration with Japanese daily food, NOx contents of about 200 types of food and beverages consumed daily were measured and NOx concentration in plasma was monitored till steady state after various degree of intake of NOx restricted food. The NOx content was found to be high in dark green leaved vegetables and low in grains, processed food, fresh and processed seafood. Tap water and mineral water were found to contain various amounts of NOx that were drastically reduced by treatment with a reverse osmosis column and remained in trace amounts after ion exchange column treatment. NOx content was low in drinks such as cola, but was extremely high in vegetable juice containing dark green leaved vegetables. The intake of high NOx drinks resulted in elevated plasma NOx concentration, but intake of low NOx drinks did not change the plasma NOx concentration. Based on these findings, a steady state could be achieved by 18 hours fasting after the intake of a moderately NOx-restricted diet (about 370, micromoles/day) and by 13 hours fasting after the intake of an extremely NOx-restricted diet (< 100 micromoles/day). NOx concentrations in randomly collected blood samples without these conditions were sometimes ten times higher than that at steady state. This procedure can be undertaken under normal Japanese daily life and is expected to be applicable even to outpatients.

Adult↗