Mitsunori Ikeda

Anti-allergic and Profilaggrin (ProFLG)-mRNA expression modulatory effects of sacran

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disorder characterized by filaggrin (FLG) defect. We evaluated sacrans effects on dust-mite extracts (DME)-induced AD-like disease and also its effect on profilaggrin (proFLG) in a murine model of 2,4-dinitroflurobenze (DNFB)-induced contact hypersensitivity. In the murine AD-like disease model, allergic NC/Nga mice (N=60) were randomly divided into five treatment groups of 12 animals each: 0.2% and 1%sacran; 0.1% Tacrolimus; Vaseline and buffer-treated controls. Blood samples were drawn and serum levels of representative Th-1, Th-2 and also Th-17 (IL-17A) cytokines were assayed by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). In the contact hypersensitivity model, diseased NC/Nga mice (N=20) were divided into four groups of five mice each [0.05%sacran, 0.05% chondroitin sulfate (CS), 0.5% prednisolone (PD), non-treated control group] and were treated for 14days. Skin biopsies were performed for the measurement of proFLG-mRNA by real-time PCR. Sacran solutions and 0.1%Tacrolimus reduced disease severity, suppressed histological changes and decreased the serum Th-1 (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2) and Th-2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) cytokines in allergic mice (vs. controls). Additionally, a marked increase of proFLG-mRNA expression was observed in 0.05%sacran group (vs. control 0.05% CS and 0.5% PD groups). Thus, Sacran might be useful as a natural skin barrier enhancer and anti-allergic agent.

Uncovering Adiponectin Replenishing Property of Sujiaonori Algal Biomaterial in Humans

The replenishment of adiponectin—an adipocyte-derived hormone with salutary health effects—has recently been proposed as a new approach to treat hypertension, also ameliorate cardiovascular and metabolic risks. We conducted a prospective placebo-controlled, non-randomized and investigator-blinded dietary intervention study to evaluate the health effects of dietary intake of Sujiaonori (Ulva/Enteromorpha prolifera Müller) algal biomaterial (SBM), especially on adiponectin production, blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI) in human subjects. Participants (N = 32) were divided into two equally sized groups (n = 16 for each group): SBM group (subjects supplemented with 3 g SBM powder twice a day during meal) and the control group (subjects who took 3 g of a supplement made of 70% corn starch powder and 30% spinach twice a day) for four weeks. Two health survey questionnaires (dietary and current health questionnaires) were completed anonymously, saliva sampling was done for adiponectin measurement by ELISA, and blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric parameters were measured at baseline and four weeks later. Student paired t-test was performed to compare baseline and post-intervention data on outcome variables between the two study groups. Results showed a 2.24-fold increase in adiponectin level in SBM group (2.81 and 6.26 ng/mL at baseline and at the end of study, respectively) (p < 0.01); whereas no significant change was observed in controls (3.58 and 3.51 ng/mL, respectively) (p > 0.05). In SBM subjects, an improvement of BP profile was noted with a significant decrease in systolic BP (p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between SBM supplementation and adiponectin level, whereas an inverse correlation was noted between SBM supplementation and blood pressure, and also BMI. These findings suggest that SBM-increased adiponectin level and improved BP in a sample of Japanese young adults, and has the potential to improve blood pressure in humans.

Sujiaonori-Derived Algal Biomaterials Inhibit Allergic Reaction in Allergen-Sensitized RBL-2H3 Cell Line and Improve Skin Health in Humans

Sujiaonori, a river alga growing in the Kochi prefecture, Japan, contains several bioactive compounds such as sulfated polysaccharides (ulvans), ω-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Dietary intake of this alga-based supplement has been reported to increase circulatory adiponectin, a salutary hormone that is reported to be associated with healthy longevity and prevents a number of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This report highlights the anti-allergic and skin health enhancing effects of Sujiaonori-derived ulvan (Tosalvan) and supplement, respectively. RBL-2H3 cell line was used to investigate the anti-allergic effect of algal SP through the evaluation of β-hexosaminidase activity. Algal sulfated polysaccharides or SP (Tosalvan, Yoshino SP) were extracted from powders of dried alga samples provided by local food manufacturers. Report on the effect of daily dietary intake of Sujiaonori-based supplement on skin health is part of a four-week clinical investigation that, in comparison with a supplement made of 70% corn starch powder and 30% spinach powder mixture (twice 3 g daily), explore the beneficial effects of Sujiaonori algal biomaterial (SBM; 3 g taken twice daily) on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and skin health in a sample of Japanese women. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was the skin health marker used in this study and was measured with the use of a corneometer. Significant reduction of β-hexosaminidase activity was observed in Tosalvan and Yoshino SP-treated cells (vs. control; p < 0.05), whereas dietary intake of SBM markedly reduced TEWL level after four weeks of supplementation, as compared to baseline TEWL (p < 0.001). Additionally, SBM improved TEWL better than the control product (p < 0.001). Findings contained in this report suggest that Sujiaonori-derived Tosalvan and Yoshino SP have anti-allergic potential and that the dietary intake of SBM has a beneficial effect on skin health.

Laxative Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Sujiaonori Algal Biomaterial in Japanese Adult Women with Functional Constipation: A Case Study

Constipation is a gastrointestinal motility disorder that represents a major health problem in Japan. Approximately 26% of young Japanese adult women are reported to have this complaint. We report on the health effects of daily intake of Sujiaonori algal biomaterial (SBM) on constipation on 12 Japanese adult women. Data are from a four-week dietary intervention study on the health effects of daily Sujiaonori supplementation on cardiovascular, skin, and gastrointestinal health in which 32 adult Japanese volunteers (age range: 20–54 years) participated. They underwent clinical and laboratory investigations, and completed two study questionnaires (the brief diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and the current health questionnaire) before and after dietary intervention. Of the 12 women volunteers with functional constipation, there were six SBM-supplemented subjects who received 3 g of Sujiaonori powder twice daily during meal, whereas the six others (controls) were from the group of those who took 3 g of a power made of 70% corn starch and 30% Japanese spinach mixture. The analysis of data on daily nutrient intake showed no significant dietary changes for nutrients (minerals, proteins, fiber, fat) and calorie intake (except alcohol intake that was reduced) in both groups. In SBM group, a significant reduction of the proportion of women with constipation was observed (p < 0.001), whereas no significant change was noted within the control group (p > 0.05). When both groups were compared, SBM was more effective than the control product; 66.7% (4/6) of SBM-supplemented women had their constipation relieved, whereas only one control (16.7%) controls benefited from dietary intervention (p < 0.001). In addition, no adverse effect was reported in the SBM group, whereas two controls reported nausea at post-survey. These results suggest that Sujiaonori contains compounds that can improve gastrointestinal function and relieve constipation.

Overview on Other Environmental Skin Disorders

Numerous environmental factors are incriminated in the occurrence of skin disorders. Here, we provide an overview on dermatitis caused by bacteria, Kawasaki disease (KD), and the association between silica-dust exposure and cutaneous autoimmune diseases. Common bacterial skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus (S. aureus, S. beta-hemolytic) and Streptococcus (S. pyogenes) species, and they include cellulitis, erysipelas, ecthyma, impetigo, and others. On the other hand, folliculitis is caused by a gram-negative bacteria known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Recently, reports have suggested the infectious origin of KD, and there have been several KD cases reported in Asia and western countries, and KD is considered as a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children population. Recent researchers have discovered KD-specific molecules that share the same structures with microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), suggesting that KD might have an infectious origin. In the acute phase, KD patients often present with fever, erythema, edema in the extremities and accompanied by pain, exanthema, cervical lymphadenopathy (mostly unilateral, nonsuppurative), conjunctival injection, and changes in the lips and tongue (strawberry tongue, a common sign in KD patients) and oropharyngeal mucosa. Occupational silica-dust exposure has been associated with the development of a number of autoimmune diseases, including scleroderma. Additionally, since the work by Erasmus, several case-control studies have demonstrated this association and provided clues on biomarkers (anti-centromeric proteins (anti-CNEP-B in particular), anti-Scl70) that can serve in the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis or scleroderma as well as a screening tool among silica-dust-exposed workers.

Atopic Dermatitis (or Atopic Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing, and severely pruritic skin disorder. AD is considered one of the major public health problems in the world, and its prevalence is increasing, especially in industrialized countries. This report contains updated knowledge on AD, its epidemiology, and current diagnostic and management approaches. There are approximately 10–20% of children and 1–3% of adult population affected worldwide. According to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), AD is most prevalent in developed and westernized countries. In most western countries, AD diagnosis is made by considering a number of clinical features (Fig. 3.1) and patient’s history, classified into two categories, major and minor criteria, a system developed by Hanifin and Rajka in the 1980s. Sometimes, AD diagnosis is challenging, given the similarities in clinical features with other conditions. The disease severity is estimated using a number of scoring systems, of whom SCORAD is the most commonly used. It takes into account the intensity of each of the five AD skin lesions (redness, swelling, oozing/crusting, scratch marks, lichenification), in addition to pruritus (itch) and sleeplessness, and also the area of affected body parts. With the rising AD incidence and its familial association, new prophylactic strategies are being investigated. Currently, emollient and probiotic preparations provide a new hope in AD prevention in individuals at risk. Bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) and viral (herpes simplex) infections are the most prevalent in complications. These complications may justify the use of anti-allergic agent combined with an antibiotic or antiviral drug in some AD patients, in addition to conventional anti-allergic drugs. Finally, most commonly used conventional AD treatment agents are presented in this work.

Influence of Differences in Left and Right Lower Limb Function on Heavy Load Lifting from the Half Knee Squat Position

〔目的〕本研究の目的は，片膝しゃがみ位で床面から重量物を持ち上げる際に，下肢の機能の左右の相違が床反力に与える影響について検討することである。〔対象〕対象者は，平均年齢20.5±3.6歳の学生30名である。〔方法〕ボールを蹴る側の脚を利き脚と規定し，利き脚と非利き脚の等尺性膝伸展筋力，利き脚を前にした場合と非利き脚を前にした場合の片膝しゃがみ位を開始肢位とし，床面から重量物を持ち上げる際の床反力を測定した。〔結果〕膝伸展筋力には，利き脚と非利き脚との間で有意差は認められなかった。利き脚と非利き脚をそれぞれ前に出した時の床反力には，Fz，Fx，Fyのいずれも有意差は認められなかった。FxおよびFyと左右の筋力の間には有意な相関は認められなかった。Fzについては，筋力との間に有意な相関が認められたが，利き脚を前にした場合の方が非利き脚を前にした場合よりも相関が比較的強かった。〔結語〕以上より，利き脚は動作を行う際に純粋に筋力を反映させることが可能な，いわば器用な脚と推察された。それに対して，非利き脚は純粋に筋力のみを動作に反映することはできず，巧緻性や協調性などの影響を受け運動を調節するために他の要素も必要となる，いわば器用さの劣る脚であると考えられた。