Shinsuke Nirengi

Human brown adipose tissue assessed by simple, noninvasive near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy.

Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity has been typically evaluated by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT). However, FDG‐PET/CT has serious limitations (e.g., radiation and cold exposure). This study evaluated BAT density using near‐infrared time‐resolved spectroscopy (NIRTRS), a simple and noninvasive method of measuring the indices of tissue hemoglobin concentration [total‐Hb] and mitochondrial density (µs′).

Assessment of human brown adipose tissue density during daily ingestion of thermogenic capsinoids using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy

Abstract. F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is widely used as a standard method for evaluating human brown adipose tissue (BAT), a recognized therapeutic target of obesity. However, a longitudinal BAT study using FDG-PET/CT is lacking owing to limitations of the method. Near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIRTRS) is a technique for evaluating human BAT density noninvasively. This study aimed to test whether NIRTRS could detect changes in BAT density during or after long-term intervention. First, using FDG-PET/CT, we confirmed a significant increase (+48.8%, P<0.05) in BAT activity in the supraclavicular region after 6-week treatment with thermogenic capsaicin analogs, capsinoids. Next, 20 volunteers were administered either capsinoids or placebo daily for 8 weeks in a double-blind design, and BAT density was measured using NIRTRS every 2 weeks during the 8-week treatment period and an 8-week period after stopping treatment. Consistent with FDG-PET/CT results, NIRTRS successfully detected an increase in BAT density during the 8-week treatment (+46.4%, P<0.05), and a decrease in the 8-week follow-up period (−12.5%, P=0.07), only in the capsinoid-treated, but not the placebo, group. Thus, NIRTRS can be applied for quantitative assessment of BAT in longitudinal intervention studies in humans.

A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles

Our aim was to determine the quantitative effects of a single-dose of Nattokinase (NK) administration on coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters comprehensively in healthy male subjects. A double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over NK intervention study was carried out in 12 healthy young males. Following the baseline blood draw, each subject was randomized to receive either a single-dose of 2,000 FU NK (NSK-SD, Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co., Ltd) or placebo with subsequent cross-over of the groups. Subjects donated blood samples at 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours following administration for analysis of coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters. As a result, D-dimer concentrations at 6, and 8 hours, and blood fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products at 4 hours after NK administration elevated significantly (p < 0.05, respectively). Factor VIII activity declined at 4 and 6 hours (p < 0.05, respectively), blood antithrombin concentration was higher at 2 and 4 hours (p < 0.05, respectively), and the activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged significantly at 2 and 4 hours following NK administration (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). All the changes, however, were within the normal range. In conclusion, thus, a single-dose of NK administration appears enhancing fibrinolysis and anti-coagulation via several different pathways simultaneously.

ACTN3 GENE R577X POLYMORPHISM ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL AND ADIPONECTIN IN RUGBY PLAYERS.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between the R577X polymorphism of the α-actinin-3 (ACTN3), which may play a role in the individual differences observed in the effects of exercise on health benefits and antiatherogenic markers (i.e., high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and adiponectin) in athletes. METHODS Seventy-six male rugby players (mean age 19.8 years) were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reactions were conducted to assess ACTN3 genotypes. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, serum lipids including HDL-C, and adiponectin levels were measured. Current smoking and alcohol intake habits were evaluated with a questionnaire. All of the parameters were compared between 2 groups displaying frequently observed genotypes: one group consisting of patients having either the R/R or R/X genotype and a second group with the X/X genotype. RESULTS The frequency of the X allele was 0.55 and the distribution of the genotypes was 35.5% (n = 27) for X/X, 39.5% (n = 30) for R/X, and 25.0% (n = 19) for R/R. Serum HDL-C and adiponectin levels were significantly higher in X/X genotype compared to the R/R or R/X genotype (HDL-C 1.6 ± 0.3 [SD] vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 mmol/L; P<.01, adiponectin 8.8 ± 2.6 vs. 6.9 ± 2.3 μg/mL; P<.01), even after adjustments for confounders (P<.01). CONCLUSION There may be a relationship between the ACTN3 genotype and HDL-C and adiponectin levels in rugby players. This may be useful information when determining the individual responses of antiatherogenic markers to exercise. ABBREVIATIONS ACTN3 = α-actinin-3 BMI = body mass index CVD = cardiovascular disease HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol R = arginine (R) at amino acid position 577 of the ACTN3 protein TC = total cholesterol TG = triglyceride X = truncation at amino acid position 577 of the ACTN3 protein.

The safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps: A pilot cross-sectional study by the association for the study of innovative diabetes treatment in Japan

We investigated the safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps in Japan.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in university rugby football players

Physical activity improves various metabolic disturbances. The effect of physical activity on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been defined, particularly in athletes who are able to consume a diet to increase body mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD and associated factors of NAFLD among male university rugby football players [n = 69, 37 forwards (FW) and 32 backs (BK)], relative to age-matched controls (CON; n = 29). For FW players exercise consists of physical contact play, such as ruck, mall, scrum, and tackle. For BK players exercise consists of sprints and endurance running. Liver function tests and bioimpedance analysis to assess body composition were performed. Subjects consuming ≤ 20 g/day of ethanol and exhibiting an aspartate transaminase (AST) level ≥ 33 U/L, and/or alanine transaminase (ALT) level ≥ 43 U/L, were considered to have NAFLD. The PNPLA3 and MTP genotypes were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The body mass index, body fat mass, and lean body mass were significantly higher in the FW group than in the BK and CON groups (P < 0.05). The total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in the FW group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in the FW group than in the BK group and CON group (18.9, 8.6, and 0.0%, respectively), whereas there were non-significant between-group differences in the frequency of the PNPLA3 and MTP genotypes. These findings indicate that rugby football players, especially those in the FW position, are at higher risk of developing NAFLD, which emphasizes the role of diet and exercise in the development of NAFLD.

Pre-treatment blood pressure is the predictor for hemorrhagic infarction after intravenous rt-PA

Masaki Takata MD1, Yuuichi Masuda MD1, Yasuhiro Kawabata MD2, Shinsuke Nirengi PhD3, Tetsuya Tsukahara MD PhD2, Naoki Sakane MD PhD3 Department of Neurology1, Department of Neurosurgery2, and Division of Preventive Medicine, Clinical Research Institute3, National Hospital Organization, Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan : Pre-treatment blood pressure is the predictor for hemorrhagic infarction after intravenous rt-PA

Diagnostic accuracy of the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody in type 1 diabetes mellitus: Comparison between radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The distributer of the anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody assay kit using radioimmunoassay (RIA) recently announced its discontinuation, and proposed an alternative kit using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic values of the anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody by RIA and ELISA among type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and control participants.