Yoko Inukai

Treatment of patients with acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis.

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Seasonal variation in blood concentrations of interleukin-6, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, metabolites of catecholamine and cortisol in healthy volunteers

We investigated seasonal changes in blood concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), metabolites of catecholamine (VMA, HVA, and 5-HIAA) and cortisol in humans. Eight volunteers were investigated at four times during the year (February, May, August and October) at latitude 35° N. The mean ambient temperature at the collection periods was higher in the order of summer > autumn ≈ spring > winter. Changes in mood were also monitored by a profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire. The concentration of IL-6 was significantly higher in winter and summer than in spring and autumn. The concentrations of ACTH, HVA and VMA were significantly higher in summer. No seasonal variation was detected in cortisol. There were significant differences among the seasons in subscale tension and anger in the POMS questionnaire; the tension subscale showed significant differences between spring and autumn, with a higher score in spring. The results demonstrate that Il-6, ACTH, HVA and VMA exhibit statistically significant seasonal rhythms, which might have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Immune and neuroendocrine responses to head-down rest and countermeasures.

INTRODUCTION Head-down bed rest (HDBR) at -6 degrees is used as a model for studying physiological changes during microgravity in spaceflight. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether exposure to such an environment is associated with alterations in the synthesis of some acute-phase proteins and cytokines, and whether countermeasures would prevent these changes. METHODS There were 12 male volunteers who were subjected to HDBR for 20 d; 6 formed the countermeasure (CMS) group and exercised on a short-arm centrifuge for 30 min/d, while the other 6 served as controls (CTL). Variables measured before and after HDBR included plasma noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine, leukocyte count, interleukin 6, total serum protein, C-reactive protein, and alpha-1 antichimotrypsin. RESULTS Adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations increased significantly in both groups, while the concentration of C-reactive protein decreased. The concentration of C-reactive protein was significantly higher (CTL: 0.028 +/- 0.005 mg x dl(-1); CMS: 0.025 +/-0.003 mg x dl(-1)), and that of adrenaline was significantly lower in CTL compared to CMS (CTL: 46.8 +/- 7.5 pg x ml(-1); CMS: 71 +/- 22.5 pg x ml(-1)). DISCUSSION The results indicate that several neuroendocrine and immunological parameters are modulated by prolonged HDBR and these changes may be counteracted at least in part by artificial gravity with exercise.

Arterial pressure oscillation and muscle sympathetic nerve activity after 20 days of head-down bed rest

Both spectral power within the low-frequency component, i.e., 0.04 to 0.15 Hz, of systolic pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity are increased during head-up tilt. The nerve activity during tilt is altered after space flight and exposure to simulated microgravity. In the present study, correlations of the low-frequency component and the nerve activity were analyzed before and after 20 days of -6° of head-down bed rest. Measurements were performed at -6° head-down bed rest, 0° (flat), and 30° and 60° head-up tilt (HUT). Mean arterial pressure during HUT was not different between pre- and post-bed rest, but muscle sympathetic nerve activity in post-bed rest significantly increased at tilt angles of -6°, 0°, 30°, and 60° compared with those during pre-bed rest. The low-frequency component of systolic pressure also significantly increased during post-bed rest compared with pre-bed rest at tilts of 0°, 30°, and 60°. The nerve activity and the frequency component were linearly correlated for individual (r(2) = 0.51-0.88) and averaged (r(2) = 0.60) values when the values included both pre- and post-bed rest. Thus, the low-frequency component of systolic pressure could be an index of the muscle sympathetic nerve activity during tilt during pre- and post-bed rest.

Leptin and ghrelin levels in humans during physical inactivity induced by head-down bed rest.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of 20 d of physical inactivity using head-down bed rest (HDBR) at -6 degrees on leptin, ghrelin, and counter-regulatory hormone responses. METHODS Eight male volunteers were subjected to HDBR for 20 d. Variables measured before, during, and after HDBR included plasma cortisol, insulin, glucose, leptin, ghrelin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and free triiodothyronine (fT3). RESULTS No changes in ghrelin and leptin concentrations were observed during HDBR. Glucose concentration decreased significantly on the 20th day of HDBR compared to the pre-value (day 0) of HDBR (87.6 +/- 2.0 vs. 93 +/- 1.6 mg x dl(-1)). Significant correlation was observed between glucose and leptin concentrations. DISCUSSION The results provide the first evidence that 20 d of HDBR is not associated with an alteration in ghrelin concentration. Leptin, insulin, and cortisol concentrations did not differ during 20 d of HDBR.

Effects of body posture on local sweating and sudomotor outflow as estimated using sweat expulsion

To estimate the effects of changes in body posture on sudomotor function, sweat rates on the forearm, chest and thigh, tympanic temperature (Tty), and skin temperatures were recorded in an upright sitting and a supine position under a hot environment of 40 degrees C Ta and 40% relative humidity for 60 min. Sweat expulsions were identified on sweat rate curves and their rates (Fsw) were calculated. Tty was higher, and its initial fall was greater, in the supine position than in the sitting position. On the forearm and the chest, the regression line relating sweat rate to mean body temperature (Tmb) had a gentler slope in the supine position, whereas on the thigh, it showed a steeper slope. The regression line relating Fsw to Tmb had a steeper slope in the supine position than in the sitting position, suggesting that the gain in the mechanisms for central integration and rhythm-generation was enhanced in the supine position. The parameter of sweat rate divided by Fsw was lower on the forearm and the chest, whereas it was higher on the thigh in the supine position than in the sitting position, suggesting that sudomotor outflow was modified at the spinal cord in association with skin pressure. It was concluded that body posture affects sudomotor functions through both brain and spinal mechanisms.

Changes in plasma adiponectin, IL-6, TNF-α and free fatty acid concentrations in obese Japanese men.

The risk of developing metabolic syndrome, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia increases with obesity, and an elevated visceral fat content has been associated with a higher incidence of metabolic risk factors. We investigated differences in IL-6 (Interleukin-6), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), adiponectin and FFA (free fatty acid) levels in obese and non-obese Japanese men. Five obese men (BMI: 32.4±4.9 kg/m) and five non-obese men (BMI: 23.2±2.9 kg/m 2 ) participated in this study.IL-6 levels were significantly higher in obese than in non-obese subjects, whereas no significant differences were observed in TNF-α, adiponectin, or FFA levels. These results suggested that IL-6 levels may be affected more by obesity in Japanese men than TNF-α and adiponectin levels, which may, in turn, influence the pathophysiology of obesity in Japanese individuals. Short Communication Sato et al.; BJMMR, 7(2): 131-137, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.316 132

Effect of body posture on central sudomotor mechanism estimated by the frequency of sweat expulsion

in the CG in comparison with the SCG. The percentage of SOM-positive cells in the SCG significantly decreased from birth onwards and we observed only single cells in 10-day-old and older animals. Meanwhile, the proportion of SOM-immunoreactive cells in the CG was not change during the development. SP was found in single neurons in the CG and SCG. NADPH-diaphorase positive cells were absent in the SCG and CG. In conclusion, the neurotransmitter composition in the SCG,CGand IG is present even in newborn animals. However, these ganglia develop heterochronously. Finally, the neurotransmitter set becomes complete by the second month of life. This work was supported by RFBR grants.

Endocrine Responses to Heat and Cold Stress

This review focuses on the endocrine responses to thermal stimuli during passive heat or cold exposure, with particular reference to the relation of these responses to the changes in the body core temperature (T core). Mild to moderate hyperthermia (<1°C rise in T core) induces the release of growth hormone and prolactin (PRL). Moderate hypothermia (1°–2°C fall in T core) suppresses PRL release. A positive correlation between plasma PRL and T core suggests some role for PRL in thermoregulation. Hypothermia activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid hormones and increases the metabolic rate. Enhancement of extrathyroidal production of triiodothyronine (T3) from thyroxine (T4) may precede the TSH response to cold. Both severe hyperthermia and hypothermia (1°–3°C changes in T core) activate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in release of corticotropin-releasing factor, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, and norepinephrine. The responses in the HPT axis and the HPA axis are not apparent in humans, as they are in rats, probably owing to the larger body mass of humans. Hyperthermia stimulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic peptide, but this might be due to nonthermal factors. Diuresis due to suppression of AVP release is induced by cold. Gonadal response to thermal stimuli is possibly suppressive. The hormonal responses induced by thermal stress are mostly dependent on the change in T core in humans; in small animals they are also dependent on the change in skin temperature.