Effects of intracellular Na+, K+ and Cl- on Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis activated by 10 microM acetylcholine (ACh) were studied in guinea-pig antral mucous cells which are permeabilized by nystatin treatment. Ca(2+)-regulated exocytotic events were modulated by [Na+]i, [K+]i and [Cl-]i via mediation of PTX-sensitive G proteins. Increases in [Na+]i and PTX inhibit G protein (G(Na)), which suppressed the exocytosis. Increases in [K+]i caused the exchange of G proteins (from G(Na) to G(K)) to increase, and GK evoked activation of the exocytosis and was inhibited by PTX. Increases in [Cl-]i and PTX inhibit G protein (G(Cl)), which stimulates exocytotic events. Based on these observations, the exocytosis in antral mucous cells were modulated by intracellular ions, concentration of which were increased or decreased by cell volume changes caused by Ach.
Acetylcholine/pharmacology ; Animal ; Cell Membrane Permeability/drug effects ; Exocytosis/physiology* ; Exocytosis/drug effects ; Gastric Mucosa/metabolism ; Gastric Mucosa/cytology ; Guinea Pigs ; Hypertonic Solutions/pharmacology ; Ionophores/pharmacology ; Nystatin/pharmacology ; Pertussis Toxins/pharmacology ; Potassium/pharmacokinetics* ; Pyloric Antrum/metabolism* ; Pyloric Antrum/cytology ; Sodium Chloride/pharmacokinetics* ; Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology

To investigate the effects of experimental osteoporosis on the trabecular structure of the mandibular condyle in cynomolgus monkeys by radiological bone morphometry, ovariectomy (OVX) was performed on 10-year-old female cynomolgus monkeys, which were fed a controlled diet for 2 years. Ten sham control groups were fed under the same conditions. Using a microfocus tube and computed radiography, the removed mandibular condyle samples were imaged by standardized magnification radiography. The structural parameters were measured using radiological bone morphometric analysis. The bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The thickness of the cortical bone was measured using magnified radiographic images. The thickness of the cortical bone and the BMD in the OVX group were significantly lower than in the sham group. In the results of skeletal structure of the mandibular condyle, the trabecular structure of the mandibular condyle was markedly deteriorated in the OVX group. The trabecular structure of the mandibular condyle for the OVX group was significantly decreased, thus it was suggested that osteoporosis is a potential risk factor of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint.

Westernization of lifestyles among Japanese, in particular among young generations, is a matter of concern for future increase in coronary heart disease. We surveyed a total of 349 male university students to examine changes in lifestyles and coronary risk factors in campus life. We compared dietary habits and serum fatty acid compositions as well as other coronary risk characteristics between freshmen (n=171) and fourth-year (senior) students (n=178). Serum fatty acid compositions and dietary intakes of selected foods as well as serum lipids, blood pressures and physical characteristics were examined at the 1996 and 1997 annual health examinations. Compared to freshmen, senior students had a lower frequency of fish, vegetable, milk and egg intake, and a higher frequency of oil and fat intake. The proportions of serum saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher among senior students than among freshmen, whereas the proportion of serum polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly lower among senior students than among freshmen. Senior students also had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, percent body fat, smoking rate and alcohol usage than freshmen. Mean body weight and mean body mass index were not different between the two groups. Senior students generally showed Westernized dietary habits and higher coronary risk profiles than freshmen as indicated by the change of serum fatty acid compositions. Modification of these dietary habits and lifestyles may be important for the prevention of future CHD among Japanese young adults.
Serum ; Fatty Acids ; seconds ; Cardio- ; Risk

To examine the relationships between anger expression and blood pressure (BP) levels and their effect modification by stress coping behaviors, the authors analyzed data from a cross−sectional study of 790 Japanese male workers aged 20−60 years. We used the Spielberger anger expression scales to measure anger−out, anger−in, and anger−control. Relationships between anger expression scales and mean systolic and diastolic BP levels were examined in the total sample and in two subgroups of high and low stress coping behaviors (low coping behavior group: having none, one, or two coping behaviors; and high coping behavior group: having three or more coping behaviors). Anger expression scales were not associated with BP levels in the total sample. Among men who reported only two or fewer coping behaviors, however, the anger−out score was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels while no association was found among men who reported the larger number of coping behaviors. Anger−in and anger−control were not associated with BP levels in either low or high coping behavior groups. This study suggests that male workers who do not express their anger have a higher probability of developing high BP when they have no or few stress coping behaviors.
Anger ; Coping Behavior ; seconds ; Blood pressure determination ; workforce

Background/Aims: The safety and effectiveness of adalimumab was demonstrated in a phase 3 trial in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. Methods: This prospective, all-case, post-marketing study was conducted at 254 centers in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease receiving adalimumab. The primary endpoint was incidence of adverse drug reactions. Effectiveness endpoints included global improvement rating and change in C-reactive protein levels. Results: Of the 473 registered patients, 462 and 383 included in the safety and effectiveness populations were administered adalimumab for a mean of 515.3 and 579.5 days, respectively. Overall, 395 patients (85.5%) received adalimumab at the recommended dose. Adverse drug reactions and serious adverse drug reactions were reported in 120 (25.97%) and 51 (11.04%) patients, respectively. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was significantly higher in patients with comorbidities (P< 0.0001), patients taking concomitant oral corticosteroids (P< 0.0001), and those not self-administering adalimumab (P= 0.0257). At study end, global improvement rating was “effective” (n = 156, 40.7%) or “markedly effective” (n = 168, 43.9%) in 324 patients (overall effective, 84.6%). Mean C-reactive protein levels (mg/dL) decreased from 1.96 at baseline (n = 324) to 0.58 at week 24 (n = 208) and 0.25 at week 156 (n = 37). Conclusions This large real-world study confirmed the long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. No new safety concerns were identified. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01960790)

Background/Aims: The safety and effectiveness of adalimumab was demonstrated in a phase 3 trial in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. Methods: This prospective, all-case, post-marketing study was conducted at 254 centers in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease receiving adalimumab. The primary endpoint was incidence of adverse drug reactions. Effectiveness endpoints included global improvement rating and change in C-reactive protein levels. Results: Of the 473 registered patients, 462 and 383 included in the safety and effectiveness populations were administered adalimumab for a mean of 515.3 and 579.5 days, respectively. Overall, 395 patients (85.5%) received adalimumab at the recommended dose. Adverse drug reactions and serious adverse drug reactions were reported in 120 (25.97%) and 51 (11.04%) patients, respectively. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was significantly higher in patients with comorbidities (P< 0.0001), patients taking concomitant oral corticosteroids (P< 0.0001), and those not self-administering adalimumab (P= 0.0257). At study end, global improvement rating was “effective” (n = 156, 40.7%) or “markedly effective” (n = 168, 43.9%) in 324 patients (overall effective, 84.6%). Mean C-reactive protein levels (mg/dL) decreased from 1.96 at baseline (n = 324) to 0.58 at week 24 (n = 208) and 0.25 at week 156 (n = 37). Conclusions This large real-world study confirmed the long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. No new safety concerns were identified. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01960790)

OBJECTIVESTo prepare a dietary recommendation for young Japanese for the prevention of coronary heart disease, we surveyed the dietary habits, serum lipids, serum fatty acids and blood pressure levels among male and female students.

METHODSIn this study, 175 male and 246 female university students were interviewed for the frequency of consumption of selected food items and the habit of skipping breakfast. Serum fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography.

RESULTSThe frequencies of consumption of dishes cooked with oil and intake of vegetables were higher in female students than in male students. Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were slightly higher in females students than in male students while that of serum n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was 6.4% in both sexes. For both males and females, those who skipped breakfast at least once a week were less likely to consume vegetables and fruits than those who did not. Female students who skipped breakfast were also less likely to consume fish and had lower composition of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels than males. For female, the intake of milk and dairy products correlated inversely with systolic blood pressure levels and the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids correlated inversely with diastolic blood pressure levels. For males, the intake of fruits and consumption of dishes cooked with oil correlated inversely with systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.

CONCLUSIONOur findings suggest that increased intake of fish, milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables from early adulthood and a regular dietary pattern are important to reduce the risk factors for coronary heart disease.