Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

<jats:p>It is not fully clear as to which dietary patterns are associated with the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Asia. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 136 consecutively recruited patients with NAFLD (49% female, median age 60 years). Severity of liver fibrosis was assessed using the Agile 3+ score, a recently proposed system based on vibration-controlled transient elastography. Dietary status was assessed using the 12-component modified Japanese diet pattern index (mJDI12). Skeletal muscle mass was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Factors associated with intermediate–high-risk Agile 3+ scores and skeletal muscle mass (75th percentile or higher) were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. After adjustment for confounders, such as age and sex, the mJDI12 (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.99) and skeletal muscle mass (75th percentile or higher) (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.77) were significantly associated with intermediate–high-risk Agile 3+ scores. Soybeans and soybean foods were significantly associated with skeletal muscle mass (75th percentile or higher) (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.04). In conclusion, the Japanese diet pattern was associated with the severity of liver fibrosis in Japanese patients with NAFLD. Skeletal muscle mass was also associated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and intake of soybeans and soybean foods.</jats:p>

DOI： 10.3390/nu15051175

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1002/ncp.10968

PubMed

Other URL： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1002/ncp.10968

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.09.016

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

<h4>Objectives</h4>This study investigated whether the phase angle (PhA) on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is related to frailty in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.<h4>Methods</h4>Data from a prospective cohort study of RA patients were analyzed. The PhA was assessed by the BIA method, and frailty was assessed by the Kihon Check List (KCL) annually. The cutoff value of the PhA for frailty was calculated by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. The relationships between the PhA and frailty were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. The relationships between the change in PhA and frailty status and the KCL score were evaluated by analysis of covariance and multiple regression analysis.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 170 patients (81.2% female, 66.2±13.1 years) were included in the analysis. A PhA of less than the cutoff for frailty was significantly associated with frailty (odds ratio: 4.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.86-12.17). Change in the PhA was significantly associated with change in the KCL score (β = -0.15). In robust patients, there was a significant difference in the rate of change of the PhA between the group that became pre-frail in the next year and the group that remained robust.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The PhA may be associated with frailty in RA patients.

DOI： 10.1093/mr/roac078

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111729

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of mobility restrictions (MRs) during the COVID-19 epidemic on physical activity, body composition, and exercise tolerance in patients with obesity. METHODS: We analyzed data of obesity patients participating in a 6-month weight loss program in February 2020, and after, when the epidemic was considered to have had some effect on outdoor activity in Osaka, Japan (MR group). MR group patients were compared to patients with obesity attending the program in 2018 and 2019 (non-MR group) who had a similar number of months as MR group. Changes in physical activity, body composition, and exercise tolerance (O2 consumption; VO2) owing to the weight loss program were analyzed between both groups using analysis of covariance and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Decreases in body fat were significantly higher in MR group than in non-MR group. However, increases in physical activity, VO2 at anaerobic threshold, and peak VO2 were significantly lower in MR group; however, increases in peak VO2 owing to the weight loss program were less likely to be achieved in MR group (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.81). CONCLUSION: MR during the COVID-19 epidemic may have affected the exercise tolerance of patients with obesity.

DOI： 10.1123/jpah.2021-0649

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

INTRODUCTION: Activities of daily living in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been evaluated by patient-reported outcomes. However, it has been difficult to measure activity intensity quantitively. Calories expended, exercise, and steps were measured quantitively by a wearable activity meter, and their associations with patients' background characteristics were examined. METHODS: Data from a prospective, observational study (CHIKARA study) were used. Eighty-five of 100 RA patients were entered and wore a wearable activity meter for 7 days. The daily calories expended and exercise for both walking and housework and steps were evaluated. Total daily calories expended and exercise was defined as the sum of walking and housework. The relationships of DAS28-ESR, mHAQ, body composition, muscle function, and general status were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 66.0 years, and the disease duration was 5.3 years. DAS28-ESR was 3.11, and mHAQ was 0.125. Total daily calories expended, exercise, and number of steps were 461.7 kcal, 3.97 METs h, and 4,788, respectively. MHAQ, walking speed, power, locomotive syndrome, and frailty were independently related to exercise. Total daily exercise and steps of the moderate and high disease activity group were significantly lower than those of the remission group. When the number of steps was < 3,333 and < 2,468, the odds ratios for locomotive syndrome and frailty increased 14.4-fold and 8.7-fold, respectively, using Fisher's exact test (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Daily physical activity and number of steps were significantly decreased in RA patients with moderate and high disease activity as measured by a wearable activity meter. Key Points • Total daily calories expended and exercise for both walking and housework and steps in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were 461.7 kcal, 3.97 METs h, and 4,788, respectively, using a wearable activity meter. • Daily physical activity, especially total daily exercise and number of steps, was significantly decreased in RA patients with moderate and high disease activity. • When total daily steps were < 3,333 and < 2,468, the odds ratios for locomotive syndrome and frailty increased 14.4-fold and 8.7-fold, respectively.

DOI： 10.1007/s10067-022-06147-6

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Objectives: Osteosarcopenia is defined as osteoporosis with sarcopenia. The impacts of osteosarcopenia on falls and fractures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were investigated using 4 years of data from a longitudinal study (CHIKARA study). Methods: The patients were divided into 4 groups by their baseline status: no sarcopenia and no osteoporosis (SP-OP-); only sarcopenia (SP + OP-); only osteoporosis (SP-OP+); and both sarcopenia and osteoporosis (SP + OP+). Survival rates and Cox hazard ratios were analyzed using falls and fractures as endpoints, adjusted by age, sex, and body mass index. Results: A total of 100 RA patients (SP-OP-: 44%, SP + OP-: 17%, SP-OP+: 28%, and SP + OP+: 11%) were enrolled; 37 patients had falls, and 19 patients had fractures. The fall-free and fracture-free survival rates were significantly lower in SP + OP+ (36.4%, 54.5%) than in SP-OP- (75.0%, 86.4%). The hazard ratio of falls was significantly increased in SP + OP+, by 3.32-fold (95%CI: 1.01-10.9), whereas in SP + OP- and SP-OP+, there were no differences compared to SP-OP-. Conclusions: The survival rates with the endpoints of falls and fractures in RA patients with osteosarcopenia were lower during 4-year follow-up. The risk of falls increased with the synergistic effect of osteoporosis and sarcopenia.

DOI： 10.1016/j.afos.2021.11.002

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition is common in patients with esophageal cancer, which affects their prognosis. The global leadership initiative on malnutrition (GLIM) criteria was recently proposed as the world's first diagnostic criteria for malnutrition. However, the association between esophageal cancer patients and the GLIM criteria is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percentage of patients diagnosed with malnutrition preoperatively using the GLIM criteria, assess the impact of disease-specific symptoms on the severity of malnutrition, and assess the prognostic relevance of GLIM defined malnutrition in patients with esophageal cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center cohort study. Preoperative nutritional status of patients with esophageal cancer hospitalized between June 2009 and July 2011 was evaluated according to the GLIM criteria. Factors related to severe malnutrition as per the GLIM criteria were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The association between the severity of malnutrition based on the GLIM criteria and 5-year survival was assessed using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Overall, 117 esophageal cancer patients were nutritionally assessed. The percentage of moderate malnutrition and severe malnutrition was 21% and 23%, respectively. Subjective dysphagia [odds ratio (OR): 7.39, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-37.52] and subjective esophageal obstruction (OR: 10.49, 95% CI: 3.47-31.70) were independent risk factors for severe malnutrition. The hazard ratio (HR) for 5-year mortality tended to be higher for moderate malnutrition (HR: 2.12, 95% CI: 0.91-4.95); however, it was not significantly associated with either moderate malnutrition or severe malnutrition (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.52-3.27). Cases that were censored during the follow-up period probably affected the survival results. CONCLUSION: Subjective feelings of dysphagia and esophageal obstruction might be related to malnutrition severity in esophageal cancer patients. Malnutrition assessed by the GLIM criteria was not significantly associated with 5-year survival.

DOI： 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.08.008

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Brazilian propolis reportedly contributed to suppressing disease activity in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting new treatment options using Brazilian propolis. However, only results from animal experiments have been available, and the suppressive effects of Brazilian propolis on disease activity in humans with RA remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to clinically validate how Brazilian propolis intake changes disease activity in RA patients. METHODS: This study was conducted as a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of 80 women with RA (median age, 61.5 years; interquartile range, 56.0 to 67.3 years) showing moderate disease activity on Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Test tablets containing Brazilian propolis were used in Group P (40 patients), and Brazilian propolis-free placebo tablets were used as control in Group C (40 patients). Group P received 5 tablets of propolis (508.5 mg of propolis) daily, and Group C received 5 tablets of placebo daily. The intervention lasted 24 weeks, with change in DAS28-ESR set as the primary endpoint. As secondary endpoints, other disease activity assessment (DAS28 using C-reactive protein, simplified disease activity index, clinical disease activity index), ultrasonographic evaluation of synovitis, activities of daily living, quality of life, changes in cytokine levels, and adverse events over the course of the study were also assessed. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of covariance. RESULTS: No significant differences in the primary endpoint were identified between groups (Group P vs Group C, effect: 0.14, 95% confidence interval: -0.21 to 0.49, p = 0.427). Likewise, no significant differences were seen between groups for any secondary endpoints. The adverse event rate during the study period was 28% in Group P and 33% in Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian propolis exerted no effects on disease activity in patients with RA.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0252357

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

BACKGROUND: The dietary inflammatory index (DII®), a quantitative measure of the inflammatory potential of daily food and nutrient intake, and associations between a variety of health outcomes have been reported. However, the association between DII score and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to test whether higher DII score contributes to disease activity and as a corollary, whether reducing DII score helps to achieve or maintain low disease activity or remission in patients with RA. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis using 6 years of data (from 2011 to 2017) in TOMORROW, a cohort study consisting of 208 RA patients and 205 gender- and age-matched controls started in 2010. Disease activity of RA patients was assessed annually using DAS28-ESR (disease activity score 28 joints and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate) as a composite measure based on arthritic symptoms in 28 joints plus global health assessment and ESR. Dietary data were collected in 2011 and 2017 using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™) score was calculated using 26 nutrients derived from the BDHQ. Data were analyzed with two-group comparisons, correlation analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-seven RA patients and 183 controls, for whom clinical and dietary survey data were available, were analyzed. RA patients had significantly higher E-DII (pro-inflammatory) score compared to controls both in 2011 and 2017 (p < 0.05). In RA patients, E-DII score was not a factor associated with significant change in disease activity. However, anti-inflammatory change in E-DII score was associated maintaining low disease activity (DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2) or less for 6 years (OR 3.46, 95% CI 0.33-8.98, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The diets of RA patients had a higher inflammatory potential than controls. Although E-DII score was not a factor associated with significant disease activity change, anti-inflammatory change in E-DII score appeared to be associated with maintaining low disease activity in patients with RA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000003876 . Registered 7 Aug 2010-retrospectively registered.

DOI： 10.1186/s13075-021-02478-y

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To examine the relationship between changes in skeletal muscle mass and lipid metabolism and glycometabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Data were analyzed from 148 female RA patients and 145 age-matched non-RA (control) female subjects from a prospective cohort study (TOMORROW; TOtal Management Of Risk factors in Rheumatoid arthritis patients to lOWer morbidity and mortality study). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated as ASM divided by the square of height. The reference value for SMI in Asian women, 5.4 kg/m2, was used to define low SMI. Data were assessed using cross-sectional (2010 baseline data) and longitudinal (change in value from 2010 to 2013) methods from the retrospective cohort. RESULTS: At baseline in RA patients, the low SMI group showed significantly higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol) (p = 0.015), apolipoprotein (Apo)B (p = 0.046), and ApoB-to-A1 (ApoB/A1) (p = 0.025) than the normal SMI group. In multiple regression analysis of RA patients, sequential changes from 2010 to 2013 (Δ) in SMI and ApoB and ApoC2 showed significant negative relationships (β = -0.19, -0.18, respectively) even after adjusting for age, RA duration, exercise habits, medication for RA, disease severity, activities of daily living (ADL) and body fat mass. No significant relation was evident between ΔSMI and various glycometabolism parameters in RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle mass might be related to lipid metabolism in RA patients. This relationship is independent of factors such as disease severity and body fat mass.

DOI： 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.12.028

PubMed

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In 2018, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) presented the criteria for malnutrition diagnosis; reports about the proportion of malnutrition patients meeting these GLIM criteria in acute care hospitals, however, remain very limited. The relationship between GLIM criteria and existing nutritional indicators, patterns for hospitalization, and malnutrition severity is also unclear. This study aims to investigate this relationship. METHODS: Our study included 490 patients (aged 69.5 ± 16.0 years, 45% women) who had been hospitalized during a specific month in an acute care hospital, and for whom we could assess nutritional status according to GLIM criteria. We analyzed the cut-off value on the MNA-SF score and grip strength (GS) for GLIM criteria-defined malnutrition severity grading with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. We extracted factors relating to malnutrition by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In all, 33% of patients met the GLIM criteria for malnutrition. Malnutrition severity was correlated with age, GS and emergency hospitalization (p < 0.001, respectively). For the MNA-SF score, we determined a cut-off value of point 9 for severe malnutrition [area under curve (AUC) 0.92, p < 0.001], and of point 11 for moderate malnutrition [range 0-14 (AUC 0.90, p < 0.001)]. We were able to identify 98% of patients defined on GLIM criteria as malnourished, with the MNA-SF score. Using the HG, we could also evaluate the malnutrition grading in men younger than 70 years and women older than 70 years (men younger than 70 years: cut off for severe malnutrition, 20 kg, AUC 0.82; for moderate malnutrition, 29 kg, AUC 0.83; women older than 70 years: for severe malnutrition, 11 kg, AUC 0.78; for moderate malnutrition, 14.5 kg, AUC 0.72; p < 0.001, respectively). We extracted emergency hospitalization as an independent factor relating to malnutrition, adjusted for age and sex (odds ratio: 2.99; 95% CI: 2.00-4.47; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using the MNA-SF for GLIM criteria screening, we identified malnourished patients with high accuracy, and GS was also a reliable nutritional assessment. Emergency hospitalization patients were at a high risk for malnutrition.

DOI： 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.01.016

PubMed

NST管理開始後投与熱量および体重を評価し、経時的に安静時エネルギー消費量(REE)を測定した。2015年10月〜2019年3月に入院した神経性食思不振症患者12名(男性1名、女性11名、平均年齢35歳)を対象とした。REEは昼食摂取4時間後にエアロモニタAE300Sを用いて測定した。NST管理開始直後→2週→4週→6週の推移は、体重(kg)は29.5→28.6→31.6→32.9、REE(kcal/day)は808→896→988→1164、REE/体重は27.5→30.9→31.2→35.7といずれも増加傾向を認め、REEとREE/体重は4週および6週目に有意に上昇した。REEの経時的な測定は本病態での栄養管理方針の決定に有用である。

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Background: We investigated the relationship between the preoperative psychological state and the perioperative nutritional conditions of patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: Seventy-three participants underwent operations for esophageal cancer in our hospital. Depressive state was evaluated using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). General quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the SF-8™, and the nutritional assessments were evaluated through anthropometric analysis, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and some biochemical assessments. Results: In the preoperative stage, patients with higher SDS scores, representing a more depressive state, had low arm circumference, grip strength, serum albumin levels and prognostic nutritional index. Patients with higher SDS scores also had a tendency for a lower physical component summary, representing physical QOL by the Eight-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-8™). At 3 months after surgery, patients with higher preoperative SDS scores had significantly lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and had a lower tendency of body fat masses. In the univariate and multivariate analyses on the recovery of BMI at 3 months after surgery, preoperative SDS score was the only independent risk factor (odd ratio (OR): 4.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15 - 14.35) in this study. Conclusion: Preoperative depressive mood, as evaluated by the SDS, was the sole relevant factor for postoperative body weight recovery of patients with esophageal cancer. Preoperative depressive mood of patients with esophageal cancer might delay recovery from operation-related malnutrition. Some measures against preoperative depressive mood might be necessary for early recovery from postoperative malnutrition in patients with esophageal cancer.

DOI： 10.14740/jocmr3704

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The Mediterranean diet is reportedly effective in suppressing disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the key elements responsible for this effect remain unknown. The presented study therefore aimed to identify such elements. METHODS: This study included 208 consecutive patients with RA (RA group) and 205 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (controls) from the prospective "TOMORROW" cohort study that has been ongoing since 2010 were included in this study. Food and nutrient intake was assessed using the brief self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ), Mediterranean diet scores were calculated based on intake by controls and disease activity was determined from disease activity scores in 28 joints and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (DAS28-ESR). RESULTS: Intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was significantly lower in the RA, than in the control group (P = 0.003) and the ratio of consumed monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid (MUFA/SFA) significantly differed within the RA group after being sub-classified according to DAS28-ESR. Moreover, DAS28-ESR significantly correlated with MUFA/SFA intake after age adjustment (R = -0.228, P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis selected high MUFA intake as an independent predictor of remission in the RA group with borderline boundary significance (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% CI, 0.98-3.98; P = 0.057). Changes in DAS28-ESR between 2010 and 2011 significantly correlated with MUFA/SFA intake after age adjustment (R = 0.180, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Daily MUFA intake, a component of the Mediterranean diet score, might suppress disease activity in RA patients.

DOI： 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.02.011

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In patients treated surgically for esophageal cancer, time-dependent data on nutritional status from the perioperative to postoperative period are questionable. We investigated time-dependent data on weight, body composition, and nutritional indices of patients with esophageal cancer from the preoperative period through the 12-month postoperative period.
Eighty patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled and subsequently underwent esophagectomy. Forty out of eighty patients were completed the 12-month follow-up survey period and analyzed. We assessed clinical, anthropometric measurement, laboratory data, and nutritional status data preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Patients with esophageal cancer had 7.2% weight loss in the preoperative period compared with the usual body weight (UBW) before morbidity and 9.3% weight loss from preoperative to 12-month postoperative period. Weight gain in the postoperative survey period was not significant. Conversely, there was a time lag in the time-dependent changes in the postoperative nutritional status; this was considered to coincide with internal organ protein, body protein, and body fat levels, in that order. Multivariate analysis identified a ae&lt;yen&gt; 10% preoperative weight loss compared with UBW as the only independent factor negatively contributing to ae&lt;yen&gt; 85% weight recovery at 12 months postoperatively (OR 6.54, 95% CI 1.14-37.60, p = 0.036).
For sufficient nutritional status recovery in patients treated with esophagectomy, minimizing weight loss preoperatively is important. Regardless of neoadjuvant therapy or age, preoperative nutritional treatment should be promptly administered for all patients.

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Steatosis is a critical feature of liver disease and is considered to play a pivotal role in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as being a surrogate marker of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to develop a non-invasive diagnostic method for assessment of liver steatosis. It is well known that ultrasonic velocity depends on materials and temperature. For example, the ultrasonic velocity in water is 1530 m/s at 37 degrees C and 1534 m/s at 39 degrees C, while that in fat is 1412 m/s at 37 degrees C and 1402 m/s at 39 degrees C. On this basis, we thought that the percentage of fat in hepatic steatosis could be assessed by detecting changes of ultrasonic in the liver, caused by warming. In order to confirm the effectiveness of this method, we obtained the ultrasonic velocity changes of tissue phantom including lard oil and the liver of living rabbit by ultrasonic warming, and then succeeded in 2-D imaging of ultrasonic velocity changes of the phantom and the liver of living rabbit We named this the ultrasonic velocity-change method. The experimental results show the possibility that hepatic steatosis could be characterized using our novel, non-invasive method. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

The microRNA-29 (miR-29) family is known to suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and reversibly control liver fibrosis; however, the mechanism of how miR-29a controls liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. This study was conducted to clarify the mechanism of anti-fibrotic effect of miR-29a and to explore if miR-29a is a promising candidate for nucleic acid medicine against liver fibrosis. Two liver fibrosis murine models (carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide) were used. MiR-29a mixed with atelocollagen was systemically administered. Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by histological analysis and the expression levels of fibrosis-related genes. We observed that miR-29a treatment dramatically accelerated the reversion of liver fibrosis in vivo. Additionally, miR-29a regulated the mRNA expression of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) and platelet-derived growth factor C (PDGFC). We also noted that miR-29a significantly suppressed COL1A1 mRNA expression and cell viability and significantly increased caspase-9 activity (P < 0.05) in LX-2 cells. Pretreatment of miR-29a inhibited activation of LX-2 cell by transforming growth factor beta treatment. MiR-29a exhibited anti-fibrotic effect without cell toxicity in vivo and directly suppressed the expression of PDGF-related genes as well as COL1A1 and induced apoptosis of LX-2 cells. MiR-29a is a promising nucleic acid inhibitor to target liver fibrosis.

DOI： 10.1038/mt.2016.127

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Cytoglobin (Cygb) was identified in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and pericytes of all organs; however, the effects of Cygb on cellular functions remain unclear. Here, we report spontaneous and age-dependent malformations in multiple organs of Cygb(-/-) mice. Twenty-six percent of young Cygb(-/-) mice (<1 year old) showed heart hypertrophy, cystic disease in the kidney or ovary, loss of balance, liver fibrosis and lymphoma. Furthermore, 71.3% (82/115) of aged Cygb(-/-) mice (1-2 years old) exhibited abnormalities, such as heart hypertrophy and cancer development in multiple organs; by contrast, 5.8% (4/68) of aged wild-type (WT) mice had abnormalities (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, serum and urine analysis demonstrated that the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites increased significantly in Cygb(-/-) mice, resulting in an imbalance in the oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system that was reversed by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine treatment. A senescent phenotype and evidence of DNA damage were found in primary HSCs and the liver of aged Cygb(-/-) mice. Moreover, compared with HSC(+/+), HSC(-/-) showed high expression of Il-6 and chemokine mRNA when cocultured with mouse Hepa 1-6 cells. Thus, the absence of Cygb in pericytes provokes organ abnormalities, possibly via derangement of the nitric oxide and antioxidant defence system and through accelerated cellular senescence.

DOI： 10.1038/srep24990

PubMed

&lt;b&gt;Objective:&lt;/b&gt; To clarify lifestyle characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with sarcopenia. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Subjects and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; A total of 208 consecutive RA outpatients were assessed. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The criterion of sarcopenia was defined as a low skeletal muscle index (appendicular muscle mass/height&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; , kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;; men, ≤6.87 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;; women, ≤5.46 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;; reference population, Japanese young adults aged 18-40 years). Brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) was used for investigation of the intake of energy, nutrients and food. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; In RA patients, the sarcopenia group showed significantly higher disease activity and lower activity of daily living (ADL) compared to those in the non-sarcopenia group. In addition, a greater number of patients in the sarcopenia group had exercise restrictions than in the non-sarcopenia group. Calcium intake had a tendency to be lower, and intake of milk and other dairy products was significantly lower, in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group.&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Exercise restriction, low ADL, and low intake of milk and other dairy products were determined to be the lifestyle characteristics of RA patients with sarcopenia.

CiNii Article

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

This study was conducted to clarify the role of cytoglobin (Cygb), a globin expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), in the development of liver fibrosis and cancer in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Cygb expression was assessed in patients with NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mouse NASH model was generated in Cygb-deficient (Cygb(-/-)) or wild-type (WT) mice by giving a choline-deficient amino acid-defined diet and, in some of them, macrophage deletion and N-acetyl cysteine treatment were used. Primary-cultured mouse HSCs isolated from WT (HSCs(Cygb-wild)) or Cygb(-/-) (HSCs(Cygb-null)) mice were characterized. As results, the expression of CYGB was reduced in patients with NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma. Choline-deficient amino acid treatment for 8 weeks induced prominent inflammation and fibrosis in Cygb(-/-) mice, which was inhibited by macrophage deletion. Surprisingly, at 32 weeks, despite no tumor formation in the WT mice, all Cygb(-/-) mice developed liver cancer, which was ameliorated by N-acetyl cysteine treatment. Altered expression of 31 genes involved in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species was notable in Cygb(-/-) mice. Both HSCs(Cygb-null) and Cygb siRNA-transfected-HSCs(Cygb-wild) exhibited the preactivation condition. Our findings provide important insights into the role that Cygb, expressed in HSCs during liver fibrosis, plays in cancer development with NASH.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.12.017

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

OBJECTIVES: The effect of serum 25-hydroxycalciferol [25(OH)D] on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity remains controversial. This study was undertaken with an aim to clarify the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and RA activity, and to determine the effects of dietary vitamin D intake and age on serum 25(OH)D level. METHODS: A total of 208 outpatients with RA were matched according to age and sex with 205 individuals without RA (controls) from the TOMORROW study (UMIN000003876). We excluded 27 patients with RA and 19 control subjects who had been prescribed vitamin D medication or were taking vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D intake was assessed in the remaining 181 patients and 186 controls using the brief-type dietary history questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients with RA than in the controls (p < 0.001). There was a significant and positive correlation between age and 25(OH)D in the patients (r = 0.283, p < 0.001), as with vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D, even after adjusting for age (r = 0.313, p < 0.001). Disease activity and 25(OH)D did not significantly correlate. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA were observed to have serum 25(OH)D levels which correlated with vitamin D intake and age but not disease activity.

DOI： 10.3109/14397595.2014.952487

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

The epidemic of obesity is now a major public health concern in many parts of the world. Face-to-face tailored lifestyle modification therapy is one of the major approaches used for weight loss. However, the lack of time for multiple visits and the lack of resources for administering therapy hinder its implementation. We administered a web-based weight loss program for obese patients from July 2010 to January 2012 that required only 2 personal interviews over 6 months. The program used a system of auto-extraction of behavioural objectives and auto recording of daily weight and number of steps taken. The subjects included 3 obese men (mean age, 35.7 ± 2.3 years; mean body mass index (BMI), 30.4 ± 0.8 kg/m²) and 17 obese women (mean age, 39.3 ± 9.5 years; mean BMI, 28.1 ± 1.8 kg/m2) who volunteered to participate in this weight loss program. Weight loss achieved through this program was significant (mean, 2.7%, p=0.047). Abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) decreased significantly (mean, 12.6%, p=0.017), and the serum cholinesterase and alanine aminotransferase levels improved (mean, 33 U/L, p=0.003; mean, 7 IU/L, p=0.033 respectively). Metabolic syndrome criteria number had a tendency to decrease. Dietary and nutrient intake levels on the food frequency questionnaire improved. Weight loss ratio after 6 months and initial weight loss ratio were strongly significantly correlated. A web-based weight loss program with auto-extraction of behavioural objectives and recording of daily weight and steps can achieve weight loss, as determined by VFA reduction, on low manpower.

DOI： 10.6133/apjcn.2014.23.3.17

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

AIM: The association between sarcopenia and nutritional status is thought to be an important problem in patients with cirrhosis. In this study, we investigated whether nutritional factors were related to sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: The subjects were 50 patients with cirrhosis aged 41 years or older. In this study, the subjects were interviewed about their dietary habits, and their daily physical activity was surveyed using a pedometer. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated using the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) measured by bioelectric impedance analysis. The handgrip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Sarcopenia was defined by SMI and handgrip strength. The patients with cirrhosis were categorized as normal group or sarcopenia group, and the two groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling were used to identify the relevance for sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. RESULTS: Height (odds ratio (OR), 5.336; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.063-26.784; P = 0.042), energy intake per ideal bodyweight (IBW) (OR, 5.882; 95% CI, 1.063-32.554; P = 0.042) and number of steps (OR, 4.767; 95% CI, 1.066-21.321; P = 0.041) were independent relevant factors for sarcopenia. Moreover, a significantly greater number of the patients in the sarcopenia group had low values for both parameters' energy intake per IBW and number of steps. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that walking 5000 or more steps per day and maintaining a total energy intake of 30 kcal/IBW may serve as a reference for lifestyle guidelines for compensated cirrhotic patients.

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.12085

PubMed

通院中のNAFLD 42名、NASH 58名、対照群として健常者57名において、生活習慣病の保健指導支援ソフトウェア&quot;ヘルッチェ&quot;(スズケン)や、生活習慣記録機ライフコーダ(スズケン)などを用いて、日常の生活習慣を分析した。結果、NAFLD/NASHでは健常者に比べ、体組成的に脂肪量が多く握力が低下している傾向が見られた。この傾向はNASH群においてより顕著であった。食習慣については、健常群と比して総摂取カロリーの過剰や、PFC比の偏りは見られず、食習慣改善に対するステージモデルにおいても、実行期・維持期の割合が有意に高く、意識して改善している傾向が見られた。しかし男性では健常者に比して魚介類の摂取量が少ないことなどから、摂取食品、食材にまで気を配った食事指導が望まれた。運動習慣について、身体活動量や歩数が低値を示し、生活活動強度が低い傾向が見られた。男女ともに、NAFLD/NASH群は自らの病識も明確で、食習慣は改善意識が高く改善傾向が見られたが、生活活動強度/運動習慣においては改善の余地があった。NAFLD/NASH患者には、食事指導のみならず、生活活動強度の向上、無理のないエクササイズ実施、継続など、包括的な生活改善支援が望まれる。(著者抄録)

CiNii Article

近年、リハビリテーション(リハビリ)を必要とする高齢患者に栄養障害を認めることが報告されているが、栄養状態とリハビリとの関連性を示す報告は少ない。そこで、入院患者の栄養状態をMNA-SFにより分類し、リハビリの効果を検討したところ、より低栄養状態の患者ではリハビリの効果が十分でなかった。以上のことから、適切な栄養管理とリハビリの併用が必要であると考えられた。(著者抄録)

CiNii Article

CiNii Article

CiNii Article

Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)  

Publishing type：Research paper, summary (international conference)