Increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and increased serum levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, are associated with an risk cardiovascular cerebrovascular diseases. The aim this study was to evaluate whether IMT, a useful marker for early atherosclerosis, is these markers in patients obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Carotid IMT investigated ultrasonography 36 OSA 16 obese control subjects. Serum CRP, IL-6, IL-18 were measured at...

Recent progress in the molecular biology of taste reception has revealed that mammals, heteromeric receptors T1R1/3 and T1R2/3 respond to amino acids sweeteners, respectively, whereas T2Rs are for bitter tastants. Similar have also been characterized fish, but their ligands not identified yet. In present study, we conducted a series experiments identify fish receptor ligands. Facial nerve recordings zebrafish (Danio rerio) demonstrated perceived even denatonium, which is representative...

Umami taste perception in mammals is mediated by a heteromeric complex of two G-protein-coupled receptors, T1R1 and T1R3. T1R1/T1R3 exhibits species-dependent differences ligand specificity; human specifically responds to l-Glu, whereas mouse more strongly other l-amino acids than l-Glu. The mechanism underlying this species difference remains unknown. In study we analyzed chimeric human-mouse receptors point mutants identified 12 key residues that modulate amino acid recognition the human-...

BLT2 is a low-affinity leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) receptor that activated by 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid (12-HHT) and LTB(4). Despite the well-defined proinflammatory roles of BLT1, in vivo functions remain elusive. To clarify role BLT receptors intestinal inflammation, we assessed susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice lacking either BLT1 or BLT2. BLT2(-/-) exhibited increased sensitivity DSS as compared wild-type BLT1(-/-) mice, with more...

We investigated the energy dependence of number triggered pixels, or cluster size, when charged particles are detected using TimePix3 detector with a silicon sensor. measured protons in range 1.5~3.3 MeV from Pelletron accelerator at RIKEN 500 um-thick determined experimental results size comprised between 30 and 80 pixels. To understand physical process that produces large images its dependence, we simulated charge carrier drifts sensor, assuming incidence proton detector. The sizes...

Turmeric, the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has a wide range effects on human health. Turmeric oleoresin, an extract turmeric, is often used for flavoring and coloring. Curcuminoids turmeric essential oil are both contained in these fractions have hypoglycemic effects. In present study, we comprehensively assessed effect oleoresin hepatic gene expression obese diabetic KK-Ay mice using DNA microarray analysis quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Female aged 6 weeks (n =...

Aquaporin-11 (AQP11), a new member of the aquaporin family, is localized in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Aqp11(-/-) mice neonatally suffer from polycystic kidneys derived proximal tubule. Its onset proceeded by vacuolization ER. However, mechanism for formation vacuoles and cysts remains to be clarified. Here, we show that kidney disease (PKD) animals share common pathogenic cyst formation. We performed microarray analyses histochemical staining characterize effects disruption Aqp11 on...

Sweet enhancing effect of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) or cyclamate has been reported to be synergistic in human sensory tests. However, little is known about whether these synergisms are caused by the mechanism mediated sweet-taste receptor. Here, we examined sweetness intensity sweet tastant mixtures measuring responses cultured cells stably expressing The results showed that cell response sucrose was synergistically potentiated addition NHDC cyclamate. Moreover, a point mutation...

Abstract Iatrogenic trigeminal nerve injuries remain a common and complex clinical problem. Satellite glial cell ( SGC ) activation, associated phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase ERK ), neuropeptide expression in the ganglion TG are known to be involved neuropathic pain related injury. However, involvement these molecules orofacial mechanisms is still unknown. Phosphorylation 1/2 lingual crush LNC rats was observed s. To evaluate role neuron– interactions under pain,...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women. Recently, various dietary interventions have been used extensively as a novel therapy against PCOS. In present study, we show that soy isoflavone metabolites and resistant starch, together with gut microbiota modulations, were successful decreasing severity of PCOS-like reproductive features while increasing expression barrier markers butyric acid gut. letrozole-induced PCOS model rats, intake...

We analyzed the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in small intestine to elucidate their functions, and found that AQP9, which had not previously been detected there, is present duodenum, jejunum, ileum. AQP9 expressed colon as well, but stomach. Also, its these intestinal sections limited basolateral membranes a goblet cell subset. Our finding specifically cells mucus-secreting suggests involvement synthesis and/or secretion certain kind mucus may protect surface smooth flow contents.

Royal jelly (RJ) has diverse physiological and pharmacological functions. We observed its weak estrogenic activity in the previous study. RJ stimulated proliferation of mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells at 0.1 mg/ml, effect was blocked by specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. The addition 0.1-1.0 mg/ml enhanced collagen production culture medium. Oral administration to normal female mice for 9 weeks increased ash content their tibiae. DNA microarray analysis revealed...

A comprehensive reevaluation of the G protein alpha subunit genes specifically expressed in taste buds tongue epithelium rodents revealed that Gq and G14 class Gi2 Ggust (Gt3, also known as gustducin) Gi are mammalian buds. Meanwhile, a database search fish genomes absence gene encoding an ortholog gene, which mediates sweet, umami, bitter signals receptor cells (TRCs). Histochemical screening identified two genes, zfGia zfG14, subsets TRCs zebrafish. The expression patterns zfG14 were...

The mechanism by which phosphorus levels are maintained in the body was investigated analyzing changes gene expression rat kidney following administration of a high (HP) diet. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups and fed diet containing 0.3% (control) or 1.2% phosphorous for 24 days. Phosphorous retention not significantly increased HP rats, but fractional excretion group compared to controls, with an excessive amount ingested being passed through body. DNA microarray analysis...

Abstract Trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) neurons that project to the ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) and parabrachial (PBN) are critical for orofacial pain processing. We hypothesized persistent trigeminal nerve injury differentially alters proportion of Vc VPM PBN in a modality-specific manner. Neuroanatomical approaches were used quantify number projecting or after chronic constriction infraorbital (ION-CCI) subsequent upper-lip stimulation. Male rats received...

The effects of the administration molecular hydrogen-saturated drinking water (hydrogen water) on hepatic gene expression were investigated in rats. Using DNA microarrays, 548 upregulated and 695 downregulated genes detected liver after 4 weeks hydrogen water. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that for oxidoreduction-related proteins, including hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase, significantly enriched genes.

To elucidate some physiopsychological effects of a pleasant odor, we analyzed gene expression profiles in the hypothalamus rats which, under restraint-stressed condition, inhaled (R)-(−)-linalool. Consequently, 697 probe sets showed significant changes odorant-inhaling subjected to 2 h restraint stress (false discovery rate < 0.05). We observed up-regulation 594 among them, including genes related neuron differentiation and transcriptional regulatory factors. Another important result was...

Taste receptors have been defined at the molecular level in past decade, and cell-based assays developed using cultured cells heterologously expressing these receptors. The most popular approach to detecting cellular response a tastant is measure changes intracellular Ca(2+) concentration Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dyes. However, this method cannot be applied food-derived samples that contain substances. To establish an assay system would applicable samples, we tested use of photoproteins,...

Peanut and buckwheat induce a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, which is considered to be mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). We identified in this study new IgE-binding epitope of the peanut allergen that cross-reacted with buckwheat. The phosphate-buffered saline-soluble fraction inhibited binding between IgE allergen. A cross-reactive peptide was isolated from α-chymotrypsin hydrolysate peanut. Based on amino acid sequence mass spectrometric analysis data, as...

The P2Y 12 receptor expressed in satellite cells of the trigeminal ganglion is thought to contribute neuropathic pain. functional interaction between neurons and via receptors phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 ( pERK 1/2) underlying pain tongue was evaluated this study. Expression enhanced 1/2‐immunoreactive encircling after lingual nerve crush. administration crush rats a selective antagonist, MRS 2395, attenuated hypersensitivity mechanical heat stimulation...