ABSTRACT
In order to assess the influence of habitual alcohol consumption on hepatic and pancreatic function, and on the disposal of carbohydrate and lipid, determination of serum hepatic and pancreatic enzyme levels, and serum glucose, insulin and triglyceride on oral glucose challenge was made in relation with the amount of consumed alcohol.<BR>1. GOT, GPT and γ-GTP levels increased correlated with daily alcohol consumption, and γ-GTP was the most sensitive marker for alcohol consumption.<BR>2. Habitual alcohol consumption reduced serum amylase and increased elastase 1 and trypsin, while the excursion of these enzyme levels remained within normal range. Because people with elastase 1 or trypsin levels beyond normal range was found more frequently than with amylase, the former two pancreatic enzymes might be better marker of alcoholic pancreatic injury than the latter one.<BR>3. Alcohol dependency in daily caloric requirement elevated serum glucose and triglyceride in fasting and 2 hours after glucose challenge. Hyperinsulinemia after glucose challenge might indicate that moderate daily alcohol consumption induces insulin resistance resulting in deteriorated glucose disposal.
ABSTRACT
Epidemiological investigations were made on carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in 3, 259 rural inhabitants and 3, 200 urban inhabitants. Abonormally high CEA levels were found in 12.0% of male rural inhabitants and 6.8% of male urban inhabitants. For women, the percentage was 2.4% in rural areas and 1.6% in urban areas. Correlations between high CEA levels and age were noted in men. However, cigarette smokers had higher CEA levels than non-smokers in both rural and urban areas irrespective of age. Smokers' CEA levels were higher rural areas than in urban areas. These disparites in CEA levels between rural and urban inhabitants were studied, but remain unaccounted for.
ABSTRACT
The future of Japanese agriculture depends a great deal on the young adult. In this study, preventive health strategies for young people living in a farming area are discussed. The following is a summary of the conclusions we have arrived at.<BR>1. There is much to be desired in their eating habits. Hence, the necessity of drawing up adequate guidelines and educational programs.<BR>2. Young men must be dissuaded from smoking cigarettes and drinking a lot.<BR>3. There is too much stress in living and working environments.<BR>4. Overworking must be avoided.<BR>5. Individuals must realize the importance of protecting and promoting their own health.