ABSTRACT
@#Objectives: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is currently considered to be a major contributing factor in migraine headache. Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) was found to be effective in migraine prevention. However, the mechanism of action in patients was unknown. Using injection as in clinical setting, the study aimed to determine whether BTXA could decrease the sensitization of the trigeminovascular nociceptive system through the reduction of CGRP action. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were pretreated with normal saline solution or BTXA before KCl application to induce cortical spreading depression (CSD) or NaCl application as a control. Regional cerebral blood flow at parietal cortex was measured for 90 min after KCl or NaCl application. Tissues from trigeminal ganglion (TG) and trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) were then collected for CGRP and c-Fos measurement respectively. Results: BTXA pretreatment significantly decreased the cumulative blood flow and number of hyperemic peaks induced by KCl. Numbers of CGRP positive cells at TG and c-Fos positive cells at TNC were also reduced by BTXA.Conclusion: BTXA pretreatment reduced CGRP production and release from the TG leading to lessen CSD production and persistent activation of TNC which played a major role in migraine headache.
ABSTRACT
In Brunei Darussalam, obesity and diabetes mellitus are serious national health challenges, and there is an urgent, nationwide need to develop measures against these diseases. This project provides training in various efforts unique to Japan aimed at preventing lifestyle-related diseases mainly through specific medical check-ups and health guidance. The objective of this project is to form a basis for introducing a Japanese-style system in Brunei Darussalam. In this training program, the Bruneian staff learned specific medical check-ups, strategies for applying the results of these check-ups, actual and detailed contents of the specific counselling guidance, and so forth. We can reasonably expect that implementation of these practices and the skills acquired in Brunei will enable the Bruneian staff to more effectively prevent and control diabetes and obesity. Moreover, this project not only contributes to health promotion for Bruneian citizens, but can also be expected to have a spillover effect on neighboring Muslim countries with similar problems (e.g., Malaysia and Indonesia). The prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus is increasing globally in both developed and developing countries, and preventive measures are urgently needed worldwide. It seems that recognition and introduction of the efforts made in Japan are extremely meaningful and important for solving international issues.