Continuous soy isoflavones exposure from weaning to maturity induces downregulation of ovarian steroidogenic factor 1 gene expression and corresponding changes in DNA methylation pattern.

Female Wistar rats were treated with orally administered soy isoflavones at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, or 100mg/kg body weight from weaning until sexual maturity (3 mo.), and ovarian steroidogenesis was evaluated. After soy isoflavones were administered, a significant (P<0.05) decrease (44%) in the serum estrodial levels of the high-dose (HD) group were observed. Cultured granulosa cells from the middle- (MD) and HD groups showed significantly (P<0.05) reduced (31%, 45%, respectively) in vitro estradiol secretion, and those from the HD group showed significantly (P<0.05) reduced progesterone (25%) secretion. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), cytochromeP450 cholesterol side chain cleavage (Cyp11a1 and Cyp19a1), and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3b (Hsd3b) genes also decreased. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in key transcription factor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) expression in the HD group. The detection of DNA methylation using bisulfitesequencing PCR (BSP) suggested a significantly (P<0.05) increased total methylation rate in the proximal SF-1 promoter in the HD group. Further studies showed that treatment with soy isoflavones can significantly (P<0.05) increase the mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 and DNMT3a. This study proved that soy isoflavone administration from weaning until sexual maturity could inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis, suggesting that SF-1 might play an important role in this effect. In addition, DNA methylation might play a role in the downregulation of SF-1 gene expression induced by soy isoflavones.

Polysaccharides from Enteromorpha prolifera Improve Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic Rats.

This study investigated the effects of polysaccharides from Enteromorpha prolifera (PEP) on glucose metabolism in a rat model of diabetes mellitus (DM). PEP (0, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically to rats for four weeks. After treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin (INS) levels were measured, and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated. The morphopathological changes in the pancreas were observed. Serum samples were collected to measure the oxidant-antioxidant status. The mRNA expression levels of glucokinase (GCK) and insulin receptor (InsR) in liver tissue and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) and adiponectin (APN) in adipose tissue were determined. Compared with the model group, the FBG and INS levels were lower, the ISI was higher, and the number of islet ß-cells was significantly increased in all the PEP groups. In the medium- and high-dose PEP groups, MDA levels decreased, and the enzymatic activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased. The mRNA expression of InsR and GCK increased in all the PEP groups; APN mRNA expression increased in the high-dose PEP group, and GLUT-4 mRNA expression increased in adipose tissue. These findings suggest that PEP is a potential therapeutic agent that can be utilized to treat DM.

Work-related Stress, Caregiver Role, and Depressive Symptoms among Japanese Workers

BACKGROUND: In Japan, more than 60% of employees are reported to suffer from anxiety and stress. Consequently, Japanese society has begun to address such important issues as psychogenic disability and job-related suicide. Furthermore, given the aging of society and the surge in the number of elderly people requiring care, it is necessary to adequately and proactively support employees who care for their elderly relatives. The purpose of the present study was to investigate caregiver burden in caring for elderly relatives and work-related stress factors associated with mental health among employees. METHODS: We studied 722 men and women aged 18-83 years in a cross-sectional study. The K10 questionnaire was used to examine mental health status. RESULTS: The proportion of participants with a high K10 score was 15% (n = 106). Having little conversation with their supervisor and/or coworkers significantly increased the risk of depression [odds ratio (OR) 1.8], as did high job overload (OR 2.7) and job dissatisfaction (OR 3.8), compared with employees who frequently conversed with their supervisor and/or coworkers. Caring for elderly relatives as a prominent characteristic of an employee was a significant risk factor for depression (OR 2.1). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that employees who were caring for elderly relatives were significantly associated with an increased risk of depression. To prevent depressive disorders, it may be important to focus on reducing the work-caregiving role conflict, as well as enhancing employees' job control and better rewarding their efforts in the workplace.

Habit of Eating Quickly Is Independently Related With Overweight Among Japanese Rural Residents Aged 40-79 Years / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Objective: To examine relationships between fast eating habit and overweight. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Four rural areas in Japan. Subjects: A total of 2,239 adults (782 men and 1,457 women) who participated in a health check-up program. Measurements: Body mass index (overweight 25.0) and the habit of eating quickly (validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire). Statistical analysis: A covariance analysis was used to examine an independent relationship between the habit of eating quickly and overweight. Results: 21.1% of males and 21.4% of females were found overweight. 40.3% of males and 34.7% of females reported that they were in the habit of eating quickly. The multivariable adjustment included age, total energy intake, fat energy balance, alcohol intake, smoking status, physical activity level, and survey area. After adjusting for these variables, the habit of eating quickly was positively related with overweight in both males and females.Conclusion: The habit of eating quickly was independently related with overweight, and to control of the eating behavior would thus be essential for Japanese rural residents in order to reduce their body weight.

[Screening for osteoporotic on high fracture risk women by questionnaire].

Patients with low bone mineral density (BMD) have a high risk of future fractures, and should be actively considered for treatment to reduce their risk. Simple risk assessment questionnaires have been designed to increase awareness of osteoporosis and encourage the appropriate use of BMD measurements. These questionnaires may help target high-risk women for BMD measurements, thereby avoiding the cost of measuring women at low risk. Applying these assessment tools may encourage appropriate use of BMD technology.