Associations of breastfeeding history with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in community-dwelling parous women: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between breastfeeding and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling parous women and to clarify whether the associations depend on age. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 11,118 women, aged 35-69 years. Participants' longest breastfeeding duration for one child and their number of breastfed children were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, and their total breastfeeding duration was approximated as a product of the number of breastfed children and the longest breastfeeding duration. The longest and the total breastfeeding durations were categorized into none and tertiles above 0 months. Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia) were defined as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Associations between breastfeeding history and metabolic syndrome or each cardiovascular risk factor were assessed using multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among a total of 11,118 women, 10,432 (93.8%) had ever breastfed, and 1,236 (11.1%) had metabolic syndrome. In participants aged <55 years, an inverse dose-response relationship was found between the number of breastfed children and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome; multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 breastfed children were 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31 to 1.17), 0.50 (95% CI: 0.29 to 0.87), 0.44 (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.84), and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.89), respectively. The longest and total breastfeeding durations of longer than 0 months were also associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome relative to no breastfeeding history in participants aged <55 years. In contrast, all measures of breastfeeding history were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in participants aged ≥55 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding history may be related to lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged parous women.

Genetic characterization of low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses isolated on the Izumi plain in Japan: possible association of dynamic movements of wild birds with AIV evolution.

The Izumi plain in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, is an overwintering site of endangered cranes (hooded cranes and white-naped cranes) and of many other migratory birds (including wild ducks) that are considered carriers of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). To assess the risks of a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in the crane populations, we tested various environmental samples for AIVs in this area. In the 2014-2015 winter season, we isolated one AIV of the H6N2 subtype from the cranes' roost water and two AIVs of the H11N9 subtype from a crane fecal sample and a cloacal swab of a dead spot-billed duck. Genetic analysis of these AIV isolates indicated that our H6N2 isolate is genetically close to AIVs isolated from wild birds in Southeast Asian countries, except that the PB1 and NS genes belong to the North American virus lineage. All genes of the two H11N9 isolates are related to AIVs belonging to the Eurasian virus lineage. Notably, in our phylogenetic trees, H11 HA and N9 NA genes showing high sequence similarity to the corresponding genes of isolates from wild birds in South Africa and Spain, respectively, did not cluster in the major groups with recent wild-bird isolates from East Asia. These results suggest that AIVs with viral gene segments derived from various locations and bird species have been brought to the Izumi plain. These findings imply a possible association of dynamic movements of wild birds with AIV evolution.

The existence of dead cells in donor corneal endothelium preserved with storage media.

AIM: To investigate the viability of donor corneal endothelial cells (CECs) preserved in storage media by histological examination. METHODS: Twenty-eight donor corneas were obtained from SightLife Eye Bank (Seattle, Washington), and redundant peripheral portions of those corneas were used for histological examination after removal of the centre corneal graft for transplantation. To assess cell viability in the corneal endothelium, biostaining experiments were performed using propidium iodide, calcein-AM, Hoechst 33 342, annexin V, anti-vimentin antibody and toluidine blue. RESULTS: Histological analysis of the endothelium showed that the cytoplasm of dead cells had low-intensity fluorescence and that their nuclei stained red, while almost all living cells had green cytoplasm and blue-stained nuclei. The mean dead cell rate in the 28 donor corneas was 4.9%±3.3% (mean ±SD) (range: 0.6%-10.5%). The propidium iodide-positive cells stained positive for annexin V, negative for vimentin and pale for toluidine blue. After the specimens were incubated in a culture medium, the red nucleus dead cells dropped off from the level of the blue nucleus living cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed the existence of dead cells in storage-media-preserved donor corneal endothelium and that they dropped off after incubation, thus suggesting that the decrease of CECs following keratoplasty may be related to the presence of dead cells.

Characteristics of cases needing advanced treatment for intractable Posner-Schlossman syndrome.

BACKGROUND: In Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS), which is characterized by recurrent unilateral attacks of ocular hypertension. Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary because intraocular pressure (IOP) cannot be controlled with anti-glaucoma medications. To identify the clinical features of Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) indicative of the need for intraocular pressure (IOP)-controlling surgery. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case-series analysis of the clinical charts of 33 patients diagnosed with PSS, who underwent surgery to control IOP or received medication only. Various clinical factors were compared between the surgical and medication groups. RESULTS: The surgical group had a higher corneal endothelial cell (CEC) density loss (p < 0.05), higher maximum IOP (p < 0.01), greater visual field loss (p < 0.01) and higher positive number for cytomegalovirus (CMV) (p < 0.001) than the non-surgical group. Eighteen of the 33 patients had a high CEC reduction ratio. Of these 18, 16 required glaucoma surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PSS patients with a higher CEC reduction ratio, higher maximum IOP, greater visual field loss and higher positive number for CMV in the aqueous humor tended to be more likely to require progressive treatment, such as glaucoma surgery.

The effect of topical application of 0.15% ganciclovir gel on cytomegalovirus corneal endotheliitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and drug transfer of topical application of 0.15% ganciclovir (GCV) gel on cytomegalovirus (CMV) corneal endotheliitis. METHODS: This study is a multicentre, prospective, interventional case series. Seven eyes of seven immunocompetent patients diagnosed with CMV corneal endotheliitis, based on clinical manifestations and qualitative PCR, were enrolled in this study. The patients were treated with topical applications of 0.15% GCV gel six times daily for 12 weeks without concomitant systemic GCV. Clinical evaluations and quantitative PCR of CMV were performed, and GCV concentrations in aqueous humour were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Clinical improvement of coin-shaped lesions, other types of keratic precipitates, corneal oedema, and anterior chamber inflammation was confirmed at the 4-week visit in all seven eyes. The GCV treatment significantly decreased the CMV copy numbers (p<0.0001). After 12 weeks of treatment, six eyes recovered clear corneas with good vision, and endothelial function was well maintained. Detectable levels of GCV were confirmed in the aqueous humour of all the eyes. The mean GCV concentration in the anterior chamber was 162.0±202.4 ng/mL. The re-emergence of CMV without symptoms was observed in one eye with lower drug transfer. No side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical improvement and reduced CMV copy numbers in the aqueous humour were confirmed in the CMV corneal endotheliitis cases. Although the case numbers are limited and long-term follow-up is necessary, the topical application of 0.15% GCV gel appears to be a useful treatment option for CMV endotheliitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000012435.

Changes in trends in colorectal cancer incidence rate by anatomic site between 1978 and 2004 in Japan.

Although colorectal cancer (CRC), a major type of cancer worldwide, has shown a proximal or right-sided shift in subsite distribution in western countries, trends in subsite incidence in Asian countries remain unclear. Here, we evaluated subsite-specific trends in CRC incidence rate between 1978 and 2004 in Japan using large data from 10 population-based cancer registries. The colorectal sites (C18-C20) were categorized into three groups: proximal colon (C18.0-C18.5), distal colon (C18.6-C18.7), and rectum (C19.9 and C20.9). Trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) were characterized by joinpoint regression analysis. A total of 303 802 CRC cases were analyzed. Overall, ASRs increased remarkably until 1993, with an annual percentage change (APC) of 4.9%, and then stabilized thereafter. By subsite, however, ASRs of proximal colon significantly increased, with APCs of 7.1% (1978-1991), 3.8% (1991-1996), and 0.9% (1996-2004); distal colon showed an initial significant increase, with an APC of 7.6%, but stabilized from 1991 until the end of observation; and rectal cancer showed an initial significant increase, with APCs of 1.9% (1978-1988) and 5.6% (1988-1992), but then decreased abruptly in 1992, the year CRC screening was introduced nationwide, with an APC of -1.0%. Thus, we revealed that changes in incidence trends for the three anatomic sites apparently began to differ in the 1990s. Careful monitoring is necessary to confirm whether these trends are changing in the Japanese population.

Associations of smoking status with other lifestyle behaviors are modified by sex and occupational category among urban civil servants in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of current smoking with five other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among urban civil servants in Japan according to sex and occupational category. METHODS: The study included 10,232 urban civil servants in Japan who presented for a health check-up in 2011. We analyzed data on anthropometric measurements and self-reported lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Current smokers had a higher BMI than never smokers in white-collar workers, but not in blue-collar workers of both sexes. There were strong associations of current smoking with irregular breakfasting regardless of sex and occupational category. In males, current smokers were less likely to take exercise than ex-smokers in both occupational categories. CONCLUSIONS: The associations of current smoking with other unhealthy behaviors were modified by sex and occupational category. These results are useful for understanding the health risks among smokers according to sex and occupational category.

No association between Helicobacter pylori infection and diabetes mellitus among a general Japanese population: a cross-sectional study.

Several case-control studies have reported that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) had a higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection than those without DM, but these findings remain equivocal. Additionally, there are few studies examining associations between East Asian CagA-positive H. pylori and DM. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether H. pylori infection was a possible risk factor for DM in a general Japanese population. The study included 5165 subjects (1467 men, 3698 women) aged 35-69 years from the Daiko Study, part of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. A urinary anti-H. pylori antibody was used to detect H. pylori infection. The medical history of physician-diagnosed DM was confirmed by self-administered questionnaire. The odds ratios (ORs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for DM (current and former) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, educational status, alcohol use, smoking status, body mass index, energy intake, and physical activity. The prevalence of DM was 4.6 % (95 % CI 3.7-5.6 %) among 1878 participants with H. pylori infection and 3.2 % (2.6-3.8 %) among 3287 without the infection (p = 0.009). The crude, age-adjusted, and multivariate-adjusted ORs for DM in those with the infection relative to those without were 1.47 (95 % CI 1.10-1.97), 1.02 (0.76-1.38), and 0.97 (0.71-1.32), respectively. We found a significantly higher DM prevalence among those with H. pylori infection than among those without. However, almost all the difference in prevalence could be explained by the older age of those infected. Our findings did not support an association between H. pylori infection and DM.

Morphological Changes of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells after Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drop (Ripasudil) Administration: A Prospective Open-Label Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect and safety of a selective Rho kinase inhibitor, ripasudil 0.4% eye drops, on corneal endothelial cells of healthy subjects. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: In this study, 6 healthy subjects were administered ripasudil 0.4% in the right eye twice daily for 1 week. Morphological changes and corneal endothelial cell density were examined by noncontact and contact specular microscopy. Central corneal thickness and corneal volume of 5 mm-diameter area of center cornea were analyzed by Pentacam Scheimpflug topography. All the above measurements were conducted in both eyes before administration, 1.5 and 6 hours after the initial administration on day 0; and in the same manner after the final administration on day 7. RESULTS: By noncontact specular microscopy, indistinct cell borders with pseudo guttae were observed, but by contact specular microscopy, morphological changes of corneal endothelial cells were mild and pseudo guttae was not observed after single and repeated administration of ripasudil in all subjects. These changes resolved prior to the next administration, and corneal endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness and corneal volume were not changed throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: Transient morphological changes of corneal endothelial cells such as indistinct cell borders with pseudo guttae were observed by noncontact specular microscopy in healthy subjects after ripasudil administration. Corneal edema was not observed and corneal endothelial cell density did not decrease after 1 week repetitive administration. These morphological changes were reversible and corneal endothelial cell morphology returned to normal prior to the next administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: JAPIC Clinical Trials Information 142705.

Effect of the Rho Kinase Inhibitor Y-27632 on Corneal Endothelial Wound Healing.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor eye drops for treating severe corneal endothelial damage due to surgical invasion. METHODS: A rabbit corneal endothelial damage model was created by mechanically scraping half the area of the corneal endothelium of eighteen eyes of Japanese white rabbits. A selective ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632 (10 mM), was applied topically for 2 weeks, and then the anterior segment was evaluated by slitlamp microscopy. The corneal endothelium was evaluated by phalloidin staining and immunohistochemical analysis. We then conducted pilot clinical research and applied Y-27632 eye drops topically to three patients who exhibited severe corneal edema due to corneal endothelial damage. RESULTS: In the corneal endothelial damage rabbit model, more Ki67-positive cells were detected in Y-27632-treated eyes than in control eyes. Five of six corneas became transparent in Y-27632-treated eyes, whereas zero of six corneas became transparent in the control eyes (P < 0.01). Actin fibers were distributed at the cell cortex in the eyes treated with Y-27632, whereas actin distribution was partially disrupted, and stress fibers were observed in control eyes. N-cadherin and Na+/K+-ATPase were expressed in almost all cells in Y-27632-treated eyes, but expression decreased in control eyes. Preliminary human cases confirmed that ROCK inhibitor eye drops were considerably effective for treatment of corneal edema associated with cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS: ROCK inhibitor may be developed as an eye drop for treating acute corneal endothelial damage to prevent progression of bullous keratopathy. (University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry no. UMIN000003625; www.umin.ac.jp/ctr).

Trends in smoking rates among urban civil servants in Japan according to occupational categories.

Occupation could affect the distribution of smoking status of workers, and the success of smoking cessation among workers depends partly on worksite conditions. Blue collar workers have been identified as a high-risk group for smoking. The aim of the present study was to examine trends in smoking rates among urban civil servants in Japan according to occupational categories. Subjects were urban civil servants aged 30-59 years. They annually reported smoking status in a questionnaire in a worksite health check-up each year from 2004 to 2011. Urban civil servants reported substantially lower current smoking rates than national smoking rates in Japan (20.2%, 23.8%, and 27.0% for males in their 30s, 40s, and 50s and 2.4%, 6.3%, and 9.5% for females, respectively, in 2011). In analysis by occupational categories, current smoking rates declined among all groups except female white collar workers in their 50s. The current and persistent smoking rates (number of current smokers/[number of ex-smokers and current smokers]) among blue collar workers were higher than those among white collar workers at almost all time points in all age and gender groups. This study found relatively lower current smoking rates among urban civil servants than the national average and higher current and persistent smoking rates in blue collar workers than in white collar workers among them. These results would help to make suitable worksite smoking cessation policies for each occupational category.

Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion in the TCF4 Gene in Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy in Japanese.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the intronic expansion of a trinucleotide repeat (TNR) in the TCF4 gene and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) in a Japanese population. METHODS: Forty-seven Japanese FECD patients and 96 age-matched controls were recruited. FECD patients and controls were examined by slit-lamp and noncontact specular microscopy. The repeat length was determined by direct sequencing and short tandem repeat assay of PCR-amplified DNA and Southern blotting of unamplified DNA. RESULTS: A TNR expansion, defined as >50 CTG repeats in the TCF4 gene was identified in 12 of 47 FECD cases (26%) and 0 of 96 controls (0%; P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity in this study were 26% and 100%, respectively. The clinical characteristics of FECD patients with TNR expansion were not distinct from those without TNR expansion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show for the first time in a Japanese population the association of the TNR expansion in TCF4 with FECD. In contrast to Caucasian cohorts in whom the TNR expansion is present in most patients with FECD, a CTG expansion is present in a minority of Japanese subjects, indicating other genetic variants as common causes of phenotypically identical disease in this population.

Associations between polymorphisms of interleukin-6 and related cytokine genes and serum liver damage markers: a cross-sectional study in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study.

Cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), play an important role in the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between common polymorphisms in potential functional promoters of cytokine genes and liver damage markers among enrollees of a large Japanese cohort study. Subjects included 3257 Japanese individuals (1608 men and 1649 women, aged 35-69 years). Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of five cytokine genes, IL1B (T-31C), IL6 (C-634G), IL8 (T-251A), IL10 (T-819C), tumor necrosis factor-A (TNFA) (T-1031C), and TNFA (C-857T), were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Information regarding alcohol intake, smoking habits, height, and weight was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured during a routine health check-up. Of the six SNPs genotyped, an IL6 polymorphism (rs1800796, C-634G) was most strongly associated with a liver damage marker, AST. Mean serum AST was significantly different among the three genotypes (mean ± SD, 22.7 ± 7.3 IU/L for CC, 22.8 ± 7.7 IU/L for CG, and 24.3 ± 8.6 IU/L for GG, p=0.011 by analysis of variance). The differences remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders by general linear models. The variations in mean serum AST and ALT levels were marked especially among men. Thus, the functional polymorphism IL6 C-634G may affect serum AST and ALT levels, possibly through different IL-6 production.

Inverse correlation between serum interleukin-6 and iron levels among Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that is produced by many different cell types, and plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation, immune responses, the acute-phase response, and hematopoiesis. Previous laboratory and clinical studies have shown that IL-6 causes a significant decrease in serum iron levels. Therefore, we conducted an epidemiological study to examine the association between serum IL-6 and iron levels. METHODS: In total, 280 Japanese individuals aged 20-78 years were enrolled when they visited a clinic located in an urban area for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection tests and subsequent eradication; 65.3% were infected with H. pylori. Subjects with gastric cancer, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, or IL-6 > 10 pg/mL were excluded from the study. Serum iron and IL-6 levels were measured using the 2-nitroso-5-(N-propyl-3-sulfopropylamino) phenol method and chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: Geometric mean iron and IL-6 levels were 111.5 µg/dL and 1.77 pg/mL, respectively, for men, and 89.4 µg/dL and 1.55 pg/mL, respectively, for women. The logarithm of serum iron levels was negatively correlated with the logarithm of IL-6 levels in men (r = -0.19, p = 0.047), but not in women (r = -0.035, p = 0.65). Regression analysis, adjusted for sex, age, and H. pylori infection status, showed that the logarithm of serum iron levels was significantly associated with a decreased logarithm of IL-6 levels (ß = -0.053, p = 0.041). The odds ratio for low serum iron levels adjusted for sex, age, and H. pylori infection status was 7.88 (95% CI 1.29-48.06) in those with an IL-6 level > 4 pg/mL. CONCLUSION: Lower serum iron levels are significantly associated with higher serum IL-6 levels among Japanese adults.

ABCG2 dysfunction causes hyperuricemia due to both renal urate underexcretion and renal urate overload.

Gout is a common disease which results from hyperuricemia. We have reported that the dysfunction of urate exporter ABCG2 is the major cause of renal overload (ROL) hyperuricemia, but its involvement in renal underexcretion (RUE) hyperuricemia, the most prevalent subtype, is not clearly explained so far. In this study, the association analysis with 644 hyperuricemia patients and 1,623 controls in male Japanese revealed that ABCG2 dysfunction significantly increased the risk of RUE hyperuricemia as well as overall and ROL hyperuricemia, according to the severity of impairment. ABCG2 dysfunction caused renal urate underexcretion and induced hyperuricemia even if the renal urate overload was not remarkable. These results show that ABCG2 plays physiologically important roles in both renal and extra-renal urate excretion mechanisms. Our findings indicate the importance of ABCG2 as a promising therapeutic and screening target of hyperuricemia and gout.

Clinical outcomes in descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty with internationally shipped precut donor corneas.

PURPOSE: To report the endothelial cell loss and clinical outcomes in Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) with internationally shipped, precut donor corneas. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a noncomparative case series. METHODS: The setting was a single hospital. The clinical results of 134 eyes of 128 patients who underwent DSAEK in Kyoto, Japan, with internationally shipped precut donor corneas from Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, Washington, were evaluated. In addition, 40 precut donor corneas from Seattle were evaluated in respect to the postprecut international shipment-related loss of corneal endothelial cell density (ECD). Observation procedures were noncontact specular microscopy. The main outcome measures were the evaluation of international shipment-related ECD loss, postoperative ECD, visual recovery, and complications. RESULTS: The mean postprecut ECD loss in 40 donor corneas during international shipment was 2.3%. The mean elapsed time from cut to surgery was 63.2 ± 31.1 hours. At 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively, the mean ECD of the internationally shipped donor corneas was 2038, 1933, 1670, and 1431 cells/mm(2), respectively. The mean ECD loss at 6, 12, 24, 36 months after DSAEK was 30%, 34%, 44%, and 51%, respectively. Preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 1.40 ± 0.55, and at 12 months after DSAEK was 0.22 ± 0.19. Complications included graft dislocation in 12 eyes (8.9%) and graft rejection in 3 eyes (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the outcomes of DSAEK with internationally shipped precut donor corneas were acceptable and that the additional endothelial cell loss associated with international shipment was minimal and did not affect the clinical results.

Rho-associated kinase inhibitor eye drop treatment as a possible medical treatment for Fuchs corneal dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Fuchs corneal dystrophy that was successfully treated by Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor eye drops, subsequent to transcorneal freezing of damaged corneal endothelial cells. METHODS: A 52-year-old Japanese man with a diagnosis of late-onset Fuchs corneal dystrophy was referred to our hospital as a candidate for keratoplasty. Best-corrected vision was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/63 in the left eye. Multiple guttae were observed in both eyes. The right cornea was clear, but the left showed severe central edema, with a central corneal thickness of 703 µm. We were unable to perform specular microscopy in the central cornea, but endothelial cells were observed in the midperiphery at a density of 757 cells per square millimeter. The patient was treated by a corneal endothelial denudation in the prepupillary region followed by the topical administration of a selective ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, as eye drops for 1 week. Follow-up of 24 months is reported. RESULTS: Corneal clarity recovered and vision improved to 20/20 two weeks after the treatment. At 6 months, vision had improved to 20/16 and central corneal thickness measured was 568 µm, significantly lower than its pretreatment value. Endothelial function and vision have been well maintained up to the most recent observation, 24 months after the treatment. The average corneal endothelial density in the central and peripheral cornea was 1549.3 ± 89.7 and 705.0 ± 61.1 cells per square millimeter, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The case highlights the possibility of medical treatments involving the use of ROCK inhibitor eye drops as an alternative to graft surgery for certain forms of corneal endothelial disease.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection detected by the (13) C-urea breath test and low serum ferritin levels among Japanese adults.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor for chronic gastritis, digestive ulcers, and gastric cancer. Previous studies have shown associations between H. pylori infection and decreased iron storage. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between H. pylori infection and serum iron and ferritin levels in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 268 Japanese individuals who visited a clinic located in an urban area for H. pylori infection tests and subsequent eradication were enrolled. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by a (13) C-urea breath test, with positive results defined as values ≥2.5‰. RESULTS: The overall infection rate was 65.3% (175/268). The geometric mean serum iron levels in uninfected and infected subjects were 115.7 µg/dL and 108.9 µg/dL, respectively, in men, and 83.9 and 91.8 µg/dL, respectively, in women. The geometric mean serum ferritin levels were 128.9 and 81.0 ng/mL, respectively, in men, and 25.5 and 27.0 ng/mL, respectively, in women. Regression analysis adjusted for age showed that lower geometric mean serum ferritin levels were significantly associated with H. pylori infection in men (131.8 vs 79.4 ng/mL p = .009) and in women (33.9 vs 23.4 ng/mL p = .041). The difference was greater in subjects ≥50 years old, although the interaction was not statistically significant. Helicobacter pylori infection was not significantly associated with serum iron levels. CONCLUSION: This study showed that H. pylori infection was significantly associated with altered serum ferritin levels in Japanese individuals, particularly in those aged ≥50 years.

Significant association between serum interleukin-6 and Helicobacter pylori antibody levels among H. pylori-positive Japanese adults.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by many types of cells. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis that is an underlying cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). Since the 1990s, some studies have shown an association between H. pylori infection and CHD, which may be mediated by inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between serum anti-H. pylori IgG levels and serum IL-6 levels in H. pylori-infected adults. METHODS: We enrolled 158 subjects who visited a clinic located in an urban area to be tested for H. pylori infection, using the (13)C-urea breath test, and who were found to be infected and subsequently received eradication. RESULTS: The geometric mean serum IL-6 level was 1.78 pg/mL for men, 1.57 pg/mL for women, and 1.64 pg/mL overall. Logarithms of serum IL-6 levels were positively correlated with logarithms of serum H. pylori IgG levels (r = 0.24, P = 0.002). In multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for sex and age, the serum IL-6 level was still significantly associated with the IgG level in all subjects (ß = 0.18, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Higher H. pylori IgG levels were significantly associated with higher serum IL-6 levels among H. pylori-infected individuals.

A novel convergent method for the synthesis of α-acyl-γ-hydroxylactams and its application in the total synthesis of PI-090 and 091.

A novel convergent method for the synthesis of α-acyl-γ-hydroxylactams utilizing the aldol reaction of N-Boc-protected γ-methoxylactams was developed. As the first application of this method for the synthesis of biologically active natural products, the total synthesis of platelet aggregation inhibitors PI-090 and PI-091 were also investigated and successfully achieved.