Adenomyomatosis Concomitant with Primary Gallbladder Carcinoma.

Some clinicians have proposed a relationship between gallbladder (GB) cancer and adenomyomatosis (ADM) of the gallbladder, although the latter condition is not considered to have malignant potential. We retrospectively reviewed the surgical pathology database of patients who underwent resection for ADM of the gallbladder at our institution from March 2005 to May 2015. In total, 624 patients underwent surgical resection of the gallbladder with Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses. Of these cases, 93 were pathologically diagnosed with ADM of the gallbladder, with 44 (47.3%) classified macroscopically as fundal-type ADM, 26 (28.0%) as segmental type, and 23 (24.7%) as diffuse-type ADM. In 3 of the 93 (3.2%) resected specimens, early-stage GB carcinoma was detected, although preoperative imaging did not suggest a malignant neoplasm of the gallbladder in any of these patients. GB cancer subsequently developed in the mucosa of the fundal compartment distal to the annular stricture of the segmental-type ADM in 2 of these patients and against the background of the fundal-type ADM in 1 patient. This study revealed the difficulty of early diagnosis of primary GB cancer in the setting of concurrent ADM, and clinicians should be aware of this frequent coexistence.

Permanent end-sigmoid colostomy through the extraperitoneal route prevents parastomal hernia after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of a paracolostomy hernia has been reported to be from 10% to 50%, with serious impairment of the quality of life and sometimes life-threatening morbidity in some cases. Most essential in avoiding the need for further treatment of an end-sigmoid colostomy is prevention of a parastomal hernia. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of the extraperitoneal route for stoma creation to prevent parastomal hernia after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for rectal neoplasms. DESIGN: This is a study of a retrospective cohort. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Data on a total 37 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection from March 2005 to December 2010 in Kochi Health Sciences Center were examined retrospectively in this study. Group A included 22 patients whose stoma was created through the extraperitoneal route, and group B included 15 patients whose stoma was created through the transperitoneal route. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were the rate of parastomal hernia determined through CT and clinical examinations in the 2 groups. RESULTS: In Group A, 1 case was diagnosed as having a parastomal hernia, whereas, in Group B, 5 cases were diagnosed by CT examination as having a parastomal hernia; the difference in incidence between the 2 groups was significant (p = 0.0305). Furthermore, median duration of the follow-up period between the latest CT examination and the primary operation was 722 days in group A, which was significantly longer than that in group B (442 days) (p = 0.001). LIMITATIONS: : This study was limited by its nonrandomized retrospective design. CONCLUSION: Group B developed parastomal hernia more frequently within a significantly shorter period. A permanent sigmoid colostomy created through the extraperitoneal route can prevent the incidence of parastomal hernia after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection.

[Marked response to oral administration of UFT and leucovorin for liver metastases from colon cancer in an elderly patient].

A83 -year-old man was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of advanced ascending colon cancer with liver metastases. He had initially undergone an ileocecal resection for ascending colon cancer. Subsequently, we started oral administration of UFT/LV(UFT 400mg/day, LV 75 mg/day, and 4 weeks of therapy followed by a week suspension of treatment). After 3 courses, his tumors responded well to treatment, and CT showed marked regression of liver metastases. After 10 courses, liver metastases had almost disappeared. Two years passed without any adverse events since UFT/LV therapy was started. These findings suggest that UFT/LV therapy is very safe and effective for elderly patients with unresectable colorectal cancer.

Video. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach for intersphincteric resection.

BACKGROUND: Intersphincteric resection (IRS) is a surgical technique used to preserve sphincter function, mainly cases of low rectal cancer located less than 5 cm from the anal verge [1, 2]. There have been reports of laparoscopic ISR [3, 4], but discussion of the specific techniques used in this laparoscopic surgical procedure have not been sufficient. For better outcomes of this sophisticated procedure, extreme care must taken to prevent perforation of the rectal wall and to preserve the external sphincter muscle. The most difficult steps for ISR are the circular dissection and separation of the internal sphincter muscle from the external sphincter and puborectalis using the perineal approach. The authors' techniques and the advantages of laparoscopic ISR are shown by a video presentation of three rectal tumor cases. Also, the perioperative outcomes for the patients who underwent laparoscopic ISR with this technique are described. METHODS: From January 2006 to September 2009, laparoscopic ISR with total mesorectal excision was performed for 15 patients (10 men and 5 women). The median age of the patients was 60.5 years. The T categories of the tumor node metastasis (TNM) classification for the rectal cancers were Tis for two patients, T1 for one patient, T2 for four patients, and T3 for eight patients. The median distance from the anal verge to the tumor in this series was 3.7 cm. The Tis cases had large laterally spreading tumors that could not be removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The T1 case presented in the video had a small tumor just above the dentate line that had developed in the presence of chronic ulcerative colitis. Because this case required total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis, local resection was not used (Table 1). Table 1 Patients' clinical characteristics (2006.1-2009.8) No. of patients: 15 Gender (M/F):10/5 Age: years (range): 60.5 (31-75) pT*: Tis (n=2), T1 (n=1), T2 (n=4), T3 (n=8) Distance from anal verge: cm (range): 3.7 (2-5) * Pathological T categories of the tumor node metastagis (TNM) classification CASES: The 68-year-old man in case 1 had a large, laterally spreading rectal tumor. The 61-year-old man in case 2 had rectal cancer, with a tumor located 4 cm from the anal verge. Laparoscopic surgery was performed after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The 71-year-old woman in case 3 had T1 rectal cancer, with a tumor located just above the dentate line. After dissection of the intersphincteric space, the prolapsing technique was used. METHODS: In the male patients, the rectum with the mesorectum was first dissected to the anal hiatus, initially on the posterior side along the avascular plane. Second, Denonvilliers' fascia was dissected, and the seminal vesicle was exposed. The third step was dissection of the lateral tissues followed by incision of Denonvilliers' fascia with the rectal wall exposure and care taken not to injure the neurovascular bundle (Fig. 1). Along this dissection plane, the puborectalis could be reached and intersphincteric space entered from the lateral side of the rectal wall (Fig. 2). The final step was dissection of the hiatal ligament at the posterior side of the rectum. Nearly circular dissection of the intersphincteric space could be completed. The difficulties associated with the perineal approach were reduced by this abdominal approach, and the tumor could be exteriorized easily. Fig. 1 After incission of the Denonvilliers' fascia at the lateral side of the seminal vesicle puborectalis muscle can be reached at the lateral side of the rectum. Fig. 2 Adhesion line between the puborectalis muscle and rectal wall is enposed. Intersphinecteric space can be entered along this dissection plane at the lateral side of the rectum. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was 386 min, and the mean blood loss was 108 ml. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 18 days. The diverting ileostomy was closed at a mean of 7.3 postoperative months. No remarkable perioperative complication was encountered (Table 2). Table 2 Perioperative outcomes (n=15) Duration of surgery: min (range) 386 (319-510) Blood loss: ml (range) 108 (0-180) Postoperative hospital stay: days (range) 18 (11-31) COMPLICATIONS: n (range) Anastomotic leakage 1 Stricture of the anastomosis 1 Pelvic abscess 1 Postoperative period until the stoma closure (months) 7.3 (3-16) CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ISR enabled reduction of the difficulties associated with the perineal approach. An advantage of laparoscopic ISR is the ability clearly to visualize anatomic structures in the deep pelvic cavity.

Ameliorative effects of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on cellular aging in cultured rat fibroblasts.

To investigate the effects of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract (ESE) on cellular aging, intracellular calcium homeostasis in young and senescent cells was analyzed using a rat fibroblast culture as an in vitro model system and a calcium imaging technique. The application of bradykinin (BK) transiently elicited intracellular calcium ion (Ca(2+)) increased in most of the young fibroblasts, whereas these responses were scarcely observed or were significantly attenuated in senescent cells. However, the long-term treatment of senescent cells with ESE (for 7 days) dose-dependently increased the amplitude of BK-induced responses and the percentage of BK-responding cells. In particular, most senescent cells could respond to BK with long-term treatment with ESE (1.0% or 2.0%), an effect that reinstated the percentage of BK-responding cells to the same level as that in young cells. The effects of ESE on amplitude or percentage of responding cells were not observed in young cells. Moreover, the time to half decay, which was significantly longer in senescent cells than that in young cells, was shortened in senescent cells with long-term treatment with ESE. These results suggest that treatment with an adequate concentration of ESE renders BK-induced Ca(2+) dynamics in senescent cells similar to those in young cells. Therefore, ESE can retard and/or protect against cellular aging and may be useful for elucidating the antiaging processes.

Neutrophil infiltration and oxidant-production in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques.

To clarify the clinical implications of neutrophils in vulnerable plaques we evaluated the function and activity of infiltrated neutrophils in an atherosclerotic plaque, focusing on oxidant production. A histopathological investigation was performed using carotid arterial samples obtained from seven patients. The atherosclerotic plaques were examined cytochemically for naphthol-ASD-chloroacetate esterase activity and oxidant-production, and immunohistochemically using N-formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (fPRL1)-, CD66b-, CD68- or p22phox-specific antibodies. The cytoplasmic fPRL1 intensity value of the neutrophils in the plaque was estimated using an activity index. Naphthol-ASD-chloroacetate esterase activity was found in cells located in the atherosclerotic plaque, indicating that the cells were neutrophils. The cytoplasmic fPRL1 intensity value of the neutrophils in the plaque decreased to approximately 60% of the intensity observed in the capillary vessels. Oxidant-production was also detected in the plaques, and both neutrophils and macrophages were observed at the corresponding oxidant-production sites. p22phox expression was also located in the same areas in which oxidant-production was observed in these plaques. We could not directly evaluate how much ROS generated from the infiltrated neutrophils contributed the plaque vulnerability followed by its rupture. However, the infiltrated neutrophils in the atherosclerotic plaques morphologically appeared activated and were actively generating oxidant, implying that neutrophils, together with macrophages, infiltrate into atherosclerotic plaques and contribute to plaque vulnerability.

Effects of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on oxidative stress in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with the deposition of lipid droplets in the liver, and is characterised histologically by the infiltration of inflammatory cells, hepatocellular degeneration and liver fibrosis. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the onset and deterioration of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. We previously reported that an Eriobotrya japonica seed extract, extracted in 70% ethanol, exhibited antioxidant actions in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we examined the effect of this extract in a rat model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. METHODS: The seed extract was given in the drinking water to fats being fed a methionine-choline-deficient diet for 15 weeks. KEY FINDINGS: Increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly inhibited in rats fed the seed extract compared with the group on the diet alone. Formation of fatty droplets in the liver was also inhibited. Antioxidant enzyme activity in liver tissue was higher than in the diet-only group and lipid peroxidation was reduced compared with rats that also received the extract. Expression of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal was lower in the rats given the seed extract than in the diet-only group. In the former, liver tissue levels of transforming growth factor-beta and collagen were also decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the E. japonica seed extract inhibited fatty liver, inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting its usefulness in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Animal studies supporting the inhibition of mast cell activation by Eriobotrya japonica seed extract.

OBJECTIVES: The potent antioxidant activity of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract (ESE) and its usefulness in the prevention and treatment of various disorders has been reported previously. Its antioxidant activity associated with beta-sitosterol and polyphenols contained in the extract was also validated. In this study, anti-allergic activity of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract was investigated. METHODS: The inhibition of histamine release-mediated type 1 allergy by Eriobotrya japonica seed extract was used as an index. KEY FINDINGS: The administration of this extract inhibited histamine release from rat mast cells, suggesting its usefulness in allergic disease treatment. In an experiment using a guinea-pig allergic rhinitis model, this extract reduced the frequency of sneezing and nose-scratching. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Eriobotrya japonica seed extract may contribute to the relief of allergic disease-related symptoms.

Laparoscopic permanent sigmoid stoma creation through the extraperitoneal route.

About 50% of patients who have a permanent stoma experience some degree of parastomal hernia formation. To prevent this complication, the extraperitoneal route is considered to be more effective than the transperitoneal route in the case of open colorectal surgery. This technique also has superiority in avoiding postoperative intestinal obstruction. Although laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer has not been proved to be as safe as open surgery by a randomized-controlled trial, some studies have shown the equality of long-term results with laparoscopic low anterior resection and laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. It is anticipated that cases of laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection will increase in the near future. However, a laparoscopic technique for creation of a permanent stoma has hardly been discussed. Most operative procedures for laparoscopic stoma creation have been performed with transperitoneal route, which may cause parastomal hernia and/or intestinal obstruction. This report describes a laparoscopic technique for permanent sigmoid stoma creation through the extraperitoneal approach.

[Inhibitory effects of "Goishi-tea" as a post-fermented-tea on dietary-induced hypercholesteremia and atherosclerosis in rabbits].

Since lipid oxidation is involved in the deterioration of hypercholesterolemia-related atherosclerosis, ingestion of drinks and foods with antioxidant actions is useful for preventing lipid oxidation. Goishi-tea is a post-fermented-tea manufactured by a unique method in Japan, and may be useful for preventing various disorders. However, there is no scientific evidence. In this study, we compared the radical scavenging activity of goishi-tea with that of other teas, and administered this tea to a rabbit model of hypercholesteremia to evaluate its usefulness in the inhibition of hypercholesteremia and atherosclerosis. The radical scavenging activity of goishi-tea was similar to that of green-tea, and was higher than that of other types of fermented-teas. On the other hand, some difference of components was found between goishi-tea and green-tea. In cholesterol-fed rabbits, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol level in the goishi-tea-group was lower than that in the green-tea-group. Plasma lipidperoxide value was also lower in the goishi-tea-group than in the green-tea and tap-water-groups. On aortic endothelial staining, fat area in the goishi-tea-group was lower than that in the tap-water-group. Furthermore, fat accumulation in the aortic intima in the goishi-tea-group was very low. Goishi-tea has higher antioxidant activities than the other fermented-teas tested, which were generally low, and decreased serum lipid levels, suggesting that goishitea is a very peculiar fermented-tea with usefulness in the prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

Resected xanthogranulomatous pancreatitis.

Xanthogranulomatous changes in the pancreas are extremely rare. A 66-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of epigastralgia. Computed tomography scan revealed a 4-cm low-density area around the body of the pancreas. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the mass appeared hyperintense on a T2-weighted image and isointense on a T1-weighted image. Based on a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas, distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed. Sections examined from the mass showed an aggregation of many foamy histiocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The surrounding pancreatic tissue showed fibrosis and chronic inflammation. These findings suggested a xanthogranulomatous inflammation, and resulted in a diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pancreatitis.

Gastroprotective activity of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on experimentally induced gastric lesions in rats.

The effect of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract (ESE) prepared with 70% ethanol on gastric mucosal injury was investigated. Six experimental models with different action mechanisms were used for the evaluation. Three concentrations of ESE were prepared for each model. ESE administration was initiated 14 days before induction of gastric mucosal injury, and its effect was investigated. ESE inhibited formation of gastric mucosal injury.

Effect of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in hamsters.

In this study, we investigated the effects of an Eriobotrya japonica seed extract (ESE) on mucositis using a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis hamster model. This model was prepared by intraperitoneally administering 90 mg/kg of 5-FU to hamsters on Day 1, scratching 1 cm(2) of the left cheek pouch of hamsters with a wire brush on Days 2, 3, and 4, and intraperitoneally administering 60 mg/kg of 5-FU on Day 5. Mucositis was evaluated based on the mucositis score at the mucositis site, left cheek pouch thickness, histological findings on HE staining, and plasma lipid peroxide levels. On Day 10, the mucositis score and left cheek pouch thickness in the ESE group were significantly lower than those in the tap water group. Histologically, the two groups showed a defect of the cheek pouch epithelium on Day 6. On Day 10, epithelial injury and bacterial infection were noted in the tap water group. However, in the ESE group, similar findings were not observed. On Day 6, the plasma lipid peroxide level in the tap water group was significantly higher than that in the normal group. In the ESE group, the plasma lipid peroxide level was significantly lower than that in the tap water group. These results suggest that ESE is useful for treating chemotherapy-induced mucositis.

Effect of orally administered Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on allergic contact dermatitis in rats.

The anti-allergic activity of Eriobotrya japonica seeds extract (ESE) was investigated. Oral administration of ESE dramatically inhibited ear swelling due to allergic contact dermatitis caused by repeated application of two antigens, 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (oxazolone) and dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), respectively. The increase of histamine content in inflamed ear tissue induced by oxazolone and DNFB was significantly antagonized by orally administered ESE. Eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase activity in both models was suppressed by orally administered ESE. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the inflamed region caused by repeated application of DNFB was also significantly suppressed. The findings suggest that ESE may be effective for treating allergic contact dermatitis.

New laparoscopic double-stapling technique.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer has been shown by several randomized, controlled trials to be an acceptable alternative to open surgery; however, laparoscopic rectal surgery has not been evaluated in a randomized trial. One of the most serious problems associated with laparoscopic rectal surgery are bowel clamping, irrigation, and transection of the rectum, and laparoscopic rectal surgery has not been as reliable as open rectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present our new technique, the laparoscopic double-stapling technique, which eliminates these problems. This technique uses curved Doyen forceps introduced through the wound just above pubis symphysis for clamping the rectal wall at the anal side of the tumor. An endolinear stapler (length 60 mm) is inserted through the same wound, applied at the rectal wall parallel and caudal to the Doyen forceps, and transects the rectum under pneumoperitoneum. We used this technique for eight cases of rectal surgery. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The laparoscopic double-stapling technique provided secure bowel clamping and rectal irrigation. The number of cartridges used in laparoscopic double-stapling technique cases was not more than 2, with an average of 1.6 per patient. None of the laparoscopic double-stapling technique cases experienced major complications. CONCLUSION: We consider that many cases of rectal cancer that are suitable for laparoscopic low anterior resection can undergo laparoscopic surgery by using this technique, which will improve the quality of rectal surgery.

Scavenging of reactive oxygen species by Eriobotrya japonica seed extract.

We have clarified that Eriobotrya japonica seed extract has strong antioxidative activity, and is effective for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as hepatopathy and nephropathy. In this study, to investigate the influences of components of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on its antioxidative activity, extracts were prepared using various solvents (n-hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (n-BuOH), methanol (MeOH) and H2O) and the antioxidative activity of the solvent fractions and components was evaluated based on the scavenging of various radicals (DPPH and O2(-)) measured by the ESR method and the inhibition of Fe3+-ADP induced NADPH dependent lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. The radical scavenging activities and inhibitory activities on lipid peroxidation differed among the solvent fractions and components. In the n-BuOH, MeOH and H2O fractions, radical scavenging activity and inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation were high. In addition, these fractions contained abundant polyphenols, and the radical scavenging activity increased with the polyphenol content. In the low-polar Hex and EtOAc fractions, the radical scavenging activity was low, but the lipid peroxidation inhibition activity was high. These fractions contained beta-sitosterol, and the inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation was high. Based on these findings, the antioxidative activity of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract may be derived from many components involved in a complex mechanism, resulting in high activity.

A case of rectosigmoid cancer metastasizing to a fistula in ano.

We herein report a case of rectosigmoid cancer metastasizing to a fistula in ano. A 53-year-old man complaining of anal bleeding consulted another hospital. He had been suffering from an anal fistula since 7 years. On the left upper side of the skin surface around the anus a fistula end was seen as a hole that tunneled down into the back passage, although no hard tumor was palpable on the hole. Complete colonoscopy revealed an ulcerative tumor in the rectosigmoid colon. On 5 February 2004, anterior resection and lymphadenectomy was performed. The post-operative pathological diagnosis was rectosigmoid cancer, Type 2, T2, N0, M0, stage II. The anal fistula was a simple type and mucinous discharge was not observed. On 23 February 2004, coring out the anal fistula was performed by the former hospital. Pathological diagnosis of the excised fistula revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma; identical to the colon tumor. Immunohistochemical staining of these two lesions were negative for (CK) 7 but staining with CK20 revealed some stained tumor cells in two lesions. We diagnosed this tumor as metastatic adenocarcinoma from a rectosigmoid cancer. Recurrent lesions were not seen during the first year after the first operation.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and surgical resection for a mucinous gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination.

We herein report the case of a patient with mucinous gastric carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination that disappeared after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 alone. The patient has survived for over 23 months after surgery, without recurrence. A 60-year old man was referred to our hospital because of an advanced gastric cancer, detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at another hospital. Staging laparoscopy was performed on October 25, 2002, and revealed massive peritoneal dissemination. Two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 were administered, at 120 mg/day for 28 days, as one course. Total gastrectomy, with D2 lymph node dissection, was performed on January 24, 2003. The peritoneal dissemination had macroscopically disappeared and the cytology of the peritoneal lavage fluid was class III. His final diagnosis was gastric carcinoma, MLU, type 3, T2(SS), P0, H0, M0, N3, CY0, stage IV.

The effect of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on oxidative stress in adriamycin-induced nephropathy in rats.

Eriobotrya japonica has been used as a medicinal plant for a long time, and its leaves are known to have many physiological actions such as anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and expectoran. In contrast, Eriobotrya japonica seeds are only known to contain amygdalin, and almost no investigations of its pharmacological action have been performed. Moreover, some anticancer agents such as adriamycin cause renal disorders as an adverse effect, and the mechanism of the adverse effect is considered to involve oxidative stress. We have reported that Eriobotrya japonica seed extract has an inhibitory effect on liver disorders. In this study, we prepared a 70% ethanol extract of Eriobotrya japonica seeds and administered the extract to rats with renal disorder induced by a single administration of 7 mg/kg body weight adriamycin, and investigated the usefulness of the extract. Increases in indices of renal function, plasma urea nitrogen, were significantly inhibited in rats treated with the Eriobotrya japonica extract compared to rats treated with tap water. In addition, the renal tissue level of reduced glutathione was significantly high in rats that ingested the extract, while the lipid peroxide levels in plasma and renal tissue were significantly low. However, no effect on renal tissue antioxidative enzymes was observed, suggesting that Eriobotrya japonica seed extract has direct antioxidative action. Based on these findings, Eriobotrya japonica seed extract may be effective in reducing the oxidative stress of adriamycin-induced renal disorder. Therefore, ingestion of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract may contribute to a reduction of the adverse effects of adriamycin.

Difference between deep seawater and surface seawater in the preventive effect of atherosclerosis.

Using surface and deep seawater collected in the sea area of Muroto Cape (Kochi, Japan), desalinated drinking samples of about 1200 hardness were prepared and examined for the effects on the prevention of atherosclerosis in dietary induced hyperlipidemia rabbits. The plasma LDL cholesterol level was lower in the deep seawater group than in the surface seawater group. GPx activity was significantly higher in the deep seawater group than in the control group, while there was no difference between the surface seawater and control groups. The level of LPO was also significantly lower in the deep seawater group than in the control group. The Sudan IV lipid stained area ratio on the inner surface of the aorta was significantly lower in the deep seawater groups than in the control group, while there was no difference between the surface seawater and control groups. The oil red O stained cross section of the aorta in the control and surface seawater administration group foam cells had accumulated to form thick layers, while in the deep seawater administration group, the degree of their accumulation was very low. These results suggested that the deep seawater was useful for the prevention of hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis compared to the surface seawater, and it was found that reduction of the LDL cholesterol level and enhancement of GPx activity were involved in its effects.