Randomized, double-blind, four-arm pilot study on the effects of chicken essence and type II collagen hydrolysate on joint, bone, and muscle functions.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among older adults. Medical and surgical treatments are costly and associated with side effects. A natural nutraceutical, collagen hydrolysate, has received considerable attention due to its relieving effects on OA-associated symptoms. This study investigated the effects of hydrolyzed collagen type II (HC-II) and essence of chicken (BRAND'S Essence of Chicken) with added HC-II (EC-HC-II) on joint, muscle, and bone functions among older adults with OA. METHODS: Patients (n = 160) with grade 1-3 knee OA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system, joint pain for ≥ 3 months, and a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score of > 6 were randomly assigned with equal probability to consume EC-HC-II, HC-II, glucosamine HCl, or a placebo for 24 weeks in combination with resistance training. Outcome measurements were WOMAC score, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, grip strength, fat-free mass (FFM), and bone mass. RESULTS: All groups exhibited similar levels of improvement in WOMAC index scores after 24 weeks. HC-II significantly reduced VAS pain score by 0.9 ± 1.89 (p = 0.034) after 14 days. A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that HC-II reduced pain levels more than the placebo did (mean ± standard error: - 1.3 ± 0.45, p = 0.021) after 14 days; the EC-HC-II group also had significantly higher FFM than the glucosamine HCl (p = 0.02) and placebo (p = 0.017) groups and significantly higher grip strength than the glucosamine HCl group (p = 0.002) at 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: HC-II reduces pain, and EC-HC-II may improve FFM and muscle strength. This suggests that EC-HC-II may be a novel holistic solution for mobility by improving joint, muscle, and bone health among older adults. Large-scale studies should be conducted to validate these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04483024).

Genetic Diversity of Hydro Priming Effects on Rice Seed Emergence and Subsequent Growth under Different Moisture Conditions.

Seed priming refers to seed enhancement methods that stimulate seed metabolism. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of hydro priming efficacy in 27 different genotypes of rice under dry to wet soil moisture conditions. The genotypes included 21 genotypes of Oryza sativa, five genotypes of Oryza glaberrima, and one genotype of NERICA (New Rice for Africa). The treated rice seeds were sown in plastic boxes under four soil moisture conditions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (w/w)). The genotypes were categorized into six groups based on growth parameters using hierarchical cluster analysis. Furthermore, emergence properties were investigated by using principal component analysis based on the mean emergence time of control and primed seeds. Seed priming enhanced growth performance under the moderate dry conditions of 10% and 15% soil moisture. Meanwhile, priming efficacy was low in water stress conditions of 5% and 20% soil moisture. There were wide-ranging genotypic differences of priming efficacy under 20% soil moisture condition. Our findings indicate that the anaerobic-tolerant genotypes tend to exhibit priming efficacy under high soil moisture conditions. Furthermore, one group included all upland genotypes of O. sativa. This group originally adapted to 10% and 15% of dry conditions, and seed priming improved their features greatly.

Hydrolyzed Chicken Extract (ProBeptigen®) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Middle-Aged People: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.

Cognitive decline is an important issue of global public health. Cognitive aging might begin at middle adulthood, the period particularly vulnerable to stress in lifespan. Essence of chicken (EOC) has consistently demonstrated its beneficial effects on various cognitive domains as nutritional supplementation. This study primarily aimed to examine the cognitive enhancement effects of ProBeptigen® (previously named CMI-168), hydrolyzed peptides extracted from EOC, in healthy middle-aged people under mild stress. Ninety healthy subjects were randomly assigned into the ProBeptigen® or placebo group for eight weeks. Neurocognitive assessment, event-related potentials (ERPs), and blood tests were conducted before, during, and after the treatment. The ProBeptigen® group outperformed placebo group on Logical Memory subtests of Wechsler Memory Scale-third edition (WMS-III) and Spatial Working Memory task in the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The anti-inflammatory effects of ProBeptigen® in humans were also confirmed, with progressively declining high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Regular dietary supplementation of ProBeptigen® is suggested to improve verbal short- and long-term memory as well as spatial working memory, and reduce inflammation in middle-aged healthy individuals with stress. The effects of ProBeptigen® on cognition warrant further investigation. (NCT03612752).

Protective Effects of Hydrolyzed Chicken Extract (Probeptigen®/Cmi-168) on Memory Retention and Brain Oxidative Stress in Senescence-Accelerated Mice.

The senescence-accelerated prone (SAMP8) mouse model shows age-dependent deterioration in learning and memory and increased oxidative stress in the brain. We previously showed that healthy subjects on a six-week supplementation of a chicken meat hydrolysate (ProBeptigen®/CMI-168) demonstrated enhanced and sustained cognitive performance up until two weeks after the termination of supplementation. In this study, we investigate the effect of ProBeptigen on the progression of age-related cognitive decline. Three-month old SAMP8 mice were orally administered different doses of ProBeptigen (150,300 or 600 mg/kg/day) or saline daily for 13 weeks. Following ProBeptigen supplementation, mice showed lower scores of senescence and improved learning and memory in avoidance tasks. ProBeptigen treatment also increased antioxidant enzyme activity and dopamine level while reducing protein and lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial DNA damage in the brain. Microarray analysis of hippocampus revealed several processes that may be involved in the improvement of cognitive ability by ProBeptigen, including heme binding, insulin growth factor (IGF) regulation, carboxylic metabolic process, oxidation-reduction process and endopeptidase inhibition. Genes found to be significantly altered in both ProBeptigen treated male and female mice include Mup1, Mup17, Mup21, Ahsg and Alb. Taken together, these results suggest a potential anti-aging effect of ProBeptigen in alleviating cognitive deficits and promoting the antioxidant defense system.

A Hydrolyzed Chicken Extract CMI-168 Enhances Learning and Memory in Middle-Aged Mice.

There has been increasing evidence that consumption of dietary supplements or specific nutrients can influence cognitive processes and emotions. A proprietary chicken meat extraction, Chicken Meat Ingredient-168 (CMI-168), has previously been shown to enhance cognitive function in humans. However, the mechanism underlying the CMI-168-induced benefits remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of CMI-168 on hippocampal neuroplasticity and memory function in middle-aged (9⁻12 months old) mice. The mice in the test group (termed the "CMI-168 group") were fed dietary pellets produced by mixing CMI-168 and normal laboratory mouse chow to provide a daily CMI-168 dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight for 6 weeks. The control mice (termed the "Chow group") were fed normal laboratory mouse chow pellets. CMI-168 supplementation did not affect the body weight gain, food intake, or exploratory behavior of the mice. In the novel object recognition test, the CMI-168 group showed better hippocampus-related non-spatial memory compared to the control Chow group. However, spatial memory examined by the Morris Water Maze test was similar between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation and dendritic complexity of the hippocampal cornu ammonis region 1 (CA1) neurons, as well as the levels of neuroplasticity-related proteins in the hippocampi of the CMI-168 and Chow groups. Interestingly, we observed that CMI-168 appeared to protect the mice against stress-induced weight loss. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of CMI-168 was found to improve learning and memory in middle-aged mice, independent of structural or functional changes in the hippocampus. The resilience to stress afforded by CMI-168 warrants further investigation.

The involvement of sympathetic nervous system in essence of chicken-facilitated physiological adaption and circadian resetting.

AIM: The impact of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) on the regulation of circadian rhythm and physiological functions is still not clear. Previous studies have found that essence of chicken (EC) supplementation facilitated the physiological adaption and circadian resetting in rats subjected to jet lag. Herein, the effects of SNS on the circadian clock and the hypothesis that EC-induced acceleration of circadian resetting is dependent on the SNS are investigated. MAIN METHODS: Male Wistar rats with superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) were used to investigate the role of the SNS in circadian rhythm and physiological functions. SCGx rats were further fed with or without EC-containing diet for 2 weeks and subjected to artificial jet lag. KEY FINDINGS: Loss of SNS did not affect the circadian rhythm both in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and peripheral clocks, including the liver and heart. The serum lipid levels were increased significantly in SCGx rats, together with the up-regulation of lipogenic gene expression in the liver and slight effect on serum hormones. The quicker resetting process of the clock genes in peripheral tissues of EC-fed rats was abolished after SCGx. In contrast, the phase shift of serum melatonin and corticosterone were faster in EC-fed rats, compared to that of control rats. SIGNIFICANCE: The SNS controls different aspects of physiological functions, and it has little effect on circadian system under normal light/dark condition. The effects EC on peripheral circadian synchrony and physiological functions were dependent on, at least partly, through the regulation of sympathetic nerve function.

[Significance of susceptibility-weighted angiography for endovascular thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke].

Efficacy of intravenous systemic thrombolysis is limited in patients with large-vessel occlusion and for whom more than 4.5 hours have passed since onset. As such, mechanical thrombectomy has been the mainstay therapy for these patients. Localization of the intra-arterial clot prior to thrombectomy can be beneficial in cases of acute ischemic stroke. Here, we present 3 cases of acute ischemic stroke that were initially imaged with susceptibility-weighted angiography(SWAN)before endovascular thrombectomy(middle cerebral artery occlusion, internal carotid artery occlusion, basilar artery occlusion)was attempted. In all 3 cases, clot localization by SWAN was consistent with that by angiography, and recanalization was successful. Identifying clot location and composition may help determine the optimal treatment and predict successful recanalization.

Whole-genome sequencing of sake yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kyokai no. 7.

The term 'sake yeast' is generally used to indicate the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that possess characteristics distinct from others including the laboratory strain S288C and are well suited for sake brewery. Here, we report the draft whole-genome shotgun sequence of a commonly used diploid sake yeast strain, Kyokai no. 7 (K7). The assembled sequence of K7 was nearly identical to that of the S288C, except for several subtelomeric polymorphisms and two large inversions in K7. A survey of heterozygous bases between the homologous chromosomes revealed the presence of mosaic-like uneven distribution of heterozygosity in K7. The distribution patterns appeared to have resulted from repeated losses of heterozygosity in the ancestral lineage of K7. Analysis of genes revealed the presence of both K7-acquired and K7-lost genes, in addition to numerous others with segmentations and terminal discrepancies in comparison with those of S288C. The distribution of Ty element also largely differed in the two strains. Interestingly, two regions in chromosomes I and VII of S288C have apparently been replaced by Ty elements in K7. Sequence comparisons suggest that these gene conversions were caused by cDNA-mediated recombination of Ty elements. The present study advances our understanding of the functional and evolutionary genomics of the sake yeast.

Epinephrine accelerates osteoblastic differentiation by enhancing bone morphogenetic protein signaling through a cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway.

Topical effects of a catecholamine on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced ectopic bone formation were investigated in both in vivo and in vitro experimental systems. Epinephrine enhanced bone induction by BMP-2. Thus, the mass of ossicles ectopically induced by BMP-2 (5 µg) was increased by the addition of a low dose (10, 20, 40, or 80 µg) of epinephrine into a biodegradable BMP-2 carrier, in a dose-dependent manner. To investigate the mechanism by which epinephrine enhances BMP activity, in vitro experiments were carried out using osteogenic cells. The expression level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in cells, a marker of osteoblastic differentiation, was consistently elevated by BMP-2 (50 ng/ml) and was further elevated by the addition of epinephrine (10(-8)M). The epinephrine-enhanced ALP elevation was specifically abolished by an antagonist to ß2-adrenergic receptors (Butoxamine) and by a protein kinase A inhibitor (H89). Furthermore, BMP-induced mRNA expression of ALP and osteocalcin (marker proteins of osteoblastic differentiation) and of Osterix (a transcription factor essential for terminal differentiation to osteoblasts) in ST2 cells was significantly enhanced by the addition of epinephrine (10(-8)M). In luciferase expression assays using the promoter sequence of the Id1 gene (an immediate early response gene to BMP), luciferase activity was elevated by BMP-2 treatment (50 ng/ml) and this activity was further enhanced by the addition of epinephrine (10(-8)M). Epinephrine-enhanced luciferase activity was abolished by mutation of the cAMP-response element (CRE) sequence in the Id1 promoter, indicating that CRE-binding transcription proteins induced by epinephrine addition may act as enhancers of Smad-mediated BMP signaling.

Genome-wide expression analysis of Saccharomyces pastorianus orthologous genes using oligonucleotide microarrays.

The lager brewing yeast, Saccharomyces pastorianus, an allopolyploid species hybrid, contains 2 diverged sub-genomes; one derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc-type) and the other from Saccharomyces bayanus (Sb-type). We analyzed the functional roles of these orthologous genes in determining the phenotypic features of S. pastorianus. We used a custom-made oligonucleotide microarray containing probes designed for both Sc-type and Sb-type ORFs for a comprehensive expression analysis of S. pastorianus in a pilot-scale fermentation. We showed a high degree of correlation between the expression levels and the expression changes for a majority of orthologous gene sets during the fermentation process. We screened the functional categories and metabolic pathways where Sc- or Sb-type genes have higher expression levels than the corresponding orthologous genes. Our data showed that, for example, pathways for sulfur metabolism, cellular import, and production of branched amino acids are dominated by Sb-type genes. This comprehensive expression analysis of orthologous genes can provide valuable insights on understanding the phenotype of S. pastorianus.

Parathyroid hormone enhances bone morphogenetic protein activity by increasing intracellular 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Intermittent subcutaneous injections of parathyroid hormone (PTH) increase bone mass in a variety of animal models and humans. The anabolic actions of PTH on osteogenic cells are mainly mediated through the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway via PTH receptor 1 (PTHR1). We have already reported 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/PKA-mediated enhancement of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Herein, we focused on the involvement of PTH in BMP signaling pathways in the MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cell line, to elucidate a potential mechanism of the anabolic actions of PTH on bone formation. Elevation of intracellular cAMP level in MC3T3-E1 cells by addition of PTH (10(-7) M) to culture media was transient without significant effect on biological actions of BMP. Cyclic addition of PTH (10 cyclic additions of 10(-8) M PTH at 3-min intervals) maintained a high intracellular cAMP level for about 2 h and mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by BMP was enhanced by this addition. Relative luciferase expression assay in MC3T3-E1 cells using the Id1 promoter, an early response gene to BMPs, enhanced elevation of transcriptional activity in response to recombinant human BMP-2 by concomitant addition of PTH and BMP. Furthermore, cyclic PTH treatment significantly further suppressed BMP-induced inhibitory Smad6 expression. H89 (PKA inhibitor) almost completely abolished PTH actions on BMP signaling. IBMX (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) enhanced PTH actions. These results suggest that PTH enhances BMP signaling when PTH-induced intracellular cAMP level is maintained for a few hours, accelerating BMP actions to promote osteoblastic function and anabolic actions of new bone formation.

Genome sequence of the lager brewing yeast, an interspecies hybrid.

This work presents the genome sequencing of the lager brewing yeast (Saccharomyces pastorianus) Weihenstephan 34/70, a strain widely used in lager beer brewing. The 25 Mb genome comprises two nuclear sub-genomes originating from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus and one circular mitochondrial genome originating from S. bayanus. Thirty-six different types of chromosomes were found including eight chromosomes with translocations between the two sub-genomes, whose breakpoints are within the orthologous open reading frames. Several gene loci responsible for typical lager brewing yeast characteristics such as maltotriose uptake and sulfite production have been increased in number by chromosomal rearrangements. Despite an overall high degree of conservation of the synteny with S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus, the syntenies were not well conserved in the sub-telomeric regions that contain lager brewing yeast characteristic and specific genes. Deletion of larger chromosomal regions, a massive unilateral decrease of the ribosomal DNA cluster and bilateral truncations of over 60 genes reflect a post-hybridization evolution process. Truncations and deletions of less efficient maltose and maltotriose uptake genes may indicate the result of adaptation to brewing. The genome sequence of this interspecies hybrid yeast provides a new tool for better understanding of lager brewing yeast behavior in industrial beer production.

The inheritance of mtDNA in lager brewing strains.

In this work, we compared the mtDNA of a number of interspecific Saccharomyces hybrids (Saccharomyces cerevisiae x Saccharomyces uvarum and S. cerevisiae x Saccharomyces bayanus) to the mtDNA of 22 lager brewing strains that are thought to be the result of a natural hybridization between S. cerevisiae and another Saccharomyces yeast, possibly belonging to the species S. bayanus. We detected that in hybrids constructed in vitro, the mtDNA could be inherited from either parental strain. Conversely, in the lager strains tested, the mtDNA was never of the S. cerevisiae type. Moreover, the nucleotide sequence of lager brewing strains COXII gene was identical to S. bayanus strain NBRC 1948 COXII gene. MtDNA restriction analysis carried out with three enzymes confirmed this finding. However, restriction analysis with a fourth enzyme (AvaI) provided restriction patterns for lager strains that differed from those of S. bayanus strain NBRC 1948. Our results raise the hypothesis that the human-driven selection carried out on existing lager yeasts has favored only those bearing optimal fermentation characteristics at low temperatures, which harbor the mtDNA of S. bayanus.

Expression profiles of phosphodiesterase 4D splicing variants in osteoblastic cells.

The promotion of osteoblastic differentiation by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) is accelerated by chemical compounds that increase the intracellular concentration of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP is synthesized from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by adenyl cyclase and degraded by phosphodiesterase (PDE) family enzymes. Inhibition of PDEs leads to prolonged accumulation of cAMP within cells and Camp-mediated reactions. Rolipram, a specific inhibitor of PDE4, is a compound effective in inducing osteoblastic differentiation. Four PDE4 family members are transcribed from four distinct genes (4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D). Expression of PDE4A and PDE4D has been observed in osteoblastic cells. We identified PDE4D splicing variants that expressed in ST2 or primary calvarial osteoblasts by rapid amplification of the 5'-ends of cDNA when they were cultured with BMP. PDE4D9 mRNA was identified from ST2, and PDE4D1 and -4D2 mRNAs were identified from primary calvarial osteoblasts. Expression of these three variants of PDE4D mRNA was found in ST2, MC3T3-E1, C3H10T1/2, C2C12, and primary calvarial osteoblasts by RT-PCR, but not PDE4D1 or -4D2 in ST2 or PDE4D2 in MC3T3-E1. Expression of these three variants was detectable in brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, placenta, and femur, and was thus ubiquitous. Purified recombinant PDE4D9 protein exhibited phosphodiesterase activity, which degraded cAMP to AMP, and this activity was inhibited by rolipram. These findings suggest that PDE4D1, -2, and -9 play some roles in bone formation.

Characterization of a novel tyrosine permease of lager brewing yeast shared by Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain RM11-1a.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, the uptake of aromatic amino acids is mediated by the relatively specific permeases Tat1p, Tat2p, Bap2p, and Bap3p, as well as by two other permeases with broader specificities: Gap1p and Agp1p. Here, a novel permease gene TAT3 (Tyrosine Amino acid Transporter) identified in the S. cerevisiae-type subset genome of the lager brewing yeast strain Weihenstephan Nr.34 (34/70) is reported. The TAT3 sequence was also found in the genome of S. cerevisiae strain RM11-1a, but not in S. cerevisiae strain S288C. Tat3p showed a significant similarity to Penicillium chrysogenum ArlP permease, which has transport activity for aromatic amino acids and leucine. When overexpressed in ssy1Delta gap1Delta mutant cells, Tat3p exhibited a tyrosine transport activity with an apparent K(m) of 160 microM. TAT3 transcription in lager brewing yeast was subjected to nitrogen catabolite repression in a manner similar to that of GAP1. Furthermore, the subcellular localization of Tat3p-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was dependent on the quality of the nitrogen source, indicating a post-translational control of Tat3p function.

Pure and mixed genetic lines of Saccharomyces bayanus and Saccharomyces pastorianus and their contribution to the lager brewing strain genome.

The yeast species Saccharomyces bayanus and Saccharomyces pastorianus are of industrial importance since they are involved in the production process of common beverages such as wine and lager beer; however, they contain strains whose variability has been neither fully investigated nor exploited in genetic improvement programs. We evaluated this variability by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 48 genes and partial sequences of 16. Within these two species, we identified "pure" strains containing a single type of genome and "hybrid" strains that contained portions of the genomes from the "pure" lines, as well as alleles termed "Lager" that represent a third genome commonly associated with lager brewing strains. The two pure lines represent S. uvarum and S. bayanus, the latter a novel group of strains that may be of use in strain improvement programs. Hybrid lines identified include (i) S. cerevisiae/S. bayanus/Lager, (ii) S. bayanus/S. uvarum/Lager, and (iii) S. cerevisiae/S. bayanus/S. uvarum/Lager. The genome of the lager strains may have resulted from chromosomal loss, replacement, or rearrangement within the hybrid genetic lines. This study identifies brewing strains that could be used as novel genetic sources in strain improvement programs and provides data that can be used to generate a model of how naturally occurring and industrial hybrid strains may have evolved.

Evaluation of rotator cuff tears with magnetic resonance arthrography.

The size and morphologic features of rotator cuff tears may influence treatment selection and affect final outcomes. Magnetic resonance arthrography allows observation of these features and other intraarticular structures. To assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing size and morphologic features, we retrospectively reviewed observations on 41 shoulders in 37 consecutive surgically treated patients (mean age, 63.2 years) who had magnetic resonance imaging followed by magnetic resonance arthrography. The maximum rotator cuff defect size in the anteroposterior direction defined transverse size, and the maximum rotator cuff defect size in the mediolateral direction defined longitudinal size. Sensitivities for detecting full-thickness rotator cuff tears by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography were 90.2% and 100%, respectively. Maximum longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the tear as shown by magnetic resonance arthrography correlated better with intraoperative measurements (r2 = 0.85 transversely, 0.92 longitudinally) than magnetic resonance imaging measurements (r2 = 0.47 transversely, 0.26 longitudinally). The reproducibility of the two methods is similar. Magnetic resonance arthrography also allowed morphologic classification of the torn tendon as blunt end, tapering end, indistinct end, horizontal tear, and global tear. There was good agreement in classifying torn edges; the imaging findings agreed with findings at surgery. Magnetic resonance arthrography was more accurate in evaluating rotator cuff tear size and morphologic features than conventional magnetic resonance imaging.

Case reports: ossified mass of the rotator cuff tendon in the subacromial bursa.

Unlike calcification, ossification is infrequent in the rotator cuff. We describe the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic findings in 64-year-old man with an ossified mass arising from a calcified portion of the rotator cuff tendon within the subacromial bursa. Mechanical stress and ischemic events are possible causes of cartilage formation followed by endochondral ossification, producing a mass causing outlet impingement.

Computerized assessment of Bankart lesions under tension with magnetic resonance arthrography.

Accurate anatomic depiction of Bankart lesions based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for the treatment of posttraumatic recurrent dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. MR arthrography, the intraarticular injection of dilute gadolinium before MR imaging, improves sensitivity in the detection of shoulder pathology. Abduction and external rotation (ABER) of the shoulder places dynamic stress on the inferior capsular pouch and anterior labroligamentous complex, important structures for anterior shoulder stability. This study sought to determine whether MR arthrography, by use of computerized image analysis, can visualize Bankart lesions better with the shoulder in the neutral position or in ABER. We evaluated 12 shoulders after traumatic anterior dislocation. The MR images were analyzed with image-analyzing software. We compared 3 parameters at 5 levels of the glenoid in the neutral position and in ABER: detachment (the length of detachment between the anterior glenoid rim and the anterior periosteal attachment), displacement (the distance between the anterior glenoid rim and the tip of the displaced labrum), and Bankart area (the area bounded by the detachment line, the displacement line, and the anterior aspect of the Bankart lesion). MR images revealed that Bankart lesions were under tension in ABER and lax and redundant with the shoulder in the neutral position. All 3 parameters were greater in ABER than in the neutral position in all cases (P = .012, P = .0006, and P = .012). Computerized image assessment of MR arthrography with the shoulder in ABER provides excellent visualization and evaluation of Bankart lesions.