Biosynthesis of 20-hydroxyecdysone in plants: 3β-hydroxy-5β-cholestan-6-one as an intermediate immediately after cholesterol in Ajuga hairy roots.

3β-Hydroxy-5β-cholestan-6-one was identified in the EtOAc extract of Ajuga hairy roots by micro-analysis using LC-MS/MS in the multiple reaction mode (MRM). Furthermore, administration of (2,2,4,4,7,7-(2)H6)- and (2,2,4,4,6,7,7-(2)H7)-cholesterols to the hairy roots followed by LC-MS/MS analysis of the EtOAc extract of the hairy roots indicated that cholesterol was converted to the 5β-ketone with hydrogen migration from the C-6 to the C-5 position. These findings, in conjunction with the previous observation that the ketone was efficiently converted to 20-hydroxyecdysone, strongly suggest that the 5β-ketone is an intermediate immediately formed after cholesterol during 20-hydroxyecdysone biosynthesis in Ajuga sp.

Association of body mass index with lifestyle and rotating shift work in Japanese female nurses.

Objective: Higher body mass index (BMI) values have been reported in rotating shift workers compared with regular daytime workers. This study examines the relationship between work schedule and BMI, and considers whether lifestyle habits could explain the relationship.

Methods: Japanese female nurses (1179 day workers and 1579 rotating shift workers, aged 20-59) were studied using self-administered questionnaires.