A wide interindividual variability of urinary 6beta-hydroxycortisol to free cortisol in 487 healthy Japanese subjects in near basal condition.

The frequency distribution of CYP3A activity was investigated by measuring ratios of urinary 6beta-hydroxycortisol to free cortisol in 487 healthy subjects to determine whether a genetic polymorphism for this cytochrome enzyme exists in "native-born" Japanese persons. Spot urine samples (from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm) were collected for measurement of 6beta-hydroxycortisol and free cortisol by high-performance liquid chromatography with a CN column after extracting with a solid-phase column (Bond-Elut C18). The frequency distribution of the urinary 6beta-hydroxycortisol to free cortisol was widely distributed among subjects but with no clear bimodality by a probit plot.

[Estimation of adverse drug reactions by the evaluation scores of subjective symptoms (complaints) and background of patients--VI. Drug-induced metabolic disorders].

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and assess estimation procedures to prevent adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially drug-induced metabolic disorders, based on the subjective symptoms (complaints) of patients.

Methods: Our own database called CARPIS (Case Reports of Adverse Drug Reaction and Poisoning Information System) was started in 1987 and now contains ca. 23,000 case reports of ADRs.

Effect of dietary fiber on morphine-induced constipation in rats.

Morphine is used to alleviate chronic cancer pain. However, constipation is a major adverse effect that often detracts from the patient's quality of life. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of dietary fiber on morphine-induced constipation.