HDL2-cholesterol/HDL3-cholesterol ratio was associated with insulin resistance, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, and components for metabolic syndrome in Japanese.

Aims: Recent data have suggested a relationship between the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass ratio and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, limited information is available regarding the relationships between the HDL subclass ratio and insulin resistance, associated adipocytokine levels, and MetS components. The associations of the high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol (HDL2-C) to high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL3-C) ratio with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad) levels, and MetS components were examined.

Sympathetic skin response and heart rate variability as diagnostic tools for the differential diagnosis of Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease: a diagnostic test study.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of sympathetic skin response (SSR) and heart rate variability (HRV) for the differential diagnosis of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Design: A diagnostic test study.

Setting: Single centre in Japan.

Effect of low-dose French maritime pine bark extract on climacteric syndrome in 170 perimenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a relatively low daily dosage of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract for improvement of climacteric symptoms.

Study Design: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study 170 perimenopausal women were enrolled and treated with 30 mg Pycnogenol or placebo twice daily over a period of 3 months. Climacteric symptoms were evaluated by the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) and by the Kupperman index, accompanied by an investigation of sex hormones and routine blood chemistry.

Autoantibody-induced internalization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α3 subunit exogenously expressed in human embryonic kidney cells.

Autoantibody against nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α3 subunit has been implicated in the pathogenesis of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. To examine the effect of anti-α3 subunit autoantibody on cell-surface nAChRs, we established human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably co-expressing α3 and β4 subunits. Upon incubation with seropositive patient's serum, this cell line showed co-accumulation of patient's IgG and α3 subunits in the cytoplasm.

Relationship between transitions in self-rated health and health indicators in Japanese workers.

Objective: Self-rated health (SRH) reflects lifestyle habits, chronic disease, and psychosocial conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between transitions in SRH and health indicators among Japanese white-collar workers.

Methods: Three-year medical examination data from an occupational field was used.

Prediction of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in Japanese subjects.

Objective: In our previous study, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG) levels, and systolic blood pressure (SBP), in addition to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, significantly correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Our aim was to develop a predictive tool for HOMA-IR using tests of the specific health examinations.

Methods: We enrolled 7,248 Japanese adults (3,793 men, and 3,455 women) in this cross-sectional study.

Risk assessment chart for predicting fatty liver in Japanese subjects.

Objective: The diagnosis of fatty liver is done mainly by ultrasonography, which it is not included in the usual health checkup examinations. The aim of this study was to develop an index to predict the existence of fatty liver using tests that are part of specific health examinations.

Methods: A total of 7,305 Japanese (4,042 men; 3,263 women) who underwent annual health checks were enrolled.

Evaluation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Japanese women.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to clarify the significance of high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in Japanese women receiving an annual health check-up.

Methods: A total of 1879 women who were not taking medication for hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidemia, with no prior history of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease or chronic renal failure were analyzed. First, the association between HDL-C and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was studied.