Enhancement of lipolytic responsiveness of adipocytes by novel plant extract in rat.

Subcutaneous adipocytes accumulate excess energy as triglycerides, but lipolytic response is less sensitive to catecholamines than visceral adipocytes. Obesity also induces catecholamine resistance of adipocytes. We have searched for crude drugs that could enhance the lipolytic response to noradrenalin.

Body fat mass reduction and up-regulation of uncoupling protein by novel lipolysis-promoting plant extract.

We have found natural products exhibiting lipolysis-promoting activity in subcutaneous adipocytes, which are less sensitive to hormones than visceral adipocytes. The activities and a action mechanisms of a novel plant extract of Cirsium oligophyllum (CE) were investigated in isolated adipocytes from rat subcutaneous fat, and its fat-reducing effects by peroral administration and topical application were evaluated in vivo. CE-induced lipolysis was synergistically enhanced by caffeine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and was reduced by propranolol, a beta adrenergic antagonist.

[Usefulness of lower extremity 2D TOF MR venography with respiratory compensation technique, and effect of patient positioning on the visualization of deep veins in the leg].

We evaluated the usefulness of two-dimensional time-of-flight (2D TOF) MR venography (MRV) of the lower extremity using the respiratory compensation (RC) technique. In addition, six variations in patient positioning of the leg and knee were investigated to determine the best method of visualizing the deep popliteal veins and lower leg. All data sets were reviewed and graded for visualization of the deep veins at the pelvis, thigh, and leg portion (4-point scale) by two radiologists and three radiological technologists.