Determination of the components in erythrocytes using an automated analyzer.

Determination of the biochemical components in erythrocytes should provide unique pathophysiological information. We optimized a simple alcohol binding method for the selective removal of hemoglobins from hemolysates, and enabled simultaneous determination of several components in erythrocytes using commercially available assay kits in an automated analyzer. Venous blood was collected in a vacutainer containing lithium heparin.

Enhanced GLUT2 gene expression in an oleic acid-induced in vitro fatty liver model.

Previous reports have shown that the liver-type glucose transporter GLUT2 gene expression is upregulated in the liver of obese and diabetic animals and in human subjects. This phenomenon is correlated with an increased glucose output from the liver; however, the regulatory mechanism is not clear. To investigate the relationship between hepatic steatosis, frequently found in obese and diabetic patients, and GLUT2 gene expression, we developed an oleic acid-induced in vitro fatty liver model.