The effect of Daikenchuto on blood flow of the superior mesenteric artery and portal vein in ELBW: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Focal intestinal perforation (FIP) is a devastating complication of premature birth, and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are at highest risk. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and portal vein (PV) blood flow velocities to investigate the association between intestinal blood flow and FIP. In addition, the herbal formula Daikenchuto (TJ-100) is expected to improve intestinal blood flow disorders; therefore, we evaluated its effect. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 15 ELBW infants from January 2020 to August 2021. Measured variables included birth weight, 5-minute Apgar score, time of oral feeding initiation, ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure (percent), diastolic and systolic blood pressure, SMA and PV blood flow velocity, and FIP onset data. Fifteen infants were divided into three groups: a non-surgery group (Group I; 6), a surgery group with FIP (Group II; 4), and a TJ-100 administration group (Group III; 5). The main outcome parameters included SMA and PV blood flow velocities with TJ-100. RESULTS: SMA and PV blood flow differed significantly for the SMA of Group I and the SMA and PV of Group III (P < 0.01, P = 0.01, and P = 0.04, respectively). There was a correlation between SMA and PV in Group III (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: TJ-100 may increase SMA and PV blood flow and improve intestinal blood flow in ELBW infants at risk of FIP. Therefore, the effects of TJ-100 should undergo further study.

A case of neonate effectively treated with everolimus for giant hepatic hemangioma complicated with congenital duodenal atresia and Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with Kasabach-Merrit syndrome from a large hepatic hemangioma is life-threatening. We report a case of giant hepatic hemangioma of the newborn with KMS. RESULTS: The patient was born at 37 gestational weeks and 2 days via cesarean section; weight at birth was 2952 g. Congenital duodenal atresia was noted during the fetal period. DIC developed after delivery and a giant liver hemangioma was diagnosed via abdominal CT. The cause of DIC was Kasabach-Merritt syndrome owing to a giant hepatic hemangioma. First, combination therapy of 2 mg/kg/day of prednisolone and 0.2 mg/kg/day of propranolol was initiated form enterostomy. However, the size of the hepatic hemangioma did not alter, as observed via image evaluation. Therefore, 0.3 mg/kg/day of everolimus was administered frorm enterostomy. Subsequently, the size of the hepatic hemangioma was assessed via image evaluation. Although it did not alter, blood flow to the hepatic hemangioma decreased and thrombocytopenia was also suppressed. We performed hepatic lateral segmentectomy, radical operation for duodenal atresia. The pathological diagnosis of the removed tumor was infantile hemangioma. CONCLUSION: We report everolimus may be useful when PSL and propranolol are ineffective.

Effects of assisted reproductive technologies in neonates with indications for surgery (2007-2016).

PURPOSE: Recently, the number of births using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has increased. An associated increase in the incidence of congenital malformations in babies conceived using this technology has also been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the rate of malformations in babies with neonatal surgical diseases, who were conceived using ART. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2016, 1737 patients were admitted to our hospital. We analyzed the incidence of congenital cardiac diseases, genetic anomalies, and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in neonates conceived by ART. The χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the odds ratios (ORs) for congenital malformations. A P-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: The OR for CAKUT was 16.94 for the first-birth neonates conceived using ART, [P < 0.05, AUC (area under the curve) = 0.86]. However, for non-surgery neonates, the OR for CAKUT was 5.99 (P = 0.15, AUC = 0.87), compared to 32.27 (P < 0.05, AUC = 0.93) for parallel conditions in surgery-neonates. CONCLUSION: Neonates conceived using ART are prone to develop CAKUT, which will need surgical treatment. Therefore, more management is necessary for associated malformations in these babies, particularly in cases with CAKUT.

Signal Change of Acute Cortical and Juxtacortical Microinfarction on Follow-Up MRI.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the clinical importance of cortical microinfarcts has become well-recognized recently, the evolution of cortical microinfarcts on MR imaging is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the temporal changes in acute cortical microinfarcts using susceptibility-weighted imaging and conventional MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with acute infarcts located in the cortical and/or juxtacortical region measuring ≤10 mm in axial diameter based on diffusion-weighted imaging who had a follow-up 3T MR imaging were retrospectively included in the study. All lesions did not show hypointensity on initial T2*WI. For cortical and/or juxtacortical microinfarcts detected on initial DWI, 2 neuroradiologists evaluated the follow-up MR imaging (T2WI, FLAIR, T2*WI, and SWI) and assessed lesion signal intensities and locations (cortical microinfarcts or microinfarcts with juxtacortical white matter involvement). RESULTS: On initial DWI, 2 radiologists observed 180 cortical and/or juxtacortical microinfarcts in 35 MR imaging examinations in 25 patients; on follow-up, the neuroradiologists identified 29 cortical microinfarcts (16%) on T2WI, 9 (5%) on FLAIR, 4 (2%) on T2*, and 97 (54%) on SWI. All cortical microinfarcts detected with any follow-up MR imaging showed hyperintensity on T2WI/FLAIR and/or hypointensity on T2*WI and SWI. CONCLUSIONS: SWI revealed conversion (paramagnetic susceptibility changes) of acute cortical microinfarcts, suggesting that a substantial number of cortical microinfarcts may contain hemorrhagic components.

Pre-Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Causing Fatal Enteric Disease in a Dog from a Family with History of Human Tuberculosis.

This report describes a fatal case of a pet dog with major enteric signs owned by a family that has experienced cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the household. Clinical and epidemiological aspects, imaging data, microbiological, haematological and histopathological examinations were assessed to diagnosis of disease. gyrB-RFLP, spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR allowed molecular detection of M. tuberculosis strain from S family. The resazurin microtiter assay indicated that all isolates were resistant to isoniazid, ethambutol, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, streptomycin and amikacin. The public health concerns related to canine tuberculosis and risk of the dissemination by pets of M. tuberculosis pre-multidrug-resistant (PMD) to isoniazid, ethambutol and other first-line drugs used in human therapy of TB are discussed. We believe this to be the first report of PMD M. tuberculosis infection in a dog presenting mainly enteric manifestation, confirmed as S lineage by molecular methods, owned by a family in which TB has spread in the household for generations.

Extensive use of vasodilator agents and functional echocardiography to monitor extremely-low-birth-weight infants in Japan.

National surveys were conducted in Japan to assess the current practices for circulatory management of extremely-low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs) in acute phases. Approximately 80 and 100 institutions were surveyed in 2006 and 2011, respectively. Echocardiography was identified as an important diagnostic tool at 95% of the surveyed institutions. Furthermore, 74% of the institutions survey in 2011 used vasodilator agents. In 2011, the mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (mVcfc) and left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) were used by 60% of the surveyed institutions to evaluate the relationship between afterload of the left ventricle and left ventricular contractility. Overall, the data collected from these national surveys clarified the current practices for circulatory management of ELBWIs in Japan, particularly the use of echocardiography and cardiovascular agents, including catecholamines and vasodilators.

Inner segment ellipsoid band length is a prognostic factor in retinitis pigmentosa associated with EYS mutations: 5-year observation of retinal structure.

PurposeTo evaluate whether the length of the inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) band can be used as a prognostic factor for disease course in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients with EYS mutations by observation over a period of 5 years.MethodsTwelve RP patients with EYS mutations were studied. The horizontal and vertical ISe length of the right eye was manually measured at five time points annually, using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. A regression line through the five points from baseline to the final measurement was drawn and the ratio of the length (%) at each point to the baseline length was calculated; the slope was defined as the rate of ISe shortening (%/year). The correlation between the rate of ISe shortening and age, visual acuity, and mean deviation (MD) value were evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the measurements was calculated.ResultsThe mean rate of ISe shortening was -4.65±2.89% per year and the decline was statistically significant. The rate of shortening was significantly negatively correlated with the baseline length (P=0.046, r=0.58), but not with the baseline age, visual acuity, and MD value. The ICC (2, 1) was 0.999.ConclusionsISe of all RP patients with EYS mutations shortened during the 5 years of annual observation. The measurement of the length of ISe is a simple and convenient method with high repeatability, and the length is a sensitive prognostic factor for the rate of ISe shortening in RP patients with EYS mutations.

Electrochemical oxidation of tetracycline antibiotics using a Ti/IrO2 anode for wastewater treatment of animal husbandry.

In animal husbandry, antibiotics are widely used to treat and prevent diseases or to promote growth. The use of antibiotics for domestic animals enables to promote safety of livestock products and enhance productivity. Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are one of the primarily used groups of antibiotics for cattle and swine. However, the unintentional spreading of antibiotics from animal waste to the environment may leave out drug residues, promoting resistant strains of bacteria, and will adversely affect the ecosystem and human health. To prevent the spread of veterinary antibiotics in the environment, it is required to treat residual antibiotics in livestock wastewater. In this study, we investigated the electrochemical oxidation of TCs to treat livestock wastewater. The concentrations of TCs in aqueous solutions were reduced from 100 mg/L to less than 0.6 mg/L by 6 h of electrochemical treatment using a Ti/IrO2 anode with Na2SO4 electrolyte. The concentration of oxytetracycline (OTC) in livestock wastewater was also reduced from 100 mg/L to less than 0.7 mg/L by the same treatment. Thus, the electrochemical oxidation using a Ti/IrO2 anode with Na2SO4 electrolyte was found to be effective for degradation of TCs. The results suggest that the electrochemical oxidation method is a promising treatment for TCs in livestock wastewater.

Construction of a model cell line for the assay of MDR1 (multi drug resistance gene-1) substrates/inhibitors using HeLa cells.

Cancer cells often become resistant to chemotherapy, and induction of the ABC transporter Multi-drug Resistance gene-1 (MDR1) is a major cause. We established a tool for high-throughput screening of substrates and inhibitors of MDR1, using transformed HeLa cells that over-express MDR1. The cDNA for human MDR1 was subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pBK-CMV to produce an MDR1 expression vector, pBK-CMV/MDR1. HeLa cells were transfected with pBK-CMV/MDR1 or the empty vector pBK-CMV. Transfection of the vector sequence for MDR1 and its expression were evaluated by genomic PCR and western blotting, respectively. The efficiency of the MDR1 transporter for pumping a substrate out of the transformed cells was evaluated using rhodamine123 (R-123), a mitochondrial dye that is also an MDR1 substrate. After treatment of the MDR1-expressing HeLa cells with MDR1 substrate vinblastin or inhibitors cyclosporin A and verapamil, the amount of R-123 retained in the cells was increased to 2 to 2.3 times the level in untreated MDR1-expressing HeLa cells. The transfection of empty pBK-CMV had no effect on the R-123 retention in HeLa cells, regardless of drug treatment. In conclusion, we have established a model human carcinoma cell line that expresses functional MDR1 and can be used to screen for substrates and inhibitors of MDR1.

On the search for markers of tick resistance in bovines.

Genetic differences in susceptibility to ticks (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus) are considerable in bovines. Here, mapping, association and gene expression approaches were employed to further advance our understanding of the molecular basis of tick resistance. A B. taurus x B. indicus F2 population was developed by Embrapa and 382 individuals were measured for parasitic load. Scanning of all chromosomes is in progress. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tick load were mapped to chromosomes 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18 and 23 out of the 20 chromosomes scanned and were dependent on the season in which the phenotype was scored. In the candidate gene approach, females from the genetic groups Nelore (NE--184), Canchim x Nelore (CN--153), Aberdeen Angus x Nelore (AN--123) and Simmental x Nelore (SN--120) were evaluated under natural infestation. Microsatellite markers close to the genes for interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 4 (IL4) and interferon gamma (IFNG) were analysed. Tick counts were associated with the marker for interleukin 4 (P < 0.05) in three genetic groups. Differences in cytokine mRNA levels of naive versus infested Nelore calves as well as between resistant versus susceptible cows from NE, CN and AN genetic groups were also investigated. Comparison of cytokines from infested and naïve animals showed downregulation of IL2. When resistant cows were compared to susceptible animals, IL8 was downregulated. These results reinforce the multiloci nature of tick resistance and the need to consider QTL and environment interactions.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide stimulates collagen phagocytosis by human gingival fibroblasts.

INTRODUCTION: Collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts is involved in the intracellular pathway related to collagen breakdown in soft connective tissues. The possible role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in regulating this fibroblast function has not been elucidated so we investigated the effect of LPS from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a periodontopathic bacterium, on collagen phagocytic activity in human gingival fibroblasts and associated regulatory mechanisms. METHODS: LPS pretreatment stimulated binding of collagen-coated beads to cells and, subsequently, their internalization. RESULTS: The LPS-activated collagen phagocytic process was enhanced in the presence of the soluble form of CD14 (sCD14) or LPS-binding protein (LBP), while the LPS/LBP treatment activated Akt and induced actin reorganization. Furthermore, these LPS/LBP-induced effects were partially suppressed by adding phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS disturbs the homeostasis of collagen metabolism within gingival tissue by facilitating collagen phagocytosis by gingival fibroblasts, and serum sCD14 and LBP positively regulate the action of LPS. In addition, the PI3K/Akt signaling is thought to partially mediate the LPS/LBP-stimulated collagen phagocytic pathway, which may be dependent on actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.

Changes of mental stress biomarkers in ultramarathon.

We investigated the possible influence of an exhaustive physical exercise on mental stress biomarkers (serotonin, tryptophan, and beta-endorphin) along with dopamine, noradrenaline and free fatty acids in an ultramarathon race in which 45 km was run on the first day and 90 km on the second. We obtained serum samples at 6 different time points during and after the race from 18 Japanese male runners who completed the marathon. Overall changes of serum serotonin and tryptophan concentrations were statistically significant according to ANOVA for repeated measurements (p < 0.05). Serum serotonin levels elevated rapidly on the first day with the post hoc Tukey's test. Tryptophan concentrations inversely decreased during the race, possibly because of utilization for synthesis of serotonin. Levels of beta-endorphin appeared to increase on the first and second days, but were not statistically significant. In conclusion, serum serotonin, tryptophan and beta-endorphin appeared to be used for mental stress markers in physical exercise.

Clock gene dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

Clock genes regulate mammalian circadian rhythms, and dysfunction of clock genes can contribute to various disorders. To investigate whether obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) influences clock gene function, the present authors examined Period1 (Per1) mRNA expression in vitro and in vivo. In eight healthy subjects and eight OSAS patients, plasma noradrenaline, serum interleukin (IL)-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Per1 mRNA expression in peripheral whole blood were measured. Expression of Per1 mRNA in cultured cells was examined under IL-6 or noradrenaline stimulation in vitro. After noradrenaline was administered to mice in vivo, Per1 mRNA expression in the brain was examined. The concentrations of serum IL-6, hsCRP and plasma noradrenaline were elevated in OSAS patients, but improved by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Per1 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood significantly decreased at 02:00 h by CPAP in OSAS patients. Stimulation with IL-6 did not directly induce Per1 mRNA in vitro. Administration of noradrenaline induced Per1 mRNA in the cerebral cortex of mice in vivo. The current study revealed that obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome caused clock gene dysfunction, and continuous positive airway pressure helped to improve it. Sympathetic activation and elevation of the plasma noradrenaline concentration in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome may be one of the factors involved in disorders of Period1 mRNA expression.

Changes of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels during a two-day ultramarathon race period in Japanese non-professional runners.

Using the urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration, effects of participation in a two-day ultramarathon race period on oxidative DNA damage were investigated in Japanese nonprofessional runners. Before the first day (baseline), after the first day (mid-race) of 40-km running, and after the second day (post-race) of 90 km running, biomaterials were successfully sampled from 95 participants (males, 79; females, 16) who completed the full race. We analyzed urine for 8-OHdG and blood for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and myoglobin, and evaluated fluctuation in the values at three sampling time points. Adjusted baseline urinary 8-OHdG levels (microg/g creatinine) (mean +/- standard deviation) showed no significant differences between males and females, at 2.85 +/- 1.17 and 3.04 +/- 1.56, respectively. In males, mid-race urinary 8-OHdG levels rose to 3.29 +/- 1.15 (p < 0.01), but then returned to 2.73 +/- 1.16 at the post-race time point (p < 0.01). In females, a similar increase to 3.32 +/- 1.47 and subsequent decline to 2.80 +/- 1.47 were noted. In contrast, AST, CPK and myoglobin were increased at both mid- and post-time points and particularly the latter, independent of the sex. Extreme prolonged exercise in a two-day ultramarathon race period causes oxidative DNA damage but antioxidant repair systems are apparently induced to protect against oxidative DNA stress with physical exercise.

Mapping of quantitative trait loci controlling tick [Riphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus] resistance on bovine chromosomes 5, 7 and 14.

Differences in domestication and selection processes have contributed to considerable phenotypic and genotypic differences between Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle breeds. Of particular interest in tropical and subtropical production environments are those genetic differences between subspecies that underlie the phenotypic extremes in tolerance and susceptibility to parasite infection. In general, B. taurus cattle are more susceptible to ectoparasites than B. indicus cattle in tropical environments, and much of this difference is under genetic control. To identify genomic regions involved in tick resistance, we developed a B. taurus x B. indicus F(2) experimental population to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to the Riphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick. About 300 individuals were measured for parasite load in two seasons (rainy and dry) and genotyped for 23 microsatellite markers covering chromosomes 5, 7 and 14. We mapped a suggestive chromosome-wide QTL for tick load in the rainy season (P < 0.05) on chromosome 5. For the dry season, suggestive (P < 0.10) chromosome-wide QTL were mapped on chromosomes 7 and 14. The additive effect of the QTL on chromosome 14 corresponds to 3.18% of the total observed phenotypic variance. Our QTL-mapping study has identified different genomic regions controlling tick resistance; these QTL were dependent upon the season in which the ticks were counted, suggesting that the QTL in question may depend on environmental factors.

Role for enhanced faecal excretion of bile acid in hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase-mediated protection against lithocholic acid-induced liver toxicity.

The efficient clearance of toxic bile acids such as lithocholic acid (LCA) requires drug-metabolizing enzymes. We therefore assessed the influence of pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) treatment on LCA-induced hepatotoxicity and disposition of LCA metabolites using female farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-null and wild-type mice. Marked decreases in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, and hepatic tauroLCA (TLCA) concentrations were found in LCA-fed wild-type mice co-treated with PCN. Whereas induction of Cyp3a and hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (Sult2a) proteins was observed in FXR-null and wild-type mice, clear increases in biliary 3alpha-sulfated TLCA but not total 6alpha-hydroxy LCA (taurohyodeoxycholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid) were only observed in PCN-treated wild-type mice. Biliary 3alpha-sulfated TLCA output rate was increased 7.2-fold, but accounts for only 4.2% of total bile acid output rate in LCA and PCN-co-treated wild-type mice. Total 3alpha-sulfated LCA (LCA and TLCA) was, however, the most abundant bile acid component in faeces suggesting that efficient faecal excretion of biliary 3alpha-sulfated TLCA through escape from enterohepatic circulation. FXR-null mice, which have constitutively high levels of the Sult2a protein, were fed a diet supplemented with 1% LCA and 0.4% dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a typical Sult2a substrate/inhibitor. The faecal total 3alpha-sulfated bile acid excretion was reduced to 62% of FXR-null mice fed only the LCA diet. Hepatic TLCA concentration and serum AST activity were significantly higher in FXR-null mice fed DHEA and LCA diet than in FXR-null mice fed the LCA diet or DHEA diet. These results suggest that hepatic formation of 3alpha-sulfated TLCA is a crucial factor for protection against LCA-induced hepatotoxicity.

A short daytime test using correlation dimension for respiratory movement in OSAHS.

In order to examine the pathology in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), the nonlinear properties of respiratory movement and breath-to-breath variations during resting wakefulness with eyes closed was investigated. Recording of the respiratory movement using inductive plethysmography was performed on 14 patients with OSAHS and 13 control subjects for 2 h in the supine position during daytime. To calculate the correlation dimension (D2) for respiratory movement, an algorithm proposed by Grassberger and Procaccia was applied. The indices of breath-to-breath variations were estimated. To calculate D2 and breath-to-breath variations, two different segments were selected (200 s each). The value of D2 for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in control subjects. In the case of > or = 2.0 of D2 for respiratory movement, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting the presence of OSAHS was 85.7% and 76.9%, respectively. On the basis of breath-to-breath variations, only the coefficient of variation of expiratory time for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in the control subjects. In conclusion, the measurements of correlation dimensions for respiratory movement with a brief period during wakefulness may be a useful index for identifying patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.

Distinct roles of Galpha(q) and Galpha11 for Purkinje cell signaling and motor behavior.

G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate group I receptors (mGluR1s) mediate synaptic transmission and plasticity in Purkinje cells and, therefore, critically determine cerebellar motor control and learning. Purkinje cells express two members of the G-protein G(q) family, namely G(q) and G11. Although in vitro coexpression of mGluR1 with either Galpha11 or Galpha(q) produces equally well functioning signaling cascades, Galpha(q)- and Galpha11-deficient mice exhibit distinct alterations in motor coordination. By using whole-cell recordings and Ca2+ imaging in Purkinje cells, we show that Galpha(q) is required for mGluR-dependent synaptic transmission and for long-term depression (LTD). Galpha11 has no detectable contribution for synaptic transmission but also contributes to LTD. Quantitative single-cell RT-PCR analyses in Purkinje cells demonstrate a more than 10-fold stronger expression of Galpha(q) versus Galpha11. Our findings suggest an expression level-dependent action of Galpha(q) and Galpha11 for Purkinje cell signaling and assign specific roles of these two G(q) isoforms for motor coordination.

Isolation and characterization of a new major intestinal CYP3A form, CYP3A62, in the rat.

Based on information of the nucleotide sequence obtained from rat genome clones, a new CYP3A (CYP3A62) cDNA was isolated from the cDNA library of a rat liver. The CYP3A62 cDNA was 1746 base pairs (bp) in length, which included 1491 bp of an open reading frame and 93 bp and 209 bp of the respective 5'- and 3'-noncoding regions. Amino acid sequence deduced from CYP3A62 cDNA shared the highest similarity with rat CYP3A9 (79.9%) among human and rat CYP3A forms previously reported. CYP3A62 mRNA and protein were consistently detected in small intestines as well as livers. CYP3A62 was a major form in small intestines of both sexes but was a female-predominant form in livers of adult rats. CYP3A62 in both tissues of male and female rats were clearly enhanced by the treatment with dexamethasone. These expression profiles resembled those of CYP3A9. Despite clear detection of CYP3A62, no detectable levels of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2 proteins, as well as those of mRNAs, were found in the intestinal tract. Therefore, CYP3A62 may play major roles together with CYP3A9 and CYP3A18 in endogenous or exogenous detoxification at the absorption site.