Glucuronidation of tizoxanide, an active metabolite of nitazoxanide, in liver and small intestine: Species differences in humans, monkeys, dogs, rats, and mice and responsible UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms in humans.

Tizoxanide (TZX) is an active metabolite of nitazoxanide (NTZ) originally developed as an antiparasitic agent, and is predominantly metabolized into TZX glucuronide. In the present study, TZX glucuronidation by the liver and intestinal microsomes of humans, monkeys, dogs, rats, and mice, and recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) were examined. The kinetics of TZX glucuronidation by the liver and intestinal microsomes followed the Michaelis-Menten or biphasic model, with species-specific variations in the intrinsic clearance (CLint). Rats and mice exhibited the highest CLint values for liver microsomes, while mice and rats were the highest for intestinal microsomes. Among human UGTs, UGT1A1 and UGT1A8 demonstrated significant glucuronidation activity. Estradiol and emodin inhibited TZX glucuronidation activities in the human liver and intestinal microsomes in a dose-dependent manner, with emodin showing stronger inhibition in the intestinal microsomes. These results suggest that the roles of UGT enzymes in TZX glucuronidation in the liver and small intestine differ extensively across species and that UGT1A1 and/or UGT1A8 mainly contribute to the metabolism and elimination of TZX in humans. This study presents the relevant and novel-appreciative report on TZX metabolism catalyzed by UGT enzymes, which may aid in the assessment of the antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antiviral activities of NTZ for the treatment of various infections.

Hepatic glucuronidation of tetrabromobisphenol A and tetrachlorobisphenol A: interspecies differences in humans and laboratory animals and responsible UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms in humans.

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA), bisphenol A (BPA) analogs, are endocrine-disrupting chemicals predominantly metabolized into glucuronides by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes in humans and rats. In the present study, TBBPA and TCBPA glucuronidation by the liver microsomes of humans and laboratory animals (monkeys, dogs, minipigs, rats, mice, and hamsters) and recombinant human hepatic UGTs (10 isoforms) were examined. TBBPA glucuronidation by the liver microsomes followed the Michaelis-Menten model kinetics in humans, rats, and hamsters and the biphasic model in monkeys, dogs, minipigs, and mice. The CLint values based on the Eadie-Hofstee plots were mice (147) > monkeys (122) > minipigs (108) > humans (100) and rats (98) > dogs (81) > hamsters (47). TCBPA glucuronidation kinetics by the liver microsomes followed the biphasic model in all species except for minipigs, which followed the Michaelis-Menten model. The CLint values were monkeys (172) > rats (151) > mice (134) > minipigs (104), dogs (102), and humans (100) > hamsters (88). Among recombinant human UGTs examined, UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 showed higher TBBPA and TCBPA glucuronidation abilities. The kinetics of TBBPA and TCBPA glucuronidation followed the substrate inhibition model in UGT1A1 and the Michaelis-Menten model in UGT1A9. The CLint values were UGT1A1 (100) > UGT1A9 (42) for TBBPA glucuronidation and UGT1A1 (100) > UGT1A9 (53) for TCBPA glucuronidation, and the activities at high substrate concentration ranges were higher in UGT1A9 than in UGT1A1 for both TBBPA and TCBPA. These results suggest that the glucuronidation abilities toward TBBPA and TCBPA in the liver differ extensively across species, and that UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 expressed in the liver mainly contribute to the metabolism and detoxification of TBBPA and TCBPA in humans.

Analysis of the vibrioferrin biosynthetic pathway of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Siderophores are small-molecule iron chelators produced by many microorganisms that capture and uptake iron from the natural environment and host. Their biosynthesis in microorganisms is generally performed using non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) or NRPS-independent siderophore (NIS) enzymes. Vibrio parahaemolyticus secretes its cognate siderophore vibrioferrin under iron-starvation conditions. Vibrioferrin is a dehydrated condensate composed of α-ketoglutarate, L-alanine, aminoethanol, and citrate, and pvsA (the gene encoding the ATP-grasp enzyme), pvsB (the gene encoding the NIS enzyme), pvsD (the gene encoding the NIS enzyme), and pvsE (the gene encoding decarboxylase) are engaged in its biosynthesis. Here, we elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of vibrioferrin through in vitro enzymatic reactions using recombinant PvsA, PvsB, PvsD, and PvsE proteins. We also found that PvsD condenses L-serine and citrate to generate O-citrylserine, and that PvsE decarboxylates O-citrylserine to form O-citrylaminoethanol. In addition, we showed that O-citrylaminoethanol is converted to alanyl-O-citrylaminoethanol by amidification with L-Ala by PvsA and that alanyl-O-citrylaminoethanol is then converted to vibrioferrin by amidification with α-ketoglutarate by PvsB.

Filter blot method: A simple method for measuring 3-nitrotyrosine in proteins of atmospheric particulate matter.

Air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM), have been epidemiologically reported to contribute to the onset and exacerbation of asthma. We have previously shown that several proteins in atmospheric PM are allergenic in mouse asthma models and that these proteins are nitrated by atmospheric NO2 and O3 in chemical reactions. Based on these results, the amount of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in atmospheric PM could be an air pollution marker integrating NO2, O3, and PM. We established a method to measure 3-NT by high-performance liquid chromatography electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Although this method is accurate, it requires a filter treatment process, which is time-consuming and costly for an environmental monitoring tool, in which many samples are measured simultaneously. Therefore, in this study, we investigated a simple immunoblotting method in which atmospheric PM proteins were directly transferred to a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane and measured using an anti-3-NT antibody (the filter blot method). The 3-NT value obtained from this method was significantly correlated (r = 0.809, p < 0.001) with that of the HPLC-ECD method, with a detection power of 0.1 µg/mL for tyrosine nitrated bovine serum albumin equivalents. Multiple regression analysis using the filter blot method showed that the amount of 3-NT in atmospheric PM was significantly associated with the published environmental measurements of O3 and PM in the region. Therefore, the filter blot method may be useful for the environmental monitoring of 3-NT in atmospheric PM.

Binding of AraC-Type Activator DesR to the Promoter Region of Vibrio vulnificus Ferrioxamine B Receptor Gene.

Vibrio vulnificus can utilize the xenosiderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB) as an iron source under iron-restricted conditions. We previously identified in V. vulnificus that transcription of the desA gene encoding the outer membrane receptor for ferrioxamine B (FOXB) is activated by the AraC-type transcriptional regulator encoded by desR together with DFOB. In this study, we overexpressed and purified DesR as a glutathione S-transferase-fused protein and examined interaction between the promoter region of desA and DesR. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that DesR directly binds to the regulatory region of desA, and this binding was enhanced by the presence of DFOB in a concentration-dependent manner, while the presence of FOXB did not affect the potentiation of their binding. Moreover, EMSA identified that DNA fragments lacking a probable DesR binding sequence were unable to form complexes with DesR. Finally, deoxyribonuclease I footprinting assay demonstrated that the DNA binding sequence of DesR is located between -27 and -50 nucleotides upstream of the desA transcription start site. These results strongly indicate that DesR can directly activate the transcription of desA in cooperation with DFOB, which acts as a coactivator for DesR.

Airborne fine particulate matter in Japan induces lipid synthesis and inhibits autophagy in HepG2 cells.

Inhalation of particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 µm has been reported to exacerbates fatty liver disease. However, the components and mechanisms of particulate matter involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and autophagy have not been fully elucidated. We found that atmospheric particulate matter in Japan stimulated lipogenesis in hepatocytes even when its lipid component was removed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that particulate matter did not promote autophagosome formation but inhibited autophagic degradation in hepatocytes. In previous toxicity experiments, particulate matter collected from atmosphere often contained contaminants originating from filters. In this study, we exposed the powdery particulate matter with less contaminants collected using a cyclone and impactor system to HepG2 cells, human hepatocyte. This particulate matter induced lipogenesis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in HepG2 cells as well as previous reports of particulate matter in the USA and China. On the other hand, when autophagic flux were examined in detail, the particulate matter did not promote autophagosome formation, but inhibited autophagic degradation. Since these effects were similar to those of palmitate, a fatty acid, we prepared particulate matter in which lipid component was removed by acetone and compared the effects on HepG2 cells with those of untreated one. The particulate matter without lipid component induced lipid droplets as well as did the untreated one although it induced less endoplasmic reticulum stress. These results suggest that hepatic lipid synthesis is stimulated not only by the uptake of lipid but also by other components in the particulate matter.

Compromised glutathione synthesis results in high susceptibility to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in acatalasemic mice.

Acatalasemia is caused by genetic defect in the catalase gene. Human achatalasemia patients are able to scavenge physiological hydrogen peroxide but are vulnerable to exogenous oxidative stress. In the present study, we used an acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity model in acatalasemic mice to explore this vulnerability. Interestingly, the acetaminophen-induced decrease in total glutathione levels was more prolonged in acatalasemic mice. While the subunits of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a glutathione synthase enzyme, were increased by acetaminophen in the liver of wild-type mice, their expression was lower and was further reduced by acetaminophen in acatalasemic mice. This feature was also observed in immortalized hepatocytes derived from the livers of these mice. However, when catalase was knocked down in HepG2 cells, a cultured human liver cell line, the expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase subunits was increased, suggesting that the low expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase subunits in acatalasemia may be due to other mechanism than catalase deficiency. Therefore, when other factors were investigated, it was found that transforming growth factor-ß1 was up-regulated by acetaminophen in the liver of acatalasemic mice, which may inhibit the expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase subunits. The results of this study suggest a new toxic mechanism of acetaminophen-induced liver injury in patients with acatalasemia.

Possible contribution of hepatocyte secretion to the elevation of plasma exosomal arginase-1 in high-fat diet-fed mice.

AIMS: The elevation of arginase in vascular tissues decreases nitric oxide production, which is considered as an early step of atherosclerosis in obesity. Previously, we found that arginase-1, one of arginase isozymes, was elevated in the blood plasma of obese adults. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which obesity increases arginase-1 levels in the blood. MAIN METHODS: C57/BL6J male mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks were analyzed for factors related to nitric oxide/arginine metabolism and plasma exosomes. To explore the arginase secretory organs, the protein expression levels were analyzed in several organs. To further investigate the relationship between exosomal arginase-1 in plasma, blood glucose levels and arginase-1 in the liver, HepG2 (the human hepatoma cell line) was analyzed after treatment with high glucose. KEY FINDINGS: The increase in arginase activity in the plasma of HFD-fed mice was positively corelated with blood glucose levels and was accompanied by an increase in exosomal arginase-1 levels. Among the organs that highly express arginase, the liver of HFD-fed mice showed a significant increase in arginase-1. The expression of arginase-1 in exosomes and total lysates of HepG2 cells were increased by high glucose exposure. SIGNIFICANCE: Increased exosomal arginase-1 in plasma contributes to increased plasma arginase activity in obesity. The liver is a candidate organ for the secretion of exosomal arginase-1 into plasma, and the p38 pathway induced by high glucose levels may be involved.

Role of HO-1 against Saturated Fatty Acid-Induced Oxidative Stress in Hepatocytes.

Increased circulating levels of free fatty acids, especially saturated ones, are involved in disease progression in the non-alcoholic fatty liver. Although the mechanism of saturated fatty acid-induced toxicity in the liver is not fully understood, oxidative stress may be deeply involved. We examined the effect of increased palmitic acid, the most common saturated fatty acid in the blood, on the liver of BALB/c mice via tail vein injection with palmitate. After 24 h, among several anti-oxidative stress response genes, only heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was significantly upregulated in palmitate-injected mice compared with that in vehicle-injected mice. Elevation of HO-1 mRNA was also observed in the fatty liver of high-fat-diet-fed mice. To further investigate the role of HO-1 on palmitic acid-induced oxidative stress, in vitro experiments were performed to expose palmitate to HepG2 cells. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of HO-1 significantly increased the oxidative stress induced by palmitate, whereas pre-treatment with SnCl2, a well-known HO-1 inducer, significantly decreased it. Moreover, SB203580, a selective p38 inhibitor, reduced HO-1 mRNA expression and increased palmitate-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that the HO-1-mediated anti-oxidative stress compensatory reaction plays an essential role against saturated fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity in the liver.

Human albumin augmented airway inflammation induced by PM2.5 in NC/Nga mice.

The synergic allergic inflammatory effects of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and human albumin were investigated in NC/Nga mice, which are hypersensitive to mite allergens. PM2.5 or PM2.5 plus human albumin with aluminum oxide was injected twice intraperitoneally for sensitization. After 7 days, PM2.5 or PM2.5 plus human albumin was administered five times intranasally to mice for further sensitization. Subsequently, PM2.5 was administered as a challenge on the 11th day. On the 12th day, mice were examined for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count, mRNA expression of Th1 , Th2 cytokines, chemokines, and mucus proteins (MUC5AC and MUC5B) in the lung tissue and histopathology. Although PM2.5 or human albumin alone did not induce allergic airway inflammation, simultaneous inoculation of PM2.5 and human albumin-induced airway inflammation showing increase in AHR, total BALF cell numbers, mRNA levels of IL-13, eotaxin 1, eotaxin 2, and MUC5AC, and anti-IG against human serum albumin. Inflammation was observed around the bronchus in PM2.5 plus human albumin-induced lungs. These results demonstrate that PM2.5 can induce allergic airway inflammation through the synergistic action with human albumin in NC/Nga mice.

Head cooling during sleep improves sleep quality in the luteal phase in female university students: A randomized crossover-controlled pilot study.

Although selective head-cooling has been reported to decrease scalp and tympanic temperature and improve sleep quality, whether head-cooling during sleep can improve sleep quality in women during the luteal phase has not been elucidated. This randomized, controlled crossover open trial aimed to investigate the effect of head cooling during sleep on sleep quality in women during the luteal phase. Female university students aged 19-25 years with increased daytime sleepiness during the luteal phase were recruited by poster advertisement at their university from May to June 2016 and from May to June 2017. Fourteen women aged 19-22 years participated in this study. The temperature-controllable cooling sheet containing tubes filled with circulating water was used for head-cooling, and the head-cooling and the controlled temperature were set at 25°C and 35°C, respectively. Electroencephalogram data were obtained using a single-channel portable electroencephalogram device. The difference in sleep-related variables and tympanic temperature between head-cooling and control were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The proportion of arousal was lower with head cooling than with the control. In contrast, the proportion of non-REM3 and the delta power were higher with head cooling than with the control. The proportion of non-REM2 and non-REM3 among sleep EEG stages were positively and negatively correlated with the mean tympanic temperature during sleep, respectively. However, arousal and REM were not correlated with tympanic temperature. We considered the reduction of arousal time by head-cooling might be related to scalp temperature rather than tympanic temperature. Further, our results suggested that head-cooling also improved subjective sleep comfort. In conclusion, head-cooling during sleep could improve sleep quality in young women during the luteal phase.

Detection of 3-Nitrotyrosine in Atmospheric Environments via a High-performance Liquid Chromatography-electrochemical Detector System.

3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) is generated from the tyrosine residue in atmospheric bio-aerosol proteins via a reaction with ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Stable 3-NT is a specific marker for oxidative damage and is reported to have a promotive effect to elicit allergies. In the present study, we report the development of a highly sensitive assay to quantify 3-NT in air sampler filters to collect < 2.5 µm of particulate matter (PM2.5) from urban environmental air, including bio-aerosol. In this method, a 6 mm-diameter round hole was cut from the filters of air samplers and mixed with a nonspecific protease cocktail in order to hydrolyze proteins. Protein samples digested to the amino acid level were tested for 3-NT using a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD). The maximum 3-NT content was detected in a prefilter for PM of sizes from 4.5 to 7.3 µm, with a detection limit of 1.13 pg/m3.

Association of night eating habits with metabolic syndrome and its components: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Night time eating is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dinner immediately before bed, snacks after dinner, or combinations of both were associated with metabolic syndrome and its components in a large Japanese cohort. METHODS: We enrolled 8153 adults aged 40-54 years who participated in specific medical checkups in an Okayama facility from 2009 to 2010 and from 2013 to 2014. Age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios of metabolic syndrome and its components in participants with both night eating habits for an average of 3.9 years were evaluated. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was utilized to determine the supra-additive interaction of both eating habits on metabolic syndrome and its components. RESULTS: The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for obesity for those with both eating habits compared to those with neither habit was 2.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-3.15) for men and 3.02 (95%CI, 1.72-5.29) for women. Both habits had a supra-additive interaction effect on obesity development in women (RERI, 1.67; RERI%, 85.0; p = 0.058), although this result was not significant. In women, there was an association between eating habits at night and metabolic syndrome, but in men it was unrelated. Both night eating habits were associated with dyslipidemia in men and women. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the need for intervention and awareness among individuals with night eating habits to mitigate further complications.

Association between Occupational Dysfunction and Metabolic Syndrome in Community-Dwelling Japanese Adults in a Cross-Sectional Study: Ibara Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between occupational dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its component factors in community-dwelling Japanese adults (N = 1,514). Self-reported lifestyle behaviors, Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD) scores, and metabolic traits were measured. CAOD levels were divided into tertiles (low, moderate, and high), and their associations with MetS and its components were evaluated through logistic regression analysis. The association of MetS with CAOD was demonstrated in the total number of individuals [OR = 1.92 (95% CI 1.17⁻3.17)] and in older individuals [OR = 1.90 (95% CI 1.04⁻3.46)]. The association of dyslipidemia and CAOD was evident for overweight individuals [OR = 2.08 (95% CI 1.17⁻3.68)]. A higher association of high blood pressure with CAOD was evidenced in younger individuals [OR = 2.02 (95% CI 1.05⁻3.89)] who belonged to the highest-CAOD-score group in comparison to those who registered the lowest-CAOD-score group. The evaluation of MetS and interventions related to its prevention may be more effective if the viewpoint of occupational dysfunction is taken into account.

Relationship of particulate matter and ozone with 3-nitrotyrosine in the atmosphere.

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased in the past few decades. Bio-aerosol proteins and their chemical modifications, such as 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), in the atmosphere have been attracting attention due to their promotive effects on allergies. 3-NT is generated from the amino acid, tyrosine, through a reaction with ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated in detail. Therefore, we measured 3-NT and evaluated the relationships among 3-NT and various pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), NOx (NO + NO2), ozone (O3), PM7, total suspended particulate matter (TSP) containing proteins, humidity, and temperature. 3-NT positively correlated with O3, SO2, humidity, and temperature, and negatively correlated with NOx. A multiple regression analysis showed that 3-NT positively associated with O3, humidity, and PM7. O3 positively associated with 3-NT and PM7, and negatively associated with NOx and humidity. These results suggest that 3-NT is generated from PM proteins through a reaction with O3 under high humidity conditions, and that the measurement of 3-NT is important and useful for the research of O3.

Early obesity leads to increases in hepatic arginase I and related systemic changes in nitric oxide and L-arginine metabolism in mice.

Obesity is a risk factor for vascular endothelial cell dysfunction characterized by low-grade, chronic inflammation. Increased levels of arginase I and concomitant decreases in L-arginine bioavailability are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. In the present study, we focused on changes in the systemic expression of arginase I as well as L-arginine metabolism in the pre-disease state of early obesity prior to the onset of atherosclerosis. C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (CD; 10% fat) or high-fat diet (HFD; 60% fat) for 8 weeks. The mRNA expression of arginase I in the liver, adipose tissue, aorta, and muscle; protein expression of arginase I in the liver and plasma; and systemic levels of L-arginine bioavailability and NO2- were assessed. HFD-fed mice showed early obesity without severe disease symptoms. Arginase I mRNA and protein expression levels in the liver were significantly higher in HFD-fed obese mice than in CD-fed mice. Arginase I levels were slightly increased, whereas L-arginine levels were significantly reduced, and these changes were followed by reductions in NO2- levels. Furthermore, hepatic arginase I levels positively correlated with plasma arginase I levels and negatively correlated with L-arginine bioavailability in plasma. These results suggested that increases in the expression of hepatic arginase I and reductions in plasma L-arginine and NO2- levels might lead to vascular endothelial dysfunction in the pre-disease state of early obesity.

Involvement of PM2.5-bound protein and metals in PM2.5-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the protein and trace element components of PM2.5 and their contribution to the allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. METHODS: PM2.5, treated at high temperature and with a strong acid to hydrolyze any protein content and remove trace elements, was administered to BALB/c mice. Allergic airway inflammation was compared between the three groups (saline, pure PM2.5 and treated PM2.5) by evaluating airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells, serum IgE, the mRNA of various cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin-1 and CXCL3), mucus protein mRNA (MUC5ac and MUC5b) and the filtration of inflammatory cells in the lung. RESULTS: The treatment of PM2.5 with a strong acid at a high temperature attenuated AHR, eosinophil percentage in BALF, mRNA levels of IL-13 and CXCL3 and peribronchial inflammation. On the contrary, the percentage of neutrophils in BALF, mRNA expression of MIP2α, EGFR, Nrf2, and TLR4 and 4-OH-2-nonenal levels in the lung was increased. Moreover, the treatment of the PM2.5 reduced PM2.5-bound proteins as well as the percentages of the trace elements in PM2.5 in the order Zn > Cu > Pb > P > S > Mn > Fe > Ca > Ni, whereas the percentage of C, Si and Cl increased. CONCLUSIONS: PM2.5 collected by of the cyclone system induced allergic airway inflammation in mice. PM2.5-bound proteins and acid-soluble metals may be involved in the pathogenesis of PM2.5-induced allergic airway inflammation.

Human lactoferrin induces asthmatic symptoms in NC/Nga mice.

Lactoferrin in commercial supplements is known to exert anti-viral and anti-allergic effects. However, this is the first study to evaluate the induction of allergic airway inflammation in NC/Nga mice. Human lactoferrin was administered intraperitoneally with aluminum oxide for sensitization. Five days later, lactoferrin was inoculated intranasally for 5 days, and then on the 12th day, the single inoculation of lactoferrin intranasally was performed as a challenge. On the 13th day, airway hypersensitivity was assessed (AHR), a bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) cell analysis was conducted, serum IgE and serum lactoferrin-specific IgG and IgE levels as well as the mRNA expression levels of cytokines and chemokines in the lung were measured, and a histopathological analysis of the lung was performed. Human lactoferrin increased AHR, the number of eosinophils in BALF, serum lactoferrin-specific IgG levels, and the mRNA levels of IL-13, eotaxin 1, and eotaxin 2. Moreover, the accumulation of inflammatory cells around the bronchus and the immunohistochemical localization of arginase I and human lactoferrin were detected. Collectively, these results indicate that human lactoferrin induced allergic airway inflammation in mice. Therefore, the commercial use of human lactoferrin in supplements warrants more intensive study.

Effects of exercise training on nitric oxide, blood pressure and antioxidant enzymes.

The relationship between exercise training and nitric oxide-related parameters was examined in a cross-sectional study and an intervention study. A cross-sectional study using 184 employees was conducted to observe the association of exercise habits with serum arginase (ELISA and activity), l-arginine, l-citrulline, l-ornithine, NOx, exhaled nitric oxide, blood pressure, FEV1%, hs-CRP, HDL-cholesterol, IgE, and life style factors. An intervention study was also conducted to evaluate the changes of serum arginase I, nitric oxide-related parameters, and mRNA levels of anti-oxidant enzymes in blood monocytes before and after 1 h of aerobic exercise training per day for a month. Exercise habits were associated with increased arginase activity and a moderate alcohol drinking habit, after adjustment with several covariates. Aerobic exercise training induced a decrease in l-arginine and diastolic blood pressure and induced an increase in NO2- and urea. Moreover, mRNA expression of anti-oxidant enzymes, such as catalase and GPX1, and a life elongation enzyme, SIRT3, were significantly increased after aerobic exercise. The results that aerobic exercise training increased NO generation, reduced blood pressure, and induced anti-oxidant enzymes via SIRT3 suggest that exercise training may be an important factor for the prevention of disease by inducing intrinsic NO and anti-oxidant enzymes.

Association of arginase I or nitric oxide-related factors with job strain in healthy workers.

This study evaluated the associations between job strain and arginase I in 378 healthy Japanese factory workers by a cross-sectional study measuring nitric oxide (NO)-related parameters (arginase I, L-arginine, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and NOx), clinical parameters, and job strain using a Japanese version of the Job Content Questionnaire by Karasek. Arginase I and FEV1% were negatively correlated with job strain and positively correlated with job control and social support. FeNO and hs-CRP were negatively correlated with job strain. Multiple regression analysis showed negative association of arginase I with job strain and positive association with job control and social support in females. It is concluded that serum levels of arginase I may be useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of job stress in healthy female workers, although many factors can be influencing the data.