A dietary restriction influences the progression but not the initiation of MSG-Induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

The metabolic syndrome is a major worldwide health care issue and a dominant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The liver manifestations of this syndrome include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive variant nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Although significant research has been performed, the basic pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH remains controversial and effective treatments are still unavailable. We have previously reported on a murine model of NASH induced by the neonatal injection of monosodium glutamate (MSG), which includes the clinical manifestations of central obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and ultimately liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. Although MSG is considered a safe food additive, its administration to pregnant rats increases the voracity and growth hormone levels in the offspring. To further understand the biology of this model, we have investigated the influence of the calorie intake on these clinical manifestations by feeding animals a restrictive diet. MSG-treated animals fed a restrictive diet continue to manifest obesity and early stage NASH but have improvements in serum lipid profiles. At 12 months of age, mice had manifestations of obesity, whether animals were fed a restricted or control diet, but animals fed a restrictive diet had a reduction in the progression of NASH. In conclusion, MSG appears to be a critical factor in the initiation of obesity, whereas calorie intake may modulate the progression of disease.

[Role of nutrition in the treatment of osteoporosis].

Calcium intake was reported to be associated with peak bone mass. Vitamin D insufficiency, which is less severe than deficiency, is prevalent in the elderly and known to cause osteoporosis. Protein malnutrition increases the fracture risk due to decreased bone mineral density and muscle weakness. Other nutrients have also been reported to be associated with osteoporosis. Thus nutritional aspect of osteoporosis should be interpreted from the broader perspectives. Since nutritional status greatly varies from one nation to another, we must add our original evidence in Japan to the report from WHO.