Ibudilast Reduces IL-6 Levels and Ameliorates Symptoms in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sepsis Mice.

In Japan, ibudilast (IBD) is a therapeutic agent used to treat asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and dizziness caused by cerebrovascular disease. Previously, we have reported that IBD could reduce the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 monocyte-linage cells in vitro. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of IBD in vivo. As IL-6 is a biomarker for sepsis and has been suggested to exacerbate symptoms, we determined whether IBD reduces IL-6 levels in vivo and improves sepsis symptoms in animal models. We observed that IBD treatment reduced IL-6 levels in the lungs of LPS-treated mice and improved LPS-induced hypothermia, one of the symptoms of sepsis. In addition, IBD reduced IL-6 and attenuated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the serum of LPS-treated mice. Elevated PAI-1 levels exacerbate sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and ALT is a biomarker for liver dysfunction. IBD improved the survival of mice administered a lethal dose of LPS. IBD administration ameliorated kidney pathology of model mice. Overall, these results suggest that IBD exerts anti-inflammatory functions in vivo and could be a drug candidate for treating endotoxemia, including sepsis.

Correlates of community health service utilization for menopausal symptoms among urban Japanese women.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the factors associated with community health service utilization for menopausal symptoms among Japanese women in urban areas by using Andersen's behavioral model of health service use. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted. SAMPLE: The sample comprised 350 women aged 40-60 years living in a community in Japan. MEASUREMENTS: The independent variables were predisposing (demographics, social status, and health beliefs), enabling (family and community resources), and need factors (perceived health status and the need for community health services). The dependent variable was community health service utilization. A logistic regression model was used. RESULTS: 8 of the women were categorized in "treatment required" by simplified menopausal index score, and 103 women said that they would use the services. Knowledge regarding the services, OR: 1.814 (1.084-3.036); the absence of a negative attitude toward menopausal syndromes, OR: 0.605 (0.367-0.998); and the presence of a positive attitude, OR: 2.203 (1.070-4.536); influenced community health service utilization. CONCLUSIONS: An appropriate attitude toward menopausal symptoms was observed to be more relevant to community health service utilization than the experience or acuity of the menopausal symptoms themselves. Therefore, community-dwelling, middle-aged women should be provided with sufficient education regarding menopausal symptoms to encourage their utilization of community health services.