Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver are multiple factor diseases controlled by both environmental and genetic factors. To reveal the gene (s) involved in common diseases caused by interaction with dietary factors, we performed genetic analyses using an animal model in which both environmental and genetic factors were strictly controlled. First, in mouse SMXA recombinant inbred strains, we demonstrated that interaction between latent susceptible genes led to development of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver. Subsequently, we identified the genomic region (quantitative trait locus: QTL) controlling susceptibility to high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes on mouse Chr. 2 and the QTL for fatty liver on Chr. 12. Furthermore, we showed that one of the candidate genes at the QTL for fatty liver could be involved in lipid metabolism. In a future study, we plan to identify the susceptible genes interacting with dietary factors in the development of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver, and will attempt to reveal how these dietary factors affect the susceptible genes.

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Skeletal muscle atrophy caused by disuse is characterized by both reduction of protein synthesis and protein degradation. In our previous study, we found that ubiquitin ligase plays an important role in muscle atrophy under microgravity conditions. Therefore, it is possible that inhibition of ubiquitin ligase activity might prevent muscle atrophy. In this review, we focused on the role of proteolysis during muscle atrophy and a nutritional approach to prevent muscle atrophy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy and its related pathways is critical for the development of new therapeutic approaches.

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We investigated the relationship between the daily intake frequency of meals including a staple food, a main dish and a side dish with reference to nutrient intake in a healthy elderly population. A weighted method was used to record food intake for two days in May 2013. We defined the staple food, main dish, and side dish in the same way as that for the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. We divided the subjects into three groups according to the frequency of meals including a staple food, a main dish and a side dish (0.5−1.5 times/day, 2 times/day, and 2.5−3 times/day) . The frequency of consumption of meals including all three components was associated with sodium intake in men and women, and with vitamin C and dietary fiber intake in women. The frequency of intake of meals including all three components was associated with an increase in the likelihood of meeting tentative dietary goals for preventing lifestyle-related diseases linked to carbohydrate intake. Our results indicated that, in women, more frequent intake of meals including a staple food, a main dish and a side dish was associated with higher vitamin C and dietary fiber intake.

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The present study was performed to elucidate the effects of government interventional actions in the form of the First and Second Osaka Shokuiku Plans based on the Osaka Shokuiku Surveys conducted in 2006 and 2010. The questionnaires were distributed at lectures attended by Shokuiku-conscious individuals such as volunteers and collaborating companies employee by Osaka Prefectural Government Health and Medical Department Health Promotion Division, and at schools to students and their parents including non-Shoku­iku-conscious individuals by Osaka Prefecture Public Health Center. The input confirmation and analysis were performed at Osaka Medical Center for Health Science and Promotion and Osaka Prefecture University Institution of Public Nutrition Practice. The respondents were 4,520 in 2006 and 5,156 in 2010. At the level of the environment, in response to the question “Where did you see the Dietary Guide?”, individuals who answered “at a market” increased to 150%, and those who answered “at a restaurant” increased by three-fold or more. At the cognitive level, respondents who answered “I know about Shokuiku activities”, “I know about the Dietary Guide”, and “I know about metabolic syndrome” were found to have increased. There was no significant change in the number of individuals who answered “I am interested in Shokuiku activities”. At the level of behavior, respondents who answered “I have taken part in Shokuiku activities” had decreased, but those who answered “I have had experience in farming” had increased.

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