Obesity is thought to be a base of a lot of lifestyle-related diseases in an economical advanced country where the environment of the over nutrient is caused easily in recent years, and the measures are assumed to be an important problem in a preventive medicine. Scientific clarification was not enough so far whether a scientific analysis was not necessarily done for obesity and why obesity became developing basic of the lifestyle-related disease such as diabetes. However, many interesting, new finding results have furthermore accumulated the differentiation control mechanism of the adipose cell that composes adipose depend on a molecular biology research technique develops. In this text, it introduces the relation to metabolic syndrome that it is a molecular mechanism of a physiology and pathology of the adipose cell.

Recently, under stressful condition, the potential deficiency and imbalance of trace nutrients such as vitamins and minerals have become a serious health problem. We pay attention to vitamin B₆ required for biosynthesis of neurotransmitter. A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method used sodium bisulfite for mobile phase to measure vitamin B₆ in human plasma, especially pyridoxal 5’- phosphate (PLP) are developed. In this study, not only PLP but also pyridoxal (PL) and 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) in human plasma were determined by developed HPLC method. and to clarify vitamin B₆ nutritional status in Japanese. plasma PLP concentration in men and women were examined.

Molybdenum (Mo) contents in Japanese domestic soybeans were determined and compared with those in imported soybeans. Domestic soybeans showed 0.87 to 2.59μg/g as their Mo contents while American IOM soybean showed the highest Mo value (9.07μg/g) and Chinese soybeans showed less than 0.5μg/g. Mo content in a commercial momen-tofu derived from the IOM soybean was also higher than that from domestic soybean. These results indicate that American IOM soybean contains higher Mo than domestic or Chinese soybeans.

Chemical species of Mo in soybean was also examined. More than 60% of Mo in soybean was not extracted with water but with hot water. Most of Mo in the hot water extract was passed through an ultrafilter (< 5 kD) and classified as a low molecular weight anion in an electrodialysis. In HPLC using a Develosil RP-AQUEOUS column, Mo in the hot water extract was eluted as a single peak with the same retention time as molybdate or molybdophosphate. These results indicate that a main chemical species of Mo in soybean is molybdate or molybdophosphate and most of Mo in soybean is readily absorbed in an intestine.

Cytochrome P450 (P450) is a group of drug metabolizing enzymes as well as a catalyst for the conversion of chemical compounds in vivo. Among P450 with many types of isoforms, CYP2E1 has been reported to influence harmfully to the living system by generation of reactive oxygen species. CYP2E1 is induced in diabetes mellitus (DM) and it is known that the DM induction is improved by insulin. Then we examined the CYP2E1 contents and activity in the liver microsomes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ rats) treated with vanadyl sulfate (VOSO₄) and bis(6-methylpicorinate)vanadyl (VO(6mpa)2), that exhibit insulin-mimetic activity in place of insulin in STZ rats.

To estimate the cytotoxicity of sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) on Euglena gracilis SMZ, alternations of cell growth and cell viability were first assessments. Monitoring of cell growth was one of the suitable indicators to appreciate cytotoxicity of NaAsO₂ because of previous reports indicated that growth of E. gracilis was inhibited by treatment of Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb and Cd (Devars et al., 1998; Einicker-Lamas et al., 2002).

The author assessed the cell growth to determine the arsenic concentration required for the inhibition of cell proliferates by more than 50 % of the control (IC50) or 50 % lethal concentration (LC50). In our laboratory, it was suggested that NaAsO₂ and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) (1.75, 17.5, 175, 250, 500, 1000 and 1750μM) inhibited cell growth of E. gracilis SMZ in Koren-Hutner (K.H.) medium (pH 3.5). On the basis of these results, the author further investigated the effect of NaAsO₂ on cell proliferation and cell viability under different concentrations in K.H. medium (pH 5.5). Exposed of NaAsO₂ higher than 2 mM strongly inhibited the cell growth, however, the viable cell number remained ca. 70 %. Below 750μM exposure, as high as more than 90 % cells were found alive suggesting the effect of NaAsO₂ would not be fatal but to lower cell proliferation activity that eventually led cells rest to survive.

In the course of survey on biologically active substances in traditional plant foods, we have noted that tubers of arrowhead, Sagittaria trifolia L. var sinensis, contain unique lectins, particularly, specific to α-xylose residues, in addition to α-galactose- and α-mannose residues. Fresh tubers of arrowhead, grown in Suita region, were homogenized in PBS at cold. After separation of starch, the lectin-containing protein fraction was successively fractionated by using affinity columns, each lectin being further purified by gel filtration. The molecular properties and binding specificities of these lectins were characterized; α-xylose-specific lectin, first found in plant kingdoms, is a glycoprotein with molecular mass 5×10⁴, consisting of two subunits, 26 kDa. It binds to terminal α-xylose residue of xyloglucans. Possiblly, it may also recognize terminal β-xylose residue. α-galactose-specific lectin is also glycoprotein, molecular mass 5.2×10⁴, with two subunits, 26 kDa. This lectin binds to terminal α-galactose residues of galactomannans, also with human blood B substance. α-Mannose-specific lectin, is a dimeric protein with subunit of 26 kDa. It recognized terminal α-mannose of yeast mannans and glycoconjugates, In addition, it also recognizes terminal α-d-arabinofuranose residues.

We purified the guanidinobutyrase (GBase, guanidinobutyrate amidinohydrolase, EC 3.5.3.7), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of 4-guanidinobutyrate (4-GB), a in Arthrobacter sp. KUJ 8602, and characterized it enzymologically. However, its structure has not been studied at all.

To elucidate the three-dimensional structure of GBase, we need the high expression system of the enzyme in Escherichia coli, but SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the most of GBase was expressed into the insoluble fractions with the general expression system used, and the enzyme was not able to refold by the dilution additive method with urea or guanidine hydrochloride. We succeeded to express GBase with the co-expression of chaperone and pCold plasmid, and this method would be applicable for other metal-containing proteins.

Rosmarinic acid is found as a secondary metabolite in medicinal plants such as rosemary and salvia, which is widely used as a culinary herb, especially in Mediterranean dishes, and is also used as a fragrant additive in soaps and other cosmetics. Prooxidant action of rosmarinic acid and its constituent caffeic acid was analyzed in relation to the role of transition metal. Rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid stimulated the copper-dependent oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by reducing lag phase and increasing propagation rate. Autooxidation of ferrous ion was completely inhibited, and further cupric ion was effectively reduced to cuprous ion by these compounds. Treatment of DNA from plasmid pBR322 and calf thymus with rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid plus copper caused strand scission and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine in DNA. Rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid-mediated oxidation of LDL and the formation of DNA base adduct with strand scission can be explained by the reduction of transition metals causing the generation of reactive oxygen species through the interaction with oxygen molecule. DNA base adduct was also accounted for by the production of hydroxyl radical from hydrogen peroxide from dismutation of superoxide radical. Anti-microbial and apoptosis-inducing effects of rosmarinic acid may be ascribed to the metal-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species.

Nutritional status of minerals of lactating dairy cattle and buffalo from Terai region in Nepal was investigated by evaluating the mineral concentrations in feedstuff and blood plasma of animals in rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry seasons. Three villages located around Rampur in Chitwan District were chosen, and 205 animals from 30 dairy farms were studied. The animals were fed rice straw mainly and the amount was high in cold-dry and hot-dry seasons. Native grass and concentrate were supplemented and the amount was high in rainy season. The amount of concentrate was high in a particular village. The concentrations of phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) in total rations fed were 0.33%, 0.25% and 41 mg/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis, respectively, on an average, which were as much as the requirement for lactating dairy cows. However, the concentrations of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na) and copper (Cu) were 0.35%, 0.06% and 4.2 mg/kg on a DM basis, respectively on an average, which were lower than the requirement. The concentrations of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and Mg in blood plasma were 5.7 mg/dl and 2.9 mg/dl, respectively, on an average, which were higher than the critical levels of deficiencies. The concentrations of Ca, Cu and Zn in plasma, however, were 8.5 mg/dl, 0.56μg/ml and 0.67μg/ml, respectively, which were lower than the critical levels. The diversity of mineral concentrations in total rations was attributed to the variation of ingredients of feedstuff among the villages and seasons. Attention should be paid for Ca, Na, Cu and Zn status of dairy cattle and buffalo in the region since the concentrations of minerals in feedstuff and/or blood plasma were low.

In this study, we examined the effects of chronic low-level exposure to methylated mammalian metabolites of inorganic arsenic on tolerance to an inorganic arsenate in vitro using the normal rat liver cell line TRL 1215. Cells were exposed to monomethylarsonic acid (MMAs^V; 1.3 mM), dimethylarsinic acid (DMAs^V; 0.7 mM), or trimethylarsine oxide (TMAs^VO; 10 mM), for 20 weeks. Cells chronically exposed to MMAs^V or TMAs^VO acquired tolerance to the acute cytolethality of inorganic arsenate, and the tolerance did not persist after arsenic-free incubation for an additional 8 weeks. In contrast, cells chronically exposed to DMAs^V did not acquire tolerance to arsenate; however, the cells became arsenic tolerant after the arsenic-free incubation. Cellular arsenic accumulation was less in these arsenic-tolerant cells than in passage-matched control cells. Furthermore, cellular GSH depletion and inhibition of cell membrane transporters, such as multidrug resistance-associated protein, increased arsenic accumulation and decreased tolerance to the acute cytolethality of arsenate in these cells chronically exposed to methylated arsenic. These results indicate that chronic exposure to methylated arsenic compounds induces tolerance to inorganic arsenate, and that the tolerance is due to the induction of the arsenic excretion pathway.

Oral ingestion of large quantities of butter and eggs led uresis of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). In the previous study, this uresis was much higher after excess energy intake than that at the initial day. This suggested that this uresis is affected by the nutritional conditions before the loading. This study compared this uresis between those after energy restriction and at control. Six female students took part in the two loading tests before and after a metabolic study whose dietary intake of energy was as low as 1650 kcal/d, which reduced the body weight in all subjects. Ca and Mg uresis after the metabolic study were lower than that at the control day. This confirmed that this uresis is affected by the nutritional conditions before the loading.

Mango, Mangifera indica L., is widely used in traditional medicine. We now report the novel activity of mango fruits protecting the zinc-induced neuronal cell death. Among five kinds of fruits including mango, apple, cherry, kumquat, and loquat, the aqueous extract of the mango fruit alone prevented the zinc-induced apoptosis of GT1-7 cells, which originated from hypothalamic neuron cells. This activity was observed both in the sarcocarp and the peel of the mango fruits. Because the effect of reactive oxygen species is implicated in neuronal cell death following transient ischemia, the antioxidant activities of the mango fruits were also examined. A protective activity against H₂O₂-induced GT1-7 cell death was observed in the peel extract, but not in the sarcocarp one. The scavenging activity assays of the superoxide anion and 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical showed that both activities in the peels were higher than those in the sarcocarps. The features of the antioxidant activity in the mango fruits did not correspond to those of the protective activity against zinc-induced cell death. This indicates that the protective activity of the mango fruit against a zinc-induced neuronal cell death is independent of its antioxidant activity.

We have previously shown that dietary myo-inositol and phytic acid similarly depressed the increases in hepatic lipids and lipogenic enzymes activities in rats fed 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT). The present study was conducted to investigate whether dietary water-soluble rice bran, which contains 27.8% phytic acid, would also have an anti-fatty liver function. As well as dietary 1.02% sodium phytate and the equimolor myo-inositol (0.2%), dietary 1.7% water-soluble rice bran, which contains the similar level of phytic acid to 1.02% sodium phytate, generally reduced the hepatic lipids and lipogenic enzymes activities. They enhanced the rises in hepatic activity of phase II drug-metabolizing enzyme, glutathione S-transferase, in rats fed DDT. On the other hand, dietary water-soluble rice bran reduced hepatic cytochrome P-450 content, while dietary phytic acid and myo-inositol had no effect on it in rats fed DDT. The present study suggests that dietary water-soluble rice bran, in addition to the functions of phytic acid, has additional functions.

To evaluate health-promotional functions of selenium (Se)-enriched kaiware daikon sprouts (SeS), influence of SeS on adverse effects caused by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was compared with that of selenate or Se-unenriched sprouts (USeS). Male 3-week A/J mice were fed a diet containing a low level (0.15μg/g) or a high level (2.0μg/g) of Se as selenate or SeS or fed a diet containing the low or high level of selenate and USeS for 32 weeks. On the 1st to 5th week, all mice were administered with 20 mg/kg of DMH once a week. During the feeding, several mice were died. Supplementation with the both types of sprouts or the high level of selenate to the diets decreased the mortality. Low body weights were observed in mice fed the diets containing the high level of Se as selenate irrespective of supplementation with USeS. However, mice fed the diet containing the high level of Se as SeS did not show the low body weight. Lymphocyte permeation reaction (LPR) in large intestine was also examined in the all mice. Numbers of the LPR were decreased by supplementation with the high level of selenate or the both types of sprouts. In the present study, we could not confirm a difference between SeS and USeS in the influence on adverse effects by DMH. However, SeS can be used as a Se-enriched food without a high side effect since its toxicity is considered to be lower than selenate.

Catechins have shown to have antioxidative, anticarcinogenic and hypocholesterolemic activities. In this clinical trial, we investigated the influences of catechins, which are contained in green tea, on vitamins and minerals of serum and intestinal microflora in healthy 9 adult women. On 14 days after daily ingestion of green tea containing a large amount of catechins (1,080 mg/day), the concentrations of serum vitamin B₂ and biotin were significantly increased. However, such a change in serum vitamin B₁ concentration was not observed during the experimental period. On the other hand, the serum concentrations of minerals such as zinc, sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium, were significantly increased. The proportion of Bifidobacterium on 14 days was significantly higher than that on 0 day, whereas the number of Enterobacteriaceae was decreased by the ingestion of green tea. Also the ammonium concentration in feces decreased to 47.5%. These findings suggest that the green tea widely consumed in Japan may have a beneficial action for maintaining the good health.

Zinc deficiency induced an excessive accumulation of calcium in the olfactory system. This calcium localization was parallel with the degree of symptom manifestation of zinc deficiency. Therefore, to investigate the mechanism on the calcium localization in the olfactory system, the movement of parathyroid hormone (PTH), cAMP and inositol triphosphate (IP₃) which play a part in olfactory signal transduction and Ca-homeostasis were analyzed in the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb and cerebrospinal fluid of zinc deficient rats.

Results were as follows; 1) Calcium showed a remarkable decrease in the cerebrospinal fluid and a remarkable increase in the olfactory tissues. 2) Magnesium also showed a decrease in the cerebrospinal fluid and increases in the olfactory tissues, although the movements were much lower than those of calcium. 3) PTH showed significant increases in both the cerebrospinal fluid and the olfactory tissues at the progress period. However, significant decreases in the olfactory tissues and a remarkable increase in the cerebrospinal fluid were seen at the perfection period of zinc-deficiency. 4) cAMP revealed excessive increases in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb at the progress period of zinc deficiency. On the other hand, a little decreases in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb were seen at the perfection period of zinc-deficiency. 5) Regarding IP₃, as well as cAMP, excessive increases in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb were seen at the progress period of zinc deficiency. At the perfection period of zinc-deficiency, however, significant decreases were seen in the olfactory tissues.

The seaweed Hijiki, Sargassum fusiforme (Harvey) Setchell, has been traditionally eaten by Japanese. However, a rather high concentration of arsenic is sometimes detected in dried Hijki. Thus, it is necessary to find a pre-cooking process to diminish its arsenic level. The arsenic level in commercial products of dried Hijiki harvested in Japan was diminished more than 50 percent by soaking them in water for several hours at room temperature.

Humic substances (HS) are natural organic matters originated from plants which have been formed during the microbial degradation in soil and water. They show physical, chemical and biological activities and have been used for the soil supplement and the means for the purification of environment. The effects for the growth of plants and the thermal effects of peat have been also reported. In this study, HS were prepared from peat and were characterized by total polyphenol contents, UV-VIS and IR spectral analysis and high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), to improve the usefulness in the field of medicine. According to the IHSS (International Humic Substances Society) method, humic acid (HA) fraction and fulvic acid (FA-1~4) fractions were prepared. The yields of HA and FAs were 7.9 % and 0.2 %, respectively. The total polyphenol contents of HA (400 mg/g) was higher than those of FA-1~3 (260, 300, and 350 mg/g, respectively). The UV-VIS spectrum of HA showed λ_max at 215 nm and shoulder at 280 nm, on the other hand, those of FA-1~3 showed λ_max at 210~215 nm and shoulder at 330 nm. Based on the analysis of HPSEC, the molecular weight of HA distributed wide range (10²~10⁴) than FAs (10³). Since both of HA and FAs contain polyphenol, they are expected as antioxidants.

Effect of changeover from a zinc-sufficient diet to a zinc-deficient diet on feed intake, body weights and tissue zinc contents was examined. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were given zinc-sufficient diets containing 15 ppm of zinc as zinc sulfate or oyster extract for 21 days. Thereafter, rats in each group were divided into 2 groups: one group was given a zinc-deficient diet, while the other group was given a zinc-sufficient diet for a further 7 days. The changeover to a zinc-deficient diet decreased fecal zinc excretion remarkably and lowered feed intake and body weight within 3 to 4 days. Zinc concentrations in various tissues were also decreased by the changeover to a zinc-deficient diet. The extent of the decrease varied with the type of tissue; zinc concentration in tibia was remarkably lowered. Differences in zinc source did not affect tissue zinc concentration. These findings indicate that the adverse effects of a zinc-deficient diet appeared within 3 to 4 days after starting the deficient diet even in zinc-sufficient rats because the amount of stored zinc is small.

Iron plays an important role in metabolism, and iron deficiency leads to various clinical abnormalities. One of the main causative factors of iron deficiency is the poor absorption of dietary iron. It is well established that the bioavailability of non-heme iron is enhanced by vitamin C, citric acid and the meat factor. However, the factor associated with improving iron absorption in meat has yet to be identified. Thus, we investigated the effect of carnosine, a well-known neuropeptide, on iron solubility. Pylorus-ligated rats were sacrificed 6 h after carnosine administration, and the gastric juice of each rat was collected and analyzed for volume, pH, acidity and pepsin activity.

The results indicate that carnosine promotes gastric juice and increases pepsin activity and pepsin output and suggest that carnosine enhances iron absorption by increasing iron solubility.

The bonito bouillon, which is called Katsuodashi, is one of the characteristic seasonings of Japanese food. This is different from the bonito extracts extracted by alcohol treatment and enzymatic reaction from raw bonito. In this study, we compared the composition and amount of amino acids contained in bonito bouillon prepared from dried skipjack (Katsuobushi) with those in bonito extracts. The amounts of glutamic acid and branched-chain amino acids such as valine, isoleuicine and leuicine, in Katsuobushi processed from sun-dried bonito (Tenpibushi) were higher than those of smoked- and mold-dried bonito (Arabushi and Karebushi, respectively). Some amino acids were not found in either alcohol-treated or enzyme-reacted bonito extracts. There was a clear difference in the composition and amount of amino acids between bonito bouillon and extracts. These findings suggest that Tenpibushi, which is traditionally used in Japanese cooking, has more umami taste, compared with Karebushi and Arabushi, and the glutamate and branched-chain amino acids play important roles in the taste.

Plum vinegar is a by-product of pickled plum "Umeboshi", and has been believed to contain various useful components deriving from the plum fruit. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of concentrated and desalted plum vinegar on lipid metabolism in hamsters. Twenty-four male Golden Syrian hamsters aged 6 weeks were randomly assigned to 3 groups that were given a control diet or diets supplmented with the concentrated and desalted plum vinegar at 2 levels (25ml/kg and 50ml/kg) for 43 days. The addition of concentrated and desalted plum vinegar did not affect growth parameters, serum and liver cholesterol concentrations, and gene expressions related to triglyceride synthesis in the liver. On the other hand, serum and liver triglyceride levels were decreased by the higher dose of concentrated and desalted plum vinegar. The present experiment shows that the concentrated and desalted plum vinegar can decrease serum and liver triglyceride without affecting gene expression related to triglyceride synthesis in the liver.

We have developed various vanadyl complexes and found that the bis (picolinato) oxovanadium (IV) [VO(pa)₂] with the VO(N₂O₂) coordination mode is an effective agent for treating diabetes mellitus. Since then we used the complex as a leading compound for developing more active agents with hypoglycemic effect. By introducing an electron donating group such as an alkyl group into the pyridine ring of picolinic acid, we prepared bis (3-methylpicolinato)-oxovanadium (IV) [VO(3mpa)₂], and bis (6-methylpicoli-nato) oxovanadium (IV) [VO(6mpa)₂]. Blood glucose lowering effect and survival rate in the STZ-mice given such vanadyl complexes were found to change depending on the position of substituent.

Since it was proposed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic complexes have been intensively studied. We prepared a Cu₂(aspirin)₄ (Cu₂(asp)₄) consisting of Cu(II) and aspirin that has been in use for many years as an antipyretic, an analgesic, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Also, Cu(salicylic acid)₂ (Cu(sal)₂) was used for comparison. The SOD mimetic activity was examined by using cytochrome c, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopic and ESR spin trap methods; the activity of Cu₂(asp)₄ was almost equal to or less than those of Cu(sal)₂ and CuSO₄. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated on the basis of the cell survival after ultraviolet B light (UVB) irradiation on an immortalized human epithelial/keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF). The cell survival ratio was found to significantly increase in the presence of Cu₂(asp)₄. Thus, the suppressive effect of ROS generation following UVA irradiation in the skin of hairless mice, who received oral administration of the compounds for three consecutive days, was found to be effective. The effect of Cu₂(asp)₄ was significantly higher than that of Cu(II) ion. Based on the results, Cu₂(asp)₄ complex was concluded to be a potent antioxidative compound in biological systems, and useful to treat diseases due to the involvement of ROS.

Selenium is an essential trace element for mammals, birds, and some bacteria. Its remarkable biological effects in eukaryotes may be related to unique functions of various selenoproteins. Selenoprotein biosynthesis requires monoselenophospahte, which is synthesized from selenide and ATP by selenophosphate synthetase (SPS). In the present study, Sps1 and Sps2 genes were cloned from a cDNA library of the lung adenocarcinoma cells NCI-H441. The inframe TGA codon of the lung Sps2 was genetically altered to TGT (Cys) to obtain Sps2Cys gene. The human lung Sps homologs were characterized by an in vivo complementation assay using a ∆selD mutant host strain. A low-salt medium optimized for in vivo selD-complementation assay allowed recombinant Sps2Cys to effectively complement the selD mutation. In contrast, only a weak complementation by the Sps1 gene was observed when selenite was the selenium source. Better complementation by Sps1 was observed with L-SeCys, suggesting the involvement of a selenocysteine β-lyase for mobilization of selenium. The results of the complementation study suggested that Sps1 encoded enzyme that functions on selenocysteine recycling whereas the Sps2 enzyme can function as a de novo selenite assimilation system.

Prooxidant and apoptosis-inducing effects of Sho-saiko-to, a traditional Sino-Japanese herbal medicine and its active ingredients were analyzed. Among the components of Sho-saiko-to, wogon the extract of Scutellaria root and licorice root induced an apoptosis of HL60 cells, and produced reactive oxygen species intracellularly. Baicalein the principal flavonoid in the Scutellaria root extract showed an induction of apoptosis of the cell, and further elevated the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species at the concentrations of 5 to 20μM. Glycyrrhetinic acid, an ingredient of licorice root extract, also induced apoptosis followed by the increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species. Growth-inhibitory and differentiation-regulating effects of Sho-saiko-to can be explained by the apoptosis-inducing and reactive oxygen species-generating action of these ingreadients, baicalein and glycyrrhetinic acid.

Atonic constipation, which is induced by intestinal decompression and stagnation of intestinal motility, is a serious problem in the elderly. In clinical medicine, pantethine (PaSS), a disulfide type of pantetheine (PaSH), is widely used in this condition to increase intestinal motility¹⁾. The present clinical test indicates that pantothenic acid (PaA) is involved in the intestinal motility because PaA and PaSH are the precursors of CoA. Because synthesis from PaA to CoA is decreased, the rate of the biosynthetic reaction in which PaSH is obtained from PaA influences aging²⁾.

In this study, in order to identify the involvement of PaA deficiency in aging, we determined the effects of PaA and PaSS in aging rats.