Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) extract contains a significant amount of zinc, taurine, glycogen and other nutrients, and various bioactivities have been reported. In this study, the effect of the oyster extract on the tumor cell was examined using mice inoculated intraperitoneally with a P388 leukemia cell. Oyster extract was produced from raw oysters by using hot water (sample A), and the high molecular weight fraction (sample B) and low molecular weight fraction (sample C) were separated by ethanol. In addition, the high molecular weight fraction was mixed with the low molecular weight fraction at a ratio of 30% (sample D) and 60% (sample E). Each sample was injected intraperitoneally into mice inoculated with a P388 leukemia cell. The survival time was measured after continuous injection for 20 days. The median survival time of each group was calculated, and a life-extension index was plotted against the control group. In samples A to C, no life extension was recognized. However, significant life extension was recognized in samples D and E (T/C% 133%). No anti-tumor action was recognized in the hot water extract, high molecular weight and low molecular weight fractions, but mixing these elements produced significant anti-tumor action. As a result, it was suggested that an synergistic effect was produced by mixing the fractions treated with ethanol.

View full abstract

In order to evaluate the effects of leanness on autonomic regulatory functions, energy intakes, vital signs, cold-induced peripheral vasodilation, cold pressure reaction and urinary vanilmandelic acid excretion were investigated on 9 lean and 18 normal female students. The body weight, BMI, degree of obesity, and body fat rate were lower in the lean group than those in the normal one, however body height and vital signs, such as tympanic temperature and pulse were not different between the groups. Diastolic blood pressure, but not systolic one, was lower in the lean group as compared with normal one. The daily intakes of energy, as well as protein, fat and carbohydrates were the same in both groups. The energy intakes of the students were extremely small in even the normal group as compared to the recommended daily intake for their age and gender group. The resting metabolism and urinary excretion of vanylmandelic acid, a metabolite of catecholamines, seem to be higher in lean group. The cold-induced peripheral vasodilation (Levis reaction) was the same in both groups. The cold-induced elevation of blood pressure was not different between groups, but the down of blood pressure, following after cessation of cold stimulation, was not observed in diastolic one in the lean group. The present results suggest that an enhanced activity of the sympathetic nerves contributes, partly, to cause the physical difference between lean and normal groups, possibly through an increase of energy dissipation. It is also supposed that decreases in tolerance for immunological activity occurred in excessively lean subjects because of a general disturbance of the autonomic regulatory systems in the body. It is, therefore, important to correct the false admiration among young females for leanness as beauty, and to encourage them to build truly healthy and beautiful bodies.

View full abstract

In this study, we carried out a survey of lifestyle habits, awareness of health, and fatigue in 60 company employees in Osaka Prefecture. The survey found no association between symptoms of fatigue and lifestyle habits. However, workers with few fatigue symptoms and those with positive lifestyle habits often considered themselves to be healthy. Workers aged 40 years or more and female workers often had many positive lifestyle habits. Among items, eating between meals and high salt intake were often observed in workers aged less than 40 years, and alcohol-drinking frequency was high in those aged 40 years or more. Smoking was more frequently observed in male workers. For health promotion, information and support should be provided to improve health awareness on an individual basis. In addition, company-wide measures for health problems common to specific groups should be established to maintain and promote health.

View full abstract