No abstract

The results show that the decrease in HCV RNA titer by lactoferrin monotherapy contributes to the effectiveness of the combined therapy of interferon and ribavirin in patients with CHC. Lactoferrin is a potential useful adjunct treatment for patients with CHC.

SummaryTo evaluate the effect of lactulose on calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) absorption, we performed a clinical trial with a double-blind, randomized, crossover design in 24 healthy adult male volunteers. The absorptions of Ca and Mg were evaluated by a single-labeling method using stable isotopes. The test foods, containing lactulose at a dose of 0 g (placebo), 2 g (low-dose), or 4 g (high-dose) together with 300 mg of Ca containing 20 mg of Mg) increased with lactulose dosage. Significant differences were observed in the Ca ratio between placebo and high-dose lactulose ( p Ͻ 0.01), and in the Mg ratio between placebo and low-dose lactulose and between placebo and high-dose lactulose ( p Ͻ 0.01). Lactulose ingestion did not change the levels of bone-resorption markers (type I collagen cross-linked N -telopeptide and deoxypyridinoline) in urine. The test foods did not cause any side effects. This study demonstrates that lactulose enhances the absorptions of Ca and Mg in adult men.

Objective: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important nutrient required by pregnant women and fetuses. Several studies suggest that fatty acid composition changes during pregnancy. However, the association of longitudinal changes in erythrocyte fatty acid composition and dietary fatty acid intake during pregnancy is not well understood. We assessed the relationship between fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membranes and fatty acid intake at each trimester in pregnant Japanese women. Methods: We conducted a prospective hospital-based cohort study. We investigated fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membranes and intake of fatty acids during the three trimesters in 178 healthy, pregnant Japanese women. Results: The eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid percentage of the erythrocyte membranes significantly decreased. The percentages of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid significantly increased during pregnancy. The DHA percentage in the erythrocyte membranes decreased from the second to the third trimester. The DHA percentage in the erythrocyte membranes positively correlated with DHA intake in the third trimester. Conclusion: In pregnant Japanese women, the fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membranes markedly changed throughout pregnancy. The DHA intake in the third trimester may be insufficient to maintain DHA percentage in the maternal erythrocyte membranes.