The effects of dietary diacylglycerol consisting of 1,3 (65.2%) and 1,2 species (32.6%) and triacylglycerol (rapeseed oil) on the serum and hepatic lipid profiles were compared in the rat. The fatty acid composition was similar between these dietary lipids. The dietary acylglycerols were added to the experimental diets so as to provide the same amounts of fatty acids (9.39%). Dietary diacylglycerol compared with triacylglycerol significantly reduced concentrations of serum triacylglycerol at 17 and 34 days of the feeding periods without influencing those of phospholipid and cholesterol. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of hepatic triacylglycerol, cholesterol and phospholipid between the two groups of rats at 34 days of the feeding period. In the second trial, triacylglycerol in the experimental diet was replaced by varying amounts of diacylglycerol while maintaining the fatty acid contents (9.39%). After 14 days of the feeding period, significant reductions in serum triacylglycerol levels were confirmed in the groups of rats fed the diets in which diacylglycerol fatty acids supplied more than 50% (50, 75 and 100%) of total dietary fatty acids. Thus, it was confirmed that dietary diacylglycerol compared with triacylglycerol exerts a potent serum triacylglycerol-lowering effect in the rat.

The effects of spore-bearing lactic acid-forming bacteria (Bacillus coagulans SANK 70258) on intestinal ora and decomposition products in the intestine, as well as on various dermal characteristics were determined in healthy humans and rats. Improvement of fecal shape, change of fecal color from dark brown to yellowish brown, decrease of fecal odor and fecal pH and an increase in defecation frequency in persons whose defecation frequency was relatively low were observed after administration. The number of intestinal bi dobacteria signi cantly (p B0.05) increased, whereas the number of intestinal Clostridium perfringens signi cantly (p B 0.05) decreased after administration compared with the values before the intake. The concentrations of intestinal ammonia, indole and p-cresol decreased. The activities of b -glucuronidase and tryptophanase decreased signi cantly compared with the levels during the control period (p B 0.05). The spore-bearing lactic acid-forming bacilli group was given B. coagulans SANK 70258, while kept on a basic diet adjusted to 60% protein.Protein was supplied by casein. After removing back hair, the rats were exposed to radiation of UV-B 0.5 MED once a day. Two weeks after the start of radiation, measurements were made for the number of exanthema (the number of are and papula). The number of exanthema decreased as constipation alleviated as a result of the intake of B. coagulans SANK 70258. In experiment 2, improvement of fecal shape, change of fecal color from dark brown to yellowish brown, decrease of fecal odor, the fecal pH and increase in defecation frequency of persons whose frequency was relatively low were observed after administration. The number of intestinal bi dobacteria signi cantly (p B0.05) increased, whereas the number of intestinal C. perfringens signi cantly (pB 0.05) decreased after administration compared with the values before the intake. The concentrations of intestinal ammonia, indole and p -cresol content decreased. The activity of b-glucuronidase and tryptophanase decreased signi cantly (p B0.05) compared with the levels during the control period. The number of comedones decreased as constipation was alleviated as a result of the intake of B. coagulans SANK 70258. These results indicate that the administration of B. coagulans SANK 70258 improves the intestinal environment, defecation frequency, fecal characteristics and dermal characteristics.

The lecithin fraction is permitted for use as an additive to drugs and food and can be produced on an industrial scale. It is expected that the lecithin fraction will be used safely as a bitterness inhibitor for practical applications.

In small animal veterinary practices, body condition score (BCS) is generally used to diagnose obesity. However, BCS does not constitute objective data. In this study, we investigated the value of using human body fat analysis software for male dogs. We also compared changes in body fat after neutering. Changes in body fat at the time of neutering (age 1 year) and 1 year later were compared by performing CT scanning and using human body fat analysis software. We found that body fat increased in all the individuals tested. In terms of the site of fat accumulation, subcutaneous fat was more pronounced than visceral fat with a marked increase on the dorsal side of the abdomen rather than the thorax.