Objective: Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity has been typically evaluated by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT). However, FDG-PET/CT has serious limitations (e.g., radiation and cold exposure). This study evaluated BAT density using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIR TRS ), a simple and noninvasive method of measuring the indices of tissue hemoglobin concentration [total-Hb] and mitochondrial density (m s 0 ). Methods: The NIR TRS parameters at 760, 800, and 830 nm in the supraclavicular region potentially containing BAT were evaluated. First, the NIR TRS parameters were compared at 27 C and during a 2-h cold exposure (19 C) in 18 men. Then, NIR TRS parameters at 27 C were compared with mean standardized uptake values (SUV mean ) assessed by FDG-PET/CT after the 2-h cold exposure (19 C) in 29 men. Results: There was no significant difference between the NIR TRS parameters at 27 C and 19 C. The [total-Hb] and m s 0 were significantly correlated to SUV mean (r 5 0.73 and r 5 0.64, respectively). A receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the sensitivity (75.0-82.4%), specificity (91.7-100%), and accuracy (82.8-86.2%) of the NIR TRS parameters were all good to determine the NIR TRS reliability. Conclusions: Our novel NIR TRS method is noninvasive and simple and can reliably assess human BAT density in the supraclavicular region.Obesity (2015) 23, 973-980.

"Assessment of human brown adipose tissue density during daily ingestion of thermogenic capsinoids using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy," J. Biomed. Opt. 21(9), 091305 (2016), doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.21.9.091305. Abstract.18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is widely used as a standard method for evaluating human brown adipose tissue (BAT), a recognized therapeutic target of obesity. However, a longitudinal BAT study using FDG-PET/CT is lacking owing to limitations of the method. Near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIR TRS ) is a technique for evaluating human BAT density noninvasively. This study aimed to test whether NIR TRS could detect changes in BAT density during or after long-term intervention. First, using FDG-PET/CT, we confirmed a significant increase (þ48.8%, P < 0.05) in BAT activity in the supraclavicular region after 6-week treatment with thermogenic capsaicin analogs, capsinoids. Next, 20 volunteers were administered either capsinoids or placebo daily for 8 weeks in a double-blind design, and BAT density was measured using NIR TRS every 2 weeks during the 8-week treatment period and an 8-week period after stopping treatment. Consistent with FDG-PET/CT results, NIR TRS successfully detected an increase in BAT density during the 8-week treatment (þ46.4%, P < 0.05), and a decrease in the 8-week follow-up period (−12.5%, P ¼ 0.07), only in the capsinoid-treated, but not the placebo, group. Thus, NIR TRS can be applied for quantitative assessment of BAT in longitudinal intervention studies in humans. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

Goto, M, Chikako, M, Hirayama, T, Terada, S, Nirengi, S, Kurosawa, Y, Nagano, A, and Hamaoka, T. Partial range of motion exercise is effective for facilitating muscle hypertrophy and function through sustained intramuscular hypoxia in young trained men. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1286–1294, 2019—The acute response to and long-term effects of partial range of motion exercise (PRE) and full range of motion exercise (FRE) of elbow extensors were compared in young trained men. The PRE was expected to increase the intramuscular hypoxic environment, which was theorized to enhance muscular hypertrophy. Forty-four resistance-trained men were divided into 2 training groups, PRE (n = 22) or FRE (n = 22) group, and performed the PRE or FRE acute exercise protocol. The PRE (elbow range from 45° to 90°) and FRE (from 0° to 120°) acute protocols consisted of 3 sets of 8 repetitions, with an 8RM, and an equivalent workload. After the initial testing, the training program for each group, comprised 3 training sessions per week for 8 weeks, was started. The acute responses of area under the oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) curve, blood lactate concentration, and root mean square of electromyography were significantly higher both before and after PRE than FRE training. Long-term effects were produced by both PRE and FRE, with significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in cross-sectional area (CSA) of triceps brachii and isometric strength. The CSA increased significantly greater after PRE (48.7 ± 14.5%) than after FRE (28.2 ± 10.9%). Furthermore, during the PRE program, a positive correlation was detected between the percent increase in CSA and area under the Oxy-Hb curves before and after 8-week exercise training (before 8-week exercise training: r = 0.59, after 8-week exercise training: r = 0.70, p < 0.01). These results suggest that intramuscular hypoxia might facilitate muscular hypertrophy with PRE being more effective than FRE.

PurposeBrown adipose tissue (BAT) contributes to the regulation of non-shivering thermogenesis and adiposity. Increasing BAT has recently attracted much attention as a countermeasure to obesity. Animal studies have shown that prolonged catechin treatment increases uncoupling protein 1, a thermogenic protein in BAT. On the other hand, supportable evidence in human is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether BAT increases after catechin ingestion in humans.MethodsTwenty-two healthy young women were given either a catechin-rich (540 mg/day; catechin) or placebo beverage every day for 12 weeks in a double-blind design. BAT density was measured using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIRTRS), visceral fat area were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and body fat mass using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans.ResultsBAT density was significantly increased (18.8 %), and EMCL was decreased (17.4 %) after the 12-week ingestion. There was a significant negative correlation between the changes in BAT density and those in EMCL (r = −0.66, P < 0.05). There were no notable changes in other parameters.ConclusionsIn conclusion, prolonged ingestion of a catechin-rich beverage increases the BAT density in parallel with a decrease in EMCL.

Our aim was to determine the quantitative effects of a single-dose of Nattokinase (NK) administration on coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters comprehensively in healthy male subjects. A double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over NK intervention study was carried out in 12 healthy young males. Following the baseline blood draw, each subject was randomized to receive either a single-dose of 2,000 FU NK (NSK-SD, Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co., Ltd) or placebo with subsequent cross-over of the groups. Subjects donated blood samples at 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours following administration for analysis of coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters. As a result, D-dimer concentrations at 6, and 8 hours, and blood fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products at 4 hours after NK administration elevated significantly (p < 0.05, respectively). Factor VIII activity declined at 4 and 6 hours (p < 0.05, respectively), blood antithrombin concentration was higher at 2 and 4 hours (p < 0.05, respectively), and the activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged significantly at 2 and 4 hours following NK administration (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). All the changes, however, were within the normal range. In conclusion, thus, a single-dose of NK administration appears enhancing fibrinolysis and anti-coagulation via several different pathways simultaneously.

"Brown adipose tissue density measured by near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy in Japanese, across a wide age range," J. Biomed. Opt. 23(6), 065002 (2018), doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.23.6.065002. Abstract. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) along with computed tomography (CT) is a standard method for assessing brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity. We tested the usefulness of near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIR TRS ) as a simple and noninvasive method for evaluating BAT density (BAT-d) by examining the effects of some factors known to influence BAT activity. The total hemoglobin concentration as a parameter of BAT-d was evaluated using NIR TRS in the supraclavicular region in 413 Japanese individuals. The associations were analyzed between BAT-d and sex, age, the percentages of body fat (%BF), visceral fat (VF), and the seasonal ambient temperature (AmT) fluctuations. Age was associated with decreased BAT-d (P < 0.05). There was no sex difference in the BAT-d, except for those in their twenties. Multivariate analyses revealed that %BF and VF were correlated with BAT-d, and the lower AmT (around 4°C or 5°C) for 4 and 6 weeks prior to the measurement day was associated with an increase in the BAT-d. Our NIR TRS results were analogous to those reported with 18 FDG-PET∕CT, indicating the usefulness of NIR TRS . BAT-d might increase during the 4 and 6 weeks after the AmT decreases to lower than 4°C or 5°C. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) substantially elevates the risk for heart failure, a major cause of death. In advanced T2D, energy metabolism in the heart is disrupted; glucose metabolism is decreased, fatty acids (FA) metabolism is enhanced to maintain ATP production, and cardiac function is impaired. This condition is termed diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The exact cause of DCM is still unknown although altered metabolism is an important component. Although type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, the traditional antidiabetic agents that improve insulin stimulation or sensitivity only partially improve DCM-induced cardiac dysfunction. Recently, sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been identified as potential pharmacological agents to treat DCM. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac energy metabolism in DCM, and the potential effects of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Maslinic acid, derived from olive fruit, reduces pro inflammation cytokines, which are involved in muscle fiber atrophy. Therefore, the maslinic acid ingestion may enhance the muscular response to resistance training through anti inflammatory action. We therefore conducted a parallel, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial that examined whether a combination of maslinic acid supplementation and resistance training improve mobility func tions in community dwelling elderly persons. Over a 12 week period, 36 participants underwent moderate resistance training and are assigned to the maslinic acid supplementation (n = 17, 60 mg/day) or the placebo (n = 19) group. At baseline and at 12 weeks, we assessed body composition, grip strength, walking speed, leg strength, mobility functions, and knee pain scores. Following the 12 weeks, skeletal muscle mass, segmental muscle mass (right arm, left arm, and trunk) and knee pain score of the right leg were significantly improved in the maslinic acid group, while there was no change or parameters had worsened in the placebo group. Grip strength of the better side significantly increased only in the maslinic acid group. These results suggest that maslinic acid supplementation combined with moderate resistance training may increase upper muscle mass and grip strength, and reduce knee pain, could be effective for preventing mobility related disability in elderly persons. Clinical trial registra tion number: UMIN000017207.