Showing papers by "Kouichi Yoshimasu published in 2006"
TL;DR: The low-activity genotype of EPHX1 gene is associated with decreased risk of lung cancer among whites, and this enzyme may act as a phase I enzyme in lung carcinogenesis.
Abstract: Background: Microsomal epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) plays an important role in both the activation and detoxification of tobacco-derived carcinogens. Polymorphisms at exons 3 and 4 of the EPHX1 gene have been reported to be associated with variations in EPHX 1 activity. The aim of this study is to review and summarize the available molecular epidemiologic studies of lung cancer and EPHX1. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Current Contents, and Web of Science databases for studies published before August 2004. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 case-control studies. Summary odds ratios and summary prevalence of the variant allele (genotype) of both polymorphisms in the EPHX1 gene were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird method. Results: The low-activity (variant) genotype of EPHX1 polymorphism at exon 3 was associated with decreased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval = 0.44-0.96) in lung cancer risk among whites. In white populations, the high-activity (variant) genotype of EPHX1 polymorphism at exon 4 was associated with a modest increase in risk of lung cancer (1.22; 0.79-1.90) and the predicted low activity was associated with a modest decrease in risk (0.72; 0.43-1.22). Conclusions: EPHX1 enzyme may act as a phase I enzyme in lung carcinogenesis. The low-activity genotype of EPHX1 gene is associated with decreased risk of lung cancer among whites.
86 citations
TL;DR: Gender differences in psychiatric symptoms related to suicidal ideation (SI) in Japanese patients with depression were examined and low social/family support and depersonalization were statistically significantly associated with SI in men, while depressive moods and an anxiety state were significantly associatedwith SI in women.
Abstract: Recent figures show that more than 30 000 people suicide each year in Japan, and that many of them are considered to suffer from depression. In addition, the suicide rate among Japanese women has been shown to be higher than in other countries. However, it is not clear whether the psychiatric symptoms leading to suicide differ by gender. The authors examined gender differences in psychiatric symptoms related to suicidal ideation (SI) in Japanese patients with depression. Study subjects were 199 new patients (66 men and 133 women) who were diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. SI and psychiatric symptoms were assessed by several psychological tests using questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with an adjustment for all relevant factors simultaneously. The stepwise method was also used for selecting variables. In univariate analysis, several psychosocial factors such as self-reproach, derealization, depressive moods, depersonalization, and anxiety traits were statistically significantly associated with SI in both men and women. However, multivariate analysis using the stepwise method distinguished gender differences. Low social/family support and depersonalization were statistically significantly associated with SI in men, while depressive moods and an anxiety state were significantly associated with SI in women. The relation between derealization and SI was statistically significant in women but not significant in men. Language: en
32 citations
TL;DR: Both insomnia and overall sleep disorders were associated with suicidal ideation independently of depression and anxiety, and Clinicians working in a primary care setting should be cautious when dealing with these sleep disorders which may be signs of suicide.
Abstract: The Japanese suicide rate has been increasing rapidly. This phenomenon may be potentially attributable to the increase in the incidence of several mental disorders such as depression. Sleep disorders are the most frequent physical symptoms observed in depression, and are considered to be common complaints in general medical clinics. The objective of the present study was to assess the relation between suicidal ideation and sleep disorders in the primary care setting in a psychosomatic clinic. Subjects were 231 new outpatients who visited the department of psychosomatic medicine in a university hospital. suicidal ideation, sleep disorders and other confounding factors related to their psychosocial environment were assessed by psychological tests using questionnaires, and by the patient’s chief complaints. Depression and anxiety disorders were assessed using the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval with adjustment for all the relevant factors. In multivariate analysis, both insomnia and overall sleep disorders were statistically significantly or nearly significantly associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation, even after adjusting for depression and anxiety. This trend was clearer in patients without major depressive disorder than in those with a major depressive disorder. Both insomnia and overall sleep disorders were associated with suicidal ideation independently of depression and anxiety. Clinicians working in a primary care setting should therefore be cautious when dealing with these sleep disorders which may be signs of suicide.
10 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Considering that ADHD is a multifactorial disease, a comprehensive therapic strategy involving medication, education, judicature, and administration should be established for primary and secondary prevention.
Abstract: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentiveness and/or impulsiveness and hyperactivity, which are unsuited for the developmental stage or age. Although mechanisms leading to the onset of the disease are unclear, this condition seriously hinders childrens' social or learning functions, and recently it was selected as a target disease for a special supporting education program by the Minitry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, together with learning disorders and high-functioning pervasive developmental disorders in Japan. In spite of the increasing social interest in ADHD, the epidemiological evidence including data for incidence, prevalence, gender differences, and etiology remain insufficient. In Western countries, as represented by the United States, operational diagnostic criteria such as DSM-IV are widely used and several diagnostic processes using structured interviews have been established. However, the diagnostic criteria have not been consistent even within DSM as shown by DSM-IV and DSM-III-R, and therefore basic epidemiological evidence was not consistent in the previous studies. Regarding the etiology of ADHD, exposure to addictive substances during the pregnancy period caused by maternal smoking or drinking, and familial socioeconomic status are considered important environmental factors. In addition, a family history of mental disorders and polymorphisms of dopamine-related genes such as DRD4 or SLC6A3 have been noted as genetic factors concerning the development of ADHD. However, in Japan, no studies of these subjects or gene-environment interactions have so far been performed. Thus, epidemiological assessment of other than Western populations is needed. In the clinical situation, it is important to grasp the timing of treatment and target problems on the basis of changes of children's ability to control their attention or behavior, and environmental factors associated with growth processes. Especially, comorbidity such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder is a critical problem. Thus, considering that ADHD is a multifactorial disease, a comprehensive therapic strategy involving medication, education, judicature, and administration should be established for primary and secondary prevention.
7 citations