Serum biomarkers to predict hemorrhagic transformation and ischemic stroke outcomes in a prospective cohort study

Ischemic stroke (IS) remains one of the most frequent causes of death and disability worldwide. Identifying possible prognosis factors for IS outcomes, including hemorrhagic transformation (HT), could improve patients' recovery. This study aimed to investigate the potential prognosis role of non-specific laboratory data at admission and baseline MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels in predicting HT risk, discharge, and 3-month follow-up status of IS patients. Data from 150 successive acute cerebral infarction patients were analyzed in a prospective cohort study. The active group included patients who developed HT during hospitalization (55 persons). There were no significant differences in age, gender distribution, time to admission, or time to blood sample collection for MMPs measurement between patients in the active and control groups. IS patients from the active group had a significantly higher rate of AF (atrial fibrillation) in the past (p=0.003), while differences in other factors such as diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, previous stroke, obesity, smoking, and alcohol were not significant. Admission NIHSS score and mRS (modified Rankin Scale) values (at discharge and 90 days) were significantly worse in the active group (p<0.001). Among the analyzed admission laboratory factors (glycemia, lipid profile, coagulation panel, inflammatory reaction parameters, MMP-2, MMP-9), INR presented an inverse correlation, with lower values in the HT cohort (univariate analysis - p=0.01, OR=0.11; multivariate analysis - p=0.03, OR=0.09). Further research on larger cohorts is warranted to determine the specific laboratory biomarkers for predicting hemorrhagic transformation and ischemic stroke outcomes.

Development of functional agricultural products utilizing the new health claim labeling system in Japan

In April 2015, Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan launched a new food labeling system known as "Foods with Function Claims (FFC)." Under this system, the food industry independently evaluates scientific evidence on foods and describes their functional properties. As of May 23, 2017, 1023 FFC containing 8 fresh foods have been launched. Meanwhile, to clarify the health-promoting effects of agricultural products, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) implemented the "Research Project on Development of Agricultural Products" and demonstrated the risk reduction of osteoporosis of β-cryptoxanthin rich Satsuma mandarins and the anti-allergic effect of the O-methylated catechin rich tea cultivar Benifuuki. These foods were subsequently released as FFC. Moreover, NARO elucidated the health-promoting effects of various functional agricultural products (β-glucan rich barley, β-conglycinin rich soybean, quercetin rich onion, etc.) and a healthy boxed lunch. This review focuses on new food labeling system or research examining functional aspects of agricultural products.