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DDHD2 has been reported to exhibit phospholipase A1, triacylglycerol (TG) lipase and diacylglycerol (DG) lipase activities. However, the detailed enzymatic properties of DDHD2 have not yet been elucidated. In the current study, the substrate specificity of DDHD2 towards DG, TG and phosphatidic acid (PA) has been examined using highly purified recombinant rat DDHD2 (rDDHD2) with a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer. The k cat/Km value for DG (18:0/20:4) was much higher than those for TG (18:1/18:1/18:1), and PA (18:0/20:4) in the presence of sodium deoxycholate. The enzyme activity of rDDHD2 towards DG (18:0/20:4) was highest among all of the substrates tested. In addition, rDDHD2 was highly specific to DG substrates with a polyunsaturated fatty acid at their sn-2 position. The levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in CHO cells were quantified by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, showing that CHO cells expressing recombinant rDDHD2 contained higher levels of 2-AG when cells were treated with a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, URB602. These results therefore support the idea that DDHD2 functions as a DG lipase in vivo and produces 2-AG.

Supplementation with oxygen is fundamental in rescue and emergency medicine. However, transportation of oxygen cylinders or a rigid hyperbaric chamber requires large work forces. Also, oxygen in a cylinder may be completely consumed during a rescue action. The oxygen concentrators, which enrich the oxygen percentage of ambient air, may free rescuers from carrying heavy oxygen cylinders. In the present study, 2 types of oxygen concentrators were tested in a mountain hut located at an altitude of 3776 m. Oxygen concentration of the generated gas was 28.6% +/- 0.8% with the first machine, which was powered by an internal battery. Arterial oxygen saturation of the volunteers inhaling through the machine increased from the original 79% +/- 6% to 82% +/- 6%. When the machine was used with a semi-closed circuit, the value increased further to 90% +/- 3%. The second concentrator, which was powered by an external electric generator, outputted 90% +/- 2% oxygen. Arterial oxygen saturation of the volunteers increased to 95% +/- 1%. It is concluded that both types of oxygen concentrators were efficient at high altitude.

Diacylglycerol (DG) lipase, which hydrolyses 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycerol to produce an endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, was purified from the soluble fraction of rat brain lysates. DG lipase was purified about 1,200-fold by a sequential column chromatographic procedure. Among proteins identified by mass spectrometry analysis in the partially purified DG lipase sample, only DDHD domain containing two (DDHD2), which was formerly regarded as a phospholipase A1, exhibited significant DG lipase activity. Rat DDHD2 expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells showed similar enzymatic properties to partially purified DG lipase from rat brain. The source of DG lipase activity in rat brain was immunoprecipitated using anti-DDHD2 antibody. Thus, we concluded that the DG lipase activity in the soluble fraction of rat brain is derived from DDHD2. DDHD2 is distributed widely in the rat brain. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that DDHD2 is expressed in hippocampal neurons, but not in glia.

The number of alpine accidents has markedly increased among elderly trekkers in an aging society, Japan. We evaluated the physical condition of 176 trekkers by interview and physical examination on a popular middle altitude mountain. Heart rate, noninvasive blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured using a portable life monitor. It was revealed that more than 70% of the trekkers were over 50. Seventy-five percent of trekkers over 70 had some pre-existing medical problems. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure before the start of trekking, increased with age. However, such age-dependent differences were not apparent at the summit hut. SpO2 values decreased slightly but significantly with age. In conclusion, many elderly people enjoy nonchallenging middle altitude trekking in an aging society. Alpine accidents caused by health problems tend to arise more frequently in this population. Alpine rescue teams should be well-prepared for the alpine accidents of elderly trekkers.

The number of alpine accidents involving older trekkers has increased markedly in developed countries in recent years. More than 76.8% of the trekkers involved in alpine accidents in Japan were older than 40 years, with some experiencing a stroke or myocardial infarction while trekking at altitude. In the present study, we surveyed social trends in trekkers by interview at a popular mountain site, Mt Tanigawa (1963 m in altitude). The total number of trekkers interviewed was 511, and more than 60% of these were older than 40 years. Of trekkers older than 60 years, 42% complained of conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. In 2 volunteer groups (10 younger subjects and 10 older subjects), physical condition was assessed before and after trekking. Significant body weight loss induced by dehydration was observed more often in older subjects than in younger subjects (P < .05). Balance, as measured using the Nintendo WiiFit (Nintendo, Kyoto, Japan), worsened in the older group (P < .05). Local police records for 2009 showed that the total number of alpine accidents was 65. Injuries provoked by stumbling, slipping, and falling accounted for 51% of these, and 82% of casualties were older than 40 years, with 35% being older than 60 years. In conclusion, many older people involved in nonchallenging middle-altitude trekking have problems with regard to overall health and balance. Alpine accidents caused by myocardial infarction, stroke, or hypoglycemia tend to be more common in this population. Alpine rescue teams should be well prepared for this, and older trekkers should be made aware of their increased risk of injury in alpine settings.