[Consultation for the prevention of atherosclerotic diseases]

We have conducted a population-based, long-term trial with the purpose of investigating risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases in a Japanese population, from 1996 (Niigata Study). Through the trial, we have learned what is going on at the initial phase of atherosclerotic diseases. This experience plays an important role in contributing to clinical decision-making. We are engaging ourselves in improving not only diagnoses but also therapies and research relating to atherosclerotic diseases. We are specialized in performing laboratory tests for lipid analysis such as the two-dimensional nondenaturing electrophoresis of lipoproteins, which is exclusively conducted in our laboratory. Three children with the oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe, for example, were confirmed by these lipid analyses and also by gene analyses performed by us. Our potential goal is a regenerative or cellular therapy for patients with vascular insufficiency. We are now conducting basic research for angiogenesis.