Abstract: As a technique enabling to simply and accurately diagnose human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) related disease, there is provided a diagnostic method for an HTLV-1 related disease based on an amount of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) in a blood sample taken from a subject, wherein (1) it is determined based on an increase of the amount of TNFR2 that the subject suffers from, or is likely to develop, the HTLV-1 related disease; and/or (2) it is determined based on a decrease of the amount of TNFR2 that the subject is in remission, or is likely to be in remission, of the HTLV-1 related disease.

Abstract: Provided is a metabolism improving agent that contains, for example, an alkalizing agent such as an acidosis improving agent or a urinary alkalizing agent as an active ingredient, and has actions such as improvement of insulin resistance, improvement of pituitary and adrenal functions, and reduction of visceral fat accumulation.

Abstract: Compositions contain ?-oryzanol and biocompatible particles that incorporate ?-oryzanol inside thereof. The biocompatible particle may contain polylactideglycolide copolymer with a number mean particle size of 2.5 to 1,000 nm or a polyethylene glycol modification thereof. Such compositions are used for improvement of insulin resistance. In addition, such compositions are used for treatment or prevention of diseases selected from the group consisting of obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Compositions contain ?-oryzanol and biocompatible particles that incorporate ?-oryzanol inside thereof. The biocompatible particle may contain polylactideglycolide copolymer with a number mean particle size of 2.5 to 1,000 nm or a polyethylene glycol modification thereof. Such compositions are used for improvement of insulin resistance. In addition, such compositions are used for treatment or prevention of diseases selected from the group consisting of obesity, dystipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating metabolic syndrome by administering bezafibrate. Since bezafibrate suppresses the action of 11?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and also accelerates expression of adiponectin receptor, it is used as an agent for preventing or treating metabolic syndrome.