• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.264-273
• /
• 2006

Elevated maternal plasma homocysteine concentrations have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Serum homocysteine levels may be affected by the MTHFR genotypes and the nutritional status of B vitamins including vitamin $B_2,\;B_6$, folate and vitamin $B_{12}$. We investigated whether postnatal growth measurements were influenced by maternal MTHFR genotypes and their mid-pregnancy serum vitamin B and homocysteine levels. In 130 pregnant women of 24-28 wks of gestation, the MTHFR genotypes, serum B vitamins and homocysteine concentrations were analyzed. Physical growth status was assessed in their offsprings by measuring height, weight, and head and chest circumferences from birth up to 24 months. Serum homocysteine levels were higher in the subjects with T/T genotype than those with the C/T or C/C. Heights and head and chest circumferences of offsprings from the T/T mothers were significantly lower than those from the C/C or C/T mothers only when the serum homocysteine levels were above the median. The mean height of offsprings from the T/T mothers was significantly lower than those from the C/C and C/T mothers. The mean weight and head circumferences of offsprings born from the mothers whose mid-term pregnancy PLP levels were in the lowest quartile was significantly lower than those from mothers in the highest quartile. Heights and head circumferences of offsprings from the T/T mothers were significantly lower than those from the C/C or C/T mothers only when the serum FAD levels were in the lowest quartile. These results suggest that postnatal growth up to 24 months may be influenced by the maternal C677T MTHFR genotypes, and mid-pregnancy serum homocysteine and vitamin B status.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.36 no.9
• /
• pp.918-923
• /
• 2003

L-theanine Is an amino acid in green tea and has been known to decrease serotonin and increase norepinephrine in rat brains, and also reported to produce mental relaxation, lower blood pressure and improve learning ability in human beings. But, few studies on these effects for human beings have been conducted so far. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of L-theanine on the release of brain alpha waves known to be related with mental relaxation and concentration. Twenty healthy male volunteers aged 18 to 30 years without any Physical and Psychological diseases were recruited through written advertisement. Alpha power values of EEG as a surrogate marker of mental relaxation and concentration were measured in frontal and occipital regions for 40 minutes after administration of four placebo or test tablets and 20 minute resting period. The same procedure crossed over at 7-day intervals. We analyzed average alpha power values in frontal and occipital regions at 10 minute intervals. Repeated ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences of occipital alpha power values between placebo and test groups with high anxiety (p < 0.05). The mean values at 20,30,40,50 and 60 minute intervals were 0.23, 024, 0.28, 0.25 and 0.34 in placebo, respectively and 0.23, 0.29, 0.40, 0.34, and 0.45 in test, respectively. But there were no significant differences of frontal and occipital alpha power values between placebo and test groups with low anxiety (p > 0.05) . The results of this study suggest that L-theanine containing tablets promote the release of alpha waves related to mental relaxation and concentration in young adult males.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.217-224
• /
• 1985

The purpose of this study is to discribe the nutritional status between female collegians on normal diet and lacto-ovo-vegetarian in the child bearing age. Physical examination, hematological parameters(hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, serum albumin)and nutrient intake by dietary survey were carried out on each subject. Serum zinc, iron and copper concentrations were also determined. The results are summarized as follows : 1) Students on normal diet had higher values than lacto-ovo-vegetarian students in the height, weight, and skinfold thickness. 2) Hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin values of the two groups showed no difference. But students on normal diet were higher in the serum irom and copper values than lacto-ovo-vegetarian students. 3) Serum zinc values differed significantly between the vegetarians and non vegetarians (Vegetarians') > non vegetarians') 4) On the nutrient intake of two groups, students on normal diet were higher than lacto-ovo-vegetarian students in the protein but students on normal diet were lower than lacto-ovo-vegetarian students in iron, vitamin A, $vitamin\;B_{2}$, vitamin C and crude fiber. 5) Intakes of calories and protein in the two groups were lower than RDA but Ca, vitamin A, $vitamin\;B_{1}$, $vitamin\;B_{2}$ niacin and vitamin C intakes of the two groups was higher than RDA. 6) Amounts of iron absorbed showed no difference in the two groups. But iron absorption rate was higher in students on normal diet than lacto-ovo-vegetarian students.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.58 no.3
• /
• pp.231-235
• /
• 2015

Objective : Degenerative changes in the cervical spine are commonly accompanied by cervical kyphosis which can cause neck pain. This study examined the relationship between neck pain and cervical alignment. Methods : A total of 323 female nursing staff from our hospital were enrolled. Sagittal radiographs of the cervical spine, Body Mass Index (BMI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measures of neck and arm pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36 scores) were obtained and reviewed retrospectively. Global lordosis (GL) of the cervical spine was measured on radiograph images. Correlations between GL and questionnaire scores were investigated using the following three methods : 1) correlation between GL and questionnaire scores among the entire sample; 2) subgroup analysis of patients with "kyphosis (KYP) : GL scores<0" vs. those with "lordosis (LOR) : GL scores>0" on questionnaire measures; and 3) subgroup analysis of patients with pain vs. those without pain, on GL and questionnaire measures. Results : There was no significant correlation between GL and any questionnaire measure. There was a significant difference between the mean GLs of the KYP and LOR groups, but there were no group differences in BMI, age or any questionnaire measures. There was no difference between the pain (n=92) and pain-free (n=231) groups in age, BMI or GL, but there were differences in neck, and arm pain, and physical function and NDI scores. Conclusions : Our data suggest that kyphotic deformity was not associated with neck pain.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.206-211
• /
• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity, which is a known risk factor for many chronic diseases, has also been associated with vitamin D deficiency. This study explored the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and adiposity measures in a general Korean population using the most recent, nationally representative survey data. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study sample consisted of 4,771 Korean adults (${\geq}19years$) who participated in the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Serum 25(OH)D was determined by radioimmunoassay. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and total body fat content were measured as adiposity measurements. Total body fat content was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in men than in women. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was positively correlated with energy intake, and it was negatively correlated with total body fat content (P < 0.0001) and percentage body fat (P < 0.0001) after adjustment for age in both sexes, while was inversely correlated with BMI only in women. In multivariable regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with the total body fat content after adjustment for age, BMI, education, region, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and energy intake only in men (P = 0.0047). However, the serum 25(OH)D concentration was not associated with WC or BMI, indicators of adiposity after adjustment for potential risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D concentration was independently associated with the total body fat content in a general Korean population, but it may be not associated with the indicators for estimating adiposity, such as WC or BMI.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.180-189
• /
• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recent living condition improvements, changes in dietary habits, and reductions in physical activity are contributing to an increase in metabolic syndrome symptoms including diabetes and obesity. Through such societal developments, humankind is continuously exposed to metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and the number of the victims is increasing. This study investigated Cordyceps militaris water extract (CMW)-induced glucose uptake in HepG2 cells and the effect of CMW treatment on glucose metabolism. MATERIALS/METHODS: Colorimetric assay kits were used to determine the glucokinase (GK) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activities, glucose uptake, and glycogen content. Either RT-PCR or western blot analysis was performed for quantitation of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha ($HNF-1{\alpha}$), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3k), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, GK, PDH, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta ($GSK-3{\beta}$) expression levels. The ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activities of acarbose and CMW were evaluated by absorbance measurement. RESULTS: CMW induced glucose uptake in HepG2 cells by increasing GLUT2 through $HNF-1{\alpha}$ expression stimulation. Glucose in the cells increased the CMW-induced phosphorylation of AMPK. In turn, glycolysis was stimulated, and glyconeogenesis was inhibited. Furthermore, by studying the mechanism of action of PI3k, Akt, and $GSK-3{\beta}$, and measuring glycogen content, the study confirmed that the glucose was stored in the liver as glycogen. Finally, CMW resulted in a higher level of ${\alpha}-glucosidase$ inhibitory activity than that from acarbose. CONCLUSION: CMW induced the uptake of glucose into HepG2 cells, as well, it induced metabolism of the absorbed glucose. It is concluded that CMW is a candidate or potential use in diabetes prevention and treatment.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.160-166
• /
• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The obese population is rapidly increasing because of reduced physical activity and a Westernized diet; consequently, various chronic diseases are more prevalent. With the increasing interest in body shape and appearance, research on body shape perceptions and accompanying weight control behaviors are needed for healthy weight management. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on randomly selected 536 (209 men and 327 women) aged 20 to 65 years. Body mass index (BMI), body-shape perception, weight control behavior, quality of sleep, and place of residence were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted using complex design in each groups. Collected data were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, and the significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: When these two variables were divided into four groups, they were found to influence dieting attempts. People with abnormal weights who were dissatisfied with their body shapes attempted dieting 5.23 times more than those with healthy weights and satisfaction with their body shapes. Further, those with normal weights but dissatisfaction with their bodies attempted dieting 4.45 times more than those who were satisfied with their shapes. Subjects in their 20s attempted dieting 2.53 times more than those in their 30s and 40s, and female subjects attempted dieting 2.24 times more than male subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A correct perception of one's shape can be an important factor for dietary behavior, as body shape perceptions and dieting attempts are strongly related. Additionally, healthy weight management and nutrition education are important elements to incorporate into a weight control program aimed at preventing excessive weight control behaviors and promoting correct perceptions of body shape.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.3 s.71
• /
• pp.23-36
• /
• 2007

Objective : To poll oriental medical doctors on their opinions about the necessity of standard medical charts and of detailed items in their development. Currently, oriental medical institutions use their own medical charts, but a standard medical chart is necessary for medical information sharing. Methods : Report by 912 of the 10,490 oriental medical doctors surveyed on their general aspects, actual conditions, and requirements. Results : The oriental medical doctors surveyed who worked in oriental medicine clinics, oriental medicine hospitals, and public health centers said medical examination programs should consist of chief complaints (said by 814 respondents or 89.25%), history (792 or 86.84%), ordinal symptoms (753 or 82.57%), diet (727 or 79.71%), emotions and overstrain (654 or 71.71%), side effects and allergies (622 or 68.20%), improvement of symptoms (605 or 66.34%), a questionnaire on particular diseases (558 or 61.18%), social aspects (523 or 57.35%), a physical examination (520 or 57.02%), a questionnaire on syndrome differentiation (514 or 56.36%), diagnosis using medical devices and laboratory tests (471 or 51.64%), and Sasang constitution (357 or 39.14%). Ninety-one percent of the respondents said they intended to use a standard chart, and 82.19% agreed to share patient information with medical institutions. Conclusions : Over 90 percent of the oriental medical doctors surveyed said they need a standard medical examination program. Oriental medical examination items that correspond with the opinions of the oriental medical doctors surveyed and of experts will thus be developed, and the draft chart will be distributed to oriental medical institutions with the developed medical forms and electronic medical chart.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.41-50
• /
• 2018

Objectives: The study is aimed to utilize Taesikbub and Lung-doyinbub described in "Dong-Ui-Bo-Gam" as a Korean Traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise. Methods: We preliminary researched pulmonary rehabilitation exercise using domestic and international databases and old literatures of Korean Medicine. Then made a draft of Korean Traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise based on "Dong-Ui-Bo-Gam". After organizing expert group for verifying the draft of the exercise, we developed the final Korean Traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise. Results: The Korean Traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise is composed of 5 actions including breathing method, flexibility exercise, percussion and hitting teeth. This exercise is recommended twice a day for at least 5 days per week under the supervision of specialist. It is expected to improve physical activity, dyspnea, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as well as psychiatric symptoms by breathing deep and slow and exercising the thorax and upper limb muscles. Conclusion: Taesikbub, Lung-doyinbub in "Dong-Ui-Bo-Gam" may be suggested as a better pulmonary rehabilitation exercise for patients of chronic lung disease.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.346-355
• /
• 2014

The study was undertaken to identify college freshmen' depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms and clarify college life characteristics influencing it. The study was a descriptive study with 300 freshmen from H university. Data were collected from April 22 to 26, 2013 using a structured self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression. As a result, first, the mean scores of the subjects were 2.33 in depression, 1.94 in anxiety, and 1.63 in somatic symptoms. Their depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms were higher as their sex and perceived self-efficacy. Second, college life characteristics explained 46.1% of variance in depression and 26.3% of variance in anxiety. college life characteristics, depression and anxiety explained 35.8% of variance in somatic symptoms among freshmen. These results will be used for developing programs to increase mental and physical health and to adapt in college life for freshmen.