• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.423-428
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• 2009

Selenium was investigated using human origin preadipocytes to see whether it possesses preventive or therapeutic effects for obesity. Unveiling the potential of selenium in the reduction of adipogenesis can help predict the therapeutic capabilities of selenium in obesity. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of adipogenesis by selenium was explored to unravel the involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase. There is emerging evidence that AMPK, a sensor of cellular energy status, is a possible molecular target of controlling adipocyte differentiation on the basis of discovery that AMPK is responsible for the major metabolic responses to exercise, and integration of nutritional and hormonal signals to modulate feeding behavior or energy expenditure in the hypothalamus. Treatment of selenium resulted in inhibition of the adipocyte differentiation process and induction of mature apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We hypothesized that selenium may exert anti-adipogenic potential though modulating AMPK. We have found that selenium significantly activated AMPK and phosphorylated its substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase ($ACC-serine^{79}$) during the inhibitory process of adipocytes. Also, the inhibition process of adipocyte differentiation by selenium was comparable to either reveratrol or a synthetic AMPK activator, AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-${\beta}$-D-ribofuranoside). To evaluate the involvement of AMPK in anti-lipogensis, we applied AICAR and Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, to 3T3-L1-adipocytes and found that AMPK is required for the adipocyte differentiation blocking process. These results suggest that selenium has a potential to control adipogenesis and that this effect is mediated by AMPK, an essential kinase for both inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis of mature adipocytes.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.152-157
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• 2007

In an attempt to develop functional salts having beneficial health effects, we experimentally prepared three functional salts by fortification with soluble seaweed minerals (Hizikia mineral salt, HMS), fucoidan (fucoidan salt, FS) and laver extracts (laver salt, LS). To characterize the functional salts, their physicochemical properties and in vitro functionalities, such as pH, color, mineral composition, solubility, oxidation-reduction potential, sensory properties, angiotesin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, and bile acid binding capacity were investigated. The functional salts revealed slightly lower NaCl concentrations, but showed a variety of pH values compared with conventional table salt. The pH values of HMS, FS, and LS were 11.3, 6.8, and 6.5, respectively. The oxidation-reduction potentials (ORP) of the functional salts varied from -229 mV to 38 mV, significantly lower than refined salt. The functional salts were significantly darker in color than refined salt, and the mineral composition of HMS was considerably enriched compared to refined salt, particularly in potassium ion. As a result of the sensory evaluation, FS and LS were comparatively palatable in saltiness, pungency, bitterness, and overall acceptance compared with refined salt. It was also found that one functional salt had ACE inhibitory activity (54.8% in LS) and another had bile acid binding capacity (80.7% in FS).

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.33-45
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• 2009

Objectives This study was performed to evaluate the relation between hair tissue mineral elements(HTME) and Heart rate variability(HRV) of the metabolic syndrome(MS). Methods 89 persons(41-69 ages) who visited Oriental hospital for medical examination were divided MS group(n=22) and control group(n=67). HTME and HRV were compared, and were analyzed correlation with five contents of the MS. Results (1) In total subjects, waist circumference had a positive correlation with Pb. Blood pressure had a negative correlation with Mg. High density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-chol) had a negative correlation with Pb, Sb and K, while positive correlation with Ca/K. Triglyceride(TG) had a negative correlation with Mg and Na/K, while positive correlation with K and Ca/Mg. (2) In total subjects, TG and fasting blood sugar(FBS) had negative correlation with high frequency(HF), while positive correlation with low frequency/high frequency ratio(LF/HF). (3) In MS group, most of the level of toxic minerals were higher, and the level of major nutritional minerals were lower, but there were no statistical signficance. In two groups, there is no contrast between the correlations of the MS contents and HTME. (4) In MS group, HF was significantly lower and LF/HF was higher than normal group. LF/HF had a negative correlation with waist circumference in MS group, while positive correlation in normal group. (5) In total subjects, TP had a positive correlation with Mg. In two groups, there is no contrast between the correlations of the MS contents and HRV. However LF/HF had a positive correlation with Na in MS group, TP and LF had negative correlation with Ca, while RMSSD and HF had negative correlation with Cu in normal group. Conclusion These results may suggest that HTME and HRV are useful in diagnosing and preventing the metabolic syndrome.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.99-108
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• 2013

Kefir is a unique fermented dairy product resulting from combined lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation of lactose in milk. Kefir is produced by the microbial activity of kefir grains. Kefir has numerous health benefits such as the reduction of cholesterol levels, stimulation of the immune system, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties, and improvements of lactose intolerance. Furthermore, kefir is excellent as both a dietetic beverage and for protection against various diseases in small babies. Therefore, kefir has recently been regarded as an important functional dairy food. To date, the majority of research on kefir has focused on the applications of functional kefir using advanced biotechnology methods. The purpose of this review article is to facilitate the recognition of kefir as a novel functional food.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.369-378
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• 2019

This study aimed to compare the quality characteristics of carrot juice based on different extraction methods such as centrifugation, single gear, and twin gear methods. Juice quality was evaluated based on extraction yield, nutritional components, and cloud stability. Twin gear extraction resulted in the highest extraction yield, and the highest mineral content. In addtion, ${\beta}$-carotene level higher than the recommended daily intake was obtained only in the carrot juice prepared using twin gear extraction of 100 g carrots. The minimum particle size was observed in twin gear extraction, followed by single gear extraction and centrifugation method. Therefore, twin gear extraction was selected as the optimal method, and changes in the antioxidant and metabolic activity of carrot juice were investigated using this method. Consequently, the carrot juice showed a higher lipid peroxidation inhibition rate than ${\alpha}$-tocopherol (1 mg/mL), and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was increased upon digestion.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.574-585
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• 2023

Sarcopenia is a leading cause of increased medical and nursing care costs among the elderly. In Korea, preventive measures for sarcopenia are mostly targeted toward the general elderly population without specific diseases. However, it is also necessary to implement measures for elderly individuals living in nursing homes and hospitals, where the prevalence of sarcopenia is high. Currently, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are considered standard diagnostic tools. However, their complexity and time-consuming nature make them unsuitable for clinical use. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia are unclear, as they involve various molecular biological pathways, including decreased exercise, protein and nutrient intake, changes in testosterone and growth hormone, and inflammation. Sarcopenia symptoms can lead to several diseases, such as osteoporosis, fractures, dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B deficiency is a significant factor in sarcopenia induction, with B vitamins being directly involved in energy and protein metabolism and nerve function. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to neuromuscular and neurogenic disorders, which often overlap with sarcopenia. Suboptimal intake of B vitamins, malabsorption, and anorexia are common among the elderly. This study aims to provide information on the role of water-soluble B vitamins in preventing and controlling muscle mass loss and deterioration among the elderly with sarcopenia. In addition, we discuss the potential of myokines from the B vitamin family in modulating sarcopenia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.950-956
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• 2012

Salicornia herbacea L. is an annual herb that grows in salt marshes and salt fields along the seashores. It is also commonly used as a folk remedy in Korea. The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of Salicorrnia herbacea L. (SH) hot water extract on obesity. Five-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were divided into two groups and provided either a normal fat diet (11.5% fat from kcal) or a high fat diet (40.5% fat from kcal) for 6 weeks to induce obesity. Then, rats were blocked into six groups of six mice each and provided either a diet containing SH (0.5% of diet; g/kg) or a normal diet for another 6 weeks. Final body weights were significantly reduced when rats were fed SH among the high fat diet groups (HNS and HHS). Serum triglyceride concentrations significantly decreased in every group provided SH. HDL-cholesterol concentrations significantly increased in SH-fed groups among the high fat diet groups. Further, atherogenic index significantly decreased when rats were fed SH diet (HHS). There were no differences in LDL-cholesterol between the high fat diet groups, and glucose concentrations decreased when rats were fed SH diet (HNS). These results indicate that dietary intake of Salicornia herbacea L. hot water extract might have beneficial effects on obesity by reducing body weight, fat weights, and improving blood lipid profile.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.219-227
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• 2009

The antifatigue and endurance promoting properties of two Korean medicinal herb extracts and molasses with various mineral components were studied by evaluating forced-swimming capacity and biochemical parameters in ICR mice. The treatment groups were orally administered mineral beverages which were contained 6% sugar with the mixture of Maesil (Prunus mume fruit) extracts, Omija (Schisandra chinensis fruit) extracts and molasses for 4 weeks. The exercised forced-swimming tests were conducted after 28 days of beverage supplementation. The swimming times to exhaustion were longer 1.5${\sim}$2 times in group 6 and group 10 than control goup (Control: 93.2${\pm}$10.4 sec; Beverage 6; 190.8${\pm}$25.6 sec, Beverage 10; 173.6${\pm}$21.8 sec; p<0.05). Moreover, the activity of hexokinase (Control: 5.23${\pm}$0.38 ${\mu}mol$l/g tissue; Beverage 6: 5.99${\pm}$0.18 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, Beverage 10: 6.13${\pm}$0.25 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, p<0.05) and citrate synthase (control: 42.9${\pm}$1.87 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue; Beverage 6: 56.8${\pm}$3.98 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, Beverage 10; 59.5${\pm}$3.09 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, p<0.05) were also significantly higher than those of control group. Even if the treatment groups had long swimming than control group, there is no significant difference in the glycogen contents of gastrocnemus muscle or liver between the control group and each treatment group. This demonstrated an improvement in endurance. These results suggest that reported herbal beverage is very effective to combat fatigue, improve endurance and increase overall physical activity.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.361-366
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• 2013

This research was performed to investigate the effect of Agarum cribrosum ethanol extracts on the levels of lipids in the serum of rats fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. Experimental groups were divided into basal diet only (BDG), high fat diet control (HFDCG), high-fat diet and 5% Agarum cribrosum ethanol extract powder (HF5S), and high-fat diet and 10% Agarum cribrosum ethanol extract powder(HF10S) groups. The levels of hematological variables were not significantly different among the four groups. Compared with the control group's serum total cholesterol level of 89.14 mg/dL, the levels of the HF5S and HF10S groups were significantly lowered to 77.26 and 75.47 mg/dL, respectively. Compared with the control group's LDL-cholesterol leve of 27.41 mg/dL, the LDL-cholesterol levels of the HF5S and HF10S groups were significantly lowered to 20.64 and 20.17 mg/dL, respectively. Also, compared to the control group's serum triglyceride level of 98.36 mg/dL, the triglyceride levels of the HF5S and HF10S groups were significantly lowered to 87.94 and 87.39 mg/dL, respectively. These results indicate that dietary intake of Agarum cribrosum ethanol extracts might have beneficial effects on obesity by reducing body weight and improving blood lipid profile.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.195-201
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• 2014

Body fluid has been studied for diverse fields like Ringer's solutions, artificial joint fluids, cell growth culture media because it plays a crucial role in controlling body temperature and acts as a solvent for diverse metabolite processes in the body and delivery media of mineral, energy source, hormone, signal and drug from and to cell via blood or lymphatic vessel by osmotic pressure or active uptake. Stratum corneum containing extracellular lipids and NMF (natural moisturizing factor) absorbs atmospheric water residing outside of cells and utilize it to hydrate inside of their own. This process is related to skin barrier function. In this study, we conducted the cell viability test with Cell Bio Fluid $Sync^{TM}$, which mimicks body fluids including amino acids, peptides, and monosaccharides to strengthen skin barrier, and the clinical skin improvement test with cosmetics containing Cell Bio Fluid $Sync^{TM}$. In the cell viability test, HaCaT cell was treated with PBS for 3 hours, followed by the treatment of a cell culture medium (DMEM) and isotonic solution (PBS) and Cell Bio Fluid $Sync^{TM}$ for 3 hours each. Then, MTT assay and image analysis were conducted. In the clinical skin improvement test, twenty-one healthy women participated. Participants applied cosmetics containing Cell Bio Fluid $Sync^{TM}$ on their face for a week and evaluated the skin hydration, skin roughness, brightness and evenness. All measurements were conducted after they washed off their face and took a rest under the constant temperature ($22{\pm}2^{\circ}C$) and constant humidity conditions ($50{\pm}5%$) for 20 minutes. All the data were analyzed by SPSS (version 21) software program. Results showed that Cell Bio Fluid $Sync^{TM}$ improved both the cell viability and in vivo skin conditions such as skin hydration, roughness, brightness and evenness.