• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.8
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• pp.767-773
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• 2007

Purpose : Obesity has become a pandemic and especially the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased remarkably over the past years. Childhood obesity is often accompanied by the expected morbidities such as hyperlipidemia, fatty liver and glucose intolerance. We evaluated the pattern of alteration in the body mass index (BMI), serum adiponectin concentration, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and complication rates after one year follow-up. Methods : Forty two obese children (age: 8-15 years, 95th percentile of BMI for age and sex) were examined twice annually on June, 2004 and July, 2005. The body mass index (BMI) and sexual maturityrating (SMR) were determined annually by the same examiner and serum fasting glucose, liver enzyme, lipid profiles, adiponectin, insulin and HOMA-IR were measured and annual results were compared. Upper abdominal sonography was performed to detect fatty liver. Results : BMI ($25.3{\pm}2.9kg/m^2$ vs. $26.0{\pm}2.9kg/m^2$) and HOMA-IR ($3.6{\pm}1.8$ vs. $4.7{\pm}1.9$) have increased significantly after one-year follow-up. The serum adiponectin concentration ($17.2{\pm}5.2g/mL$ vs. $12.6{\pm}5.2g/mL$) has decreased after one year. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia and fatty liver were not changed significantly but that of hyperinsulinemia increased after one-year. HOMA-IR showed a positive correlation with BMI and SMR, but was negatively correlated with serum adiponectin concentration. Conclusion : Obese children in our study showed significant increment of insulin resistance during one year. These results suggest that well-organized and continuous obesity control is required especially for obese adolescent to prevent complication of obesity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.292-302
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• 2011

Adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin and resistin) are known to play a major role in development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and intervention program is effective in reducing CVD risk factors. However, intervention program to improve the CVD risk factors including adipocytokines has been less studied. This study investigated the effects of 12-weeks worksite intervention program on cardiovascular risk factors, adipocytokines and nutrients intakes in industrial workers. 157 industrial male workers (32 metabolic syndrome (MS) subjects, 125 healthy subjects using age-matched stratified random sampling) received 5 face-to-face counseling based on their health profiles. Anthropometry, biochemical parameters and nutrients intakes were measured. The diagnosis of MS was adapted from modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (2001) and Asia-Pacific definition criteria (2000) for waist circumference (WC). After the intervention program, WC, BMI, SBP, insulin, leptin and intakes of total energy and fiber were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while adiponectin was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in MS subjects. The WC, BMI, SBP, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol, HbA1c, leptin and intakes of total energy, protein and fat were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and adiponectin was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in normal subjects. Multiple linear regression revealed that adiponectin was positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.01). Leptin was positively correlated with WC (p < 0.01), and resistin was positively correlated with HbA1c (p < 0.05) and intakes of total energy (p < 0.05), and negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05). The results of the 12 weeks intervention showed a positive impact on adipocytokines and nutrients intakes of industrial workers to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Further research is needed to verify a tailored long-term worksite intervention program including adipocytokines as a protective factor for the CVD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2015

Purpose: There is a fair amount of evidence indicating that increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance is associated with postmenopausal state, but can be modulated by diet and exercise. In this study, we explored whether a Pueraria lobata root-based supplement containing Rehmannia glutinosa (PR) and/or aerobic treadmill exercise can modify the metabolic changes associated with estrogen deficiency. Methods: Seventy rats were randomly assigned to the following groups for 8 weeks (n=10 per group): SHAM, sham-operated; PR0, ovariectomized (OVX) control; PR200, OVX with PR200 mg/kg B.W; PR400, OVX with PR400 mg/kg B.W; EPR0, OVX with exercise; EPR200, OVX with exercise and PR200 mg/kg B.W; EPR400, OVX with exercise and PR400 mg/kg B.W. Results: OVX induced significant increases in body weight, food intake, fat mass, LDL-cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose, confirming induction of menopausal symptoms. PR supplementation or exercise significantly suppressed the above mentioned changes through different regulatory elements in adipose tissue: PR supplement upregulated adiponectin gene expression and aerobic exercise upregulated adiponectin and insulin receptor gene expression and a combination of PR supplement and aerobic exercise showed an additive effect on adiponectin gene expression. Conclusion: Taken together, the results of this study suggest that PR supplement has a potential to provide health benefits in OVX rats through leptin and adiponectin secretion. In addition, the data suggest that combination of exercise and PR would have additive effects on metabolic dysfunction associated with estrogen deficiency.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2014

This study aimed to identify changes in the level of neuropeptides among current smokers, former smokers, and individuals who had never smoked, and how smoking habits affect obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Neuropeptide levels, anthropometric parameters, and metabolic syndrome diagnostic indices were determined among male workers; 117 of these had never smoked, whereas 58 and 198 were former and current smokers, respectively. The total sample comprised 373 male workers. The results obtained from anthropometric measurements showed that current smokers attained significantly lower body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and abdominal fat thickness values than former smokers and those who had never smoked. Current smokers' eating habits proved worse than those of non-smokers and individuals who had never smoked. The level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the neuropeptides in the case of former smokers was $23.6{\pm}9.2pg/ml$, higher than that of current smokers ($20.4{\pm}6.1$) and individuals who had never smoked ($22.4{\pm}5.8$) (F = 6.520, p = 0.002). The level of adiponectin among former smokers was somewhat lower than that of current smokers, whereas leptin levels were higher among former smokers than current smokers; these results were not statistically significant. A relationship was found between adiponectin and triglyceride among non-smokers (odds ratio = 0.660, ${\beta}$ value=-0.416, p < 0.01) and smokers (odds ratio = 0.827, ${\beta}$ value=-0.190, p < 0.05). Further, waist circumference among non-smokers (odds ratio = 1.622, ${\beta}$ value=0.483, p < 0.001) and smokers (odds ratio = 1.895, ${\beta}$ value=0.639, p < 0.001) was associated with leptin. It was concluded that cigarette smoking leads to an imbalance of energy expenditure and appetite by changing the concentration of neuropeptides such as adiponectin, BDNF, leptin, and hsCRP, and influences food intake, body weight, the body mass index, blood pressure, and abdominal fat, which are risk factors for MetS and cardiovascular disease.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.411-419
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• 2016

Purpose: Dysregulation of adipokines caused by excess adipose tissue has been implicated in the development of obesity-related metabolic diseases. This study evaluated the effects of mugwort (Artemisia princeps Pampanini) ethanol extract on lipid metabolic changes, insulin resistance, adipokine balance, and body fat reduction in obese rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control diet (NC), high-fat diet (HF, 40% kcal from fat), or high-fat diet with 1% mugwort extract (HFM) for 6 weeks. Results: Epididymal and retroperitoneal fat mass increased in the HF group compared with the NC group, and epididymal fat mass was reduced in the HFM group (p < 0.05). No difference was observed in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) among the groups. However, triglyceride (TG), TG/HDL-C ratio, and TC/HDL-C ratio increased in the HF group and significantly decreased in the HFM group. TG and TC levels in the liver were significantly higher in the HF group, whereas these levels were significantly reduced in the HFM group. HF rats had lower insulin sensitivity as indicated by increased homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value. HOMA-IR values significantly decreased in the HFM group. Adiponectin levels were higher in NC rats, and their leptin and PAI-1 levels were lower. Relative balance of adipokines was reversed in the HF group, with lower adiponectin levels but higher leptin and PAI-1 levels. In contrast, the HFM group maintained balance of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/PAI-1 levels similar to NC by reducing leptin and PAI-1 levels. Conclusion: Overall data indicated that mugwort extract can be effective in alleviating metabolic dislipidemia, insulin resistance, and adipokine dysregulation induced by a high-fat diet.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investgate combined effects of L-carnitine supplementation and exercise on body composition, serum lipids and adiponectin in obese high school female students. Eighteen female students with 35% fat in body weight participated in the study. Students were randomly divided into the following three groups; exercise and L-carnitine supplementation group (ELG: n=5), exercise group (EG: n=6) and control group (CG: n=7), each with seven students. They underwent 10 weeks of exercise (50 min/day, 5 times/wk, 10 wk, RPE 11~16). ELG was given L-carnitine (1 g/day), EG and CG were given placebos. Before and after this period, body composition, serum lipids and adiponectin in plasma were measured. The results of the study in the three groups were as follows: Fat mass and %BF were significantly decreased in ELG. On the other hand, free fat mass was significantly increased in ELG, however, other groups showed no changes. Total cholesterol was significantly increased in the control group. High density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were not different in the three groups. Triglyceride was significantly decreased in ELG. Adiponectin was significantly increased in ELG. This study demonstrated that exercise and carnitine supplementation have a positive effect on fat mass, %BF, free fat mass and adiponetin. Thus, we can improve proper dietary and training programs for obese students.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.149-156
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• 2011

Purpose: Globular adiponectin (gAd) is a type of adipocytokine, which is mainly produced by adipose tissue. It has been reported that gAd acts as a pro- as well as an anti-inflammatory factor. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 are pro-inflammatory cytokines. To investigate the role of gAd on periodontal tissues, the expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and the effect of gAd on the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 were investigated in periodontal ligament (PDL) and gingival fibroblasts. Methods: PDL and gingival fibroblasts were cultured from human periodontal tissues. gAd derived from Escherichia coli and murine myeloma cells were used. The expression of AdipoR1 was estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot The expression of cytokines was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: PDL and gingival fibroblasts expressed both mRNA and protein of AdipoR1. gAd derived from E. coli increased the production of IL-6 and IL-8, but polymyxin B, an inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), inhibited IL-6 and IL-8 production induced by gAd in both types of cells. gAd derived from murine myeloma cells did not induce IL-6 and IL-8 production in those cells. gAd derived from E. coli contained higher levels of LPS than gAd derived from murine myeloma cells. LPS increased production of IL-6 and IL-8 in PDL and gingival fibroblasts, but pretreatment of cells with gAd derived from murine myeloma cells did not inhibit LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PDL and gingival fibroblasts express AdipoR1 and that gAd does not act as a modulator of IL-6 and IL-8 expression in PDL and gingival fibroblasts.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.203-210
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• 2016

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a well-known natural product with anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects. We evaluated the antifatigue effect of KRG in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Eighty patients with NAFLD were prospectively randomized to receive 3 wk of KRG or placebo in addition to counseling on healthy eating and regular exercise. Liver function test, proinflammatory cytokines, adiponectin, antioxidant activity, and fatigue score were measured and compared according to the body mass index between the KRG and placebo groups. Results: The liver function tests were significantly improved after 3 wk of treatment in both groups. The mean levels (at baseline and after treatment) of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ were $108.0pg/mL{\pm}54.8pg/mL$ and $92.7pg/mL{\pm}39.0pg/mL$ (p = 0.018) in the KRG group and $123.1pg/mL{\pm}42.1pg/mL$ and $127.5pg/mL{\pm}62.2pg/mL$ (p = 0.694) in the placebo group, respectively. There was a significant difference in change of adiponectin levels between the KRG ($7,751.2pg/mL{\pm}3,108.1pg/mL$ and $8,197.3pg/mL{\pm}2,714.5pg/mL$) and placebo groups ($7,711.6pg/mL{\pm}3,041.3pg/mL$ and $7,286.1pg/mL{\pm}5,188.7pg/mL$, p = 0.027). In patients with overweight, the fatigue score was significantly decreased in the KRG group ($35.0{\pm}13.2$ and $24.5{\pm}8.9$, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Our results show that KRG might be effective in reducing proinflammatory cytokine and fatigue in overweight patients with NAFLD, in addition to improvements in adiponectin levels.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1605-1610
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined exercise program and garlic pill intake on Body Composition, CRP and Adiponectin in obese high school male students. Twenty-one male students in city B volunteered to participate, and the signed consents were received before the study. Experimental groups were garlic pill intake with combined exercise group (n=7), combined exercise group (n=7), control group (n=7). The total experimental period was 16 weeks. The combined exercise group exercised 3 times a week for 16 weeks with intensity of RPE 7~15. Each exercise was 70 minutes long. A 5 g garlic pill was consumed after lunch and dinner every day. For statistics, two-way repeated test within the group was conducted through SPSS 12.0; for post-examination, Scheffe was utilized; and for inter-group examination, a paired t-test was used. The conclusions of this study are as follows. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significant decrease in %body fat. Within each group, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significantly greater decrease in %body fat than the control group. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significant decrease in LBM. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significant decrease in CRP. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group, combined exercise and control group showed a decrease in adiponectin. In conclusion, regular exercise and garlic pill intake improved % body fat in obese high school male students.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.51-61
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• 2011

Elevated serum concentration of inflammation markers is known as an independent risk factor of metabolic syndrome (MS) and dietary intake is an important factor to control MS. The purpose of this study was to investigated the hypothesis that inflammatory indices are associated with dietary intake and diet quality index-international (DQI-I) in subjects with MS. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 156 men and 73 postmenopausal women with MS, defined by three or more risk factors of the modified Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Serum levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin were examined and nutrients intake and DQI-I were assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The total DQI-I score was significantly higher in female subjects ($65.87{\pm}9.86$) than in male subjects ($62.60{\pm}8.95$). There was a positive association between hs-CRP and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (p < 0.05) and a negative association between adiponectin and lipid (p < 0.05), total sugar (p < 0.01), and total fatty acids (p < 0.05). When the subjects were divided into 5 groups by quintile according to serum adiponectin and hs-CRP level, there was no association between DQI-I score and hs-CRP levels. Moderation score of DQI-I was significantly higher in highest quintile group than the lower quintile groups. Therefore, our results provide some evidence that dietary intake and diet quality are associated with inflammation markers and dietary modification might be a predictor to decrease risk for metabolic syndrome complications. However further research is needed to develop the dietary quality index reflecting the inflammatory change by considering the dietary habit and pattern of Koreans.