• Food Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2009

Carotenoids being most important pigments among those occurring in nature, have received increased interest owing to their beneficial effects on human health. An effort is made to review marine carotenoids as important bioactive compounds with reference to their presence, chemical, and biofunctional benefits they afford. The potential beneficial effects of marine carotenoids were particularly focused on astaxanthin and fucoxanthin, major marine carotenoids found in marine animals and aquatic plants, respectively. Both carotenoids show strong antioxidant activity which is attributed to quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging free radicals. The potential role of the carotenoids as dietary antioxidants has been suggested as being one of the main mechanism by which they afford their beneficial health effects such as anticancer activity and anti-inflammatory effect. Only recently, antiobesity effect and antidiabetic effect have been noted as specific and novel bio-functions of fucoxanthin. Nutrigenomic study reveals that fucoxanthin induces uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) mitochondria to lead to oxidation of fatty acids and heat production in WAT. Fucoxanthin improves insulin resistance and decreases blood glucose level, at least in part, through the down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor $\alpha$ ($TNF{\alpha}$) in WAT of animals.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.599-607
• /
• 2009

A series of conjugated cyclic and linear enkephalin analogs, Tyr-c[D-A2bu-Gly-Phe-Asp(NH-X)], where X = methyl, stearyl or$ PEG_350$, and Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Cys(S-X), where X = methyl, octyl, or farnesyl, were synthesized in solution to investigate the receptor selectivity of opioids based on Schwyzer's membrane compartment $concepts.^{5,6}$ Cyclizations of the target compounds were achieved in high yields (> 60%) employing BOP, $NaHCO_3$ in DMF despite the steric hindrance of the bulky pendant groups. In the binding assay, the hydrophobic fatty acyl conjugates retained $\mu$-receptor selectivity. The unsaturated farnesyl conjugate exhibited the increased binding affinity than the saturated stearyl conjugate for both $\mu$-and $\delta$-opioid receptors. The PEG conjugates displayed the $\delta$-receptor selectivity. The low molecular weight $PEG_350$ conjugate exhibited the increase selectivity than the high molecular weight $PEG_5000$ conjugate to the $\delta$-receptor. The results of this study support the membrane compartment concepts.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.306-313
• /
• 2024

Given the diversity of vegetables utilized in food fermentation and various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations in these materials, comprehensive studies on LAB from vegetable foods, including kimchi, are imperative. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the obesity-related inflammation response of three metabolites-phenyllactic acid (PLA), indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), and leucic acid (LA)-produced by LAB (Companilactobacillus allii WiKim39 and Lactococcus lactis WiKim0124) isolated from kimchi. Their effects on tumor necrosis factor-α-induced changes in adipokines and inflammatory response in adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells were examined. The study results showed that PLA, ILA, and LA, particularly PLA, effectively reduced lipid accumulation and triglyceride, glycerol, free fatty acid, and adiponectin levels. Furthermore, the identified metabolites were found to modulate the expression of signaling proteins involved in adipogenesis and inflammation. Specifically, these metabolites were associated with enriched expression in the chemokine signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, which are critical pathways involved in regulating immune responses and inflammation. PLA, ILA, and LA also suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and several inflammatory markers, with the PLA-treated group exhibiting the lowest levels. These results suggest that PLA, ILA, and LA are potential therapeutic agents for treating obesity and inflammation by regulating adipokine secretion and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.15
• /
• pp.6041-6046
• /
• 2014

Objective: Liposarcoma (LPS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesenchymal malignancies, often occurring in deep soft tissue of retroperitoneal space. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is therefore necessary. We explored whether computed tomography (CT) could be used to differentiate between the various types of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS). Method: Forty-seven cases of RPLS, diagnosed surgically and histologically, were analyzed retrospectively. CT features were correlated with postoperative pathological appearance. Results: The study radiologist identified 29, 11, 2, 2 and 3 RPLS as atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL), myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (ML/RCL), pleomorphic liposarcoma (PL) and mixed-type liposarcoma. Analysis of CT scans revealed the following typical findings of the different subtypes of RPLS: ALT/WDL was mainly visible as a well-delineated fatty hypodense tumor with uniform density and integrity margin; DDL was marked by the combination of focal nodular density and hypervascularity. ML/RCL, PL and mixed liposarcoma showed malignant biological behaviour and CT findings need further studies. Conclusions: CT scanning can reveal important details including internal components, margins and surrounding tissues. Based on CT findings, tumor type can be roughly evaluated and biopsy location and therapeutic scheme guided.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.25-31
• /
• 2005

Purpose: This study was designed to know the usefulness of the MRI to distinguish lipoma and well differentiated liposarcoma (WDL). Materials and methods: 47 lipomatous tumors with MRI were reviewed among the 107 lipomatous tumors operated in our department. MRI examinations and their corresponding pathology reports were compared to determine sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic ability, positive predictable value and negative predictable value. Statistical analysis was performed to know the relationship between malignancy of the tumor (WDL) with the age and gender of the patients, and location, depth, size and the enhancement of tumors in MRI. Results: Among 28 lipoma in MRI examinations, 26 were proved as lipoma in pathology, and only 6 were WDL from 19 suspicious lesions in MRI, and others were proved as lipoma variants mostly. The varieties of lipoma variants were fibrolipoma, angiolipoma, spindle cell lipoma, lipoblastoma and angiomyolipoma. The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic ability, positive predictable value and negative predictable value of MRI were 100%, 68 %, 72%, 31% and 100% in WDL, and 90%, 89%, 89%, 93% and 84% in lipoma. Among the variants to distinguish WDL and lipoma, the size of tumor and enhancement in MRI were significant statistically (p<0.05). Conclusion: MRI was highly sensitive in detection of WDL and highly specific in detection of simple lipoma. The size of tumor and enhancement in MRI were significant variants to distinguish WDL and lipoma. When MRI finding is non-specific, it is more likely to represent one of lipoma variants.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.185-192
• /
• 2007

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the role of adiponectin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children, and to elucidatethe relationship between these adipokines and insulin resistance. Methods: A total of 61 obese children (M : F=42 : 19, mean age 11.2${\pm}$1.3 years) admitted to our facility between March 2004 and June 2005 were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups based on their NAFLD status obese children without fatty liver (N=23); obese children with simple steatosis (N=20); and obese children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (N=18). The serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, and TNF-${\alpha}$ were measured, and insulin resistance determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was calculated to estimate insulin resistance. In addition, the VSR (visceralsubcutaneous fat ratio) was estimated using abdominal computed tomography. Results: There was no difference in serum TNF-${\alpha}$ and leptin levels observed between the 3 groups (22.13${\pm}$6.37 vs. 21.35${\pm}$6.95 vs. 25.17${\pm}$9.30; p=0.342 & 20.29${\pm}$8.57 vs. 16.42${\pm}$6.85 vs. 20.10${\pm}$7.86; p=0.330). However, the serum adiponectin level was significantly lower in children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) than in the other two groups (6.08${\pm}$1.38 in children without steatosis vs. 5.69${\pm}$0.79 in simple steatosis vs. 4.93${\pm}$1.75 in NASH; p=0.026). In addition, the VSR was significantly increased in the NASH group (0.31${\pm}$0.08 vs. 0.32${\pm}$0.11 vs. 0.47${\pm}$0.14; p=0.001), and HOMA-IR revealed a significant difference among the three groups (4.77${\pm}$3.67 vs. 6.89${\pm}$7.05 vs. 10.42${\pm}$6.73; p=0.000). However, there was no significant correlation observed between the adiponectin levels and the HOMA-IR or the VSR (r=-0.117; p=0.450 & r=-0.106; p=0.499). Conclusion: Insulin resistance may affect the development of hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis in children, and the results of this study suggest that, of several adipokines evaluated, adiponectin is important in the progression of steatosis to steatohepatitis in obese children.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.32 no.8
• /
• pp.1328-1336
• /
• 2003

This study was done to investigate the effects of n-3, n-6 fatty acid and d-limonene on the hepatic membrane lipid composition, protein kinase C (PKC) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in experimental rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Sprague-Dawley female rats were fed with two different types of dietary oil for 20 weeks. Corn oil (CO) and sardine oil (SO) were used at 15% by weight as a source of n-6 and n-3 fatty acid, respectively. One week after feeding, rats were intraperitoneally injected twice with a dose of diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 50 mg/kg body weight) and after 1 week 0.05% phenobarbital (PB) was provided with drinking water. Membrane fractional lipid composition showed that the content of cholesterol was higher in 50 group than CO group and also significantly decreased by d-limonene. The content of phospholipid was increased by carcinogen treatment but not affected by dietary oils or d-limonene. Membrane C/PL molar ratio was significantly decreased by d-limonene or carcinogen treatment in 50 groups but not in CO groups. Fatty acid composition was changed by dietary oils but not by carcinogen treatment or d-limonene. Cytosolic PKC activity was not significantly different by dietary oils, d-limonene or carcinogen treatment. However, membrane PKC activity was significantly increased by carcinogen treatment and decreased by d-limonene. Cytosolic GST activity was affected by d-limonene or carcinogen treatment in all dietary groups. These data indicate that dietary oils, d-limonene and carcinogen treatment can not change much membrane phospholipid composition. But membrane C/PL molar ratio was changed by carcinogen treatment and d -limonene although the effect was different between dietary oils. Therefore, it is suggested that different dietary oils and d-limonene can somewhat modulate the changes of membrane fluidity and activities of membrane bound enzymes like membrane associated PKC during carcinogenesis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.55 no.2
• /
• pp.227-239
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of water-soluble mulberry leaf extract (ME) on hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via the regulation of hepatic microRNA (miR)-221/222 and inflammation. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 7 each) and fed with 10 kcal% low-fat diet (LF), 45 kcal% high-fat diet (HF), or HF + 0.8% ME for 14 weeks. Lipid profiles and cytokine levels of the liver and serum were measured using commercial enzymatic colorimetric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and miR levels in liver tissue were assayed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Supplementation of ME reduces body weight and improves the liver and serum lipid profiles as compared to the HF group. The mRNA levels of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and fatty acid translocase, which are genes involved in lipid metabolism, were significantly downregulated in the ME group compared to the HF group. In contrast, the mRNA level of hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (involved in fatty acid oxidation) was upregulated by ME supplementation. Furthermore, administration of ME significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators such as hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide were also significantly reduced in ME group compared to the HF group. Expression of hepatic miR-221 and miR-222, which increase in the inflammatory state of the liver, were also significantly inhibited in the ME group compared to the HF group. Conclusion: These results indicate that ME has the potential to improve hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via modulation of inflammatory mediators and hepatic miR-221/222 expressions.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.199-205
• /
• 2015

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1), the major active constituent of ginseng, improves insulin sensitivity and exerts antidiabetic effects. We tested whether the insulin-sensitizing and antidiabetic effects of G-Rb1 results from a reduction in ectopic fat accumulation, mediated by inhibition of lipolysis in adipocytes. Methods: Obese and diabetic db/db mice were treated with daily doses of 20 mg/kg G-Rb1 for 14 days. Hepatic fat accumulation was evaluated by measuring liver weight and triglyceride content. Levels of blood glucose and serum insulin were used to evaluate insulin sensitivity in db/db mice. Lipolysis in adipocytes was evaluated by measuring plasma-free fatty acids and glycerol release from 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with G-Rb1. The expression of relevant genes was analyzed by western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: G-Rb1 increased insulin sensitivity and alleviated hepatic fat accumulation in obese diabetic db/db mice, and these effects were accompanied by reduced liver weight and hepatic triglyceride content. Furthermore, G-Rb1 lowered the levels of free fatty acids in obese mice, which may contribute to a decline in hepatic lipid accumulation. Corresponding to these results, G-Rb1 significantly suppressed lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and upregulated the perilipin expression in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and mouse epididymal fat pads. Moreover, G-Rb1 increased the level of adiponectin and reduced that of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in obese mice, and these effects were confirmed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusion: G-Rb1 may improve insulin sensitivity in obese and diabetic db/db mice by reducing hepatic fat accumulation and suppressing adipocyte lipolysis; these effects may be mediated via the upregulation of perilipin expression in adipocytes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.42 no.10
• /
• pp.1576-1584
• /
• 2013

This study is carried out to assess the relative effects of different doses of dietary glucose or fructose on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatic metaflammation in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes. KK/HlJ male mice were fed experimental diets as follows: 1) control (CON), 2) moderate glucose (MG, 30% of total calories as glucose), 3) high glucose (HG, 60% of total calories as glucose), 4) moderate fructose (MF, 30% of total calories as fructose), and 5) high fructose (HF, 60% of total calories as fructose) for three weeks. Food intake was not affected by treatments. Compared with HF, HG not only increased serum fasting glucose and area under the curve during oral glucose tolerance test, but also decreased the levels of serum insulin and adiponectin. It indicated that glucose control was complicated via high glucose intake. High fructose treatment led to increased triglyceride in the serum and liver. In comparison to HG, high fructose diet activated NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome consisting of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), NLRP3 and caspase 1, which increases interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ maturation and secretion. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was accompanied by increased levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and IL-6. However, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components and pro-inflammatory cytokines did not differ between CON and HG. These data suggested that dietary fructose triggers hepatic metaflammation accompanied by NLRP3 inflammasome activation and has deleterious effects on NAFLD.