• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.57-63
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• 2018

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is defined by a cluster of major cardiovascular risk factors: obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. Several members of a large family of nonselective cation entry channels, e.g., transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels have been associated with the development of dyslipidemia and hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Leejung-tang (Lizhong-tang), Rikkunshito, and Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang) on TRPV4 channel. Methods: Human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably transfected with the TRPV4 expression vectors were maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% penicillin/streptomycin, $5{\mu}g/mL$ blasticidin, and 0.4 mg/mL zeocin in a humidified 20% $O_2/10%$ $CO_2$ atmosphere at $37^{\circ}C$. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained using an Axopatch 700B amplifier and pClamp v.10.4 software (Molecular Devices, San Jose, CA, USA), and signals were digitalized at 5 kHz using Digidata 1422A. Results: Leejung-tang and Rikkunshito (10, 30 and 50 mg/mL) had no effects on the TRPV4 whole-cell currents at dose dependent manner. However, Bojungikgi-tang (10, 30, and 50 mg/mL) inhibited the TRPV4 whole-cell currents in a dose dependent manner and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Bojungikgi-tang was 18.2 mg/mL. Conclusions: These results suggest that Bojungikgi-tang plays an important roles to inhibit the TRPV4 channel, suggesting that Bojungikgi-tang is considered one of the candidate agents for the treatment of metabolic syndrome such as dyslipidemia and hypertension.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.283-290
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the triglyceride and glucose(TyG) index to predict the risk of hyperuricemia in Korean adults. This study included 14,266 men and 9,033 women over 20 years old who underwent health screenings from 2017 to 2019 at a general hospital in Seoul. To confirm the risk of hyperuricemia and predictive ability of the TyG index, logistic regression analysis and ROC curves were obtained. The accuracy of the TyG index for predicting hyperuricemia was 0.68, 0.61 for men and 0.67 for women(respectively p<0.001). The risk of hyperuricemia in the TyG index was 1.69 times higher in the fourth quartile than in the first quartile, 2.03 times higher in men and 2.07 times higher in women(respectively p<0.05). Thus the TyG index was not of high diagnostic usefulness as a screening test for hyperuricemia, but it was related to the TyG index and hyperuricemia.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.323-328
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• 2021

Periodontal diseases have been reported to have a multidirectional association with metabolic disorders. We sought to investigate the correlation between periodontitis and diabetes or fatty liver disease using HFD-fed obese mice inoculated with P. gingivalis. Body weight, alveolar bone loss, serological biochemistry, and glucose level were determined to evaluate the pathophysiology of periodontitis and diabetes. For the evaluation of fatty liver disease, hepatic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was assessed by scoring steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning and the crucial signaling pathways involved in liver metabolism were analyzed. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level and NASH score in P. gingivalis-infected obese mice were significantly elevated. Particularly, the extensive lobular inflammation was observed in the liver of obese mice infected with P. gingivalis. Moreover, the expression of metabolic regulatory factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Pparγ) and the fatty acid transporter Cd36, was up-regulated in the liver of P. gingivalis-infected obese mice. However, inoculation of P. gingivalis had no significant influence on glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and hepatic mTOR/AMPK signaling. In conclusion, our results indicate that P. gingivalis can induce the progression of fatty liver disease in HFD-fed mice through the upregulation of CD36-PPARγ axis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.501-509
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• 2022

Irisin is a myokine caused by exercise that improves insulin resistance and weight loss. However, under unfavorable conditions such as air pollution, and during the pandemic, outdoor activities are uncomfortable. Therefore, in this study, the effect of heat therapy (half bath 42 ± 0.5℃ for 30 min) on irisin circulation levels as an exercise alternative for middle-aged obese women after menopause was investigated. Subjects were 33 women aged 49.54 ± 6.04 years, with parameters of height, 160.12 ± 4.33 cm, weight, 69.71 ± 7.52 kg, body surface area 1.73 ± 0.13 m², body mass index, 27.19 ± 3.40 kg/m². The results suggest that circulating irisin levels showed a significant increase after one-time thermotherapy (TH-1). However, the increase in circulating irisin levels after 15 treatments (TH-15, 5 days/week, 3 weeks) was significantly varied. The level of adiponectin, which increases fatty oxidation to reduce fatty deposition, increased significantly at TH-1, but further increased at TH-15, which was significantly different from the level of TH-1. In addition, the basic serum free fatty acid (FFA) level was significantly increased at TH-15 compared to TH-1. Significant differences were also found in the lipid profile (body mass index, waist circumference, and % body fat). Thermotherapy can significantly increase the tympanic temperature and induce changes in circulating irisin and adiponectin levels. Thus, it resulted in positive changes in FFA and lipid profiles. Therefore, repeated thermotherapy is effective in increasing circulating irisin levels in postmenopausal obese women.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.400-407
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• 2023

Background: Rb3 is a ginsenoside with anti-inflammatory properties in many cell types and has been reported to attenuate inflammation-related metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of Rb3 on podocyte apoptosis under hyperlipidemic conditions, which contributes to the development of obesity-mediated renal disease, remains unclear. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Rb3 on podocyte apoptosis in the presence of palmitate and explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Human podocytes (CIHP-1 cells) were exposed to Rb3 in the presence of palmitate as a model of hyperlipidemia. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The effects of Rb3 on the expression of various proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. Apoptosis levels were determined by MTT assay, caspase 3 activity assay, and cleaved caspase 3 expression. Results: We found that Rb3 treatment alleviated the impairment of cell viability and increased caspase 3 activity as well as inflammatory markers in palmitate-treated podocytes. Treatment with Rb3 dosedependently increased PPARδ and SIRT6 expression. Knockdown of PPARδ or SIRT6 reduced the effects of Rb3 on apoptosis as well as inflammation and oxidative stress in cultured podocytes. Conclusions: The current results suggest that Rb3 alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress via PPARδ-or SIRT6-mediated signaling, thereby attenuating apoptosis in podocytes in the presence of palmitate. The present study provides Rb3 as an effective strategy for treating obesity-mediated renal injury.

• ALGAE
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.81-92
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• 2023

Obesity-induced inflammation is crucial in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Gracilaria chorda (GC) on lipid accumulation and obesity-induced inflammatory changes or glucose homeostasis in cell models (3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages). Samples of GC were extracted using solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) and subcritical water (SW) at different temperatures (90, 150, and 210℃). The total phenolic content of GCSW extract at 210℃ (GCSW210) showed the highest content compared to others, and GCSW210 highly inhibited lipid accumulation and significantly reduced gene expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, GCSW210 effectively downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, signal transducers and activators of transcription and nuclear factor-κB. In co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages, GCSW210 significantly reduced nitric oxide production and interleukin-6 levels, and improved glucose uptake with dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that GCSW210 improves glucose metabolism by attenuating obesity-induced inflammation in adipocytes, which may be used as a possible treatment option for managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.49-56
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• 2024

Objective : Obesity, which has recently been rapidly increasing in the obese population, is caused by an imbalance in energy intake and consumption. The reason why we need to manage obesity well is that the prevalence of complications such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease increases. In this study, the effect of FO (Fragaria orientalis) water extract on fat metabolism in 3T3-L1 cells was observed to develop a new anti-obesity material based on Mongolian medical books. Methods : The effect of FO extract on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells was observed using DPPH scavenging, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, MTT analysis and Oil-red-O staining method. And the expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism was analyzed by Western blot. Results : The FO group significantly increased the DPPH radical scavenging activity at 5 mg/ml compared to the positive control BHA at 0.1 mg/ml. In oil red O staining at a safe concentration without cytotoxicity, lipid accumulation was significantly inhibited by less than 80% compared to the control group at all concentrations. Moreover, treatment of FO significantly increased the expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism, such as p-AMPK and p-ACC, in 3T3-L1 cells, and the expression of CPT-1 tended to increase in a dose-dependent manner. However, the expression of PPAR-γ was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that FO water extract has a potential anti-obesity effect and are expected to be utilized in the development of materials for obesity prevention and treatment.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.218-228
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• 2023

Recent studies have evaluated the association between specific beverage intake and metabolic risks in adults. However, more evidence is needed to examine the association between the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and metabolic factors. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HBI and metabolic factors in adults. In this cross-sectional study, 338 overweight and obese individuals living in Tabriz, Iran were selected. Data on beverage consumption, demographics, physical activity, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using validated standard protocols. The predefined HBI was calculated based on previous studies. The mean value of HBI index among all of the participants was 59.76 ± 6.51. Those at the higher HBI scores had significantly lower waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and weight (p < 0.05). HBI and triglyceride scores also had a significant relationship. It has been shown that at higher HBI scores compared to lower scores, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increase while homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure decrease. HBI scores higher among Iranian adults were associated with a better chance of losing weight and weight loss and a better lipid profile, and lower blood pressure. Therefore, HBI can be a useful and helpful tool for assessing the overall quality of beverages adults consume. However, further studies are warranted to confirm the possible health effects of healthy beverage index.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.91-98
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• 2023

Adequate nutritional support is crucial in preventing complications and improving outcomes in critically ill patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a mode of supportive care for patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. ECMO patients frequently exhibit a hypermetabolic state characterized by protein catabolism and insulin resistance, which can lead to malnutrition. Nutritional therapy is a vital component of intensive care, but its optimal administration for ECMO patients is unknown. This case report aims to provide insights into effective nutritional management for critically ill patients undergoing ECMO therapy. The patient was a 72-year-old male with a history of gastric and lung cancer who underwent a lobectomy complicated by bronchopleural fistula, postoperative bleeding, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient's nutritional status was assessed indicating a high risk of malnutrition, using the modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) Score. Nutritional support was administered based on the recommendations of European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), with energy requirements set at 25-30 kcal/kg/d and protein requirements set at 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day. The patient received parenteral nutrition until the enteral nutrition target amount was reached, with zinc supplements for wound healing. The study highlights the need for further research on proactive and effective nutritional support for ECMO patients to improve compliance and prognosis.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.10
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• pp.655-676
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• 2023

Interest in sex differences in coronary artery disease (CAD) has been steadily increasing. Concurrently, most of the data on these differences have primarily been Western-oriented. The KoRean wOmen'S chest pain rEgistry (KoROSE), started in 2011, has since published numerous research findings. This review aims to summarize the reported differences between men and women in CAD, integrating data from KoROSE. Cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women escalates dramatically due to the decrease in estrogen levels, which normally offer cardiovascular protective effects. Lower estrogen levels can lead to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, increased blood pressure, and endothelial dysfunction in older women. Upon analyzing patients with CAD, women are typically older and exhibit more cardiovascular risk factors than men. Diagnosing CAD in women tends to be delayed due to their symptoms being more atypical than men's. While in-hospital outcome was similar between sexes, bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary intervention occur more frequently in women. The differences in long-term prognosis for CAD patients between men and women are still a subject of ongoing debate. Pregnancy and reproductive factors also play a significant role as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. A notable sex disparity exists, with women found to use fewer cardiovascular protective drugs and undergo fewer interventional or surgical procedures than men. Additionally, women participate less frequently than men in clinical research. Through concerted efforts to increase awareness of sex differences and mitigate sex disparity, personalized treatment can be provided. This approach can ultimately improve patient prognosis.