• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.77-81
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• 2010

Plasma cholesterol is increased in normal aging in both rodents and humans. This is associated with reduced elimination of cholesterol and decreased receptor-mediated clearance of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine age-related changes in plasma lipid profiles, and (2) to determine the effect of fenofibrate, an activator of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR $\alpha$), on plasma lipid profiles in normal rats on a standard diet. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n=15) were fed standard chow and water from 10 to 25 weeks of age. During that period, we measured daily food intake, body weight, fasting and random blood glucose levels, plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels. At 20 weeks of age, all rats were randomly divided into two groups: a fenofibrate group (in which rats were gavaged with 300 mg/kg/day of fenofibrate) and a control group (gavaged with water). Fenofibrate treatment lasted 5 weeks. There were no significant changes in daily food intake, blood glucose, and plasma TG level with age. Body weight, plasma TC, and FFA levels were significantly increased with age. Fenofibrate significantly decreased plasma concentrations of TC and FFA, which had been increased with age. However, fenofibrate did not influence the plasma concentration of TG, which had not increased with age. These results suggest that fenofibrate might have a novel role in preventing age-related hypercholesterolemia in SD rats on a normal diet.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.971-979
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of Cheongsimyeonja-tang on the human body. Methods: This was a retrospective study, conducted using electronic medical records (EMR). Appropriate clinical cases were identified and databased through EMR. Changes of vital signs, blood tests, and functional tests before and after taking Cheongsimyeonja-tang were determined. Results: There were several significant changes after taking Cheongsimyeonja-tang. Hemoglobin, total blood proteins, and total bilirubin were increased. Eosinophil, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased. Conclusions: Cheonseomyeonja-tang had significant effects, including improvement of blood cell count (increase of red blood cells and hemoglobin), improvement of blood lipid level (decrease of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol), and blood pressure control (reduction of systolic blood pressure).

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.311-317
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• 2010

In conclusion, rats were fed diets containing either NC, HC, HC-FDP, HC-WEP, or HC-EEP for 6 weeks. At the 6th week, increases in body weight and visceral fat were lower in the paprika fed groups as compared to the HC group. Serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherogenic index values were significantly lower in the paprika diet fed groups than the HC group (p<0.05). In particular, the lipid lowering effects in the HC-EEP group were superior among the paprika fed groups. Also, serum $\alpha$-tocopherol levels were lower in the control group compared to the paprika fed groups. The supplementation of paprika may exert lipid lowering effects and saving effect of $\alpha$-tocopherol in the serum of high-cholesterol diet fed rats. However, it should be noted that the results are based on very small sample numbers and a short experimental period.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.10
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• pp.1431-1438
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• 2015

This study was conducted to determine the effects of fermented water extracts from Ligularia fischeri (LAF) on reduction of hepatotoxicity induced by ethanol in rats. Ethanol-treated Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following eight groups: ethanol-treated group (control), ethanol and ursodeoxycholic acid-treated group (positive control), ethanol and non-fermented water extracts from Ligularia fischeri (LA)-treated groups [100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW (body weight)], ethanol and LAF-treated groups (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW). ${\gamma}$-Glutamyl transferase activities of the ethanol+LA-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW) groups and ethanol+LAF-treated (400 mg/kg BW) group decreased significantly compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase activities of the ethanol+LAF-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW) groups and ethanol+LA-treated (200 and 400 mg/kg BW) groups decreased significantly compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities of all groups significantly decreased compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). The total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels of all groups tended to decrease compared to those in the control group, but the differences were not significant. Superoxide dismutase activity of liver tissues was enhanced in the ethanol+LAF-treated (400 mg/kg BW) group (P<0.05). The contents of malondialdehyde in liver tissues decreased in the ethanol+LAF-treated groups (P<0.05). All treated groups showed well preserved lobular architectures with no evidence of steatosis or liver damage compared to the control group. As the results of this study, LAF may improve the plasma lipid profile and alleviate hepatic damage by ethanol.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.519-531
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• 2014

Objectives: Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end stage renal disease. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$, type IV collagen, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) are the main factors of diabetic nephropathy. We investigated the effects of Prunus on renal function and histopathological changes of diabetic nephropathy rat model induced by unilateral nephrectomy and streptozotocin. Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats ($290{\pm}10g$) by injecting streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) into the tail vein after unilateral nephrectomy. Rats were divided into 3 groups (n=6): normal, control, and Prunus. After 8 weeks of oral administration of Prunus extract on the Prunus group from 3 days after streptozotocin injection, we checked weight, 24 hrs urine, blood biochemistry and renal tissue to evaluate renal function and histopathological changes by examining parameters including albuminuria, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, TGF-${\beta}1$, type IV collagen, AGEs, and AT1. We also measured mRNA expression of TGF-${\beta}1$, type IV collagen, AGEs, and AT1 by Real Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Prunus decreased the amount of 24 hrs proteinuria, and inhibited histopathological changes of diabetic nephropathy including the expression and accumulation of TGF-${\beta}1$, type IV collagen and AGEs which could promote development of diabetic nephropathy. Prunus also inhibited mRNA expression of TGF-${\beta}1$, type IV collagen. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Prunus might protect the renal function and inhibit the development of renal injury by regulating factors including TGF-${\beta}1$, type IV collagen, AGEs, except AT1, so Prunus can be used for diabetic patients to prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.279-286
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• 2017

The root bark extract of Aralia taibaiensis is used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in China. The total saponin extracted from Aralia Taibaiensis (sAT) has effective combined antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in experimental type 2 diabetic rats. However, the active compounds have not yet been fully investigated. In the present study, we examined effects of twelve triterpenoid saponins on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and found that compound 28-O-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranosyl ester (AT12) significantly increased phosphorylation of AMPK and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). AT12 effectively decreased blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The mechanism by which AT12 activated AMPK was subsequently investigated. Intracellular ATP level and oxygen consumption were significantly reduced by AT12 treatment. The findings suggested AT12 was a novel AMPK activator, and could be useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.454-460
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• 2002

While atherosclerosis is a major killer, there is now concern that mortality from the disease will increase due to the rising incidence of type II diabetes. Because diet can potentially influence both diseases, it is important to elucidate the role of diet in the progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, the mechanisms involved in dietary-related alterations of the disease need to be defined to guide public health recommendations to reduce athero-sclerosis incidence and limiting unwanted side effects. Since diet is thought to play a role in atherosclerosis even without added complications due to type II diabetes, reducing the incidence of that metabolic disease will not be enough. While evidence is increasing that high intake of carbohydrate can lead to type II diabetes and atherosclerosis, the preponderance of existing evidence indicates that intake of specific fats as a major dietary causal factor. It has recently been hypothesized that a dietary fat link to atherosclerosis may depend partly on the activity of a transcriptional regulator, the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR). Thusfar, PPAR $\alpha$, $\beta$/$\delta$ and ${\gamma}$, have been shown to play a major role in metabolism, inflammation, and cancer. Furthermore, PPAR may regulate specific processes associated with atherosclerosis such as triglyceride and low density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism; the reverse cholesterol transport pathway; lipid accumulation within plaques; the local inflammatory response and plaque stability. Synthetic ligands for PPAR have been developed; however, natural ligands include specific fatty acids and their metabolites. Though the role of PPAR in atherosclerosis has been reported with respect to synthetic ligands, additional studies need to be done with established and possible natural ligands. In this review, we will focus on the relation of dietary fat to PPAR alteration of atherosclerosis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.438-443
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• 2006

This trial was designed to study the caponization effects on the appearance, carcass characteristics, blood constituents and lipid metabolism of Taiwan country chicken cockerels. Cockerels were caponized at 8 weeks of age. Sixteen-week-old chickens, including 10 capons, 5 slips (incomplete caponized male chickens) and 20 normal chickens of equal sexes were selected for a 10 week ad libitum feeding trial. Results showed that the testosterone concentrations in the capons and females were lower (p<0.05) than that of intact males. The comb length, height and weights were also lower (p<0.05). The weight of the slips was between that of the capons and intact males, but was heavier (p<0.05) than that of the capon. The live-weight, carcass weight and shank perimeter in the capons were higher than those of the other groups (p<0.05). Hepatic lipogenic enzyme activity analyses showed that NADP-malic dehydrogenase (MDH) activity in the capons and female chickens was higher than that in intact male chickens (p<0.05). The MDH activity in the slips was between that for the capon and intact male chickens (p>0.05). The abdominal fat weight and relative abdominal fat weight of the capons and females were heavier than that for intact males (p<0.05); the slips were between the capons and intact males. The blood lipid content results showed that the triacylglycerol and cholesterol in the capons were higher than that for intact males (p<0.05). However, the percentage of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was lower than that in intact male chickens (p<0.05). It appears that the increase in lipid accumulation in caponized male chickens is attributed mainly to an increase in MDH activity and the changes in lipid transportation in the capons.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.495-502
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• 2013

Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency and cardiometabolic disorders are becoming increasingly more prevalent across multiple populations. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data for Korean adults. We investigated the vitamin D status, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) risk in Korean adults aged 20 years or older. The study subjects (n = 18,305) were individuals who participated in the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) in 2008-2010. Vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) was categorized as < 20, 21-29, and ${\geq}$ 30 ng/mL, which are the cut-off points for deficiency, insufficiency and normal limits. A wide variety of cardiometabolic risk factors were compared according to the vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 53.9% of men and 70.5% of women. Mean BMI, systolic BP, HbA1c and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were highest in the vitamin D deficiency group in both genders. Further, the MS was most prevalent in the vitamin D deficiency group in both genders (12.3%, P = 0.002 in men and 9.2%, P < 0.001 in women). Compared to the vitamin D normal group, the adjusted odds ratio (ORs) (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) for MS in the vitamin D deficiency group were 1.46 (1.05-2.02) in men and 1.60 (1.21-2.11) in women, after adjusting for confounding variables. In conclusion, Vitamin D deficiency is a very common health problem in Korean adults and is independently associated with the increasing risk of MS.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.203-216
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• 2017

Purpose: This literature review was performed to assess the effect of raisins on human health. Methods: A review of Medline was conducted using the keywords: 'raisins, raisins and health, raisins and cardiovascular disease (CVD), raisins and cancer, raisins and diabetes, raisins and fiber, raisins and colon health, raisins and antioxidants, raisins and inflammation, raisins and dental caries'. The reference lists from previous review articles on raisins and human health and the California Raisin Marketing Board files were reviewed for additional studies. Results: Raisins have one of the highest polyphenolic content and antioxidant ORAC levels compared to other traditional dried fruits. Many of the polyphenols in raisins are well assimilated and bioavailable. Raisin consumption reduces low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, when compared to equal caloric carbohydrate snacks and is associated with a reduced risk of CVD. The anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive effects of raisins are mixed. Raisin consumption reduces intestinal transit time and positively affects gut microbiota. Raisins produce sustained energy during long term athletic competitions equal to traditional sports energy gels, shots and jelly beans. Raisins produce a non-cariogenic oral environment and do not fit the American Academy of Pediatrics criteria to be considered a choking hazard. Conclusions: Based on the review of literature, consumption of raisins provide numerous health benefits for promoting general wellness and in the prevention of many chronic diseases including: CVD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) gastrointestinal diseases, and dental caries.