• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.3-7
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• 1969

(1) Haemoglobin levels were estimated by cyanmethaemoglobin method in Unoghovo (56 cases) and Tallqvist method in Ibusa 138 cases. (2) The results presented in Table 1, and 2 indicated that the average haemoglobin levels of these two surveys were low. (3) Percentage incidence of liver and spleen enlargements were 20% in Ibusa and 9% in Unoghovo (Table 6). (4) The household survey of average consumption and requirement of these two village, indicated that daily intake of iron per caput was adequate. (5) The results of these two surveys were compared with ether reported studies (Table 4 and 5).

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.52-60
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• 2022

Purpose: Colonoscopy is considered the most reliable method for the diagnosis of juvenile polyps. However, colonoscopic screening is an invasive and expensive procedure. Fecal calprotectin (FCP), a marker of intestinal inflammation, has been shown to be elevated in patients with polyps. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate FCP as a screening biomarker for the diagnosis of juvenile polyps. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. For children with polyps, colonoscopic polypectomy and histopathology were performed. FCP levels were analyzed before and 4 weeks after polypectomy in all patients. Information was recorded in a datasheet and analyzed using the computer-based program SPSS. Results: The age of the children was between 2.5 and 12 years. Approximately 93% of the polyps were found in the rectosigmoid region. Children with juvenile polyps had elevated levels of FCP before polypectomy that subsequently normalized after polypectomy. The mean FCP levels before and after polypectomy were 277±247 ㎍/g (range, 80-1,000 ㎍/g) and 48.57±38.23 ㎍/g (range, 29-140 ㎍/g) (p<0.001), respectively. The FCP levels were significantly higher in patients with multiple polyps than in those with single polyps. Moreover, mean FCP levels in patients with single and multiple polyps were 207.6±172.4 ㎍/g and 515.4±320.5 ㎍/g (p<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Colonic juvenile polyps were found to be associated with elevated levels of FCP that normalized after polypectomy. Therefore, FCP may be recommended as a noninvasive screening biomarker for diagnosis of colonic juvenile polyps.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.52-59
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• 2015

This study was to investigate the preventive effect of taemyeongcheong (TMC, a Korean traditional health drink) on acetaminophen (APAP, 800 mg/kg BW)-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. TMC is prepared from Saururus chinensis, Taraxacum officinale, Zingiber officinale, Cirsium setidens, Salicornia herbacea, and Glycyrrhizae. A high dose of TMC (500 mg/kg BW) was found to decrease APAP-induced increases in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase. TMC pretreatment also increased the hepatic levels of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione, and reduced serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6 in mice administered APAP (P<0.05). TMC (500 mg/kg BW) reduced hepatic mRNA levels of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS by 87%, 84%, 89%, 85%, and 88%, respectively, in mice treated with APAP (P<0.05). Furthermore, histological observations suggested TMC pretreatment dose-dependently prevented APAP-induced hepatocyte damage. These results suggest that TMC could be used as a functional health drink to prevent hepatic damage.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 2001

The elevation of total plasmahomocysteine is now an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Plasma folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} influence Hcy metabolism as cofactors. In this study, we studied the relationship of major risk factors for cardovascular disease, including advanced age, male gender, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dislipidemia and plasma homocyteine, folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} levels in Koreans. A total of 195 adult Koreans participated. The subjects were divided into three groups according to how many major conventional risk factors of cardiovascular disease they had: no risk, low risk (1~3 risk factors) and high risk (>3 risk factors) groups. As the number of risk factors increased, the plasma homocysteine levels significantly increase, while the plasma folate levels significantly decreased. The plasma homocysteine levels re higher in males than in females. The subjects with hyperglycemia had higher plasma homocysteine levels than the subjects without the risk factor. Also the subjects with dislipidemia had higher plasma homocysteine levels than the subjects without the risk factor. The plasma folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} levels were significantly lower in males tan females. However, there were no significant differences in plasma folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} levels between the subjects with or without other risk factors. These results indicate that plasma homocysteine levels were positively related with risk factors for cardiovascular disease and plasma folate levels were negatively related with the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Also, we conclude that plasmahomocysteine levels might be related to the combination of risk factors, rather than an individual risk factor.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.2 no.5
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• pp.728-734
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• 1997

Plasma carotenoid levels were compared among 64 healthy male subjects (control) and 38 patients of ischemic heart disease(IHD) and 20 ones of cerebral infarction(CI) all of whom were over 50years of age. Another 98 healthy male subjects aged 23 to 58 were selected to compare their plasma carotenoid levels by age groups, Levels of lutein ,zeaxanthin and crpytoxanthin were lower in IHD(34$\pm$2, 13$\pm$1 and 62$\pm$7$\mu g$/dl)and CI(36$\pm$3, 12$\pm$2 and 41$\pm$6$\mu g$/dl)patient groups than in control group (84$\pm$5, 16$\pm$2 and 69$\pm$3$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl) while those of lycopene, $\alpha$-and $\beta$-carotene varied little among the three groups. The sum of the six carotenoid levels were levels were, therefore,highest(205$\pm$14$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl) in the control group followed by IHD(155$\pm$15$\mu g$/dl) and CI(128$\pm$17$\mu g$/dl) patient groups, Among the 98 healthy male subject for the age group study, levels of the three major carotenoids increased with age from the twenties to the fifities ; lutein, from 64$\pm$6 to 89$\pm$8$\mu g$/dl, cryptoxanthin, 57$\pm$8 to 73$\pm$4$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl and $\beta$-carotene were more significantly correlated(r=0.30 to 0.61, p<0.01), whereas levels of lycopene and $\alpha$-caroteme were significantly(r=0.21 - 0.23, p<0.05) correlated. (Korean J Community Nutrition 2(5) : 728~734, 1997)

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.224-229
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• 2011

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in school-age children has increased in industrialized countries. As diet is one of the main factors provoking AD, some studies have suggested that food additives in processed foods could function as pseudoallergens, which comprise the non-immunoglobulin E-mediated reaction. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is an eosinophil granule protein released during allergic reactions to food allergens in patients with AD. Thus, serum ECP levels may be a useful indicator of ongoing inflammatory processes in patients with AD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of consuming MSG in processed foods on serum ECP levels among children with AD. This study was performed with 13 patients with AD (age, 7-11 years) who had a normal range of total IgE levels (< 300 IU/ml). All participants ate normal diets during the first week. Then, six patients were allocated to a processed food-restricted group (PRDG) and seven patients were in a general diet group (GDG). During the second week, children in the PRDG and their parents were asked to avoid eating all processed foods. On the third week, children in the PRDG were allowed all foods, as were the children in the GDG throughout the 3-week period. The subjects were asked to complete a dietary record during the trial period. Children with AD who received the dietary restriction showed decreased consumption of MSG and decreased serum ECP levels and an improved SCORing score on the atopic dermatitis index (P < 0.05). No differences in serum ECP levels or MSG consumption were observed in the GDG. Serum total IgE levels were not changed in either group. In conclusion, a reduction in MSG intake by restricting processed food consumption may lead to a decrease in serum ECP levels in children with AD and improve AD symptoms.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.570-580
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium (Ca) and vitamin D (vit. D) levels on metabolism of various minerals such as Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Cr. The comparison was made on the rats that were placed on diet containing powdered skim milk with different Ca and vit. D levels for 5 weeks. A total of 42 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 7 groups as follows: Control group consisted of normal Ca and normal vit. D (0.5% Ca, 1,000 IU vit. D); Experimental groups were divided into low (0.25%) and high (1.0%) calcium levels; and vit. D group was divided into low (10 IU), normal (1,000 IU), and high (5,000 IU) subgroups. The weight gain and food efficiency ratios of the rats were not significantly different with increasing dietary Ca levels. The absorption rates of 7 minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Cr) were significantly decreased with increasing dietary Ca levels. Also, fecal excretion of P significantly increased with increasing dietary vit. D levels (p<0.05), and urine excretion of Fe was significantly increased with increasing dietary vit. D levels (p<0.001). The result indicated that higher Ca intake affected on bioavailability of other minerals, due to interactions among minerals in the process of intestinal absorption. However, vitamin D intake had no effect on bioavailability of several minerals. Therefore, it could be suggested that adequate Ca intake is important for balance of the minerals.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.26-37
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hyperuricemic nephropathy is a common cause of acute kidney injury. Resveratrol can ameliorate kidney injury, but the explicit mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effects of resveratrol on the inflammatory response and renal injury in hyperuricemic rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: A rat model of hyperuricemic nephropathy was established by the oral administration of a mixture of adenine and potassium oxinate. Biochemical analysis and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to assess the rat kidney function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to evaluate the immune and oxidative responses. RESULTS: The expression levels of urine albumin and β2-microglobulin were significantly decreased after resveratrol treatment. In addition, the levels of serum creatinine and uric acid were significantly decreased in the resveratrol groups, compared with the control group. The levels of proinflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, in kidney tissue and serum were also increased in the hyperuricemic rats, and resveratrol treatment inhibited their expression. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity in kidney tissue as well as the superoxide dismutase and xanthine oxidase levels in serum were all decreased by resveratrol treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol may protect against hyperuricemic nephropathy through regulating the inflammatory response.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2015

Grape products have been known to exert greater antioxidant and anti-obesity than anti-hyperglycemic effects in animals and humans. Omija is used as an ingredient in traditional medicine, and it is known to have an anti-hyperglycemic effect. We investigated whether the combined extracts of grape pomace and omija fruit (GE+OE) could reduce fat accumulation in adipose and hepatic tissues and provide beneficial effects against hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic mice. C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were fed either a normal control diet or GE+OE (0.5% grape pomace extract and 0.05% omija fruit extract, w/w) for 7 weeks. GE+OE decreased plasma leptin and resistin levels while increasing adiponectin levels and reducing the total white adipose tissue weight. Furthermore, GE+OE lowered plasma free fatty acid (FFA), triglyceride, and total-cholesterol levels as well as hepatic FFA and cholesterol levels. Hepatic fatty acid synthase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were decreased in the GE+OE group, whereas hepatic ${\beta}$-oxidation activity was increased. Furthermore, GE+OE supplementation not only reduced hyperglycemia and pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell failure but also lowered blood glycosylated hemoglobin and plasma insulin levels. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels was also decreased and the decrease seems to be mediated by the lowered activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases. The present data suggest that GE+OE may have the potential to reduce hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.361-366
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• 2004

Defatted methanol extracts of the medicinal plants, Rubus coreanus Miq. (RC) and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi (AJ) were added at the levels of 0.1, 0.5, or $2\%$ (w/w) to high cholesterol diets and fed to ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley female rats, weighing 212.6 $\pm$ 1.8 g for four weeks. Weight gains were lower in RC and AJ groups than the control group, but there were no changes in uterus weights. Serum levels of triglyceride decreased by 20-$27\%$ in the experimental groups fed $0.1\%$ of each extract (O.1RC and O.1AJ), compared with that of control (Ovx). Serum cholesterol levels were not changed in the RC groups but increased in the group fed $2\%$ of the AJ extract. Liver levels of cholesterol and triglyceride were reduced in both the RC and AJ groups. Microscopic observation revealed that there were no morphological alterations in liver, lung, heart, spleen and kidney tissues of the experimental groups. Plasma levels of albumin, BUN, creatinine, sodium, potassium and phosphate in the IRC and AJ groups were in normal ranges. Serum GOT and GPT activities were, however, higher in the 2.0AJ than Ovx group. These results suggest that the extracts of the Rubus coreanus Miq. and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi at dietary levels as low as $0.1\%$ may be utilized as hypotriglyceridemic ingredients for functional foods.