• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.967-977
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• 2023

Rubus crataegifolius (RC) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. The fruits of RC are known to prevent adult diseases through antioxidants. In this study, the effects of RC extract (RCex) on obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated in animal models. Twenty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were induced to become obese for 8 weeks and then the extract was orally administered for 8 weeks. RCex reduced body weight, adipose tissue, liver weight. RCex improved biochemical biomarkers including lipid metabolism (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol). The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduced the expression of adipogenesis genes (liver × receptor (LXR), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthesis (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and the effect of enhancing carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity by RCex was verified. RCex also influence on plasma production of hormones (adiponectin & leptin) related on energy expenditure and metabolism. In addition, we confirmed that RCex improved glucose intolerance in HFD-induced obese rats. RCex was first demonstrated to have anti-obesity as well as anti-NAFLD effects by regulating fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid synthesis by phosphorylation of AMPK. This suggests that RCex could be a good supplement for the prevention of obesity and related NAFLD.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.664-675
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the cross-sectional associations between dietary factors and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 12,755 subjects (males 5,146, females 7,609) aged 19 years or above using data from the 4th (2007-2009) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The prevalence of MetS in Korean adults was 23.6% (males 26.1%, females 20.9%) with the criteria for modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. While males had a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and high blood pressure than females, the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol level was higher in females than in males. Among dietary guidelines, the response of 'yes' for asking practice of 'avoiding salty foods', and 'eating moderately and increasing physical activity for healthy weight' were significantly associated with the decreased risk of MetS in both males and in females. Especially, the risk of MetS was significantly lower in the subjects that responded the practice of all items of Korean Dietary Guidelines. Significantly negative associations with MetS were also found in the responding for practice of 'limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages' in males, and taking dietary supplements in females. Skipping breakfast was positively associated with the risk of MetS. In conclusion, dietary behaviors such as having breakfast, practice of dietary guidelines, and food consumption in moderation could modify the prevalence of MetS, and our findings could be useful for establishing guidelines for preventing MetS.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.139-146
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• 2012

Obese postmenopausal women increase their risk of developing breast cancer (BC), in particular if they display an android-type pattern of adiposity, which is also associated to increased risks of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In order to explore the associations among anthropometry (body mass index, body composition, somatotype), some specific items of medical history (diabetes, hypertension, dislypidemias, hyperuricemia) and the risk of BC in Uruguayan women, a case-control study was carried out between 2004-2009 at our Oncology Unit. 912 women of ages between 23-69 years (367 new BC cases and 545 non hospitalized, age-matched controls with a normal mammography) were interviewed. Twenty body measurements were taken in order to calculate body composition and somatotype. Patients were queried on socio-demographics, reproductive history, family history of cancer, a brief food frequency questionnaire and on personal history of diabetes, dislypidemias, hyperuricemia, hypertension and gallbladder stones. Uni- and multivariate analyses were done, generating odds ratios (ORs) as an expression of relative risks. A personal history of diabetes was positively associated to BC risk (OR=1.64, 95% CI 1.00-2.69), being higher among postmenopausal women (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.04-3.52). The risks of BC for diabetes in postmenopausal women with overweight combined with dislypidemia (OR=9.33, 95% CI 2.10-41.5) and high fat/muscle ratio (OR=7.81, 95% CI 2.01-30.3) were significantly high. As a conclusion, a personal history of diabetes and overweight was strongly associated to BC. The studied sample had a subset of high-risk of BC featured by postmenopausal overweight and diabetic women, who also had a personal history of hypertension and/or dyslipidemia. The present results could contribute to define new high risk groups and individuals for primary as well as for secondary prevention, since this pattern linked to the metabolic syndrome is usually not considered for BC prevention.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.82-109
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• 2015

Objectives This research was proposed to present Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Prevention of Sasangin disease pattern of Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM) and diseases closely related with Sasang constitution. Each CPG was developed by the national-wide experts committee consisting of SCM professors. Methods At first, we searched the literatures related to SCM such as "Dongeuisusebowon", Textbook of SCM and Clinical Guidebook of SCM. Also we searched the articles related to the studies about risk factors for Sasangin disease pattern of both at home and abroad. Finally, we selected leading risk factors of Sasangin disease pattern and developed CPG for prevention of Sasangin disease pattern of SCM. And then, we searched the literatures related SCM such as "Dongeuisusebowon" and the articles on the correlation between disease and Sasang constitution using case-control studies, observational studies or cross sectional studies of both at home and abroad. Next, we selected diseases closely related with Sasang constitution on the basis of articles including prevalence rate and odds ratio between disease and Sasang constitution and finally developed CPG for these diseases. Results and Conclusions We categorized risk factors of Sasang disease pattern into 2 types: non-modifiable and potentially modifiable. 3 items (age, sex and genetic factors) were classified as non-modifiable risk factors of Sasang disease pattern. 6 items (original symptom, stress, diet and nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and drug misuse) were classified as less well-documented or potentially modifiable risk factors of Sasangin disease pattern. We found out Sasang constitution is more likely to develop some diseases. It was proven that Sasang constitution increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver and obstructive sleep apnea. And there is high probability of Sasang constitution being potential risk factor for obesity, hyperlipidemia, allergy and cancer. Also, we found out Taeeumin is independent risk factor for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver and obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore we recommend that Taeeumin need to prevent these disease by regular checkups and aggressive management.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.11 no.11
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• pp.204-209
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• 2021

This study is a data analysis study to identify the factors influencing the prevalence and risk factors for falls of older adults with dementia in Korea. Using the data of the 7th Aging Research Panel in 2018, 119 people were enrolled. We used response data on the dementia-related factors that is the duration of dementia and whether or not activity of daily living was restricted due to dementia. For comorbid diseases, data on hypertension, diabetes, and obesity were used. For statistical analysis of the collected data, logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS statistics 22.0. Dementia-related factors and comorbidities of the analyzed subjects had a significant effect on the falling index. In particular, it was found that the influence was greatest in the order of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, daily life restrictions due to dementia, and the duration of dementia. This study is meant to identify factors that should be prioritized in the composition of a fall prevention program for the elderly with dementia. Based on the findings of this study, strategies for preventing falls due to the duration of dementia and limiting daily life, intensive management of high-risk groups for falls due to comorbid diseases, and training in the use of safety aids such as walking aids will be required in the care of the elderly with dementia,

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.18
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• pp.8345-8349
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• 2016

Background: Although the incidence of colorectal cancer in Malaysia is increasing, awareness of this cancer, including its symptoms, risk factors and screening methods, remains low among Malaysian populations. This survey was conducted with the aim of (i) ascertaining the awareness level regarding colorectal cancer symptoms, risk factors and its screening among the general populations and (ii) assessing the public preference and willingness to pay for colorectal cancer screening. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was distributed in eight major cities in West Malaysia during the World Health Digestive Day (WDHD) campaign. Two thousand four hundred and eight respondents participated in this survey. Results: Generally, awareness of colorectal cancer was found to be relatively good. Symptoms such as change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, weight loss and abdominal pain were well recognized by 86.6%, 86.9%, 83.4% and 85.6% of the respondents, respectively. However, common risk factors such as positive family history, obesity and old age were acknowledged only by less than 70% of the respondents. Almost 80% of the respondents are willing to take the screening test even without any apparent symptoms. Colonoscopy is the preferred screening method, but only 37.5% were willing to pay from their own pocket to get early colonoscopy. Conclusions: Continous cancer education should be promoted with more involvement from healthcare providers in order to make future colorectal cancer screening programs successful.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7425-7430
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• 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates have dropped 30% in the US in the last 10 years among adults ages 50 and older due to the widespread uptake of colonoscopy, yet incidences in the Arab countries have been increasing in the past ten years, albeit with lower figures when compared with developed countries. Lifestyle changes, food consumption patterns and obesity have been observed during the past years where the regular consumption of traditional foods is being replaced with more Western-style and ready-made foods. Most high income countries have implemented population based colorectal cancer screening programs, which aid in decreasing the incidence and mortality of cancer, while these are lacking in most of the Arab world countries due to many cultural and religious barriers to CRC screening as well as lack of high education or familiarity. What is needed is health education to modify risky lifestyle, and to increase motives and enhance positive attitudes towards early screening especially amongst high risk groups in addition to policy designed to encourage healthier living.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.5965-5967
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• 2012

Cancer is now the main cause of increasing mortality throughout the world. Minor alterations in the cell cycle which are inherited and not removed by apoptosis are important rsik factors. Blood cancers are asmong the types which most readily cause death. Here in this study, usual but important factors such as age, gender, Rh and ABO blood typing, weight, and platelet counts are analyzed for impact on blood cancers. Frequencies and distributions, correlations and chi-square test were utilized in order to clarify the perspective of important factors. Our statistical results show males and females to have same risk in blood cancer but A blood type (40%) along with positive Rh (73%) had the highest risk. Low platelet counts are related to more than 80% of cases. Obesity has a statistically ignorable role in blood cancer prevalence. The fact that blood cancer cases increase during the second decade of life (45.7%) which might be because of involvement of maturation processes.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.117-131
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• 2004

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the health behaviors and to find out risk factors of blood pressure of adult women in a rural area. Method: The convenient sample consisted of 159 adult women who lived in G-gun. The data was collected using a self-report questionnaire for health behaviors and mercury type sphygmomanometer for BP, between Jun I and August 15, 2003. Health behaviors measured smoking, alcohol, salt, lipid, stress, exercise, coffee, BMI and medication. To accomplish the goal of study, descriptive statistics, t-test, $x^2$-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were. performed with SPSS 10.0. Results: The average age of subjects was 49.2(SD7.34)years old. The average SBP and DBP of subjects were 126.22mmHg(SDl6.73) and 8 1.25mmHg(SDl 0.31). There were significant differences in smoking(p=.000), cigarette consumption(p=.001), smoking duration(p=.000), BMI(p=.033), medication (p=.001), family history(p=.000) between normotensive and hypertensive. The main risk factors on SBP were medication, age, BMI, family history and smoking duration by 35.7% of the total variance these variables explained SBP. The main risk factors on DBP were BMI, education and medication by 17.60% of the total variance these variables explained DBP. Conclusion: These results suggest that health professional have to emphasize prevention of obesity, lasting medication and no smoking for prevention and management of hypertension in community health promotion program.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2016

The evidence for the existence of a common pathway for health issues in men is presented in this review. Several epidemiological studies have shown that conditions like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), metabolic syndrome, diabetes, lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS), erectile dysfunction (ED), prostate cancer, hypogonadism, depression and suicide can be associated as risk factors for each other. Thus, the risk of CVD is significantly increased in men with metabolic syndrome, ED, hypogonadism, prostate cancer and/or LUTS. In addition, the above mentioned conditions are more prevalent in atherosclerotic patients. In addition, growing evidence indicates that low androgen levels can cause metabolic syndrome. In addition, obesity, dyslipidaemia and diabetes can further reduce androgen levels potentiating their adverse effect. Low testosterone levels are also associated with a higher incidence of aggressive prostate cancer on biopsy and on definitive pathology, and lower probability of abiraterone response in the metastatic setting. Several recent studies point towards diffuse endothelial dysfunction and dysregulated pro-inflammatory state as the biological link between all these disorders. Our current hypothesis is that oxidative stress caused by these dysfunctions explains the pathogenesis of each of these conditions.