• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.257-267
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• 2017

Background: Heat-processed ginseng, sun ginseng (SG), has been reported to have improved therapeutic properties compared with raw forms, such as increased antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity effects of SG through the suppression of cell differentiation and proliferation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and the lipid accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods: To investigate the effect of SG on adipocyte differentiation, levels of stained intracellular lipid droplets were quantified by measuring the oil red O signal in the lipid extracts of cells on differentiation Day 7. To study the effect of SG on fat accumulation in C. elegans, L4 stage worms were cultured on an Escherichia coli OP50 diet supplemented with $10{\mu}g/mL$ of SG, followed by Nile red staining. To determine the effect of SG on gene expression of lipid and glucose metabolism-regulation molecules, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of genes were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, the phosphorylation of Akt was examined by Western blotting. Results: SG suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells stimulated by a mixture of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI), and inhibited the proliferation of adipocytes during differentiation. Treatment of C. elegans with SG showed reductions in lipid accumulation by Nile red staining, thus directly demonstrating an antiobesity effect for SG. Furthermore, SG treatment down-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor subtype ${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha ($C/EBP{\alpha}$) and decreased the mRNA level of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c in MDI-treated adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-regulating factors, such as amplifying mouse fatty acid-binding protein 2, leptin, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid transporter protein 1, fatty acid synthase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, were increased, whereas that of the lipolytic enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 was decreased. Our data demonstrate that SG inversely regulated the expression of these genes in differentiated adipocytes. SG induced increases in the mRNA expression of glycolytic enzymes such as glucokinase and pyruvate kinase, and a decrease in the mRNA level of the glycogenic enzyme phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase. In addition, mRNA levels of the glucose transporters GLUT1, GLUT4, and insulin receptor substrate-1 were elevated by MDI stimulation, whereas SG dose-dependently inhibited the expression of these genes in differentiated adipocytes. SG also inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) at an early phase of MDI stimulation. Intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels were markedly decreased by MDI stimulation and recovered by SG treatment of adipocytes. Conclusion: Our results suggest that SG effectively inhibits adipocyte proliferation and differentiation through the downregulation of $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $C/EBP{\alpha}$, by suppressing Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation and enhancing NO production. These results provide strong evidence to support the development of SG for antiobesity treatment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.333-342
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• 2003

The pathogenic effort of high glucose, possibly in concert with fatty acids, is mediated to vascular complications of diabetes via increased production of reactive oxygen species(ROS), reactive nitrogen species(RNS), and subsequent oxidative stress. This study was carried out to investigate the suppressive effect of buchu(Allium tuberosum) on oxidative stress in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes in Sprague Dawley male rats. The effect of buchu supplementation (10%) on lipid peroxidation, and antioxidative defense system in blood and liver was compared among normal rats fed basal diet(normal) and diabetic rats fed basal diet(DM-control) or 10% buchu-supplemented diet(DM-buchu). Diabetes was experimentally induced by the femoral muscle injection of 50 mg STZ per kg of body weight. Animals were sacrificed after 4 wks of experimental diets feeding. The induction of diabetes by STZ elevated the level of lipid peroxidation represented by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances(TBARS) and conjugated dienes in plasma, LDL, liver, and erythrocytes. 10% buchu-supplemented diet significantly reduced the levels of conjugated dienes in erythrocytes(p<0.05) and lowered TBARS in liver and LDL to the levels of control. Induction of diabetes by STZ elevated Mn-superoxide dismutase(Mn-SOD) activity and lowered activities of glutathionine reductase(GSH-red) and glutathionine peroxidase(GSH-px). Catalase activity was not affected by the induction of diabetes by STZ. However, buchu supplementation to diabetic rats significantly elevated catalase activity(p<0.05) and slightly elevated GSH-px and GSH-red activities in liver. GSH levels of blood and liver were lowered or not changed by induction of diabetes by STZ, respectively, while buchu supplementation to diabetic rats significantly elevated hepatic GSH level (p<0.05). In conclusion, it can be concluded that buchu might be a food source to attenuate oxidative stress in diabetic patients by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, by increasing hepatic GSH level, and by inducing anti-oxidative enzyme systems.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.683-693
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• 2009

This study was designed to investigate the effect of dandelion juice supplementation on attenuation of oxidative stress and hangover after drinking alcohol in healthy college male students. This human trial was conducted by two phase cross over design with two weeks wash out period. The subjects (age $24{\sim}28$ years) were volunteers who had more than 72 g of ethanol drinking capacity. Dandelion group was given dandelion juice 220 mL daily for 7 days. Biochemical markers were determined in blood samples taken at 0 and 150 minutes after administration 72 g of alcohol. The levels of plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin, the indicators of liver cell damage, were not significantly different between groups. No significant differences in lymphocyte DNA damage level between groups was observed. However, plasma acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly (p<0.01) increased in dandelion supplemented group compared to that of control group. Furthermore, activities and protein expressions of glutathione-reductase and catalase of erythrocytes were significantly elevated in dandelion supplemented group compared to that of control group. From the above results, it is concluded that dandelion juice supplementation can reduce oxidative stress and hangover syndrome through the elevation of ALDH and antioxidative enzyme system in healthy male adults.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.641-647
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• 2014

In this study, we evaluated the effect of Capsosiphon fulvescens extract (CFE) and its active compound, pheophorbide A (PhA), on diabetic kidney failure. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 40 mg/kg body weight (BW)). After a week, the rats were orally administered CFE (4 and 20 mg/kg BW) or PhA (0.2 mg/kg BW) once a day for 9 weeks. After scarification, renal tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histochemical analyses. Our study showed that the treatment with CFE and PhA significantly decreased lipid peroxidation level and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase (p<0.05), but it increased glutathione level and the activities of glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the renal tissues (p<0.05). The CFE- and PhA-treated rats with DM showed improved histochemical appearance and decreased abnormal glycogen accumulation. Therefore, we suggest that PhA-containing CFE could exert renal protective effects against STZ-induced oxidative stress.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.1185-1193
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• 2006

This study investigated the effects of green tea on the disorders of lipid metabolism, oxidative system and hepatic functions induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), using adult male rats (SD) for 3 weeks. These 36 animals were divided into four groups. TCDD ($50{\mu}g/kg$ BW) was intraperitoneally injected at the beginning of experiment. Green tea powder was added 1% or 3% levels in basal diets respectively. Relative weights of thymus were decreased about one-third of control group, but those of liver, brain and testis were significantly increased in rats treated TCDD. Neutrophill% and lymphocyte% by TCDD treatment was improved by green tea diets. In liver functional enzyme, elevation of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities due to TCDD treatment was lowered by green tea diets. The concentrations of serum and liver lipids were significantly increased by TCDD treatment, however, those of serum and liver triglyceride tended to decrease by green tea diets. Fecal lipid excretion was increased in rats fed green tea diets. Especially, fecal total cholesterol level was significantly elevated by 3% green tea diets. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased in rats fed 3% green tea diets. Increment of benzphetamine N-demethylase (BPND) activity by TCDD treatment was declined by 1% green tea diets. These results indicate that green tea can exert improving effects on liver lipid accumulation and unfavorable hepatic functions, and elevate antioxidation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.103-110
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• 1991

This study was conducted to determine riboflavin status of young healthy Korean women. Eight subjects consumed general Korean diet for 3 weeks. Riboflavin intake was measured during the period and Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase Activity coefficient (EGRAC) was analyzed at the end of experimental period. The subjects who showed EGRAC value above 1.20 were supplemented 6 mg riboflavin per day for 1 week. The average age of subjects was 22.1 years old, height was 154.4cm, weight was 49.2kg, chest circumference was 81.2cm, the sum of skinfold thickness of 3 parts was 79.5mm and Body Mass Index(BMI) was 20.6. Hemoglobin concentration was 13.0g/100ml, hematocrit value was 44.0% A/G ratio was 1.4, and the activity of sGOT, sGPT, alkaline phosphatase was 14.3, 11.0 and 6.5, respectively. The average daily intake of energy, protein and riboflavin was 1745kcal, 56.1g and 1.14mg, respectively. The mjor source of riboflavin were milk, egg, Korean cabbage, rice, beef and so on. The average EGRAC value was 1.2748. percentages of subjects who showed EGRAC value above 1.20 was 65.2%. After oral administration of 6mg riboflavin, the EGRAC value of all these subjects was returned to normal range. Riboflavin intake was correlated positively with energy as well as protein intake, and correlated negatively with EGRAC value. However, riboflavin intake per 1,000kcal was not correlated with EGRAC value.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 1989

A series of green house experiment was conducted to find but the effect of fertilizer application and inoculation of rhizobium on the changes of amide-N, ureide-N and $NH_4-N$ concentration in stem and root exudates of soybean plant growth. The results obtained were summarized as follows ; 1. Five strains of indigenous Rhizobium japonicum-nitrogen fixing activity($C_2H_2$-reducing activity) was more than 6.4 to 20.1 nmole/hr/tube-were identified from 37 soil samples in 22 areas of farmers field throughout country. 2. These identified 5 strains of rhizobium were obtained high nitrate reductase but low ammonium and nitrite oxidase activities. Among 5 strains of rhizobium the Rhizobium japonicum RjK-134 was applied for this green house experiment. 3. Dry matter yield was increased by the combination of inoculation of Rhizobium japonicum RjK-134 with no fertilizer and without nitrogen fertilizer application. However, dry matter yield was decreased with application of N and NPK with inoculation of rhizobium. 4. The concentrations of amide-N and ureide-N were increased in xylem sap than that of root exudate and higher concentration was obtained ar 30 days after planting than flowering stage (45 days after planting). 5. The combination of NPK application with inoculation of Rhrizobium japonicum RjK-134 enhanced the increase of amide-N and ureide-N concentration in xylem sap and root exudate. 6. High ammonium-N concentration in xylem sap and root exudate were obtained in combination with without-fertilizer under no inoculation of rhizobium and N and NPK application with inoculation of rhizobium.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.321-329
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• 2022

Riboflavin and its derivatives, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), are key components of mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidation-reduction reactions. Proposed dietary reference intakes for Koreans (KDRIs), that is, estimated average requirements (EARs), for riboflavin, based on current knowledge of riboflavin and riboflavin derivative levels, and glutathione reductase activity, are 1.3 mg/d for men aged 19-64 years and 1.0 mg/d for women aged 19-64 years. By applying a coefficient of variance of 10%, reference nutrient intakes (RNIs) were set at 1.5 mg/d for men aged 19-64 years and 1.2 mg/d for women aged 19-64 years. Likewise, EARs and RNIs of riboflavin intake were proposed for all age groups and women in specific life stages such as pregnancy. Mean adult riboflavin intake for adults aged ≥ 19 years was 1.69 mg/d in Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2020, which was 124.9% of EAR according to the 2020 KDRIs. In the 2015-2017 KNHANES study, the mean riboflavin intake from foods and supplements was 2.79 mg/d for all age groups, and 32.7% of individuals consumed less riboflavin than EAR according to the 2020 KDRIs. For those that used supplements, mean intakes were 1.50 mg/d for riboflavin from foods, 10.26 mg/d from supplements, and 11.76 mg/d from food and supplements, and 5.5% of individuals consumed less riboflavin than EAR. Although the upper limit of riboflavin has not been established, the merits of increasing supplement use warrant further consideration. Also, additional epidemiologic and intervention studies are required to explore the role of riboflavin in the etiology of chronic diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.418-424
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• 2021

Skin inflammation (dermatitis) is caused by varying skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation and microbial infection. Currently prescribed drugs for dermatitis include anti-histamine and steroid drug classes that soothe inflammation. However, incorrect or prolonged use of steroids can cause weakening of skin barriers as well as osteoporosis. Therefore, treating dermatitis with a drug that has minimal side effects is important. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been widely treated for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of statins in both experimental and clinical models for of osteoarthritis. This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which are crucial components of skin barriers. Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-1β increased the expression of the COX2 protein, a major player of inflammatory responses. However, this induction of the COX2 protein was downregulated by pretreatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin. Treatment with IL-1ß-induced the upregulation of other inflammatory genes (such as iNOS and MMP-1) and these expressions were similarly lowered by these two statin drug treatments. Taken together, these results indicated that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, the findings suggest that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can be potential modulators for ameliorating skin inflammation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.465-475
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• 2024

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K9 is a probiotic strain that can be utilized from various bioactive substances isolated from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae. In this study, a genetic analysis of L. plantarum K9 revealed the existence of a bacterial chromosome and three plasmids. The glycolysis pathway and pentose phosphate pathway were examined for their normal functioning via an analysis of the core metabolic pathways of L. plantarum K9. Since the key enzymes, fluctose-1,6-bisphospatase (EC: 3.1.3.11) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase (EC: 4.2.1.12)/2-keto-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPG) aldolase (EC: 4.2.1.55), of gluconeogenesis and the ED pathway were not identified from the L. plantarum K9 genome, we suggest that gluconeogenesis and the ED pathway are not performed in L. plantarum K9. Additionally, while some enzymes, related to fumarate and malate biosyntheses, involved in the TCA cycle were identified from L. plantarum K9, the enzymes associated with the remaining TCA cycle were absent, indicating that the TCA cycle cannot proceed. Meanwhile, based on our findings, we propose that the oxidative electron transport system performs class IIB-type (bd-type) electron transfer. In summary, we assert that L. plantarum K9 performs homolactic fermentation, executes gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway, and carries out energy metabolism through the class IIB-type oxidative electron transport system. Therefore, we suggest that L. plantarum K9 has relatively high lactic acid production, and that it has excellent antibacterial activity, as a result, compared to other lactic acid bacterial strains. Moreover, we speculate that L. plantarum K9 has an oxidative electron transport capability, indicating that it is highly resistant to oxygen and suggesting that it has fine cultivation characteristics, which collectively make it highly suitable for use as a probiotic.