• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.280-286
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• 2016

Polyphenols have been reported to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. A polyphenolic compound, 3,4-dihydroxy-hydrocinnamic acid (3,4-DHHCA), has been shown to have antioxidative and antitumorigenic activities. However, the effect of 3,4-DHHCA on atherosclerosis is still unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of 3,4-DHHCA on atherosclerosis in New Zealand White rabbits. Broad and fused fatty streak lesions were found in rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Administration of 3,4-DHHCA reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation and lesional accumulation of macrophage in rabbits fed with cholesterol diet without systemic or local toxicity. Hepatic acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity was decreased after treatment with 3,4-DHHCA by 22% in cholesterol diet-fed rabbits compared with the control group. These results indicate that 3,4-DHHCA had antiatherogenic effects in rabbits, possibly by partial inhibition of ACAT.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.1-10
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• 2019

This Dietary cholesterol augments lipid profile and primes production and activation of platelets, leading to development of atherosclerosis which produce several detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. Ethnomedicine and Mediterranean diet are natural sources and cost effective modes against several ailments including cardiovascular diseases while fermented foods have gained interest due to their increased nutrient profile, enhanced bioavailability and efficacy. Garlic has been known to reduce cholesterol and inhibit platelet activation. We examined whether fermented garlic ameliorates effects of hypercholesterolemia and platelet functions in rats. Methodology: Male SD rats were fed with hypercholesterolemia diet and treated with spirulina, fermented and non-fermented preparations of garlic for one month. Platelet aggregation and granule secretion were assessed to evaluate platelet activation. Liver and kidney weights, lipid and enzymatic profile of serum and whole blood analysis was performed. Expressions of SREBP, ACAT-2 and HMG-CoA were assessed using RT-PCR while liver and adipose tissues were analyzed for histological changes. Both fermented and non-fermented garlic inhibited platelet aggregation and granule secretion while fermented garlic showed greater inhibitor tendency. Fermented garlic significantly reduced liver weight and triglycerides concentrations than non-fermented garlic. Similarly, fermented garlic greatly abrogated the detrimental effects of steatosis on liver and adipose tissues. Fermented garlic significantly improved lipid profile and modulated platelet functions, thereby inhibiting atherosclerosis and platelet related cardiovascular disorders.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.499-506
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• 1996

It has been established that hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Recent data showed that the incidence of hypercholesterolemia increase in Korea. n-3 Fatty acids lower serum triglyceride profoundly but the effect on serum cholesterol is not clear. This study was performed to assess the effects of low and moderate supplementation of marine n-3 fatty fish on serum cholesterol in young healthy korean woman. Nineteen subjects were divided into two groups. Each group receive an experimental diet supplemented with either 100g (group I) or 200g mackeral(Scomber japonicus) fish(group II) for 1-week. The diet was designed to avoid in which the amount of n-6 fatty acids would be much greater than that of n-3 fatty acids. MUFA, SFA intakes were similar in the two diets. The ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was 1 : 1.l for group I, 1 : 2.51 for group II. The average daily n-3 fatty acids consumption from fish was 3.87g/day (1.03g EPA, 2.84g DHA)for group I, 7.74g/day (2.06g EPA, 5.68g DHA) for group II. Blood samples were obtained 2 times before experimental diet, immediately after experimental diet for 1-week. After experimental diet for 1-week, the serum total-cholesterol levels decreased significantly (16.4$\pm$15.1mg/dl, p<0.01) in group II and lowered slightly (13.7$\pm$25.8mg/dl)in group I. There were no significant changes from baseline to the end of the study in serum HDL-cholesteol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-C/T-C ratio, and LDC-C/HDL-C ratio. The results suggest that the moderate levels of marine n-3 fatty fish consumption could improve serum cholesterol in normal subjects, therefore in might be of value in the prevention of atherosclerosis. However the clinical usefulness of moderate n-3 fatty fish consumption of hypercholesterolemic subjects will require further study. Also further studies are required to elucidate the long-term effects of low n-3 fatty fish consumtion.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 2014

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers esterified in diacylglycerol (DAG)-rich oil on lipid metabolism was investigated. Since dietary DAG has been known to induce the regression of atherosclerosis, CLA-DAG and olive-DAG oils containing similar levels of DAG (51.4~54.2%) were synthesized from olive oil. Hyperlipidemic C57BL/6J mice were then fed high-fat high-cholesterol diets supplemented with these oils (5% each) for 7 wk. The CLA-DAG diet containing 2.1% CLA isomers (0.78% c9,t11-CLA; 1.18% t10,c12-CLA) remarkably increased the levels of total plasma cholesterol and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) along with hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TAG) contents. Furthermore, the CLA-DAG diet inhibited fat uptake into adipose tissue whereas fat deposition (especially in the liver) was increased, resulting in the development of fatty livers. Hepatic fatty acid composition in the CLA-DAG mice was different from that of the olive-DAG mice, showing higher ratios of C16:1/C16:0 and C18:1/C18:0 in the liver. The activity of hepatic acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) was higher in CLA-DAG mice while plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were lower in CLA-DAG mice compared to the olive-DAG animals. Results of the present study suggest that CLA incorporation into DAG oil could induce atherosclerosis in mice.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.467-476
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• 2010

Object : The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of atherosclerosis risk factors and pulse wave velocity (PWV) of carotid-femoral artery with Sasang constitution. This study also aimed to investigate the relationship between PWV and risk factors of atherosclerosis, including serum cholesterol and homosisteine, hs-CRP. Methods : We enrolled 160 patients without experience strokes who visited our hospital for a medical examination from January 1, 2008 to April 30, 2010 except patients whose body constitutions were undetermined according to QSCCII. We investigated the correlation between serum cholesterol values, blood pressure, body mass index(BMI), homosistein, hs-CRP and PWV. Pearson's correlation and partial correlation analysis were applied to examine the relationship between PWV and risk factors of atherosclerosis. Result : Among the 160 subjects, 54 were Taeumin, 54 were Soyangin, and 52 were Soeumin. The prevalences of high BMI (P-value <0.01), high hs-CRP(P-value <0.05), and high PWV(P-value <0.05) of Taeumin were higher than those of the other constitutions. PWV of carotid-femoral artery was significantly different among the three constitutional groups(Taeumin: $8.12{\pm}1.64m/sec$, Soyangin: $7.48{\pm}1.16m/sec$, Soeumin: $7.49{\pm}1.12m/sec$)(P-value <0.05). This research has show a statistical significance between the average amount of carotid-femoral artery PWV that is higher in Taeumin. Age factor of Taeumin was the effective determinant of the increase of mean PWV of carotid-femoral arteries. Conclusions : There were significant differences in the prevalence of atherosclerosis according to Sasang constitution. This study showed that atherosclerosis was more prevalent in Taeumin. Therefore, according to our results, risk of atherosclerosis was higher in Taeumin than among other constitutions.

• 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.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.253-260
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• 2000

Obesity is the risk factor of atherosclerosis and not only increases triglyceride concentration in blood but also decreases relatively the ratio of TG to HDL-Cholesterol in blood. In case of obesity, systolic blood pressure is also increased in responding the increase of TG in blood. Index of obesity in red ginseng-taking group (ginseng group) was lower as compared with non-red ginseng-taking group (control group). The TG concentration, the ratio of triglyceride to HDL-cholesterol in blood and systolic blood pressure were decreased in the subjects of ginseng group compared with that in control group. It is inferred that long-term intake of ginseng products may help to prevent the risk of atherosclerosis and obesity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.373-383
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• 2021

Atherosclerosis is the deposition of plaque in the main arteries. It is an inflammatory condition involving the accumulation of macrophages and various lipids (low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, ceramide, S1P). Moreover, endothelial cells, macrophages, leukocytes, and smooth muscle cells are the major players in the atherogenic process. Sphingolipids are now emerging as important regulators in various pathophysiological processes, including the atherogenic process. Various sphingolipids exist, such as the ceramides, ceramide-1-phosphate, sphingosine, sphinganine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), sphingomyelin, and hundreds of glycosphingolipids. Among these, ceramides, glycosphingolipids, and S1P play important roles in the atherogenic processes. The atherosclerotic plaque consists of higher amounts of ceramide, glycosphingolipids, and sphingomyelin. The inhibition of the de novo ceramide biosynthesis reduces the development of atherosclerosis. S1P regulates atherogenesis via binding to the S1P receptor (S1PR). Among the five S1PRs (S1PR1-5), S1PR1 and S1PR3 mainly exert anti-atherosclerotic properties. This review mainly focuses on the effects of ceramide and S1P via the S1PR in the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover, it discusses the recent findings and potential therapeutic implications in atherosclerosis.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.275-281
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• 2008

Plasma fibrinogen is risk factor of vascular disease including stroke, ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Many studies have confirmed that high plasma fibrinogen levels are related with age, obesity, cholesterol, alcohol consumption, and genotype. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of fibrinogen genotype and other characteristics on the plasma fibrinogen levels in the elderly Koreans. For this study the blood samples were collected from 178 healthy elderly Koreans (102 males and 76 females, $55{\sim}80$ year olds). The blood samples were analyzed by smoking status, cholesterol levels, genotype, age, exercise, drinking, and gender. The plasma fibrinogen was assayed by clotting method, cholesterol being assayed by cholesterol oxidase method. The $\beta$-fibrinogen genotype was detected by PCR of relevant region and digestion with Alu I. The alleres with the restriction site and the non cleavable alleres were designated $A_1$ and $A_2$. In conclusion, genotype $A_1A_2$ and exercise are increased and associated with plasma fibrinogen levels. But, there were no significant differences by smoking, gender, age, drinking and cholesterol.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.105-118
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• 2001

Objectives : The prescription of Semyung-Gangji-tang, designed for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, consists of herbs good for treating blood stasis and phlegm stagnancy. It invigorates the liver, kidneys and spleen. Its medical nature is not too cold or too hot and increases human vital energy. The purpose of this study is to examine the curative effects of Semyung-Gangji-tang on atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Methods : Twenty-four male NZW rabbits, around 2kg of body weight, were divided into 4 groups. Group I served as the normal group. Group II served as the atherogenic model group, fed a 1 % cholesterol diet for 8 weeks and sacrificed. Group III served as the atherogenic control group, fed with a 1 % cholesterol diet for 8 weeks and with a normal diet for the next 4 weeks. Group IV served as the treatment group treated the same as the control group and medicated with Semyung-Gangji-tang for the last 4 weeks. Three animals of group I and six animals of group n were sacrificed at 8 weeks. Five animals of group I , five animals of group III and IV were sacrificed at 12 weeks. Pathological examinations and image analysis were performed on the collected tissue samples. Results : The percentage of lipid deposition area of thoracic aortas of group IV($41.74{\pm}8.93%$) at 12 weeks was decreased compared with the group III ($71.30{\pm}12.74%$) at 12 weeks, but a statistical difference was not observed. The percentage of group IV at 12 weeks was significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared with the group n ($76.41{\pm}7.43%$) at 8 weeks. Histopathologically, advanced atheromas with calcification of aortic arches were observed in all animals of the control group at 12 weeks, but were observed in 2 animals of the treatment group at 12 weeks. Histopathologically, atheromas with calcification of thoracic aortas were observed with major atherogenic lesions in control group at 12 weeks, but simple fibro-fatty streaks were observed major atherogenic lesions in treatment group at 12 weeks. Conclusions : These results indicate that Semyung-Gangji-tang has antiatherogenic effects on experimentally induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.