• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.17-26
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• 2022

Objective : The aim of the present study is to examine hepatic lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects of silymarin combined with Jakyakgamcho-tang on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a high fat diet-induced obese mice model. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were divided into four dietary groups: (1) Normal, (2) Control (60% high-fat diet), (3) Control + silymarin 50 mg/kg/day (Silymarin), (4) Control + Silymarin 50 mg/kg/day + Jakyakgamcho-tang 100 mg/kg/day (SPG). After 12 weeks administration, mice were sacrificed and lipids and inflammation-related biomarkers were analyzed liver and plasma. Results : Silymarin and SPG treatments significantly lowered body and liver weights compared to the Control. Serumlipids (triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1𝛽, and IL-6) concentrations were significantly lowered in the Silymarin and SPG groups than the Control group. Silymarin and SPG treatments suppressed hepatic TG level and hepatic lipid droplets compared to the Control. Theses two treatments significantly increased hepatic kinase B1 and AMP-activated protein kinase protein levels, and significantly decreased hepatic key lipogenic enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and stearyl coenzyme A desaturase 1) protein levels than the Control. SPG also significantly increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation-related protein (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and uncoupling protein 2) levels than the Control. Conclusions: Silymarin and SPG suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation by regulating hepatic protein expression, and lowered blood pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations though the synergic effect of silymarin and Jakyakgamchotang was not clear.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.319-328
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Curcuma zedoaria R. (Zingiberaceae) has been used to treat headache, fever, and hypertension-related symptoms in Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. We investigated whether dietary intake of a C. zedoaria extract (CzE) affected atherosclerosis in vivo. MATERIALS/METHODS: Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice (n = 32) were fed a normal diet (ND), a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), an HCD containing CzE (100 mg/kg/day), or an HCD containing simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. The anti-atherosclerotic effects were evaluated by observing changes in fatty streak lesions, immunohistochemical analysis, ex vivo fluorescence imaging, lipid profiles, and western blot analysis. RESULTS: The CzE-fed group showed a 41.6% reduction of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, CzE significantly reduced the levels of serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, the chemokine (C-X3-C-motif ) ligand 1, the adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin; down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, high mobility group box-1, and cathepsin levels in the aortic sinuses and aortas of ApoE^-/- mice were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the inclusion of a water extract of C. zedoaria in a HCD is closely correlated with reducing the risk of vascular inflammatory diseases in an ApoE mouse model.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.700-715
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic colitis is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) development in both animals and humans. Previously, we reported that a diet rich in protein (with casein as the protein source) significantly increased the risk of mouse CRC development in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated the effects of different protein sources on the risk of colitis development. MATERIALS/METHODS: Balb/c mice were divided into 7 experimental groups: 20% casein (20C), 20C-dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), 40% casein-DSS (40CD), 40% whey protein-DSS (40WD), 40% soy protein-DSS (40SD), 40% white meat-DSS (40WMD), and 40% red meat-DSS (40RMD). Mice were fed an experimental diet for 4 wk and received 3% DSS in their drinking water for 6 days during the 4th wk of the experimental period. RESULTS: Compared to other groups, the 40CD group showed the most aggravated colitis with increased disease activity and inflammatory markers. In the 40RMD group, interleukin (IL)-6 levels were the highest among all the groups. The 40SD group showed conflicting effects, for example, elevated mortality and disease activity but decreased nitric oxide (NO) levels. The 40WD group showed attenuated colitis with increased IL-10 levels and decreased NO levels. The 40WMD group showed conflicting effects, including decreased NO levels and elevated fecal lipocalin-2 and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, at levels of 40% in the diet, casein and red meat exacerbate colitis, whereas whey protein mitigates it the most effectively.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.605-613
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• 2022

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of increasing supplementation of Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) up to 3.0% replacing 1.6% poultry fat and 0.9% blood plasma for growth performance, intestinal health and nutrient digestibility of diets fed to nursery pigs. Methods: Twenty-four pigs weaned at 24 d of age (initial body weight at 7.2±0.6 kg) were allotted to three dietary treatments (n = 8) based on the randomized complete block. The diets with supplementation of YL (0.0%, 1.5%, and 3.0%, replacing poultry fat and blood plasma up to 1.6% and 0.9%, respectively) were fed for 21 d. Feed intake and body weight were recorded at d 0, 10, and 21. Fecal score was recorded at every odd day from d 3 to 19. Pigs were euthanized on d 21 to collect proximal and distal jejunal mucosa to measure intestinal health markers including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G. Ileal digesta was collected for apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients in diets. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS. Results: Supplementation of YL (1.5% and 3.0%) replacing poultry fat and blood plasma did not affect growth performance, fecal score and intestinal health. Supplementation of YL at 1.5% did not affect nutrient digestibility, whereas supplementation of YL at 3.0% reduced AID of dry matter (40.2% to 55.0%), gross energy (44.0% to 57.5%), crude protein (52.1% to 66.1%), and ether extract (50.8% to 66.9%) compared to diets without supplementation. Conclusion: Yarrowia lipolytica can be supplemented at 1.5% in nursery diets, replacing 0.8% poultry fat and 0.45% blood plasma without affecting growth performance, intestinal health and nutrient digestibility. Supplementation of YL at 3.0% replacing 1.6% poultry fat and 0.9% blood plasma did not affect growth performance and intestinal health, whereas nutrient digestibility was reduced.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.237-245
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• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside Rg2 (Rg2) has a variety of pharmacological activities and provides benefits during inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. However, there are no reports about the relationship between Rg2 and atherosclerosis. Methods: We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) to detect the cell viability of Rg2 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression of inflammatory factors in HUVECs and the expression of phenotypic transformation-related marker in VSMCs were detected at mRNA levels. Western blot method was used to detect the expression of inflammation pathways and the expression of phenotypic transformation at the protein levels. The rat carotid balloon injury model was performed to explore the effect of Rg2 on inflammation and phenotypic transformation in vivo. Results: Rg2 decreased the expression of inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide in HUVECs-without affecting cell viability. These events depend on the blocking regulation of NF-κB and p-ERK signaling pathway. In VSMCs, Rg2 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-which may contribute to its anti-atherosclerotic role. In rats with carotid balloon injury, Rg2 can reduce intimal proliferation after injury, regulate the inflammatory pathway to reduce inflammatory response, and also suppress the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. Conclusion: These results suggest that Rg2 can exert its anti-atherosclerotic effect at the cellular level and animal level, which provides a more sufficient basis for ginseng as a functional dietary regulator.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.267-278
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine parents' perceptions towards, and the importance and performance levels of, foodservices in child-care centers and to suggest ways to increase foodservice quality and promote efficient operations in the future. A questionnaire survey was provided to 540 parents and the return rates 82%. The survey period was from June 20 to July 27,2007. The collected data were statistically analyzed with the SAS package program using descriptive statistical analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, Duncan's multiple comparisons, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The results were as follows: The parents perceived that foodservice operations promoted their children's health and helped them form desirable dietary habits. The parents also had a high level of perception toward the need for foodservice, earning greater than 4.5 points out of 5 points. Their perceptions of foodservice quality were examined by four dimensions of importance and performance levels. While the parents gave 4 points or greater of 5 points to most quality attributes of importance level, they gave 4 points of less out of 5 points to most quality attributes of performance level. As for the importance and performance levels of the quality dimensions of meal service, the parents regarded sanitation as the most important dimension. IPA showed that 'organic food materials' was included as a 'focus here' area. The overall satisfaction level for foodservice was 3.59 out of 5 points. A higher level of satisfaction was shown when a dietitian was present as well as in public childcare centers. According to multiple regression analysis, 53.51% of the variance in the respondents' overall satisfaction scores was explained by factors such as food, sanitation, environment, and foodservice effects.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1149-1161
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• 2023

Changes in the gut microbiome cause recolonization by pathogens and inflammatory responses, leading to the development of intestinal disorders. Probiotics administration has been proposed for many years to reverse the intestinal dysbiosis and to enhance intestinal health. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of two newly designed probiotic mixtures, Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome, on two enteric pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli that may cause intestinal disorders. Additionally, the study was designed to evaluate whether Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome could modulate the immune response, produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and reduce gas production. Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome showed superior adhesion ratios to HT-29 cells and competitively suppressed pathogen adhesion. Moreover, the probiotic mixtures decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. Cell-free supernatants (CFSs) were used to investigate the inhibitory effects of metabolites on growth and biofilms of pathogens. Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome CFSs exhibited antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, where microscopic analysis confirmed an increase in the number of dead cells and the structural disruption of pathogens. Gas chromatographic analysis of the CFSs revealed their ability to produce SCFAs, including acetic, propionic, and butyric acid. SCFA secretion by probiotics may demonstrate their potential activities against pathogens and gut inflammation. In terms of intestinal symptoms regarding abdominal bloating and discomfort, Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome also inhibited gas production. Thus, these two probiotic mixtures have great potential to be developed as dietary supplements to alleviate the intestinal disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.533-541
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• 2023

Objectives: This study analyzed the relationship between parental body mass index (BMI; BMI_p) and hypertension in their adolescent offspring (HTN_a), focusing on the mediating effect of adolescents' BMI (BMI_a). Methods: Utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including participants aged 12-18, we conducted a mediation analysis while controlling for confounding factors such as age, sex, physical activity, dietary habits, household income quartile, and parents' alcohol and smoking habits. Results: The study included a total of 5731 participants, of whom 3381 and 5455 participants had data on fathers' and mothers' BMI, respectively. For adolescent systolic blood pressure (SBP_a), the father's BMI (BMI_f) had a significant total effect (β, 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12 to 0.34) and average controlled mediated effect (ACME) (β, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.32), but the average direct effect (ADE) was not significant. The mother's BMI (BMI_m) had a significant total effect (β, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.25), ACME (β, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.28) and ADE (β, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.16 to 0.00). For adolescent diastolic blood pressure, both BMI_f and BMI_m had significant ACMEs (β, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.12 and β, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.12, respectively), BMI_m had a significant ADE (β, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.02) but BMI_f had an insignificant ADE and total effect. Conclusions: The study found that parental BMI had a significant effect on SBP_a, mediated through BMI_a. Therefore, a high BMI in parents could be a risk factor, mediated through BMI_a, for systolic hypertension in adolescents, necessitating appropriate management.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.139-151
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• 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the anticancer effects of EMPS (edible mushroom mycelium polysaccharide: Tremella fuciformis) in animal models with colorectal cancer induced by AOM/DSS. The experimental groups consisted of Nor (normal), NC (AOM/DSS), EMPS (EMPS 50, EMPS 100), and PC (Fluorouracil). The NC group had the highest number of colon tumors, whereas it was observed that tumor occurrence was significantly reduced in the EMPS consumption group. The expression of Bcl-2, an apoptosis inhibitor, was significantly lower in the EMPS 50 & 100 and PC groups. On the other hand, the mRNA gene expression of Bax, a factor that induces apoptosis, was significantly higher in the EMPS 50 & 100 and PC groups compared to the NC group. The mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and COX-2 significantly increased in the NC group, but showed a significant decrease in the EMPS and PC groups, indicating inhibition of the cancer-promoting response of cells. At the phylum level of the mice's intestinal microbial composition, the proportion of Bacteroidetes tended to decrease, while the proportion of Firmicutes tended to increase with EMPS administration. This suggests that changes in the gut microbiota caused by inflammation can be influenced by dietary intake.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.29-41
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• 2024

Objectives: This study used an efficient data mining algorithm to explore association rules between the lifestyle risk behaviors and multimorbidity (having more than one chronic disease) in Korean adults. Methods: We used data from the 8th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(2019-2020) for 7,609 adults aged ≥19 years. This study was undertaken where 6 lifestyle risk behaviors and 11 morbidities were analyzed using R and Rstudio for the ARM. Results: Among 117 association rules, combinations of hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes, hypertension were important role in inadequate sleep, physical inactivity and inadequate weight. Conclusion: The findings of this study are significant because they demonstrate the importance of lifestyle risk factors and the role of multiple chronic diseases using big data analytics such as association rule mining. We recommend developing selective and focused health education programs, such as exercise programs to address physical inactivity, dietary interventions to address inadequate weight, and mental health education programs to address inadequate sleep.