• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2017

Dyslipidemia, defined as elevated triglyceride (TG), total- and LDL-C, and/or decreased HDL-C levels, is considered a principal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family has been considered a key player in the prevention of dyslipidemia. The LDLR family consists of cytoplasmic membrane proteins and plays an important role not only in ligand-receptor binding and uptake, but also in various cell signaling pathways. Emerging reports state that various functional ingredients dynamically modulate the function of the LDLR family. For instance, oats stimulated the LDLR function in vivo, resulting in decreased body weight and improved serum lipid profiles. The stimulation of LRP6 by functional ingredients in vitro activated the Wnt/${\beta}-catenin$ pathway, subsequently suppressing the intracellular TG via inhibition of SREBP1, $PPAR{\gamma}$, and $C/EBP{\alpha}$. Furthermore, the extract of Cistanchetubulosa enhanced the expression of the mRNA of VLDLR, followed by a reduction in the serum cholesterol level. In addition, fermented soy milk diminished TG and total cholesterol levels while increasing HDL-C levels via activation of LRP1. To summarize, modulating the function of the LDLR family by diverse functional ingredients may be a potent therapeutic remedy for the treatment of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.108-118
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• 2021

Background: Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) contains a variety of ginsenosides that can be metabolized to a biologically active substance, compound K. Previous research showed that compound K could be enriched in the red ginseng extract (RGE) after hydrolysis by pectinase. The current study investigated whether the enzymatically hydrolyzed red ginseng extract (HRGE) containing a notable level of compound K has cognitive improving and neuroprotective effects. Methods: A scopolamine-induced hypomnesic mouse model was subjected to behavioral tasks, such as the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and the Morris water maze tests. After sacrificing the mice, the brains were collected, histologically examined (hematoxylin and eosin staining), and the expressions of antioxidant proteins analyzed by western blot. Results: Behavioral assessment indicated that the oral administration of HRGE at a dosage of 300 mg/kg body weight reversed scopolamine-induced learning and memory deficits. Histological examination demonstrated that the hippocampal damage observed in scopolamine-treated mouse brains was reduced by HRGE administration. In addition, HRGE administration increased the expression of nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase and heme oxygenase-1 in hippocampal tissue homogenates. An in vitro assay using HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells demonstrated that HRGE treatment attenuated glutamate-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HRGE administration can effectively alleviate hippocampus-mediated cognitive impairment, possibly through cytoprotective mechanisms, preventing oxidative-stress-induced neuronal cell death via the upregulation of phase 2 antioxidant molecules.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 2022

Purpose: Obesity and a high-fat diet (HFD) are risk factors for colorectal cancer. We have previously shown that luteolin (LUT) supplementation in HFD-fed mice markedly inhibits tumor development in chemically induced colon carcinogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer effect of LUT in the inhibition of cell proliferation in HFD-fed obese mice and HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells grown in an adipocyte-derived medium. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (ND, 11.69% fat out of total calories consumed, n = 10), HFD (40% fat out of total calories consumed, n = 10), HFD with 0.0025% LUT (n = 10), and HFD with 0.005% LUT (n = 10) and were subjected to azoxymethane-dextran sulfate sodium chemical colon carcinogenesis. All mice were fed the experimental diet for 11 weeks. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and HT-29 cells were treated with various doses of LUT in an adipocyte-conditioned medium (Ad-CM). Results: The weekly body weight changes in the LUT groups were similar to those in the HFD group; however, the survival rates of the LUT group were higher than those of the HFD group. Impaired crypt integrity of the colonic mucosa in the HFD group was observed to be restored in the LUT group. The colonic expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors were suppressed by the LUT supplementation in the HFD-fed mice. The LUT treatment (10, 20, and 40 µM) inhibited the proliferation and migration of HT-29 cells cultured in Ad-CM in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Conclusion: These results suggest that the anticancer effect of LUT is probably due to the inhibition of IGF-1 signaling and adipogenesis-related cell proliferation in colon cancer cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.809-818
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• 2022

Background: The non-saponin fraction (NSF) of Korean Red Ginseng is a powder in which saponin is eliminated from red ginseng concentrate by fractionation. In this study, we examined the effect of NSF on age-associated sarcopenia in old mice. Methods: NSF (50 or 200 mg/kg/day) was administered orally daily to young (3-6-month-old) and old (20-24-month-old) C57BL/6 J mice for 6 weeks. Body weight and grip strength were assessed once a week during the oral administration period. The gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle were excised, and the muscle fiber size was compared through hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, the effect of NSF on sarcopenia and inflammation/oxidative stress-related factors in hindlimb muscles was investigated by western blotting. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of NSF on immune homeostasis. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture, and the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and glutathione were evaluated. Results: NSF significantly alleviated muscle strength, mass, and also fiber size in old mice. Age-associated impairment of immune homeostasis was recovered by NSF through retaining CD11b⁺F4/80⁺ macrophages and regulating inflammatory biomarkers. NSF also decreased the age-induced expression of oxidative stress factors. Taken together, NSF showed the effect of improving sarcopenia by inhibiting low-grade chronic inflammatory/oxidative stress factors. Conclusion: NSF exhibited anti-sarcopenia effects by regulating chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in old mice. Thus, we suggest that NSF is a promising restorative agent that can be used to improve sarcopenia in the elderly as well as maintain immune homeostasis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.9
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• pp.640-648
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• 2022

CD133, also known as prominin-1, was first identified as a biomarker of mammalian cancer and neural stem cells. Previous studies have shown that the prominin-like (promL) gene, an orthologue of mammalian CD133 in Drosophila, plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism, body growth, and longevity. Because locomotion is required for food sourcing and ultimately the regulation of metabolism, we examined the function of promL in Drosophila locomotion. Both promL mutants and pan-neuronal promL inhibition flies displayed reduced spontaneous locomotor activity. As dopamine is known to modulate locomotion, we also examined the effects of promL inhibition on the dopamine concentration and mRNA expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and DOPA decarboxylase (Ddc), the enzymes responsible for dopamine biosynthesis, in the heads of flies. Compared with those in control flies, the levels of dopamine and the mRNAs encoding TH and Ddc were lower in promL mutant and pan-neuronal promL inhibition flies. In addition, an immunostaining analysis revealed that, compared with control flies, promL mutant and pan-neuronal promL inhibition flies had lower levels of the TH protein in protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) neurons, a subset of dopaminergic neurons. Inhibition of promL in these PAM neurons reduced the locomotor activity of the flies. Overall, these findings indicate that promL expressed in PAM dopaminergic neurons regulates locomotion by controlling dopamine synthesis in Drosophila.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.108-123
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• 2024

This study aimed to explore sustainable fashion design plans and directions by analyzing Marine Serre's collection. Previous research was reviewed to derive classifications of the aesthetic characteristics of sustainable fashion design. This classification was then used to analyze the characteristics of the Marine Serre collection. Design analysis was conducted on Marine Serre's 2018 FW to 2023 SS collections. Marine Serre's sustainability characteristics are functionality, surprise, handicraft, and inclusion. The results are as follows. First, functionality is the highest among the four characteristics and includes the functionality of movement, the functionality of form, and futurism. This characteristic was observed in the use of all-in-one body suits, pockets, and workwear, showing the will and values of designers who value daily activity. Second, surprise includes the scarcity of materials and the unexpectedness of composition. The value of the clothing is enhanced by the use of scarce materials not typically used in clothing. In addition, Marine Serre is highly regarded for expanding clothing into life by incorporating material upcycling into the theme of the collection. Third, handcrafted features include exaggerated decorations, logo, retro designs, and natural properties, and intentional utilization is differentiated. Marine Serre's signature pattern suggests a suitable expression for the fabric to use the crescent moon for the season. Fourth, the collection expresses themes of inclusivity and cultural diversity. The results indicate that Marine Serre wants to contribute to a better future characterized by global coexistence.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.464-478
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic alcohol consumption causes oxidative stress in the body, which may accumulate excessively and cause a decline in memory; problem-solving, learning, and exercise abilities; and permanent damage to brain structure and function. Consequently, chronic alcohol consumption can cause alcohol-related diseases. MATERIALS/METHODS: In this study, the protective effects of Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz (PE) against alcohol-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment were evaluated using a mouse model. Alcohol (16%, 5 g/kg/day for 6 weeks) and PE (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day for 21 days) were administered intragastrically to mice. RESULTS: PE showed a protective effect against memory deficits and cognitive dysfunction caused by alcohol consumption, confirmed through behavioral tests such as the T-maze, object recognition, and Morris water maze tests. Additionally, PE attenuated oxidative stress by reducing lipid oxidation, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species levels in the mice's brains, livers, and kidneys. Improvement of neurotrophic factors and downregulation of apoptosis-related proteins were confirmed in the brains of mice fed low and medium concentrations of PE. Additionally, expression of antioxidant enzyme-related proteins GPx-1 and SOD-1 was enhanced in the liver of PE-treated mice, related to their inhibitory effect on oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: This suggests that PE has both neuroregenerative and antioxidant effects. Collectively, these behavioral and histological results confirmed that PE could improve alcohol-induced cognitive deficits through brain neurotrophic and apoptosis protection and modulation of oxidative stress.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.152-166
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• 2002

Objective : This study was undertaken to determine whether Hominis Placenta(HP) aqua-acupuncture exerts renoprotective effect on diabetic nephropathy induced by streptozotocin(STZ) in rats. Methods : In order to study the renoprotective effect of HP aqua-acupuncture, experimental animals were divided into 5 groups and treated for 2 weeks as follows: control group was injected subcutaneously by saline aqua-acupuncture into Sinsu(BL23) in STZ induced diabetic rats, 5% HP aqua-acupuncture group was injected subcutaneously by 5% HP aqua-acupuncture into Sinsu(BL23) in STZ induced diabetic rats, 10% HP aqua-acupuncture group was injected subcutaneously by 10% HP aqua-acupuncture into Sinsu(BL23) in STZ induced diabetic rats, normal group was injected subcutaneously by saline aqua-acupuncture into Sinsu(BL23) in normal rats, and Captopril group was administrated with captopril at a dose of 50mg/kg in STZ induced diabetic rats. Results : While HP aqua-acupuncture did not reduce any body weight, index of kidney hypertrophy, the plasma glucose concentration and BUN respectively, HP aqua-acupuncture showed lowering urinary albumin excretion rate and serum creatinine as compared with the control group. Gene and protein expressions of $TGF-{\beta}1$ and fibronectin in kidney, one of the extracellular matrix proteins were investigated. There were significant differences in expression levels in HP aqua-acupuncture group as compared with the control group, and $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of HP depressed apoptosis, showing in a dose dependent manner. In the HE staining, HP aqua-acupuncture inhibited the injury of glomerulus and proximal convoluted tubule. Conclusions : HP aqua-acupuncture showed the renoprotective effect possibly through suppressions of $TGF-{\beta}1$ and fibronectin expressions in kidney.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.224-230
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate anti-oxidative and inflammatory inhibition effects of green tea and dietary fiber mixture on liver of high fat diet-induced obese rats. 21 male rats were divided into 3 dietary groups and control group (A), high fat diet-induced group (B), and high fat (HF) diet-induced + EQ diet-$S^{(R)}$ diet group (C). Immunoblotting and RT-PCR analysis revealed protein expression, and anti-oxidant analysis revealed MDA (malondialdehyde), GSH (glutathione), and free DPPH radical. As a results, Body weight and food consumption were not significantly different between groups. The levels of MDA and GSH were lower in HF + $EQS^{(R)}$ group than in HF group. Also, the $EQS^{(R)}$ demonstrated to be more effective than HF group for a DPPH radicals scavenging activities. In addition, protein and mRNA level of TNF-$\alpha$ in HF + $EQS^{(R)}$ group showed relatively more potent pro-inflammatory activity inhibition compared to HF group. These results suggest that green tea mixture (EQ diet-$S^{(R)}$) provide positive effects on anti-oxidative and inflammatory inhibition effects on obese animal model or obesity related diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.1-12
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• 2018

Objectives: The objective of this study is to develop a new animal model with Kidney-hypofunction for Sasang Constitutional Medicine, especially for partial Soyangin(one of four constitution which has good digestive function and poor renal function) by Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction, and to estimate the factor related to obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Methods: The C57BL/6J mice were divided into 3 groups : normal group, high fat diet(HFD) control group, and HFD group with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction(UUO). Then, the HFD control group and the experimental group were fed with high fat diet for 6 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured at regular time by week. After the final experiment, blood was gathered for bloodchemical examination and organs(liver, fatty tissue) were remoed, weighted, and mRNA was analyzed with real-time PCR. Results: The weight growth rate with High fat diet went down by 8.35% in experimental group and had similar FER with the normal group, while HFD control group had higher weight growth rate and FER than any other groups. Also The experimental group had lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol rate and higher glucose rate in serum. and in mRNA expression, GLUT-9, the protein related to excretion of uric acid and metabolic syndrome, expressed lower rate than that of HFD control group. and IL-6, a kind of cytokine related to obesity and metabolic syndrome, expressed more than HFD control group. Conclusions: It was found that Kidney-hypofunction animal-experimental model is susceptible to metabolic syndrome.