• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2004

The effects of Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae) leaf, Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae) fruit and Ocimum sanctum. (Labiateae) leaf extracts were studied in L-thyroxine (0.5 mg/kg) induced hyperthyroidic mice. Separately combined effects of these three plant extracts and of a commonly used antithyroidic drug, Propyl thiouracil (PTU) were investigated for comparison. Serum concentration of thyroxine $(T_4)$, triiodothyronine $(T_3)$, glucose and the activity of hepatic Glucose 6-Phosphatase (G-6-Pase) were considered as main parameters. Hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) activities were also studied to reveal the toxic effect of the plant extracts, if any. While exogenous $T_4$ enhanced serum concentration of $T_4$, $T_3$, glucose and the activity of hepatic G-6-Pase, a simultaneous administration of either A. marmelos leaf (1.0 mg/kg), E. officinalis fruit( 30 mg/kg) and O. sanctum leaf (50 mg/kg) extracts, to hyperthyroidic animals decreased all these parameters. However, the effects were more pronounced, as nearly normal thyroid function and serum glucose concentration were exhibited when all three plant extracts were administered together. A decrease in LPO and a concomitant increase in SOD and the CAT activities indicated the safe and antiperoxidative nature of the plant extracts, administered either alone or in combination. Our findings reveal that the three test plant materials exhibit synergistic effects without any hepatotoxicity, suggesting their potential use in the amelioration of hyperthyroidism and/ or hyperglycaemia.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1988.08a
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• pp.63-69
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• 1988

The effect of $ginsenoside-Rb_2$ purified from ginseng was examined in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The rats of the $ginsenoside-Rb_2-treated$ group showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level as well as a significant decrease of glucose-6-phosphatase in the liver. whereas a significants rise was observed in the activity of glucokinase. Furthermore, the rats treated with $ginsenoside-Rb_2$ showed a significant decrease of glucose and a slight increase of glycogen in the hepatic tissue. The glucose-6-phosphate level tended to increase, the pyruvate level was unchanged and the lactate level tended to decrease. There was, however. no accumulation of total lipid in hepatic tissue. The serum levels of triglyceride. non-esterified fatty acid. 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate were markedly decreased, showing a trend toward restoration of the normal state and inducing. an increase in lipids in the adipose tissue. Additional experiments involving long-term administration of $ginsenoside-Rb_2$ produced results suggesting that $ginsenoside-Rb_2$ may improve diabetic symptoms such as overeating, overdrinking. polyuria and glycosuria.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.1184-1194
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• 2022

Objective: High concentrate diets are widely used to satisfy high-yielding dairy cows; however, long-term feeding of high concentrate diets can cause subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). The endocrine disturbance is one of the important reasons for metabolic disorders caused by SARA. However, there is no current report about thyroid hormones involved in liver metabolic disorders induced by a high concentrate diet. Methods: In this study, 12 mid-lactating dairy cows were randomly assigned to HC (high concentrate) group (60% concentrate of dry matter, n = 6) and LC (low concentrate) group (40% concentrate of dry matter, n = 6). All cows were slaughtered on the 21st day, and the samples of blood and liver were collected to analyze the blood biochemistry, histological changes, thyroid hormones, and the expression of genes and proteins. Results: Compared with LC group, HC group showed decreased serum triglyceride, free fatty acid, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased hepatic glycogen, and glucose. For glucose metabolism, the gene and protein expression of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 in the liver were significantly up-regulated in HC group. For lipid metabolism, the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1, and fatty acid synthase in the liver was decreased in HC group, whereas carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α were increased. Serum triiodothyronine, thyroxin, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and hepatic FT3 increased in HC group, accompanied by increased expression of thyroid hormone receptor (THR) in the liver. Conclusion: Taken together, thyroid hormones may increase hepatic gluconeogenesis, β-oxidation and reduce fatty acid synthesis through the THR pathway to participate in the metabolic disorders caused by a high concentrate diet.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.938-945
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• 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ingestion of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides on lipid composition, blood glucose level, and enzyme activities in the serum of hyperlipidemic rats fed experimental diets for 5 weeks. Concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), and blood glucose, the atherosclerotic index, and the cholesteryl ester ratio were higher in serum of the hyperlipidemic group (CW group), and the cholesterol-plus-collagen peptides extract group (CCP group) than in the control group (BG group basal diet plus water). However, the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, free cholesterol, TG, PL, and blood glucose, the atherosclerotic index, and the cholesteryl ester ratio in serum were lower in the CCP group than in the CW group. By contrast, the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol and the absolute HDL-cholesterol level in the CCP group were higher than in the CW group. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransferases (AST, ALT) in serum were lower in the CCP group than in the hyperlipidemic CW group. The results indicate that an extract of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides effectively inhibited increases in lipid elevation, blood glucose level, and enzyme activities, in the serum of hyperlipidemic rats.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.145-152
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• 2022

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease caused by insulin resistance, and abnormally elevated hepatic gluconeogenesis is characterized. Phillyrin, one of the major active constituents of Forsythia suspense, is known to possess the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, the anti-diabetes mellitus effect of phillyrin and its molecular mechanisms are unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of phillyrin on gluconeogenesis in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. Phillyrin suppressed high glucose (HG)-induced glucose production. In addition, phillyrin reduced HG-induced the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase), major genes in hepatic gluconeogenesis. Phillyrin treatment attenuated HG-induced nucleus protein levels of FOXO1 and HDAC5 and increased the phosphorylation of Akt, AMPK, HDAC5, and FOXO1. The block of AMPK and Akt activity did not exert the inhibitory effect of phillyrin on gluconeogenesis in insulin resistant HepG2. Taken together, these results suggest that phillyrin inhibits gluconeogenesis of hepatocytes to improve glucose metabolism, through the regulation of LKB1/AMPK/HDAC5 and PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 pathway. These results indicate that phillyrin may be useful in improving hepatic gluconeogenesis associated with insulin resistant and T2DM.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.471-477
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• 1997

A study detennined whether certain biochemical and physiological variables were altered during marginal Zn deficiency. Ten weaned crossbred Hereford Angus heifer calves, weighing $163{\pm}2kg$, were utilized. Five calves were fed a Zn - deficient (- Zn) brome-alfalfa hay diet containing 17 mg Zn/kg diet DM, and five calves were fed a Zn-adequate (+Zn) diet with 23 mg Zn/kg diet DM from $ZnSO_4$ added to the - Zn diet (total diet, 40 mg Zn/kg diet DM), for 32 d. At 21 d the - Zn calves had a reduction (p < .05) in feed efficiency. By 25 d, plasma Zn and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were reduced (p < .05) in the - Zn calves. Blood urea nitrogen, glucose, insulin, IGF-I, Cu plasma concentration and Zn and Cu concentrations of red blood cell (RBC) and liver were not altered (p > .05) by the - Zn diet through 25 d. In response to a single i. m. injection of dexamethasone (20 mg) on d 25, calves fed the two dietary Zn amounts showed no changes (p > .05) in plasma or RBC Zn and Cu concentrations, serum IGF-I, insulin, and glucose when measured at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after injection. In response to an intradermal injection of phytohemagglutinin on d 30, cell mediated immune (CMI) response was reduced (p < .05) in the - Zn calves. These observations indicate that during a marginal Zn deficiency in calves, there was a decrease in feed efficiency, plasma Zn, serum alkaline phosphatase, and CMI response.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.830-840
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• 2017

Excessive body weight gain during the growth period of early life may predispose individuals towards obesity and metabolic disorder in later life. We investigated the possibility of using the food efficiency ratio as an early indicator for predicting susceptibility to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Four-week-old, prepubertal, male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into obesity-prone and obesity-resistant groups based on food efficiency ratio values after five days on a high-fat diet. Metabolic parameters measured after 2, 6, and 10 weeks, and specific phenotypes were compared with each group. Obesity-prone rats had higher increases in body weight and fat mass compared to obesity-resistant rats over the study period. Obesity-prone rats became glucose intolerant early in this study and remained so throughout the experimental period, with increases in fat weight and leptin levels occurring first, followed by increases in insulin level. Gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance significantly increased in obesity-prone groups in which activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were increased and glucokinase activity decreased. Higher food efficiency ratio at an early age was closely correlated with body fat accumulation, hyperleptinemia, and hyperinsulinemia of middle and elderly age. We suggest a high food efficiency ratio in prepubertal subjects may be a useful predictor of future obesity and insulin resistance.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.552-557
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• 2000

In order to investigate the effects of Yukmijihwang-Tang on the hepatic microsomal function of Cd-poisoned rats, 3 mg/kg of cadmium (Cd) and 500 mg/kg of Yukmijihwang-Tang extract (YJT), a herbal hepatoprotective medicine, were administered concurrently to rats for 4 weeks. The levels of protein, aniline hydroxylase (AH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in Cd-treated group. This increase was suppressed by treatment or YJT. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-P) and ${\delta}-aminolevulinic$ acid dehydratase (ALAD) of Cd-treated group were decreased. This decrease was inhibited by treatment of YJT. Treatment with YJT significantly protects cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.23-35
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• 1997

Physiological effects in SAM P6 and Rl by administration of Cervus cornu, Astragali Radix, Rehmanniae Radix, and Angelicae Radix extracts were screened to know in vivo activities of each extracts. We measured complete blood cells (CBC) such as aBC, HGB, and HCT using coulter's method. Plasma concentrations of albumin, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, creatinine, inorganic phosphate, urea and total iron ere also analyzed using biochemical clinical autoanalyzer. Plasma concentrations of cortisol, total T$_3$, and total T$_4$ were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay methods. At 12 weeks after birth, Cervus conu or Astragali Radix or Rehmanniae Radix extracts were given 5 g/Kg.day p.o. for 0,7,14,21, and 30 days each in both SAM Rl and SAM P6. Angelicae Radix study was done the same as the others except the mice were 16 weeks after birth. The RBC, HGB, and HCT levels after administration of Astragali and Rehmanniae were elevated in SAM Rl, but those in Cervi study were increased in SAM P6 the most. Decreases in alkaline phosphatase concentration of SAM Rl and P6 after Cervi administration were detected. Total plasma iron concentration was decreased by Angelicae administration in SAM P6. In general, Angelicae and Rehmanniae stimulate increases in cortisol, but total T$_3$ and T$_4$ levels were also elevated by all these extracts. In conclusion, these herval medicine extracts help hematopoiesis in SAMs through probably different mechanisms.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.275-283
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• 2011

This study was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of three phytoestrogens, genistein, coumestrol, and enterolactone, in type 2 diabetic animals. Forty male C57BL/KsOlaHsd-db/db mice were used as a diabetic animal model. The animals were divided into four groups and fed a phytoestrogen-free AIN-76 diet (control), or one of three phytoestrogen-supplemented (3.75 mg/100 g diet) AIN-76 diets for six weeks. During the experimental period, fasting blood glucose levels were measured on week 0, 2, 5, and 6 of the experiment, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on the 5th week. After the experimental period, blood concentrations of HbA1c, insulin, and glucagon were measured, and hepatic glycogen content and glucose regulating enzyme activities were analyzed. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c level, and the area under the blood glucose curve in the oral glucose tolerance test were significantly lower in all of the phytoestrogen-supplemented groups compared to the control group. Plasma glucagon levels were also significantly lower in all of the phytoestrogen-supplemented groups compared to the control group. Hepatic glycogen level was significantly higher in the coumestrol-supplemented group compared to the other groups. However, there were no significant differences in the activities of glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase between the groups. These results suggest that all of the three major phytoestrogens tested in the present study were effective in lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic animals. However, further studies need to be conducted to elucidate the exact mechanism for the hypoglycemic effects of phytoestrogens.