• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.1215-1226
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects of extracts of persimmon leaf (PWE), buckwheat leaf (BWE), and chinese matrimony vine leaf (LWE) in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=40) were divided into four groups: HFD (35% fat, w/w), HFD (38.5% fat, w/w) supplemented with PWE (10%, w/w), BWE (10%, w/w), and LWE (10%, w/w) groups. The epididymal, perirenal, and interscapular white adipose tissue (WAT) weights as well as plasma leptin level were lowest in the LWE group. Supplementation with PWE and BWE also tended to lower the perirenal and retroperitonal WAT weights compared to the HFD control group, and there was a significant decrease in plasma leptin concentration. Furthermore, plasma triglyceride concentration, hepatic cholesterol content, and hepatic lipid droplet accumulation were significantly lower in the PWE, BWE, and LWE groups than in the HFD group. BWE supplementation markedly lowered plasma total cholesterol concentration, although there were no significant differences in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration and ratio of HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol among the groups. Hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity was significantly higher in the PWE and LWE groups than in the HFD group, and hepatic ACAT was not changed by extract supplementation. However, supplementation with PWE, BWE, and LWE significantly increased fecal acidic sterol content in rats fed a HFD. These results suggest that supplementation with PWE, BWE, and LWE may be an effective anti-obesity strategy by lowering body fat weight and improving plasma and hepatic lipid profiles in HFD-fed rats.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.14-23
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• 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by fat accumulation and is associated with oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract (PPE) against oxidative stress in the liver of rats with NAFLD. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high fat diet (HFD), 20% corn oil, or palm oil for 8 weeks in the presence or absence of PPE. The control group was fed a basal diet. The progression of NAFLD was evaluated histologically and by measuring liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), serum lipids (triglycerides and total cholesterol), and oxidative stress markers. The HFD feeding increased the body weight and caused NAFLD, liver steatosis, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and elevated liver enzymes. Administration of PPE ameliorated the hepatic morphology, reduced body weight, improved liver enzymes, and inhibited lipogenesis. Furthermore, PPE enhanced the cellular redox status in the liver tissue of rats with NAFLD. Our findings suggest that PPE could improve HFD-induced NAFLD via abolishment of hepatic oxidative damage and hyperlipidemia. PPE might be considered as a potential lead material in the treatment of NAFLD and obesity through the modulation of lipid metabolism.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.743-749
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of fermented Angelica gigas Nakai (A. gigas) on lipid metabolism in orotic acid-induced fatty liver model rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four dietary groups (n=6 per group): a normal (N) group fed a standard diet only, OA control, OA acid plus 5% (w/w) A. gigas (OAG), and OA plus 5% (w/w) fermented A. gigas (OFAG). OA treatment induced enlargement of the liver and accumulation of hepatic triglycerides. The consum ption of fermented A. gigas reduced triglyceride concentrations in the liver and increased the serum lipid concentrations to normal levels. Furthermore, OA treatment significantly decreased serum triglyc eride concentrations without diminishing mRNA expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protei n (MTP) and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). Hepatic MTP mRNA expression increased 1.08-fold in response to OA treatment, despite triglyceride accumulation in the liver relative to that of the normal group. OFAG administration was slightly lower as compared to the OA treatment. This result suggests that MTP mRNA expression is not always correlated with hepatic triglyceride accumulation in the OA-induced fatty liver model. However, PDI mRNA expression was significantly increased in the OAG and OFAG groups (1.62-fold and 1.63-fold, respectively) compared with the normal group. The hepatocytes in the OA group contained numerous large fat droplets. These were slightly reduced in the OFAG group.

• BMB Reports
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• v.50 no.7
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• pp.367-372
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• 2017

Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (MGAT) is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of diacylglycerol (DAG) and triacylglycerol (TAG). However, the subcellular localization and catalytic function domain of this enzyme is poorly understood. In this report, we identified that murine MGAT1 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) under normal conditions, whereas MGAT1 co-localize to the lipid droplets (LD) under conditions of enriching fatty acids, contributing to TAG synthesis and LD expansion. For the enzyme activity, both the N-terminal transmembrane domain and catalytic HPHG motif are required. We also show that the transmembrane domain of MGAT1 consists of two hydrophobic regions in the N-terminus, and the consensus sequence FLXLXXXn, a putative neutral lipid-binding domain, exists in the first transmembrane domain. Finally, MGAT1 interacts with DGAT2, which serves to synergistically increase the TAG biosynthesis and LD expansion, leading to enhancement of lipid accumulation in the liver and fat.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.229-243
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• 2023

The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes is a significant health concern both in globally and is now regarded as a worldwide epidemic. Added sugars like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are a major concern due to their link with an increased incidence of diet-induced obesity and diabetes. The purpose of this review is to provide insight into the effects of natural sweeteners as alternatives to sucrose and HFCS, which are known to have negative impacts on metabolic diseases and to promote further research on sugar consumption with a focus on improving metabolic health. The collective evidences suggest that natural alternative sweeteners have positive impacts on various markers associated with obesity and diabetes, including body weight gain, hepatic fat accumulation, abnormal blood glucose or lipid homeostasis, and insulin resistance. Taken together, natural alternative sweeteners can be useful substitutes to decrease the risk of obesity and diabetes compared with sucrose and HFCS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.12
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• pp.1708-1714
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• 2011

This study investigated the possible anti-obesity effects of Hypsizigus marmoreus on high fat-fed mice. Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: a normal diet group (N), a high-fat diet group (HF), and a high-fat diet with 5% Hypsizigus marmoreus group (HF-H). After 8 weeks, the body weights in the HF group significantly increased, while those of the HF-H group decreased. Also, liver and adipose tissue weights in the HF-H group significantly decreased. Total serum cholesterol, leptin, and insulin levels were significantly higher in the HF group than those of the N group, but lower than those of the HF-H group. Accumulation of hepatic lipids was apparent in the HF group, as indicated by HE staining and hepatic lipid analysis, while these effects were improved by supplements with Hypsizigus marmoreus in the HF-H group. Also, a reduction in adipocyte size of the epididymal adipose tissue was observed in the HF-H group. $PPAR{\gamma}$, SREBP-1c, and SCD-1 protein expressions were down-regulated in the epididymal adipose tissue of the HF-F group compared to the HF group. Taken together, these results suggest that Hypsizigus marmoreus may an effective anti-obesity treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.194-199
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Lentinus edodes water extract powder (LEP) in mice fed a high fat diet (HF, 45% kcal fat). Mice were administrated a HF diet supplemented with 1%, 3%, or 5% LEP for 12 weeks. Consumption of HF diet caused increases in body weight, serum lipid profiles, and adipose tissue weights. Serum TC and TG levels in the LEP-supplemented groups were lower than those in the NC group. Supplementation with 5% LEP significantly suppressed body weight gain and reduced the weight of subcutaneous adipose tissue compared to the HF group. HF diet ingestion resulted in higher lipid content and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver. However, LEP supplementation inhibited accumulation of hepatic lipids induced by HF diet, considerably decreased MDA levels, and elevated total antioxidant activity in the livers of mice in the 5% LEP group. Histopathological analysis indicated that the livers of mice fed HF diet developed hepatic steatosis, whereas LEP-treated groups showed small fat droplets. These results suggest that long-term supplementation with LEP may also have an ameliorating effect on HF-induced obesity.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.580-585
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• 2008

The principal objective of this study was to determine the effects of defatted soybean grits (DSG) on body lipidmetabolism with 4 weeks of feeding on a high-fat diet. The rats were divided into the following 4 groups: control group (Con), control group treated with 20% DSG (C20D), high-fat group (HF), and high-fat group treated with 20% DSG (HF20D). The plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the HF20D group than in the HF group. On the other hand, the DSG supplement resulted in a significant increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol levels. The DSG supplement reduced the hepatic total lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride contents as compared to what was observed in the HF diet groups. In addition, the fecal total cholesterol and triglyceride contents increased in the DSG treatment groups. The hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activities were demonstrated to be significantly lower in the HF20D group than in the HF group. These results showed that the DSG powder lowered plasma cholesterol levels, tissue lipid contents, and cholesterol accumulation in the rats.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.37-53
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• 1973

For the elucidation of the metabolic effects due to alcoholic drink and moldy rice intake author designed two experiments as follows. In the first experiment, sixty male and female rats, divided into six groups, 10 rats each in both sexes, were given 7.5% sucrose-30% alcohol solution (Jinro-Soju) and diets varied of fat content (2%, 7%, 30% of diet) and protein quality (casein, bean, anchovy) for 6 weeks. In the Second experiment, six groups of rats, 10 male rats each, were fed the diets containing zero, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% moldy rice contaminated Penicillium Islandicum and the experimental periods were 4 weeks and 6 weeks. The results of these studies due to the toxicity of alcohol consumption and moldy rice ingestion of the fatty liver production and the other effects are as follows. 1. Food intake of alcohol consumed groups decreased to 50%-70% of that of standard group. In the second study, there was no significant differences on food intake due to the different contents of moldy rice and experimental period. 2. On the view paint of body weight gain, the body weight of alcohol consumed groups gained much less than that of standard group, because food consumption was decreased due to alcohol ingestion. 3. In comparison of F.E.R. and P.E.R. between standard and experimental groups, there was no significant differences in this study. 4. As a matter of fact, there was no significance on the nitrogen balance in both studies. 5. From the result of hematology, R.B.C. counts, W.B.C. counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit showed normal values in all groups including in this study. So we might conclude that the toxicity of alcohol and moldy rice do not effect significantly on blood picture. 6. The larger organs shrank on the range of 20%-70% of that against standard group in this study. The major reason for the shrinkage of organs might be account of decreased food consumption due to alcoholic drink. There was no great changes on the organ weight due to the ingestion of moldy rice. 7. The nitrogen content in various organs in both experiments was revealed at the normal level for the worst condition in terms of the least food intake. In other word, it was noteworthy that the concentration of nitrogen in various organs was kept at the normal ratio as standard groups under the circumstances of this study. 8. The lipid content in the liver of rats fed alcohol and diets containing either various lipid contents or protein quality did not increase. Hepatic lipids accumulation due to the dietary fat content was observed, but there wvas no significances among the compared groups. In the second experiment, the difference of hepatic lipid content between the moldy rice groups and standard group was not showed. In addition to the result of total lipid, hepatic free cholesterol, free fatty acid, and triglyceride did not change in both studies, we might conclude that the toxicity of alcohol and moldy rice could not effect on the hepatic lipid contents. 9. There was no significant differences on the serum glucose level between alcohol groups and standard group. In the second experiment, serum glucose level increase in 6th week compared with in 4th week, but there was no significant differences.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.1-19
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and mechanisms of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) herbal acupuncture. Methods : Anti-diabetic and anti-steatotic activity of the AS herbal acupuncture was investigated on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. After random grouping at the age of 9 weeks, the herbal acupuncture groups were injected subcutaneously at the left and right Gansu (BL18) corresponding acupuncture points alternately on exactly the same time every day with 0.1ml of either 400 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg of AS (AS400 and AS800) for 8-week period. As a positive control, metformin was administrated at a dose of 300 mg/kg (MT300). Body weights were measured weekly, and on every other week blood was collected for blood glucose analysis. At the end of study, blood was also collected for determination of plasma insulin and lipid levels, after which they were killed and periepidydimal fat, liver, muscle, and pancreas were immediately removed. The removed tissues were instantly soaked in liquid nitrogen and stored at $-70^{\circ}C$ for morphological examination and mRNA analysis. Results : The AS herbal acupuncture significantly prevented weight gain on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The AS herbal acupuncture lowered blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. The increase of insulin response during the OGTT was inhibited by the AS herbal acupuncture. Insulin sensitivity of skeletal tissue was enhanced. Plasma lipid levels were significantly improved in the AS herbal acupuncture groups. The AS herbal acupuncture decreased hepatic lipogenesis and hepatic triglyceride production, and increased fatty acid (FA) transporter that involves in FA uptake. The AS herbal acupuncture inhibited the increase of liver mass by prevention of the accumulation of TG but did not inhibit weight gain of fat tissue on C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. Conclusion : In summary, we have demonstrated several unique properties of the AS herbal acupuncture in decreasing body weight, and reversing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. This AS herbal acupuncture acts as an insulin sensitizer and specifically decreases circulating glucose and lipids, and suppresses hepatic lipogenesis.