• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.25-32
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• 1990

This study was carried out to observe the effects of dietary sources of vitamin A and Zn levels on Zn and vitamin A distribution in rats fed excess vitamin A diet. In this study, 40 weanling male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain, weighing 40-50g, were chosen and divided into for groups by dietary Zn levels and the sources of vitamin A. The two levels of dietary Zn were supplied: adequate Zn(30mg Zn/Kg diet), low Zn(3mg Zn/Kg diet). Excess vitamin A level was 100 times of RDA, retional and $\beta$-carotene were used as the sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A concentration of plasma and liver were significantly higher in rats fed retional than in rats fed $\beta$-carotene (p<0.05), but these were not affected by dietary Zn levels. Vitamin A accumulationin the liver appeared to be servere in rats fed retinol and low Zn diet. Zn levels of plasma and liver were not affected by the sources of vitamin A whereas Zn levels of kidney were slightly lower in retinol group, and Zn levels of tests were found to be significantly lower in rats fed retinol and low Zn diet. Fragility of erythrocytes in hypotonic saline soultion was greater in low Zn groups, whereas the lower fragility was found in adequate Zn groups in feeding excess vitamin A diet. Thus, these results suggest that an adequate Zn intake is preferable when excess vitamin A is taken, and $\beta$-carotene intake is more beneficial than retinol in order to diminish toxic effects of vitamin A.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.48-54
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• 2006

Methods have been developed to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of foods and plasma but limitations are associated with their ability to determine precisely the contribution of lipophilic antioxidants in a lipid milieu as well as interactions among them Thus, we modified the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay to determine the peroxyradical scavenging ability of both hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments in plasma The hydrophilic ORAC assay was performed in a phosphate buffer system utilizing 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride as a peroxyradical generator and fluorescein as the target The lipophilic ORAC assay was carried out in a dimethylsulfoxide :butyronitrile (DMSO/BN, 9:1 v/v) system using 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethyl valeronitrile) as a peroxyradical generator and BODIPY C11 581/591 as the target Analyses were conducted in bovine serum supplemented with water - and lipid - soluble antioxidants and in human plasma. Albumin (0.5$\sim$5 g/dL) and uric acid (0.1$\sim$0.5 $\mu$mol/L) increased hydrophilic ORAC values in a dose-dependent fashion ($R^{2}$=0.97 and 0.98, respectively) but had no impact on lipophilic ORAC values. $\alpha$-Tocopherol (15$\sim$200 $\mu$mol/L) increased lipophilic ORAC values in a dose-dependent fashion ($R^{2}$=0.94); neither $\alpha$-tocopherol nor $\beta$-carotene had an impact on hydrophilic ORAC values. However, addition of $\beta$-carotene at physiological concentration (0.23$\sim$1.86 $\mu$mol/L), either alone or in combination with other carotenoids, had no significant impact on lipophilic ORAC values. Thus, while assays of 'total antioxidant capacity' in biological matrices would be a useful research and clinical tool, existing methods are limited by the lack of complete responsiveness to the full range of dietary antioxidants.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 1996

To investigate antioxidant status and platelet antioxidative enzyme activity in patients with ischemic heart disease, 36 male patients admitted to Kyungpook National University Hospital from June to December 1994 were compared to 36 healthy male control subjects. The percentages of heavy smoking and nonexercise were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control, but the drinking status was not significantly different between groups. Food habit and food frequency scores were significantly lower in patients than in control subjects. Plasma retinol levels tended to be lower in the patient group, and plasma $\alpha$-tocopherol and $\beta$-carotene levels were not different between groups. There was no difference in the level of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) and in the activities of platelet glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Our results indicate that oxidative stress, which is reflected by the plasma levels of antioxidants and TBARS, did not increase in the patients with ischemic heart disease, and the long-term effects due to smoking, poor food habit and other life styles could possibly contribute to the onset of the disease.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.91-100
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• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of smoking on nutrition intake, bone mineral density and blood mineral status. The subjects were composed of two groups: 100 smokers and 100 non-smokers was used along with a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes using 24-hours recall method were compared. At twenty subjects from each group were selected, bone mineral density were measured by quantitative ultrasound and plasma mineral levels were analyzed by ICP spectrometer. The average ages of smokers and non-smokers were 23.9 and 22.8 years old, respectively. The height, weight and BMI of the smokers were no significant difference. The average numbers of smoked cigarettes were 11.8/d and the average packyear was 3.1 in the smokers. About $97\%$ of the smokers drank alcoholic beverages, while $85\%$ of the non-smokers did. The smokers tended to eat less meals and dinner meal, but drink coffee more often compared to the non-smokers. The mean daily energy intake and CPF energy intake ratio were 2184. 9 kcal and 57.2 : 13.7 : 26.4 in the smokers and 2262.6 kcal and 55.8 : 13.1 : 28.6 in the non-smokers. The smokers consumed significantly lower intake of $\beta$-carotene. There were no significant differences in bone mineral density of BUA, SOS and QUI. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn. However, plasma Cu level of the smokers was significantly higher than that of the non-smokers. In conclusion, the smokers of this study showed a more undesirable dietary intake in the light of their low ,B -carotene and high alcoholic beverages, and coffee. The plasma Cu level of the smokers was higher than that of the non-smokers, showing that Cu is involved in smoking. Therefore, it could be suggested that more systematic research be conducted with respect to Cu and smoking and that increased nutrition education and guidelines for smokers are required.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.167-178
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• 2000

The effect of oral vitamin e (800IU/day) and C (500mg/day) supplementation for 10 days and/or smoking cessation for 5 days on oxidative damage to the red blood cells (RBC) of male smokers (22.2$\pm$0.2 years old) was studied. RBC were tested for their ability to protect against smoking-induced oxidative damage by measuring heme proteins (carboxyhemoglobin, hemoglobin, methemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin), hemolysis and thiobarbiturinc acid reactive substances (TBARS). Plasma levels of vitamin c, A, E, $\beta$-catotene, total cholesterol, glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT) were also analyzed. In experiment one, a comparison was made of heme proteins and lipid damage to RBC, plasma antioxidant status (indexed by plasma levels of vitamin C, E, A and $\beta$-carotene) between smokers(n=56) and non-smokers (n=16). No differences were found in plasma antioxidant status, heme protein damage and TBARS concentration of RBC. In experiment two, 46 fasting male smokers from experiment one were divided into 4 groups. The groups were smoking with placebo group(SP, n=14), smoking cessation with vitamins supplementatin group (SV, n=13), smoking cessation with placebo group (NSP, n=9) and smoking cessation with vitamins supplementation group (NSV, n=10). After supplementing antioxidant vitamins, significant increases were seen in plasma vitamins supplementation group (NSV, n=10). After supplementing antioxidant vitamins, significant increases were seen plasma vitamin C (p<0.05) and vitamin E levels (p<0.05). The plasma vitamin E level was highest in the NSV group. Vitmain E and C supplementation provided some protection against heme proteins and lipid damage by lowering methemoglobin, hemolysis and TBARS concentration of RBC. Smoking cessation significantly decreased TBARS of RBC and plasma total cholesterol concentration. Supplementing vitamin E and C with smoking cessation considerably lowered plasma total cholesterol. These results point to a special association among smoking, oxidative damage and plasma antioxidant vitamin status. They indicate that increases in plasma antioxidant status can be detected after the supplementation of vitamin C and E and that smoking cessation had an additional effect on plasma vitamin E level. The present data suggest that improved antioxidant status induced by antioxidant supplementation or smoking cessation may help prevent oxidative damage in smokers.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2001

Body antioxidant status is an important factor for the prevention of many chronic diseases in the elderly. This study was done to evaluate the nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins of the elderly by determining their intakes and plasma levels. It was also aimed to compare daily intakes and plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins by sex of age. Subjects were 225 elderly persons aged over 60 years old (63 males, 162 females) living in Ulsan area. Subjects were divided by groups according to age(＜ 65, 65－74, 75) and sex. Dietary Intakes were assessed by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires(FFQ). Plasma Vitamin C level was measured by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method and plasma levels of vitamin E, A and ${\beta}$-carotene were measured by HFLC. The average intakes of vitamin C were 104.9g(150% of RDA) and 104.4g(149％ of RDA) in the elder1y males and females, respectively. Vitamin C intake of the elderly was significantly decreased by aging but not different by sex. The average intakes of vitamin A were 678$\mu\textrm{g}$RE(96.9% of RDA) and 604$\mu\textrm{g}$:RE(86.2% of RDA) in elderly males and females, respectively. The average levels of Plasma vitamin C were 6.22mg/L and 11.45mg/L in the elderly males and females, respectively. Those levels are within normal range(6-20mg/L). However the percentage of the elderly males with deficiency(＜ 2mg/L) and marginal level(2-4mg/L) of vitamin C were 27.4% and 16.1%, respectively. Plasma retinaol levels were 0.39mg/L for the elderly males and 0.37mg/L for the elderly females, which were within normal range. But the percentage of subjects with marginal level were 28% ill both males and females. Plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol levels of the elderly were lower than normal range(5-12mg/L). Plasma levels of vitamin C, E and ${\beta}$-carotene, except retinol, were significantly higher in the elderly females compared to males and showed significant decrease by aging.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 2009

The effect of diet supplemented with red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) leaf on antioxidant status of plasma and tissue was investigated in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were randomly divided into two groups after one-week acclimation, and fed a high fat (20%) and high cholesterol (1%) diet without (control group) or with 8% freeze-dried red beet leaf (RBL group) for 4 weeks. In RBL mice, lipid peroxidation determined as 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS value) was significantly reduced in the plasma and selected organs (liver, heart, and kidney). Levels of antioxidants (glutathione and $\beta$-carotene) and the activities of antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase) in plasma and liver were considerably increased, suggesting that antioxidant defenses were improved by RBL diet. Comet parameters such as tail DNA (%), tail extent moment, olive tail moment and tail length were significantly reduced by 25.1%, 49.4%, 35.4%, and 23.7%, respectively, in plasma lymphocyte DNA of RBL mice compared with control mice, and indicated the increased resistance of lymphocyte DNA to oxidative damage. In addition, the RBL diet controlled body weight together with a significant reduction of fat pad (retroperitoneal, epididymal, inguinal fat, and total fat). Therefore, the present study suggested that the supplementation of 8% red beet leaf in high fat high cholesterol diet could prevent lipid peroxidation and improve antioxidant defense system in the plasma and tissue of C57BL/6J mice.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.699-710
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• 2003

This study was performed to investigate the effect of chamomile, sage, and green tea intakes on anti oxidative capacity in 15-month-old rats. Dried powders of three plants were analyzed to determine the amount of total flavonoids, $\beta$-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and dietary fibers. In order to examine the change of antioxidative capacity in old rats, forty-eight Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 621.2$\pm$9.5 g were divided into four groups according to body weight and fed for four weeks with each experimental diet of three dried powders and control diet. Plasma and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities, erythrocyte and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and plasma vitamin A, C, E, and total carotenoids levels were measured. The total flavonoids and vitamin C contents were the highest in green tea powder. Beta-carotene and vitamin E contents were not significantly different among all three dried powders. Total dietary fiber contents also were not different among all three dried powders, but soluble dietary fiber contents of chamomile was higher than other two dried powders. Plasma TBARS level was found to be significantly lower in all the experimental groups as compared to control group. Chamomile powder group, especially, showed the lowest level among all experimental groups. Liver TBARS levels of experimental groups were also lower than that of control group and significant differences were observed in chamomile and green tea groups compared to control. Plasma XO activity of green tea group was significantly lower than control group. Liver XO activities of green tea and chamomile groups were significantly lower than control group. Erythrocyte SOD activity was not significantly different among all the groups. However, liver SOD activities of sage and green tea groups showed a significant increase as compared to control group. Plasma vitamin A level was not significantly different among all the groups. Plasma total carotenoids levels were found to be significantly higher in experimental groups as compared to control group. Plasma vitamin E level of chamomile group and vitamin C level of green tea group showed the highest level among all the groups. In conclusion, chamomile, sage, and green tea intakes had an effect on improving antioxidative capacity in 15-month-old rats. Effects of green tea and chamomile powders, especially, were higher than sage powder.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.146-150
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidative potential of Korean wild leafy vegetables in vivo as well as in vitro. Antioxidative activities of Aster scaber and Ligularia fischeri were evaluated against a reference of Spinacia oleracea Forty rats were fed either control diet or respective vegetable diets for four weeks. The level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver were compared. The plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were also compared. Korean wild leafy vegetables were assayed for $\beta$-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E and total phenolic compound including flavonoid and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value using the linoleic acid model system. SOD activity in rats fed Aster scaber was significantly higher(as much as 289%) than those fed Spinacia oleracea. Compared to control animals, the Aster scaber fed animals had significantly lower TC and lower atherogenic index. Compared to Spinacia oleracea, Aster scaber and Ligularia fischeri had vitamin C concentration of 150% and 400%, flavonoid concentrations of 470% and 310%, and phenolic compound concentrations of 326% and 203%, respectively, but tended to have lower $\beta$-carotene and significantly lower vitamin E concentrations. TBA values were only 18% of the control value in Aster scarier and Ligularia fischeri and 41% of the control value in Spinacia oleracea. These results suggest that Aster scaber could have potent antioxidative activity in vivo as well as in vitro and potential vague as a functional food to improve the plasma lipid profiles. Furthermore, phenolic and flavonoid compounds may be a major contributing factor to the antioxidative potential of Korean wild leafy vegetables.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.7
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• pp.553-560
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the lipid peroxidation, plasma antioxidant status and insulin resistance in childhood obesity. To this end, we measured blood lipid profiles, glucose, insulin concentrations, plasma antioxidant vitamins, baseline conjugated diene formation as a measure of LDL oxidation in vivo and TRAP (total radical trapping antioxidant potential) of 93 school children (58 nonobese, 35 overweight-obese). Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The overweight-obese children showed significantly higher levels of leptin (p < 0.0001) and triglyceride (p < 0.05) and significantly lower level of plasma Iycopene (p < 0.001) and $\gamma$-tocopherol (p < 0.05) compared with the normal weight children. Furthermore, the levels of TRAP were significantly lower in overweight-obese children (p < 0.05). Significant positive relationships between plasma leptin and conjugated dienes formation (p < 0.005) and inverse relationship between plasma leptin and lipid corrected levels of $\beta$-carotene (p < 0.05), Iycopene (p < 0.05) were observed. Our results showed an increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant capacity in childhood obesity which could be involved in the atherosclerotic process.