• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.445-452
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a strong independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We evaluated the relationship between hsCRP and dietary intake in apparently healthy young women living in southern Vietnam. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Serum hsCRP was measured and dietary intake data were obtained using the 1-day 24-hour recall method in women (n = 956; mean age, $25.0{\pm}5.7$ years) who participated in the International Collaboration Study for the Construction of Asian Cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) in 2011. RESULTS: Women in the high risk group (> 3 mg/L) consumed fewer fruits and vegetables, total plant food, potassium, and folate than those in the low risk group (< 1 mg/L). A multiple regression analysis after adjusting for covariates revealed a significant negative association between hsCRP and fruit and vegetable consumption. A logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) of having a high hsCRP level in women with the highest quartiles of consumption of fruits and vegetables [OR, 0.391; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.190-0.807], potassium [OR, 0.425; 95% CI, 0.192-0.939] and folate [OR, 0.490; 95% CI, 0.249-0.964] were significantly lower than those in the lowest quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, in young Vietnamese women, an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables might be beneficial for serum hsCRP, a risk factor for future CVD events.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.264-273
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• 2006

Elevated maternal plasma homocysteine concentrations have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Serum homocysteine levels may be affected by the MTHFR genotypes and the nutritional status of B vitamins including vitamin $B_2,\;B_6$, folate and vitamin $B_{12}$. We investigated whether postnatal growth measurements were influenced by maternal MTHFR genotypes and their mid-pregnancy serum vitamin B and homocysteine levels. In 130 pregnant women of 24-28 wks of gestation, the MTHFR genotypes, serum B vitamins and homocysteine concentrations were analyzed. Physical growth status was assessed in their offsprings by measuring height, weight, and head and chest circumferences from birth up to 24 months. Serum homocysteine levels were higher in the subjects with T/T genotype than those with the C/T or C/C. Heights and head and chest circumferences of offsprings from the T/T mothers were significantly lower than those from the C/C or C/T mothers only when the serum homocysteine levels were above the median. The mean height of offsprings from the T/T mothers was significantly lower than those from the C/C and C/T mothers. The mean weight and head circumferences of offsprings born from the mothers whose mid-term pregnancy PLP levels were in the lowest quartile was significantly lower than those from mothers in the highest quartile. Heights and head circumferences of offsprings from the T/T mothers were significantly lower than those from the C/C or C/T mothers only when the serum FAD levels were in the lowest quartile. These results suggest that postnatal growth up to 24 months may be influenced by the maternal C677T MTHFR genotypes, and mid-pregnancy serum homocysteine and vitamin B status.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.92-96
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• 1999

The pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine(100 mg/kg, oral) in the folic acid-induced renal failure rabbits was studied. Renal failure was induced by the i.v. injection of folic acid (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). At folic acid dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the serum creatinine concentration (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased significantly compared with control rabbits. Plasma concentrations and area under the plasma level-time curve (AUC) of carbamazepine increased significantly at folic acid dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The elimination rate constant (Kel) of carbamazepine decreased significantly, and half-life $(t_{1/2})$ of carbamazepine increased significantly at folic acid dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The serum creatinine concentration (Scr) correlated well with AUC and elimination rate constant (Kel) of carbamazepine, as well as BUN with AUC and elimination rate constant (Kel) of carbamazepine. These results suggest that adjustment of the dosage regimen of carbamazepine is desirable, and serum creatinine concentration (Scr) as well as BUN can be used for adjusting the dosage regimen of carbamazepine in renal failure.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.61-72
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a weight control program on anthropometric values, serum lipid profiles and nutrient intakes. The subjects of this study were 38 obese children (boy : 17, girl : 21) with obesity index over 120%. The weight control program for obese children included nutritional education (50 min) and exercise (50 min) for 10 weeks. The nutrition intakes of the children were surveyed before and after the weight control program by 24hr recall test. The BMI, R$\ddot{o}$hrer Index, Obesity Index, WHR (Waist - Hip ratio) and body fat(%) were significantly decreased after completion of the weight control program. The total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol of subjects were significantly increased after the weight control program. Distribution of serum lipid profiles was slightly changed. The energy intakes were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). from 1760.8 kcal to 1435.2 kcal. In addition, the intakes of P, Zn, retinol, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin E and niacin were significantly decreased. while intakes of vitamin C and folate were increased. Calcium and folic acid were upper 25% of subjects, under EAR(Estimated Average Requirements) intake before the weight control program. The distribution of energy intakes was significantly changed into positive status; fat percentage was decreased 26.3% to 22.1% (p < 0.01). Carbohydrate was increased 58.6% to 61.2% (p < 0.05). Meal distribution of energy intakes was changed; calorie percentage from lunch significantly increased from 32.2% to 38.3%. Calorie percentage from snack significantly decreased from 17.7% to 13.5%. In conclusion, weight control program for 10 weeks is effective in obesity index and nutrient intakes although serum lipid values were a little changed.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.479-487
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• 2006

Many epidemiological and observational studies show that distorted body image of normal body weight is widespread among Korean young females. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and underweight of young females and, to compare nutrient intakes, body composition, serum indices (lipids, MDA: Malondialdehyde, TAS : Total Antioxidant Status) with different BMI groups. The subjects were 75 university students in Seoul. We divided the subjects into 3 groups according to their BMI by IOTF guideline (UW: underweight group, BMI < 18.5, NW: normal body weight group; 18.5 $\leq$ BMI < 23.0, OW: overweight group; BMI $\geq$ 23.0). Data on dietary intakes, body compositions and serum indices were obtained in 3 groups. Differences on all of the above variables were assessed by body weight groups. Using IOTF guidelines, the prevalence of overweight and underweight in young females were 23%, 61%, 16% respectively. $\beta$-carotene and vitamin A intake of UW were significantly higher than that of NW (p < 0.05). Fiber intakes of NW was significantly higher than that of W (p < 0.05). But intakes of energy and the other nutrients were not significantly different among BMI groups. Calcium and folate intakes were 75%, 61% of KDRIs. Serum TGs were significantly higher in OW than that of NW, UW (p < 0.05), but level of MDA and TAS were not significantly different. The association of overweight and low intake of $\beta$-carotene and vitamin A may be one of many factors predisposing obese females to a high risk of oxidative stress later in life. This requires urgent nutritional intervention programs involving enough intake of fruit and vegetables, with modification of inappropriate dietary habits.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.114-122
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• 2005

Objectives:Recently in schizophrenia high incidence of MTHFR(methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), which is a main relating enzyme that reduce homocysteine level, genetic variations were reported. So we examined serum homocysteine level and MTHFR gene polymorphism in Korean schizophrenics. Method:We compared serum homocysteine level and MTHFR polymorphism between 235 schizophrenics (100male, 135female) and 235 normal controls(100male, 135female). C677T and A1298C polymorphism of MTHFR gene were analyzed. Results:1) C677T genetic mutation(CT and TT) were more frequent in schizophrenia group than normal control group(p<0.01). But the difference of A1298C mutation frequency was not found between two groups. 2) In schizophrenia patients, TT genotype of C677T mutation showed significantly higher homocysteine level (29.99uM/L) than other group(CT:13.34uM/L, CC:9.34uM/L p<0.01). 3) MTHFR 677 TT homogeneous mutation genotype showed two times more risk(odds ratio=2.15) than 677CC normal genotype in schizophrenia. Conclusion:Some schizophrenia patients with high homocysteine serum level may have C677T TT genotype. In that case, folate ingestion could be a good management for clinical improvement.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2006

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether nutrient intakes and serum biochemical indices are associated with the skin condition of humans. Anthropometric data, skin surface hydration, ceramide content, dietary intake of nutrients and serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, TG, MDA: malondialdehyde, TAS: total antioxidant status) were obtained from 36 healthy young women. Subjects were classified into 2 groups {LM: Low Moisture Group (n = 20) , HM: High Moisture Group (n = 16)} by forehead skin hydration. The results of this study were as follows: The average age, BMI, total body water, LBM, body fat$\%$, WHR, forehead hydration, ceramide content were 20.2 yrs, 20.7, 28.81, 39.2 kg, $28.0\%$, 0.8, $44.3\%$, and 1.05 $\mu$g/$\mu$g protein, repectively. The intakes of SF A (saturated fatty acid) , MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acid) in the HM group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the LM group, but zinc intakes in the LM group were higher than in the HM group. Serum levels of TAS in the LM group (1.27 mmol/l) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of in the HM group (1.20 mmol/l). Whereas other lipid levels were not significantly different, intakes of vitamin $B_{6}$ and folate showed significant positive correlation with the forehead hydration (r = 0.447, r = 0.377). Intakes of calcium and phosphorus showed significant negative correlation with forearm ceramide content (r = -0.496, r = -0.485). Several associations between nutrient intakes and skin conditions were observed, indicating that changes in baseline nutritional status may affect skin health.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.113-120
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• 1985

The pharmacokinetics of lithium carbonate were investigated in rabbits with folate-induced renal failure. The blood level, the area under the blood concentration curve (AUC) and the biological half·life were increased significantly, and the urinary excretion was decreased significantly compared with those of normal rabbits. Correlation of serum creatinine concentration and AUC, biological half-life, and correlation of creatinine clearance and renal clearance of lithium carbonate have linear relationship respectively. In short, dosage regimen of lithium carbonate is considered to be adjusted in the dose size and the dosing interval by degree of experimental renal failure.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.185-195
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• 1989

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an uncommon hematologic disease characterized by an abnormal sensitivity of blood cells to the lytic action of serum complement. We experienced one case of PNH in Yeungnam University Hospital from May 1983 to May 1989. The patients was followed up without severe complications for 4 years since diagnosis with the only consevating treatments such as washed blood transfusion, adrenal corticosteroids, androgens, folate and iron preparation, intermittently.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.234-245
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• 2009

Nutritional assessment for the elderly can identify health status and morbidity. However, development of Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) remains limited for elderly because of difficulties in understanding physiological mechanism of elderly. This study was performed to analyze and develop Nutritional Risk Index for Korean elderly Women (Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, GNRI). Based on literature review, factors for NRI were identified and indices were assessed by a cross-sectional survey. The survey involved Korean elderly women (${\geq}$60, n = 94) in Gwangju area, and sociodemographics, lifestyle characteristics, health conditions, dietary intakes based on 24h- recall, anthropometric measures (wt, ht, BMI, waist, hip, WHR, body protein, body fat, abdominal fat, and triceps skinfold thickness), and clinical biochemistry parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, fasting blood glucose, HbAlc, ferritin, Zn, Ca, Na, K, Vit E, Vit $B_{12}$, folate, C-reactive protein) were examined relation to nutritional risk index. Based on literature review and data analyses, three NRIs were categorized (NRI I, NRI II, NRI III) and used for further analysis. NRI I was related to having metabolic syndrome, NRI II was related to serum albumin and body weight, and NRI III was related to food habit and health concerns. Abdominal fat (%) of elderly was correlated with each NRIs. NRI II was correlated with nutritional deficiency and higher tendency of inflammatory response, and NRI III was correlated with nutritional status which tend to be lower on aging (protein, folate, Vit $B_{12}$). NRI can serve as a useful tools in assessing health risk and nutritional status. Some modification of items in NRI and validity study are need to apply to Korean elderly.