• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.325-334
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• 2014

The effects of aloe on liver function and lipid metabolic disorders induced by alcohol consumption were studied in rats using aloe power (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%) and 10% ethanol. 35 Sprague-Dawley (male, 4 weeks old) rats were divided into five groups and fed experimental diets for six weeks. Body weights of rats tended to be lower in all alcohol supplemented groups than in the control. Food intakes and dry feces per day were significantly lower in all alcohol supplemented groups than in the control. Atherogenic indices (AI) were highest in the alcohol group and decreased in proportion with aloe amount. Serum triglyceride level was significantly higher in the alcohol group than in the control, but tended to be lower in the aloe supplemented groups. In relation to liver function, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities tended to be higher in the alcohol groups than in the control, but lower in the aloe groups, especially in the alcohol+0.5% AO group. The levels of liver cholesterol were significantly lower in the alcohol group than in the control and aloe supplemented groups. In the histochemical evaluation, fat droplets appeared extensively on the liver-lobule in the alcohol group, whereas they decreased slightly in the alcohol+0.25% AO group and apparently disappeared in the alcohol +0.5% AO. On the other hand, fat droplets appeared again on the liver-lobule in the alcohol+1% AO group, but were reduced compared with the alcohol group. Regarding the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue triglycerides, the level of linoleic acid (18:2) was significantly higher in the aloe supplemented group. Regarding the fatty acid composition of liver phosphatidylcholine (PC), the level of linoleic acid was higher in the alcohol group and alcohol+1% AO group than the other groups. In contrast, the level of arachidonic acid was significantly lower in the alcohol group. As a result, arachidonic / linoleic acid ratios were significantly lower in the alcohol group compared to the control group, whereas the ratios of the aloe supplemented groups were similar to that of the control group. Therefore, aloe had some beneficial effects on lipid metabolic disorders induced by alcohol and affected desaturation of fatty acids.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.78-87
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• 2002

This study investigated the production of insoluble dietary fiber using forest waste and the dietary effect of manufactured insoluble fiber on physiological function in rat fed high cholesterol duets. Insoluble dietary fiber was prepared from the wood chips of oak (Quercus mongolica). The best condition for steam-explosion treatment for the preparation of insonuble dietary fiber was 25 kg/cm$^3$pressure for 6 minutes. In the chemical analysis of insoluble dietary fiber pretreated by 1% sodium hydroxide solution with steam-exploded wood, $\alpha$-cellulose content was 61.7% in the insoluble dietary fiber which contained 7.6% residual lignin. In order to compare insoluble dietary fiber with commercial $\alpha$-cellulose of physiological function, Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100$\pm$10 g were randomly assigned to one normal diet and five high cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol. The high cholesterol diet groups were classified as fiber free diet (FF group), 5% commercial $\alpha$-cellulose diet (5C group), 10% commercial $\alpha$-cellulose (l0C group), 5% insoluble dietary fiber dict (5M group), and 10% insoluble dietary fiber (10M group). The rats were fed ad libidum for 4 weeks. Food intake, weights gain, and food efficiency ratio in high cholesterol groups were higher than those of normal group, but there were no significant differences between the experimental groups. There were not any significant differences in the weights of livers, kidneys and small intestine of insoluble dietary fiber supplemented groups, but weight of cecum in all insolube dietary fiber group were significantly higher than those of FF group. A gstrointestinal transit time was decreased by supplementation of insoluble dietary fiber. Weight and water contents of feces in the insoluble dietary fiber supplemented groups were significantly higher than those of the FF group. There were not any significant differences in the activities of the glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) between the experimental groups. In conclusion, the manufactured insoluble dietary fiber and commercial insoluble fiber have the same physiological effects. The preparation method of the insoluble dietary fiber from the oak chips suited its purpose.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.294-301
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effects and detoxification of oriental herb extracts mixture (Saururus chinensis, Taraxacum platycarpum, Ulmus macrocarpa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Rhynchosia nulubilis) on TCDD-induced oxidative stress. Thirty five male rats were divided into 5 groups: normal control group received saline; vehicle control group received DMSO and acetone; only TCDD-treated group received multiple intraperitoneal injection of TCDD ($100{\mu}g/kg$) and saline; post-treated group of OHEM (400 mg/kg/day) received oral administration for 5 weeks after TCDD treatment; and pre-treated group of OHEM (400 mg/kg/day) received oral administration for 6 weeks from 1 week before TCDD treatment. The elevated serum activities of alanine transaminase (AST), aspartate transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and atherorganic index due to TCDD were significantly decreased by the treatment of OHEM (p<0.05); the pre-treatment of OHEM was especially effective. Hydropic lesions and cytoplasmic vacuolizations in the liver of TCDD-treated rats were inhibited by the treatment of OHEM. Also, OHEM treatment reduced edemas in small intestine villus of TCDD-treated rats. These results suggest that OHEM from various oriental herb extracts might be a useful protective and detoxification agent against TCDD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.224-237
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• 2021

Purpose: Paeonia Radix Alba is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat the liver and the spleen. Many studies have reported that Paeonia Radix Alba extract (PR) affects liver injury, but there has been no study on liver injuries induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the effect of PR on a TAA-induced acute liver injury (ALI) model. Methods: The antioxidant activity of PR was assayed by the content of total polyphenol, total flavonoid, 1,1-diphenyl-2'-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities in vitro test. ALI was induced via-intraperitoneal injection of TAA (200 mg/kg body weight) for three consecutive days. Also, silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight) and PR (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered at 1 hours 30 minutes prior to TAA treatment. The levels of ammonia, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were analyzed using an assay kit. The expressions of antioxidant proteins including Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2 and oxidative stress-related proteins including NOX2, p47^phox, and p22^phox were evaluated by the western blot analysis. Results: PR showed excellent antioxidant activity in vitro. TAA administration increased the levels of ammonia, GOT, and GPT in the ALI control group compared to the normal group, whereas it was significantly reduced by PR pretreatment. Moreover, NADPH oxidase protein expressions were upregulated after TAA treatment, while the elevated expressions were inhibited by PR pretreatment. The expressions of antioxidant protein were downregulated in the ALI control group, whereas Nrf2 activation in the PR group was accompanied by increased levels of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: PR administration increased the antioxidant enzymes via activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and inhibited the protein levels of NADPH oxidase factors. Taken together, these results showed that PR treatment may be considered to ameliorate acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.19-26
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• 2018

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the immunopotentiating activity of combine extract that Silkworm and Cinnamomum cassia. Recently, acute epidemic diseases such as cold and viral respiratory diseases have been emerging. So, interested in immunity enhancement has been increasing, and research on natural products to promote immunity activity has been actively conducted. Methods : To confirm the immunopotentiating activity effect, Silkworm (SW), Cinnamomum cassia (CC), and SWCC combined extracts were treated 14 days at 300 mg/kg/day. The changes of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in serum were analyzed after experiment. The changes in the total spleen cell number were measured. Immune cells in spleen were analyzed using fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). also, analyzed the expression of cytokines in spleen. Results : Total number of cells in the spleen and FACS analysis of T lymphocytes activated in the spleen showed that the SWCC combined treated group had much higher frequency of active cells than both single groups. The ratio of CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD69+ and CD4+CD25+ T cells in spleen, SWCC is higher than other groups except Nor in CD4+, CD4+CD69+, CD4+CD25+ T cells. The results of this study suggest that SWCC can help immune function via IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-${\gamma}$ cytokine production, increased T lymphocytes and splenocyte proliferation. Conclusion : Therefore, these results suggested that the SWCC combined extracts administration increase stronger immunity enhancement than when SW and CC adminstration.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.198-205
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• 2022

Hepatic diseases are divided into two types: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholic liver injury finally induces fatty liver and damages liver function. Many studies have demonstrated that Ecklonia stolonifera has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. We conducted a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to examine the efficacy of E. stolonifera extracts (ESE) on biochemical markers of hepatic function. Sixty-five subjects with mild or moderate liver injuries were randomly allocated to receive either 420 mg/d of ESE or a placebo for 12 weeks. Fifty-five participants completed the trial. No significant adverse events were observed among the subjects during the study. The primary end points were changes in plasma levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT). The secondary end points were changes in lipid profile levels, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Compared with the baseline, AST and ALT levels decreased significantly in the ESE group compared to those in the placebo group (P<0.001). In addition, γ-GT levels in the ESE group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group (P=0.016). There were no differences in the TC, TG, HDL, and LDL levels between groups. In conclusion, ESE consumption for 12 weeks improved liver parameters in subjects with liver injury. Regular consumption of ESE could maintain liver health in individuals at risk of hepatic damage.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.670-681
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species and free radicals that accelerate inflammatory responses and exacerbate fatigue. Tormentic acid (TA) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the aim of present study is to determine the fatigue-regulatory effects of TA in H₂O₂-stimulated myoblast cell line, C2C12 cells and treadmill stress test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) animal models. MATERIALS/METHODS: In the in vitro study, C2C12 cells were pretreated with TA before stimulation with H₂O₂. Then, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glycogen, and cell viability were analyzed. In the in vivo study, the ICR male mice were administered TA or distilled water orally daily for 28 days. FST and TST were then performed on the last day. In addition, biochemical analysis of the serum, muscle, and liver was performed. RESULTS: TA dose-dependently alleviated the levels of MDA, LDH, CK activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 in H₂O₂-stimulated C2C12 cells without affecting the cytotoxicity. TA increased the SOD and CAT activities and the glycogen levels in H₂O₂-stimulated C2C12 cells. In TST and FST animal models, TA decreased the FST immobility time significantly while increasing the TST exhaustion time without weight fluctuations. The in vivo studies showed that the levels of SOD, CAT, citrate synthase, glycogen, and free fatty acid were increased by TA administration, whereas TA significantly reduced the levels of glucose, MDA, LDH, lactate, CK, inflammatory cytokines, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, and cortisol compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: TA improves fatigue by modulating oxidative stress and energy metabolism in C2C12 cells and animal models. Therefore, we suggest that TA can be a powerful substance in healthy functional foods and therapeutics to improve fatigue.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.606-621
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• 2024

This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of fermented Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (FPB) in ethanol-induced liver injury mice. As a result of amino acids in FPB, 18 types of amino acids including essential amino acids were identified. In the results of in vitro tests, FPB increased alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities. In addition, FPB treatment increased cell viability on ethanol- and H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells. FPB ameliorated serum biomarkers related to hepatoxicity including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamine pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase and lipid metabolism including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, FPB controlled ethanol metabolism enzymes by regulating the protein expression levels of ADH, ALDH, and cytochrome P450 2E1 in liver tissue. FPB protected hepatic oxidative stress by improving malondialdehyde content, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels. In addition, FPB reversed mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels. FPB protected ethanol-induced apoptosis, fatty liver, and hepatic inflammation through p-AMP-activated protein kinase and TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, FPB prevented hepatic fibrosis by decreasing TGF-β1/Smad pathway. In summary, these results suggest that FPB might be a potential prophylactic agent for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease via preventing liver injury such as fatty liver, hepatic inflammation due to chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.238-243
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• 2003

The effects of Paecilomyes japonica on weight gains, food intakes, food efficiency ratios, serum and hepatic lipid concentrations, serum protein levels and serum enzyme activities, were studied in adult male rats. Sprague-Dawley rats,35 weeks old, were given four different types of diets for a succeeding period of five weeks: either a normal diet (5% corn oil), a control diet (high fat; 5% corn oil + 15% lard), a PF diet (control diet + 3% fruiting body of Paecilomyes japonica), or a PM diet (control diet+.3% mycelium of Paecilomyes japonica). The body weight gains, hepatic weights and food efficiency ratios of rats fed the PF or PM diets were significantly lower than those fed the control diet, but were similar to those fed the normal diet. The concentrations of hepatic total lipids, cholesterol and triglyceric, and serum triglyceride, of rats given the PF or PM diets were significantly lower than those given the control diet. Hut the concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and phospholipid in the serum of rats fed the control, PF or PM diets were significantly higher than those fed the normal diet. In the serum of rats fed the PF diet, the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio was significantly higher and the atherogenic index was significantly lower than those fed the control diet, while such effect was not observed in rats fed the PM diet. The alkaline phosphatase activity in the serum of rats fed the control and PM diets was more significantly decreased compared to rats fed the PF and normal diet. No differences were noted in the weights of the pancreas, kidney and heart, the serum concentrations of glucose, hemoglobin and albumin, and the activities of GOT, GPT and ${\gamma}$-GTP, among the rats on all the experimental diets. In conclusion, the rats fed the PF or PM diets maintained normal body and hepatic weights. Despite of the high intake of fats in the PF and PM diets, the concentrations of hepatic total lipids, cholesterol and triglyceride, and serum triglyceride were decreased.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.8
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• pp.1166-1173
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• 2014

This study investigated the detoxification effects of enzymatic hydrolysate from oyster on acetaminophen-induced toxicity using HepG-2 cells. Oyster hydrolysate was made with 1% Protamex and 1% Neutrase after treatment with transglutaminase (TGPN) or without (PN). Two types of oyster hydrolysate were added to human-derived HepG-2 hepatocytes damaged by acetaminophen, after which the survival rate of HepG-2 cell was measured. In addition, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities in the culture media were evaluated. The survival rates of HepG-2 cells were $136.2{\pm}1.4%$ at $100{\mu}g/mL$ of TGPN and $179.6{\pm}3.8%$ at $200{\mu}g/mL$ of TGPN. These cell survival rates were higher compared to that of the negative control group ($60.7{\pm}3.2%$) treated only with acetaminophen. GOT activity was $38.3{\pm}0.2$ Karmen/mL in the negative control group, whereas it was $19.9{\pm}0.5$ for TGPN ($200{\mu}g/mL$) and $22.0{\pm}2.4$ Karmen/mL for PN ($200{\mu}g/mL$). GOT and GTP activities were shown to be dependent on TGPN concentration, and significant reduction in activities could be conformed. The detoxification efficacy of TGPN was higher compared to that of PN. These results suggest that oyster hydrolysate has potential as a healthy food or pro-drug for liver protection.