• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.11
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• pp.1091-1096
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• 2007

Purpose : The of common carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT) is an acknowledged noninvasive marker for early atherosclerotic changes. We investigate whether common carotid IMT is different between obese and normal-weight children and also evaluate the relationships IMT with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods : We collected the clinical data (age, sex, pubertal stage, body mass index) and measured blood pressure, glucose, insulin, lipid profiles and adiponectin in 49 obese children (mean age, 12 years) and 24 nonobese children as controls. The control group was composed of 24 nonobese children of the same age, sex and pubertal stage. We measured the carotid IMT of all subjects by B-mode ultrasound with a 7.5-MHz linear transducer and analyzed. Results : Obese children demonstrated a significantly thicker intima media (mean, 0.34 mm, peak, 0.42 mm) compared to the control group (mean, 0.31 mm, peak, 0.38 mm, P<0.01). IMT was significantly correlated to the BMI (r=0.431, P<0.01), age (r=0.317, P<0.01), total cholesterol (r=0.377, P< 0.01), triglyceride (r=0.253, P<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=0.289, P<0.05). Serum adiponectin was significantly lower in obese children than in controls (11.2 ng/mL vs. 14.7 ng/mL, P<0.05) and negatively related with IMT (r=-0.267, P<0.05). Conclusion : Obesity is associated with increased carotid artery IMT in children. Our results suggest vascular changes in obesity seem to occur already in childhood and vascular ultrasonography may helpful for screening cardiovascular complications in obese children.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.111-131
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• 2002

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) received a great deal of attention from the Orient and West as a tonic agent, health food and/or alternative herbal therapeutic agent. However, controversy with respect to scientific evidence on pharmacological effects especially, evaluation of clinical efficacy and the methodological approach still remains to be solved. Author reviewed those articles published since 1980 when pharmacodynamic studies on ginseng have intensively started. Special concern was paid on metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders, malignant tumor, sexual dysfunction, and physical and mental performance to give clear information to those who are interested in pharmacological study of ginseng and to promote its clinical use. With respect to chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, malignant disorders, and sexual disorders, it seems that ginseng plays preventive and restorative role rather than therapeutics. Particularly, ginseng plays a significant role in ameliorating subjective symptoms and preventing quality of life from deteriorating by long term exposure of chemical therapeutic agents. Also it seems that the potency of ginseng is mild, therefore it could be more effective when used concomitantly with conventional therapy. Clinical studies on the tonic effect of ginseng on work performance demonstrated that physical and mental dysfunction induced by various stresses are improved by increasing adaptability of physical condition. However, the results obtained from clinical studies cannot be mentioned in the indication, which are variable upon the scientist who performed those studies. In this respect, standardized ginseng product and providing planning of the systematic clinical research in double-blind randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the real efficacy for proposing ginseng indication. Pharmacological mode of action of ginseng has not yet been fully elucidated. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic researches reveal that the role of ginseng not seem to be confined to a given single organ. It has been known that ginseng plays a beneficial role in such general organs as central nervous, endocrine, metabolic, immune systems, which means ginseng improves general physical and mental conditons. Such multivalent effect of ginseng can be attributed to the main active component of ginseng,ginsenosides or non-saponin compounds which are also recently suggested to be another active ingredients. As is generally the similar case with other herbal medicines, effects of ginseng cannot be attributed as a given single compound or group of components. Diversified ingredients play synergistic or antagonistic role each other and act in harmonized manner. A few cases of adverse effect in clinical uses are reported, however, it is not observed when standardized ginseng products are used and recommended dose was administered. Unfavorable interaction with other drugs has also been suggested, which the information on the products and administered dosage are not available. However, efficacy, safety, interaction or contraindication with other medicines has to be more intensively investigated in order to promote clinical application of ginseng. For example, daily recommended doses per day are not agreement as 1-2g in the West and 3-6 g in the Orient. Duration of administration also seems variable according to the purpose. Two to three months are generally recommended to feel the benefit but time- and dose-dependent effects of ginseng still need to be solved from now on. Furthermore, the effect of ginsenosides transformed by the intestinal microflora, and differential effect associated with ginsenosides content and its composition also should be clinically evaluated in the future. In conclusion, the more wide-spread use of ginseng as a herbal medicine or nutraceutical supplement warrants the more rigorous investigations to assess its effacy and safety. In addition, a careful quality control of ginseng preparations should be done to ensure an acceptable standardization of commercial products.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.533-564
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• 1998

In order to know the effect of proliferation and differentiation on edipocyte 3T3-L1 by prescriptions and herbs, Taeyangin(太陽人)'s Okapijangcheok-tang(五加皮壯脊湯) Mihudeungsikjangtang Acanthopanacis Cortex(五加皮) Phragmitis Rhizoma(蘆根) and Taeumin(太陰人)'s Taeumjowi-tang(太陰調胃湯) Cheongsimyonja-tang(淸心蓮子湯) Cheongpaesagan-tang(淸肺瀉肝湯) Galkeunbupyong-tang(葛根浮萍湯) Coicis Semen(薏苡仁) Rhei Undulati Rhizoma(大黃) Mori Cortex(桑白皮) Ulmi Cortex(楡根白皮) Holotrichia Vermiculus Kalopanaxii Cortex(海桐皮) Ephedrae Herba(麻黃) Imperatae Rhizoma(白茅根), were used and had some effects. 1. The proliferation effect of edipocyte 1) At the Taeyangin(太陽人)'s prescriptions and herbs, Okapijangcheok-tang(五加皮壯脊湯) Mihudeungsikjang-tang Acanthopanacis Cortex(五加皮) have a control effect at the boiling water-extract and ethyl alcohol-extract. Phragmitis Rhizoma(蘆根) have a control effect at the ethyl alcohol-extract. 2) At the Taeyangin(太陽人)'s prescriptions and herbs, Taeumjowi-tang(太陰調胃湯) Cheongsimyonja-tang(淸心蓮子湯) Cheongpaesagan-tang(淸肺瀉肝湯) Galkeunbupyong-tang(葛根浮萍湯) have a control effect at the boiling water-extract and ethyl alcohol-extract. Coicis Semen(薏苡仁) Rhei Undulati Rhizoma(大黃) Morl Cortex(桑白皮) Ulmi Cortex(楡根白皮) Kalopanaxii Cortex(海桐皮) · Ephedrae Herba(麻黃) of the boiling water-extract, Holotrichia Vermiculus Kalopanaxii Cortex(海桐皮) of ethyl alcohol-extract have a control effect on edipocytes. Rhei Undulati Rhizoma(大黃) Ulmi Cortex(楡根白皮) Ephedrae Herba(麻黃) of high-density have a cyto-toxicity. 2. The differentiation effect of edipocyte 1) At the Taeyangin(太陽人)'s prescriptions and herbs during the natural differentiation, Phragmitis Rhizoma(蘆根) of the boiling water-extract, Okapijangchek-tang(五加皮壯脊湯) Acanthopanacis Cortex(五加皮) of the ethyl alcohol-extract have a cyto-toxicity on the first-differentiation. 2) At the Taeumin(太陰人)'s prescriptions and herbs during the natural differentiation, Ulmi Cortex (楡根白皮) Kalopanaxii Cortex(海桐皮) of the boiling water-extract have a cyto-toxicity on the first-differentiation. Cheongsimyonja-tang(淸心蓮子湯) Ephedrae Herba(麻黃) of ethyl alcohol-extract have a control effect on the redifferentiation. 3) At the Taeyangin(太陽人)'s prescriptions and herbs on the first-differentiation during the induced differentiation, Acanthopanacis Cortex(五加皮) of ethyl alcohol-extract has a control effect. Okapijangchek-tang(五加皮壯脊湯) Acanthopanacis Cortex(五加皮) Phragmitis Rhizoma(蘆根) of the boiling water-extract have a cyto-toxicity. 4) At the Taeumin(太陰人)'s prescriptions and herbs on the first-differentiation during the induced differentiation, Coicis Semen(薏苡仁) Ephedrae Herba(麻黃) Imperatae Rhizoma(白茅根) of the boiling water-extract and Ephedrae Herba(麻黃) of the ethyl alcohol-extract have a control effect. Kalopanaxii Cortex(海桐皮) of the boiling water-extract and the ethyl alcohol-extract has a cyto-toxicity. Considering this result, the Taeyangin(太陽人) Taeumin(太陰人)'s prescriptions and herbs have a control effect on edipocytes during the proliferation. Acanthopanacis Cortex(五加皮), Coicis Semen(薏苡仁) Ephedrae Herba(麻黃) Imperatae Rhizoma(白茅根) have a control effect on edipocytes during the induced differentiation. In the future, for treating a obesity need a vivo assay and hope this study to help to know the mechanisms of obesity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.481-487
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• 2005

Purpose : Adiponectin, adipose tissue-specific protein, has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties. It has been found to have a negative correlation with obesity and to play a role in modulating glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Serum adiponectin concentrations are decreased in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We investigated the difference in adiponectin levels between obese and non-obese children, and evaluated the relationship of serum adiponectin with body mass index(BMI), serum fasting insulin, lipid profiles and homeostasis model assessment(HOMA) in children. Methods : We measured serum adiponectin levels by radioimmunoassay in 113 children(82 obese children and 31 non-obese controls) from 8 to 15 years of age, and also checked BMI, fasting serum glucose, insulin and lipid profiles. Fasting and postprandial serum adiponectin concentrations were compared by oral glucose tolerance tests in 27 obese children. The correlations of adiponectin with BMI, insulin, low density lipoprotein(LDL)-cholesterol and HOMA were analyzed by Pearson's correlation. Results : The serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the obese group(19.7 mg/mL) than in the non-obese group(27.5 mg/mL)(P<0.01). Serum adiponectin concentrations were negatively correlated with BMI(r=-0.39, P<0.01), serum insulin(r=-0.28, P<0.01), LDL-C(r=-0.20, P<0.01) and HOMA(r=-0.22, P<0.01). At oral glucose tolerance tests in obese children, postprandial 2 hours adiponectin level(19.8 mg/mL) was decreased compared to fasting level(25.8 mg/mL)(P<0.01). Conclusion : Serum adiponectin concentrations were inversely related to adiposity and insulin resistance in children. We suggest the serum adiponectin level could be used as an early marker of insulin resistance in obese children.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.157-168
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• 2014

We investigated the anti-obesity effects of small colored potato extracts by high pressure water extraction process on body weight, plasma lipid levels in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Experimental groups were divided into basal diet only (Normal), high fat diet control (HFD), small colored potato water extracts (CP), and high-fat diet and small colored potato water high pressure extracts (HCP) groups. The levels of hematological variables were not significantly different among the four groups. Compared with the HFD group's serum total cholesterol level of $86.01{\pm}1.16mg/dL$, the levels of the CP and HCP groups were significantly lowered to $80.29{\pm}1.28$ and $77.21{\pm}4.21mg/dL$, respectively. Compared with the HFD group's LDL-cholesterol level of $18.92{\pm}2.44mg/dL$, the LDL-cholesterol levels of the CP and HCP groups were significantly lowered to $13.52{\pm}1.26$ and $12.93{\pm}1.26mg/dL$, respectively. Also, compared to the HFD group's serum triglyceride level of $82.71{\pm}3.94mg/dL$, the level of the HCP group was significantly lowered to $63.24{\pm}6.32mg/dL$. These results suggested that dietary supplementation of small colored potato extracts using high pressure water extraction does not have any adverse effects on the hematological variables, while improving the lipid content and reducing hepatic damage of the high-fat fed rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.950-956
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• 2012

Salicornia herbacea L. is an annual herb that grows in salt marshes and salt fields along the seashores. It is also commonly used as a folk remedy in Korea. The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of Salicorrnia herbacea L. (SH) hot water extract on obesity. Five-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were divided into two groups and provided either a normal fat diet (11.5% fat from kcal) or a high fat diet (40.5% fat from kcal) for 6 weeks to induce obesity. Then, rats were blocked into six groups of six mice each and provided either a diet containing SH (0.5% of diet; g/kg) or a normal diet for another 6 weeks. Final body weights were significantly reduced when rats were fed SH among the high fat diet groups (HNS and HHS). Serum triglyceride concentrations significantly decreased in every group provided SH. HDL-cholesterol concentrations significantly increased in SH-fed groups among the high fat diet groups. Further, atherogenic index significantly decreased when rats were fed SH diet (HHS). There were no differences in LDL-cholesterol between the high fat diet groups, and glucose concentrations decreased when rats were fed SH diet (HNS). These results indicate that dietary intake of Salicornia herbacea L. hot water extract might have beneficial effects on obesity by reducing body weight, fat weights, and improving blood lipid profile.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.345-350
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix extracts (CRE) on the improvement of the lipid compositions and blood pressure level in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed an experimental diet for 5 weeks. The rats were divided into 3 groups: a control group, a 0.5% CRE treated group, and a 1% CRE treated group. Consumption of CRE extract for 5 weeks in SHR significantly suppressed blood pressure rise with aging (p<0.05). After eating the experimental diets, the triglycerides in serum was significantly lower in the CRE group than that in the control group. The fasting glucose levels of the 0.5% and 1% CRE group had a tendency to be lower compared with those of the control group. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and HTR (HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol) of the SHR in the 0.5% and 1% CRE diet were significantly increased compared to the control diet. Thus, long term consumption of CRE might be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure and the improvement of lipid metabolism in SHR rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.10
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• pp.1431-1438
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• 2015

This study was conducted to determine the effects of fermented water extracts from Ligularia fischeri (LAF) on reduction of hepatotoxicity induced by ethanol in rats. Ethanol-treated Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following eight groups: ethanol-treated group (control), ethanol and ursodeoxycholic acid-treated group (positive control), ethanol and non-fermented water extracts from Ligularia fischeri (LA)-treated groups [100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW (body weight)], ethanol and LAF-treated groups (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW). ${\gamma}$-Glutamyl transferase activities of the ethanol+LA-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW) groups and ethanol+LAF-treated (400 mg/kg BW) group decreased significantly compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase activities of the ethanol+LAF-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW) groups and ethanol+LA-treated (200 and 400 mg/kg BW) groups decreased significantly compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities of all groups significantly decreased compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). The total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels of all groups tended to decrease compared to those in the control group, but the differences were not significant. Superoxide dismutase activity of liver tissues was enhanced in the ethanol+LAF-treated (400 mg/kg BW) group (P<0.05). The contents of malondialdehyde in liver tissues decreased in the ethanol+LAF-treated groups (P<0.05). All treated groups showed well preserved lobular architectures with no evidence of steatosis or liver damage compared to the control group. As the results of this study, LAF may improve the plasma lipid profile and alleviate hepatic damage by ethanol.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1988.08a
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• pp.47-54
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• 1988

Cholesterol a component of all eucaryotic plasma membranes. is essential for the growth and viability of cells in higher organisms. However. too much cholesterol can be lethal because of atherosclerosis resulting from the deposition of cholesterol ester plaques. It was attempted in this study to understand the preventive effect of ginseng saponin. one of the major components of the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. against hypercholesterolemia induced by high cholesterol diet. $^{125}I-LDL$ was injected intravenously to rabbits and rats. which were fed a high cholesterol diet with and/or without ginseng saponin for 12 days. The disappearance of the radioactivity occurred faster in the test group than the control. The effect of saponin fraction from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and the purified ginsenosilks. $Rb_1,\;Rb_2,\;Re\;and\;Rg_1,$ on LDL receptor biosynthesis in high cholesterol fed rat has been investigated. Analysis of LDL receptors from various organs such as liver. kidney. adrenal cortex and testis showed that the population of LDL receptors of test group significantly higher than that of the control. It was also found that liver homogenate containing ginsenosides $(10^{-3}-10^{-4}\%)$ stimulated the biosynthesis of bile acid form cholesterol. From the above results. it seemed that ginsenosides lower the cholesterol level by stimulating cholesterol metabolism. which result in the suppression of the inhibitory action of cholesterol on LDL receptor biosynthesis.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2003

Purpose : Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease and is elevated in patients with renal disease. Especially the patients with nephrotic syndrome exhibit excessively high Lp(a) plasma concentrations. Also the patients with end-stage renal disease have elevated Lp(a) levels. But the mechanism underlying this elevation is unclear. Thus, in this study, by measuring the level of serum Lp(a) in common renal diseases in children, we hoped to see whether there would be a change in Lp(a) in renal diseases other than nephrotic syndrome. Then, we figured out its implications, and looked for the factors that affect the Lp(a) concentrations. Methods : A total of 75 patients(34 patients with hematuria of unknown etiology, 10 with hematuria and hypercalciuria, 8 with IgA nephropathy, 8 with poststreptococcal glomerulone phritis, 3 with $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ nephritis, 7 with urinary tract infection, and 5 with or- thostatic proteinuria) were studied. The control group included 20 patients without renal and liver disease. Serum Lp(a), total protein, and albumin levels, 24-hour urine protein and calcium excretions, creatinine clearance and the number of RBCs and WBCs in the urinary sediment were evaluated. Data analysis was peformed using the Student t-test and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results : LP(a) was not correlated with 24-hour urine calcium and creatinine. Lp(a) level had a positive correlation with proteinuria and negative correlation with serum albumin and serum protein. Among the common renal diseases in children, Lp(a) was elevated only in orthostatic proteinuria (P<0.05). Conclusion : Lp(a) is correlated with proteinuria, serum protein, and serum albumin, but not with any kind of specific renal disease. Afterward, Lp(a) needs to be assessed in patients with orthostatic proteinuria and its possible role as a prognostic factor could be confirmed.