• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.350-356
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• 2008

Etiological studies of diabetes and its complications showed that oxidative stress might play a major role. Therefore, many efforts have been tried to regulate free oxygen radicals for treating diabetes and its complications. Cheonghyul-san has been known to be effective for the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antiobesitic prescription, and composed of four crude herbs. In male ob/ob mouse with severe obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hypergiycemia, hyperlipidemia, the acting mechanisms of Cheonghyul-san were examined. Mice were grouped and treated for 5 weeks as follows. Both the lean (C57/BL6J black mice) and diabetic (ob/ob mice) control groups received standard chow. The experimental groups were fed with a diet of chow supplemented with 7.5, 15 and 30 mg Cheonghyul-san per 1 kg of body weight for 14 days. The effects of Cheonghyul-san extract on the ob/ob mice were observed by measuring the serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid components, and the kidney levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), MDA+HAE, GSH and also the enzyme activities involved in polyol pathway. Cheonghyul-san lowered the levels of serum glucose and insulin in a dose dependent manner. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels were decreased, while the HDL-cholesterol level was increased, in Cheonghyul-san treated groups. Renal aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities were increased in the ob/ob mice, whereas those were inhibited in the Cheonghyul-san-administered groups. Cheonghyul-san inhibited the generation of ROS in the kidney. Finally, MDA+HAE level was increased and the GSH level was decreased in the ob/ob mice, whereas those were improved in the Cheonghyul-san-administered groups. The results suggested that Cheonghyul-san exerted the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities by regulating the activities of polyol pathway enzymes, scavenging ROS, regulating the MDA+HAE and GSH levels in the ob/ob mice.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.123.2-124
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• 2000

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.544-549
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity-associated insulin resistance is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of myricetin on adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers in mice with diet-induced insulin resistance. MATERIALS/METHODS: Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a basal diet, a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet, or the HFHS diet containing 0.06% myricetin or 0.12% myricetin for 12 weeks after a 1-week adaptation, and body weight and food intake were monitored. After sacrifice, serum lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, adipocyte-derived hormones, and proinflammatory cytokines were measured. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. RESULTS: Myricetin given at 0.12% of the total diet significantly reduced body weight, weight gain, and epidydimal white adipose tissue weight, and improved hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia without a significant influence on food intake in mice fed the HFHS diet. Serum glucose and insulin levels, as well as HOMA-IR values, decreased significantly by 0.12% myricetin supplementation in mice fed the HFHS diet. Myricetin given at 0.12% of the total diet significantly reduced serum levels of leptin, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mice fed the HFHS diet. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that myricetin may have a protective effect against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice fed HFHS diet, and that alleviation of insulin resistance could partly occur by improving obesity and reducing serum proinflammatory cytokine levels.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.503-511
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ginger, a root vegetable, is known to have antioxidant and antiobesity effects. Preparation, such as by steaming, can affect the chemical composition of prepared root vegetables or herbs and can change their functional activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of steamed ginger against oxidative stress and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. MATERIAL/METHODS: The levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in two different extracts of steamed ginger, i.e., water extract (SGW) and ethanolic extract (SGE); as well, their antioxidant activities were examined. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 10), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat, w/w, n = 10), HFD supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SGE or garcinia (GAR) by weight (SGED or GARD, respectively, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was examined, and the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined in the liver. Histological analysis was performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads and liver. RESULTS: The SGE had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids and higher DPPH and $ABTS^+$ free radical scavenging activities compared to those of SGW. Treatment with SGE or GAR significantly decreased the HFD-induced weight gain. Both SGE and GAR significantly reduced the high serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein levels induced by HFD. Compared to ND, HFD significantly increased hepatic TC and TG levels. SGE or GAR supplementation significantly decreased the increase of hepatic lipids by HFD. Interestingly, SGE had a more significant effect in reducing hepatic TC and TG levels than GAR. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were altered in both the SGED and GARD groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that steamed ginger supplementation can decrease plasma TC and TG and can inhibit liver steatosis by regulating the expressions of hepatic genes.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.498-509
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• 2021

Background: A wide range of environmental factors, such as diseases, nutritional deficiencies, ageing, hormonal imbalances, stress, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, may affect the structure and function of the skin that covers the entire surface of the human body. In this study, we investigated roles of red ginseng oil (RGO) in enhancing skin functions, including hair growth and skin protection, using mouse models. Methods: For hair growth experiment, shaved dorsal skins of C57BL/6 mice were topically applied with vehicle, RGO, RGO's major compounds, or minoxidil for consecutive 21 days and skin tissues were examined the hair growth promoting capacity. For skin protection experiment, SKH-1 hairless mice were topically applied with vehicle or RGO twice a day for three days prior to exposure to UVC radiation at 20 kJ/cm². Skin tissues were collected to evaluate skin protective effects of RGO. Results: Topical application of RGO to C57BL/6 mice effectively promoted hair regeneration by inducing early telogen-to-anagen transition and significantly increasing the density and bulb diameter of hair follicles. Major compounds, including linoleic acids and β-sitosterol, contributed to RGO-promoted hair growth. Treatment with RGO as well as its major components upregulated expression of hair growth-related proteins. Furthermore, in SKH-1 hairless mice, RGO had a protective effect against UVC-induced skin damage by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, as well as inducing cytoprotective systems. Conclusion: These data suggest that RGO may be a potent agent for improving skin health and thereby preventing and/or treating hair loss and protecting skin against UV radiation.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.129-144
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• 2002

We investigated anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obese effects of Panax ginseng berry extract and its major constituent, ginsenoside Re, in obese diabetic C57BL/6J ob/ob mice and their lean littermates. Animals received daily intraperitoneal injections of Panax ginseng berry extract for 12 days. On Day 5, 150 mg/kg extract-treated ob/ob mice had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to vehicle-treated mice $(156{\pm}9.0\;mg/dl\;vs.\;243{\pm}15.8mg/dl,$ P<0.01). On Day 12, the extract-treated ob/ob mice became normoglycemic $(137{\pm}6.7\;mg/dl)$ and had significantly improved glucose tolerance. The overall glucose excursion during the two-hour intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), calculated as area under the curve (AUC), decreased by $46\%$ (P<0.01) compared to vehicle-treated ob/ob mice. Glucose levels of lean mice were not significantly affected by the extract. The improvement in blood glucose levels in 150 mg/kg extracttreated ob/ob mice was associated with significant reduction in serum insulin levels of fed and fasting mice. Consistent with an improvement in insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp study revealed a more than 2-fold increase in the rate of insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in treated ob/ob mice $(112{\pm}19.1\;vs.\;52{\pm}11.8{\mu}mol/kg/min$ for the vehicle group, P<0.01). In addition, 150 mg/kg extract-treated ob/ob mice, but not the lean mice, lost significant weight (from $51.7{\pm}1.9g\;on\;Day\;0\;to\;45.7{\pm}1.2$ on Day 12, P<0.01 compared to vehicle-treated ob/ob mice), associated with a significant reduction in food intake (P<0.05) and a very significant increase in energy expenditure (P<0.01) and body temperature (P<0.01). A 12-day treatment with 150 mg/kg Panax ginseng berry extract also significantly reduced plasma cholesterol levels in ob/ob mice. Additional studies demonstrated that ginsenoside Re, a major constituent of the ginseng berry, but not from the root, plays a significant role in anti-hyperglycemic action. This anti-diabetic effect of ginsenoside Re was not associated with body weight changes, suggesting that other constituents in the extract have distinct pharmacological mechanisms on energy metabolism. The identification of a significant anti-hyperglycemic activity in ginsenoside Re may provide an opportunity to develop a novel class of anti-diabetic agent.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.865-870
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• 2009

In this study, we have attempted to understand the effects of taurine on serum and liver concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in broiler chickens and mice in the post-absorptive state, and on in vitro protein synthesis in the livers of broiler chickens and laying hens, as well as the effects of taurine on in vivo protein synthesis in the liver of mice. The experimental animals were subjected to 24 h of starvation in order to perpetuate a post-absorptive state. Serum concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the taurine groups than in the controls in both the broilers and the mice. However, taurine resulted in a significant (p<0.05) reduction in liver concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides, relative to what was seen in the control groups of both animals. Taurine stimulated the in vitro synthesis of 57-kDa, 40-kDa and 23-kDa proteins in the liver of broilers, but inhibited the in vitro synthesis of 54-kDa, 37-kDa and 24-kDa proteins. Taurine in the liver of laying hens exerted effects on in vitro protein synthesis, with the exception of the 26-kDa protein which was not detected in broiler liver, but was inhibited by taurine in the liver of laying hens. Unlike the findings regarding in vitro protein synthesis in the liver of broilers or laying hens, taurine appeared to stimulate the synthesis of only two proteins, a 47-kDa and a 40-kDa protein, in the liver of mice. Overall, theses findings indicate that taurine treatment results in a reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, and also affects protein synthesis in the livers of broilers, laying hens, and mice.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.11
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• pp.2581-2584
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• 2020

Boron has been considered to play a nutritionally important role in humans and animals, but its biochemical functions are not clearly understood. Though there are signs that boron affects the mineral and hormone metabolisms, there is no comprehensive epidemiological evidence establishing a relationship between a boron intake and osteoporosis due to the excretion of calcium in the bones. In this study, we investigated the influence of boron intake on the calcium excretion of old female mice in the menopause. The concentrations of calcium in backbone, thigh bone, blood, kidney, liver, and spleen were investigated by using instrumental neutron activation analysis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.185-189
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• 1987

The number of splenic lymphocyte, serum prostaglandin $E_2$ level and natural killer cell activity were assayed after single whole body irradiation of a sublethal dose of $^{60}Co-{\gamma}$ ray to C57BL/6J mice. With a view to knowing the relationships between radiation induced prostaglandin $E_2$ level and the normal natural killer cell activity after natural killer cell-target cell conjugation, The change of normal natural killer cell activity were measured by administration of prostaglandin $E_2$ containing serum from irradiated mice. The results were summarized as follows; 1. The total number of splenic lymphocyte was significantly decreased by irradiation and the number was not affected by indometacin, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, treatment. 2. Serum prostaglandin $E_2$ level was increased in irradiated mice, but indometacin treated mice group showed low level of prostaglandin $E_2$. 3. In the case of irradiated mice, natural killer cell activity was not shown any difference between irradiated group and indometacin combined group. But when natural killer cell-target cell conjugations were exposed to the serum of each group during cytotoxic activity assay, whereas the normal natural killer cell activity was significantly decreased by treatment of serum from irradiated mice, the activity was not changed by treatment of indometacin pretreated mice serum. This result indicated that the prostaglandin $E_2$ induced by the radiation inhibited the post-target binding cytolytic process of natural killer activity.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2001.10a
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• pp.14-17
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• 2001

Positional cloning (map-based cloning) of mutations or genetic variations has been served as an invaluable tool to understand in-vivo functions of genes and to identify molecular components underlying phenotypes of interest. Mice homozygous for the cerebellar deficient folia (cdf) mutation are ataxic, with cerebellar hypoplasia and abnormal lobulation of the cerebellum. In the cdf mutant cerebellum approximately 40% of Purkinje cells are ectopically located within the white matter and the inner granule cell layer (IGL). To identify the cdf gene, a high-resolution genetic map for the cdf-gene-encompassing region was constructed using 1997 F2 mice generated from C3H/HeSnJ-cdf/cdf and CAST/Ei intercross. The cdf gene showed complete linkage disequilibrium with three tightly linked markers D6Mit208, D6Mit359, and D6Mit225. A contig using YAC, BAC, and P1 clones was constructed for the cdf critical region to identify the gene. A deletion in the cdf critical region on chromosome 6 that removes approximately 150kb of DNA was identified. A gene associated with this deletion was identified using cDNA selection. cdf mutant mice with the transgenic copy of the identified gene restored the brain abnormalities of the mutant mice. The positional cloning of cdf gene provides a good example showing the identification of a gene could lead to finding a new component of important molecular pathways.