• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.514-520
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• 2019

This study investigated the improved lipid metabolism effect of 3T3-L1 cells induced by adipocytes using the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction in the organic solvent extract of Wassong (Orostachys japonicus). To confirm the cell cytotoxicity, each of 6 fractions of organic solvent extracts (EtOH, Hexane, DCM, EtOAc, BuOH, and H₂O) was examined using MTS assay. As a result, it was confirmed that the DCM extract was stable over the whole range of concentrations, and a DCM fraction was used to confirm the improved lipid metabolism effect. Lipid excretion was measured to confirm the change of lipid metabolism. 3T3-L1 cells induced by adipocytes were treated with DCM extract and stained with oil-red O to evaluate lipid accumulation. As a result, it was confirmed that the lipid efflux was significantly improved. In order to confirm the mechanism of lipid efflux, the mRNA expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1, which are lipid transport proteins, were confirmed by real-time PCR. Therefore, the present study confirmed that the DCM extract from Orostachys japonicus has the effect of improving the lipid metabolism on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, the results of this study will be used as the basis for the development of functional foods using Orostachys japonicus and also for conducting research on the detailed mechanisms.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.139-145
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• 2016

In this paper, we propose to evaluate the effect of Resistin-like molecule alpha (Retnla) on the expression of transporters involved in modulating concentrations of peripheral cholesterol and plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. High levels of blood cholesterol are a well-recognized risk factor for atherosclerosis and are eliminated via the process of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We recently showed that Retnla ameliorates hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis by increasing biliary cholesterol secretion, the final step of the process, in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice. However, the role of Retnla in HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux, initial step of RCT pathway, is not yet clear. To identify cholesterol transport genes regulated by Retnla, we performed an extensive microarray-based gene expression screen using livers from Retnla-overexpressing (Tg) mice and control animals. The most significant change in Retnla-Tg mice was an upregulation of ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 4 (Abcg4) transport and was validated using quantitative RT-PCR. The validated gene was also induced by treatment of purified Retnla protein in RAW 264.7 cells incubated with acetylated low-density lipoprotein and Hepa1c1c7 cells. Taken together, these results indicates that Retnla might also accelerate initial step of RCT pathway, suggesting therapeutic value of Retnla in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.