• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 2008

The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of Korean red ginseng in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. The db/db mice were divided into three groups: diabetic control group (DC), Korean red ginseng group (KRG, 100 mg/kg) and metformin group (MET, 300 mg/kg), and treated with drugs once per day for 10 weeks. Compared to the DC group, fasting blood glucose levels were decreased by 19.8% in KRG-, 67.7% in MET-treated group. With decreased plasma glucose and insulin levels, the insulin resistance index of the KRG-treated group was reduced by 27.6% compared to the DC group. The HbA1c levels in KRG and MET-treated groups were also decreased by 11.0% and 18.9% compared to that of DC group, respectively. Plasma triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid levels were decreased by 18.8% and 16.8%, respectively, and plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were increased by 20.6% and 12.1%, respectively, in the KRG-treated group compared to those in DC group. Histological analyses of the liver and fat tissue of mice treated with KRG revealed significantly decreased number of lipid droplets and decreased size of adipocytes compared to the DC group. From the pancreatic islet double-immunofluorescence staining, we observed KRG has increased insulin contents, but decreased glucagon production. To elucidate action mechanism of KRG, effects on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream target proteins responsible for fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis were explored in the liver. KRG activated AMPK and acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylations, resulting in stimulation of fatty acid oxidation. KRG also caused to down regulation of SREBP1a and its target gene expressions such as FAS, SCD1 and GPAT. In summary, our results suggest that KRG exerted the anti-diabetic effect through AMPK activation in the liver of db/db mice.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2017

Background: The present study investigated the effect of ginseng berry hot water extract (GBx) on blood flow via the regulation of lipid metabolites and blood coagulation in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Sixty rats were divided into five groups in descending order of body weight. Except for the control group, the other four groups were fed a HFD containing 45% kcal from fat for 11 wk without GBx. GBx groups were then additionally treated by gastric gavage with GBx dissolved in distilled water at 50 (GBx 50) mg/kg, 100 (GBx 100) mg/kg, or 150 (GBx 150) mg/kg body weight for 6 wk along with the HFD. To investigate the effects of GBx on rats fed a HFD, biochemical metabolite, blood coagulation assay, and histological analysis were performed. Results: In the experiments to measure the serum levels of leptin and apolipoprotein B/A, GBx treatment attenuated the HFD-induced increases in these metabolites (p < 0.05). Adiponectin and apolipoprotein E levels in GBx-treated groups were significantly higher than the HFD group. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were increased in all GBx-treated groups. In the GBx-treated groups, the serum levels of thromboxane $A_2$ and serotonin were decreased and concentrations of serum fibrinogen degradation products were increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, histomorphometric dyslipidemia-related atherosclerotic changes were significantly improved by treatment with GBx. Conclusion: These results suggest the possibility that GBx can ameliorate blood flow by decreasing intima-media thickness via the regulation of blood coagulation factors related to lipid metabolites in rats fed a HFD.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.136-153
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• 2017

Objectives This experimental study was designed to investigate the effect of Phaseolus angularis shell on metabolic syndrome. Methods Each 5 C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to normal diet group, high-fat diet(HFD) control group, high-fat diet plus 15.6 mg/kg/day of Orlistat(HFD-Orlistat) group, high-fat diet plus 100mg/kg/day of Phaseolus angularis shell extract(HFD-PAS_E) group. Weight, the blood chemical and hematologic parameter was med. The mRNA expression was assayed through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results In HFD-PAS_E group, the body weight gain, weight of liver, and the level of LDL-Cholesterol were significantly decreased and the level of HDL-Cholesterol were significantly increased. The size of adipocyte in HFD-PAS_E group was smaller than HFD group's. In HFD-PAS_E group, the expression of leptin, PPAR-${\gamma}$, AP2/FABP4 mRNA in liver adipocyte tissue was decreased, the expression of Adiponectin, UCP-2 mRNA in liver adipocyte tissue was increased and the expression of Leptin, C/EBP-a, AP2/FABP4 mRNA in epididymal adipocyte tissue was decreased. Conclusion These results suggest that Phaseolus angularis shell has inhibitory effects on metabolic syndrome by reducing the body weight and the levels of lipid contents in high-fat-diet induced obese mice.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.280-286
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• 2011

The antiobese effects of Allium victorialis (AV) leaf methanol extract were evaluated in a high fat diet (HFD) supplied mice. The changes on the body weight, food consumption, leptin and adiponectin levels as well as the periovarian fat weights and histopathology of adipocytes were examined. The effects were compared with those of a group given 250 mg/kg of metformin. After 91 days of a continuous HFD supply, the mice were significantly showed obesity. However, the obesity induced by the HFD was inhibited by the AV extract treatment at the three different doses (62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg) respectively. The results suggest that the AV methanol extract is beneficial for improving the diet-induced obesity in humans.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1-12
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• 2020

Objectives : Phyllostachys pubescens and Scutellaria baicalensis are considered to be effective in promoting blood circulation in traditional medicine. In this study, we examined whether a mixture of P. pubescens leaves and S. baicalensis root (BS21) had any anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia, or anti-hyperuricemia effects and the possible mechanisms of action. Methods : We examined the effects of BS21 in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Mice were fed HFD with BS21 (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg) or Garcinia cambogia extracts (245 mg/kg) as a positive control for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, body weight, liver and adipose weight, adipocyte size, plasma lipid profiles, adipokine and uric acid levels, and adipose tissue expression levels in obesity and uric acid production-related genes were examined. Results : BS21 decreased body weight gain, white adipose tissue, liver weight, adipocyte size, and liver triglyceride accumulation. It also reduced levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transaminase, leptin, and uric acid. In contrast, BS21 increased adiponectin levels. Furthermore, BS21 decreased the expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase, as well as xanthine oxidoreductase, which is involved in uric acid production. Conclusions : These results suggest that BS21 may exert anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-hyperuricemia effects in HFD-induced obese mice by regulating the expression of xanthine oxidoreductase and adipogenesis-related genes.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.331-344
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• 2008

Recently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the United States and many advanced countries remark biomarkers and surrogate endpoints as a critical path tool on model based drug development. Economic, technical and social profit on model based drug development like a reduction of the length of research and development have been achieved. Therefore we summarize previous studies about biomarkers and surrogate endpoints and suggest a development direction of therapeutic agents. In diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis, there are remarkable increases in number of patients and most of patients take medicine during their whole lifetime. For this reason, many patients with DM and osteoporosis have a tolerance on their medicine. We expect that research and development on biomarkers and surrogate endpoints will contribute to new drug development on DM and osteoporosis. Biomarkers for DM are blood levels of glucose, insulin, ${HbA}_{1c}$, CRP, alpha-glucosidase, adiponectin and DPP-4. Among these, validated surrogate endpoints for DM are blood levels of glucose, insulin and ${HbA}_{1c}$ Biomarkers for osteoporosis are BMD, BMC, trabecular volume, ICTP, DPD, osteocalcin, the activity of osteoclast and production of osteoblast. The validated surrogate endpoints for osteoporosis are BMD only. This review summarizes all suggested biomarkers and surrogate endpoints in DM and osteoporosis. The biomarkers are classified by drugs, and the method of validation for surrogate endpoints is suggested. This information would contribute to suggest a direction of DM and osteoporosis therapeutic agent development.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.218-229
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• 2011

1. Objectives: This study is to investigate the relationship between Intima Media Thickness(IMT) of common carotid artery and Sasang Constitution. 2. Methods: 839 persons, over 40 years old, participated in community-based cohort of Korea Genome and Epiedemiology Study (KOGES) in Wonju City and Pyeongchang City of South Korea from June 2006 to February 2008. The diagnosis of Common carotid Intima Media Thickness was evaluated by B Mode ultrasonography, cardiovascular risk factors were checked using questionnaire and blood samples. Constitution was verified by a Sasang constitution specialist according to the results of PSSC(Phonetic System for Sasang Constitution), facial photos and a simplified Sasang constitutional questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed with SPSS. 3. Results: There were significantly high values in waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, HOMA-IR and hsCRP in Taeeumin and low in HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in Taeeumin. There were significantly high value in Common Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Taeeumin. Age was the significant cardiovascular risk factor irrespective of Sasang constitution in all participants. There was a positive correlation between smoking and Soyangin in all participants and men. There were positive correlations between LDL-cholesterol, BMI and Taeeumin in all participants and men. There were positive correlations between hsCRP and Soeumin in all participants and men. There was significantly high odds ratio of Taeeumin over Soeumin in common carotid Intima Media Thickness. 4. Conclusions: Regimens on cardiovascular diseases should be considered according to Sasang constitution. There are more sensitive risk factor in each constitution; smoking in Soyangin, LDL-cholesterol and BMI in Taeeumin, hsCRP in Soeumin.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.15-25
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the anti-obesity effects in local area adipose tissue using by pharmacopuncture of Eriobotryae Folium on mice fed high fat diet. Methods : Male ICR mouse were divided into three groups. Normal diet group (N), High-fat diet(HFD) group, HFD+E(pharmacopuncture of the Eriobotryae Folium) group for 8 weeks. HFD+E group was injected in the concentration of 50 mg/kg once a day for 4 weeks and every other day during the next 4 weeks. We measured body weight, food intake, absolute weight and relative weight in the liver and adipose tissue. Also, we analyzed hematological levels and histopathological changes on adipose tissue. Results : 1. We observed no difference in food intake among three groups. 2. HFD+E group significantly decreased body weight gain and absolute weight and relative weight in the liver and adipose tissue compared with HFD group. 3. Blood AST and ALT were no differences among the experiment groups. However, HFD group was significantly increased higher TG, TC, HDL and LDL than in N group and HDL/LDL ratio was remarkably decreased. On the other hand, HFD+E group was significantly decreased in obesity markers and HDL/LDL ratio was remarkably increased. 4. Levels of adiponectin in serum of HFD+E group was remarkably increased compared with those of HFD group. 5. HFD group was significantly decreased compared with N group in adipocyte number. Compared with the HFD group, HFD+E group was displayed a significant increase by adipocyte number. Conclusions : We suggest that pharmacopuncture of the Leaves of Eriobotrya japonica can play the anti-obesity effects in local area adipose tissue.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2020

Objectives: Artemisinin and its derivatives extracted from Artemisia annua, a Chinese herbal medicine, have variable biological effects due to structural differences. Up to date, the anti-obesity effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-adipogenic and lipolytic effects of DHA on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methods: Oil Red O staining and AdipoRed assay were used to measure lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content in 3T3-L1 cells, respectively. Cell count analysis was used to determine the cytotoxicity of 3T3-L1 cells. Western blot and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses were used to analyze the expression of protein and mRNA in 3T3-L1 cells, respectively. Results: DHA at 5 μM markedly inhibited lipid accumulation and reduced TG content in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells with no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, DHA at 5 μM inhibited the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and perilipin A as well as the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, while DHA at 5 μM had no effect on the mRNA expression of adiponectin, it strongly suppressed that of leptin in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. However, DHA at 5 μM had no lipolytic effect on differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, as assessed by no enhancement of glycerol release. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that DHA at 5 μM has a strong anti-adipogenic effect on differentiating 3T3-L1 cells through the reduced expression and phosphorylation of C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, FAS, perilipin A, and STAT-3.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.12
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• pp.1044-1053
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• 2015

This study first investigated the effects of corn gluten hydrolysate (CGH) (1.5 g/day) administration for 7 days on appetite-responsive genes in lean Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In a second set of experiments, the metabolic changes occurring at multiple time points over 8 weeks in response to CGH (35.33% wt/wt) were observed in high-fat (HF, 60% of energy as fat) diet-fed SD rats. In lean rats, the hypothalamus neuropeptide-Y and proopiomelanocortin mRNA levels of the CGH group were significantly changed in response to CGH administration. In the second part of the study, CGH treatment was found to reduce body weight and perirenal and epididymal fat weight. CGH also prevented an increase in food intake at 2 weeks and lowered plasma leptin and insulin levels in comparison with the HF group. This reduction in the plasma and hepatic lipid levels was followed by improved insulin resistance, and the beneficial metabolic effects of CGH were also partly related to increases in plasma adiponectin levels. The Homeostasis Model of Assessment - Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), an index of insulin resistance, was markedly improved in the HF-CGH group compared with the HF group at 6 weeks. According to the microarray results, adipose tissue mRNA expression related to G-protein coupled receptor protein signaling pathway and sensory perception was significantly improved after 8 weeks of CGH administration. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that dietary CGH may be effective for improving hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese rats as well as appetite control in lean rats.