• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.763-770
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• 2015

Improved meat quality and greater muscle yield are highly sought after in high-quality chicken breeding programs. Past studies indicated that polymorphisms of the Perilipin gene (PLIN1) are highly associated with adiposity in mammals and are potential molecular markers for improving meat quality and carcass traits in chickens. In the present study, we screened single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all exons of the PLIN1 gene with a direct sequencing method in six populations with different genetic backgrounds (total 240 individuals). We evaluated the association between the polymorphisms and carcass and meat quality traits. We identified three SNPs, located on the 5' flanking region and exon 1 of PLIN1 on chromosome 10 (rs315831750, rs313726543, and rs80724063, respectively). Eight main haplotypes were constructed based on these SNPs. We calculated the allelic and genotypic frequencies, and genetic diversity parameters of the three SNPs. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.2768 to 0.3750, which reflected an intermediate genetic diversity for all chickens. The CC, CT, and TT genotypes influenced the percentage of breast muscle (PBM), percentage of leg muscle (PLM) and percentage of abdominal fat at rs315831750 (p<0.05). Diplotypes (haplotype pairs) affected the percentage of eviscerated weight (PEW) and PBM (p<0.05). Compared with chickens carrying other diplotypes, H3H7 had the greatest PEW and H2H2 had the greatest PBM, and those with diplotype H7H7 had the smallest PEW and PBM. We conclude that PLIN1 gene polymorphisms may affect broiler carcass and breast muscle yields, and diplotypes H3H7 and H2H2 could be positive molecular markers to enhance PEW and PBM in chickens.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.782-789
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• 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-metabolic syndrome effects of capsule-filled cheonggukjang (CGJ) added with arrowroot (Pueraria thunbergiana) extracts on body weight, adiposity and lipid metabolism in ob/ob mice. Experimental groups were normal control group (NC: basal diet), positive control group (PC: 2% CGJ), CGJ added with arrowroot extracts group (AR: 2% arrowroot in CGJ), and capsule-filled CGJ added with arrowroot extracts group (ARC: 2% arrowroot CGJ capsule). Each group was fed experimental diet for 10 weeks. Final body weight gain and atherogenic index were significantly lower in the ARC than NC group. Serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, blood glucose and atherogenic index were significantly lower in the ARC than NC group. Furthermore, fatty liver and regional lipid accumultion in ob/ob mice were inhibited in the ARC group. The hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase were significantly higher in the ARC than NC group. Therefore, the anti-matabolic syndrome effects of the ARC group were higher than the AR group. In conclusion, these results indicated that CGJ added with arrowroot mediates its anti-obesity effects in ob/ob mice by improving lipid metabolism and antioxidant enzyme.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.181-186
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• 2012

Fenofibrate is a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\alpha}$ ($PPAR{\alpha}$) activator and is prescribed to treat hyperlipidemia. The mechanism through which $PPAR{\alpha}$ agonists reduce food intake, body weight, and adiposity remains unclear. One explanation for the reduction of food intake is that fenofibrate promotes fatty acid oxidation and increases the production of ketone bodies upon a standard experimental dose of the drug (100~300 mg/kg/day). We observed that low-dose treatment of fenofibrate (30 mg/kg/day), which does not cause significant changes in ketone body synthesis, reduced food intake in Long-Evans Tokushima (LETO) rats. LETO rats are the physiologically normal controls for Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, which are obese and cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptor deficient. We hypothesized that the reduced food intake by fenofibrate-treated LETO rats may be associated with CCK production. To investigate the anorexic effects of fenofibrate in vivo and to determine whether CCK production may be involved, we examined the amount of food intake and CCK production. Fenofibrate-treated OLETF rats did not significantly change their food intake while LETO rats decreased their food intake. Treatment of fenofibrate increased CCK synthesis in the duodenal epithelial cells of both LETO and OLETF rats. The absence of a change in the food intake of OLETF rats, despite the increase in CCK production, may be explained by the absence of CCK-A receptors. Contrary to the OLETF rats, LETO rats, which have normal CCK receptors, presented a decrease in food intake and an increase in CCK production. These results suggest that reduced food intake by fenofibrate treatment may be associated with CCK production.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.65-71
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• 2012

Oxygen is the final acceptor of electron transport from fat and carbohydrate oxidation, which is the rate-limiting factor for cellular ATP production. Under altitude hypoxia condition, energy reliance on anaerobic glycolysis increases to compensate for the shortfall caused by reduced fatty acid oxidation [1]. Therefore, training at altitude is expected to strongly influence the human metabolic system, and has the potential to be designed as a non-pharmacological or recreational intervention regimen for correcting diabetes or related metabolic problems. However, most people cannot accommodate high altitude exposure above 4500 M due to acute mountain sickness (AMS) and insulin resistance corresponding to a increased levels of the stress hormones cortisol and catecholamine [2]. Thus, less stringent conditions were evaluated to determine whether glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity could be improved by moderate altitude exposure (below 4000 M). In 2003, we and another group in Austria reported that short-term moderate altitude exposure plus endurance-related physical activity significantly improves glucose tolerance (not fasting glucose) in humans [3,4], which is associated with the improvement in the whole-body insulin sensitivity [5]. With daily hiking at an altitude of approximately 4000 M, glucose tolerance can still be improved but fasting glucose was slightly elevated. Individuals vary widely in their response to altitude challenge. In particular, the improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity by prolonged altitude hiking activity is not apparent in those individuals with low baseline DHEA-S concentration [6]. In addition, hematopoietic adaptation against altitude hypoxia can also be impaired in individuals with low DHEA-S. In short-lived mammals like rodents, the DHEA-S level is barely detectable since their adrenal cortex does not appear to produce this steroid [7]. In this model, exercise training recovery under prolonged hypoxia exposure (14-15% oxygen, 8 h per day for 6 weeks) can still improve insulin sensitivity, secondary to an effective suppression of adiposity [8]. Genetically obese rats exhibit hyperinsulinemia (sign of insulin resistance) with up-regulated baseline levels of AMP-activated protein kinase and AS160 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle compared to lean rats. After prolonged hypoxia training, this abnormality can be reversed concomitant with an approximately 50% increase in GLUT4 protein expression. Additionally, prolonged moderate hypoxia training results in decreased diffusion distance of muscle fiber (reduced cross-sectional area) without affecting muscle weight. In humans, moderate hypoxia increases postprandial blood distribution towards skeletal muscle during a training recovery. This physiological response plays a role in the redistribution of fuel storage among important energy storage sites and may explain its potent effect on changing body composition. Conclusion: Prolonged moderate altitude hypoxia (rangingfrom 1700 to 2400 M), but not acute high attitude hypoxia (above 4000 M), can effectively improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance for humans and antagonizes the obese phenotype in animals with a genetic defect. In humans, the magnitude of the improvementvaries widely and correlates with baseline plasma DHEA-S levels. Compared to training at sea-level, training at altitude effectively decreases fat mass in parallel with increased muscle mass. This change may be associated with increased perfusion of insulin and fuel towards skeletal muscle that favors muscle competing postprandial fuel in circulation against adipose tissues.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.722-728
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was designed to examine the effects of adiponectin, leptin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein (BP)-3 levels in cord blood on weight, length, and adiposity at birth in healthy term infants. In addition, we evaluated the mechanism to change the hormone levels in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) during the first month. Methods : We collected cord blood from 200 term neonates (109 males, 91 females) with no perinatal problems, and measured the hormone levels and anthropometric parameters including weight, length, and skin-fold thickness. Term neonates were divided into 3 groups as follows: birth weight appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (n=132), birth weight less for gestational age (SGA) (n=29), and birth weight more for gestational age (LGA) (n=39). Venous blood samples of 15 fullterm healthy neonates were obtained at 3, 7, and 30 d after birth. Results : The adiponectin, insulin, and IGF-I levels were significantly lower in the SGA group than in the AGA and LGA groups. The leptin levels were significantly higher in the LGA group than in the AGA and SGA groups. Cord blood adiponectin, leptin, insulin, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 levels correlated significantly and positively with birth weight and the sum of the skin-fold thickness. A significant positive correlation was observed between adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-I levels and birth weight. Adiponectin level correlated significantly with that leptin level (r=0.191, P=0.038), but not with insulin, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels. IGF-I levels were higher in females than in males. At 7 d after birth, the leptin level decreased along with physiologic weight loss, and then increased. IGF-I, also decreased at 3 d, significantly increased 1 month later. Conclusion : We suggest that adiponectin, leptin, insulin, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 play an important role in regulating fetal growth. Adiponectin may be involved in regulating fetal growth through mechanisms different from those mediated by insulin or IGF-I. High levels of IGF-I in female neonates indicates a gender difference which serves as evidence for in utero sexual dimorphism. It is likely that IGF-I has a more important role than that of hormones in postnatal growth.

• 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.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.4 s.20
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• pp.238-245
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• 2005

Purpose: Ghrelin, produced primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, has been reported to reflect nutritional status and to control homeostasis by influencing food intake and adiposity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate nutritional status, as well as plasma and gastric tissue ghrelin levels, in patients with gastric cancer who underwent a gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients were analyzed by the degree of weight loss $(weight\;loss{\geq}5%\;or\;<5%)$ and the extent of gastrectomy (subtotal or total gastrectomy). Blood samples were collected from all patients preoperatively and postoperatively especially at seven days. Gastric tissues, including tumor and normal tissues, were obtained from the resected stomach. levels of plasma and tissue ghrelin were measured with a commercial ELISA kit. Results: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and ghrelin levels of plasma, gastric tumor tissue and normal tissue by the degree of weight loss. The ghrelin levels in plasma and tumor tissue showed no correlations with each other while the ghrelin level in tumor tissue was significantly lower than that in normal tissue. The degree of cellular differentiation also had an association with ghrelin production. A gastrectomy proved to decrease significantly plasma ghrelin levels, body mass index, and biochemical markers, regardless of the extent of gastric resection. Conclusion: These results show that gastric cancer affects the production of ghrelin in the gastric mucosa and that ghrelin is mainly produced in stomach even though it could be partially covered by endogenous ghrelin from other organs following a gastrectomy. However, we should further investigate which other factors have an impact on energy consumption, ghrelin secretion, and changes in ghrelin levels after a gastrectomy.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.454-463
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among the anthropometric measurements, body composition indices, biochemical indices and serum leptin level of obese school children. The study was conducted on 97 elementary school children from 4-5th grade residing in Daegu and Kyungbuk area. Obesity was defined as fat percentage that exceed 25% of body fat mass. The prevalence of obesity of subject was 58.3% for male and 54.1% for female. The mean value of height, weight, body composition indices and biochemical indices of obese group were significantly higher than those of control group. The leptin level was significantly different in obese group but showed no difference by gender. The differences of leptin level were according to adiposity and BMI in obese subjects. Multiple regression analysis data showed that the BMI and body fat mass may influence on the leptin level of subject. Also, these data revealed the leptin resistance in obese children and relationship between leptin level and various factors including anthropometric measurements, body composition and biochemical indices. Additional research should be necessary to assess the mechanism of leptin resistance in obese children.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.1235-1243
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• 2011

In this study, we investigated the antioxidative activity (scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and superoxide anion radical) and anti-obesity effects of black bean chungkugjang extract (BBCE). DPPH free radical-scavenging activity and superoxide anion radical-scavenging activity ($SC_{50}$ value) of BBCE were $162.7{\pm}2.8$ ppm, and $205.62{\pm}3.6$ ppm, respectively. The anti-obesity effects of BBCE were investigated by measuring Oil Red O staining in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. BBCE reduced the content of Oil Red O dye in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We also examined the effects of BBCE on adiposity, serum lipid, and leptin levels in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Mice were fed the BBCE experimental diets for 7 weeks, after which they were sacrificed. ICR male mice were randomly divided into three groups, one normal diet group (ND group) and two high fat diet groups with or without BBCE supplementation (HFD group and HFD-BBCE group). The results showed that weight gain and the food efficiency ratio significantly decreased upon addition of BBCE compared to those of the HFD group. Further, white adipose tissue weights of epididymal, mesenteric, and retroperitoneal areas in the HFD-BBCE group were reduced to 34.8%, 7.1%, and 40.6%, respectively, compared to that of the HFD group. The serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and leptin in the HFD-BBCE group were significantly lower than those of the HFD group. Based on these results, it can be concluded that BBCE may have beneficial effects on reducing fat mass and serum lipid content.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.12
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• pp.1599-1608
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• 2008

This study aimed to assess the health status based on the anthropometric and biochemical measurements of middle-aged and elderly people living in Andong area. The subjects were 1,384 people (532 males, 852 females) aged 50 years and over (average 62.7 years). The mean anthropometric values for males and females were heights of 163.7 and 151.5 cm; weights 63.6 and 57.3 kg; body mass index (BMI) 23.6 and $24.9kg/m^2$; body fat 21.8 and 31.8%, respectively. Height and weight were lower, however, waist circumference (in female) and BMI were higher than those of the 2001 National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS). Obesity incidences of male and female subjects were 28.7% and 47.3% by BMI; 25.8% and 50.8% by % body fat; and 15.6% and 80.9% by waist circumference, respectively. Also, abdominal adiposity was very severe in female subjects of 50s. The mean biochemical measurements of male and female were as follows: systolic and diastolic blood pressure 136.9, 83.8 mmHg and 133.6, 82.5 mmHg; hemoglobin (Hb) 14.3 and 13.0 g/dL; hematocrit (Ht) 44.7 and 39.8%; blood albumin 4.15 and 4.04 g/dL; total-cholesterol 170.0 and 183.1 mg/dL; HDL-cholesterol 43.6 and 42.7 mg/dL; fasting blood glucose 96.7 and 93.0 mg/dL, respectively. Also, the prevalence of biochemically abnormal subjects according to each cut-off point of biochemical measurements were analyzed. The results for male and female were; hypertension 58.0% and 47.2%; iron deficient anemia 19.3% and 20.6% by Hb, 7.2% and 11.9% by Ht; hypoalbuminemia 9.8% and 11.7%; diabetes 12.0% and 10.2%; hypercholesterolemia 19.5% and 30.5%, respectively. From those results we found that hypoalbuminemia, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were prevalent, and obesity in females of 50s, iron-deficient anemia and diabetes in males of 70 years and over were significant health problems in this area. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to examine their health status periodically and provide the appropriate health and nutrition education program, which includes low sodium intake, balanced diet, exercise and weight control, to prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases.