• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.317-322
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• 2015

Alcohol-induced fatty liver (steatosis) results from excessive generation of reducing equivalents by ethanol metabolism. Generally, chronic ethanol treatment causes hepatosteatosis by regulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), which increases the synthesis of hepatic lipids. The effect of ethanol on SREBP-1c is mediated through mammalian sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), a NAD⁺-dependent protein deacetylase that regulates hepatic lipid metabolism. Ginseng is a widely used herbal medicine that is used in Asia for its anti-diabetes and anti-obesity effects. The pharmacological and therapeutic effects of ginseng are primarily produced by bioactive constituents known as ginsenosides. Here, we examined the regulatory effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts on SREBP-1c and SIRT-1 on lipid homeostasis in AML-12 mouse hepatocytes. AML-12 cells were treated with ethanol and/or KRG extracts (0 - 1,000 μg/ml). Lipid droplets were assayed using Oil red O staining, and western blotting was used to measure SIRT-1 and SREBP-1 expression. Treatment with KRG extracts restored SIRT-1 expression and reduced SREBP-1c expression in ethanol-treated cells. We also showed that KRG extract and ginsenosides Rb₂ and Rd significantly decreased SREBP-1 acetylation in ethanol-treated cells. These results show that treatment with KRG extract and its active ginsenoside constituents Rb₂ and Rd protected against alcohol-related hepatosteatosis via regulation of SIRT-1 and downstream acetylation of SREBP-1c, which altered hepatic lipid metabolism.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2017

$C/EBP{\beta}$ and $C/EBP{\delta}$ are required for the initiation of adipogenesis and induce the expression of key adipogenic regulators, such as $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $C/EBP{\alpha}$. In the present study, we have examined the effects of silibinin and its possible molecular mechanisms in regulating adipocyte differentiation and expression of $C/EBP{\beta}$ and $C/EBP{\delta}$ in the early stage of adipogenesis. Silibinin statistically significantly inhibits intracellular lipid accumulation and the mRNA expression of various genes involved at different stages during adipogenesis. Silibinin also suppresses expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid binding protein 4 (AP2), and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Thus, the anti-adipogenic effect of silibinin seems to originate from the ability to inhibit the expression of $C/EBP{\beta}$ and $C/EBP{\delta}$. Furthermore, silibinin decreases cell viability for differentiation period and induces apoptotic cell death through capspase-3 activation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.729-735
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• 2010

In our previous study, it was reported that an herbal mixture, SH21B, inhibits fat accumulation and adipogenesis both in vitro and in vivo models of obesity. SH21B is a mixture composed of seven herbs: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Prunus armeniaca Maxim, Ephedra sinica Stapf, Acorus gramineus Soland, Typha orientalis Presl, Polygala tenuifolia Willd, and Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner (Ratio 3:3:3:3:3:2:2). The aim of this study was to investigate the detailed molecular mechanisms of the effects of SH21B on various regulators of the adipogenesis pathway. During the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells, SH21B significantly decreased the expression levels of central transcription factors of adipogenesis, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)$\gamma$ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)$\alpha$. To elucidate the detailed molecular mechanism of the anti-adipogenic effects of SH21B, we examined the expression levels of the various pro-adipogenic or anti-adipogenic regulators of adipogenesis upstream of $PPAR{\gamma}$ and C/$EBP{\alpha}$. The mRNA levels of Krox20 and Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 15, which are pro-adipogenic regulators, were significantly down-regulated by SH21B treatment, whereas the mRNA levels of C/$EBP{\gamma}$ and KLF5 were not changed. KLF2 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), which are anti-adipogenic regulators, were significantly up-regulated by SH21B treatment. These results suggest that the molecular mechanism of the anti-adipogenic effect of SH21B involves both the down-regulations of pro-adipogenic regulators, such as Krox20 and KLF15, and the up-regulations of anti-adipogenic regulators, such as KLF2 and CHOP, which results in the suppression of central transcription factors of adipogenesis including $PPAR{\gamma}$ and C/$EBP{\alpha}$.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.8
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• pp.1107-1113
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of catechu water extract on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated with adipogenic regents by incubation for 9 days in the absence or presence of catechu extract ranging from $1{\sim}200{\mu}g/mL$. The effect of catechu extracts on cell proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effect of catechu extracts on 3T3-L1 differentiation was examined by measuring intracellular lipid droplet and triglyceride contents. These results were obtained from preadipocyte proliferation and adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1. Catechu extracts inhibited lipid accumulation and remarkably decreased triglyceride contents in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes at a concentration showing no cytotoxicity. The anti-adipogenic effects of catechu appeared to be mediated by significant down-regulation of expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ${\alpha}$, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c proteins apart from expression of hormone-sensitive lipase. We suggest that catechu extracts significantly inhibit adipogenesis and can be used for regulation of obesity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of Sargassum confusum extracts on the reduction of body fat for eight weeks in overweight women ($BMI{\geq_-}23kg/m^2$). Methods: Subjects were classified by double-blind randomized trial as the control group (C group, n = 14) and the Sargassum confusum extract supplementation group (SC group, n = 16), which consumed 12 tablets per day. Questionnaires related to their health status were assessed twice (week 0 and week 8). Their dietary intake status was evaluated by 24-recall method and body compositions were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. In addition, we assessed the anti-obesity effect and the occurrence possibility of health risk factors during the supplementation periods by hematological and clinical analysis of blood. Results: Waist circumference and body fat (%) were significantly decreased in the SC group. Serum leptin level was also significantly decreased in the SC group. Defecation frequency was significantly increased in the SC group. The above results indicate that Sargassum confusum extract supplementation improves overweight on visceral fat and blood leptin level by increasing bowel movement. These results imply a decrease of health risk factors in overweight women. Seven subjects withdrew from the study due to adverse events; however, no differences regarding adverse events were observed between the control and treatment group. Conclusion: Therefore, Sargassum confusum extract is a plausible effective agent for body fat reduction in humans.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.242-249
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• 2022

Objectives: The aim of this work is to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antiobesity effects of Euphorbia resinifera extracts and investigate the phenolic constituents and the toxicity of these extracts. Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed to detect polyphenols and flavonoids. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by four methods (DPPH, ABTS, H₂O₂, and xanthine oxidase inhibition). The hypoglycemic effect was determined by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in vitro and via a starch tolerance study in normal rats. The antiobesity effect was estimated by in vitro inhibition of lipase. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that the ethanolic extract was rich in polyphenols (99 ± 0.56 mg GEA/g extract) and tannins (55.22 ± 0.17 mg RE/g extract). Moreover, this extract showed higher antioxidant activity in different tests: the DPPH assay (IC₅₀ = 53.81 ± 1.83 ㎍/mL), ABTS assay (111.4 ± 2.64 mg TE/g extract), H₂O₂ (IC₅₀ = 98.15 ± 0.68 ㎍/mL), and xanthine oxidase (IC₅₀ = 10.26 ± 0.6 ㎍/mL). With respect to hypoglycemic effect, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed IC₅₀ values of 119.7 ± 2.15 ㎍/mL and 102 ± 3.63 ㎍/mL for α-amylase and 121.4 ± 1.88 and 56.6 ± 1.12 ㎍/mL for α-glucosidase, respectively, and the extracts lowered blood glucose levels in normal starch-loaded rats. Additionally, lipase inhibition was observed with aqueous (IC₅₀ = 25.3 ± 1.53 ㎍/mL) and ethanolic (IC₅₀ = 13.7 ± 3.03 ㎍/mL) extracts. Conclusion: These findings show the antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hyperlipidemic effects of E. resinifera extracts, which should be investigated further to validate their medicinal uses and their pharmaceutical applications.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.57-63
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• 2017

Objectives : The aim of this study is to search Korean Medicine with the superior inhibitory effect of pancreatic lipase including a possibility as a well-matched sauce material with pork. Methods : We chose 5 samples which have the potent inhibitory effect of pancreatic lipase enzyme among 9 samples. 5 samples were Glycyrrhizae rhizoma, Cinnamomi cortex, Ganoderma lucidum, Syzygium aromaticum, and Schisandra chinensis. Animals were divided into eight groups (n=7). The experimental groups except for normal group were fed 60% high-fat diet. 5 samples were orally administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight and orlistat were orally administrated at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight for 7 days. Biochemical anaylses of 5 samples were executed based on lipid parameters such as triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Results : Korean Medicines with $IC_{50}$ of below $1mg/m{\ell}$ were Glycyrrhizae rhizoma, Cinnamomi cortex, Ganoderma lucidum, Syzygium aromaticum, and Schisandra chinensis. Body weight change of all drug-treated groups except Glycyrrhizae rhizoma reduced significantly during the experimental period. Orlistat treatment reduced significantly both TG and TC in serum. The significant emission of TG in fece showed in Cinnamomi cortex treatment, whereas Ganoderma lucidum and Syzygium aromaticum showed a tendency to increase without a significance. Besides, Ganoderma lucidum and Schisandra chinensis emitted significantly TC to fece. Conclusions : In conclusion, Cinnamomi cortex may exert anti-obesity effect by directly inhibiting pancreatic lipase, which would prevent the absorption of lipid from the small intestine. Accordingly, Cinnamomi cortex may suggest a high possibility as a well-matched sauce material with pork.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.423-428
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• 2009

Selenium was investigated using human origin preadipocytes to see whether it possesses preventive or therapeutic effects for obesity. Unveiling the potential of selenium in the reduction of adipogenesis can help predict the therapeutic capabilities of selenium in obesity. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of adipogenesis by selenium was explored to unravel the involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase. There is emerging evidence that AMPK, a sensor of cellular energy status, is a possible molecular target of controlling adipocyte differentiation on the basis of discovery that AMPK is responsible for the major metabolic responses to exercise, and integration of nutritional and hormonal signals to modulate feeding behavior or energy expenditure in the hypothalamus. Treatment of selenium resulted in inhibition of the adipocyte differentiation process and induction of mature apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We hypothesized that selenium may exert anti-adipogenic potential though modulating AMPK. We have found that selenium significantly activated AMPK and phosphorylated its substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase ($ACC-serine^{79}$) during the inhibitory process of adipocytes. Also, the inhibition process of adipocyte differentiation by selenium was comparable to either reveratrol or a synthetic AMPK activator, AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-${\beta}$-D-ribofuranoside). To evaluate the involvement of AMPK in anti-lipogensis, we applied AICAR and Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, to 3T3-L1-adipocytes and found that AMPK is required for the adipocyte differentiation blocking process. These results suggest that selenium has a potential to control adipogenesis and that this effect is mediated by AMPK, an essential kinase for both inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis of mature adipocytes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.663-672
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• 2015

The study was performed to investigate the effects of enzyme treated garlic (EG) and its natural resources composites on lipid levels in serum and liver of rats fed a high fat diet. Four different types of EG-composite extracts prepared: EG and EG + grape peel (EGG), EG + Persimmon (EGP) and EG + Catechu (EGC) by mixed 9.5:0.5, 9:1 and 8:2 (w/w) ratios, respectively. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity in vitro, show the highest in EG + Catechu (EGC) composite by mixed 8:2 (w/w). EG and EG-composites extracts (8:2, w/w) were administered orally to SD-male rats at a concentration of 2.5 g/kg/day for 5 weeks. Total lipid and cholesterol contents in serum were significantly lower in EGC group than control group, and triglyceride content was the lowest in EGP group by 54.29 mg/dL. HDL-cholesterol contents were significantly higher in EGP and EGC groups. LDL-cholesterol content was lower in EG group than EG-composite groups, and VLDL cholesterol content was the lowest in EGP group. GOT, GPT and ALP activity was significantly lower in EGP group. Total lipid, cholesterol and triglyceride contents in liver were significantly lower in EGP and EGC group than control group. Antioxidant activity in serum was the highest in EGC groups by 50.86%, in liver was the highest in EGP groups. TBARS content in serum and liver was the lowest in EGP group. In these results, we suggest that EGP composites could have hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects in rats fed a high fat diet.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.222-227
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• 2008

This study examined the chemical composition of lotus root and functionally evaluated a fermented lotus root drink. Electron-donating ability using DPPH along with nitrite-scavenging ability were used to compare the antioxidative activities of unfermented and fermented lotus root drinks. The electron-donating abilities of the unfermented lotus root drink (1%) and fermented lotusroot drink (1%) were 22.55% and 23.88%, respectively. At pH 6.0, the nitrite-scavenging abilities of the unfermented lotus root drink and the fermented lotus root drink (100%) were 27.64% and 40.3%, respectively, and their scavenging ability increased in a dose-dependent manner at all pH values. In order to study the anti-obesity effects of the two drinks, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (A: basal diet, B: high fat diet, C: high fat diet+unfermented lotus root drink, D: high fat diet+fermented lotus root drink). Net weight gains were not significantly different among the four groups. Plasma total cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased in the groups receiving the unfermented and fermented lotus root drinks. Also, plasma total lipid and triglyceride contents were lower in the groups receiving the unfermented and fermented lotus root drinks as compared to the high fat diet group; however, the differences among the three groups were not significant.