• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.444-453
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• 2022

Background: Compound K (CK) is among the protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenoside group, which produces multiple pharmacological effects. Herein, we examined the effects of CK on muscle atrophy under hyperlipidemic conditions along with its pro-myogenic effects. Further, the molecular pathways underlying the effects of CK on skeletal muscle have been justified. Methods: C2C12 myotubes were treated with palmitate and CK. C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated using CK for 4-5 days. For the in vivo experiments, CK was administered to mice fed on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The protein expression levels were analyzed using western blotting analysis. Target protein suppression was performed using small interfering (si) RNA transfection. Histological examination was performed using Jenner-Giemsa and H&E staining techniques. Results: CK treatment attenuated ER stress markers, such as eIF2a phosphorylation and CHOP expression and impaired myotube formation in palmitate-treated C2C12 myotubes and skeletal muscle of mice fed on HFD. CK treatment augmented AMPK along with autophagy markers in skeletal muscle cells in vitro and in vivo experiments. AMPK siRNA or 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, abrogated the impacts of CK in C2C12 myotubes. CK treatment augmented p38 and Akt phosphorylation, leading to an enhancement of C2C12 myogenesis. However, AMPK siRNA abolished the effects of CK in C2C12 myoblasts. Conclusion: These findings denote that CK prevents lipid-induced skeletal muscle apoptosis via AMPK/autophagy-mediated attenuation of ER stress and induction of myoblast differentiation. Therefore, we may suggest the use of CK as a potential therapeutic approach for treating muscle-wasting conditions associated with obesity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 2013

The anti-obesity effects of fermented black bean were tested with mice fed a high fat diet for seven weeks. Body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio (FER) in the high fat diet control (HC) group were markedly higher, compared with those of the normal control (NC) group, but were significantly lower in the 2% black bean powder supplemented high fat diet (BB) group and 2% black bean powder fermented by M. pilosus supplemented high fat diet (BBM) group, compared with those of the HC group. Food intake in the HC and BB groups was significantly lower than that of the NC and BBM groups. Water intake in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. On the other hand, relative liver and kidney weight in the HC group was lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, whereas epididymal fat weight in the HC group was markedly higher than that of the NC group, it was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. Meanwhile, hepatic GSH in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was slightly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. Although hepatic LPO in the HC group was dramatically higher than that of the NC group, it was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, serum TG, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in the HC group was significantly higher than that of the NC group, but was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. On the contrary, HDL-cholesterol in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, activity of XOR D type in the HC group was lower than that of the NC group, but was slightly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the NC group. Activities of ROS scavenging enzymes, such as SOD, GPX, and GST in the HC group were significantly lower than those of the NC group, but were significantly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with those of the HC group. In addition, serum ALT activity in the HC and BB groups was higher than that of the NC group, but was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In histopathological findings, hepatic fat accumulation in the HC group was higher than that of the NC group, but was lower in the BBM group, compared with that of the HC and BB groups. In particular, antiobese, hypolipidemic, and antifatty liver effect of black bean powder fermented by M. pilosus was specifically higher than that of non-fermented steamed black bean. In conclusion, the constituents of black bean fermented by Monascus pilosus have been proven to not only inhibit obesity and hyperlipidemia but also decrease hepatic fat accumulation in high fat diet-induced obese mice.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.27-42
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• 2024

Purpose: This study examined whether regular moderate-intensity treadmill exercise (Ex) and Syzygium aromaticum L. (SA) administration can influence lipid and muscle metabolism in obese rats induced by a 60% high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Rats, except those in the Normal group, were exposed to a 60% HFD for 4 weeks to induce obesity. The obese rats were assigned randomly to three groups: HFD control group, HFD+Ex group, and HFD+Ex+SA group. Treadmill exercise was conducted five times a week for 4 weeks, with a 5° incline and a speed of 18 m/min (Week 1: 20 minutes; Weeks 2: 25 minutes; Weeks 3-4: 30 minutes). Serum analysis was performed. Western blot analysis was conducted on the liver and soleus muscle, and histopathological analysis was carried out on the liver and adipose tissues. Results: The body weight change in the Ex groups was significantly lower than in the HFD control group, while the soleus muscle weight in the HFD+Ex group increased significantly. The histopathological examination in the Ex groups revealed a marked reduction in liver lipid accumulation and a decrease in adipocyte size in adipose tissue. Obesity induction increased leptin levels substantially, but Ex notably reversed these changes. Ex resulted in significant inhibition of ROS and ONOO^-, whereas the serum inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, and total cholesterol were reduced only by SA administration. Furthermore, the inflammatory proteins in the liver were inhibited more effectively when Ex was supplemented with SA. The expression of the muscle synthesis-related proteins and degradation proteins were modulated by Ex and Ex+SA. Conclusion: Ex significantly affected lipid and muscle metabolism, and adding SA alleviated the inflammation.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.66-77
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• 2013

In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of the mulberry leaf tea fermented by Monascus pilosus on high fat-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, and fatty liver in mice. Non-fermented mulberry leaf tea powder (UM) and fermented mulberry leaf tea powder (FM) were supplemented with high-fat diet at 2% (wt/wt) dosage for 8 weeks. Both UM and FM lowered body weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, epididymal fat, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol increased markedly with high fat diet (HC) in mice. FM showed more significant effects when it was compared with UM. In addition, Hepatic lipid peroxides and xanthin oxidase activities of the UM and FM were significantly lower than those of HC, despite the lack of a big difference in the amount of hepatic GSH. Activities of ROS scavenging enzymes and serum alanine aminotransferase activity were also examined as a parameter of hepatic damage. The UM and FM groups showed a recovery to NC group from significant changes induced by HC. Finally, histopathological analyses of liver samples revealed a decrease of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in the UM and FM groups. These results suggest that UM and especially FM can reduce the development of obesity, hyperlipidemia and fatty liver.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.45-56
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• 2006

Objectives : We evaluated anti-hyperlipidemia effect of Gyeongshinganjeehwan (GGEx) in high fat induced obese male micro-pigs. Methods : 7 month-old micro-pigs are fed with normal (n = 3) or high fat diet (n = 18) for 12 weeks. The pig revealed obesity in high fat diet were divided into 2 groups (n = 5 each) and vehicle (OMP) and Gyeongshingangjeehwan (GGEx, 616.7 mg/kg/day) were administrated for 1 month. We monitored the changes in body weight and measured plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, GOT and, GPT after 1 month. The visceral fat were measured with computerized tomography and weights of various organs were measured after sacrifice. Results : 1. GGEx group had significantly reduced body weight gain than obese control group in statistics. 2. GGEx group didn't significantly differ from obese control group in blood total cholesterol, blood LDL-cholesterol, blood triglyceride. but it's data were similar to normal control group. 3. GGEx group had prominantly reduced visceral fat than obese control group in computerized tomography. 4. Blood GOT and GPT didn't differ from between groups. The organ weight were not significant different. And it is normal in size and colour of visceral organs. Conclusions : It is concluded that GGEx has anti-hyperlipidemia effect by improving visceral fat and access to security.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.673-680
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• 2009

This study was conducted to screen for plant food materials that improve human intestinal microflora, especially microorganisms associated with obesity. Among 30 tested plant food materials, the extract of Schizandra chinensis inactivated Eubacterium limosum, Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium spp. Additionally, S. chinensis extract was also found to have a growth-promoting effect on Bifidobacterium spp.. The antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity of the water extract did not decrease in respond to heating. Additionally, the water extract of S. chinensis did not show a toxic effect on the growth of Caco-2 cells. In vivo feeding tests were performed to investigate the influence of extract on the intestinal microflora in rats. Although the extract did not reduce obesity induced by a high fat diet, it led to significant increase in the population of Bifidobacterium spp. and a decrease in the population of Clostridium spp. in rats. Taken together, these results indicate that S. chinensis could be useful as a functional food component to control intestinal microbial flora.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.148-161
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• 2018

Objectives: This study examined the effects of nutrition education and exercise therapies on the hematological status and diabetes knowledge of diabetic patients. For this purpose, a 12-week intensive management program was provided to diabetic patients participating in an exercise program in S health subcenter in Kwangju city and the effects were analyzed. Methods: The subjects were 26 diabetic patients, who provided written informed consent. As a preliminary survey, this study examined the general characteristics, physical status, obesity, blood pressure, hematological status, daily activity level, diabetes knowledge, diet performance, and barriers to diet therapy. After the 12-week intensive management program was completed, a post-test was conducted in the same way as the preliminary test. The data were analyzed with using SPSS 18.0. The data from this study are presented as the mean${\pm}$standard deviation. A paired t-test was conducted to compare differences in the means before and after the program. Statistical significance was set to p<0.05. Results: The results of the program are presented as follows. The HDL-cholesterol levels changed from $39.8{\pm}10.5mg/dL$ to $48.3{\pm}13.1mg/dL$, showing a significant increase (p<0.001). The blood sugar 2 hours after a meal changed from $175.2{\pm}67.1mg/dL$ to $140.5{\pm}42.5mg/dL$, showing a significant decrease (p=0.014). The glycosylated hemoglobin levels decreased significantly from $6.7{\pm}1.1%$ to $6.3{\pm}1.0%$ (p=0.010). The total scores of the daily activity levels increased significantly from $3.8{\pm}2.4$ to $4.8{\pm}2.5$ (p=0.040). The scores of knowledge on diabetes increased from $11.5{\pm}3.6$ to $14.0{\pm}3.8$ (p=0.001). The scores of knowledge on diet therapy changed from $6.7{\pm}2.2$ to $7.9{\pm}1.7$, showing a significant increase (p=0.027). Conclusions: The 12-week intensive management program intervened by nutrition education and exercise therapies induced positive changes to the HDL-cholesterol, blood sugar 2 hours after a meal, glycosylated hemoglobin, daily activity levels, and knowledge on diabetes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.895-902
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• 2014

Adiponectin has been known to improve insulin sensitivity and elicit glucose uptake via increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation. In the current study, mRNA expression levels of adiponectin and GLUT4 were measured in subcutaneous adipose tissue from C57BL/6 mice fed normal (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) until 16, 26, 36, 47, or 77 weeks of age starting from 6 weeks of age. Expression levels were also measured in mice with calorie restriction (CR) and in thiazolidinedione (TZD) treated mice. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we demonstrated that GLUT4 expression in adipose tissue significantly decreased in HFD mice groups and increased in CR (p<0.05) and TZD (p=0.007) groups while there was no difference in adiponectin mRNA expression levels between experimental and control groups. General linear regression models were used to assess the association of gene expression levels between adiponectin and GLUT4 and to determine whether adiponectin affects GLUT4 transcription. mRNA expression levels of adiponectin and GLUT4 are significantly associated each other in mice fed a ND (p<0.0001) or HFD (p<0.0001), in groups separated into each age and diet, and CR group (p=0.002), but not in TZD group (p=0.73). These results demonstrated that gene expression of adiponectin and GLUT4 is strongly associated, suggesting that there is a common regulatory mechanism for adiponectin and GLUT4 gene expression and/or adiponectin has a direct role in GLUT4 gene expression in adipose tissue.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.896-902
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• 2003

The present study was carried out to investigate the antiobesity effects of Platycodon grndiflorum extract on body weight changes and serum lipid composition of rats fed high fat diet. The Platycodon grandiflorum has been widely used as a folk food in the Orient for many centuries. We had experiment with Platycodon grandiflorum extract in order to find cure effects for obesty. The changes of the body weights in Platycodon ggrandiflorum extract treatment group showed a decrease in comparison with control group. Weekly body weights of PG group are respectively 243.7$\pm$2.0g, 283.5$\pm$4.3 g, 310.5$\pm$6.5 g, 333.2$\pm$7.5 g, 361.0$\pm$10.4 g, 390.5$\pm$11.5 g, 436.0$\pm$11.8 g, 454.4$\pm$11.4 g, 484.4$\pm$10.1 g. Body weight of PC groups are decreased compared with those of control group, but the rates are not significant. Total cholesterol of PG group(77.2$\pm$3.3 mg/dl) is decreased by 7.0% compared with that of control group. Serum triglyceride of PG group(103.6$\pm$9.0mg/dl) is decreased by 21.1% compared with that of control group. Serum free fatty acid of PG group(630.1$\pm$45.9 $\mu$Eq/l) is decreased by 19.6% .compared with that of control group. Total lipid amount of PG group(393.6$\pm$23.7 mg/dl) is decreased by 9.1% compared with that of control group. The above results suggest that Platycodon grandiflorum extract could prevent or cure metabolic diseases by preventing hyperlipemia caused by high fat diet.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.788-795
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• 2002

This study described the effect of levan (9-2,6-linked fructose polymer) feeding on serum lipids, adiposity and uncoupling protein (UCP) expression in growing rats. Levan was synthesized from sucrose using bacterial levansucrase. UCP is a mitochondrial protein that uncouples the respiratory chain from oxidative Phosphorylation and generates heat instead of ATP, thereby increase energy expenditure. We observed that 3% or 5% levan containing diet reduced serum triglyceride levels, visceral and peritoneal fat mass and induced the UCP expression in rats fed high fat diet in previous study. To determine whether the intake of low level of levan may have the hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effect, 4 wk old Sprague Dawley male rats were fed AIN-76A diet for 6 wk, and sub-sequently fed 1% or 2% levan solution for further 5 wk. Intake of 1% levan in liquid form reduced serum triglyceride and serum total cholesterol levels to 50% and 66% of control group, respectively. Although epididymal and peritoneal fat masses were not affected by levan feeding, visceral fat mass was lower in 1% levan group compared to control group. The expression of UCP2 mRNA in brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and hypothalamus and UCP3 mRNA in skeletal muscle were not changed by levan feeding, while the UCP2 mRNA in white adipose tissue was up-regulated by levan feeding. In conclusions, intake of low level of levan solution reduced serum triglyceride and total cholesterol, restrained the visceral fat accumulation and increased UCP expression in white adipose tissue in rats. This study suggests that hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effect of levan attributed to anti-lipogenesis and inefficeint energy utilization by up-regulation of UCPs.