• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.398-403
• /
• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is accompanied by disruption of the epidermal lipid barrier, of which ceramide (Cer) is the major component. Recently it was reported that vitamin C is essential for de novo synthesis of Cer in the epidermis and that the level of vitamin C in plasma is decreased in AD. The objective of this study was to determine the associations among clinical severity, vitamin C in either plasma or epidermis, and Cer in the epidermis of patients with AD. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 17 patients (11 male and 6 female) aged 20-42 years were enrolled. The clinical severity of AD was assessed according to the SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) system. Levels of vitamin C were determined in plasma and biopsies of lesional epidermis. Levels of epidermal lipids, including Cer, were determined from tape-stripped lesional epidermis. RESULTS: The clinical severity of patients ranged between 0.1 and 45 (mild to severe AD) based on the SCORAD system. As the SCORAD score increased, the level of vitamin C in the plasma, but not in the epidermis, decreased, and levels of total Cer and Cer2, the major Cer species in the epidermis, also decreased. There was also a positive association between level of vitamin C in the plasma and level of total Cer in the epidermis. However, levels of epidermal total lipids including triglyceride, cholesterol, and free fatty acid (FFA) were not associated with either SCORAD score or level of vitamin C in the plasma of all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: As the clinical severity of AD increased, level of vitamin C in the plasma and level of epidermal Cer decreased, and there was a positive association between these two parameters, implying associations among plasma vitamin C, epidermal Cer, and the clinical severity of AD.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.280-283
• /
• 1999

The experiment was carried out in a 10 $\ell$ vessel in order to evaluate the growth and nutritional quality of rotifer, Brachienus rotundiformis fed by different diets (Freshwater Chlorella, Marine Chlorella and $\omega$-yeast) for the high density cultivation. The maximum densities for the rotifer fed on the marine Chlorella, freshwater Chlorella and $\omega$-yeast were $10,900\~12,400,\;9,190\~10,600$ and 2,390$\~$2,750 inds./ml, respectively. Therefore, the maximum densities for the rotifer fed on the marine Chlorella and freshwater Chlorella were higher than that for rotifer fed on the $\omega$-yeast The essential n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid in rotifer fed on the marine Chlorella was $8.71\%$ which was slightly lower than that in rotifer fed on the $\omega$-yeast, $9.14\%$, while it was higher than that in the rotifer fed on freshwater Chlorella, $4.45\%$. This result indicated that marine Chlorella could be appropriate diet for the high density cultivation of rotifer.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.5
• /
• pp.636-640
• /
• 2000

Cup-plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) has potential to produce high biomass and highly digestible forage in the wetlands where other productive forages do not grow or produce well. However, high moisture content at harvest is a considerable disadvantage of cup-plant for the production of high quality silage. This study was conducted to determine the effect of moisture content on the characteristics of cup-plant silage. Harvested cup-plant was ensiled in farm scale plastic bag silos and laboratory silos. In the plastic bag silos, first growth (FG) and regrowth (RG) cup-plant was harvested, wilted and ensiled. Dry matter content of FG and RG was 280 g/kg and 320 g/kg after 48 hr of wilting. The silage made with FG had pH 5.3 and 5.63 g/kg DM of acetate as a major volatile fatty acid. The composition of lactate, butyrate and acetate production was 1.0: 0.9: 2.3. The pH of silage made with RG was 4.5 and lactate was a major fermentation end product (16.8 g/kg DM). In the laboratory silos, wilted and unwilted first growth cup-plant material was ensiled to compare the early fermentation end products at days 2, 4, 11, and 40. Wilting increased dry matter content by 42% in the harvested material. Wilted silage showed about one unit lower pH until day 11. The contents of ammonia nitrogen and acetate were higher in un wilted silage, while that of lactate was higher in wilted silage (p<0.05). Butyrate and propionate were not detected in the wilted silage until day 40. We conclude from the results that moisture control is essential for the production of high quality cup-plant silage and high pH of cup-plant silage is due to low concentrations of fermentation end products.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.55 no.7
• /
• pp.238-248
• /
• 2012

Purpose: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is an important cause of neonatal mortality, as this brain injury disrupts normal mitochondrial respiratory activity. Carnitine plays an essential role in mitochondrial fatty acid transport and modulates excess acyl coenzyme A levels. In this study, we investigated whether treatment of primary cultures of rat cortical neurons with L-carnitine was able to prevent neurotoxicity resulting from oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Methods: Cortical neurons were prepared from Sprague-Dawley rat embryos. L-Carnitine was applied to cultures just prior to OGD and subsequent reoxygenation. The numbers of cells that stained with acridine orange (AO) and propidium iodide (PI) were counted, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and the terminal uridine deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay were performed to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine (1 ${\mu}M$, 10 ${\mu}M$, and 100 ${\mu}M$) on OGD-induced neurotoxicity. Results: Treatment of primary cultures of rat cortical neurons with L-carnitine significantly reduced cell necrosis and prevented apoptosis after OGD. L-Carnitine application significantly reduced the number of cells that died, as assessed by the PI/AO ratio, and also reduced ROS release in the OGD groups treated with 10 ${\mu}M$ and 100 ${\mu}M$ of L-carnitine compared with the untreated OGD group (P<0.05). The application of L-carnitine at 100 ${\mu}M$ significantly decreased cytotoxicity, LDH release, and inhibited apoptosis compared to the untreated OGD group (P<0.05). Conclusion: L-Carnitine has neuroprotective benefits against OGD in rat primary cortical neurons in vitro.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.39 no.6
• /
• pp.529-538
• /
• 2006

The prevalence of chronic diseases have been rising in the developing countries because of their increased animal foods consumption and Western lifestyle. Lately, vegetarian diet that exclude animal products get public attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary quality of vegetarians, and their consumption of vitamin K and was also assessed. Vegetarians including strict vegan and lacto-ovo-vegetarian consumed their diet at least over 6 months. Carnivores were gender and age matched with vegetarians and they consumed over 50% of protein and fat from animal sources. Current nutrient intakes and dietary quality were assessed using 3-day food records and intake of vitamin K was calculated from the data base of 'Provisional Table on the vitamin K contents of foods, USA'. Blood sample were collected and biochemical parameters and plasma phylloquinone concentrations were analyzed. Anthropometric data from vegetarian and carnivore were not significantly different. The intake of calories, protein, vitamin $B_2$, Ca and Zn of the vegetarians were remarkably lower than RDA for each nutrient. Moreover, index of nutritional quality and nutrient adequacy ratio of vegetarians were lower than those of carnivore. Vegetarian consumed less fat and the ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acid was lower in vegetarian. The intake of essential amino acids in vegetarian was significantly lower than that of carnivore. The vitamin K consumption and plasma phylloquinone concentration of vegetarian were significantly higher than those of carnivore (p<0.05). The dietary vitamin K consumption was positively correlated with plasma phylloquinone levels in vegetarian (p<0.01).

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
• /
• 2003.09b
• /
• pp.12-25
• /
• 2003

L-camitine ($\beta$ -hydroxy-${\gamma}$ -trimethyl-ammoniumbutyric acid) is a small water-soluble molecule important in mammalian fat metabolism. It is essential for the normal oxidation of fatty acids by the mitochondria, and is involved in the trans-esterification and excretion of acyl-CoA esters. In this paper, to investigate the relationship between aging and L-camitine, we investigated the effects of in vitro MMP inhibition and activity and expression of UVA-induced MMP 1 in human skin fibroblasts. Fluorometric assays of the proteolytic activities of MMP-l were performed using fluorescent collagen substrates. ELISA (enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay), gelatin-substrate zymography, and RT-PCR ELISA techniques were used for the effects of L-camitine on MMP expression and activity, MMP mRNA expression in UVA irradiated fibroblast. L-camitine inhibited the activities of MMP-l in a dose-dependent manner and the $IC_{50}$/ values calculated from semi-log plots were 2.45mM, and L-carnitine showed strong inhibition on MMP-2 (gelatinase) activity in UVA irradiated fibroblast by zymography. Also, UVA induced MMP expression was reduced 40% by treated with L-carnitine, and MMP-l mRNA expression was reduced dose-dependent manner. Therefore L-carnitine was able to significantly inhibition the MMP activity, regulation of MMP expression in protein and mRNA level. All these results suggest that L-carnitine may be useful as new anti-aging cofactor for protection against UVA induced MMP expression and activity.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.140-149
• /
• 2018

The $TIS21^{/BTG2/PC3}$ gene belongs to the antiproliferative gene (APRO) family and exhibits tumor suppressive activity. However, here we report that TIS21 controls lipid metabolism, rather than cell proliferation, under fasting condition. Using microarray analysis, whole gene expression changes were investigated in liver of TIS21 knockout (TIS21-KO) mice after 20 h fasting and compared with wild type (WT). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha ($PPAR{\alpha}$) target gene expression was almost absent in contrast to increased lipid synthesis in the TIS21-KO mice compared to WT mice. Immunohistochemistry with hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that lipid deposition was focal in the TIS21-KO liver as opposed to the diffuse and homogeneous pattern in the WT liver after 24 h starvation. In addition, cathepsin E expression was over 10 times higher in the TIS21-KO liver than that in the WT, as opposed to the significant reduction of thioltransferase in both adult and fetal livers. At present, we cannot account for the role of cathepsin E. However, downregulation of glutaredoxin 2 thioltransferase expression might affect hypoxic damage in the TIS21-KO liver. We suggest that the $TIS21^{/BTG2}$ gene might be essential to maintain energy metabolism and reducing power in the liver under fasting condition.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.35-46
• /
• 1998

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 200 hospitalized adult patients in Samsung Medical Center from January 1st in 1995 to June 31st in 1997. Standard criteria were modified and determined from those stated by AJHP (American Journal of Health System Pharmacy) and ASPEN (American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). The justification for indications was appropriate in $35\%,\;44\%,\;and\;32\%$ of the patient's in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, without significant improvement over the last two and half years. Before and during the administration of TPN, several monitoring indicators were well documented, and monitoring frequencies were increased over two and half years period. However, the majority of the monitoring indicators were not found in the standard criteria range of $90\%$. The monitoring indicators for electrolyte balance, $PO_4$ and Mg, were not measured appropriately and resulted in the complications which could have been prevented. The indicator for lipid tolerance, triglyceride and the indicator for hemorrhagic incidence, prothrombin time (PT), were not well documented in comparison with other indicators. The indicators for the improvement in nutritional status, albumin and total protein, were appropriate in $90\%$ of the patients. Determination of TPN formula was based on the laboratory data and chart reviews, and it was appropriate in $98\%$. But the administration of lipid and vitamin K for the prevention of essential fatty acid deficiency and hemorrhage, respectively, was not carried out appropriately when the administration of TPN was prolonged, lasting more than 7 days. When a patient returned to oral or enteral feeding, TPN was terminated. However, increase in albumin level or weight was rarely observed. In conclusion, healthcare professionals should all work as a team and active participation to provide optimized nutrition support for partners.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.539-545
• /
• 2021

Objective: Endometritis is a major disease, that causes infertility in cattle, and is usually categorized as clinical or subclinical endometritis (SCE). The nutritional condition during the dry period is important for recovery after the last stage of the lactation period, and for postpartum production and reproduction. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between nutritional and metabolic characteristics in the dry period, and the risk of postpartum SCE. Methods: Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 25, raised in a tied stall) were used. Endometrial cytological analysis was performed around 30 days post-partum, with 5% to 14% polymorphonuclear (PMN) as a cut-off point to define SCE. Serum levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were measured in the cows at the dry period to evaluate energy status, protein metabolism, and mineral metabolism. Results: The incidence of SCE in the cows was 60.0% (n = 15/25) and the mean PMN% in postpartum cows diagnosed as SCE was 8.05%±2.6%. Overall, 17 and 8 samples were collected from the cows in the far-off and close-up periods, respectively. The serum concentration of BHBA in the far-off period and serum glucose concentration in the closeup period were correlated with postpartum PMN% (r = 0.62, p<0.01; r = -0.74, p<0.05, respectively). Serum levels of calcium and magnesium in the dry period were associated with the incidence of postpartum SCE (healthy vs SCE cows, p<0.05). Conclusion: Blood levels of glucose, BHBA, calcium, and magnesium in dry periods could be useful parameters for predicting the risk of postpartum SCE. The present study also suggests that management in the close-up period is essential for promoting recovery from calving fatigue.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2006

This study was conducted to determine chemical compounds and antioxidant in Aruncus dioicus. Further, effects of cultural practices such as the shading conditions on the general compounds, essential oils and antioxidants. The chemical compounds and antioxidant activity of edible extracts on the shading cultivation and harvesting time were measured by crude fiber, pigments, higher fatty acids, essential oils and DPPH free radical scavenging ability and activities of SOD and POD in edible shooting parts of Aruncus dioicus. The contents of crude fiber, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids in extracts of edible shooting by shading cultivation and later harvesting were higher than those of non-shading cultivation and early harvesting. Phenolic compounds such as benzoic acid were identified as the aromatic compounds in the edible extracts of Aruncus dioicus. The contents of azulene, benzaldehyde and linalool among those compounds on the cultivation conditions increased in shading cultivation. $IC_{50}$ values of DPPH free radical scavenging activities were high from 6.644 to $14.499{mu}g/m{\ell}$ in extracts of edible parts and those of edible shooting parts was high such as edible shooting cultivated by 60% shading, 30% shading and non-shading, respectively. The activity of POD and SOD in seeds was lower than that of edible shooting and that by shading cultivation was high in extracts cultivated by non-shading. POD activity of extracts on harvesting time was high in earlier harvesting but SOD activity was low. The numbers of isozyme pattern of POD and SOD in seedling showed 7 bands and 3 bands, respectively, especially, bands of POD and SOD in the first year-growing plant did not show and show a difference according to plant positions, respectively.