• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.469-482
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• 2023

Purpose: Obesity has emerged as a critical global public health concern as it is associated with and increases susceptibility to various diseases. This condition is characterized by the excessive enlargement of adipose tissue, primarily stemming from an inequity between energy intake and expenditure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of sweet pumpkin powder in mitigating obesity and metabolic disorders in leptin-deficient obese (ob/ob) mice and to compare the effects of raw sweet pumpkin powder (HNSP01) and heat-treated sweet pumpkin powder (HNSP02). Methods: Leptin-deficient obese mice were fed a diet containing 10% HNSP01 and another containing 10% HNSP02 for 6 weeks. Results: The supplementation of ob/ob mice with HNSP01 and HNSP02 resulted in decreased body weight gain, reduced adipose tissue weight, and a smaller size of lipid droplets in the adipose tissue and liver. Furthermore, the ob/ob-HNSP01 and ob/ob-HNSP02 supplemented groups exhibited lower levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and insulin, as well as a reduced atherogenic index in comparison with the control group. Molecular analysis also demonstrated that the intake of HNSP01 and HNSP02 resulted in a diminished activation of factors associated with fatty acid synthesis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase, while concurrently enhancing factors associated with lipolysis, including adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, in the adipose tissue. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings collectively demonstrate the potential of sweet pumpkin powder as a functional food ingredient with therapeutic properties against obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.802-808
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• 2013

Here we tried to uncover the potential anti-lipogenic effect and the underlying mechanism of Phaseolus angularis seed in a cellular model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced in HepG2 cells. Ethanol extract of Phaseolus angularis seed (JSD) was prepared. HepG2 cells were incubated in palmitate containing media to induce intracellular lipid accumulation, and co-treated with JSD for 16 hrs before examine intracellular lipid content. In control group, the cells were not co-treated with JSD. We measured the effects of JSD on liver X receptor ${\alpha}$ ($LXR{\alpha}$) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1c (SREBP-1c) expression, transcription level of lipogenic genes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in HepG2 cells. JSD markedly reduced palmitate-induced intracellular lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. JSD suppressed $LXR{\alpha}$/SREBP-1c expression, and SREBP-1c mediated induction of ACC, FAS, and SCD-1. Furthermore, JSD activated AMPK, which plays a major role in the control of hepatic lipid metabolism. Taken together, it is suggested that JSD has a potential to alleviate hepatic steatosis, at least in part, by suppressing $LXR{\alpha}$/SREBP-1c mediated induction of lipogenic genes. In addtion, the anti-lipogenic potential may be associated with activation of AMPK. Therefore, the Phaseolus angularis seed could be applied as a potential therapeutics for NAFLD with additional clinical studies.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.522-535
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• 2024

Objective: Transition period is considered from 3 weeks prepartum to 3 weeks postpartum, characterized with dramatic events (endocrine, metabolic, and physiological) leading to occurrence of production diseases (negative energy balance/ketosis, milk fever etc). The objectives of our study were to analyze the periodic concentration of serum beta-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), glucose and oxidative markers along with identification, and validation of the putative markers of negative energy balance in buffaloes using in-silico and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Methods: Out of 20 potential markers of ketosis identified by in-silico analysis, two were selected and analyzed by qRT-PCR technique (upregulated; acetyl serotonin o-methyl transferase like and down regulated; guanylate cyclase activator 1B). Additional two sets of genes (carnitine palmotyl transferase A; upregulated and Insulin growth factor; downregulated) that have a role of hepatic fatty acid oxidation to maintain energy demands via gluconeogenesis were also validated. Extracted cDNA (complementary deoxyribonucleic acid) from the blood of the buffaloes were used for validation of selected genes via qRTPCR. Concentrations of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers were identified with their respective optimized protocols. Results: The analysis of qRT-PCR gave similar trends as shown by in-silico analysis throughout the transition period. Significant changes (p<0.05) in the levels of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers throughout this period were observed. This study provides validation from in-silico and qRT-PCR assays for potential markers to be used for earliest diagnosis of negative energy balance in buffaloes. Conclusion: Apart from conventional diagnostic methods, this study improves the understanding of putative biomarkers at the molecular level which helps to unfold their role in normal immune function, fat synthesis/metabolism and oxidative stress pathways. Therefore, provides an opportunity to discover more accurate and sensitive diagnostic aids.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.573-580
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• 2005

Cholesterol $7\alpha-hydroxylase$ (CYP7A1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and plays a central role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. We previously showed that a fermentable $\beta-glucan$ ingestion decreased plasma cholesterol levels due to fecal bile acid excretion elevation involved inincrease of cholesterol $7\alpha-hydroxylase$ mRNA expression and activity. It is proposed that short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by cecal and colonic fermentation of soluble fiber are associated with cholesterol-lowering effect of fiber. In the present study, we investigated whether CYP7A1 expression is up-regulated by short chain fatty acids or by hormones in cultured human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. Confluent HepG2 cell were incubated with acetate, propionate, or butyrate at 1 mM concentration for 24 hrs. Acetate as well as propionate increased to 1.8-fold expression of CYP7A1 mRNA than the control. Butyrate also increased 1.5-fold expression of CYP7A1 mRNA. Our data show for the first time that SCFA increase expression of CYP7A1 mRNA. Adding insulin, dexamethasone and triiodothyronine $(1\;{\mu}M)$ to HepG2 cell increased the expression of CYP7A1 mRNA to $150\%,\;173\%,\;141\%$, respectively. These results suggest that SCFA produced by cecal fermentation stimulate enteric nervous system, in which secreted some neuropeptides may be responsible for change in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism. These findings suggest that SCFA are involved in lowering plasma cholesterol levels due to the up-regulation of CYP7A1 and bile acid synthesis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2009

Bile juice prevents deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessel, digests fat, and absorbs fatty acid and vitamins, and it plays a great role on metabolism. Recently, emotional stimulus and mentally over-depression cause a person to come to illness, and westernization of way of life makes more patients with cholelithiasis, resulting into without bile secretion after cholelithotomy. Ageing, and gastrectomy and kidney transplantation are also the causes of more cholelithiasis occurrences. To solve these medical problems, we studied how Fel Sus Scrofa, which is not different from human bile juice, was used in the traditional Korean medicine. We I researched flavor, property, efficacy of Fel Sus Scrofa and how it was used by folk medicine, and we studied the usage examples of Fel Sus Scrofa in Sanghanlon and Dongeuibogam. The property of Sus Scrofa is bitter and cold. Its efficacy is to deposit glycogen. So it is known that it has been widely used, with many edible forms, without any humoral loss, for the inflammatory disease from various fever, problems of urine and feces, cutaneous disease, pulmonary disease, opthalmopathy, fever, thirst from diabetes, hepatocystic duct disorder. Fel Sus Scrofa can be used internally and externally to prevent humoral loss, and to control cutaneous disease among various pediatric disorder full of fever. And as we have in mind that it also can be used to treat patients with cholestasis after cholecystectomy, it is expected that post study of it must be done.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 2011

Obesity contributes to an increased risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. The prevalence of obesity has increased in Korea. We compared the clinical and dietary characteristics of obese adults (n = 30, 17 men and 13 women, mean age 29.9) to those with a normal weight (n = 15, 8 men and 7 women, mean age 26.5). We determined lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure, and serum free fatty acid (FFA). Dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 3-day dietary record. Exercise patterns and average alcohol intake were determined. The average body mass index was 28.3 kg/$m^2$ in the obese and 21.2 kg/$m^2$ in the normal weight groups. The obese group had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, lower levels of HDL cholesterol, and higher blood pressures compared to the normal weight group. FBS was not significantly different between the two groups. The obese group had significantly more subjects with metabolic syndrome (26.7%) compared to the normal weight group (0%). Serum FFA levels tended to be higher in the obese (P = 0.087). No significant difference in caloric intake was observed between the two groups. No differences in carbohydrate, protein, or fat intake between two groups were observed from the FFQ. However, results from the 3-day dietary record showed that the percentage of energy from fat was significantly higher in the obese group. The frequency and amount of exercise did not differ between the two groups. Alcohol consumed per drinking episode was significantly higher in the obese group. These results confirm that excessive weight is associated with disturbances in lipid metabolism in these fairly young and otherwise healthy adults. Dietary factors, including higher fat intake and alcohol consumption, seem to be contributing to the obesity of these subjects.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.744-751
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• 2011

Meat production and quality traits in beef cattle are largely affected by genetic factors. Acetyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase-${\alpha}$ (ACACA) plays a key role in the regulation and metabolism of fatty acid biosynthesis in mammalian animals. The gene encoding ACACA enzyme was chosen as a candidate gene for carcass and meat traits. In this study, we investigated effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ACACA gene on beef carcass and meat traits in Hanwoo (Korean cattle) populations. We have sequenced a fragment of intron I region of the Hanwoo ACACA gene and identified two SNPs. Genotyping of the two SNP markers (g.2344T>C and g.2447C>A) was carried out using PCR-SSCP analysis in 309 Hanwoo steers to evaluate their association with carcass and meat production traits. The g.2344C SNP marker showed a significant increasing effect on LW (p = 0.009) and CW (p = 0.017). Animals with the CC genotype had higher CW and LW compared with TT and TC genotypes (p<0.05). The g.2447A SNP marker was associated with higher MC (p = 0.019). Animals with the AA genotype had higher MC than animals with CC and CA genotypes (p<0.05). Although the degree of linkage disequilibrium (LD) was not strong between g.2344T>C and g.2447C>A in the LD analysis, four major haplotype classes were formed with two SNP information within the ACACA gene. We constructed haplotypes using the HaploView software package program and analyzed association between haplotypes and carcass traits. The haplotype of ACACA gene significantly affected the LW (p = 0.027), CW (p = 0.041) and MC (p = 0.036). The effect of h1 haplotype on LW and CW was larger than that of h3 haplotype. Animals with the h1 haplotype also had greater MC than did animals with h2 haplotype. Consequently, the ACACA gene could be useful as a DNA marker for meat production traits such as carcass yield and meat contents in Hanwoo.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.97-108
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was to verify the effects of distilled cultivated wild ginseng herbal acupuncture(CWGHA) on diabetes by hematological analysis. Methods : Rats were fed with high fat diet for 8 weeks and the rats with hyperglycemia were selected for the experiment. Various treatments of distilled cultivated wild ginseng herbal acupuncture were administered intravenously and glucose, ${\beta}-lipoprotein,$ triglyceride, total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, Free Fatty acid(FFA), TBARS, superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the liver were analyzed. Results : 1. Experiment group 3(0.1 ml of CWGHA was injected intravenously 10 times) showed significant decrease in serum glucose, ${\beta}-lipoprotein,$ triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol levels and liver TBARS compared to the control group, whileas showed significant increase in liver glutathione peroxidase activity. 2. Experiment group 2 and 3 (treated with 0.5 ml, 1 ml, respectively), showed significant decrease in serum FFA, total cholesterol and TBARS levels compared to the control group, and showed significant increase in liver superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. 3. Serum HDL-cholesterol didn't show significant changes in both experiment and control groups. Conclusions : Above results indicate that distilled cultivated wild ginseng herbal acupuncture plays significant role as a hypoglycemic agent and in lipid metabolism. Increase in the number of administrations yielded more significant results.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 1997

This study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of VFA composition of rumen fluid and heat exposure (30${\pm}$2$^{\circ}C$) on the general clinical view and insulin secretory response to glucose in sheep. The total infusion of nutrients was examined in sheep via the technique of continuous alimentation. Four adult Suffolk sheep fitted with a permanent ruminal cannula and a simple T-shaped duodenal cannula were used. A peristaltic pump was used to infuse the solutions of volatile fatty acid triglycerides (VFA-TG) consisting of 70 triacetin : 20 tripropionin : 10 tributyrin (low propionin division: LP) and 50 triacetin : 40 tripropionin : 10 tributyrin (high propionin division: HP) on the basis of energy and minerals into the rumen, and casein solution into the duodenum. The effects of heat exposure and type of the levels of VFA-TG solutions on the insulin secretory response to glucose in sheep were investigated by using hyperglycemic clamp (HGC) technique. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. During the heat exposure (latter half of the infusion period), respiration rate, heart rate and rectal temperature increased (P＜0.01, P＜0.01, P＜0.05), but the levels of VFA-TG solutions (LP and HP division) did not affect the general clinical view except for the heart rate. 2. In the HGC technique, glucose infusion rate (GIR) and mean plasma insulin increments (MPII) tended to be ower in the heat exposure than in the thermoneutral environment, but no significant difference was found among the treatments. GIR and MPII remained unchanged between the levels of VFA-TG solutions. 3. In the HGC technique, ratio of MPII to GIR (MPII/GIR) which represents pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell response to glucose stimulation remained unchanged among the treatments.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.831-836
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• 2010

In addition to spice, black pepper (Piper nigrum Linne : PnL) has been used as herbal medicine because of its function in anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-carcinogenesis. Recently, it has been reported that piperine, a component of PnL, inhibits adipocyte differentiation by repressing various adipogenic gene expressions. In this study, we determined whether piperine is a major constituent of PnL that confers the anti-adipogenic activity at whole genome level. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes was induced in presence of PnL extract or piperine. To compare genes that are regulated by PnL extract or piperine, we performed expression profiling using microarrays (Agilent Mouse 44k 4plex). RNA samples were labeled with Cy3 and Cy5, respectively. Labeled samples were hybridized to the microarrays. Results were filtered and cut off set p<0.05. Genes exhibiting significant differences in expression level were classified into Gene Ontology (GO)-based functional categories (http://www.geneontology.org) and KEGG (http://www.genome.jp/kegg/). Extract of PnL and its component piperine reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells during adipogenesis. Such anti-adipogenic activity appears to result from down-regulation of transcription factor genes involved in adipogenesis, and other genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, transport, triglyceride synthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism. These genome-wide studies lead to conclude that piperine, as a critical component of PnL, plays common role with PnL in anti-adipogenesis.