• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.199-217
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• 2023

People with higher genetic predisposition to obesity are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and healthy plant-based foods may be associated with reduced risks of obesity and other metabolic markers. We investigated whether healthy plant-foods-rich dietary patterns might have inverse associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in participants at genetically elevated risk of obesity. For this cross-sectional study, 377 obese and overweight women were chosen from health centers in Tehran, Iran. We calculated a healthy plant-based diet index (h-PDI) in which healthy plant foods received positive scores, and unhealthy plant and animal foods received reversed scores. A genetic risk score (GRS) was developed based on 3 polymorphisms. The interaction between GRS and h-PDI on cardiometabolic traits was analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM). We found significant interactions between GRS and h-PDI on body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.02), body fat mass (p = 0.04), and waist circumference (p = 0.056). There were significant gene-diet interactions for healthful plant-derived diets and BMI-GRS on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.03), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.04), alanine transaminase (p = 0.05), insulin (p = 0.04), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (p = 0.002). Adherence to h-PDI was more strongly related to decreased levels of the aforementioned markers among participants in the second or top tertile of GRS than those with low GRS. These results highlight that following a plant-based dietary pattern considering genetics appears to be a protective factor against the risks of cardiometabolic abnormalities.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.105-119
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• 2024

Purpose: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is gaining recognition as a superior predictor of coronary artery disease. This study examined the relationship between the AIP and the intake of various food groups in Korean adults, using the baseline data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study-The Health Examinees (KoGES-HEXA) study. Methods: This study included 133,381 adults (46,288 men, 87,093 women) who completed the nutrition survey and biochemical tests of the KoGES-HEXA study. The AIP was calculated as the log (triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) and was divided into quintiles according to sex for further analysis. Data on food group intake were obtained using the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and daily food group intake (g/d) was evaluated for each individual. The association between the food group intake and the AIP was examined using the linear regression analysis after adjusting for the confounding variables. Results: In this study population, there was a positive correlation between energy intake and the AIP in men whereas an inverse assocation was shown in women (p < 0.001). In women, a rise in the AIP significantly correlated with an increased percentage of energy intake derived from carbohydrates but decreased percentages of energy from protein and fat (p < 0.001). In men and women, the consumption of grains and kimchi/pickles increased as the AIP rose, while the intake of legumes, nuts, meat and its products, eggs, fish, and milk and dairy products decreased. Among men, individuals in the highest AIP group showed higher intake of wheat products than those in the lowest group of the AIP. In women, the AIP was inversely correlated with potatoes and beverages consumption. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of a balanced diet, including various protein sources, milk and dairy products, legumes, and nuts, for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Further research into sex-specific dietary patterns is essential for tailoring appropriate dietary recommendations.

• 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.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.196-210
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of a combination of Syzygium aromaticum L. and Sorbus commixta Hedl. (SS) in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The extracts of Syzygium aromaticum extract (SA) and Sorbus commixta extract (SC) were prepared individually using distilled water. They were mixed in a 1:2 ratio for use in the experiment. To assess the anti-obesity potential of SS in vitro, we examined cell proliferation, cellular triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels, as well as lipogenesis and β-oxidation in 3T3-L1 cells. To confirm its anti-obesity potential in vivo, C57BL/6J mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. SA alone, SC alone, and their combination compound, SS (at a dosage of 200 mg/kg) were orally administered for 6 weeks. Thereafter, to conduct a comparative evaluation, serum analysis, western blotting of liver tissues, and histopathological analysis were performed. Results: Both SS200 and SS400 significantly inhibited the cellular TG and TC contents in the 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, treatment of the cells with SS (at a dose 200 and 400 ㎍/mL) also led to a noticeable regulation of key lipogenic and β-oxidation factors. Treatment of obese mice with SS resulted in a greater reduction in serum leptin and TG levels compared to treatment with the individual compounds (SA and SC). Furthermore, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase α by SS treatment resulted in the suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP)-1, leading to the inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) expression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that SS may have the potential to prevent obesity through a reduction in the TG and TC levels and regulation of lipogenesis and β-oxidation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.12
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• pp.1949-1957
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• 2013

The contents of ${\beta}$-carotene and retinol in processed and restaurant foods, such as Korean noodles, mandus, rice cakes and bread products, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV/visible and fluorescence detector, respectively. Samples were collected from different local areas (i.e. Gangwon-do, Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsang-do, Seoul, Jeolla-do, and Chungcheong-do). After homogenization, samples were hydrolyzed by direct alkali saponification; thereafter, fat-soluble components were extracted by a mixture of n-hexane/ethylacetate (85:15, v/v), containing 0.01% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). ${\beta}$-carotene and retinol contents in infant formula used as an in-house material for the analytical quality control. Among 14 Korean noodles, high contents of ${\beta}$-carotene were found in Bibim-Guksu (average 442.43 ${\mu}g/100g$) and Jjolmyeon (average 301.39 ${\mu}g/100g$). In 4 Korean mandus, the highest contents of ${\beta}$-carotene was determined in Kimchi-mandu (average 197.64 ${\mu}g/100g$), resulting in 33.3 RE of the converted vitamin A. Among 12 Korean rice cakes, Maeun-Tteokbokki and Modm-Chaltteok contained relatively high content of ${\beta}$-carotene with 205.11 and 41.33 ${\mu}g/100g$, respectively, while retinol was detected only in Maeun- Tteokbokki (1.65~10.45 ${\mu}g/100g$). In addition, among 8 bread products, 77.3 RE of pastry, 51.2 RE of buttercream- bread, and 41.4 RE of morning roll were found as the contents of the converted vitamin A.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.289-295
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• 2001

The objectives or this study were to improve duck meat qualify during storage period in onion-red ducks which contained antioxidants. Experimental animals (1 day old, Cherry Valley $F_{1}$, 360 chicks) were randomly assigned in eight treatment group. Treatments were control, 3%, 6% of chopped onion-fed, 5%, 10% of onion extract fed, 6% of onion meal, 3%, 6% of fermented onion-fed. pH was significantly high (P<0.05) in treatment group after 3 day storage in pectoralis muscle. Meat color was low in r* and a* value. TBA value was not different in day 1, was significantly low (P<0.05) 6% chopped and 6% fermented group after day 3 storage. Also, TBA value was significantly high (P<0.05) in control group and was significantly low in 3% chopped, 5%, 10% extract after day 6 storage. VBN value was lower in all treatment groups except 5% ferment group than control group. Meat order was high score in 3% and 6% chopped group and duck specific smell was reduced in all treatment groups. Meat appearance was higher score in treatment groups than in control group during 9 day storage. In result, onion feeding was reduce duck specific smell and improve meat quality during long period storage in ducks.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.15-26
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• 1975

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nutrients intake situation and the physical growth and development of junior high school girls in cheju island, the peculiar area in Korea, and to study every possible correlation ketween daily food intake and growth rate of them. Further, it made an attempt to research nutrition problems for them in this area and assist in their growth and development through proper nutritional marragement. The survey was conducted in seven sample schods selected randomly from all three districts -this is Bukcheju-gun, Namcheju-gun and cheju city-of cheju Island. Four hundred eighteen girls, aged thirteen years ald, in second year grade of junior high schools, were provided with prepared questionnaires. For six days, July $16{\sim}21$ in 1975, the respondents filled out the questionnaires. They were asked to keep record of what they ate each meat. Their mitrients intake were analyzed in accordance with their daily food intake records during a six day period. On the other side, including physical growth index calculated by means of weight and hight of the respondents, their school records were also investigated. Critical Ratio as well as percentage calculation were included for statistical analysis. The findings and results abtained are summarized as follows: (1) Living circumstance a) Average numbers of brother and sister in sampled pupils' family were five. b) Niety percent of the respondents were brought up by mother's milk at their infants and 45 percent of them were weaned at the age of 13 to 24 months. c) Fourty-six percent of them revealed irregulity in their meal time. d) The most favorite main dish was boiled rice mixed other cereals (34%), next bread (31%) and boiled noodle (26%), and kimchi was the most papular side dish (64%). (2) Nutrition survey a) The average calorie intake of a pupil per day was 1,783 cal. and the total calorie intake was composed of carbohydrate 73%, pratein 15%, fat 12% respectively. b) Carolie and nutrients were lower than the recommended level, except vitamins A,$B_1$ and Niacin, c) Average protein intake per day was 68g, which was relatively near to the recommended level, but in fact, most of them came from grain which is lacking in essential amino acids. The ratio of animal protein intake to tatal protein intake was 36%. d) Their average animal food intake was proportionated in 14% in their total food intake and the cereals consumed in the largest quantity at the level of 63% out of whole food groups. (3) The results of statistical analysis a) The correlation between the calorie intake and the physical growth index revealed statistical significancy at the level of P<.005. b) The correlation between the protein intake and the physical growth index revealed statistical significancy at the level of .01

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.394-399
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• 2011

This experiment was conducted to select suitable cultivars and evaluate growth characteristics to get basic information for sprouting peanut. On sprouting peanut, it showed a rapid increase in trans-resveratrol content that has effects on anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar-lowering and other beneficial cardiovascular in mouse. For this experiment, characteristics of peanut sprouts were tested in 37 cultivars grown for 7 days at $26^{\circ}C$ temperature. There were a lots of variations in the growth characteristics among cultivars as followers : The range of 100 grain weight was 56 to 142 g, hypocotyl length was 4.3 cm to 5.8 cm, diameter of hypocotyl was 5.0 to 8.0 mm, epicotyl length was 0.8 cm to 4.6 cm, seedling ratio per seed number was 84% to 100%, weight per seedling was 4.9 g to 8.4 g, the rate of hypocotyl cleavage was 0% to 46%, the content of trans-resveratrol was $22.5\;{\mu}g/g$ to $88.2\;{\mu}g/g$ and sprout yield was 360% to 820%. The selection points considered were high sprout yield, high seedling rate, high resveratrol content, low brownish cotyledon, no hypocotyl cleavage, and fat hypocotyl etc. The best cultivar selected was 'Jokwang' that showed 7.8 mm diameter, clean cotyledon color, 100% seedling rate, 0% hypocotyl cleavage, $63.3\;{\mu}g/g$ resveratrol, and 820% sprouting yield. This cultivar was expected to be of use as a new food and nutraceutical material. Relationship between growth characteristics showed that root length had significant positive correlations with epicotyl length, resveratrol content and sprouting yield but negative correlations with hypocotyl diameter and cleavage. Hundred grain weight showed negative correlations with resveratrol content, seedling rate and sprouting yield but positively correlated with curved hypocotyl rate and hypocotyl cleavage positively. This result showed small grain seed will be more appropriate for sprouting peanut.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.795-802
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• 2003

Purpose : We investigated the hormonal control of OB gene expression and leptin secretion in cultured human visceral adipose tissue. Methods : Visceral adipose tissues were cultured for up to 48 hrs in modified Eagle's medium with varying concentration of hormones : Control(no hormone), bovine insulin(100 nM), Dexamethasone(DEX, 100 nM), growth hormone(GH, 40 ng/mL), insulin+DEX(100 nM each), insulin+DEX+GH(100 nM insulin and DEX, 40 ng/mL GH). Quantitative analysis of leptin mRNA was performed by competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and leptin secretion in culture medium was measured by IRMA using a commercial kit. Results : The addition of dexamethasone to the medium significantly increased OB gene expression and leptin secretion(P<0.05). Unlike dexamethasone, insulin did not affect OB gene expression and leptin secretion. Both insulin and dexamethasone, at high concentration, significantly stimulated leptin secretion compared with basal values(P<0.05). Leptin gene expression was not significantly increased by GH treatment alone, however GH, in combination with high concentrations of insulin and dexamethasone, attenuated the stimulatory effects of high concentrations of insulin and dexamethasone. Conclusion : Insulin cannot increase leptin secretion without the presence of dexamethasone. The mechanism suggested is that insulin may increase leptin secretion in cytoplasm only after dexamethasone increases the expression of OB gene. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism of the action of insulin on leptin secretion after increasing OB gene expression by dexamethasone.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.414-427
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• 2008

The purpose of the study was to develop an eating habit checklist for screening elementary school children at high risk of energy overintake. Dietary habits, food intake, anthropometric data were collected from 142 children (80 boys and 62 girls) in the 4th to 6th grades of elementary schools. Energy intake, fat intake, and percentage of Estimated Energy Requirement (%EER) were used as indices to detect the risk of energy overintake of the children. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between dietary habit scores and energy overintake indices in order to select questions included in the checklist. TV watching during the meal, meal speed, meal amount, overintake frequency, eatingout frequency, snack frequency, frequency of eating Ramyun or fast foods showed significant correlations with energy overintake indices. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to give each item a different weight by prediction strength. To determine the cut-off point of the test score, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated. The 7-item checklist with test results from 0 to 13 points was developed, and those with equal or higher than 5 points were diagnosed as a risk group of energy overintake. Among our subjects 13.4% was diagnosed as the risk group. Mean energy intake of the subjects in the risk group and the normal group were 2,650 kcal and 1,640 kcal, respectively. However, there were no significant differences of Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) of the other nutrients except eating fiber between the risk group and the normal group. This checklist will provide a useful screening tool to identify children at high risk of energy overintake.