• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.412-422
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study investigates correlations between circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and obesity-related parameters among young women (aged 20-30 years old) in Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We analyzed TaqMan low density arrays (TLDAs) of circulating miRNAs in 9 lean (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/㎡) and 15 obese (BMI > 25 kg/㎡) women. We also performed gene ontology (GO) analyses of the biological functions of predicted miRNA target genes, and clustered the results using the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery. RESULTS: The TLDA cards contain 754 human miRNAs; of these, the levels of 8 circulating miRNAs significantly declined (> 2-fold) in obese subjects compared with those in lean subjects, including miR-1227, miR-144-5p, miR-192, miR-320, miR-320b, miR-484, miR-324-3p, and miR-378. Among them, miR-484 and miR-378 displayed the most significant inverse correlations with BMI (miR-484, r = -0.5484, P = 0.0056; miR-378, r = -0.5538, P = 0.0050) and visceral fat content (miR-484, r = -0.6141, P = 0.0014; miR-378, r = -0.6090, P = 0.0017). GO analysis indicated that genes targeted by miR-484 and miR-378 had major roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: Our result showed the differentially expressed circulating miRNAs in obese subjects compared to lean subjects. Although the mechanistic study to reveal the causal role of miRNAs remains, these miRNAs may be novel biomarkers for obesity.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.189-194
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• 2016

Obesity is characterized as an accumulation of adipose tissue mass represented by chronic, low-grade inflammation. Obesity-derived inflammation involves chemokines as important regulators contributing to the pathophysiology of obesity-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. The obesity-driven chemokine network is poorly understood. Here, we identified the profiles of chemokine signature between human preadipocytes and adipocytes, using PCR arrays and qRT-PCR. Both preadipocytes and adipocytes showed absent or low levels in chemokine receptors in spite of some changes. On the other hand, the chemokine levels of CCL2, CCL7-8, CCL11, CXCL1-3, CXCL6 and CXCL10-11 were dominantly expressed in preadipocytes compared to adipocytes. Interestingly, CXCL14 was the most dominant chemokine expressed in adipocytes compared to preadipocytes. Moreover, there is significantly higher protein level of CXCL14 in conditioned media from adipocytes. In addition, we analyzed the data of the chemokine signatures in adipocytes obtained from healthy lean and obese postmenopausal women based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Adipocytes from obese individuals had significantly higher levels in chemokine signature as follows: CCL2, CCL13, CCL18-19, CCL23, CCL26, CXCL1, CXCL3 and CXCL14, as compared to those from lean ones. Also, among the chemokine networks, CXCL14 appeared to be the highest levels in adipocytes from both lean and obese women. Taken together, these results identify CXCL14 as an important chemokine induced during adipogenesis, requiring further research elucidating its potential therapeutic benefits in obesity.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.201-212
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the relative influence of food intake and menopause on the body composition and bone quality index of women in Wonju who were voluntary participants in a community nutrition program. The status of food intake was examined using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A bioelectrical impedance analysis tool (Inbody 2.0) and SONOST 2000 were used for estimating body composition including criteria such as TWB (Total body water), SLM (Soft lean mass), LBM (Lean body mass), PBF (% body fat) and WHR (Waist hip ratio), and BQI (Bone quality index). 82% of the subjects were over the age of 40. The percentage of overweight subjects was 64.3% overall, and higher in the advanced age group while underweight was prevalent in younger subjects. Although only 8.6% of the total subjects skipped breakfast, this habit was more prevalent in subjects in their twenties and the underweight group. Variables, such as age, menstruation status, and breakfast eating habits were significant factors considered in relation to food intake from 7 food groups. Generally, older aged women ate more vegetables while the younger group consumed more simple sugars and lipids. The subjects who were underweight or skipped breakfast tended to drink higher amounts of soft drinks. With increasing age, BMI, PBF and WHR increased also, and TWB, SLM, LBM, and BQI decreased. According to correlation analysis, WHR has a positive correlation with PBF. BQI correlated with SLM and LBM positively, and with PBF and WHR negatively. Over 93.3% of the subjects over the age of 30 were assessed as having abdominal obesity. It was revealed that body composition was affected not only by age, obesity degree and menstruation status but by various food intake habits. Body composition including WHR and BQI had put many of the subjects' health in danger of metabolic disorders. Therefore, it is important to emphasize keeping in place some helpful habits such as eating regularly, having a proper diet which includes many vegetables, and continued milk intake even after menopause to insure women's good health.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.351-358
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• 2015

In the recent times, the use of gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines has been regarded as a means of enhancing conformance to emission regulations and improving fuel efficiency. GDI engines have been widely adopted in the recent years for their better engine performance and fuel economy compared to those of conventional MPI gasoline engines. However, they present some disadvantages related to the mass and quantity of particulate matter generated during their use. This study investigated the nanoparticle characteristics of the particulate matter exhausted from a GDI engine vehicle installed with different types of gasoline particulate filters, after subjecting it to ultra-lean burn driving conditions. Three metal foam and metal fiber filters were used for each experimental condition. The number concentrations of particles were analyzed for understanding their behavior, and the reduction characteristics were obtained for each type of filter.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.286-292
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• 2009

This study was conducted to examine the effects of an 8-week weight loss program, on body composition, body shape satisfaction, body shape esteem in 15 obese children. This program included nutritional education and regular physical fitness. After completion of this program, height and body weight increased slightly but body compositions changed. BMI, degree of obesity, and body fat levels dropped slightly, however these differences were not significant. After the 8-week program body weight increased from $63.61{\pm}8.80\;kg$ to $64.07{\pm}9.11\;kg$, degree of obesity and BMI decreased from $151.73{\pm}13.62%$, and $29.08{\pm}2.35$ to $146.60{\pm}12.92%$, and $28.57{\pm}2.26$, respectively, and the percentage of body fat decreased slightly from $42.70{\pm}4.87%$ to $41.46{\pm}4.88%$. There were slight changes in weight of body muscle and lean body mass from $19.62{\pm}3.48\;kg$ and $36.17{\pm}5.78\;kg$ to $20.30{\pm}3.64\;kg$ and $37.16{\pm}6.18\;kg$, respectively. LBM and amount of muscle were higher after this weight loss program. The body shape esteem score increased from $7.60{\pm}4.01$ to $9.00{\pm}6.20$. There was no significant difference in body shape satisfaction before and after the program, and the participants also wanted to be leaner. Finally, body weight, BMI, and body fat showed negative correlations to body shape esteem.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.297-308
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among isometric and isokinetic muscle strength, lean body mass(LBM) and bone mineral density(BMD) in the elderly. Eleven males(age, 70.27${\pm}$5.78yr; height, 167.36${\pm}$6.68 cm; weight, 68.34${\pm}$8.23 kg) and thirteen female(age, 69.77${\pm}$4.13yr; height, 152.80${\pm}$4.45 cm; weight, 56.86${\pm}$7.40 kg) participated in this study. In all subjects, LBM and BMD segments was measured by using Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry(DEXA, Lunar DPS-DM, U.S.A.). Maximum isometric and isokinetic muscle strength of flexion and extension at the knee and elbow, ankle, trunk joints were measured by using an isokinetic dynamometer(CON-TREX(R) Multi Joint Testing Module, Switzerland). The results of this study showed that isometric and isokinetic muscle strength was significantly higher in extension than flexion. In the male and female, hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio(H:Q ratio) was increased as contraction velocity increased. BMD was correlated significantly with trunk extension in the male, but not in the female. LBM was correlated significantly in the male and female with knee extension strength. This study suggests that in the elderly muscle strength training program should put more weight on extensor muscles of the body.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.95-123
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• 2004

Objects: This study was aimed to find out correlation between life style and cardiopulmonary function and body fat. Methods: We divided two groups by the score of behavior modification therapy questionnaire. Westudied tendency of change of cardiopulmonary function and body fat for medication of Mahuang capsule by ergogenic aids and placebo with circuit training. We got the results for Exercise stress test and Segmental Bioelectrical Impedence Analysis. Results: 1. High Score Group in Behavior Modification Therapy Questionnaire significantly(p<.05) showed elevation of Lean Body Mass, Body Fat, Waist Circumference and not significantly elevation of Body Weight, But Basal Metabolic Rate was declined. Low Score Group in Behavior Modification Therapy Questionnaire significantly(p<.05) showed elevation of Waist Circumference and not significantly elevation of Body Weight and Body Fat, Lean Body Mass but decline of Basal Metabolic Rate, Waist to Hip Ratio 2. High Score Group in Behavior Modification Therapy Questionnaire significantly(p<.05) showed elevation of $VO_{2max}$ and not significantly elevation of the rest. Low Score Group in Behavior Modification Therapy Questionnaire significantly(p<.05) showed elevation of rest Heart Rate, Diastolic Blood Pressure, and not significantly elevation of the rest except for METs Conclusion: High score group in Behavior Modification Therapy Questionnaire showed significantly elevation of body composition, but had no relationship with Cardiopulmonary function

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.1 s.61
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• pp.103-114
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• 2005

Objective; Childhood obesity has become one of the most common health problems facing children in the world. Although a number of regimens have been developed and distributed for the treatment of adult obesity, few studies have focused on therapeutic programs for obese children. The objective of this study was to develop and measure the effects of Taeumin childhood obesity by a sasang constitution­based education program. Methods ; A total of 14$(\%RBW\geq20)$ among 18 taeumin with childhood obesity from June to August 2003 participated in the constitution-based education program. It was designed to examine the effects of a constitution-based education program through anthropometric measurements, body composition indicates, biochemical indicates and serum level of taeumin childhood obesity. Results; The results of this study were as follows: 1. The anthropometric measurement of subscapular skinfold thickness was reduced after 4 weeks of the constitution-based education program. 2. The body composition indicates reduction in degree of obesity, percent body fat, and fat distribution. The other side increased in height, total body water, soft lean mass, and lean body mass. 3. For biochemical indicates, HDL-cholesterol was increased significantly after 4 weeks of the constitution-based education program. The other side decreased in AST and ALT. 4. There was a significant reduction in BMI and $\%RBW$ after the constitution-based education program. Conclusion : A constitution-based education program for weight control results in reduced degree of obesity among taeumin children.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.993-1000
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to provide baseline data for revising the recommended energy intake for Korean adults. We recruited 290 adults so as to determine their resting energy expenditure (REE) and energy intake. The REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. We also calculated the REE from prediction equations formulated by World Health Organization (WHO), The energy intake for two consecutive days was assessed using the 24 hour recall method. The body weight, lean body mass (LBM) and percentage body fat were measured using the INBODY 3.0 system. We compared the results of three age groups ; 20 to 29 years,30 to 49 years and 50 years or more. The average energy intake of each age group was below the 7th Korean Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The average energy intake was lower in the older age groups. However, no difference was observed among the age groups when the energy intake as a percentage of the Korean RDA was compared. Our measurement of the REE was higher than the REE calculated by the WHO's method. Correlation coefficients between the measured and the calculated values of REE for all age groups showed significant correlations (r=0.475-0.672). As the ages of all the subjects increased, the REE/kg of body weight decreased. There were no significant differences in the REE / kg of the LBM between the different age groups; however, the REE/kg of the LBM was higher in the female group than in the male group. Negative correlations of the REE with the age (r=-0.242) and body fat ratio (r=-0.313) were observed; positive correlations of the REE with the BMI (r=0.265), height (r=0.570), weight (r=0.562) and LBM (r=0.586) were also found (p<0.01).

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.2 no.5
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• pp.701-710
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• 1997

this study was undertaken to compare the riboflavin status of rural women with different physical activity intensity and to determine factors influencing biochemical fiboflavin status. The study was carried out over three different farming seasons : planting (June), harvest(October) and interim(February) in two rural regions of Korea. One was a traditional farming region, the other a commercial farming region with heavier work intensity. Twenty women in the traditional region and eighteen women in the commercial region were involved. The intensity of physical activity was determined by a daily activity record. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedence. Dietary riboflavin intake was measured by the food frequency method. Riboflavin biochemical status was assessed by erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGR AC) and ruinary riboflavin excretion. The results from the EGR AC and urinary riboflavin excretion during the period showed the overall riboflavin status of the commercial farming women was significantly worse than that of the traditional farming women(EGR AC p<0.0001, urinary riboflavin excretion p<0.05). The traditional farming group had about 40% with risk of riboflavin deficiency, whereas the commercial farming group had about 70%. Overall mean nutrient intake was not significantly different between the two groups, however, overall mean percent lean body mass representing long term physical activity was significantly higher in the commercial farming group ( <0.005). It appears that the biochemical riboflavin status of traditional farming women was significantly influenced by riboflavin intake and crude nitrogen balance while the biochemical riboflavin status of the commercial farming women was significantly influenced by riboflavin intake and percent of lean body mass over the three seasons. (Korean J Community Nutrition 2(5) : 701∼710, 1997)