• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.834-840
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• 2003

To examine the effect of Saengshik on parameters related to hepatoprotective, anthropometric, blood pressure, serum lipid and blood related indices, nonalcoholic fatty liver subjects were treated with two meal portion of Saengshik in the replacement of meals for a period of three months. Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure were significantly decreased after the treatment. Chronically elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-Glutamyl transferase (r-GTP) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels showed reduction to the near normal range. Serum total triglyceride level were reduced following the treatment. Whereas, there were no changes of serum total cholesterol with Saengshik consumption. Also, additional study was conducted to investigate the effect of Saengshik supplementation to high cholesterol and fat diet on lipid metabolism in rats. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were administrated hyperlipidemiainducing diet containing 1% cholesterol and 10% lard to induce hyperlipidemia for 4 weeks and were fed on diet containing Saengshik (30%, w/w) for 7 weeks. The feeding of diet containing 30% Shaengshik significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC) contents and total triglyceride. These results demonstrate Saengshik may be beneficial for fatty liver patients in improving their lipid metabolism.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.89-97
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• 2020

Purpose: Obese children may often present with advanced bone age. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between factors associated with childhood obesity and advanced bone age. Methods: We enrolled 232 overweight or obese children. Anthropometric and laboratory data, and the degree of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were measured. We analyzed factors associated with advanced bone age by measuring the differences between bone and chronological ages. Results: The normal and advanced bone age groups were comprised of 183 (78.9%) and 49 (21.1%) children, respectively. The prevalence of advanced bone age significantly increased as the percentiles of height, weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) increased. BMI z-score was higher in the advanced bone age group than in the normal bone age group (2.43±0.52 vs. 2.10±0.46; p<0.001). The levels of insulin (27.80±26.13 μU/mL vs. 18.65±12.33 μU/mL; p=0.034) and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (6.56±6.18 vs. 4.43±2.93; p=0.037) were significantly higher, while high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were lower (43.88±9.98 mg/dL vs. 48.95±10.50 mg/dL; p=0.005) in the advanced bone age group compared to those in the normal bone age group, respectively. The prevalence of advanced bone age was higher in obese children with metabolic syndrome than in those without (28.2% vs. 14.7%; p=0.016). The prevalence of advanced bone age was higher in obese children with a more severe degree of NAFLD. Conclusion: Advanced bone age is associated with a severe degree of obesity and its complications.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.82-109
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• 2015

Objectives This research was proposed to present Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Prevention of Sasangin disease pattern of Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM) and diseases closely related with Sasang constitution. Each CPG was developed by the national-wide experts committee consisting of SCM professors. Methods At first, we searched the literatures related to SCM such as "Dongeuisusebowon", Textbook of SCM and Clinical Guidebook of SCM. Also we searched the articles related to the studies about risk factors for Sasangin disease pattern of both at home and abroad. Finally, we selected leading risk factors of Sasangin disease pattern and developed CPG for prevention of Sasangin disease pattern of SCM. And then, we searched the literatures related SCM such as "Dongeuisusebowon" and the articles on the correlation between disease and Sasang constitution using case-control studies, observational studies or cross sectional studies of both at home and abroad. Next, we selected diseases closely related with Sasang constitution on the basis of articles including prevalence rate and odds ratio between disease and Sasang constitution and finally developed CPG for these diseases. Results and Conclusions We categorized risk factors of Sasang disease pattern into 2 types: non-modifiable and potentially modifiable. 3 items (age, sex and genetic factors) were classified as non-modifiable risk factors of Sasang disease pattern. 6 items (original symptom, stress, diet and nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and drug misuse) were classified as less well-documented or potentially modifiable risk factors of Sasangin disease pattern. We found out Sasang constitution is more likely to develop some diseases. It was proven that Sasang constitution increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver and obstructive sleep apnea. And there is high probability of Sasang constitution being potential risk factor for obesity, hyperlipidemia, allergy and cancer. Also, we found out Taeeumin is independent risk factor for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver and obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore we recommend that Taeeumin need to prevent these disease by regular checkups and aggressive management.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.455-464
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• 2021

Uncontrolled inflammation is considered the pathophysiological basis of many prevalent metabolic disorders, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. The inflammatory response is a self-limiting process that produces a superfamily of chemical mediators, called specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs). SPMs include the ω-3-derived family of molecules, such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins, as well as arachidonic acid-derived (ω-6) lipoxins that stimulate and promote resolution of inflammation, clearance of microbes, and alleviation of pain and promote tissue regeneration via novel mechanisms. SPMs function by binding and activating G protein-coupled receptors, such as FPR2/ALX, GPR32, and ERV1, and nuclear orphan receptors, such as RORα. Recently, several studies reported that SPMs have the potential to attenuate lipid metabolism disorders. However, the understanding of pharmacological aspects of SPMs, including tissue-specific biosynthesis, and specific SPM receptors and signaling pathways, is currently limited. Here, we summarize recent advances in the role of SPMs in resolution of inflammatory diseases with metabolic disorders, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity, obtained from preclinical animal studies. In addition, the known SPM receptors and their intracellular signaling are reviewed as targets of resolution of inflammation, and the currently available information on the therapeutic effects of major SPMs for metabolic disorders is summarized.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.962-970
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• 2022

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that highly increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and there are few therapeutic options available in the clinic. Poricoic acid (PoA), a component of Poria cocos Wolf, has a wide range of pharmacological activities; however, little is known about its effects on NASH. The preventive effects of PoA on NASH were examined in vivo and in vitro by analyzing triglyceride synthesis, inflammation and fibrosis. In the high fat and methionine-choline deficient diet (HFMCD)-induced NASH mice, PoA reduced the liver weight and the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase compared with non-treated HFMCD group. The staining with Oil Red O and hematoxylin and eosin revealed that PoA administration reduced red staining and the size of lipid droplet. qPCR analysis showed that PoA also reduced the expression of genes related to triglyceride synthesis. Further, immunostaining with CD68 and qPCR analysis revealed that PoA reduced the staining with CD68 and the expression of inflammatory genes induced by HFMCD. Moreover, PoA reduced the staining with sirius red and antibody of α-smooth muscle actin and also reduced the expression of genes related to fibrosis. The treatment of PoA to AML12 cells reduced the increase in triglyceride amount and expression of genes associated with triglyceride synthesis, inflammation and fibrosis. Taken together, our study indicate that PoA has therapeutic effect on NASH through preventing triglyceride synthesis, inflammation and fibrosis.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.121-136
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• 2005

Background/Aims The liver funtion tests(LFTs), such as aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine amino-transferase(ALT), r -glutamyl transferase( r -GT), have been widely used for screening tests but their low positive predictive value can cause many false positive results. To evaluate the clinical usefulness of these tests, we analyzed serial LFT results of single factory workers and compared the risk factor's in groups divided by the serial LFT results. Methods From June 2001 to October 2001, 1223 consecutive healthy workers in a single factory were enrolled and questionnaire, LFT and liver ultrasonography were performed. Previous LFT results were collected from Annual Health Examination Survey. According to the abnormalities in serial LFT, participants were classified into three groups (abnormal-in-both, alternating normal-in-both) and the risk factors were compared among these groups using multiple logistic regression Results The prevalence of LFT abnormality in a single test was 16.8% but, in serial LFT, only 5% of participants showed consistent abnormality. The risk factors for abnormal-in-both group, compared with alternating group, were liver ultrasonography abnormality such as fatty liver(odds ratio, 2.2; p=0.026) and heavy alcohol intake (more than 210g/week) (odds ratio, 7.2;P=0.064). HBsAg was not significant risk factor for any of the three groups. ConclusionIn factory workers with serial LFT abnormality, alcoholic liver disease could be the principal cause of abnormal LFT. Even if HBsAg were positive in patients with abnormal LFT, there is a possibility of another causes for LFT abnormalities such as alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic steatosis or steatohepatitis

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2013

The purpose of the present study is to determine whether Schisandra chinensis (SC) has a protective effect on high fat diet (HFD)-induced fatty liver including hepatic lipid accumulation in rats. The HFD-induced obese rats were weighed after SC extracts were administered through the gastrointestinal tract at a concentration of 250 mg/kg b.w/day for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks, all of the rats on a high fat-diet were 36.5% heavier compared with normal controls. In contrast, rats on a high-fat diet supplemented with SC were 23.5% lighter than rats fed only a high-fat diet. Although there was no significant difference in food intake among the groups during the experimental diet period, the body weight gain of the SC group was significantly lower than the weights of the HFD groups. SC treatment slightly decreased the liver weight. Reduction of hepatic TBARS contents by SC was observed in rats fed a diet containing SC, and antioxidant activity was markedly increased in HFD＋SC group compared to those of HFD group in liver. Moreover, total-lipid and triglyceride contents in the liver of groups fed a diet containing SC were significantly lower compared to those of the HFD group. High fat feeding elevated liver cholesterol concentration, but the addition of SC to the HFD rats resulted in the significant decrease in liver cholesterol. In histological observation of liver tissues, the hepatocytes of HFD rats showed a typical fatty liver morphology showing numerous lipid droplets in cytoplasm, whereas administration of SC reduced the size and numbers of lipid droplets. These results clearly demonstrated the attenuation of SC on nonalcoholic fatty liver induced by obese rats fed HFD.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.276-283
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• 2005

Purpose : Visceral fat accumulation plays a major role in metabolic complications of obesity. It is known that nonalcoholic fatty liver in obese adults is associated with visceral fat accumulation. Body mass index(BMI) is used as the index of obesity in children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation of BMI and visceral adipose tissue(VAT), and the correlation of BMI, body fat distribution, aminotransferases, and severity of fatty liver. Methods : Twenty three obese children with fatty liver diagnosed by non-contrast abdominal computed tomography(CT) were included in this study. Data on BMI, aminotransferase levels were collected from clinical records. Visceral adipose area was evaluated with CT. Results : BMI had a singnificant correlation with VAT(r=0.51719, P=0.0115). The severity of fatty liver had no significant correlations with BMI(r=-0.11938, P=0.5876), VAT(r=-0.31234, P=0.1468), aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(r=0.12729, P=0.5628) or alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(r=-0.00179, P=0.9935). Conclusion : BMI in obese children was correlated with VAT. But the severity of fatty liver cannot be assessed by BMI, VAT or aminotransferase levels.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2023

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a necessary process to induce fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a kind of NAFLD that encompasses the spectrum of liver disease. It is characterized by inflammation and ballooning of hepatocytes during steatosis. We tested whether inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome could prevent the development and pathology of NASH. We identified loganin as an inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome and investigated whether in vivo administration of loganin prevented NASH symptoms using a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet model in mice. We found that loganin inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome activation triggered by ATP or nigericin, as shown by suppression of the production of interleukin (IL)-1β and caspase-1 (p10) in mouse primary macrophages. The speck formation of apoptosisassociated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) was blocked by loganin, showing that the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex was impaired by loganin. Administration of loganin reduced the clinical signs of NASH in mice fed the MCD diet, including hepatic inflammation, fat accumulation, and fibrosis. In addition, loganin reduced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components in the liver. Our findings indicate that loganin alleviates the inflammatory symptoms associated with NASH, presumably by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In summary, these findings imply that loganin may be a novel nutritional and therapeutic treatment for NASH-related inflammation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.333-339
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• 2014

Exendin-4 (Ex-4), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, has been known to reverse hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. Although many studies have evaluated molecular targets of Ex-4, its mechanism of action on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis has not fully been determined. In the liver, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) is mainly expressed in hepatocytes, endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In the present study, the effects of Ex-4 on GLUT4 expression were determined in the liver of ob/ob mice. Ob/ob mice were treated with Ex-4 for 10 weeks. Serum metabolic parameters, hepatic triglyceride levels, and liver tissues were evaluated for hepatic steatosis. The weights of the whole body and liver in ob/ob mice were reduced by long-term Ex-4 treatment. Serum metabolic parameters, hepatic steatosis, and hepatic fibrosis in ob/ob mice were reduced by Ex-4. Particularly, Ex-4 improved hepatic steatosis by enhancing GLUT4 via GLP-1R activation in ob/ob mice. Ex-4 treatment also inhibited hepatic fibrosis by decreasing expression of connective tissue growth factor in HSCs of ob/ob mice. Our data suggest that GLP-1 agonists exert a protective effect on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in obesity and type 2 diabetes.