• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.156-162
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• 2016

Iridoid glycosides (mainly geniposide) and crocetin derivatives (crocins) are the two major active constituents in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. In the present study, geniposide, crocins, crocin-1 and crocetin were separated from gardenia chromatographically. Then, mice were orally administrated with geniposide (400 mg/kg b.w.), crocins (400 mg/kg b.w.), crocin-1 (400 mg/kg b.w.) and crocetin (140 mg/kg b.w.) once daily for 7 days with $CCl_4$. Hepatoprotective properties were evaluated by biochemical parameters: Administration of geniposide, crocins, crocin-1and crocetin significantly lowered serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in $CCl_4$-treated mice. The reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) activities were also increased by geniposide, crocins, crocin-1 and crocetin. Histopathological examination of livers showed that these components reduced deformability, irregular arrangement and rupture of hepatocyte in $CCl_4$-treated mice. These biochemical results and liver histopathological assessment demonstrated that geniposide, crocetin derivatives and crocetin show comparative beneficial effects on $CCl_4$-induced liver damage via induction of antioxidant defense. Therefore, contents of geniposide and crocetin derivatives should be both considered for hepatoprotective efficacy of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.392-397
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• 2015

Blood chemistry values according to ages have rarely been investigated in indigenous Korean calves. The present study aimed to clarify the changes in blood chemistry values of indigenous Korean calves with age. Blood samples were collected from 29 calves (11 females and 18 males) reared at the Gyeongsangbukdo Livestock Research Institute and the levels of various chemical components in the serum were analyzed. The total protein, albumin and globulin concentration in the calves increased gradually over time. The glucose concentration increased significantly at 2 weeks after birth, and then decreased slightly 4 weeks after birth. The blood urea nitrogen concentration increased from 2 weeks after birth, and the levels in females were higher than those in males at 2 and 4 weeks after birth. The creatinine concentration decreased significantly from 2 weeks after birth, and the levels in females were higher than those in males at 2 weeks and 6 months after birth. The total bilirubin concentration decreased gradually from 2 weeks after birth. The glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase concentration increased gradually from 2 weeks after birth. The triglyceride concentration tended to increase from 2 weeks after birth. The total cholesterol concentration increased significantly at 2 weeks after birth, and then decreased slightly 4 weeks after birth. The total high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased significantly from 2 weeks after birth. The calcium concentration was maintained between $9.8{\pm}0.8mg/dL$ and $11.6{\pm}0.9mg/dL$ throughout the investigation period, although some levels fluctuated at 4 weeks and 6 months after birth. The phosphorus concentration increased significantly at 2 weeks after birth, and then decreased slightly 4 weeks after birth. In conclusion, the data obtained from this study may be valuable for use as a standard for interpreting results of blood biochemical analyses in indigenous Korean calves.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.103-110
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• 2005

Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly known as prickly pear cactus, is commercially grown as a food and medicinal plant in Jeju Island, Korea. The crushed pads and fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica were dried in a freeze-dryer and ground into flour to be used for food materials. The major components of proximate compositions were part of a nitrogen free extract. The major minerals were Ca (4391.2-2086.9㎎%), K (1932.1-2608.7㎎%), and Mg (800.6-1984.8㎎%). The major amino acid was glutamic acid, comprising 16.3% of total amino acids in fruit and 25.2% in pad. Dihydroflavonols were identified as (+)-trans-dihydrokaempferol and (+)-trans-dihydroquercetin. Citric acid methyl esters extracted from fruits showed inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidase-B. The presence of trimethyl citrate has been reported in other plants, but 1,3-dimethyl citrate and 1-monomethyl citrate have not been previously reported. The results of pharmacological efficacy tests, including serum biochemical and hematological parameters, autonomic nervous system, anti-inflammatory, analgestic activity, anti-diabetic activity, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, monoamine oxidase activity, hyperlipidemia, the respiratory system, antigastic, and anti-ulcerative actions indicate that the fruit and pad of the Opuntia ficus-indica are rich sources of food and medicinal materials.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.233-239
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• 2019

Nerium oleander (N. oleander) is a well-known poisonous shrub that is frequently grown in gardens and public areas and contains numerous toxic compounds. The major toxic components are the cardiac glycosides oleandrin and neriin. The aim of our study was to evaluate the toxic effects of an ethanolic N. oleander leaf extract on haematological, cardiac, inflammatory, and serum biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological changes in the heart. N. oleander extract was orally administered for 14 and 30 consecutive days at doses of 100 and 200 mg of dried extract/kg of body weight in 0.5 mL of saline. The results showed significant increases in mean corpuscular volume, white blood cell counts, platelet counts, interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha, C reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and creatine kinase MB, especially at high doses. Marked pathological changes were perceived in the heart tissue. Thus, it can be concluded that exposure to N. oleander leaf extract adversely affects the heart and liver.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.298-313
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of natural compounds in improving athletic ability has attracted attention in both sports and research. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) leaves are used to make traditional herbal medicines in Asia. The active components of G. pentaphyllum, dammarane saponins, or gypenosides, possess a range of biological activities. On the other hand, the anti-fatigue effects from G. pentaphyllum extract (GPE) and its effective compound, gypenoside L (GL), remain to be determined. MATERIALS/METHODS: This study examined the effects of GPE on fatigue and exercise performance in ICR mice. GPE was administered orally to mice for 6 weeks, with or without treadmill training. The biochemical analysis in serum, glycogen content, mRNA, and protein expressions of the liver and muscle were analyzed. RESULTS: The ExGPE (exercise with 300 mg/kg body weight/day of GPE) mice decreased the fat mass percentage significantly compared to the ExC mice, while the ExGPE showed the greatest lean mass percentage compared to the ExC group. The administration of GPE improved the exercise endurance and capacity in treadmill-trained mice, increased glucose and triglycerides, and decreased the serum creatine kinase and lactate levels after intensive exercise. The muscle glycogen levels were higher in the ExGPE group than the ExC group. GPE increased the level of mitochondrial biogenesis by enhancing the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) protein and the mRNA expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial DNA, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ, superoxide dismutase 2, and by decreasing the lactate dehydrogenase B level in the soleus muscle (SOL). GPE also improved PGC-1α activation in the SOL significantly through AMPK/p38 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that GPE supplementation enhances exercise performance and has anti-fatigue activity. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanism was elucidated. Therefore, GPE is a promising candidate for developing functional foods and enhancing the exercise capacity and anti-fatigue activity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 1997

For the recent years, considerable efforts have been made to rationalize the techniques of research and monitoring of biological effects of marine pollutants such as heavy metals, polychlorinate biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphorus pesticides. This study was designed as a part of efforts to investigate the biochemical pollutant markers for diagnosis of marine pollutions by the changes in lipid components of the flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in Yellow Sea of Korea. Homoglobin levels in serum of cultured and wild flounders in Yellow Sea were significantly lower (5 - 15% and 20 -25 % , respectively) than those of wild flounder in Pohang. Triglyceride (TG) contents in serum of cultured flounders in Yellow Sea were 10 - 40% higher than those of wild flounder in Pohang. Total and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol contents in serum of flounders in Yellow Sea were significantly 10-15% and 30-35% (cultured), and 10-20% (wild), respectively, higher than those of wild flounder in Pohang. Atherogenic index (AI) and T-Chol/PL rations in serum of cultured and wild flounders in Yellow sea were significantly 20-45% and 10-!5%, 6-35% and 15-35%, respectively, higher than those of wild flounder in pohang. These results suggest that near-coastal waters as well as neritic waters of the Yellow Sea might be affected by pollutant input.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.1339-1348
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• 1999

In present study possible hypolipidemic effects of garlic were investigated in an experimental model which consisted of 4 groups of Wistar rats(three weeks old): CO group received a basal diet(as a standard diet) contained 6.3% of corn oil. LO group was taken the experimental diet in which only 6.3% corn oil in basal diet was substituted by 12.6% of lard oil. So the experimental diet was somewhat high saturated fat diet. LG1 group was treated orally with garlic juice as 1% of raw garlic in the diet together with the same diet as the diet for LO group. LG2 group was taken 2% of garlic under the same dietary condition as that of LG1 group. The rat body weights prior and posterior to the experimental period were measured and the amount of the experimental dietary intake was determined at every 3 day interval. After the experimental dietary period of 30 days the blood obtained from all the sacrificed rats were analyzed for the biochemical parameters. Over the one month period of experiment there was no abnormality or apparent change in appearance and activity or diet consumption in all experimental rat groups. LO group fed a diet rich in lard showed significantly increased body weight gain rate by 30% and also elevated levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by 29.9%, 27.4% and 62.3% respectively and no significant difference in the levels of HDL cholesterol, GOT, GPT, blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen as compared to those of control group. So it seemed that the high calorie diet in LO group mainly contributed to the significant increase in body weight gain rate and other biochemical parameters. In spite of 1% garlic treatment LG1 group had significantly increased body weight gain rate by 25.2%, levels of triglyceride, total choesterol and LDL cholesterol by 25.2%, 24.6% and 50.5% respectively as compared to control and LO group, and no increase in the levels of HDL cholesterol, blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen. At garlic 1% diet there was no hypolipidemic efficacy in rat serum. Under the treatment with garlic 2% in diet LG2 group showed significantly increased body weight gain rate by 19.7% as compared to control and elevated levels of GOT, GPT and BUN by 85.8~96.4%, 127~148% and 88% respectively as compared to control, but LG2 group had significantly reduced levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol as compared to LOand LG1 group. In present study there were no significant change in HDL cholesterol and blood glucose value. In LG2 group GOT, GPT and blood urea nitrogen values were slightly increased presumably due to the inhibiting effects of garlic on the hepatic or renal function of rats. Nevertheless in this study garlic may have some demonstrable hypolipidemic effects in rat.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.9-17
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• 1975

The purpose of this survey was to study the nutritional status for over 40 years old, related to the dietary pattern of fishing area. The nutrition survey was conducted in a fishing area located in Chilpo-dong, Euchang-myon, Youngil-gun, Kyungbuk province. The precise weighing method was used in evaluating the foods intake for 40 households during a 7 days period. Physical examination, detailed biochemical test on both blood and urine and stool tests were performed by physians on 45 persons over 40 years old man. The result obtained are summarized as follows: (1) Average nutrients intake of an adult per day: calorie intake was 2,883 Cal and its components-Protein (76.3 g) was 10.6%, fat (13.7 g) was 4.2% and carbohydrate (521 g) contributed 85.2% of the total calories. Other nutrients were higher than any other survey data. (2) To evaluate the nutritional deficiencies, clinical examinations were conducted. Hepatomegaly was present 25.3% of these examiners. (3) By stool test most of the examiners were infested in ascareis and infestation rate of stool was 87.5%. (4) The following chemical components of blood serum were analyzed and found to be within the normal range: glucose, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, total cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and electrolytes. (5) Content of electrolytes, glucose, pH, specific gravity in urine were normal range.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.334-340
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• 2005

This study has attempted to examine the effect of Artemisia princeps and A. argyi on liver function-related enzymes in rats with $CCl_4$ adminisration. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) from A. princeps were decreased by 33, 23 and $19\%$, respectively, compared to control. The activities of AST, ALT and ALP from A. argyi were decreased by 37, 33 and $26\%$, respectively. Total phenol contents were 10.2 mg/mL and 4.7 mg/mL in A. princeps, and A. argyi, respectively. Also, flavonoid contents were $6.1\;mg\%\;and\;3.6\;mg\%$ in A. princeps, and A. ar효i, respectively. Ethanol extract from A. argyi showed higher electron donating ability toward DPPH than A. princeps. A total of 31 volatile components(3 hydrocarbons, 10 terpenes, 5 carbonyls, 8 alcohols and 5 esters) were indentified in A. princeps, and A. argyi. The major volatile components of A. princeps were $\delta$-3-carene($2.2\%$) in terpenes and nerolidol($0.9\%$) in alcohols. The major volatile components of A. argyi were eugenol($1.4\%$) in alcohols and thyl pentadecanoate($1.1\%$) in esters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.732-741
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• 2020

Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the effects of Broussonetia papyrifera L. (B. papyrifera) silage on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, meat quality, and meat amino acids and fatty acids compositions in beef cattle. Methods: Sixty-four male Angus beef cattle were assigned to 4 groups with 4 pens in each group and 4 beef cattle in each pen, and fed with the total mixed ration supplemented with 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15% B. papyrifera silage for 100 days (control group, 5% group, 10% group and 15% group) separately. Results: Beef cattle had significantly higher final body weight (BW) in 15% group, higher average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) in 5% group, 10% group and 15% group, and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) in 10% group and 15% group. Significantly higher blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration was noted in 15% group, higher blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in 10% group and 15% group, lower 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in 15% group. Meat had lower pH in 15% group, higher Commission International DeI'Eclairage (CIE) L^⋆ in 5% group, 10% group, and 15% group, and lower drip loss in 15% group. Greater concentration of meat polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was observed in 10% group and 15% group, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 15% group. Conclusion: Diet with 15% B. papyrifera silage could improve performance and increase final BW, ADG, DMI, and FCR, enhance the antioxidant functions by decreasing blood 8-OHdG and MDA and increasing blood SOD and TAC, improve the meat quality by lowing pH and drip loss and increasing CIE L^⋆, increase the meat PUFA and DHA concentration. Polyphenols and flavonoids might be the main components responsible for the antioxidant activity and anti-biohydrogenation in the B. papyrifera silage. And B. papyrifera silage could be used as a new feedstuff in beef cattle nutrition.