• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.153-160
• /
• 2016

The objective was to investigate the hypoglycemic action of catalpol in spontaneous diabetes db/db mice. 40 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups: model control gourp; db/db plus catalpol 40, 80, 120 mg/kg body wt. groups and db/db plus metformin 250 mg/kg group. Age-matched db/m mice were selected as normal control group. The mice were administered with corresponding drugs or solvent by gavage for 4 weeks. The oral glucose tolerance test was carried out at the end of $3^{rd}$ week. After 4 weeks of treatment, the concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated serum protein (GSP), insulin (INS), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and adiponection (APN) in serum were detected. The protein expressions of phosphorylation-$AMPK{\alpha}$1/2 in liver, phosphorylation-$AMPK{\alpha}$1/2 and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues were detected by western blot. Real time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and Hydroxymethyl glutaric acid acyl CoA reductase (HMGCR) in liver. Our results showed that catalpol could significantly improve the insulin resistance, decrease the serum concentrations of INS, GSP, TG, and TC. The concentrations of APN in serum, the protein expression of phosphorylation-$AMPK{\alpha}$1/2 in liver, phosphorylation-$AMPK{\alpha}$1/2 and GLUT-4 in peripheral tissue were increased. Catalpol could also down regulate the mRNA expressions of ACC and HMGCR in liver. In conclusion, catalpol ameliorates diabetes in db/db mice. It has benefit effects against lipid/glucose metabolism disorder and insulin resistance. The mechanism may be related to up-regulating the expression of phosphorylation-$AMPK{\alpha}$1/2.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.9 no.6
• /
• pp.619-627
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Colitis is a serious health problem, and chronic obesity is associated with the progression of colitis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of natural raw meal (NRM) on high-fat diet (HFD, 45%) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 2% w/v)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Body weight, colon length, and colon weight-to-length ratio, were measured directly. Serum levels of obesity-related biomarkers, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were determined using commercial kits. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 were detected using a commercial ELISA kit. Histological study was performed using a hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining assay. Colonic mRNA expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined by RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: Body weight and obesity-related biomarkers (TG, TC, LDL, HDL, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin) were regulated and obesity was prevented in NRM treated mice. NRM significantly suppressed colon shortening and reduced colon weight-to-length ratio in HFD+DSS induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice (P < 0.05). Histological observations suggested that NRM reduced edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by HFD and DSS. In addition, NRM decreased the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 and inhibited the mRNA expressions of these cytokines, and iNOS and COX-2 in colon mucosa (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that NRM has an anti-inflammatory effect against HFD and DSS-induced colitis in mice, and that these effects are due to the amelioration of HFD and/or DSS-induced inflammatory reactions.

• Nutritional Sciences
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.181-188
• /
• 2005

We investigated the effects of diet manipulation on pro- and macro-glycogen accumulation and mobilization during exercise in different kinds of muscle fiber and tissue. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups representing one of two dietary conditions: high fat (HF, n=16) or standard chow (CHOW, n=16). Each dietary group was fm1her divided into control (REST, n=8) and exercise (EXE, n=8). After an eight-week dietary intervention period, the animals in EXE swam for 3 hours while the animals in REST remained at rest Skeletal muscle (soleus, red gastrocnemius and white gastrocnemius) and liver samples were then dissected out and used for analyses. 1here was no statistical difference in body weight between the animals in the HF and mow groups (p>.05). Three hours of exercise significantly increased plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration in the animals in the CHOW group but not in the animals in the HF group. Both citrate. synthase (CS) and $\beta$-hydroxyacyl dehydrogenase ($\beta$-HAD) activities in skeletal muscles were higher in the HF group than in the mow group. CS and $\beta$-HAD activities were also the highest in red gastrocnemius and the lowest in white gastrocnemius. At both time points (i.e., rest and immediately after exercise) intramuscular triglyceride (IMTG) and liver TG concentrations were significantly higher in the HF compared to the CHOW. IMTG and liver TG changed selectively in the CHOW. Except in white gastrocnemius muscle, there was no significant difference in total glycogen content between HF and mow at rest. Although exercise significantly lowered total glycogen content in all groups and tissues (p<.05), the degree of reduction was markedly greater in the mow than in the HF. Whereas changes in proglycogen concentration showed a trend similar to those of total glycogen, alterations in macroglycogen concentrations clearly differed from those of total glycogen. Specifically, the degree of reduction of macroglycogen following three hours of exercise was substantially greater in the CHOW than in the HF. These results suggest that metabolic alterations induced by a long-term high fat diet may be caused by macro-glycogen rather than pro-glycogen.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.33-45
• /
• 2009

Objectives This study was performed to evaluate the relation between hair tissue mineral elements(HTME) and Heart rate variability(HRV) of the metabolic syndrome(MS). Methods 89 persons(41-69 ages) who visited Oriental hospital for medical examination were divided MS group(n=22) and control group(n=67). HTME and HRV were compared, and were analyzed correlation with five contents of the MS. Results (1) In total subjects, waist circumference had a positive correlation with Pb. Blood pressure had a negative correlation with Mg. High density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-chol) had a negative correlation with Pb, Sb and K, while positive correlation with Ca/K. Triglyceride(TG) had a negative correlation with Mg and Na/K, while positive correlation with K and Ca/Mg. (2) In total subjects, TG and fasting blood sugar(FBS) had negative correlation with high frequency(HF), while positive correlation with low frequency/high frequency ratio(LF/HF). (3) In MS group, most of the level of toxic minerals were higher, and the level of major nutritional minerals were lower, but there were no statistical signficance. In two groups, there is no contrast between the correlations of the MS contents and HTME. (4) In MS group, HF was significantly lower and LF/HF was higher than normal group. LF/HF had a negative correlation with waist circumference in MS group, while positive correlation in normal group. (5) In total subjects, TP had a positive correlation with Mg. In two groups, there is no contrast between the correlations of the MS contents and HRV. However LF/HF had a positive correlation with Na in MS group, TP and LF had negative correlation with Ca, while RMSSD and HF had negative correlation with Cu in normal group. Conclusion These results may suggest that HTME and HRV are useful in diagnosing and preventing the metabolic syndrome.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.109-119
• /
• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of Mume Fructus(MF) on the 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil(PTU)-induced rat hypothyroidism.Methods : Aqueous extracts of MF(yield = 19.38%) were administered, once per day for 42 days from 2 weeks before starting of PTU treatment as an oral dose of 300 and 150 ㎎/㎏(body weight), and hypothyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous treatment of PTU 10 ㎎/㎏ for 28 days. The changes in the body weight, thyroid gland weights, liver weight, serum levels of thyroid hormone-thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), tri-iodothyronine(T₃) and thyroxine(T₄), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL), high density lipoprotein(HDL) and triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), liver antioxidant defense system-lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂, superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) were examined with histopathology of thyroid glands and liver.Results : Results were compared with LevoT₄0.5 ㎎/㎏ treated rats. MF extracts recovered from the decreases in the body weight, liver weight, T₃and T₄, TG, liver CAT activities as results of PTU treatment. And MF extracts recovered from the increases of thyroid gland weights, TSH, HDL contents, liver H₂O₂, AST as results of PTU treatment. In addition, these PTU-induced histopathological changes in thyroid glands and liver related to hypothyroidism were dramatically decreased by treatment of both different dosages of MF extract, respectively.Conclusions : According to the above results, it is suggested that MF extracts have advantageous effects on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effects on the hypothyroidism related liver injuries mediated by the modulation on the antioxidant system.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.10
• /
• pp.1525-1531
• /
• 2010

The principal objective of this study was to investigate the effects of silkworm sericin extract supplementation on the improvement of lipid compositions, blood glucose levels and enzyme activities in the serum of dyslipidemic rats. The rats were fed the experimental diet for 5 weeks. Concentrations of total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), free cholesterol, cholesteryl ester ratio and blood glucose in serum were higher in the dyslipidemic group (group HCW) and cholesterol-plus-silkworm sericin extract intake group (group HCS) than those in the control group (group BW, basal diet-plus-water). However, the concentrations of total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, LDL-cholesterol, TG, PL, free cholesterol, cholesteryl ester ratio and blood glucose level in serum were lower in group HCS than those in group HCW. On the other hand, the HDL-cholesterol level and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol in group HCS were higher than in group HCW. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransferase (AST & ALT) in serum were lower in group HCS than in the dyslipidemic group HCW. From the above results, it was suggested that silkworm sericin extract intake was effective in the prevention and improvement of lipid components, blood glucose level and enzyme activities in the sera of dyslipidemic rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.112-118
• /
• 2001

To study effect of non-fat components present in plant seeds on lipid metabolism, defatted safflower and perilla seed powders were used in high cholesterol diets for ovariectomized (ovx) female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 227$\pm$15g. Experimental groups were six as follows; normal group without ovariectomy and cholesterol-free diet, sham and ovx-control groups with high cholesterol and cellulose for dietary fiber, ovx-est group with the same diet as ovx-control but with eight subcutaneous injections of 50$\mu\textrm{g}$ 17$\beta$-estradiol. ovx-safflower and ovx-perilla with 29% and 16% (w/w) of each defatted powder in high cholesterol diets at the expense of cellulose. Weight gains were lower in normal and sham groups and food efficiencies were lower in normal,ovx-est and ovx-safflower groups compared with ovx-control. Uterus weights were dramatically reduced by ovariectomy but restored completely by 17$\beta$-estradiol and partially (~5%) by defatted safflower. Plasma levels of total cholesterol were not different among ovx-control, sham, vx-est and ovx-safflower groups (90.8~95.1 mg/dL) but that was lower in ovx-perilla (80.4$\pm$6.2 mg/dL). Plasma triglyceride (TG) levels were lower in sham (76.6$\pm$7.0 mg/dL) and ovx-perilla (79.2$\pm$5.8 mg/dL) groups. Liver cholesterol levels were lower in sham, ovx-est, ovx-safflower and ovx-perilla groups (26.6~29.8 mg/g) than ovx-control (36.5$\pm$3.2 mg/g). But liver TG levels were reduced only sham and ovx-est groups compared to control group. Fecal excretions of bile acid and cholesterol were highest in ovx-safflower group (30.8$\pm$5. and 32.1$\pm$5.7 mg/g) compared with other ovx groups (20.8~23.1 and 12.1~19.5 mg/g). These results suggest that both perilla and safflower seeds contain groups (20.8~23.1 and 12.1~19.5mg/g). These results suggest that both perilla and safflower seeds contain non-fat and non-fiber components having lipid lowering effects.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.99-110
• /
• 2013

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effect of a herbal preparation HJ01 consisting of Salicornia herbacea, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Crataegi Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix on adipocyte differentiation in OP9 cells and on poloxamer 407(P-407)-induced hyperlipidemia in mice. Methods : 1. MTT assay was used to evaluate the potential cytotoxicity of Salicornia herbacea, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Crataegi Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix and HJ01, respectively. 2. Bone-marrow derived OP9 cells were treated with HJ01, and the alterations in fat storage in the cells were determined by the Oil red O assay. 3. The protein level of CAAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha($C/EBP{\alpha}$), as a adipocyte differentiation marker, was examined using western blot analysis in differentiated OP6 cells. 4. Adult male C57BL6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of P407 to induce hyperlipidemia, simultaneously, were treated with HJ01 for 4 weeks. Then the cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels in sera and liver tissues were measured. Results : 1. The MTT assay exhibited that Salicornia herbacea, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Crataegi Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix and HJ01 showed no significant cytotoxicity in tested dosages. 2. Ten days' treatment with HJ01 markedly inhibited the increases in fat storage in differentiated OP6 cells. 3. Four weeks' treatment with HJ01 down-regulated the protein level of CAAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha($C/EBP{\alpha}$) but up-regulated the levels of adiponectin in differentiated OP9 cells. 5. HJ01 inhibited the accumulation of TC and TG in liver tissues and increased serum levels of TC in hyperlipidemic mice. Conclusions : These results suggest that HJ01 can in vitro inhibit adipocyte differentiation and fat storage in OP6 cells, in vivo improve the hyperlipidemia induced by P-407 in mice, which may be mediated by promoting glucose uptake and improving a lipid metabolite profile.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.10
• /
• pp.1374-1381
• /
• 2009

This study was designed to investigate the differences of physiological variables by age group in alcohol-consuming men. The thirty year old-age group had the lowest waist-hip ratio (WHR), right and left cardio-ankle vascular index (R-CAVI and L-CAVI), right and left ankle-brachial index (R-ABI and L-ABI), amylase, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, and the highest body weight (BW), interleukin-6 (IL-6), right and left intraocular pressure (R-IP and L-IP), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte, red blood cells distribution width (RDW), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TCH), triglyceride (TG), and ferritin levels. The forty year old-age group was the highest in hs CRp and CPK levels, but the lowest in ferritin level. The fifty year old-age group possessed the highest WHR, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), R- and L-ABI, eosinophil, and amylase levels. The sixty year old-age group had the highest R- and L-CAVI, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), ALP, $\gamma$-glutamyltranspeptidase ($\gamma$-GTP), rheumatoid factor (RF), $\alpha$-fetoprotein (AFP) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and the lowest BW, DBP, R-IP, L-IP, Hct, Hb, leukocyte, platelet, RDW, eosinophil, monocyte, ALT, amylase, TG, and CPK levels. These findings indicate that there may be differences of physiological variables depending on age group in alcohol-consuming men. Further studies should be focused on the physiological differences between alcohol-consuming men and women.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.328-336
• /
• 2004

The purpose of this study was designed to observe the effects of the feeding Prunus persica Batsch var. davidiana Max. extract on the concentrations of the lipids and blood glucose in the S.D. rats fed the experimental diets for 5 weeks. Concentrations of total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, LDL, LDL-cholesterol, free-cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, triglyceride(TG), phospholipid(PL) and blood glucose in serum were significantly higher in the cholesterol administration groups (groups BCG (cholesterol+water), BCPG (cholesterol+ Prunus persica 5.0 g% extract) than those in the control group (group BG, basal diet+water). But the concentrations of total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, LDL, LDL-cholesterol, free-cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, TG, PL and blood glucose in serum were remarkably lower in the group BCPG than those in the group BCG. In the ratio of HDL-cholesterol concentration to total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentration, Prunus persica 5.0 g% extract administration group was higher percentage than in the group BCG. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum were rather lower in the Prunus persica 5.0 g% extract administration group(group BCPG) than in the cholesterol diet group(group BCG). From the above research, Prunus persica Batsch var. davidiana Max. were effective on the improvement of the blood glucose, lipid compositions in serum of dietary hyperlipidemic rats. And particularly, Prunus persica Batsch var. davidiana Max. was more effective therapeutic regimen for the control of metabolic derangements in adult disease.