• Development and Reproduction
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.235-242
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• 2015

Black soybean teata is helpful to preventing obesity through enhancing energy expenditure and suppressing accumulation in mesenteric adipose tissue. The ethanol testa-extract of Cheongja #3 black soybean (ETCBS) is also have similar effects on obesity. So far, it is not clear whether the ethanol testa extract of black soybean can have effect on the characters of subcutaneous adipose stem cells such as proliferation, activity, and adipogenicity. The doubling time was different between subcutaneous adipose-derived stem (ADS) and visceral ADS cells. By the in vitro culture and passage, the doubling time was increased both of them. The shape was not different between groups and their passages were not cause the change of shapes. In the case of visceral ADS cells, the doubling time was 62.3 h or 40.3 h in control or high fat diet administrated mice, respectively, but not modified in subcutaneous ADS cells. ETCBS administration caused of increased the doubling time from 62.3 h to 84.2 h. ETCBS had suppressive effects on the cellular activity of subcutaneous ADS cells. The intensity of Oil Red O staining was very faint in 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$ ETCBS treated groups. The amounts of accumulated triglyceride were also significantly low in 100 and $200{\mu}g/mL$ treated groups. From these results we know that the doubling times and the effects of ETCBS are different by the anatomical origin of ADS cells. It also suggested that ETCBS may suppress the differentiation of subcutaneous ADS cells into the precursors and maturing of adipocytes.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.371-379
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• 2009

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in the regulation of appetite, body weight and metabolism. We undertook the present study to further clarify the regulation of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1, CNR1) in human adipose tissue in obesity. CB1 receptor mRNA expression was ~1.6-fold (p<0.004) and 1.9-fold higher (P<0.05) in subcutaneous adipocytes from obese compared to non-obese subjects in microarray and quantitative real-time PCR studies, respectively. Higher CB1 receptor mRNA expression levels in both adipose tissue (~1.2 fold, P<0.05) and adipocytes (~2 fold, P<0.01) were observed in samples from visceral compared to subcutaneous depots collected from 22 obese individuals. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of CB1 receptor on adipocytes and also adipose tissue macrophages. These data indicate that adipocyte CB1 receptor is up-regulated in human obesity and visceral adipose tissue and also suggest a potential role for the ECS in modulating immune/inflammation as well as fat metabolism in adipose tissue.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.1-13
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• 2014

Objective : The purpose of this study is to understand conspicuous features of geroderma with visceral manifestation theory(臟象論). Methods : We categorized skin aging into wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dry skin and face flush. After investigating the reason, histological changes and mechanism of each classification in western medicine, we interpreted them according to the malfunction of five viscera(五臟) in Korean medicine. Result : The results are as follows. 1. Pathologic change of dermis and subcutaneous fat makes wrinkles. We consider wrinkles as the malfunction of the spleen(脾). 2. Irregular synthesis and disproportion of melanin makes hyperpigmentation. We consider hyperpigmentation as the malfunction of the liver(肝). 3. Dry skin is attributed to a subtle disorder of epidermal maturation. We consider dry skin as the malfunction of the lung(肺). 4. Facial flush is detected in rosacea and menopausal hot flush, which are both related with blood vessel abnormality. We consider facial flush as the malfunction of the heart(心) Conclusion : We interpreted the pathologic changes and mechanism of skin aging in western medicine as the decrease of five viscera(五臟) in visceral manifestation theory(臟象論) of Korean medicine. Further studies are needed to apply these hypothesis to clinical diagnosis and treatment.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of Sargassum confusum extracts on the reduction of body fat for eight weeks in overweight women ($BMI{\geq_-}23kg/m^2$). Methods: Subjects were classified by double-blind randomized trial as the control group (C group, n = 14) and the Sargassum confusum extract supplementation group (SC group, n = 16), which consumed 12 tablets per day. Questionnaires related to their health status were assessed twice (week 0 and week 8). Their dietary intake status was evaluated by 24-recall method and body compositions were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. In addition, we assessed the anti-obesity effect and the occurrence possibility of health risk factors during the supplementation periods by hematological and clinical analysis of blood. Results: Waist circumference and body fat (%) were significantly decreased in the SC group. Serum leptin level was also significantly decreased in the SC group. Defecation frequency was significantly increased in the SC group. The above results indicate that Sargassum confusum extract supplementation improves overweight on visceral fat and blood leptin level by increasing bowel movement. These results imply a decrease of health risk factors in overweight women. Seven subjects withdrew from the study due to adverse events; however, no differences regarding adverse events were observed between the control and treatment group. Conclusion: Therefore, Sargassum confusum extract is a plausible effective agent for body fat reduction in humans.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.477-482
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• 2014

This study was performed to evaluate the anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects of phytoplant diets in rats fed with a high-fat/cholesterol diet (HFCD). Experimental diet formulae contained various phytoplants such as brown rice, barley, soybean, germinated brown rice, malt, black bean, sea tangle, and/or dietary fibers including polydextrose, garcinia combogia, glucomannan, ${\small}L$-carnitine, and chitosan. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a HFCD for 6 weeks and then fed with a HFCD with/without phytoplants for another 6 weeks. Rats fed with phytoplant diets showed lower body weights, liver weights, visceral fat levels, and blood lipid levels compared to those of rats fed with HFCD alone. In addition, rats administered phytoplant diets showed increased daily feces production during the second experimental phase. These results suggest that phytoplant diets improve body weight, feces production, adipose tissue weight, and lipid metabolism.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was undertaken to verify the effects of Gyeongshingangjeehwan18 (GGEx18) on obesity using ob/ob male mice. Methods : Eight-week old mice (wild-type C57BL/6J and ob/ob) were used for all experiments. Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were used as lean control and obese ob/ob mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: obese control, GGEx15, GGEx16, GGEx17, and GGEx18. After mice were treated with several kinds of GGEx for 11 weeks, body weight gain, feeding efficiency ratio, plasma lipid and glucose metabolism. Results : 1. Compared with obese controls, GGEx-treated mice had lower body weight gain and feeding efficiency ratio, the magnitudes of which were prominent in GGEx16 and GGEx18. 2. Consistent with their effects on body weight gain, GGEx16 and GGEx18 not only decreased plasma triglycerides levels, but also increased HDL-cholesterol concentration. 3. CT analysis revealed that visceral fat areas were decreased in all treatment groups compared with obese control mice. The decrease in visceral fat area was prominent in GGEx16 and GGEx18, although they were not statistically significant. 4. The size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by GGEx18, whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was significantly increased, suggesting that GGEx18 decreased the number of large adipocytes. Hepatic lipid accumulation was decreased by GGEx16 and GGEx18, and the inhibitory effect was most effective in GGEx18. 5. Plasma GOT and GPT concentrations were significantly lower following GGEx16 and GGEx18 treatment compared with obese controls. Organ weights were not changed by GGEx treatment, indicating GGEx do not show any toxic effects. Conclusions : These results suggest that GGEx may regulate obesity. Of the 4 compositions, GGEx18 seems to be most effective in improving obesity and lipid disorders.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2012

Objectives : We investigated the effects of mountain cultivated ginseng water boiled extract(MCG) on blood glucose and insulin levels, and examined whether lipid metabolism are improved by it in male db/db mice(a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus). Methods : 9 weeks old, male db/db mice were divided into 5 groups : C57BL/6J normal, control, MCG-250mg/kg (MCG-1), MCG-500mg/kg(MCG-2) and MCG-1000mg/kg(MCG-3). After mice were treated with MCG for 8 weeks, we measured body weight, food intake, fat weight, visceral organ weight and blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Results : 1. We found no difference in body weight, food intake, fat weight and visceral organ weight among the animal groups. 2. Compared with controls, MCG-treated mice had lower blood glucose level and higher blood insulin levels, the magnitude of which was prominent in MCG-2. 3. Compared with controls, MCG-treated mice had lower LDL-cholesterol and higher HDL-cholesterol levels. 4. Compared with controls, MCG-treated mice had blood triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, the magnitude of which was prominent in MCG-2. 5. Blood AST and ALT concentrations were not changed by MCG, indicating MCG do not show any toxic effects. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that MCG effectively increases blood insulin level and decreases blood glucose level, blood lipid levels, and prevents and improves diabetic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.243-256
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• 2012

Objectives : This clinical study was done to examine metabolic syndrome (MS) and plasma homocysteine (HCY) level in patients with silent lacunar infarction (SLI) and in normal controls. Methods : A total of 154 patients, who were over 20 years of age and visited the stroke prevention check-up center of a university hospital from December 2006 to December 2010, were examined by brain CT or brain MRI, and classified into two groups. We compared the components of MS and HCY levels between patients with SLI (n=74) and normal controls (n=80). Modified ATP III definition was used for diagnosis of MS while Korean standard for waist circumference was used. Results : Prevalence of MS was significantly higher in the SLI group than the normal group. HCY was also significantly higher in the SLI group than the noraml, and the odds ratio (OR) for SLI, comparing high HCY level (${\geq}10{\mu}mol/L$) with low HCY level ($<10{\mu}mol/L$), was 3.64 (95% confidence interval (CI); 1.81-7.29, p<.0001). However, there was no correlation between MS and HCY in the SLI group. Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension (HT) was higher in the SLI group than the normal group, but there was no significant difference in blood lipids level between the SLI and normal groups. Of note, HT itself was enough to be an independent risk factor for SLI (OR; 4.58, 95% CI; 1.91-11.01, p=0.001). Body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio and visceral fat area were significantly higher in the SLI than normal group, and visceral fat area was enough to be an independent risk factor for SLI (OR; 2.41, 95% CI; 1.04-5.59, p=0.040). Conclusions : SLI is shown to have significant correlation with HCY and prevalence of MS, however there is no relationship between HCY and prevalence of MS in patients with SLI.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.417-428
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• 2008

An experiment was conducted with 80 male rats for 4 weeks to investigate the effect of water soluble extracts(WSE) from different sections of farmed Elk(Cervus elaphus) antler on lipid metabolism and hematology. Antlers were divided into four sections of tip, upper, middle and base. Water soluble extract(35g/60ml) was prepared from each section of antler, and was administered orally to male Sprague- Dawley rats(10ml/kg body weight) once a day. Administration of WSE from upper, middle and base sections of antler decreased(P<0.0027) AST values at 3 weeks of feeding, however AST value was decreased(P< 0.0136) in the WSE of base section compared to that of control at 4 weeks of feeding. Administration of antler WSE for 4 weeks decreased total cholesterol in visceral fat(P<0.0035) and liver(P<0.0003) at 4 weeks of feeding compared to those of control. Feeding antler WSE for 4 weeks increased the compositions of C14:0(P<0.0037), C16:1(P<0.0061), C18:1(P<0.0066), C18:2(P< 0.0069) and C18:3(P<0.0035) in the visceral fat compared with that of control.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.652-658
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• 2016

Twenty $Pelibuey{\times}Katahdin$ ewes ($35{\pm}2.3kg$) were used to determine the effects of the consumption of standardized plant extract containing a mixture of quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloids and protopine alkaloids (QBA+PA) on growth performance, dietary energetics, visceral mass, and ruminal epithelial health in heat-stressed ewes fed with a high-energy corn-based diet. The basal diet (13.9% crude protein and 2.09 Mcal of net energy [NE] of maintenance/kg of dry matter) contained 49.7% starch and 15.3% neutral detergent fiber. Source of QBA+PA was Sangrovit RS (SANG) which contains 3 g of quaternary benzophenathridine and protopine alkaloids per kg of product. Treatments consisted of a daily consumption of 0 or 0.5 g SANG/ewe. Ewes were grouped by weight and assigned to 10 pens (5 pens/treatment), with two ewes per pen. The experimental period lasted 70 days. The mean temperature humidity index during the course of this experiment was $81.7{\pm}1.0$ (severe heat stress). There were no treatment effects on water intake. Dry matter intake was not affected (p = 0.70) by treatments, but the group fed SANG had a numerically (11.2%) higher gain in comparison to the control group, SANG improved gain efficiency (8.3%, p = 0.04), dietary NE (5.2%, p<0.01) and the observed-to-expected NE (5.9%, p<0.01). Supplemental SANG did not affect ($p{\geq}0.12$) carcass characteristics, chemical composition of shoulder, and organ weights (g/kg empty body weight) of stomach complex, intestines, and heart/lung. Supplemental SANG decreased liver weight (10.3%, p = 0.02) and increased visceral fat (16.9%, p = 0.02). Rumen epithelium of ewes fed SANG had lower scores for cellular dropsical degeneration (2.08 vs 2.34, p = 0.02), parakeratosis (1.30 vs 1.82, p = 0.03) and neutrophil infiltration (2.08 vs 2.86, p = 0.05) than controls. It is concluded that SANG supplementation helped ameliorate the negative effects of severe heat on growth performance of feedlot ewes fed high-energy corn-based diets. Improvement in energetic efficiency may have been mediated, in part, by anti-inflammatory effects of supplemental SANG and corresponding enhancement of nutrient uptake.