• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.655-661
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects and associated mechanisms of arctiin, a lignan compound found in burdock, on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Also, the effects of arctiin supplementation in obese mice fed a high-fat diet on adiposity were examined. MATERIALS/METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were treated with arctiin (12.5 to $100{\mu}M$) during differentiation for 8 days. The accumulation of lipid droplets was determined by Oil Red O staining and intracellular triglyceride contents. The expressions of genes related to adipogenesis were measured by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. For in vivo study, C57BL/6J mice were first fed either a control diet (CON) or high-fat diet (HF) to induce obesity, and then fed CON, HF, or HF with 500 mg/kg BW arctiin (HF + AC) for four weeks. RESULTS: Arctiin treatment to 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes markedly decreased adipogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. The arctiin treatment significantly decreased the protein levels of the key adipogenic regulators $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $C/EBP{\alpha}$, and also significantly inhibited the expression of SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid-binding protein and lipoprotein lipase. Also, arctiin greatly increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream target phosphorylated-acetyl CoA carboxylase. Furthermore, administration of arctiin significantly decreased the body weight in obese mice fed with the high-fat diet. The epididymal, perirenal or total visceral adipose tissue weights of mice were all significantly lower in the HF + AC than in the HF. Arctiin administration also decreased the sizes of lipid droplets in the epididymal adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Arctiin inhibited adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the inhibition of $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $C/EBP{\alpha}$ and the activation of AMPK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that arctiin has a potential benefit in preventing obesity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4435-4440
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• 2013

Aloe vera gel supercritical $CO_2$ extract (AVGE) has been shown to contain five phytosterols, reduce visceral fat accumulation, and influence the metabolism of glucose and lipids in animal model experiments. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown that obesity is an established risk factor for several cancers including colorectal cancer. Therefore, we examined the effects of AVGE on intestinal polyp formation in Apc-deficient Min mice fed a high-fat diet. Male Min mice were divided into normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD), low dose AVGE (HFD+LAVGE) and high dose AVGE (HFD+HAVGE) groups. The ND group received AIN-93G diet and the latter 3 groups were given modified high-fat AIN-93G diet (HFD) for 7 weeks. AVGE was suspended in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and administered orally to mice in HFD+LAVGE and HFD+HAVGE groups every day (except on Sunday) for 7 weeks at a dose of 3.75 and 12.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively. ND and HFD groups received 0.5% CMC alone. Between weeks 4 and 7, body weights in the HFD and HFD+LAVGE groups were reduced more than those in the ND group. However, body weights were not reduced in the HFD+HAVGE group. Mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and their intestines were scored for polyps. No significant differences were observed in either the incidence and multiplicity of intestinal polyps (${\geq}0.5$ mm in a diameter) among the three groups fed HFD. However, when intestinal polyps were categorized by their size into 0.5-1.4, 1.5-2.4, or ${\geq}2.5$ mm, the incidence and multiplicity of large polyps (${\geq}2.5$ mm) in the intestine in the HFD+HAVGE group were significantly lower than those in the HFD group. We measured plasma lipid (triglycerides and total cholesterol) and adipocytokine [interleukin-6 and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin] levels as possible indicators of mechanisms of inhibition. The results showed that HMW adiponectin levels in the HFD group were significantly lower than those in the ND group. However, the levels in the HFD+HAVGE group were significantly higher than those in the HFD group. These results indicate that HAVGE reduced large-sized intestinal polyps and ameliorated reduction in plasma HMW adiponectin levels in Min mice fed HFD.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.75-81
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• 2013

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of bacteriophage SE supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, visceral organ weight, meat quality and excreta microflora in broilers. A total of 340 1-d-old ROSS 308 broilers (mixed gender) with an initial average body weight (BW) of $41.71{\pm}0.16$ g were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 5 replicate pens per treatment and 17 broilers per pen for 31 days. Dietary treatments were: 1) CON, control diet, 2) SE05, CON+0.05% bacteriophage, SE 3) SE10, CON+0.10% bacteriophage SE, and 4) SE15, CON+0.15% bacteriophage SE. During d 15 to 31, broilers fed SE15 diet had a higher (P<0.05) body weight gain than broilers fed CON diet. Overall, body weight gain in SE10 and SE15 was greater (P<0.05) than that in CON. Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and blood characteristics did not differ (P>0.05) among treatments. The water holding capacity was increased (P<0.05) in SE15 compared with CON. Other meat quality in terms of pH value, breast muscle color ($L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$) and drip loss were unaffected by dietary supplementation with bacteriophage SE. The visceral weight of bursa of Fabricius was increased (P<0.05) in broilers fed the bacteriophage SE incorporated diets compared with those fed the CON diet. No difference (P>0.05) was observed in visceral weight of liver, spleen, breast muscle, abdominal fat, gizzard and excreta concentrations of Lactobacillus, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.10 and 0.15% bacteriophage SE could improve the growth performance, breast muscle water holding capacity and bursa of Fabricius visceral weight in broilers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2009

This study investigated the beneficial effects of crude saponins from soybean cake on body weight and glucose tolerance in high-fat (37% calories from fat) diet fed C57BL/6 mice. The mice were supplemented with three doses of saponins (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, wt/wt) and 1.0% Garcinia cambogia (wt/wt), positive control for 9 weeks. The body weight, visceral fat weight and epididymal adipocyte area were significantly reduced in the saponin supplemented groups in a dose dependent manner compared to the high-fat group. Saponins did not significantly affect food intake; however, cambogia significantly lowered food intake compared to the high-fat fed control group. The crude saponins from soybean cake supplement significantly lowered plasma leptin, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, whereas they significantly elevated the fecal excretion of triglyceide in a dose dependent manner compared to the high-fat group. Cambogia did not affect the fecal excretion of lipid in the diet-induced obese mice. Supplementation of 1.5% saponin reduced the hepatic triglyceride content compared to the high-fat group. High-fat induced glucose intolerance with the elevation of blood glucose levels compared to the normal group; however, the saponins supplement significantly improved postprandial glucose levels. After 9 weeks of being fed a high-fat diet, the mice presented with significantly increased activities of hepatic fatty acid synthase and fatty acid ${\beta}$-oxidation; however, saponins and cambogia normalized these activities. These results indicate that saponins from soybean cake exhibit a potential anti-obesity effect and may prevent glucose intolerance by reducing body weight and plasma lipids, increasing fecal lipid excretion and regulating hepatic lipid metabolism in high-fat fed mice.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.316-322
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• 2012

Objectives: Abdominal obesity increases mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease and there is a possibility that smoking effects obesity. However, previous studies concerning the effects of smoking on obesity are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to examine whether smoking is positively related to abdominal obesity in men with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Subjects consisted of 2197 type 2 diabetic patients who visited Huh's Diabetes Center from 2003 to 2009. Indices of abdominal obesity were defined as visceral fat thickness (VFT) measured by ultrasonography and waist circumference (WC). Overall obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI). Results: Statistically significant differences in WC and VFT by smoking status were identified. However, there was no statistical difference in BMI according to smoking status. Means of WC and VFT were not significantly higher in heavy smokers and lower in mild smokers. Compared to nonsmokers, the BMI confounder adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for VFT in ex-smokers and current-smokers were 1.70 (1.21 to 2.39) and 1.86 (1.27 to 2.73), respectively. Conclusions: Smoking status was positively associated with abdominal obesity in type 2 diabetic patients.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.218-228
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• 2012

The prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism) has increased within the Korean population and seems to be affected by iodine dietary habits. Some studies reported that the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction increase both in the area of iodine deficiency and excess. In this study, we tried to discover the difference in iodine intake, anthropometric measurements, and blood parameters between male subjects with or without subclinical thyroid dysfunction. A total of 5,249 subjects (Euthyroid: 4706, SubHypo: 454, SubHyper: 89) were used in this study. There were no significant differences in BMI, body fat, visceral fat, waist circumference, SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TG, fasting serum glucose, HbA1c, alcohol intake, however significant differences were noticed in both age and smoking status. Through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), iodine intake per day was estimated. The average iodine intake was similar (SubHypo $392.9{\pm}279.0{\mu}g$, Euthyroid $376.5{\pm}281.7{\mu}g$, SubHyper $357.3{\pm}253.8 {\mu}g$) among groups. The main source of iodine intake was eggs (52.8%, 54.2%, 52.4%) followed by milk (16.3%, 15.8%, 17.8%), then sea mustard & sea tangle (12.4%, 11.9%, 11.6%). The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism was higher in subjects whose intake was higher than the recommended nutrient intake (RNI). These results suggest that the excess consumption of iodine intake may act as one of the risk factors regarding thyroid dysfunction in Korea. Therefore, an adequate amount of iodine intake is necessary in order to prevent subclinical thyroid dysfunction and clinical thyroid dysfunction.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.246-259
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• 2010

The incidence of chronic disease is continuously increasing in Korea. Especially, office workers have higher risk of chronic disease because of their dietary habit and lifestyle. The study aimed to investigate the effect of tailored nutrition counseling on improving chronic disease risk factors. Ninety-nine male workers (age $46.9{\pm}7.0$ yrs) volunteered for 12 weeks of nutrition program containing dietary intake and physical activity adjustment. Five individualized programs were performed with the main theme of weight loss (WL, n = 16), blood pressure lowering (BL, n = 34), normalizing blood glucose (GL, n = 21), lipid lowering (LL, n = 13) and reducing MS risk factors (ML, n = 15). Anthropometric data, blood-pressure, self-reported questionnaire, blood profiles were measured before and after 12weeks of nutrition education. The education program included 5 times of 1：1 interview. Compared to 0 week, anthropometric data (weight, BMI, fat, visceral fat, waist, SBP, DBP) were significantly decreased after 12 weeks (p < 0.001). Fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol were decreased (p < 0.05). The primary outcomes with individually tailored programs showed to be more effective than one general nutrition program.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.19-31
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• 2015

최근 우리나라의 암 발생률은 꾸준히 증가추세에 있고 그 중에서도 전립선암은 갑상선암을 제외했을 때 남성에서 가장 높은 증가 추세를 보이고 있는 암이다. 전립선암은 그 동안 선진국에서 주로 발병하는 것으로 알려진 암 종이지만 서구화된 식습관과 생활 행태 변화로 인하여 국내에서도 발생률이 증가하는 것으로 추정하고 있다. 따라서 국내 환경에 맞는 내장 지방 분포와 같은 정확한 비만도 측정을 통해 우리나라에서 증가율 1위를 보이고 있는 전립선암 발생의 원인 관계를 찾고자 한다. 본 연구는 환자와 정상군 비교를 하는 환자-대조군 연구이고 본 연구를 위하여 임상시험 윤리위원회 (IRB) 승인을 받았다 (NCC2014-0124). 환자군은 2014년 8월 1일부터 2015년 1월 6일 까지 국립암센터를 방문하여 전립선암을 진단받고 수술과 항암치료 그리고 방사선 치료를 시작하지 않은 초진을 대상으로 하였고, 정상군은 2009년 11월부터 2014년 9월 30일까지 공단검진을 목적으로 국립암센터를 방문한 정상인을 대상으로 하였다. 전립선암 연구는 환자 총 52명에 평균 66세 (51 - 82세)이고 정상군은 총 50명에 평균 64세 (59 - 75세) 이다. 모든 연구 대상자들의 생활 요인 평가를 위하여 암 가족력, 흡연, 음주 상태, 운동, 등을 추가적으로 설문 조사하였다. MRI 영상의 배꼽 주위에서의 내장 지방과 피하지방을 전용 분석 컴퓨터를 활용하여 측정 하였다. 복부비만율은 환자군과 정상군에서뿐만 아니라 (p = 0.03), 전립선암 악성도와 (Gleasonscore; p = 0.001)도 통계적 차이를 나타냈다. 하지만 BMI 결과와는 전립선암 발생과 악성도에서 무관함을 보인 것에 반해 허리둘레는 전립선암의 발생에 영향을 미치는 결과를 나타났다. 한편 전립선암의 또 다른 악성도 지표인 PSA는 비만 측정치와의 상관성이 Gleason score와 보다 대체적으로 낮게 나타났다. 학력, 운동량, 흡연, 음주 상태와 같은 생활 특성에 따른 전립선암 발생의 영향 관계는 뚜렷하지 않았다. 결론적으로 본 연구를 통해서 전립선암의 발생 위험도와 악성도 지표로 복부 비만도가 유용함을 나타냈고 간단한 신체 계측 지표 활용으로는 BMI보다 허리둘레 측정치가 더 암 발생의 연관성이 높음을 보였다.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.21-30
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• 2019

Objective : The study aimed to report the results of workplace-based Korean Medicine cohort, The cohort collected the health information including physical measurements, questionnaires, and biomarkers. Method : This study was conducted on 200 faculty members of two hospitals and two universities in 2017 through 2018. The study analyzed physical measurement, cold-heat questionnaire, body compositions and pulse characteristics. Result : The heat-cold score, waist circumference, visceral fat area, and body water were different according to the Sasang constitution, in order of Taeum > Soyang > Soeum. The pulse energy difference was shown only in women. Conclusion : There were differences in body composition such as heat point, waist circumference, internal fat area and body water content by constitution, and also difference by body mass in total energy in pulse examination. It is believed that there were significant relation between physical, physical and energy metabolic aspects through Sasang constitution.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.161-169
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• 2019

Fumigaclavine C (FC), an active indole alkaloid, is obtained from endophytic Aspergillus terreus (strain No. FC118) by the root of Rhizophora stylosa (Rhizophoraceae). This study is designed to evaluate whether FC has anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and whether it ameliorates lipid accumulation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. FC notably increased the levels of glycerol in the culture supernatants and markedly reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. FC differentially inhibited the expressions of adipogenesis-related genes, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor proteins, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins, and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins. FC markedly reduced the expressions of lipid synthesis-related genes, such as the fatty acid binding protein, lipoprotein lipase, and fatty acid synthase. Furthermore, FC significantly increased the expressions of lipolysis-related genes, such as the hormone-sensitive lipase, Aquaporin-7, and adipose triglyceride lipase. In HFD-induced obese mice, intraperitoneal injections of FC decreased both the body weight and visceral adipose tissue weight. FC administration significantly reduced lipid accumulation. Moreover, FC could dose-dependently and differentially regulate the expressions of lipid metabolism-related transcription factors. All these data indicated that FC exhibited anti-obesity effects through modulating adipogenesis and lipolysis.