• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.271-284
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• 2001

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dried powders and water extracts of Paecilomyces tenuipes(P. tenuipes) and Cordyceps militaris(C. militaris) on lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative capacity and immune status in rats. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 195$\pm$21g were grouped into five according to body weight. Ratw were raised for four weeks with diet containing either 4%, 2%(w/w) of dried P. tenuipes powders(TP-4, TP-2) or water extracts from equal amounts of each 4% P. tenuipes and C. militaris powder(TE-4, ME-4). Food intake, weight gain of all groups were not significantly different from those of control group. Lipid metabolism in general was not significantly different among all the groups. However both dried P. tenuipes powder lowered plasma cholesterol level slightly, water extract groups showed tendency of higher plasma HDL-cholesterol and lower liver cholesterol levels than control. Plasma and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance(TBARS) concentrations of all the experimental groups were lower than control group. Red blood cell(RBC) and liver superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities were not generally different among all groups. Liver xanthine oxidase(XOD) activities of all groups were tended to be lower than control group. Proliferation of aplenocytes induced by mitogens, concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide, were increased in TP-2 group. The TP-4 group showed increased CD8 T cells and MHC class II expression without changes in CD4 T cells, B cells and G/M ratio, suggesting activated cytotoxic T cell activity in vivo. Increase of G/M ratio but not of MHC class II in TP-2 group indicated the possible acute inflammatory reaction by the ingested substances in gastrointestinal tract. ME-4 group showed enhanced cellular immunity without vigorous changes of immune parameters in brief periods. In conclusion, both P. tenuipes and C. militaris stimulated antioxidant capacity and immune status in rats. Among groups, water extract of C. militaris was most effective in both capacities, though dried powder of P. tenuipes at 2% dietary level was more effective in antioxidant activity, as various results by different strains were observed.(Korean J Nutrition 34(3) : 271~284, 2001)

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1528-1531
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• 2009

In this study, we investigated a dose-dependent hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from grape seeds. After induction of hyperlipidemia for 4 weeks, rats were supplemented with different dose (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg BW/day) of TRF for 1 week. Oral administration of TRF (50 mg/kg BW/day) decreased the plasma triglyceride (TG, 162.6 mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC, 83.7 mg/dL), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C, 20.3 mg/dL), malondialdehyde contents (MDA, 3.3 nmol/dL), and atherogenic index (AI, 2.0) compare to high-fat diet group. These data suggest that TRF supplementation has significant health benefits through the modulation of physiological functions that include various atherogenic lipid profiles and antioxidative status in hyperlipidemia.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.16-28
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• 2011

Oxidative stress leads to the induction of cellular oxidative damage, which may cause adverse modifications of DNA, proteins, and lipids. The production of reactive species during oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases. Antioxidant defenses can neutralize reactive oxygen species and protect against oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant status and the degree of DNA damage in Korean young adults using glutathione s-transferase (GST) polymorphisms. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were characterized in 245 healthy young adults by smoking status, and their oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes and antioxidant status were assessed by GST genotype. General characteristics were investigated by simple questionnaire. From the blood of the subjects, GST genotypes; degree of DNA damage in lymphocytes; the erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; plasma concentrations of total peroxyl radical-trapping potential (TRAP), vitamin C, ${\alpha}$- and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol, ${\alpha}$- and ${\beta}$-carotene and cryptoxanthin, as well as plasma lipid profiles, conjugated diene (CD), GOT, and GPT were analyzed. Of the 245 subjects studied, 23.2% were GSTM1 wild genotypes and 33.4% were GSTT1 wild genotype. No difference in erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, or glutathione peroxidase, and the plasma TRAP level, CD, GOT, and GPT levels were observed between smokers and non-smokers categorized by GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotype. Plasma levels of ${\alpha}$- and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol increased significantly in smokers with the GSTT1 wild genotype (p < 0.05); however, plasma level of ${\alpha}$-carotene decreased significantly in non-smokers with the GSTM1 wild genotype (p < 0.05). DNA damage assessed by the Comet assay was significantly higher in non-smokers with the GSTM1 genotype; whereas DNA damage was significantly lower in non-smokers with the GSTT1 genotype. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in non-smokers with the GSTT1 genotype than those with the GSTT1 wild genotype (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the GSTM1 genotype or the GSTT1 wild genotype in non-smokers aggravated their antioxidant status through DNA damage of lymphocytes; however, the GSTT1 wild type in non-smokers had normal plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. This finding confirms that GST polymorphisms could be an important determinant of antioxidant status and plasma lipid profiles in non-smoking young adults. Further study is necessary to clarify the antioxidant status and/or lipid profiles of smokers with the GST polymorphism and to conduct a study with significantly more subjects.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.776-782
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• 2023

Silymarin, which is derived from dried Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seeds and fruits, possesses various beneficial properties, such as hepatoprotective, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. This research aimed to explore the antioxidative activity of silymarin against oxidative stress and understand its molecular mechanism in RAW 264.7 cells. The study employed cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation assays and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that silymarin effectively reduced intracellular ROS levels induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a dose-dependent manner without causing any cytotoxic effects. Moreover, silymarin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, a phase II enzyme known for its potent antioxidative activity. Additionally, silymarin treatment significantly induced the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf) 2, a transcription factor responsible for regulating antioxidative enzymes, which was consistent with the upregulated HO-1 expression. To investigate the involvement of key signaling pathways in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis against oxidative stress, the phosphorylation status of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) was estimated by western blot analysis. The results showed that silymarin potently induced HO-1 expression, which was mediated by the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. To further validate the antioxidative potential of silymarin-induced HO-1 expression, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage was employed and attenuated by silymarin treatment, as identified by a selective inhibitor for each signaling molecule. In conclusion, silymarin robustly enhanced antioxidative activity by inducing HO-1 via the Nrf2/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 cells.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 1996

To investigate antioxidant status and platelet antioxidative enzyme activity in patients with ischemic heart disease, 36 male patients admitted to Kyungpook National University Hospital from June to December 1994 were compared to 36 healthy male control subjects. The percentages of heavy smoking and nonexercise were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control, but the drinking status was not significantly different between groups. Food habit and food frequency scores were significantly lower in patients than in control subjects. Plasma retinol levels tended to be lower in the patient group, and plasma $\alpha$-tocopherol and $\beta$-carotene levels were not different between groups. There was no difference in the level of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) and in the activities of platelet glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Our results indicate that oxidative stress, which is reflected by the plasma levels of antioxidants and TBARS, did not increase in the patients with ischemic heart disease, and the long-term effects due to smoking, poor food habit and other life styles could possibly contribute to the onset of the disease.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.583-593
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• 2008

This study was designed to examine the effects of Salicornia herbacea L. (glasswort: GW) on hepatic antioxidative enzyme activities in diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-220g by an injection of streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in a citrate buffer into the tail vein at a dose of 45 mg/kg of body weight. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an AIN-93 recommended diet and the experimental groups were fed a modified diet containing 10% and 20% of glasswort powder for 4 weeks. The experimental groups were divided into 6 groups which consisted of normal (N)-control group, N-GW 10% and N-GW 20% treated groups, STZ-control, STZ-GW 10% and STZ-GW 20% treated groups. The activities of Xanthine oxidase (XOD), glutathione- S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT (CAT) were measured in the homogenates of liver. The activity of CAT was lower in the supplementary group with glasswort compare to the STZcontrol group but it was not significantly different. The activity of SOD was not significant in all of experimental groups. The activity of GR was significantly increased in the normal supplementary group with glasswort, and GPX activity was significantly increased in STZ-GW 10% group compare to the STZ-control group. The activity of XOD was significantly decreased in the all of supplementary groups with glasswort. The activity of GST was significantly increased in the N-GW 20% group and it was significantly decreased in the STZ-GW 20% group. These results show that the supplementation of glasswort may have favorable influence on antioxidative status in diabetic rats and it may be useful for the diabetic complications as functional food.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.610-616
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• 2006

This study was performed to investigate the effect of whole mandarin, peel or pulp intake of Citrus unshiu Marc. on antioxidative capacity and oxidative DNA damage in fifteen-month aged rats. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats $(621.9\;{\pm}\;10.1\;g)$ were blocked into four groups according to their body weights as control group, whole mandarin powder group, mandarin peel powder group and mandarin pulp powder group. Rats were raised with diets containing 5% (w/w) freeze dried mandarin formulations for four weeks. Total polyphenol content and total antioxidant status (TAS) of mandarin formulations were highest in peel powder, followed by whole powder and then pulp powder. The 8-hydroxy2'-deoxyguanosine concentrations of kidney in all mandarin groups were significantly lower than that of control group, and that of mandarin peel group was much lower than whole powder and pulp groups. Plasma TAS levels of all the experimental groups were higher than that of control group, and among mandarin groups, peel group showed higher level than remaining two groups. In conclusion, all the mandarin formulations were effective on antioxidative capacity in fifteen-month aged rats, and the peel was most effective one among three formulations.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.312-319
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate the effect of lecithin on lipid metabolism and antixidative capacity in 9-week-old rats. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 249.8 g were blocked into three groups according to their body weight and raised for 8 weeks with experimental diets containing 1% (LM) or 5% lecithin (LH) and control (C) diet. Plasma and liver total lipids, triglyceride, total cholesterol and plasma HDL-cholesterol concenterations, and fecal total lipids, triglyceride, total cholesterol and bile acid excretions were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma, liver, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in red blood cell and liver, xanthine oxidase (XO) activities in plasma and liver, and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma were also measured. Effect of lecithin intake on antioxidative capacity was not significantly different among all the groups. Plasma total lipids, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were lower in lecithin groups compared to control group, and these three lipid levels of lecithin groups were lowered dose-dependently as dietary lecithin level increased. But liver total lipids, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were not different among all the groups. Also fecal total lipids, triglyceride and total cholesterol excretions were highest in high lecithin groups compared to two other groups. Thus it is plausible that lecithin intake decreases plasma lipid levels through increasing fecal lipid excretions, and may be beneficial for treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia, but has no effect on antioxidative capacity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.237-243
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• 2010

This study was investigated the effect of antioxidative vitamin supplementation ($\beta$-carotene 175 mg, vitamin C 200 mg, vitamin E 33.5 mg) for 12 weeks on antioxidant status and autistic related behaviors in autistic children. The antioxidative vitamin-supplemented children had significantly lower concentrations of toxic mineral, such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in hair, while they had higher concentration of antioxidant minerals (Se, Zn, Fe) in hair. Antioxidant vitamin supplementation for 12 weeks reduced free radical while it increased the hair levels of serotonin compared to the beginning of the study. Additionally, antioxidative vitamin supplementation resulted in significant improvement in social age. These results indicate that the consumption of antioxidative vitamin supplementation for 12 weeks in autistic children may increase plasma antioxidant mineral concentration, resulting in reduced toxic mineral and free radical and improved autistic behavior.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.40-46
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• 2001

Ozone ($O_3$)-induced changes in chlorophyll content and specific activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR) were investigated in two rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) grown under variable nutrient treatments. For this study, two rice cultivars of Ilpumbyeo (IL) and Keumobyeo#l (KM), which were known as resistant and susceptible to $O_3$, respectively, were exposed to $O_3$at 0.15ppm for 30 days and investigated with 10 days interval. The available nutrient regimes were varied by doubling the supply of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) Within a basic fertilizer status (N, P, K; 15, 12, 12kg/l0a$^{-1}$ ). In both cultivars and at all nutrient status, chlorophyll content in $O_3$-treated plants decreased with prolonged treatment period, although higher N, P and K supply with $O_3$ treatment alleviated the decrease in chlorophyll content. The activities of almost all enzymes investigated for this study were decreased during initial stages of $O_3$- exposure except GPX which maintained higher activity throughout the exposure period than the non-treated plant. However, the antioxidant enzymes in $O_3$-treated plants showed almost the same or higher activities on 30 days after $O_3$ - exposure. The most significant changes in activities were observed in GR of the $O_3$-treated leaves. With the prolonged treatment period, the activity of GR at 30 days was increased by 3-8 times compared to those in 10 days. Most of the investigated enzymes showed very similar tendency to $O_3$ treatment in all fertilizer status. There was no observed evidence for enhanced detoxification of $O_3$-derived activated oxygen species in plants grown under higher fertilizer status compared with that in plants grown under basic fertilizer status. The increase in the activities of SOD, APX and GR in rice leaves by relatively long-term treatment with $O_3$ at low concentration is considered to indicate that the plant became adapted to the $O_3$ stress and the protection system increased its capacity to scavenge toxic oxygen species. Our results in two rice cultivars indicated that there was little difference in the activities of antioxidant enzymes between IL and KM, which were known as resistant and susceptible cultivar to $O_3$