• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1675-1686
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• 2016

We characterized the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus helveticus strains KII13 and KHI1 isolated from fermented cow milk by in vitro and in vivo studies. The strains exhibited tolerance to simulated orogastrointestinal condition, adherence to Caco-2 cells, and antimicrobial activity. Both L. helveticus strains produced bioactive tripeptides, isoleucylprolyl-proline and valyl-prolyl-proline, during fermentation of milk. KII13 showed higher in vitro cholesterol-lowering activity (47%) compared with KHI1 (28%) and L. helveticus ATCC 15009 (22%), and hence, it was selected for in vivo study of cholesterol-lowering activity in atherogenic diet-fed hypercholesterolemic mice. For the study, mice were divided into four groups (viz., normal diet control group, atherogenic diet control group (HCD), KII13-atherogenic diet group (HCD-KII13), and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121-atherogenic diet group (HCD-L.ac) as positive control). The serum total cholesterol level was significantly decreased by 8.6% and 7.78% in the HCD-KII13 and HCD-L.ac groups (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with the HCD group. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in both HCD-KII13 and HCD-L.ac groups were decreased by 13% and 11%, respectively, compared with the HCD group (both, p < 0.05). Analysis of cholesterol metabolism-related gene expression in mice liver showed increased expression of LDLR and SREBF2 genes in mice fed with KII13. By comparing all the results, we conclude that L. helveticus KII13 could be used as a potential probiotic strain to produce antihypertensive peptides and reduce serum cholesterol.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2016

This study was performed to investigate the cholesterol-lowering effect of liquid extract from Leonurus sibiricus Linne (LS). SD rats were fed atherogenic diet for 6 weeks. During the experimental period, LS liquid extract (3 g/kg and 6 g/kg) was orally given to the rats. The liver weight and levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum were significantly increased in rats fed with atherogenic diets. Oral treatment of LS liquid extract to the rats fed atherogenic diet significantly reduced the liver weights and significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. The level of serum HDL-cholesterol was significantly increased at a high dose group compared with rats fed normal diet chow. These results indicate that LS liquid extract has the potential to restore altered lipid profiles induced by cholesterol rich diets and prevent the development of atheroclerosis.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.962-969
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• 2005

Effects of 5 and 10% dietary supplement tablets containing green tea, buckwheat, and grape leaf extracts on atherosclerosis, and plasma and hepatic lipid compositions in hamsters fed antherogenic diet [modified AIN-76A containing 10% coconut oil (w/w), 0.05% cholesterol] were examined. Compared to atherogenic diet only groups, addition of supplement to atherogenic diet-fed group significantly down-regulated triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in plasma and liver. F1B hamsters fed atherogenic diet had greater foam cell accumulation compared to control and those fed atherogenic diet with addition of supplement. Lipid metabolisms of plasma and liver increased with addition of supplement dose-dependently, whereas aortic lipid accumulation decreased. These results indicate tablets supplemented with green tea, buckwheat, and grape leaf extracts have potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases in golden Syrian hamsters.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.363-371
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of caffeine on lipid concentrations in ovariectomized rats. Forty-four rats (75${\pm}$5 g) were randomly divided into ovariectomy(ovx) and sham groups, each of which were randomly divided into two subgroups that were fed the control diet or a caffeine-supplemented diet (0.03%/diet). The experimental groups were classified into 1) sham-control, 2) sham-caffeine, 3) ovx-control and 4) ovx-caffeine groups. All rats had been fed on experimental diet and deionized water ad libitum for 6 weeks. Triglyceride concentration and total cholesterol were measured in serum and liver. Serum HDL-cholesterol was measured. Serum LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index were calculated. Weight gain and food efficiency ratio were higher in ovx groups than in sham groups (p<0.05). Caffeine intake did not affect weight gain and food efficiency ratio. Mean food intake was significantly increased in ovx-caffeine group than other three groups. There were no significant differences in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index between the control diet group and caffeine diet group. In addition, hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol level was unaffected by caffeine intake or ovariectomy. Therefore, we suggest that caffeine (0.03%/diet) intake may not have adverse effects on serum lipid level in ovariectomized rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.204-210
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• 2000

The antioxidative effects of solvent fractions of kimchi on LDL oxidatiojn in vitro as well as hypolipidemic effects of these fractions in rabbit fed atherogenic diet were studied. Methanol extract of deffated kimchi was fractionated sequentially with dichloromethane, ethylacetate, butanol and water. All solvent fractions of kimchi inhibited Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation. Among these fractions, the dicholoromethane fraction at the concentration of 25$\mu\textrm{g}$/mL showed the highest antioxidant effects against LDL oxidation in the aspect of inhibiting TBARS production by 28.03% or prolonged lag phase duration 2-fold compared to those of control. Based on the results from in vitro study, New Zealand White Rabbits grouped six each were fed for 8 weeks either basal diet containing 1% cholesterol or experimental diet containing dichloromethane, ethylacetate or water fraciton added to the basal diet. The amount of solvent fraction of kimchi added to the experimental diet was equivalent to 5% of freeze-dried kimchi. The hypolipidemic effects was observed from all experimental gropus, especially from dichloromethane fraction added group. The plasma and LDL cholesterol levels of this group were decreased by 49% and 47%, respectively while that of HDL increased by 91% compared to those of control. The calculated atherogenic index for the dichloromethane group was the lowest among groups. However, TG lowering effect of experimental group was not observed since solbent fraction of kimchi was used instead of freeze-dried kimchi. The TBARS concentration of LDL isolated from rabbit fed dichloromethane fraction was decreased 21% than that of control. These results indicate that active principles responsible for inhibiting LDL oxidation and lowering plasma cholesterol may present abundantly in dichloromethane fraction of kimchi.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.821-826
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• 2004

The effects of the fruiting body of Agaricus blazei Murill on the weight gains, food intakes, food efficiency ratios, serum and hepatic lipids concentrations were investigated in male rats. Sprague-Dawley rats, 21 weeks old, were given four different types of diets for a succeeding period of 10 weeks: either a normal diet (5% corn oil), a high fat diet (high fat; 20% lard), a 3% or 5% Agaricus diet (high fat diet+3% or 5% Agaricus powder). The body weight gains and food efficiency ratios of the rats fed 5% Agaricus diet were significantly lower than those of the rats fed high fat diet. The hepatic and kidney weights of the rats fed Agaricus diets were similar to those of the rats fed high fat diet. The epididymal fat pad weights of the rats fed 3% or 5% Agaricus diets were significantly lower than those of the rats fed high fat diet. The concentrations of hepatic and serum triglyceride in the rats fed 5% Agaricus diet were significantly lower than those in the rats fed high fat diet. But the hepatic total cholesterol of rats fed the 3% or 5% Agaricus diets were similar to those of rats fed the high fat diet. The concentrations of serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index in rats fed the 3% or 5% Agaricus diets were significantly decreased compared with those of rats fed the high fat diet. The HDL-cholesterol/total- cholesterol ratios of the rat fed 3% or 5% Agaricus diet were significantly increased compared with those of rats fed the high fat diet. There were no differences in serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and phospholipid among the experimental groups. These results showed that the 5% Agaricus diet feeding decreased the total cholesterol, the triglyceride, the LDL-cholesterol and the atherogenic index, and increased the HDL-cholesterol/total-cholesterol ratio in serum of rats.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.531-536
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• 2004

The effects of liquid culture of Agaricus blazei Murill on the weight gains, serum and hepatic lipid concentrations were studied in male rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (7 weeks old) were given four different types of diets for 6 weeks, respectively: a normal diet group, a high fat control diet group (normal diet+15% lard +0.5% cholesterol), a 30% or 40% A. blazei diet groups (high fat control diet+30% or 40% A. blazei in water) according to the levels of A. blazei supplementation. The body weight gains, food intake, food efficiency ratios, and the liver, kidney, and epididymal fat pad weights of the rats fed 30% or 40% A. blazei diets were similar to those of the rats fed high fat control diet. The concentrations of serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index in rats fed the 30% or 40% A. blazei diets were significantly decreased compared with those of rats fed the high fat control diet. The HDL-cholesterol/total-cholesterol ratios of the rats fed 30% or 40% A. blazei diet were significantly increased compared with those of rats fed the high fat control diet. The fecal excretion of total lipid . in the rats fed 40% A. blazei diet was significantly increased compared with those of rats fed the high fat control diet. The concentrations of serum total lipid in the rats fed 40% A. blazei diet was significantly lower than that in the rats fed high fat control diet. But the concentrations of serum HDL-cholesterol, hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride of rats fed the 30 or 40% A. blazei diets were similar to those of rats fed the high fat control diet. These results showed that the 30 or 40% A. blazei diets feeding decreased the total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index, and increased the HDL-cholesterol/total-cholesterol ratio in serum of rats.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.105-118
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• 2001

Objectives : The prescription of Semyung-Gangji-tang, designed for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, consists of herbs good for treating blood stasis and phlegm stagnancy. It invigorates the liver, kidneys and spleen. Its medical nature is not too cold or too hot and increases human vital energy. The purpose of this study is to examine the curative effects of Semyung-Gangji-tang on atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Methods : Twenty-four male NZW rabbits, around 2kg of body weight, were divided into 4 groups. Group I served as the normal group. Group II served as the atherogenic model group, fed a 1 % cholesterol diet for 8 weeks and sacrificed. Group III served as the atherogenic control group, fed with a 1 % cholesterol diet for 8 weeks and with a normal diet for the next 4 weeks. Group IV served as the treatment group treated the same as the control group and medicated with Semyung-Gangji-tang for the last 4 weeks. Three animals of group I and six animals of group n were sacrificed at 8 weeks. Five animals of group I , five animals of group III and IV were sacrificed at 12 weeks. Pathological examinations and image analysis were performed on the collected tissue samples. Results : The percentage of lipid deposition area of thoracic aortas of group IV($41.74{\pm}8.93%$) at 12 weeks was decreased compared with the group III ($71.30{\pm}12.74%$) at 12 weeks, but a statistical difference was not observed. The percentage of group IV at 12 weeks was significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared with the group n ($76.41{\pm}7.43%$) at 8 weeks. Histopathologically, advanced atheromas with calcification of aortic arches were observed in all animals of the control group at 12 weeks, but were observed in 2 animals of the treatment group at 12 weeks. Histopathologically, atheromas with calcification of thoracic aortas were observed with major atherogenic lesions in control group at 12 weeks, but simple fibro-fatty streaks were observed major atherogenic lesions in treatment group at 12 weeks. Conclusions : These results indicate that Semyung-Gangji-tang has antiatherogenic effects on experimentally induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.626-631
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• 2005

The effects of Pleurotus (P.) eryngii on the weight gains, food efficiency ratios, serum and hepatic lipid concentrations were investigated in male rats fed the high fat diets. Twenty one week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were given three different types of diet for 10 weeks, respectively: a control diet (high fat; $20\%$ lard), two kinds of P. eryngii diet supplemented with $3\%\;or\;5\%$ of dry P. eryngii powder in substitutes for the same amounts of cellulose in the control diets. The body weight gains and food efficiency ratios of the rats fed $3\%\;and\;5\%$ P. eryngii diets were significantly lower than those of the rats fed the control diet. The concentrations of hepatic total lipid and triglyceride in the rats fed the P. eryngii diets were significantly lower than those in the rats fed the control diet. But the hepatic cholesterol contents of the rats fed the P. eryngii diets were similar to those of the rats fed the control diet. The concentrations in serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and atherogenic index ratios were significantly lower in the rats fed the P. eryngii diets compared to those fed the control diet. The HDL-cholesterol/total- cholesterol ratio was significantly higher in the rats fed the P. eryngii diets compared to those fed the control diet. There were no significant difference found in the serum triglyceride, phospholipid and HDL-cholesterol concentrations among the experimental groups. These results showed that feeding of P. eryngii powder feeding decreased the total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index and increased the HDL-cholesterol/total-cholesterol ratio in serum of the rats fed high fat diet.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.157-162
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the ethanol extract of Cynanchum wilfordii (ECW) on the blood lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic rats. Thirty 7-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were allowed free access to either a normal diet (AIN-93 diet), or 1% high-cholesterol diet with or without 0.5% or 1% ECW for 5 weeks. After sacrifice, the rat serum lipid profile was analyzed. The diets containing ECW decreased body weight gains compared to the normal diet. Serum HDL-cholesterol levels of ECW-fed groups were significantly increased in the hypercholesterolemic groups and normal groups (P<0.05). When 1% ECW was fed to the normal group, total cholesterol level was increased. Moreover, treatment of ECW in hypercholesterolemic groups yielded a dose-dependent and highly significant decrease in the atherogenic index as compared to the control. These results suggest that intake of Cynanchum wilfordii may help reduce the risks of hypercholesterolemia by increasing blood HDL-cholesterol and lowering the atherogenic index.