• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.113-119
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• 2012

Guinea pigs were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (0.25 g/100 g cholesterol) and randomly allocated either to a Control group (n = 9) or to a Lutein (0.1 g/100 g) group (n = 10) for 12 weeks to evaluate oxidative stress and inflammation in both liver and eyes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and inflammatory cytokines were measured as well as hepatic nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-${\kappa}B$) binding. Lutein concentrations were greater in eyes ($P$ < 0.01) and liver ($P$ < 0.001) in the Lutein group. All guinea pigs had high concentrations of hepatic cholesterol as well as high plasma ALT and AST levels indicative of liver injury. However, the Lutein group had 43% lower hepatic free cholesterol than the Controls ($P$ < 0.05). Hepatic MDA and MDA in the eye were lower in the Lutein compared to the Control group ($P$ < 0.05). Hepatic tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ was 32% lower in the Lutein group ($P$ < 0.05). Lastly, the Lutein group presented lower NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity than the Control group ($P$ < 0.001). These results suggest that in the presence of high cholesterol, lutein exerts both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be explained by attenuated NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity. Furthermore, results also suggest that lutein accumulates in the eyes of guinea pigs to protect against oxidative stress.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.376-383
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• 2015

Background: Panax ginseng has a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory functions. Wild ginseng cambial meristematic cells (CMCs) were obtained from P. ginseng cambium. This study examined the protective mechanism of wild ginseng CMCs against $\small{D}$-galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver injury. GalN, a well-known hepatotoxicant, causes severe hepatocellular inflammatory damage and clinical features similar to those of human viral hepatitis in experimental animals. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats using GalN (700 mg/kg, i.p.). Wild ginseng CMCs was administered orally once a day for 2 wks, and then 2 h prior to and 6 h after GalN injection. Results: Wild ginseng CMCs attenuated the increase in serum aminotransferase activity that occurs 24 h after GalN injection. Wild ginseng CMCs also attenuated the GalN-induced increase in serum tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-6 level, and hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 protein and mRNA expression. Wild ginseng CMCs augmented the increase in serum interleukin -10 and hepatic heme oxygenase-1 protein and mRNA expression that was induced by GalN, inhibited the increase in the nuclear level of nuclear factor-kappa B, and enhanced the increase in NF-E2-related factor 2. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that wild ginseng CMCs protects liver against GalN-induced inflammation by suppressing proinflammatory mediators and enhancing production of anti-inflammatory mediators.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.175-183
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• 2014

Objectives : We tried to uncover the anti-lipogenic effect and underlying mechanism of Laminaria japonica on an experimental cellular model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods : Ethanol extract of Laminaria japonica (LJ) was prepared. Intracellular lipid content of palmitate-treated HepG2 cells was evaluated with or without LJ treatment. We measured the effects of LJ on liver X receptor ${\alpha}$ ($LXR{\alpha}$) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1c (SREBP-1c) expression, transcription level of lipogenic genes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in HepG2 cells. Results : LJ markedly attenuated palmitate-induced intracellular lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. LJ suppressed $LXR{\alpha}$-dependent SREBP-1c activation, and SREBP-1c mediated induction of ACC, FAS, and SCD-1. Furthermore, LJ activated Nrf2, which plays an important cytoprotective role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions : Our study suggests that LJ has the potential to alleviate hepatic lipid accumulation, and this effect was mediated by inhibiting the $LXR{\alpha}$-SREBP-1c pathway that leads to hepatic steatosis. In addition, the anti-lipogenic potential may, at least in part, be associated with activation of Nrf2.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제49권6호
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• pp.420-428
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• 2016

본 연구에서는 Sprague-Dawley 종 흰 쥐 수컷을 정상 대조군 (C), 알코올 군 (E), 알코올 + 100 mg/kgBW 곤드레 에탄올 추출물군 (E+LCS), 알코올 + 500 mg/kgBW 곤드레 에탄올 추출물군 (E+HCS)으로 나누어 Lieber-DeCarli control diet 혹은 Lieber-DeCarli ethanol diet를 8주간 공급하였으며, 이때 곤드레 에탄올 추출물은 액상 사료에 직접 섞어 공급하였다. 알코올과 곤드레 에탄올 추출물의 식이 공급 종료 후 간 조직의 지방구 축적 정도를 살펴본 결과, E+LCS군과 E+HSC군은 E군에 비해 지방간 발생이 유의적으로 억제되었으며, 정상 대조군인 C군과 유의적인 차이가 없었다. 이와 비슷하게, 곤드레 에탄올 추출물의 공급은 알코올에 의해 증가된 간 조직과 혈청의 중성지방 농도를 유의적으로 낮추었으며, 혈청 AST와 혈청 ALT 활성도 정상 대조군 수준으로 회복시키는 것으로 나타났다. 한편, 곤드레 에탄올 추출물의 공급은 p-AMPK과 p-ACC 단백질 수준을 농도 의존적으로 증가시켰으며, 두 단백질 모두 E군에 비해 E+HSC군에서 유의적으로 높게 나타났다. 또한 FAS mRNA와 SCD1 mRNA 수준은 E군에 비해 E+HSC군에서 유의적으로 낮게 나타났다. 곤드레 에탄올 추출물은 간 조직에서 알코올 공급에 의해 증가된 $NF{\kappa}B$의 활성을 유의적으로 낮추었으며, $NF{\kappa}B$의 표적 단백질인 $TNF{\alpha}$ 단백질 수준을 농도의존적으로 낮추었다. 본 연구 결과를 통해 곤드레는 알코올에 의한 지방간 발생 및 관련된 간 손상을 유의적으로 억제할 수 있음을 확인하였으며 이 과정에서 AMPK 활성 증가와 $NF{\kappa}B$ 활성 억제가 관여함을 제시하였다.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.194-204
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• 2011

This study was carried out to compare the histopathological differences of liver lesions in carbon tetrachloride ($CCI_4$), dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), thioacetamide (TAA) and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced rats. $CCl_4$, DMN and TAA were administered intraperitoneally and conducted bile duct ligation for 4 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. Indices of liver cell injury (steatosis, hydropic degeneration, bile duct hyperplasia, hemorrhage & hemosiderin deposition), the extent of liver fibrosis (fibrotic area) and the rate of regeneration (number of PCNA-positive cells) were investigated in each group. Liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), sirius red, prussian blue and immunostained with ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA), transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$), proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and quantified using a computerized image analysis system. Liver cell steatosis was significantly increased in $CCl_4$ and TAA groups, and hydropic degeneration and bile duct hyperplasia were significantly increased in TAA and BDL groups when compared with that in normal control, respectively. Fibrosis area was significantly increased in all four groups, especially in $CCl_4$ group. Correlation between ${\alpha}$-SMA and TGF-${\beta}1$ expressions in four groups was good. Hemorrhage area in liver parenchyma was significantly increased in DMN group only when compared with that in normal control, while hemosiderin deposition area was significantly increased in TAA and BDL groups as well as DMN group. The Number of PCNA-positive cells was significantly increased in all four groups, especially in TAA group. These results indicate that the duration and methods of hepatotoxic drug treatment are very important factors to make plans for animal experimentation on the induction of hepatic fibrogenesis in rats.

• 한국간담췌외과학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.34-41
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• 2024

Backgrounds/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) provides a favorable outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was launched in Vietnam in 2004. In this study, we evaluated the short-term and long-term outcomes of LT and its risk factors. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed HCC patients who underwent LT at Viet Duc University hospital, Vietnam, from 01/2012-03/2022. The following data were gathered: demographics, virus infection, tumor characteristics, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, Child-Pugh and MELD scores, selection criteria, type of LT, complications, 30-day mortality, and disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS). Results: Fifty four patients were included, the mean age was 55.39 ± 8.46 years. Nearly 90% had hepatitis B virus-related HCC. The median (interquartile range) AFP level was 16.2 (88.7) ng/mL. The average MELD score was 10.57 ± 5.95; the rate of Child-Pugh A and B were 70.4% and 18.5%, respectively. Nearly 40% of the patients were within Milan criteria, brain-dead donor was 83.3%. Hepatic and portal vein thrombosis occurred in 0% and 1.9%, respectively; hepatic artery thrombosis 1.9%, biliary leakage 5.6%, and postoperative hemorrhage 3.7%. Ninety-day mortality was 5.6%. Five-year DFS and OS were 79.3% and 81.4%, respectively. MELD score and ChildPugh score were predictive factors for DFS and OS (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh score was the only significant factor (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In Vietnam, LT is an effective therapy for HCC with an acceptable complication rate, mortality rate, and good survival outcomes, and should be further encouraged.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.144-148
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• 2015

Hepatocellular adenomas are a benign, focal, hepatic neoplasm that have been divided into four subtypes according to the genetic and pathological features. The ${\beta}$-catenin activated subtype accounts for 10-15% of all hepatocellular adenomas and specific magnetic resonance imaging features have been defined for different hepatocellular adenomas subtypes. The current study aimed to report the magnetic resonance imaging features of a well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma that developed on the basis of ${\beta}$-catenin activated hepatocellular adenomas in a child. In this case, atypical diffuse steatosis was determined in the lesion. In the literature, diffuse steatosis, which is defined as a feature of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-$1{\alpha}$-inactivated hepatocellular adenomas subtype, has not been previously reported in any ${\beta}$-catenin activated hepatocellular adenomas case. Interlacing magnetic resonance imaging findings between subtypes show that there are still many mysteries about this topic and larger studies are warranted.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제13권6호
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• pp.473-479
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were compared in galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatitic ICR mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male ICR mice (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 groups: normal control, GalN/LPS, luteolin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside groups. The latter two groups were administered luteolin or luteolin-7-O-glucoside (50 mg/kg BW) daily by gavage for 3 weeks after which hepatitis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of GalN and LPS (1 g/kg BW and $10{\mu}g/kg\;BW$, respectively). RESULTS: GalN/LPS produced acute hepatic injury by a sharp increase in serum AST, ALT, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels, increases that were ameliorated in the experimental groups. In addition, markedly increased expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and its transcription factors, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ and activator protein (AP)-1, were also significantly attenuated in the experimental groups. Compared to luteolin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin more potently ameliorated the levels of inflammatory mediators. Phase II enzymes levels and NF-E2 p45-related factor (Nrf)-2 activation that were decreased by GalN/LPS were increased by luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside administration. In addition, compared to luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside acted as a more potent inducer of changes in phase II enzymes. Liver histopathology results were consistent with the mediator and enzyme results. CONCLUSION: Luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside protect against GalN/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity through the regulation of inflammatory mediators and phase II enzymes.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
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• 제46권11호
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• pp.1278-1285
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• 2017

본 연구에서는 부추 추출물(Allium tuberosum, AT) 보충식이(1%, w/w)를 12주간 고지방 식이와 함께 마우스에 제공하였다. Western diet(WD)군의 마우스는 low fat diet(LD)군의 마우스보다 유의적으로 높은 총 콜레스테롤 및 LDL 콜레스테롤 수치를 보였으며, 이는 AT 보충식이에 의하여 유의적으로 감소하였다. 또한, 마우스 간 조직 내 PCSK9 유전자가 AT에 의해 유의적으로 감소하였다. 이를 통해 AT의 PCSK9 억제를 통한 LDL 콜레스테롤 저감 가능성을 확인하였다. HepG2 세포주를 지방 부족 환경으로 만들고 AT를 처리하여 PCSK9과 LDLR, 그리고 관련 단백질 및 유전자의 조절 정도를 평가하였다. 그 결과 독성 없는 농도의 AT는 LDLR 단백질 발현을 농도 의존적으로 증가시켰으며, 특히 $400{\mu}g/mL$의 AT는 PCSK9 단백질 발현을 억제하였다. 유사하게 AT는 LDLR 유전자 발현량을 유의적으로 증가시켰고, PCSK9의 발현량은 유의적으로 감소시켰다. PCSK9의 억제는 SREBP2가 아닌 AT에 의해 유의적으로 감소한 $HNF1{\alpha}$ 전사인자 때문이다. AT에 의한 LDLR 유전자의 SREBP2-independent 한 조절은 추후 연구가 필요하다. 다음으로 PCSK9 억제제인 AT의 LDLR 단백질 degradation 및 단백질 합성 조절을 평가하기 위해 지방 제거 상태의 HepG2 세포에 lysosomal degradation inhibitor인 BA1과 단백질 합성 억제제인 CHX를 처리하여 LDLR 단백질 발현 변화를 관찰하였다. AT($400{\mu}g/mL$)는 LDLR 단백질의 합성 억제를 block 하였고, 이는 LDLR의 lysosomal degradation을 막음으로써 이루어짐을 알 수 있었다. PCSK9 억제는 고콜레스테롤 혈증이나 콜레스테롤 저항성 치료 혹은 예방 소재 개발에서 중요한 타깃이 될 수 있으며, 부추와 같은 PCSK9 억제 활성을 지닌 천연물 혹은 식품 소재의 발굴이 기존의 치료와 병행하여 또는 독립적으로도 쓰일 수 있는 안전한 소재로써 제안될 수 있다. 추후 동물 실험에서 부추 추출물 및 활성 성분의 PCSK9 활성 억제 연구 및 나아가 부추의 PCSK9 억제를 통한 콜레스테롤 저감 효능 임상 연구 등이 제안될 수 있겠다.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.175-187
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of skate cartilage extracts containing chondroitin sulfate (SCS) on hyperlipidemia-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed mice in comparison with the effects of shark cartilage-derived chondroitin sulfate (CS). MATERIALS/METHODS: Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR-KO) mice were fed HCD with an oral administration of CS (50 and 100 mg/kg BW/day), SCS (100 and 200 mg/kg BW/day), or water, respectively, for ten weeks. RESULTS: The administration of CS or SCS reduced the levels of serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL cholesterol and elevated the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CS or SCS significantly attenuated inflammation by reducing the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and hepatic protein expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and IL-1beta (P < 0.05). In particular, the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was reduced only in the 100 mg/kg BW/day of SCS-fed group, whereas the IL-6 level was reduced in the 100 and 200 mg/kg BW/day of SCS-fed groups (P < 0.05). In addition, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production were attenuated in the livers of the CS and SCS groups mediated by the upregulation of hepatic proteins of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the biological effects of SCS, similar to those of CS, are attributed to improved lipid profiles as well as suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress induced by the intake of HCD.