• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.163-173
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and metabolic determinants of circulating soluble leptin receptor (CSLR) and free leptin index (FLI) in pre-pubertal obese male children. Methods: We conducted a preliminary cross-sectional study at three tertiary hospitals and one public primary school. Eighty obese male children without growth and developmental abnormalities aged 5-9 years were recruited. In these children, obesity was solely caused by excessive food intake, and not by acute illness, medications, endocrine abnormalities, or any syndrome. Body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, carbohydrate intake, fat intake, high density lipoprotein cholesterol level, low density lipoprotein cholesterol level, triglyceride level, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance are the potential determinants for leptin regulation, which is represented by CSLR level and FLI. Results: Carbohydrate was the main source of energy. BMI and body fat mass had negative weak correlation with CSLR and positive weak correlation with FLI. Furthermore, carbohydrate intake was found to be independently associated with CSLR based on the results of the multiple linear regression analysis. Following an increase in carbohydrate intake, CSLR level decreased progressively without any negative peak. Conclusion: Leptin regulation in prepubertal obese male children is associated with body composition and dietary intake. Carbohydrate intake is useful for predicting CSLR. Lipid profiles and insulin resistance are not related to both CSLR and FLI. Treatment and prevention of leptin resistance in obese children should focus on reducing BMI, fat mass, and carbohydrate intake.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.631-649
• /
• 2010

Objective : The object of this study was to observe the effects of aqueous extracts of Chunglijagam-tang(CLJGT), which has traditionally been used in Korean medicine for treating various diseases, on streptozotocin(STZ)-induced rat diabetes and related complications: diabetic nephropathy, hepatopathy and hyperlipemia. Methods : CLJGT extracts were orally administered once a day for 28 days at a dosage 50, 100 and 200mg/kg from 21 days after STZ treatment, and the changes on body weights, blood glucose levels, kidney and liver weights, serum BUN(blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, AST(aspartate transaminase), ALT(alanine aminotransferase), HDL(high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed with pancreatic malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione(GSH) contents. The results were compared with silymarin 100mg/kg. Results : Significant decrease of blood glucose levels, kidney and liver weights, serum BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, LDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, pancreatic malondialdehyde contents and significant increase of body weights, serum HDL levels, pancreatic glutathione contents were detected in CLJGT extracts 50, 100 and 200mg/kg administered groups as compared to the STZ control group. Conclusion : CLJGT extracts showed favorable effects on the STZ-induced diabetes and related complications mediated by their antioxidant effects as similar to silymarin. Therefore, it is expected that DBEH has potential for use in the management of diabetes and various diabetic complications.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.162-168
• /
• 2012

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for metabolic syndromes. We examined whether vitamin D deficiency altered the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older Koreans. Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV 2008-2009 was used to examine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the prevalence of CVD in a representative population-based sample of 5,559 men and women aged ${\geq}50$ years. CVD was defined as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The prevalence of CVD (7.0%) in the older Korean population was lower than that in the older US population, although average serum 25(OH)D levels were much lower in the Korean population. Additionally, serum 25(OH)D levels did not differ significantly between the CVD and non-CVD groups. However, subjects in the lowest category (< 25 nmol/l) of serum 25(OH)D level had the greatest prevalence of CVD, about two-fold higher than subjects in the highest category (> 75 nmol/l), after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, education level, residence location, and region. The prevalence of other risk factors for CVD, including higher waist circumference, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, was also higher among subjects in the lowest category than among those in the highest category. In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D may be an independent risk factor for CVD in older Koreans.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.117-122
• /
• 2011

We investigated the effect of Orostachys japonicus extracts on serum lipids, leptin and insulin level in hyperlipidemic rats. Also, diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were assessed. Inhibitory effect of DGAT related to triglyceride synthesis emerged approximately 96% in EtOAc fraction and showed 90% and 67%, respectively, in CHCl3 and BuOH fractions. Furthermore, the EtOAc and BuOH fractions inhibited 81% and 77%, respectively, in glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase (GPAT). Hyperlipidemia and obesity marker, contents of leptin and insulin on serum of hyperlipidemic rats, decreased 50% and 25%, respectively, compared with control group in treated EtOAc fraction. The oxidative stress marker, a concentration of TBARS, showed decrease of approximately 30% in treated EtOAc fraction. Moreover, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol contents on serum of rats fed a hyperlipidemic diet were increased 10% and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol decreased 50% as well as triglyceride amount of feces multiplied approximately two times more than control group in treated EtOAc fraction. The data suggest that the fractions of O. japonicus may be a potent biomaterial for treatment of hyperlipidemia or obesity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.15-20
• /
• 2014

Objective: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have some adverse effects on the serum lipid profile. Because hyperlipidemia is one of the risk factors in cardiovascular diseases, lipid abnormalities should be evaluated in women consuming COCs. Vitamins E and C are known to have beneficial effects on serum lipid profiles. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of vitamins E and C on serum lipids in women using COCs. Methods: The study compared changes in lipid parameters with and without vitamin therapy in women consuming COCs compared to those of a control group (40 non-contraceptive users or NCU) for 4 weeks. Total cholesterol and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels along with HDL/LDL ratios were measured for all participants. Results: COC users experienced significantly higher increases in the levels of triglycerides and LDL than non-users (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were noted in the total cholesterol and HDL levels. In the treated COC group receiving vitamins E and C, the HDL level and the HDL/LDL ratio increased and the LDL and triglycerides levels decreased significantly compared with those of the other groups. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that supplementation with antioxidant vitamins E and C restores a normal lipid profile in COC users.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.99-112
• /
• 2002

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of oral vitamin C supplements on blood sugar and serum lipid level(total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein) in non-insulin independent diabetes mellitus. The study design was a non equivalent control group pre-test post-test design. Data for the study were collected from June 24 to August 31, 2001. The ninty-five research subject were assigned to experimental group(51) and control group(44). Vitamin C(3g/day) was given to 51 subjects for 4 weeks. Following a 12h overnight fasting, blood sample was obstaind at baseline and at the end of 4week - supplementation. Blood samples were taken for plasma vitamin C concentration, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and serum lipid level. The pre-equivalent test was used by Chi-squre, t-test and two group's pre and post experimental differences were analyzed by t-tset to compare with each other. The results of this study were as follows ; 1. The difference between the two groups in plasma vitamin C concentration was significant(t=-12.950, p=.000). 2. The difference between the two groups in fasting blood sugar was significant(t=5.293, p=.000). 3. The difference between the two groups in HbA1c was not significant(t=1.758, p=.082). 4. The difference between the two groups in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL was significant(t=3.786, p=.000 ; t=-5.515, p=.000 ; t= 4.169, p = .000). These results suggest that megadose vitamin C supplementation be effective in lowering fasting blood sugar, serum lipids and increasing plasma vitamin C. Thus dietary measures to increase plasma vitamin C may be on important health strategy for reducing the compliance of diabetic patients.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.127-132
• /
• 2021

Background: Obesity and dental caries have common risk factors such as food intake, eating habits, and lifestyle. Nevertheless, there has been no consensus on the significant association between obesity and dental caries, and additional studies are needed. We investigated the relationship between obesity and dental caries in some college students in this pilot study. Methods: Forty-two obese college students (body mass index [BMI]≥25) registered at a University Obesity Clinic and 19 normal students (18.5≤BMI<25) were recruited. Oral examinations were conducted, and anthropometric data and blood samples were collected. The blood concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride were also measured. After controlling for dental plaque index, a univariate analysis of dental caries indicators related to obesity was performed; partial correlation analysis was also conducted. A nonparametric test was used for the analysis of gender-related trends due to the limited number of participants. Results: The obese group had significantly fewer missing teeth (p=0.014), missing surfaces (p=0.035), filled surfaces (p=0.038), and decayed-missing-filled surfaces (p=0.020) than the normal group. There was no difference between the males in the normal and obese groups. The females in the obese group had significantly fewer missing teeth (p=0.003), missing surfaces (p=0.003), and decayed-missing-filled surfaces (p=0.046). Partial correlation analysis showed a weak negative correlation (r=-0.256) between the blood LDL concentration and decayed-missing-filled teeth. The other obesity and dental caries indicators were not correlated. Conclusion:The blood cholesterol concentration had a negative relationship with dental caries, and there were fewer cases of dental caries in the obese group in this study. However, it is important to clarify the relationship between obesity and dental caries through a dietary survey or additional investigations considering other confounding factors.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
• /
• v.27 no.10
• /
• pp.195-202
• /
• 2022

This study explored the effects of Tai Chi on cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk factors among the Korean elderly. 68 elderly were selected and divided into two groups: an experiment group(34 patients) and a control group(34 patients). The experimental group practiced Tai Chi for 60 minutes a day, five times per week for 6 weeks total. The control group continued their routine levels of activity. CVD risk factors evaluated in both groups including body mass index, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C). Each factor was measured before and after the 6-week intervention. Results showed that the experimental group had a significant decrease in measurements of body mass index, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, and LDL-C levels. The experimental group also had an increase HDL-C level. Based on such findings, we believe that Tai Chi exercise program would function as an effective intervention strategy for preventing CVD in the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended that health and medical service personnel should seek to apply Tai Chi intervention as a daily component of elderly care.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.28 no.5
• /
• pp.404-413
• /
• 2023

Objectives: This study compared serum lipid concentration according to drinking habits. Methods: We analyzed data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII). The study included 8,525 adults (3,651 males and 4,874 females), aged 30 - 59 years. Results: There were differences in age, gender, education level, smoking status, physical activity, and waist circumference between drinkers and abstainers. The serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level of the drinkers was lower than those of the abstainers (P < 0.05). The serum triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were highest in the group that consumed alcohol 'more than twice a week' relative to the other groups (P < 0.001). The LDL-C and atherogenic index (AI) levels were lowest in the 'more than twice a week' drinking group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). The serum TG and HDL-C concentrations were the highest in the '7 glasses/time' group (P < 0.001). The serum LDL-C concentration was the lowest in the '7 glasses/time' group (P < 0.001). Notably, the higher the frequency of binge drinking (7 glasses or more), the higher the concentration of TG (P < 0.001). The serum HDL-C concentration was significantly higher in the 'no binge' and 'more than once a week' groups compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). The serum LDL-C concentration and AI score were the lowest in the 'more than once a week' group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: As the quantity and frequency of drinking increased, the serum TC concentration increased. Moreover, an increase in the serum HDL-C concentration led to a decrease in AI. The factors exacerbating cardiovascular disease increased simultaneously due to drinking. Our results suggest that for individuals with hypertriglyceridemia and patients with low HDL-cholesterolemia, separate guidelines based on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption are warranted.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.146-153
• /
• 2024

The LEPR (leptin receptor) genotype is associated with obesity. Gut microbiome composition differs between obese and non-obese adults. However, the impact of LEPR genotype on gut microbiome composition in humans has not yet been studied. In this study, the association between LEPR single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1173100, rs1137101, and rs790419) and the gut microbiome composition in 65 non-obese Korean adults was investigated. Leptin, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were also measured in all participants. Mean ± SD (standard deviation) of age, body mass index, and leptin hormone levels of participants was 35.2 ± 8.1 years, 21.4 ± 1.8 kg/m², and 7989.1 ± 6687.4 pg/mL, respectively. Gut microbiome analysis was performed at the phylum level by 16S rRNA sequencing. Among the 11 phyla detected, only one showed significantly different relative abundances between LEPR genotypes. The relative abundance of Candidatus Saccharibacteria was higher in the G/A genotype group than in the G/G genotype group for the rs1137101 single nucleotide polymorphism (p=0.0322). Participant characteristics, including body mass index, leptin levels, and other lipid levels, were similar between the rs1137101 G/G and G/A genotypes. In addition, the relative abundances of Fusobacteria and Tenericutes showed significant positive relationship with plasma leptin concentrations (p=0.0036 and p=0.0000, respectively). In conclusion, LEPR genotype and gut microbiome may be associated even in normal-weight Korean adults. However, further studies with a greater number of obese adults are needed to confirm whether LEPR genotype is related to gut microbiome composition.