• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.67-80
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• 2017

Cholesterol is a vital component of the human body. It stabilizes cell membranes and is the precursor of bile acids, vitamin D and steroid hormones. However, cholesterol accumulation in the bloodstream (hypercholesterolemia) can cause atherosclerotic plaques within artery walls, leading to heart attacks and strokes. The efficiency of cholesterol absorption in the small intestine is of great interest because human and animal studies have linked cholesterol absorption with plasma concentration of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Cholesterol absorption is highly regulated and influenced by particular compounds in the food supply. Therefore, it is desirable to learn more about natural food components that inhibit cholesterol absorption so that food ingredients and dietary supplements can be developed for consumers who wish to manage their plasma cholesterol levels by non-pharmacological means. Food components thus far identified as inhibitors of cholesterol absorption include phytosterols, soluble fibers, phospholipids, and stearic acid.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.193-203
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• 2000

Objectives : Hindered barrier function of vascular endothelium has been implicated in the initiation and progression of degenerative vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. In this study, the effect of Sunghyangchungisan(SHCS) as a protectant against oxidant-induced destruction of endothelial barrier function was assessed. Methods : Toward this end, endothelial cells derived from the human umbilical vein were cultured as monolayers on permeable membrane filters. Endothelial permeability was monitored by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance and movement of low density lipoprotein (LDL) across the endothelial monolayer. Results : Along with increased movement of LDL, $H_2O_2$-induced increase in endothelial permeability was paralleled by a decrease in transendotheliaI electrical resistance. The effect of $H_2O_2$ was mimicked by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a potent activator of proteinkinase C. Calphostin-C, a protein kinase C inhibitor, effectively blocked the increase in endothelial permeability induced by $H_2O_2$ or PMA, indicating that activation of protein kinase C is associated with the $H_2O_2-induced$ permeability change. SHCS effectively protected the endothelial monolayer against $H_2O_2-induced$ increase in permeability, whereas, it did not affect PMA-induced change. Forskolin, a potent activator of adenylyl cyclase, antagonized $H_2O_2$ to increase endothelial permeability. In addition, in ${H_2O_2}-treated$ cens, intracenular cAMP concentration was significantly decreased, indicating that impaired cAMP production as well as activation of proteinkinase C is a mechanism underlying ${H_2O_2}>-induced$$H_2O_2$ with regard to its effect on intracellular cAMP content. However, SHCS itself did not affect resting cAMP concentration in endothelial cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that SHCS might operate as an effective protectant against oxidant-induced destruction of endothelial barrier function. The mechanism does not appear to involve direct interaction with protein kinase C- or cAMP-associated signaling mechanism.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.965-974
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• 2017

The single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a promising molecule for its potential use in the diagnosis and immunotherapy of atherosclerosis. Producing this scFv in several milligram amounts could be the starting point for further engineering and application of the scFv. In this study, the abundant expression of the anti-LOX-1 scFv was attempted using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Brevibacillus choshinensis (B. choshinensis). The scFv had limited soluble yield in E. coli, but it was efficiently secreted by B. choshinensis. The optimized fermentation was determined using the Plackett-Burman screening design and response surface methodology, under which the yield reached up to 1.5 g/l in a 5-L fermentor. Moreover, the properties of the scFvs obtained from the two expression systems were different. The antigen affinity, transition temperature, and particle diameter size were 1.01E-07 M, $55.2{\pm}0.3^{\circ}C$, and 9.388 nm for the scFv expressed by B. choshinensis, and 4.53E-07 M, $52.5{\pm}0.3^{\circ}C$, and 13.54 nm for the scFv expressed by E. coli. This study established an efficient scale-up production methodology for the anti-LOX-1 scFv, which will boost its use in LOX-1-based therapy.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.873-881
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• 2000

Recent research reported health risks associate with high carbohydrates diets. Objectives of this study were to evaluate in a cross-sectional study if high carbohydrate diet is associated with coronary heart disease(CHD) risk factors: examined blood concnetration of triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure(BP), body mas index(BMI), wasit-hip ratio(WHR) and waist-stature ratio(WSR). Using the most recent US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(IIINHANES III) data, the nationally representative US population (3772 men, 4095 women of 25-64 years of age) was divided into low vs. high carbohydrate diet groups(below 40% vs. above 60% energy intake from cab carbohydrates) and compared by the CHD risk factors. Triglyceride was higher(p<0.001) in the high carbohydrate group, whereas high density-lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)was lower(p<0.01) in the high carbohydrate diet group. In plasma glucose, there was no significant differences between high carbohydrate diet and low carbohydrate diet. In adiposity(BMI, WHR and WSR), it also showed no significant differences, After adjustment for age, ethnicity, alcohol and smoking in upper 60%-carbohydrate diet, Odds Ratio of TG and HDL-C were 1.42 and 1.23 in men and 1.22 and 1.17 in women. 50-60% carbohydrate diet was associated with decreased risk of CHD. Dietary guidelines for Koreans recommend 60-70% of total energy from carbohydrate, as Koreans traditionally consumed high carbohydrate diets. In a cross-sectional population of adults, diets containing 55-60% energy from carbohydrate were suggested as a dietary guideline of carbohydrate intake for Koreans. (Korean J Nutrition 33(8) : 873-881, 2000)

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17
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• pp.289-292
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• 2001

Gene targeting allows precise, predetermined changes to be made in a chosen gene in the mouse genome. To date, targeting has been used most often for generation of animals completely lacking the product of a gene of interest. Models of essential hypertension have been produced by mutated genes relating renin angiotensin system. The most significant contribution to understanding the genetic etiology of essential hypertension is probably the demonstration that discrete alterations in the expression of a variety of different genes can individually cause changes in the blood pressures of mice, even when the mice have all their compensatory mechanisms intact. These effects are readily detected in animals having moderate decreases in gene function due to heterozygosity for gene disruptions or modest increases due to gene duplication. As a species the mouse is highly resistant to atherosclerosis. However. through induced mutations it has been possible to develop lines oj mice that are deficient in apolipoprotein E, a ligand important in lipoprotein clearance, develop atherosclerotic lesions resembling those observed in humans. The atherosclerotic lesions in apoE-deficient mice have been well characterized, and they resemble human lesions in their sites of predilection and progression to the fibroproliferative stage. Other promising models are mice that are deficient in the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Considerable work still remains to be done in dissecting out in a rigorous manner the effects of alterations in single genes on the induction or progression of atherosclerosis and on the control of blood pressures. Perhaps even more exciting is the opportunity now becoming available to breed animals in which the effects oj precise differences in more than one gene can be studied in combination.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.164-169
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• 2020

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease in which plaque builds up inside of an artery and can lead to various complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and thrombosis. Recently, hypertriglyceridemia has attracted significant attention as contributors to development of atherosclerosis. However, molecular mechanism of its contribution to atherosclerosis is poorly understood. Here we proposed a potential link between triglyceride (TG) and atherosclerosis. TG treatment promoted downregulation of certain scavenger receptor, macrophage scavenger receptor-1 (MSR-1) in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-derived human macrophages. TG treatment caused reduction of MSR-1 mRNA expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Using chemical inhibitors, we found that inhibition of signaling pathways associated with PI3K and PLC enhances TG-induced reduction of MSR-1 expression in THP-1 macrophages implying that PI3K and PLC is implicated in the expression of MSR-1 in macrophages. Since MSR-1 is associated with uptake and clearance of atherogenic lipoprotein, oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxi-LDL), our data suggest that increase of oxi-LDL due to TG-mediated reduction of its receptor MSR-1 can promote atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.109-116
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• 2007

Korean red ginseng has broad efficacious effects against hypertension, diabetes, nociception, and cancer, and it counteracts weakness. It has been reported that Korean red ginseng is able to normalize blood pressure, improve cholesterol and lower blood glucose levels. We have recently reported that Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) significantly prevented rat carotid arterial thrombosis in vivo, and inhibited platelet aggregation ex vivo and in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KRGE on blood circulation in human by measuring ex vivo platelet aggregation, plasma coagulation and serum lipid profiles in healthy volunteers. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups (placebo-group, KRGE-low dose group, KRGE-high dose group). Administration of KRGE to subjects significantly inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregations both in KRGE-low dose group from $72.79{\pm}20.53$ to $62.00{\pm}23.06%$ (p=0.0009), and in KRGE-high dose group from $75.14{\pm}21.86$ to $64.52{\pm}24.72%$ (p=0.0039), respectively. Administration of KRGE to subjects also significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregations both in KRGE-low dose group from $85.52{\pm}12.57$ to $79.62{\pm}20.47%$ (p=0.0916), and in KRGE-high dose group from $80.24{\pm}18.11$ to $70.31{\pm}25.93%$ (p=0.0565), respectively. Whereas, KRGE has no significant effects on coagulation system, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and serum lipid profiles, such as total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. KRGE also has no significant effects on hematological and serum biochemical profiles. These results suggest that KRGE has a potential to improve blood circulation through antiplatelet activity in human, and KRGE intake may be beneficial for the individuals with high risks of thrombotic and cardiovascular diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.402-408
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• 1994

Human plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the major factor of coronary heart disease.But recent studies suggest the normal LDL can be realdily oxidized by oxygen free radicals and not interact with LDL receptors.Lipoprotei particles consist of lipid and protein, and fatty acids are prone to oxidatioin.The fatty acid compositions of LDL from Koreans was compared with that of Westerners.From the results, the raio of unsaturated fatty acids of korean and Westerner approximately 30 and 70%, respectively.which means Westerners are more labile in the lipid oxidation of LDL than Koreams.Normal LDL was incubated with $CuSO_4$ in PBS to lead for the peroxidation of LDL, and it was tested by the detection of TBARS and free radicals.Then, ascorbate, ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ and hyaluronic acid were found to have effects of antioxidants on LDL oxidation.The amount of free radical increased as the extent of oxidation increased.The time course of free radical formation was similar to TBARS.Therefore, determination of free radical by Luminometer was much more convenient than that of TBARS.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.89-104
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was undertaken to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract of Chilgitang herb-acupuncture solution (CHAS). Methods : The radical scavenging capacity was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system, DCFH-DA assay, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite generating system. In addition, antioxidant activity on copper and AAPH mediated human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation was measured by using TBARS assay and relative electrophoretic mobility assay. The amount of total phenolic compounds was assayed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Results : CHAS revealed a potent scavenging activity on DPPH radical(82%), superoxide anions(73%), hydroxyl radical(63%), nitric oxide (99%) and peroxynitrite (99%). Moreover, CHAS showed a strong inhibitory effect (59%) on $FeCl_2$-ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenate. CHAS also markedly inhibited copper(81%) and AAPH(56%)-mediated LDL oxidation, and effectively suppressed the electrophoretic mobility during exposure of human LDL to copper ions. CHAS (82 mg/g) contained higher concentration of total phenolic compounds than that of water extract (45 mg/g) obtained from Chilgitang. Conclusions : These results indicate that CHAS may protect against ROS- or RNS involved diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.375-379
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• 2016

Increasing fat tissue of obese people, increases the rate of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndromes and dyslipidemia. An increase in the focal tissue of pancreas is a known risk factor of these diseases. Although there exists sufficient research on the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, studies have been done on fatty pancreas. In this study, based on ultrasound imaging and using a texture characteristic of GLCM, fatty pancreas was divided into three categories: mild, moderate and severe. We compared and analyzed the three groups was by Pancreatic ultrasonography and body characteristics, serological tests, pressure and the degree of arteriosclerosis, against normal control group. The following parameters of control and test groups were measured: WC (waist circumference),BMI (body mass index), TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), SBP (systolic blood pressure), BST (Blood Sugar Test) and aortic PWV (pulse wave velocity). We observed the values correspondingly increasing fat deposition. However, ABI (Ankle Brachial pressure index) stenosis and HDL-C levels decreased with increasing fat deposit (p <0.05); a drop in these parameters are known to be harmful to the human body. The difference in texture characteristics between normal control group and pancreatic fatty group (mild, moderate, and severe) was statistically confirmed. Ultrasound imaging of pancreatic steatosis categorized the disease as mild, moderate and severe based on the characteristic texture. In conclusion, we observed on increase in metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and arteriosclerosis, proportional to the degree of pancreatic fat deposition. The escalation of these diseases was confirmed and was directly related with predictors of cardiovascular diseases.