• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.837-845
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• 2014

Background: Overweight and obesity are recognized as major drivers of cancers including breast cancer. Several cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and lipocalin 2 (LCN2), as well as dysregulated cell cycle proteins are implicated in breast carcinogenesis. The nuclear, casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate-1 (NUCKS-1), is a nuclear DNA-binding protein that has been implicated in several human cancers, including breast cancer. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate NUCKS-1 mRNA expression in breast tissue from obese patients with and without breast cancer and lean controls. NUCKS-1 expression was correlated to cytokine profiles as prognostic and monitoring tools for breast cancer, providing a molecular basis for a causal link between obesity and risk. Materials and Methods: This study included 39 females with breast cancer (G III) that was furtherly subdivided into two subgroups according to cancer grading (G IIIa and G IIIb) and 10 control obese females (G II) in addition to 10 age-matched healthy lean controls (G I). NUCKS-1 expression was studied in breast tissue biopsies by means of real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Serum cytokine profiles were determined by immunoassay. Lipid profiles and glycemic status as well as anthropometric measures were also recorded for all participants. Results: IL-6, IL-12 and LCN2 were significantly higher in control obese and breast cancer group than their relevant lean controls (p<0.05), while NUCKS-1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the breast cancer group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Significant higher levels of IL-6, IL-12, and LCN2 as well as NUCKS-1 mRNA levels were reported in G IIIb than G IIIa, and positively correlated with obesity markers in all obese patients. Conclusions: Evaluation of cytokine levels as well as related gene expression may provide a new tool for understanding interactions for three axes of carcinogenesis, innate immunity, inflammation and cell cycling, and hope for new strategies of management.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.213-222
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• 1996

The most abundant long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in brain lipids is docosahexaenoic acid(C22 : 6 N-3, DHA). It is incorporated into nerve tissues mostly in utero and during the first year of life. DHA in brain is derived from either pre-formed DHA in human milk or by infant hepatic synthesis from linolenic acid in milk. This study was designed to investigate the effects of DHA supplementation on fatty acid profiles in maternal plasma lipid and breast milk. Twenty lactating women participated in the study. Seven women took 3g of fish oil per day and vitamin E for 28 days starting from the day of giving birth. Five women consumed 1.5g of fish oil as well as tivamin E, and the rest took vitamin E supplements for the same period of time. Dietary questionnaires and 3 consecutive 24-h recalls were collected to evaluate theri nutritional status and food habits. Finding that DHA intake from fish was not significantly different among three experimental groups, the partcipants were instructed to continue eating their usual home diets. Milk samples were taken on the day of giving birth, as well as the 7th, 14th and 28th day being the supplement phase, and finally 2 weeks after the cessating of DHA supplements. The amounts of the fish oil supplements produced significant dose-dependent increased in the DHA content of milk and plasma, but to a lesser degree. Base-line for 28 days raised the level to 2.05$\pm$0.43% and 1.5g/day supplement produced DHA levels of 1.02$\pm$0.19%. The results of this study indicated that relatively small amount of dietary DHA supplementation significantly elevats DHA content in milk. This would clearly elevate the infant's DHA intake which in turn may have implications for the infant's brain development.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.244-253
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• 2007

The present study was carried out to investigate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effect of chloroform and methanol extract of whole plant of Ichnocarpus frutescens (CEIF and MEIF) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Administration of CEIF and MEIF orally at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight resulted in significant (P<0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels. The body weights were significantly (P<0.001) reduced in STZ-induced diabetic rats when compared to normal rats while the extracts significantly (P<0.01) prevented the decrease in body weight in the CEIF and MEIF treated rats. The study was further undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic potential of CEIF and MEIF in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation in the liver tissues of diabetic rats were significantly reverted back to normal levels and a significant increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and the level of reduced glutathione in the liver of diabetic rats after the treatment with CEIF and MEIF was noticed. These results clearly indicate that CEIF and MEIF exhibit significant antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and in vivo antioxidant activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats and the results were found to be in a dose dependent manner.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.8.1-8.9
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• 2018

Background: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry farming has caused emergence of new pathogenic strains. The situation has warrented the development of safe and alternative growth promoters and immunity enhancers in livestock. Herbal additives in animal and bird feed is a centuries-old practice. Thus, the present study investigated the efficacy of a standardized formulation of lipophilic turmeric extract containing curcumin and turmerones, (TF-36), as a natural growth promoter poultry feed additive. Methods: The study was designed on 180 one-day old chicks, assigned into three groups. Control group ($T_0$) kept on basal diet and supplemented groups $T_{0.5}$ and $T_1$ fed with 0.5% and 1% TF-36 fortified basal diet for 42 days. Each dietary group consisted of six replicates of ten birds. Body weight, food intake, food conversion ratio, skin colour, blood biochemical analysis and antioxidant status of serum were investigated. Results: Body weight improved significantly in $T_1$ with a 10% decrease in FCR as compared to the control. TF-36 supplementation in $T_1$ enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activity significantly (p < 0.05) with a decrease (p < 0.05) in lipid peroxidation. It also caused a slight yellow skin pigmentation without any change in meat color, indicating the bioavailability of curcumin from TF-36. However, no significant change in the concentration of serum creatinine, total protein and liver enzyme activities were observed, indicating the safety. Conclusion: In summary, we concluded that TF-36 can be a natural feed additive to improve growth performance in poultry, probably due to the better antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects contributed by the better bioavailability of curcuminoids and turmerones. Besides, curcuminoids and turmerones were also known to be gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.375-377
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• 2012

Malaria is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The increase in lipid peroxidation reported in malaria infection and antioxidant status may be a useful marker of oxidative stress during malaria infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes against toxic reactive oxygen species in patients infected with Plasmodium vivax and healthy controls. Malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were determined in 91 P. vivax patients and compared with 52 controls. Malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were $8.07{\pm}2.29$ nM/ml, $2.69{\pm}0.33$ U/ml, and $49.6{\pm}3.2$ U/g Hb in the patient group and $2.72{\pm}0.50$ nM/ml, $3.71{\pm}0.47$ U/ml, and $62.3{\pm}4.3$ U/g Hb in the control group, respectively. Malondialdehyde levels were found statistically significant in patients with vivax malaria higher than in healthy controls (P<0.001). On the other hand, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were found to be significantly lower in vivax malaria patients than in controls (P<0.05). There was an increase in oxidative stress in vivax malaria. The results suggested that antioxidant defense mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of P. vivax.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.5
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• pp.685-694
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• 1998

This cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the changes of plasma cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk factors in Korea. Overnight fasting plasma levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein(HDL)-cholesterol, triacylglycerol and glucose were analyzed. Blood pressure and anthropometric data were also measured. Health practice factors such as smoking status, alcohol consumption and frequency fo exercise were evaluated by a self-administered questionnaire. Questions regarding dietary habits and food preferences were also asked. Seventy eight percent of the subjects had more than one CVD risk factor. Plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and fasting blood glucose were significantly increased according to the subjects body mass index$(kg/m^2$, BMI), whereas HDL-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL)-cholesterol and blood pressure showed no significant differences with BMI. Current smokers had significantly high plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Alcohol consumption significantly increased plasma total cholesterol and fasting blood sugar, but regular exercise had no effects on the plasma CVD risk factors. Overeating and frequency of fast food consumption were positively correlated with the CVD risk score, whereas intake of grains, meats and vegetables were negatively correlated with that score. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of specific dietary factors on plasma lipid levels. For plasma total cholesterol level, the frequency of fast food intake explained 8% of the variance, followed by habitual overeating, frequency of grain intake and high cholesterol food intake(Model $R^2$=22.4%). For plasma triacylglycerol level, preference of oily foods accounted for 7.5% of the variance, followed by eating breakfast, preference of fruit and frequency of grain intake(Model $R^2$=22.0%). The findings suggest that intervention programs to reduce the risk of CVD should focus on health practice through reducing BMI, smoking cessation and moderate or no alcohol drinking. Moreover, desirable dietary habits such as eating breakfast, not overeating and reduced intake of fast food may improve CVD risk.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.466-474
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• 2013

Despite the reports on safety concerns regarding the relationship between aluminum salts and neurological and bone disease, many countries continue to use aluminum as phosphate binders among patients with renal failure. In search for a diet supplement that could reduce aluminum toxicity related to renal failure, we carried out this prospective animal study in which the fenugreek seeds were assessed for their effects on rats nephrotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride ($AlCl_3$). Oral $AlCl_3$ administration during 5 months (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via drinking water) led to plasma biochemical changes, an inhibition of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a decrease of total antioxidant status (TAS), and an induction of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the blood and brain, in addition to kidney atrophy and morphological alterations at the level of Bowman's capsule, the glomerulus and different sorts of tubules, reminiscent of some known kidney disease. The treatment with the whole fenugreek seed powder (FSP) (5% in the diet) during the last 2 months showed its effectiveness in restoring normal plasma values of urea, creatinine, ALP and glucose, as well as re-increasing the TAS, inhibiting LPO and alleviating histopathological changes in the injured kidneys. This study highlights the induced nephrotoxicicity, as well as the related toxicity in the brain and bone, by chronic oral ingestion of the aluminum salts. However, the maintenance of a diet supplemented with fenugreek seeds could offer protection for the kidney, bone and brain, at the same time.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.483-492
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• 2005

The propose of this study was to investigate the status of current nutrition labeling on the packaging of processed foods. The 2432 processed foods purchased at various retail markets in Jeonju and Daegu during June, 2004, were classified by food category according to the 2004 Food Codes and evaluated for the type of nutrition composition labeling and nutritional content claims. The results are summarized as follows: The percentage of processed food products with nutrition labeling was $27.5\%$ and $71.6\%$ of noodles had nutrition composition labeling, which was the largest number among the food category. Various unit of measurements were used in the nutrition labeling of the processed foods, per 100g or 100ml being the most common($51.8\%$) under the currently practiced nutrition labeling. Nutrition claims were made for $9.5\%$ (231 items) of the products. Drinks bad the largest number of nutrition claims of $27.3\%$ The most frequently used technology was 'contained' among the claims ($36.0\%$) and 'added' was the next ($30.7\%$). 'High in calcium' or the equivalent was the most popular nutritional claim Other nutrients for which content claims were made included: lipid, vitamin C, DHA, camitine, taurine etc.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.200-204
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• 2009

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of reduced L-glutathione on the oxidant/antioxidant status(superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GPx), protein carbonyl and lipid hydroperoxide(LPO) concentration), renal function(blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and serum creatinine levels), and microscopy of renal tissues in pigs undergoing unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R). Sixteen Landrace and Yorkshire mixed-breed pigs were divided randomly into two groups: untreated control group and reduced L-glutathione-treated group(4 mg/kg IV). Each group had 8 pigs. Pigs were unilaterally nephrectomized and the kidney was subject to 30 min of renal pedicle occlusion. Blood samples for biochemical assay were collected on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 post nephrectomy. Renal I/R injury were evaluated histopathologically by the microscopic observation of renal tissue sections and biochemically by the measurement of the plasma creatinine and urea levels. Parameters of oxidative stress such as SOD, GPx, CAT, protein carbonyl and LPO were measured. The elevation of creatine and BUN levels was lower in the treated group, compared with the control group. The activities of antioxidant-enzyme were higher in the treated group, compared with the control group. In histological findings, the severity of damage in the reduced L-glutathione treated group was less when compared to the control group.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.429-438
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine whether conjugated linoleic acid and selenium supplementation in broiler chicken diets would be effective, enhance indices of immune status and body weight, and modulate serum lipid concentration. Forty Hyline brown chickens, 1 weeks of age, were divided into 5 groups of 8 chickens. Chickens were fed the experimental diets supplemented with 1% CLA (conjugated linoleic acid; Group 1), 1% CLA + selenium (Group 2), 1% safflower-seed-oil as LA (Group 3), 1% safflower-seed-oil as LA + selenium (Group 4) or nothing (Control) for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, serum, liver, spleen and abdominal fat were taken. Measurement of total immunoglobulin were executed using sandwich ELISA. Weight ratio of liver to body showed that the group fed with CLA were significantly higher than the group fed with CLA + selenium. Weight ratios of spleen and fat to body showed no significantly differences. In concentrations of serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, the group fed with CLA showed significantly higher values than that fed with CLA + selenium. In concentrations of serum triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol there were no significantly differences between the treatment groups. In conclusion, supplementation of CLA with selenium protected hepatomegaly and reduced level of serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholestererol in chickens.