• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.321-327
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• 2006

This study was performed to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of pine needle extract oil against type 2 diabetes. Six-week-old male C57BL/Ks(db/db) mice were divided into four groups : negative control, pine needle extract oil low dose, high dose and positive control groups, which fed daily for 6 weeks with corn oil, pine needle extract oil 112.5 mg/kg, 450 mg/kg or metformin (150 mg/kg ), respectively. The oral administration of the pine needle extract oil resulted in the significant and dose-dependent decreases of blood glucose levels in comparison with corn oil treatment. The levels of HbAlc showed a tendency of the decrease by the high dose treatment of the pine needle extract oil and were positively correlated with blood glucose levels (r=0.5046, p=0.0023) . However, the levels of serum insulin and C-peptide were not affected by pine needle extract oil or metformin treatments. The levels of serum leptin, which is related with the insulin sensitivity, showed a tendency of the increases by pine needle extract oil treatment and were negatively correlated to blood glucose levels (r=-0.4754, p=0.0052). In conclusion, these results suggest that the pine needle extract oil have a potential for the oral anti-hyperglycemic agent and the mode of action may be related with the improvement of the insulin sensitivity through blood leptin.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.40-52
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• 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the hypoglycemic effect and safety of Ojeok-san in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: We investigated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Kyung-Hee University Korean Medical Hospital who were administered Ojeok-san for at least one day between January 2012 and September 2020, basal characteristics and laboratory tests were reviewed retrospectively. The hypoglycemic effect of Ojeok-san was assessed by comparing fasting blood sugar (FBS) and two hours post-prandial plasma glucose (PP2) levels from before and after taking Ojeok-san. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to baseline hypoglycemic treatments and glycated hemoglobin levels (< or ≥6.5%). The safety of Ojeok-san was assessed by comparing levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Results: After Ojeok-san administration, FBS and PP2 were significantly reduced to an average of 14.33 mg/dL and 27.67 mg/dL respectively. In the subgroup analysis, PP2 in patients receiving metformin mono therapy was significantly reduced to 28.67 mg/dL, and those receiving a dual therapy of metformin and DPP-4 inhibitor, it was significantly reduced to 32.33 mg/dL. In patients with glycated hemoglobin of lower than 6.5%, FBS was significantly reduced to 12.20 mg/dL, and both FBS and PP2 were significantly reduced, to 15.50 mg/dL and 40.00 mg/dL, respectively, in those with glycated hemoglobin levels of more than 6.5%. The safety profile showed no significant difference after Ojeok-san administration. Conclusions: Ojeok-san has significant hypoglycemic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are also taking hypoglycemic agents.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the current characteristics and prescriptions of outpatients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Methods: We searched medical records from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and found out 31 patients who first visited with PCOS. Results: The average age of PCOS patients was $26.48{\pm}5.15years$ old, average height was $162.16{\pm}5.56cm$, average weight was $55.27{\pm}9.34kg$, and average BMI was $21.01{\pm}3.48kg/m^2$ A total of 24 patients who had received western treatment for PCOS in the past, 13 people received oral contraceptions, 4 hormones, 2 metformin, one hormone and metformin, also 4 people were treated for assisted reproductive technologies due to infertility. There were only two patients who combined Korean and Western treatments. The most common menstrual-related symptoms of PCOS patients were oligomenorrhea (48.4%) and dysmenorrhea (22.6%). Other symptoms were the highest in the cold symptoms (54.8%), followed by infertility (9.7%). The average number of patients visiting the hospital was $6.26{\pm}7.2$, with 22 (71.0%) coming from 1 to 5. The average treatment period for patients was $10.1{\pm}10.8weeks$, with 41.9% the largest for 1 to 4 weeks. Acupuncture (93.5%), moxibustion (96.8%) herbmed (96.8%) was treated to most PCOS patients. The most commonly used herbal medicines were Ongyeong-tang (35.5%), Ijin-tang-gami (19.4%), Dodam-tang-gami (12.9%), and Jogyeongjongok-tang-gami (12.9%). Conclusions: These results could be helpful to treat PCOS patients in Korean gynecologic clinical fields.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.391-397
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• 2022

This study aimed to verify the antidiabetic effects of the unripe black raspberry extract (UBRE) in obese diabetic mice. For the experiment, animal model mice were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic control, three experimental groups (treated with 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg single dose of UBRE), and a positive control (200 mg/kg metformin). The groups treated with 300 mg/kg UBRE and metformin had significantly reduced blood glucose and triglyceride levels in the diabetic mice compared to those in the vehicle control group. In addition, histopathological evaluation showed that UBRE increased the Langerhans area, cell number, and insulin concentration in the pancreatic islets of db/db mice. Therefore, UBRE exerts significant antidiabetic effects by decreasing the blood glucose and lipid levels, suggesting that it can be consumed as a functional diet for diabetic patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.429-437
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• 2012

Objectives : Obesity is an important cause of diabetes, and lipotoxicity causes insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on high fat diet-induced obese type 2 diabetic mouse models. Methods : Diabetes was induced in ICR male mouse (23~25 g) with Surwit's high fat, high sucrose diet. Mice were divided into 4 groups (n=10) of normal, control, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and metformin. After 8 weeks, body weight, OGTT, fructosamine, lipid profile, serum level of adiponectin and leptin, epididymal fat pad, liver weight and epididymal adipocyte size were measured. Results : Salvia miltiorrhiza significantly reduced oral glucose tolerance levels, fructosamine serum level, epididymal fat weight, and epididymal adipocyte size. Salvia miltiorrhiza also increased HDL-cholesterol, adiponectin and leptin serum levels. Conclusions : These results show that Salvia miltiorrhiza improves insulin resistance. Therefore we suggest that Salvia miltiorrhiza would be an effective treatment for obese type 2 diabetic patients.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.55-62
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• 2014

Objective: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to be involved in insulin resistance and obesity, researches have been increasing highly. Astragali Radix extract (ARE) or its main components have been shown to perform comparably to insulin by significantly reducing blood glucose levels in animal models however, the influence on mitochondrial dysfunction are not well understood. Methods: ARE (0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml) or metformin (2.5 mM) were treated in C2C12 after 6 day-differentiation. The expressions of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylation AMPK, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptror ${\gamma}$ coactivator $1{\alpha}$ ($PGC1{\alpha}$), nuclear respiratory factors 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor (Tfam) and myosin heavy chain were detected with western blotting or polymerase chain reaction analysis. The morphological changes were also investigated. Results: ARE dose dependently increased phosphorylation of AMPK and respectively activated mRNA expressions of $PGC1{\alpha}$, NRF1 and Tfam which are mitochondrial biogenesis regulators. Furthermore, there were some morphologic differences of differentiated cells between ARE treatment and control. Conclusions: This study suggests that ARE has the potential to increase muscle mitochondrial function by activating AMPK and $PGC1{\alpha}$.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.61-66
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• 2016

The frequency of obesity has risen dramatically in recent years but only few safe and effective drugs are currently available. In addition, obesity can induce type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hyperlipidemia and fatty liver disease. Recently, protective effect of purslane extract (PE) on obesity has been reported, but little is known about the role and mechanism of PE in obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PE on obesity and diabetes in obese mice. In addition, the effect of PE was compared with anti-obesity and diabetes drugs. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were treated for 8 weeks with drugs as follows: PE, orlistat, metformin, voglibose or pioglitazone. While PE mixed with normal diet did not have any effects on BW in non-obese mice, PE mixed with HFD significantly reduced BW gain, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance, without affecting food intake and appetite in obese mice. The effect was comparable to the effects of anti-obesity and diabetes drugs. Furthermore, PE significantly increased the activity of hepatocellular anti-oxidant enzymes, leading to protection of liver from oxidative stress in obese mice. These results suggest that PE treatment may be a useful tool for preventing obesity and complication of obesity.

• Journal of mucopolysaccharidosis and rare diseases
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.35-37
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• 2016

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) often develops type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) related to severe obesity. The prevalence of T2DM in adults with PWS (7-20%) exceeds greatly the prevalence in the general population (5-7%). It is uncommon for pre-pubertal children with PWS to develop overt diabetes or glucose intolerance. GH therapy and genotype did not influence the development of altered glucose metabolism. It has been assumed that T2DM in PWS develops as a consequence of morbid obesity and concomitant insulin resistance. However recent studies suggest the relationship between morbid obesity and T2DM development is more complex and appears to differ in PWS subjects compared to non-PWS subjects. PWS patients had relatively lower fasting insulin levels and increased adiponectin levels compared with BMI-matched obese control despite of similar levels of leptin. So PWS children may be protected to some extent form of obesity-associated insulin resistance. Although there's no data, it seems logical to approach diabetes management including weight loss and increased exercise, using similar pharmacological agents as with non-PWS obesity-related diabetes such as metformin or thiazolidinedione, with the introduction of insulin as required. On the other hand, several recent T2DM in PWS case reports suggest favorable outcomes using Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog with regard to ghrelin reduction, control of glucose and appetite, weight loss and pre-prandial insulin secretion. The role of GLP-1 agonist therapy is promising, but has not yet been fully elucidated.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.119-126
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• 2017

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of the mixed herbal extract from Cinnamomum cassia Blume, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi, Pueraria lobata Benth, and Aconitum carmichaeli Debx (CAPA) on obesity and glucose tolerance in obese mice. Methods: Animals were divided in 6 groups, normal diet, high fat diet (HFD), HFD with CAPA 100 mg/kg (CAPA 100), CAPA 300 mg/kg (CAPA 300), and metformin 200 mg/kg or lorcaserin 10 mg/kg as positive controls, and treated for 16 weeks. Body weight, food intake, fasting blood glucose, and body temperature were checked every week and then organs, blood serums were collected after treatment. The oral glucose tolerance test was also carried out after treatment. Results: Compared to HFD, CAPA extract treated mice showed significant decreases in body weight, adipose tissue weight, lipid accumulations in liver and serum lipid levels without a reduction of food intake. And fasting glucose and glucose tolerance were all improved in the CAPA treated mice. Conclusions: Our results suggest that CAPA extract can prevent diet induced obesity and glucose intolerance without a reduction of energy intake in obese mice.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.194-197
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• 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder in reproductive-age women. In 2018, an international evidence-based guideline announced recommendations spanning a wide range of issues on the assessment and management of PCOS. From the 166 recommendations, the present study reviews those that are of particular clinical relevance for daily practice and introduces other relevant studies that have been published since the global guideline. The 2018 guideline increased the antral follicle count cutoff for the diagnosis of PCOS from 12 to 20 when using a high-frequency probe. Hirsutism was defined as having a score of ≥4-6 based on a lower percentile of 85%-90% or cluster analysis, which was lower than the traditionally used 95th percentile-based cutoff. The diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents is challenging, and irregular menstruation was defined carefully according to years from menarche. The use of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of PCOS was restricted to those 8 years after menarche. As medication for non-fertility indications, combined oral contraceptives are the first-line drug. Metformin, in addition to lifestyle modifications, should be considered for adult patients with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m² for the management of weight and metabolic outcomes. An aromatase inhibitor is the recommended first-line medication for ovulation induction, a subsequent individual patient data meta-analysis also reported the same conclusion. Whether the new global guideline will be fully adopted by many specialists and change clinical practice is open to question. Further studies are needed to better understand and manage PCOS patients well.