• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.179-184
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• 2007

Purpose: Obesity has recently emerged as a significant health problem in the pediatric population, and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing in tandem with a significant rise in childhood obesity. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify the risk factors of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese children. Methods: We enrolled 84 obese children who visited the pediatric obesity clinic at Yeung-Nam university hospital. The patients were divided into two groups based on their alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (separated at 40 IU/L), and the mean of ages, total cholesterol levels, HDL-cholesterol levels, LDL-cholesterol levels, triglyceride (TG) levels, as well as the mean obesity index, and body fat percentage of the two groups were then compared. Results: When the mean of ages ($10.5{\pm}1.6$ vs. $10.7{\pm}2.0$ years), total cholesterol levels ($183.0{\pm}29.1$ vs. $183.7{\pm}31.3$ mg/dL), HDL-cholesterol levels ($53.0{\pm}10.2$ vs. $55.7{\pm}13.0$ mg/dL), LDL-cholesterol levels ($113.4{\pm}30.2$ vs. $113.0{\pm}30.0$ mg/dL), triglyceride levels ($99.4{\pm}62.9$ vs. $114.2{\pm}47.3$ mg/dL), obesity indexes ($44.7{\pm}12.2$ vs. $47.9{\pm}15.1%$), and body fat percentages ($32.7{\pm}5.0$ vs. $34.0{\pm}4.8%$) of group 1 (ALT${\leq}$40 IU/L) were compared with those of group 2 (ALT${\geq}$41 IU/L), no significant differences were observed (p>0.05). However, hypertriglyceridemia (TG${\geq}$110 mg/dL) was more frequent in group 2 than in group 1 (p=0.023). Conclusion: TG may be an important risk factor in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and further study regarding the risk factors in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is required.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.285-290
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• 2011

The rhizome of Alisma orientale Juzep (Alismataceae) has been used as a crude drug for diabetes, edema, inflammation and urinary disturbances in oriental medicine. Recent animal studies have shown that the extract of Alisma orientale rhizome (AOR) can potently lower high levels of serum lipids and improve insulin resistance, which are usually detected in patients and animals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So, we studied the antioxidative effects of AOR extracts and fraction in vitro and their protective effects against acute hepatotoxicity induced by $CCl_4$ in vivo.. We then investigated the effects of each fraction on hepatotoxicity induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). DAOR (dichloromethane fraction of the Alisma orientale rhizome) scavenged free radicals and superoxide anions. DAOR protected against $CCl_4$ induced hepatotoxicity. DAOR had hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects against t-BHP-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells and in rats.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.93-101
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• 2020

Seakso 1, a maize hybrid, was developed in 2008 by Gangwon Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Korea and registered in 2011. It is single-cross hybrid, semi-flint, deep-purple variety of corn, variety of are yellow, while the husks and cobs are purple. Due to the sensitivity of Seakso 1 to excess moisture after seeding, water supply should be carefully managed, and it should be harvested at a suitable time to obtain the highest anthocyanin content. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Saekso 1 corn husk and cob extracts (EHCS) in oleic acid-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in HepG2 cells. EHCS showed a high level of lipid accumulation inhibiting effect. EHCS also suppressed triglyceride accumulation and inhibited expression of lipid marker genes, such as sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1a (SREBP-1a). Analysis by western blot of the expression of p-AMPK, p-SREBP1, PPARα, and FAS proteins showed that the incidence of SREBP1 protein, a major factor involved in lipid metabolism in the liver, has decreased significantly after treatment with the extracts. Moreover, the protein-induced expression of FAS, a major enzyme involved in the biosynthetic pathways of fatty acids, was decreased significantly in all concentrations. These results suggest that EHCS is a potent agent for the treatment of NAFLD.

• Archives of Obesity and Metabolism
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.4-13
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• 2022

Currently, pharmacotherapy is becoming essential for obesity, owing to its expanding and increasing epidemiology. In this review, novel peptide-based drugs of four classes are covered: GLP-1 receptor agonist, GIP/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, glucagon/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, and a combination of amylin receptor agonist/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide is a next-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist with a longer duration and stronger weight and glucose reduction effects than liraglutide and dulaglutide. In the STEP1 trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced body weight by approximately 15% in people with obesity with similar or milder adverse events than liraglutide 3.0 mg. Tirzepatide, a GIP/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, also has a long duration and strong weight- and glucose-lowering effect. According to SURPASS-2, 3, and 4, in patients with BMI≥25 kg/m² and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), tirzepatide 15 mg reduced the initial body weight by >13%. Cotadutide, a glucagon/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, showed weaker weight-lowering effects than semaglutide and tirzepatide, while it was comparable to that of liraglutide in a phase 2 clinical trial for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with BMI≥25 kg/m² and T2DM. Additionally, its effect on the liver was noticeable. The long-acting amylin receptor agonist cargrilintide combined with semaglutide can be another effective option for obesity treatment. Even in a small phase 1 trial with a short study period of 20 weeks, cargrilintide 2.4 mg/semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced by 17% of initial body weight in people with BMI 27-39.9 kg/m². In coming several years, semaglutide, tirzepatide, and cargrilintide/semaglutide will become available for obesity treatment in Korea.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2014

Objectives : We investigated the effects of gambigyeongsinhwan(GGH)(1) on body weight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) examined whether blood total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels and hepatic lipid accumulation are inhibited by it in high fat diet-fed obese male mice. Methods : 8 weeks old, high fat diet-fed obese male mice were divided into 5 groups: C57BL/6N normal, control, GGH(1)-1, GGH(1)-2 and GGH(1)-3. After mice were treated with GGH(1) for 8 weeks, we measured body weight gain, food intake, feeding efficiency ratio, fat weight, plasma ALT, leptin and lipid levels. We also did histological analysis for liver and fat on the mice. Results : Compared with controls, GGH(1)-treated mice had lower body weight gain and adipose tissue weight, the magnitudes of which were prominent in GGH(1)-3. Compared with controls, GGH(1)-treated mice had lower feeding efficiency ratio and blood leptin level, the magnitudes of which was prominent in GGH(1)-3. Compared with controls, GGH(1)-treated mice had lower blood plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels. Compared with controls, GGH(1)-3 treated mice had lower blood plasma ALT concentration. Consistent with their effects on body weight gain, the size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by GGH(1), whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was significantly increased, suggesting that GGH(1) decreased the number of large adipocytes. Hepatic lipid accumulation was decreased by GGH(1). Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that GGH(1) exhibits anti-obesity effects through the modulation of feeding efficiency ratio and plasma obesity parameters. Moreover, it seems that GGH(1) also contributes to improve NAFLD through the regulation of plasma ALT and hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.99-106
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• 2013

We investigated the effects of gambigyeongsinhwan(GGH)(4) on body weight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) examined whether blood total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels and hepatic lipid accumulation are inhibited by it in high fat diet-fed obese male mice. 8 weeks old, high fat diet-fed obese male mice were divided into 5 groups: C57BL/6N normal, control, GGH(4)-1, GGH(4)-2 and GGH(4)-3. After mice were treated with GGH(4) for 8 weeks, we measured body weight gain, food intake, feeding efficiency ratio, fat weight, plasma ALT, leptin and lipid levels. We also did histological analysis for liver and fat on the mice. Compared with controls, GGH(4)-treated mice had lower body weight gain and adipose tissue weight, the magnitudes of which were prominent in GGH(4)-2. Compared with controls, GGH(4)-treated mice had lower feeding efficiency ratio and blood leptin level, the magnitudes of which was prominent in GGH(4)-2. Compared with controls, GGH(4)-treated mice had lower blood plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels. Compared with controls, GGH(4)-2 treated mice had lower blood plasma ALT concentration. Consistent with their effects on body weight gain, the size of adipocytes were significantly decreased by GGH(4), whereas the adipocyte number per unit area was significantly increased, suggesting that GGH(4) decreased the number of large adipocytes. Hepatic lipid accumulation was decreased by GGH(4). In conclusion, these results suggest that GGH(4) exhibits anti-obesity effects through the modulation of feeding efficiency ratio and plasma obesity parameters. Moreover, it seems that GGH(4) also contributes to improve NAFLD through the regulation of plasma ALT and hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.629-640
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• 2023

Purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver which is not a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Its global prevalence was estimated to be approximately 32% in the years 1994-2019. More than half of obese individuals and patients with diabetes are reported to have NAFLD as a comorbidity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) berry on insulin resistance and steatosis in rats fed a high-fructose diet. Methods: Six-week-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The control group received a diet consisting of 65% corn starch, while the fructose and experimental groups were fed a diet comprising 65% fructose (FRU) and an FRU diet containing 0.5% (low-dose autumn olive berry group; LAO) or 1.0% (high-dose autumn olive berry group; HAO) ethanol extract of autumn olive berry, respectively, for 10 weeks. Results: The HAO group exhibited significantly lower blood glucose levels compared to the fructose-fed group. Both the LAO and HAO groups showed a substantial reduction in serum insulin levels and insulin resistance when compared to the fructose-fed group. The consumption of LAO and HAO significantly ameliorated dyslipidemia and reduced the levels of triglycerides in the liver compared to the fructose-fed group. Additionally, the consumption of HAO resulted in lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities compared to the fructose group. The hepatic expression of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) was significantly reduced in the LAO and HAO groups compared to the fructose group. Conclusion: Autumn olive berries improved steatosis by ameliorating insulin resistance and down-regulating the lipogenesis proteins in rats fed on high fructose diet.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.716-728
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: An imbalanced adipokine profile in obesity increases the susceptibility to obesity-related cardiometabolic alterations, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The mulberry plant has been reported to have health benefits, such as hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects. This study examined the effects of a mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit ethanol extract (MBEE) on dyslipidemia, liver steatosis, and adipokine imbalance in response to a high-fat diet. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of 4 groups containing 6 rats each and fed either a control diet (CON), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a high-fat diet with MBEE of 150 mg/kg/day (LMB) or 300 mg/kg/day (HMB). The triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were measured spectrophotometrically. The leptin, adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The plasma TG levels were similar in the 4 groups. Plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and TC/HDL-C ratio increased in the HFD group compared with the CON group, whereas those values decreased in the LMB group (P < 0.05), indicating that MBEE had a plasma lipid-lowering effect. HDL-C decreased in the HFD group, but MBEE did not affect the HDL-C level. The HFD rats significantly increased hepatic TG and cholesterol levels and plasma ALT and AST activities compared to the CON group. The hepatic TG level and ALT and AST activities were reduced markedly by the MBEE treatment. The HFD group showed a higher PAI-1 level, whereas MBEE treatment, especially in the HMB group, significantly reduced leptin level, and leptin/adiponectin and PAI-1/ adiponectin ratios. These findings suggest that MBEE altered the imbalance between the pro-and anti-inflammatory adipokines to a more anti-inflammatory state. CONCLUSIONS: MBEE could protect against abnormal lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet, lowering plasma cholesterol, LDL-C and TC/HDL-C, and hepatic TG. These findings are associated with the regulating effect of MBEE on the leptin/adiponectin and PAI-1/adiponectin ratios.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.330-341
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary habits, food intakes, nutrient intakes, and diet quality of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a health screening and promotion center. Methods: The total number of study subjects was 10,111 adults, where 3087 subjects (30.5%) were diagnosed as NAFLD. The dietary intakes were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire. They were then compared with the dietary reference intakes could be used in the future for development of diet and nutrition guidelines s (KDRIs). Results: Mean age of subjects in the normal group was $52.9{\pm}10.3yrs$ and body mass index (BMI) was $22.4{\pm}2.6kg/m^2$, and those of the NAFLD group were $55.1{\pm}9.2yrs$ and $25.4{\pm}2.9kg/m^2$. BMI, blood pressure of the NAFLD group were significantly higher than those of the normal group. The rates of skipping breakfast, overeating, and eating out were significantly could be used in the future for development of diet and nutrition guidelines er in the NAFLD group (p < 0.05, p < 0.000, p < 0.000 respectively). The speed of eating was fast in the NAFLD group (p < 0.000). The NAFLD group consumed significantly higher amounts of grains, meats, fish, seaweeds, kimchies, sugars, sweets, coffee, teas, and oils compared to the normal group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, intakes of starch products, fruits, milk, and milk products were significantly lower in the NAFLD group compared with those of the normal group (p < 0.05). Riboflavin, calcium, and dietary fiber nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) of the NAFLD group were significantly lower than those of the normal group. The Korean's dietary diversity score (KDDS) of the NAFLD group was lower than that of the normal group. Conclusion: In conclusion, we suggest that diet guidelines, such as increasing the intake of calcium and dietary fiber, reducing the intake of energy, fat, and simple carbohydrates, are necessary to improvement of NAFLD. The results could be used in the future for development of diet and nutrition guidelines for NAFLD.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.227-239
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• 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of water-soluble mulberry leaf extract (ME) on hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via the regulation of hepatic microRNA (miR)-221/222 and inflammation. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 7 each) and fed with 10 kcal% low-fat diet (LF), 45 kcal% high-fat diet (HF), or HF + 0.8% ME for 14 weeks. Lipid profiles and cytokine levels of the liver and serum were measured using commercial enzymatic colorimetric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and miR levels in liver tissue were assayed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Supplementation of ME reduces body weight and improves the liver and serum lipid profiles as compared to the HF group. The mRNA levels of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and fatty acid translocase, which are genes involved in lipid metabolism, were significantly downregulated in the ME group compared to the HF group. In contrast, the mRNA level of hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (involved in fatty acid oxidation) was upregulated by ME supplementation. Furthermore, administration of ME significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators such as hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide were also significantly reduced in ME group compared to the HF group. Expression of hepatic miR-221 and miR-222, which increase in the inflammatory state of the liver, were also significantly inhibited in the ME group compared to the HF group. Conclusion: These results indicate that ME has the potential to improve hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed rats via modulation of inflammatory mediators and hepatic miR-221/222 expressions.