• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.23 no.7
• /
• pp.1023-1030
• /
• 2013

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), uniquely expressed on gram-positive bacteria, is recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on not only antigen-presenting cells but also activated T cells. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that LTA is acting on T cells. However, little is known about the effect of LTA on T-cell regulation. In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of LTA on $CD4^+$ T cells. Effector $CD4^+$ T cells, induced after co-culture with S. aureus-pulsed dendritic cells, produced high levels of interferon-${\gamma}$, CD25, CD69, and TLRs 2 and 4. When effector $CD4^+$ T cells were treated with LTA, the expressions of the membrane-bound form of transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}$ and forkhead box P3 increased. Coincidently, the proliferation of effector $CD4^+$ T cells was declined after LTA treatment. When TGF-${\beta}$ signaling was blocked by the TGF-${\beta}$ receptor 1 kinase inhibitor, LTA failed to suppress the proliferation of effector $CD4^+$ T cells. Therefore, the present results suggest that LTA suppresses the activity of effector $CD4^+$ T cells by enhancing TGF-${\beta}$ production.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.52-59
• /
• 2017

Background: Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRG, Panax ginseng Meyer) and its constituents have been used for treating diabetes. However, in diet-induced obese mice, it is unclear whether KRG can enhance the glucose-lowering action of rosiglitazone (ROSI), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma synthetic activator. Methods: Oral glucose tolerance tests (oGTTs) were performed after 4 days of treatment with a vehicle (CON), KRG [500 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)], ROSI (3.75 mg/kg b.w, 7.5 mg/kg b.w, and 15 mg/kg b.w.), or ROSI and KRG (RK) in obese mice on a high-fat diet. Adipose tissue morphology, crown-like structures (CLSs), and inflammation were compared by hematoxylin-eosin staining or quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The area under the glucose curve (AUC) was significantly lower in the RK group (15 mg/kg b.w. and 500 mg/kg b.w. for ROSI and KRG, respectively) than in the CON group. There was no significant difference in the AUC between the CON and the other groups. Furthermore, the AUC was significantly lower in the RK group than in the ROSI group. The expression of the Ccl2 gene and the number of CLSs were significantly reduced in the RK group than in the CON group. Conclusion: Our results show a potential enhancement of ROSI-induced improvement of glucose regulation by the combined treatment with KRG.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.35-46
• /
• 1998

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 200 hospitalized adult patients in Samsung Medical Center from January 1st in 1995 to June 31st in 1997. Standard criteria were modified and determined from those stated by AJHP (American Journal of Health System Pharmacy) and ASPEN (American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). The justification for indications was appropriate in $35\%,\;44\%,\;and\;32\%$ of the patient's in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, without significant improvement over the last two and half years. Before and during the administration of TPN, several monitoring indicators were well documented, and monitoring frequencies were increased over two and half years period. However, the majority of the monitoring indicators were not found in the standard criteria range of $90\%$. The monitoring indicators for electrolyte balance, $PO_4$ and Mg, were not measured appropriately and resulted in the complications which could have been prevented. The indicator for lipid tolerance, triglyceride and the indicator for hemorrhagic incidence, prothrombin time (PT), were not well documented in comparison with other indicators. The indicators for the improvement in nutritional status, albumin and total protein, were appropriate in $90\%$ of the patients. Determination of TPN formula was based on the laboratory data and chart reviews, and it was appropriate in $98\%$. But the administration of lipid and vitamin K for the prevention of essential fatty acid deficiency and hemorrhage, respectively, was not carried out appropriately when the administration of TPN was prolonged, lasting more than 7 days. When a patient returned to oral or enteral feeding, TPN was terminated. However, increase in albumin level or weight was rarely observed. In conclusion, healthcare professionals should all work as a team and active participation to provide optimized nutrition support for partners.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.15 no.4 s.71
• /
• pp.619-625
• /
• 2005

The present study was undertaken to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Hamcho yogurt fermented by lactic acid bacteria containing Hamcho (Salicornia herbacea) extract powder in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 3 week period. The Hamcho yogurt given to the STZ-diabetic rats had significant effect in lowering the serum glucose concentrations and food intakes compared to the STZ-diabetic rats. The Hamcho yogurt administration increased the tolerance to oral glucose loading in the STZ-diabetic rats. The Hamcho yogurt and yogurt given to the STZ-diabetic rats were significantly decreased the serum total cholesterol concentration and the atherogenic index. Based on the beneficial effect against the blood glucose and cholesterol levels, we suggest the Hamcho yogurt can be used as functional food for the hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.260-264
• /
• 2008

To find the antidiabetic activity of the tripterpenoid-rich fractions of Rubus coreanus (TRF-cor) and R. crataegifolius (TRF-cra) leaves or its main component niga-ichigoside $F_1$ (Niga-$F_1$), anti-hyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects were investigated in the diabetic rat model induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Treatments of rats with 200 mg/kg of the TRF-cor, TRF-cra (each, p.o.) or 20 mg/kg of Niga-$F_1$ significantly inhibited the increase of blood glucose concentration about 44.8%, 28.7% or 20.6%, respectively, in the diabetic rats. In addition, treatments with those fractions inhibited the increase of serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol caused by STZ. The inhibitory rate on atherogenic index (AI) values of the TRFcor (200 mg/kg), TRF-cra (200 mg/kg) or Niga-$F_1$ (20 mg/kg)-treated groups were decreased about 55.7%, 36.3% or 22.6%, respectively, comparable to STZ-treated group. In the oral glucose tolerance test, treatment of TRF-cor or TRF-cra inhibited the increase of blood glucose concentration in the STZ-induced rats. Administration of 20 mg/kg of Niga-$F_1$ (p.o.) also exhibited similar effects with the effects of both TRFs at 200 mg/kg dose (p.o.). These results support that the triterpenoids, in particular Niga-$F_1$, are contributed to the antidiabetic effects of R. coreanus or R. crataegifolius.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.445-450
• /
• 2008

The effects of fermented goat milk supplemented with citrus concentrate on blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats were examined. Streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats (type II) were divided into five experimental groups treated with metformin, goat milk, fermented goat milk, fermented goat milk containing citrus concentrate, or no supplementation (control). The rats in each group were examined weekly for blood levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride. HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol. and body weight. On the $24^{th}$ day of the experiment, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. Administration of fermented goat milk to the diabetic rats significantly decreased blood glucose and triglyceride levels, while administration of metformin (33.3 mg/kg body weight) did not significantly lower blood glucose levels. Fermented goat milk containing citrus concentrate caused a significant decrease in blood glucose levels in the OGTT at 30 min. This study shows that supplementation with fermented goat milk containing citrus concentrate may be a practical method of reducing blood glucose levels in type II diabetics.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.103-110
• /
• 1999

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of taurine supplementation and taurine depletion on blood glucose and blood lipid concentrations in insulin-treated diabetic rats. Four groups of Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed the purified diet for 3 weeks ; nontaurine-supplemented diabetic rats(E0), nontaurine-supplemented diabetic rats with insulin treatment(E0＋I), 1% taurine-supplemented diabetic rats with insulin treatment(E1＋I) and taurine-depleted diabetic rats with insulin treatment(EA＋I). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection(50mg/kg B.W.). Isophane insulin was given subcutaneously into the abdominal wall of the diabetic rats(4 unit/rat/day). E1＋I were supplemented with 1% taurine in drinking water. To induce taurine depletion, EA＋I were treated with 5% $\beta$-alanine in drinking water. E1＋I had significantly higher body weight compared to that of E0. The food intakes of E1＋I and E0＋I were significantly decreased compared to that of E0. There was no sigfniciant difference in food intake between E1＋I and E0＋I. The water intake of rats was significantly different among the groups ; E0>E0＋I>E1＋I>EA＋I. The urine volume of E0 was significantly increased compared to those of insulin-treated goups. The blood glucose concentration of E0 was significantly increased compared to those of insulin-treated groups. In the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT), E0＋I and E1＋I had significantly lower blood blucose concentrations compared to E0 after 30 min. Also EA＋I had significantly lower bloodglucose concentrtion compared to E0 and E0＋I. The plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentratons of EA＋I were significantly incrased compared to those of other groups. Therefore, it may be suggested that tuarine supplementation is useful for insulin-dependent diabetes in order to prevent diabetic complications suchas cardiac vascular diseases.

• Diabetes and Metabolism Journal
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.488-495
• /
• 2018

Background: Skeletal muscle plays a major role in glucose metabolism. We investigated the association between thigh muscle mass, insulin resistance, and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. In addition, we examined the role of body mass index (BMI) as a potential effect modifier in this association. Methods: This prospective study included 399 Japanese Americans without diabetes (mean age 51.6 years) who at baseline had an estimation of thigh muscle mass by computed tomography and at baseline and after 10 years of follow-up a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and determination of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We fit regression models to examine the association between thigh muscle area and incidence of T2DM and change in HOMA-IR, both measured over 10 years. Results: Thigh muscle area was inversely associated with future HOMA-IR after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, total abdominal fat area, and thigh subcutaneous fat area at baseline (P=0.033). The 10-year cumulative incidence of T2DM was 22.1%. A statistically significant interaction between thigh muscle area and BMI was observed, i.e., greater thigh muscle area was associated with lower risk of incident T2DM for subjects at lower levels of BMI, but this association diminished at higher BMI levels. Conclusion: Thigh muscle mass area was inversely associated with future insulin resistance. Greater thigh muscle area predicts a lower risk of incident T2DM for leaner Japanese Americans.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.39 no.5
• /
• pp.844-861
• /
• 2019

Over the last few years, marine environment was found to be a source of surplus natural products and microorganisms with new bioactive secondary metabolites of interest which can divulge nutritional and biological impact on the host. This study aims to assess the possible, inherent and functional probiotic properties of a novel probiotic strain Enterococcus durans F3 (E. durans F3) isolated from the gut of fresh water fish Catla catla. Parameters for evaluating and describing the probiotics described in FAD/WHO guidelines were followed. E. durans F3 demonstrated affirmative results including simulated bile, acid and gastric juice tolerance with exhibited significant bactericidal effect against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This can be due to the enterocin produced by E. durans F3 strain, which was resolute by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel with amplification of the anticipated fragment of a structural gene; enterocin A, followed by antibiotic susceptibility assessment. Effective antioxidant potentiality against ${\alpha}$-diphenyl-${\alpha}$-picrylhydrazyl free radicals including lipase, bile salt hydrolase activity with auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity was similarly observed. Results are proving the potentiality of E. durans F3, which can also be used as probiotic starter culture in dairy industries for manufacturing new products that imparts health benefits to the host. Finding the potent and novel probiotic strains will also satisfy the current developing market demand for probiotics.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.374-379
• /
• 2021

Objective: We aimed to evaluate associations between the ratio of serum estrone (E1) to estradiol (E2) and parameters related to serum glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In total, 133 women between the ages of 18 and 35 diagnosed with PCOS were enrolled in this study. All participants with PCOS underwent blood tests to determine hormonal and biochemical metabolic parameters and a standard 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. They were divided into two groups according to the serum E1-to-E2 ratio: group 1 (E1/E2 ratio <2.0) and group 2 (E1/E2 ratio ≥2.0). Results: In the comparative analysis, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was the only clinical variable that was significantly different between the two groups. Patients with a higher E1/E2 ratio showed higher fasting insulin levels, homeostasis model for insulin resistance, and postprandial glucose level at 2 hours (PPG2). In a correlation analysis, only PPG2 was significantly related to the serum E1/E2 ratio. However, after controlling for the confounding effects of body mass index (BMI) and WHR, fasting glucose was also significantly correlated with the serum E1/E2 ratio. Conclusion: Women with PCOS with a higher serum E1/E2 ratio were found to be more likely to show higher fasting insulin and postprandial glucose levels. Significant correlations were found between the serum E1/E2 ratio and both fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels after adjusting for BMI and WHR in women with PCOS.