• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.155-164
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• 2005

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effects of pioglitazone, an insulin sensitizing agent, on insulin resistance, ovarian function and intraovarian stromal blood flow in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Material and Methods: Thirty patients with PCOS, aged 18~34 years, were recruited. Criteria for diagnosis of PCOS were as defined in 2003 Rotterdam consensus. They were treated for 6 months with pioglitazone at a dose of 30 mg/day orally. The hormonal blood profile, fasting serum glucose levels, a glycemic response to 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and an ovarian stromal artery (OSA) blood flow were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Results: Eighteen (60.0%) of 30 patients treated with pioglitazone demonstrated a spontaneous ovulation After pioglitazone treatment, fasting insulin concentrations, serum glucose levels after 75 g OGTT significantly decreased (p=0.001, p=0.04, respectively), and fasting glucose to insulin (G/I) ratio significantly increased (p<0.001). The pioglitazone treatment induced a significant reduction in serum LH, testosterone (T) and free T levels (p<0.001, p=0.02, p=0.002, respectively). The resistance index (RI) values of OSA significantly increased after treatment (p<0.001). In analyzing pioglitazone-treated patients according to their body mass index (BMI), nonobese group as well as obese group showed a significant improvement in fasting G/I ratio (p<0.01). The pioglitazone treatment induced a significant reduction in serum LH and free T levels in nonobese group (p<0.001, p<0.05, respectively) as well as obese group (p=0.001, p<0.05, respectively). The RI values of OSA significantly increased in both nonobese and obese groups after pioglitazone treatment (p<0.001, p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions: Pioglitazone could ameliorate the glycoinsulinemic metabolism, and this beneficial effects of this drug could improve the endocrine-reproductive condition associated with the decrease of ovarian stromal artery blood flow, in both nonobese and obese patients with PCOS.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.470-477
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• 2019

White jelly fungus (Tremella fuciformis Berk) is effective for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, lung disease, beauty, and has been known as an elixir of life in ancient Chinese dynasty. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity and diabetic effects of the fermented white jelly fungus extract by the bioconversion process. We fed an obesity-inducing mouse with 5% non-fermented Tremella fuciformis (TF), 2.5% fermented Tremella fuciformis (FTF), and 5% FTF containing High Fats Diet (HFD) and HFD for 8 weeks, respectively. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed analysis after 7 weeks of feeding and the dietary intake, food efficiency ratio, body weight, liver, epididymal fat weight, and serum insulin level were measured after 8 weeks of feeding. Also, HOMA-IR was analyzed. The concentrations of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides test was analyzed. The FTF compare with 5% TF and HFD confirmed that 5% FTF reduced body weight, tissue weight, triglycerides concentration, HOMA-IR, respectively. As a result, we confirmed that the fermented white jelly fungus has the anti-obesity effect. Finally, this study can be used a basic data for obesity treatment using fermented white jelly fungus.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.712-723
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• 2019

Chemically synthesized compounds are widely used in oral hygiene products. However, excessively long-term use of these chemicals can cause undesirable side effects such as bacterial tolerance, allergy, and tooth discoloration. To solve these issues, significant effort is put into the search for natural antibacterial agents. The aim of this study was to assess the extracts of foreign native plants that inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans. Among the 300 foreign plant extracts used in this study, Chesneya nubigena (D. Don) Ali extract had the highest antimicrobial activity relatively against S. mutans with a clear zone of 9 mm when compared to others. This plant extract also showed anti-biofilm activity and bacteriostatic effect (minimal bactericidal concentration [MBC], 1.5 mg/ml). In addition, the plant extracts of 19 species decreased the ability of S. mutans to form biofilm at least a 6-fold in proportion to the tested concentrations. Of particular note, C. nubigena (D. Don) Ali extract was found to inhibit biofilm formation at the lowest concentration tested effectively. Therefore, our results reveal that C. nubigena (D. Don) Ali extract is a potential candidate for the development of antimicrobial substitutes, which might be effective for caries control as well, as demonstrated by its inhibitory effect on the persistence and pathogenesis of S. mutans.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.337-343
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• 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiety, depression and stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) and to investigate the risk factors related to psychological difficulties. Sixty women with PCOS were evaluated for level of psychological stress using Beck depression inventory(BDI) and Depression anxiety stress scale(DASS) questionnaire. Serum antimullerian hormone, total testosterone, lutenizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, lipid profile and 75g oral glucose tolerance test were measured. Thirty healthy women served as the control. Fifty two women with PCOS and 29 healthy women completed a questionnaire. Women with depression who scored >13 by BDI and >10 by DASS were 38.5 %, women with anxiety who scored >8 by DASS were 23.1 %, and women with stress who scored >15 by DASS were 30.8 %, which were significantly higher than control. In PCOS women, total testosterone, LH and AMH were significantly correlated with depression and stress. Weight, body mass index and waist-hip ratio were also significantly correlated with depression. In women diagnosed as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, depression and stress were significantly prevalent. Women with PCOS seemed to be more vulnerable to depression, anxiety and stress. Early diagnosis and management should be considered.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.59-70
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate boiled rice made from unpolished rice, Job's Tears, and extract from medicinal herbs mixture (HGMCJE) for hypoglycemic effect on STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods : In the response of glucose tolerance, control and diabetic rats groups was intubated with glucose and HGMCJE. Furthermore, boiled 100% polished rice (P rice), boiled unpolished rice mixed with white rice and Job's tears (polished rice:unpolished rice:Job's tears=60:25:15, UPJ-rice), and UPJ rice made from HGMCJE (HUPJ-rice) were intubated to control and diabetic rats groups, respectively. Then, blood glucose concentration, incremental blood glucose, and area under the curve (${\Delta}AUC$) were analyzed in every experimental groups, and these data were used to evaluate glycemic response. Results : When glucose and p rice were intubated in control and diabetic rats, blood glucose concentration, incremental blood glucose, and incremental response ${\Delta}AUC$ of diabetic groups were significantly increase than control groups. But administraion of a single dose of extract from medicinal herbs mixture and HUPJ-rice in control and diabetic rats inhibited the remarkable increase the level of postprandial blood and ${\Delta}AUC$ at 60, 90, and 120 min Conclusions : These results indicate that when intubation of glucose and P rice were out of control on postprandial glycemic response in diabetic rats. But postprandial glycemic response was well-modulated by administrating a single oral dose of HGMCJE and HUPJ-rice. Therefore, HGMCJE can be developed as an effective hypoglycemic agent.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

Objectives We aimed to find out the improvement effect of Baekhogainsam-tang (Baihu Jia Renshen-tang, BIT) on metabolic syndrome and alteration of microbiota and gene expression. Methods We used male C57BI/6 mice and randomly assigned them into three groups. Normal control group was fed 10% kcal% fat diet, high-fat diet (HFD) group was fed 45% kcal% fat diet and 10% fructose water. BIT group was fed same diet as HFD group and treated by BIT for once daily, 6 days per week, total 8 weeks. We measured their body weight and food intake every week and performed oral glucose tolerance test 1 week before the end of the study. Then we collected the blood sample to measure triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c. We harvested tissue of liver, muscle, fat, and large intestine for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and histopathological examination. Fresh fecal samples were collected from each animal to verify alterations of gut microbiota and we used RNA from liver tissue for microarray analysis. Results The body weight and fat weight of BIT group were reduced compared to HFD group. The qPCR markers usually up-regulated in metabolic syndrome were decreased in BIT group. Bacteroides were higher in BIT group than other groups. There were also differences in gene expressions between two groups such as Cyp3a11 and Scd1. Conclusions We could find out BIT can ameliorate metabolic syndrome and suggest its effect is related to gut microbiota composition and gene expression pattern.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.157-165
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• 2007

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of fructose(F) or sucrose(S) and guar gum intake on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in 15-week-old male Goto-Kakizaki(GK) rats. Fifty rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups which were different in carbohydrate(25% of carbohydrate) and fiber(5% w/w) sources. The carbohydrate(CHO) sources of each group were comstarch(control group, 100% of CHO), fructose with cellulose(F), fructose with guar gum(FG), sucrose with cellulose(S), and sucrose with guar gum(SG). Each group was fed exterimental diet for 4 weeks. We measured food intake, body weight gain, adipose tissues weight and organs weight. We conducted oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) and measured plasma insulin concentration to examine carbohydrate metabolism. To evaluate lipid metabolism, we measured the lipid profile of plasma, liver and feces. Food intake and weight gain of FG or SG groups tended to be less than those of F or S groups. Perirenal and epididymal fat pad weights of SG group were significantly lower than those of S group and those of FG group tended to be lower than those of F group. In OGTT, blood glucose values of F or S groups were significantly higher than those of C group, and FG or SG groups tended to be lower than those of F or S groups during the experimental time. The area under the curve(AUC) of C group was significantly highest among the groups, AUC and plasma insulin concentration of FG or SG groups tended to be lower than those of F or S groups. Plasma and hepatic triglyceride (TG) of FG and SG groups were significantly lower than those of F and S groups, plasma and hepatic total lipid(TL) and total cholesterol(TC) of FG and SG groups tended to be lower than those of F and S groups. Fecal TL, TG and TC of FG or SG groups tended to be higher than those of F and S groups. In conclusion, intake of guar gum should improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in partial substitution of fructose or sucrose for cornstarch in GK rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.12
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• pp.1727-1733
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Vaccinium uliginosum L. (bilberry) on chemically induced diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, control (CON), bilberry added group (CBB), streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic group (STZ), STZ and bilberry added group (SBB), high fat fed group (HFF) and high fat and bilberry added group (HFB). Diabetes was chemically induced by intravenous injection of 45 mg/kg body weight STZ in citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Serum triglycerides decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the STZ group that was fed bilberry. Additionally, the athrogenic index (AI) decreased significantly (p<0.05) when compared to the STZ group, while the liver triglycerides tended to decrease in the STZ group. HDL-cholesterol also increased significantly in response to bilberry. When compared to the STZ group, steady attenuation of the blood glucose level was observed upon fasting, 15 min, 30 min, 60 min and 120 min after oral glucose administration. The blood glucose level in the bilberry fed group decreased by 24% when compared to STZ group, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) became significantly higher (p<0.05) in the STZ group when compared to the CON group. Overall, the results of this study suggest that bilberry stimulates lipid metabolism in both the serum and liver and has a positive effect on glucose metabolism in chemically induced diabetic rats.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.1063-1071
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• 1997

Backgroung : The efficacy of oral corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic asthma is undisputed, but their long-term use is associated with adverse side-effects, including supression of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis function, osteoporosis, weight gain, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. The introduction of inhaled corticosteroids in the early 1970's represented a significant therapeutic advance in the management of asthma, since these compounds combined high topical potency with low systemic activity. Fluticasone propionate is a new topically active synthetic glucocorticosteroid that combinds a high degree of efficacy with negligible systemic bioavailability. This study was perfomed to determine the effect of inhaled fluticasone propionate on the adreocortical supression in patients with bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Method : The adrenocortical function was assessed by measurement of plasma cortisol concentration at 8 o'clock in morning and free cortisol in 24 hour urine collection at interval. Absolutely, no steroid was taken during pretreatment period of 10days. There after each subject inhaled fluticasone aerosol, in daily doses of 500 or 1000micrograms for 12days. The dose was delivered by metered dose inhaler(MDI). Results : The serum cortisol and 24hour urinary free cortisol were not decreased during the treatment period in patients with inhaled fluticasone propionate in daily doses of 500 micrograms. In contrast, serum cortisol was significantly decreased on 9th and 12th day(p less than 0.05). And, 24hour urinary free cortisol was also significantly decreased on 3rd and 12th day of treatement period(p less than 0.05) in patients with inhaled fluticasone in daily doses of 1000 micrograms. Conclusion : These results suggested that endogenous cortisol secretion was not supressed after short-term inhalation of fluticasone in daily dose of 500 micrograms, but in daily dose of 1000 micrograms, the endogenous cortisol secretion was supressed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.321-326
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• 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate antihyperglycemic effect of Gleditschiae Spina (GS) in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. The rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic rats supplemented with acarbose (AC, 4 mg/kg), and with GS ethanol extracts (GSE, 50 mg/kg). Weekly fasting blood glucose (FBG) for 10 weeks and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 10th week were monitored using glucose oxidase-peroxidase reactive strips. The FBG level was significantly reduced in AC group after 8 weeks and in GSE group at the end of period. The AUCs for the glucose response from OGTT and blood glucose level after sacrifice were significantly lower in the AC and GSE groups than the DC group. GSE supplementation significantly increased plasma total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) in STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats, compared with DC group. The present study indicates that GSE could ameliorate type 2 diabetes and be comparable to acarbose, a standard hypoglycemic drug. Also, we suggest that GSE may possess antioxidant activity against the STZ-NA-induced oxidative stress.