• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제34권3호
• /
• pp.306-312
• /
• 2001

We investigated the effect of physical exercise on the intakes and plasma levels of vitamin C and E in young male adults. The study population were divided into two groups: small-amount exercisers($\leq$ 30min/day, n=29) and moderate-amount exercisers(> 30min/day, n=32) according to their physical exercise habits measured by a questionnaire. Dietary intakes of vitamin C and E of the subjects were estimated by the 24 hour recall method. Plasma lipid profiles, vitamin C, $\alpha$-tocopherol and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol levels were analyzed. No significant differences were observed in total cholesterol, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C of plasma between two groups. Plasma vitamin C and $\alpha$-tocopherol levels in moderate-amount exercisers were significantly higher than those in small-amount exercisers, although dietary intakes of vitamin C and vitamin E were not significantly different between two groups. However, plasma ${\gamma}$-tocopherol level of moderate-amount exercisers did not significantly differ from small-amount exercisers. There was a positive correlation between the amount of exercise and plasma $\alpha$-tocopherol level. These results suggest that moderate amount of exercise over 30 min per day would lead to a healthy life with an activated antioxidant defence system against oxidative stress.(Korean J Nutrition 34(3) : 306~312, 2001)

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제39권8호
• /
• pp.773-785
• /
• 2006

Vitamin E in the body system plays an important role in preventing chronic diseases by decreasing the oxidative stress by free-radicals. However, there are not enough researches on analyzing the primary factors affecting vitamin E levels in the blood in Korean adults. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to examine blood tocopherol levels and the primary factors affecting the status. A complete lifestyle survey was performed on 314 Korean adult men and surveyed their smoking, drinking and exercising habits. The average plasma level of ${\alpha}-\;and\;{\gamma}-tocopherol$ showed similar mutual relations with plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), or low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (p<0.001). Plasma ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ level of the subjects did not show any difference as smoking, drinking and exercising habits changed. However, ${\gamma}-tocopherol$ per TG showed much lower figure in smokers than non smokers (p < 0.05). Amongst diet factors, plasma ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ level showed negative correlations with Vitamin E intake, while ${\gamma}-tocopherol$ level showed positive correlations with Vitamin E intake. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma tocopherol showed negative correlations, and catalase activity and plasma ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ showed positive correlationship. The level of cell DNA damage of Iymphocyte and plasma ${\alpha}-\;or\;{\gamma}-tocopherol$ showed negative correlations. As a result of this research, the factors that affect Korean adult men's plasma ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ level are plasma TG, LDL-C and cell DNA damage in Iymphocyte, while the factors that affect ${\gamma}-tocopherol$ level are plasma TG, LDL-C and vitamin E intake based on multiple regression analysis. These findings implies that the level of different types of tocopherol depends on slightly different factors. A further research is needed on the factors involved in the differentiation of the types of tocopherol.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• 제9권2호
• /
• pp.192-198
• /
• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and functions primarily as a lipid antioxidant. Inadequate vitamin E status may increase risk of several chronic diseases. Thus, the objectives of this study were to estimate intake and plasma concentration of each tocopherol and to evaluate vitamin E status of Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Three consecutive 24-h food recalls and fasting blood samples were collected from healthy 20- to 59-y-old adults (33 males and 73 females) living in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Korea. ${\alpha}$-, ${\beta}$-, ${\delta}$-, and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol intakes and plasma concentrations of tocopherols (${\alpha}$-, ${\delta}$-, and ${\gamma}$- tocopherol) were analyzed by gender. RESULTS: Dietary vitamin E and total vitamin E intake (dietary plus supplemental vitamin E) was $17.68{\pm}14.34$ and $19.55{\pm}15.78mg$ ${\alpha}$-tocopherol equivalents, respectively. The mean daily ${\alpha}$-tocopherol, and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol intakes were $3.07{\pm}2.27mg$ and $5.98{\pm}3.74mg$, respectively. Intakes of total vitamin E and each tocopherol of males were significantly higher than those of females (P < 0.05). Plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol concentration was $15.45{\pm}10.16$ of males and $15.00{\pm}4.54{\mu}mol/L$ of females, respectively. There were no significant differences in plasma tocopherol concentrations by gender ($P{\geq}0.05$). Plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol was negatively correlated with ${\gamma}$-tocopherol intake (P < 0.05). Twenty-three percent of the subjects had plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol concentrations < $12{\mu}mol/L$ indicating a biochemical deficiency of vitamin E. Approximately 8% and 9% of these participants had plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol:total lipid ratio less than $1.59{\mu}mol/mmol$ and plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol:total cholesterol ratio less than $2.22{\mu}mol/mmol$, respectively, which are also indicative of vitamin E deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E intakes of Korean adults were generally adequate with the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin E. However, ${\alpha}$-tocopherol intake was lower than that reported in other countries, and 23% of the subjects in the current study were vitamin E deficient based on plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol concentrations.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제34권4호
• /
• pp.401-408
• /
• 2001

The spontaneous frequency of genetic damage and the possible relationship of this damage to total radical-trapping antioxidant potential(TRAP) and antioxidant vitamins, including plasma levels of $\alpha$-carotene, $\beta$-carotene, cryptoxanthin, retinol, $\alpha$-tocopherol and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol in humans were investigated in 57 subjects using two indices of genetic damage, SCE & HFC frequency. The mean of SCE and HFC frequencies were weakly correlated with plasma TRAP(r=-0.305, p<0.1 for SCEs: r=-0.297, p<0.1 for HFCs, respectively), but those were strongly negatively correlated with plasma $\beta$-carotence(r=-0.385, p<0.01 for SCEs : r=-0.392, p<0.01 for HFCs) and cryptoxanthin(r=-0.312, p<0.05 for SCEs : r=0.335, p<0.05 for HFCs, respectively) levels in the subjects. However, those DNA damage markers including SCE and HFC did not correlate with either plasma $\alpha$-carotene, $\alpha$-tocopherol or retinol concentrations. The mean of SCE and HFC frequencies were positively correlated with plasma ${\gamma}$-tocopherol level(r=0.421, p<0.01 for SCEs : r=0.399, p<0.01 for HFCs, respectively). These findings indicate that increased cytogenetic DNA changes, as determined by SCE and HFC frequencies are possibly associated with generation of free radicals in lymphocytes and decreased plasma antioxidant vitamin($\beta$-carotene and cryptoxanthin) status in the subjects. (Korean J Nutrition 34(4) : 401~08, 2001)

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제40권8호
• /
• pp.708-718
• /
• 2007

본 연구는 비타민 E의 보충섭취가 폐경기 여성의 항산화 영양상태 및 임파구 DNA 손상을 개선할 수 있는지를 알아보고자 수행되었으며, 이중맹검법으로 실시되었고 플라시보를 위약군으로 하였다. 폐경기 여성 35명을 대상으로 6주 동안 비타민 E 보충섭취군에게는 비타민 E 캡슐($\alpha$-tocopherol 성분 400 IU/capsule)을, 위약군에게는 대두유로 만든 위약 캡슐(400 mg/capsule)을 하루 2회 섭취하도록 하였으며, 이 때 두 군의 분류는 무작위로 하였다. 항산화 영양상태를 알아보기 위해 혈장 vitamin C, $\alpha$-tocopherol, $\gamma$-tocopherol, $\alpha$-carotenoid, $\beta$-carotenoid, lycopene 농도를 측정하였고, 임파구 DNA 손상정도를 알아보기 위해서는 Comet assay를 이용하여 tail length, %DNA in tail, tail moment를 측정하였다. 비타민 E 보충섭취군에서는 혈장 vitamin C(p<0.05)와 $\alpha$-tocopherol(p<0.000)농도가 유의적으로 증가하였고, $\gamma$-tocopherol(p<0.000) 농도와 tail length(p<0.05)는 유의적으로 감소하였다. 반면, 위약군에서는 혈장 vitamin C(p<0.05)의 농도만이 유의적으로 증가하였다. 결론적으로, 본 연구는 비타민 E의 보충섭취가 혈장 항산화 상태 및 DNA 손상에 대해 부분적인 개선 효과가 있음을 보여주었다.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제33권2호
• /
• pp.158-166
• /
• 2000

The effects of smoking and physical exercise on the plasma concentrations of lipid-soluble antioxidants were investigated in 62 healthy males, aged 34-65 years. Current smokers (n=21) and ex-smokers(n=16) had significantly lower plasma levels of carotenoids ($\alpha$-carotene, $\beta$-carotene, cryptoxanthin and lycopene), $\alpha$-tocopherol and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol than non-smokers (n=25). Plasma concentrations of retionl and ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) were lower among ex-smokers and current smokers than among non-smokers, but the differences were not statistically significant. Regular physical exercise was associated with increased plasma levels of lipid-soluble antioxidants. Plasma concentrations of crytoxanthin, retinol and ubiquinone were significantly elevated in the group engaging in moderate amounts of exercise (more than 20 minutes per day) compared to the group engaging in small amounts of exercise (less than 10 minutes per day). Plasma $\alpha$-carotene, $\beta$-carotene, lycopene levels in the subjects were affected more by smoking than by exercise. However, plasma levels of cryptoxanthin, retinol and ubiquinone in the subjects were affected more by exercise than by smoking. These findings suggest than smoking may cause a decrease in plasma lipid-soluble antioxidants during neutralization of reactive oxygen species present in cigarette smoke and that poor exercise habits may accelerate this imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis in middle-aged Korean men.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제41권2호
• /
• pp.135-140
• /
• 2008

흡연은 활성 산소/질소종의 생성을 증가시켜 체내 산화적 스트레스를 증가시키고 폐의 염증을 유발한다. 이는 흡연자들의 체내 항산화 영양소들의 감소와 밀접한 관계를 가지는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 항산화, 항염증 기능을 가진 비타민 E 중 식이에 많이 포함되어 있는 GT를 이용하여 흡연에 의한 항산화, 항염증 작용을 알아보기 위한 선행 연구로 고농도의 GT 식이가 혈액과 간, 폐의 AT, GT농도와 이들의 대샤산물인 CEHC 농도에 미치는 영향에 대하여 알아보고자 실시하였다. 연구 결과 고농도 GT 식이는 체내 혈액과 간, 폐 조직에 GT를 축적시키고 G-CEHC의 배설을 증가시켰다. 흡연은 대조군의 혈액과 폐 AT 농도는 증가시켰지만, 고농도 GT군의 혈액과 폐의 GT농도와 간의 G-CEHC의 농도를 감소 시켰다. 이러한 변화는 흡연에 의한 산화적 스트레스 상태에서 각기 다른 기능을 가진 조직의 요구량에 따라, 폐의 이용률을 높이기 위해 혈액으로 운반되는 양을 증가시키고 폐로의 운반을 임시적으로 증가시켜 조직의 AT, GT 농도를 선택적으로 조절하고 GT의 생체 이용률의 증가 때문이라 사료된다. 하지만 정확한 기전에 대한 연구들이 부족한 실정이므로 고농도의 GT 식이가 흡연에 의해 유도된 체내 산화적 스트레스와 폐의 염증 반응에 긍정적인 효과를 알아보기 위한 후속 연구가 절설히 필요한 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제36권9호
• /
• pp.933-941
• /
• 2003

It has been suggested that green juice supplementation may have some health promoting benefits. We evaluated the effects of green juice (Angelica keiskei) consumption on parameters of lipid profiles and plasma antioxidant status in healthy male smokers. Fifty-four smokers were supplemented with 300 ml of green juice for 6 weeks while maintaining their normal diet. Blood samples were collected on week 0 and week 6 in order to evaluate plasma lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol) , plasma antioxidant vitamin levels (ascorbic acid, $\alpha$ -tocopherol, ${\gamma}$ -tocopherol, $\alpha$ -carotene, $\beta$ -carotene, cryptoxanthin and lycopene) , the degree of LDL oxidation and GOT, GPT levels for liver function. Plasma ascorbic acid level remained at the same level. However, $\alpha$ -tocopherol and ${\gamma}$ -tocopherol normalized by total cholesterol (p <0.05) and $\beta$ -carotene (p <0.001) level were all significantly increased after green juice supplementation. Plasma cholesterol was reduced for 12%, LDL-cholesterol was reduced for 9.3% after green juice consumption, while plasma triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol was not changed. Oxidized LDL assessed by conjugated diene (CD) , was decreased (p < 0.0001) after green juice consumption. These results further support a role for green juice supplementation in the improvement of lipid status, prevention of lipid peroxidation, and thereby reducing risk factors of numerous diseases associated with elevated oxidative stress in smokers.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제43권5호
• /
• pp.443-452
• /
• 2010

Elevated plasma concentration of total homocysteine (ptHcy) is known as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and oxidative stress is also commonly implicated in CVD. An association between ptHcy and oxidative stress has recently been suggested. The study objective is to examine the relationship between ptHcy and oxidative stress markers in 103 healthy college students (62 males and 41 females). Plasma levels of ptHcy, oxidative stress markers (conjugated diene, erythrocyte catalase, TRAP, lymphocyte DNA damage), antioxidant vitamins ($\alpha$-tocopherol, $\gamma$-tocopherol, carotenoids), and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol) were determined. The results show that the concentration of ptHcy was significantly higher in male subjects ($22.17\;{\pm}\;2.14\;{\mu}mole/L$) than in female subjects ($12.28\;{\pm}\;0.45\;{\mu}mole/L$). There was a negative association between ptHcy and plasma ${\beta}$-carotene in male subjects (p $lt; 0.05), but no correlation between ptHcy and other plasma antioxidant vitamin levels in either gender. However, there were the negative correlations between ptHcy and plasma ${\alpha}$-carotene or ${\beta}$-carotene, and a positive correlation between ptHcy and lymphocyte DNA damage. A significantly low level of ${\alpha}$-carotene or ${\beta}$-carotene was found in male subjects with elevated ptHcy (${\geq}\;15\;{\mu}mol/L$), as compared to those with lower plasma homocysteine. These study results confirmed the views on the association between plasma homocysteine and oxidative stress markers in humans and support the hypothesis that homocysteine promotes the oxidative environment by counteracting the antioxidant defense mechanism.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• 제44권1호
• /
• pp.16-28
• /
• 2011

Oxidative stress leads to the induction of cellular oxidative damage, which may cause adverse modifications of DNA, proteins, and lipids. The production of reactive species during oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases. Antioxidant defenses can neutralize reactive oxygen species and protect against oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant status and the degree of DNA damage in Korean young adults using glutathione s-transferase (GST) polymorphisms. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were characterized in 245 healthy young adults by smoking status, and their oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes and antioxidant status were assessed by GST genotype. General characteristics were investigated by simple questionnaire. From the blood of the subjects, GST genotypes; degree of DNA damage in lymphocytes; the erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; plasma concentrations of total peroxyl radical-trapping potential (TRAP), vitamin C, ${\alpha}$- and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol, ${\alpha}$- and ${\beta}$-carotene and cryptoxanthin, as well as plasma lipid profiles, conjugated diene (CD), GOT, and GPT were analyzed. Of the 245 subjects studied, 23.2% were GSTM1 wild genotypes and 33.4% were GSTT1 wild genotype. No difference in erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, or glutathione peroxidase, and the plasma TRAP level, CD, GOT, and GPT levels were observed between smokers and non-smokers categorized by GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotype. Plasma levels of ${\alpha}$- and ${\gamma}$-tocopherol increased significantly in smokers with the GSTT1 wild genotype (p < 0.05); however, plasma level of ${\alpha}$-carotene decreased significantly in non-smokers with the GSTM1 wild genotype (p < 0.05). DNA damage assessed by the Comet assay was significantly higher in non-smokers with the GSTM1 genotype; whereas DNA damage was significantly lower in non-smokers with the GSTT1 genotype. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in non-smokers with the GSTT1 genotype than those with the GSTT1 wild genotype (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the GSTM1 genotype or the GSTT1 wild genotype in non-smokers aggravated their antioxidant status through DNA damage of lymphocytes; however, the GSTT1 wild type in non-smokers had normal plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. This finding confirms that GST polymorphisms could be an important determinant of antioxidant status and plasma lipid profiles in non-smoking young adults. Further study is necessary to clarify the antioxidant status and/or lipid profiles of smokers with the GST polymorphism and to conduct a study with significantly more subjects.