• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.277-282
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• 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate whether plasma homocysteine levels were related to obesity or its contributing factors (e.g., lipids, insulin, glucose, glucagon, and fructosamine) in dogs without systemic diseases such as diabetes or renal failure. For achieving our study goal, 100 client-owned dogs without systemic diseases were enrolled in this study. Fasting glucose concentration; lipid profile (i.e., total triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]); and fructosamine, insulin, and glucagon levels were determined. The dogs were subdivided by the body condition score (BCS). The median levels of homocysteine were considerably higher in obese dogs than in lean and normal dogs. Interestingly, not only was homocysteine positively associated with the level of HDL-C, but also found to have a significant positive association with TG, TC, plasma glucagon levels, and fructosamine. In contrast, LDL-C, fasting glucose and insulin did not show any association with homocysteine. The findings presented, suggest that elevated levels of homocysteine may play a biological role in obesity in dogs.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.370-374
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• 2016

Background: Many menopausal women suffer from health problems including metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. Thus they need natural products and functional foods particularly highly nutritional food products, that can help alleviate these diseases. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Drynariae Rhizoma water extract on the lipid and bone metabolism of ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods and Results: The animals were randomly divided into six dietary groups comprising SHAM-operated rats, OVX rats (normal diet), and OVX-DR rats (Drynariae Rhizoma extract). After 8 weeks, plasma, liver, and fat samples were collected to analyze the lipid metabolism, plasma Ca, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) concentrations, which are biochemical makers of bone metabolism. The left femurs of rats were also collected for histological analyses. OVX counteracted menopause induced body weight gain, as well as increases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids. The Drynariae Rhizoma group showed low levels of triglycerides, high HDL-cholesterol, and decreased lipogenesis based on activity of the lipid-regulating enzymes (fatty acid synthase and malic enzyme). Decreased serum levels of ALP and osteocalcin were observed in Drynariae Rhizoma group. Conclusions: The results of this study show that Drynariae Rhizoma extract may effectively regulate hyperlipidemia and improve bone density.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.171-180
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• 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent liver diseases associated with an altered lifestyle, besides genetic factors. The control and management of NAFLD mostly depend on lifestyle modifications, due to the lack of a specific therapeutic approach. In this context, we assessed the effect of carrot juice on the development of high fructose-induced hepatic steatosis. For this purpose, male weanling Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, fed either a control (Con) or high fructose (HFr) diet of AIN93G composition, with or without carrot juice (CJ) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, plasma biochemical markers, such as triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, and ${\beta}$-hydroxy butyrate levels were comparable among the 4 groups. Although, the liver injury marker, aspartate aminotransferase, levels in plasma showed a reduction, hepatic triglycerides levels were not significantly reduced by carrot juice ingestion in the HFr diet-fed rats (HFr-CJ). On the other hand, the key triglyceride synthesis pathway enzyme, hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), expression at mRNA level was augmented by carrot juice ingestion, while their protein levels showed a significant reduction, which corroborated with decreased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), particularly palmitoleic (C16:1) and oleic (C18:1) acids. Notably, it also improved the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6) content of the liver in HFr-CJ. In conclusion, carrot juice ingestion decreased the SCD1-mediated production of MUFA and improved DHA levels in liver, under high fructose diet-fed conditions. However, these changes did not significantly lower the hepatic triglyceride levels.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.287-293
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• 2013

This study determined the effects of fucoxanthin on gene expressions related to lipid metabolism in rats with a high-fat diet. Rats were fed with normal fat diet (NF, 7% fat) group, high fat diet group (HF, 20% fat), and high fat with 0.2% fucoxanthin diet group (HF+Fxn) for 4 weeks. Body weight changes and lipid profiles in plasma, liver, and feces were determined. The mRNA expressions of transcriptional factors such as sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c, Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1), Cholesterol $7{\alpha}$-hydroxylase1 (CYP7A1) as well as mRNA expression of several lipogenic enzymes were determined. Fucoxanthin supplements significantly increased plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration (P < 0.05). The hepatic total lipids, total cholesterols, and triglycerides were significantly decreased while the fecal excretions of total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly increased in HF+Fxn group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of hepatic Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), Fatty acid synthase (FAS), and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) as well as SREBP-1C were significantly lower in HF+Fxn group compared to the HF group (P < 0.05). The hepatic mRNA expression of Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) and Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) were significantly low while lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was significantly high in the HF+Fxn group (P < 0.05). There was significant increase in mRNA expression of CPT1 and CYP7A1 in the HF+Fxn group, compared to the HF group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, consumption of fucoxanthin is thought to be effective in improving lipid and cholesterol metabolism in rats with a high fat diet.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.134-141
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• 2011

Purpose: Although the risk factors of metabolic syndrome have been extensively studied, the association between osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome has remained unclear in Korean elderly women. Yet to be determined are the effect of risk factors of metabolic syndrome on osteoporosis in these subjects. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the risk factors of metabolic syndrome affect the bone mineral density in Korean elderly women. Methods: One hundred twenty one elderly women from a community center in Seoul elderly welfare center participated in this study. A structured questionnare was used to assess their demographics and lifestyles. Participants' anthropometric information was also obtained by measuring heights, weights, and waist circumferences. The blood samples were also obtained to measure blood glucoses and blood lipids. Bone mineral density was measured with the use of ultra sono. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our subjects was 58%. In multivariate regression analysis, fasting plasma glucose level (p=.036) and triglycerides (p=.006) were significant factors predicting bone mineral density after adjusting age and other factors of metabolic syndrome. In age-adjusted analysis, women with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher bone mineral density as compared to those without metabolic syndrome (p=.026). Conclusion: Bone mineral density among elderly Korean women is associated with the level of blood glucose and triglycerides.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.601-611
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• 2017

Hyperlipidemia is an increase in one or more of the plasma lipids, including triglycerides, cholesterol. Ginseng has been used as a valuable tonic and for the treatment of various diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Jinan red ginseng (JRG) water extract on the blood and serum in rabbits with hyperlipidemia induced by poloxamer 407 when supplied in drinking water. JRG treatment was performed for 20 weeks. We evaluated the effects of the JRG treatment on diabetes through hematological and biochemical analysis before and after JRG treatment were performed. Our results indicate that LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly decreased compared prior JRG supply. CRE, BUN, CK and UA levels indicating renal functions are significantly reduced when compared to those prior to the JRG supply. In addition, AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH were significantly reduced indicating hepatoprotective effect. Blood electrolytes deteriorated in HL rabbits were improved when JRG supplied. In conclusion, Biochemical and hematological analysis demonstrate that the JRG is effective to alleviate the hyperlipidemia signs.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.297-303
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• 2013

Diagnostic membranes which were made of polyphosphazenes were prepared for the measurements of blood glucose concentration. The effects of possible interferents in human blood on the glucose concentration measurements were examined. Above those interferents, ascorbic acid (AA) showed 3~9% higher K/S values compared to the standard plasma solution, tolbutamide (TA) showed 11~13% lower K/S values than those of plasma, triglycerides and bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed 20~25% lower K/S values than those of plasma. However, most of the interferents except above materials did not show any serious effects on the blood glucose measurements.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.483-487
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• 2016

The triglyceride-lowering effect of probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 and Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 were investigated. Male SD Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups and fed high-fat diet (HFD), HFD and probiotics (5 × 10⁹ CFU/day of L. plantarum KY1032 and 5 × 10⁹ CFU/day of L. curvatus HY7601), or normal diet for 6 weeks. Probiotic treatment significantly lowered the elevated plasma triglyceride and increased plasma free fatty acid, glycerol, and plasma apolipoprotein A-V (ApoA-V) levels. The probiotic-treated group showed elevated hepatic mRNA expression of PPARα, bile acid receptor (FXR), and ApoA-V. These results demonstrate that L. plantarum KY1032 and L. curvatus HY7601 lower triglycerides in hypertriglyceridemic rats by upregulating ApoA-V, PPARα, and FXR.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2013

We compared the preventive capacity of high intakes of vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) on oxidative stress and liver toxicity in rats fed a low-fat ethanol diet. Thirty-two Wistar rats received the low fat (10% of total calories) Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet as follows: either ethanol alone (Alc group, 36% of total calories) or ethanol in combination with VC (Alc + VC group, 40 mg VC/100 g body weight) or VE (Alc + VE group, 0.8 mg VE/100 g body weight). Control rats were pair-fed a liquid diet with the Alc group. Ethanol administration induced a modest increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), conjugated dienes (CD), and triglycerides but decreased total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) in plasma. VE supplementation to alcohol-fed rats restored the plasma levels of AST, CD, and TRAP to control levels. However, VC supplementation did not significantly influence plasma ALT, AST, or CD. In addition, a significant increase in plasma aminothiols such as homocysteine and cysteine was observed in the Alc group, but cysteinylglycine and glutathione (GSH) did not change by ethanol feeding. Supplementing alcohol-fed rats with VC increased plasma GSH and hepatic S-adenosylmethionine, but plasma levels of aminothiols, except GSH, were not influenced by either VC or VE supplementation in ethanol-fed rats. These results indicate that a low-fat ethanol diet induces oxidative stress and consequent liver toxicity similar to a high-fat ethanol diet and that VE supplementation has a protective effect on ethanol-induced oxidative stress and liver toxicity.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.36-41
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• 2006

Dongchunghacho rice, produced by cultivating Dongchunghacho fungus on rice, could be an effective functional food because it offers added value to rice and thus increases rice consumption. However, the physiological effect of Dongchunghacho rice has not been reported yet although there is increasing consumers demand. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Dongchunghacho rice (unpolished rice cultivated with Cordyceps militaris) on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats. Forty of 8 wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups after a 1 week of adaptation period and fed either a normal diet (66% polished rice diet, NC), high fat (12 g/100 g)-high cholesterol (1 g/100 g) diet with 53% polished rice (HC), or high fat-high cholesterol diets supplemented with 30% of the total rice as either unpolished rice (DR) or Dongchunghacho rice (DR). After 4 weeks, rats fed the Dongchunghacho rice diet with high fat and cholesterol had dramatically lower plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations and atherogenic indexes and higher plasma HDL cholesterol levels compared with the rats consuming polished rice or unpolished rice with high fat and cholesterol diet. Dongchunghacho rice led to less total lipid and total cholesterol accumulation in liver. However, these significant reductions in plasma or hepatic lipid profiles were not closely correlated with fecal total lipid or total cholesterol excretion. The plasma concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides were not affected by Dongchunghacho rice. This hypolipidemic effect of Dongchunghacho rice seemed to be unrelated to unpolished rice itself, because the plasma and hepatic lipid profiles of DR group were not different from that of the HC group. These results suggest that unpolished rice containing cultivated Cordyceps militaris can improve plasma and hepatic lipid profiles in rats fed with high fat-high cholesterol diet.