• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.154-162
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• 2019

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary energy and crude protein (CP) levels on reproductive performance, litter performance, milk quality, and blood profiles in gestating sows. A total of 59 multiparous sows (Yorkshire ${\times}$ Landrace) with similar body weights (BW), backfat thickness (BF), and parity were assigned to one of six treatments with 9 or 10 sows per treatment using a $2{\times}3$ factorial arrangement and completely randomized design. The first factor was two levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) density (13.40 or 13.82 MJ/kg) and the second factor was three dietary protein levels based from 35 day in gestating phases (10.5%, 12%, and 13.5%). Backfat thickness change in lactating sows decreased linearly as CP level increased (p = 0.03). Increased energy level in the gestating sow diet tended to increase the total number of piglets born (p = 0.07), but piglet weight decreased (p = 0.02). Dietary CP level had a negative effect on colostrum quality. Casein, protein, total solid, and solids-not-fat concentrations decreased linearly and lactose level increased linearly as CP level in the gestating sow diet increased (casein%: p = 0.03; protein%: p = 0.04; lactose%: p = 0.06; total solids: p = 0.03; solid-not-fat: p = 0.03, respectively). However, improving ME by 0.42 MJ/kg had no significant effect on the chemical composition of sow colostrum. There were no significant differences in blood glucose concentration in gestating sows when sows were fed different levels of energy during gestation, but blood glucose increased at 21 day of lactation when energy increased by 0.42 MJ/kg (p = 0.04). Blood urea nitrogen concentration increased linearly when dietary CP levels increased at 110 day in gestation, 24-hours postpartum, and 21 days of lactation (linear, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively), and it also increased when dietary energy increased at 110 days of gestation and 24-hours postpartum (p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). A gestating sow diet containing 13.82 MJ/kg ME and 10.5% CP can improve reproductive performance, litter performance, and colostrum quality.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2019

Leaves of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai are used in folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and diuretic properties. To ensure efficient utilization of S. quelpaertensis leaf, we previously reported a preparation method for phytochemical-rich extract (PRE) using the leaf residue, which was produced after hot water extraction. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypouricemic potential of S. quelpaertensis leaf PRE in potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic mice. The administration of PRE significantly reduced serum uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine levels and increased urine UA and creatinine levels in the PO-induced hyperuricemic mice. It also reduced liver UA levels and xanthine oxidase (XA) activity. A histological analysis revealed that PRE administration protected against PO-induced liver damage, pointing to anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in PO-induced hyperuricemic mice. We analyzed the transcriptome response to PRE administration in PO-induced hyperuricemic mice using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in kidney tissues. The administration of PRE mainly enriched genes involved in mediating immune and inflammatory responses and the metabolic pathway. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the metabolic pathway, purine metabolism, and antibody biosynthesis were the major pathways altered in the PRE and PO groups. These results suggest a potential role for PRE in the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia with inflammation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.1231-1244
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to report the glucose-lowering effect and safety of herbal extracts in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: We investigated 21 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were administered Daeshiho-tang, Bojungikgi-tang, Jowiseunggi-tang, and Hoechunyanggyeok-san at Kyung-Hee University Korean Medical Hospital from 2014 to 2019. The hypoglycemic effect of the herbal extracts was assessed by comparing blood glucose levels, including fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (PP2) levels. For safety assessment, the effects of herbal extracts on liver and kidney function were analyzed by liver function tests, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and kidney function tests, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). Patients were stratified according to their glycated hemoglobin (<6.5 or >6.5) levels and the kind of herbal extract used for treatment. Results: After administration of herbal extracts, FBS and PP2 significantly decreased to 20.24 mg/dL and 35.0 mg/dL respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that, regardless of the glycated hemoglobin level, FBS and PP2 were significantly reduced in both groups. The safety profile showed no significant difference before and after taking herbal extracts. Conclusions: Daeshigo-tang, Bojungikgi-tang, Jowiseunggi-tang, and Hoechunyanggyeok-san may show the further glucose-lowering effects on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have already treated with anti-hyperglycemic agents.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.49-57
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• 2022

Objective : This study was conducted to investigate antidiabetic effects of chunggugjang with medicinal herbal complex (CJ) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced animal models. Method : STZ (65 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Then rats were divided into 5 groups ; NG (normal diet + 0.9% saline), COS (STZ +saline 5 mL/kg), COB (STZ + fermented soybean(100 mg/kg), CJ 100/200 (STZ+CJ(100 and 200 mg/kg), CJ 300/600 (STZ+CJ(300 and 600 mg/kg). 4 weeks later, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. After sacrificing rats, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were measured and histological changes were observed. Result : Body weight change and food efficiency ratio (FER) were decreased in the CJ 300/600 group than in the COS group. But, there was no change in water intake. Serum levels of glucose, AST, ALT and BUN were lower in the CJ 300/600 group than in the COS group. Also, TG, TC, and creatinine were decreased in the CJ 300/600 group than in the COS group. According to OGTT, 120 minutes postprandial glucose levels were lower in the CJ 300/600 group than in the COS group. In addition, administration of CJ extracts restored histopathological damage. Conclusion : The results suggest that CJ can be used as a functional material for diabetes treatment as it has the effect to improve pathological symptoms in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.406-421
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the blood biochemical characteristics, comorbidities, dietary intake, and other risk factors leading to poor glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) control in elderly Korean diabetes patients over 65 years of age. Methods: Data from the 4^th (2007-2009) and the 7^th (2016-2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) were used. Socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, region, household income, education level, marital status, nutrition education, diabetes duration and diabetes treatment), lifestyle characteristics (drinking, smoking, regular walking, and subjective health perception), anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, and waist circumference), blood biochemical characteristics (HbA1c, high- density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and blood creatinine), co-morbidities (obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and anemia), energy and nutrients intake, food group intake, and HbA1c control-related risk factors were compared. Results: Compared to the 4^th survey, the 7^th survey showed an increase in diabetes prevalence among men, an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the older patients, and an increase in the duration of diabetes. The energy ratio from carbohydrate consumption in the 7^th survey was lower than in the 4^th. Compared to the 4^th survey, thiamine and riboflavin intake had improved, and the intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, and niacin had worsened in the 7^th. A comparison of food group intakes showed that there was a decrease in the consumption of whole grains, potatoes, and milk and an increase in the intake of beverages and alcoholic beverages. The risk factors for poor control of HbA1c were the duration of diabetes and co-morbid hypertriglyceridemia in the 4^th survey, whereas subjective health perception, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia as co-morbidities were found to be risk factors in the 7^th in addition to the risk factors highlighted in the 4^th survey. Conclusions: For the future management of elderly Korean diabetes patients, greater care is indicated for men over 75 years, and those with low levels of education. It is necessary to increase the intake of milk and vegetables, and reduce the intake of beverages and alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the incidence of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia for proper control of blood sugar.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.89-103
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• 2018

Objectives : This study is aimed to compare the changes in Antioxidative capacity of Liriopis Tuber by steaming process and to compare the effects in hyperlipidemia induced rats fed high cholesterol diet between Simvastatin and Liriopis Tuber by steaming process. Methods : The SD rats were divided into six groups: normal diet (Nor), high cholesterol diet (Veh), high cholesterol diet plus Simvastatin 5 mg/kg (Sim), high cholesterol diet plus LT0 extract 200 mg/kg (LT0), high cholesterol diet plus LT6 extract 200 mg/kg (LT6) and high cholesterol diet plus LT9 extract 200 mg/kg (LT9). We compared the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) contents and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from each serums. Protein expression in liver tissues related to antioxidant and cholesterol was analyzed. Results : The Antioxidant activity of Liriopis Tuber increased by steaming process. In vivo, TC, TG, LDL-c, atherogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk factor (CRF) decreased and HDL-c increased with increasing steaming frequency. aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased with increasing steaming frequency. ROS decreased only in LT9, and SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased with increasing steaming frequency. phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) increased and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), Phospho-Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (p-ACC) and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) decreased with increasing steaming frequency. Liver staining showed a decrease in hepatic fat accumulation of LT9. LT9 showed significant results in all experiments. Conclusions : LT9 showed significance of anti-lipid effect and improved fatty liver of hyperlipemia induced rats fed on high cholesterol diet, In conclusion, LP9 can be effectively used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.27-37
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• 2021

Objectives : In the current study, we performed the 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity test and a 4-week recovery test of standardized Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. and Psoralea corylifolia L. 30 % ethanol extract (SCP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats owing to aims for verifying no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Methods : The animal study was performed according to OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals section 4 health effects test No.408 repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rodents (03 October 2008). In the repeated dose toxicity study, SCP was orally administered to female and male rats at dose levels of 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg/day for 13-week. The control group and high dose (4,000 mg/kg/day) group were then monitored for 4 extra weeks to determine recovery time after the study period. 1) Results : Compared with the control group, there were no treatment-related adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, hematology, serum biochemistry (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, 𝛾-Glutamyl transpeptidase, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Glucose, Total cholesterol, Total protein, Creatine phosphokinase, Albumin, Total bilirubin, Triglyceride, Inorganic phosphorus, Albumin/Globulin ratio, Calcium ion, Sodium ion, Potassium ion, Chloride ion), necropsy findings and organ weight (Ovary, Adrenal gland, Pituitary, Thymus, Prostate, Testis, Epididymis, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lung, Brain, Liver) at any dose tested. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the NOAEL of SCP in both genders was considered as over 4,000 mg/kg. Results from this study provide scientific evidence for the safety of SCP.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.589-603
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported that protein supplementation contributes to the attenuation of inflammation. Serious trauma such as burn injury usually results in the excessive release of inflammatory factors and organs dysfunction. However, a few reports continued to focus on the function of protein ingestion in regulating burn-induced inflammation and organ dysfunction. MATERIALS/METHODS: This study established the rat model of 30% total body surface area burn injury, and evaluated the function of blended protein (mixture of whey and soybean proteins). Blood routine examination, inflammatory factors, blood biochemistry, and immunohistochemical assays were employed to analyze the samples from different treatment groups. RESULTS: Our results indicated a decrease in the numbers of white blood cells, monocytes, and neutrophils in the burn injury group administered with the blended protein nutritional support (Burn+BP), as compared to the burn injury group administered normal saline supplementation (Burn+S). Expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and chemokines (macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor, and C-C motif chemokine 11) were dramatically decreased, whereas anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) were significantly increased in the Burn+BP group. Kidney function related markers blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, and the liver function related markers alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were remarkably reduced, whereas albumin levels were elevated in the Burn+BP group as compared to levels obtained in the Burn+S group. Furthermore, inflammatory cells infiltration of the kidney and liver was also attenuated after burn injury administered with blended protein supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, nutritional support with blended proteins dramatically attenuates the burn-induced inflammatory reaction and protects organ functions. We believe this is a new insight into a potential therapeutic strategy for nutritional support of burn patients.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.196-201
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• 2023

Renal fibrosis is the final manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) regardless of etiology. Hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) is an important regulator of chronic hypoxia, and the late-stage renal tubular HIF-2α activation exerts protective effects against renal fibrosis. However, its specific role in progressive renal fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of the long-term tubular activation of HIF-2α on renal function and fibrosis, using in vivo and in vitro models of renal fibrosis. Progressive renal fibrosis was induced in renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) of tetracycline-controlled HIF-2α transgenic (Tg) mice and wild-type (WT) controls through a 6-week adenine diet. Tg mice were maintained on doxycycline (DOX) for the diet period to induce Tg HIF-2α expression. Primary TECs isolated from Tg mice were treated with DOX (5 ㎍/ml), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (10 ng/ml), and a combination of both for 24, 48, and 72 hr. Blood was collected to analyze creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Pathological changes in the kidney tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Sirius Red staining. Meanwhile, the expression of fibronectin, E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was observed using western blotting. Our data showed that serum Cr and BUN levels were significantly lower in Tg mice than in WT mice following the adenine diet. Moreover, the protein levels of fibronectin and E-cadherin and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK were markedly reduced in the kidneys of adenine-fed Tg mice. These results were accompanied by attenuated fibrosis in Tg mice following adenine administration. Consistent with these findings, HIF-2α overexpression significantly decreased the expression of fibronectin in TECs, whereas an increase in α-SMA protein levels was observed after TGF-β1 stimulation for 72 hr. Taken together, these results indicate that long-term HIF-2α activation in CKD may inhibit the progression of renal fibrosis and improve renal function, suggesting that long-term renal HIF-2α activation may be used as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CKD.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.354-365
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to assess the safety and effect on glucose level of Bojungikgi-tang in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: To review patients' clinical characteristics and laboratory tests retrospectively, we investigated 15 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who took Bojungikgi-tang at Kyung Hee University Korean Medical Hospital for at least one day between January 2012 and December 2022. The blood glucose levels, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-hour postprandial glucose (PP2) levels, and glycated hemoglobin level, were collected to determine the effect of the Bojungikgi-tang on blood sugar changes. Furthermore, to evaluate the safety of Bojungikgi-tang, hepatic function and renal function tests were implemented, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: When Bojungikgi-tang and a standard treatment for diabetes were administered for patients with type 2 diabetes, it was confirmed that there were no statistically significant changes in FBS and PP2 levels in the analysis of each medication taken. There was no significant difference in the safety profile after taking Bojungikgi-tang. Conclusions: The combined administration of Bojungikgi-tang with standard hypoglycemic medication for patients with type 2 diabetes may not affect blood glucose levels and safety.