OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of subjective stress levels on various characteristics, dietary intake, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Korean people. METHOD: This study conducted analyses on subjective stress levels and demographic-, socioeconomic-, health-related factors, dietary intake and CVD of 15,474 subjects aged over 20 years from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. In addition, the presence of CVD including angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke was analyzed. RESULTS: The responses of 25.6% of the subjects were that they felt high levels of stress. Significant differences in age, gender, education level, occupation, marital status, smoking and drinking status were observed by subjective stress levels (p<0.001 for all except p=0.035 for drinking status). After adjustment for non-modifiable covariates and modifiable covariates, subjects with high levels of stress showed an increase in the risk of angina, myocardial infarction-angina, and CVD, compared to those with low levels of stress [OR (95% CI) for non-modifiable covariates: 1.41 (1.04-1.90, p<0.05), 1.36 (1.06-174, p<0.05), and 1.30 (1.07-1.58, p<0.001)] and [OR (95% CI) for modifiable covariates: 1.44 (1.05-1.97, p<0.05), 1.41 (1.09-1.83, p<0.001), and 1.37 (1.12-1.68, p<0.001)]. Also, subjects with high levels of stress consumed more dietary fat than those with low levels of stress, but the opposite trend was observed regarding the consumption of carbohydrates (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that subjective stress levels adjusted for modifiable risk factors induced increased occurrence of CVD than that adjusted for non-modifiable risk factors.
Carbohydrates ; Cardiovascular Diseases* ; Dietary Fats ; Drinking ; Education ; Marital Status ; Myocardial Infarction ; Nutrition Surveys ; Nutritional Status ; Occupations ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stress, Psychological ; Stroke

Controlling dyslipidemia is important for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review introduces dietary management recommendations from the 2015 Korean Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemia, which were established by the Korean Society of Lipidology and Atherosclerosis. To prevent dyslipidemia, controlling dietary energy consumption to maintain a healthy body weight is important, due to the positive relationship among overweight, obesity, and dyslipidemia. It is recommended that less than 30% of total daily calories come from dietary fat. Rather than simply decreasing the consumption of total fat, it is suggested that the consumption of saturated and trans fatty acid is less than 7% and 1%, respectively, of total daily calories. To reduce serum total triglycerides, the consumption of dietary carbohydrates is advised not to take excessive, and in particular a reduction in the consumption of simple sugars. The consumption of dietary fiber, which is rich in foods such as whole grains and vegetables, is recommended at 25 grams per day. Also, based on studies on the relationship between disease and dietary patterns, it is advised to maintain a diverse and balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, dairy products and whole grains, rather than a diet consisting of meat, noodles, and alcohol. Focusing on lifestyle behavioral strategies that target diet management to improve dyslipidemia could be highly effective in facilitating the risk reduction of cardiovascular disease and enhancing pharmacotherapeutic interventions.
Atherosclerosis ; Body Weight ; Carbohydrates ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Dairy Products ; Diet Therapy ; Diet* ; Dietary Carbohydrates ; Dietary Fats ; Dietary Fiber ; Dyslipidemias* ; Edible Grain ; Fruit ; Life Style ; Meat ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; Triglycerides ; Vegetables

This study was conducted to evaluate the change of nutritional status and to analyze related factors in hospitalized tuberculosis (TB) patients during their hospitalization. The subjects were 398 men patients (mean age: 47.3 +/- 14.4 y) who had hospitalized more than 3 months at TB hospital located in Seoul. The anthropometric and blood biochemical indices were measured, and dietary intakes were assessed. At the time of admission the body weight of subjects was about 76% of the average body weight of Korean men with same age, Body mass index (BMI) of subjects was 18.5 kg/m2, and 53.8% of subjects were under weight status. Average level of blood hemoglobin and hematocrit of subjects was lower than the normal value. After 3 months of hospitalization period, the body weight and body mass index were significantly increased compared to admission by 3.9 kg (7.41%) and 1.4 kg/m2 (7.61%)(p<0.001), respectively. Blood levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, and total protein were also significantly increased after 3 months of hospitalization period compared to admission (p<0.001). The increment in the body weight and blood indices was significantly higher in below 29 years group than over 60 years group (p<0.05). The increment in the body weight and body mass index was significantly higher in the under-body weight group compared to the normal-body weight group (p<0.05). In conclusion the body weight and body mass index of subjects were significantly increased after 3 months of hospitalization period, and the age and body weight of subjects at admission were supposed to influence the degree of change in the nutritional status.
Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Hematocrit ; Hemoglobins ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Male ; Nutritional Status ; Reference Values ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and characteristics of nutrient intake in MS subjects by gender and age. The subjects were 957 (447 men and 510 women) who visited medical center for regular medical check-up. The diagnosis of MS subjects was adapted from NCEP-ATPIII with blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure and Aisa-Pacific definition with waist-circumference. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were practiced, then the nutrient intake analysis was assessed through the 24-hour recall method. The MS prevalence of all subjects was 10.3% in average -17% in men and 4.5% in women, respectively. The energy intake in MS group was 2047.1 kcal and 1699.5 kcal for normal group, showing significantly higher in MS compared to normal subjects. For intakes of animal fat, cholesterol, and sodium, MS group were significantly higher than normal group. In respect of gender, men subjects of MS group showed significantly higher nutrient intakes than normal group for energy, fat, and cholesterol. Women subjects of MS group showed higher intakes for energy, carbohydrate, and protein. For 30s, MS group showed higher intakes of energy, animal fat, and cholesterol than normal group. Fat and cholesterol for 40s and energy, carbohydrate, vegetable fat for 50s, MS group showed significantly higher intakes than normal group. In summary, MS group showed higher intakes of energy, animal fat, cholesterol, and sodium than normal group.
Animals ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Cholesterol ; Energy Intake ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Sodium ; Triglycerides ; Vegetables

Purpose: Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit is widely grown in Asia and consumed as fresh fruit, jam, and juices. The fruit has beneficial health effects, including anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, and anti-obesity properties. However, the mechanisms by which mulberry fruit juice powder (MJ) regulates inflammatory microRNAs (miRs) are not yet known. This study investigated the effect of mulberry fruit juice powder on the regulation of inflammation and miR-132/143 during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Methods: The 3T3-L1 cells were induced to differentiate for 2 days and then treated with various concentrations of MJ for 7 days. Cytotoxicity was determined by evaluating cell viability using a water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 assay kit. Intracellular lipid accumulation was evaluated by oil-red O staining. The levels of the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and inflammation, and miR-132/143 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. Results: MJ showed no cytotoxic effect on 3T3-L1 adipocytes at concentrations below 100 ng/ mL. Intracellular lipid accumulation was reduced by MJ treatment at concentrations of 100 ng/mL. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of proliferator-activated receptor-γ, cytosinecytosine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine/enhancer-binding protein-α, and adipocyte protein 2, which are involved in adipogenesis, were suppressed by MJ. A reduction was also seen in mRNA levels of genes related to the inflammatory response, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The expression of the inflammatory miR-132 and miR-143 was also decreased by MJ. Conclusion These results suggest that MJ may suppress adipogenesis and inflammation through the regulation of miR-132/143 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Thus, MJ may be useful as a food agent that prevents obesity-associated inflammation.

Purpose: Muscle mitochondria play a key role in regulating fatty acid and glucose metabolism. Dysfunction of muscle mitochondria is associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Isorhamnetin (ISOR), also known as 3-O-methylquercetin, a quercetin metabolite, is a naturally occurring flavonoid in many plants. This study evaluated the effects of ISOR on the regulation of the mitochondrial function of C2C12 muscle cells. Methods: C2C12 muscle cells were differentiated for 5 days, and then treated in various concentrations of ISOR. Cytotoxicity was determined by assessing cell viability using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 assay principle at different concentrations of ISOR and time points. Levels of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and gene expression were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The citrate synthase (CS) activity was quantified by the enzymatic method. Results: ISOR at a concentration of 10 μM did not show any cytotoxic effects. ISOR increased the mtDNA copy number in a time- or dose-dependent manner. The messenger RNA levels of genes involved in mitochondrial function, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, and uncoupling protein 3 were significantly stimulated by the ISOR treatment.The CS activity was also significantly increased in a time- or dose-dependent manner. Conclusion These results suggest that ISOR enhances the regulation of mitochondrial function, which was at least partially mediated via the stimulation of the mtDNA replication, mitochondrial gene expression, and CS activity in C2C12 muscle cells. Therefore, ISOR may be useful as a potential food ingredient to prevent metabolic diseases-associated muscle mitochondrial dysfunction.

Purpose: Muscle mitochondria play a key role in regulating fatty acid and glucose metabolism. Dysfunction of muscle mitochondria is associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Isorhamnetin (ISOR), also known as 3-O-methylquercetin, a quercetin metabolite, is a naturally occurring flavonoid in many plants. This study evaluated the effects of ISOR on the regulation of the mitochondrial function of C2C12 muscle cells. Methods: C2C12 muscle cells were differentiated for 5 days, and then treated in various concentrations of ISOR. Cytotoxicity was determined by assessing cell viability using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 assay principle at different concentrations of ISOR and time points. Levels of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and gene expression were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The citrate synthase (CS) activity was quantified by the enzymatic method. Results: ISOR at a concentration of 10 μM did not show any cytotoxic effects. ISOR increased the mtDNA copy number in a time- or dose-dependent manner. The messenger RNA levels of genes involved in mitochondrial function, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, and uncoupling protein 3 were significantly stimulated by the ISOR treatment.The CS activity was also significantly increased in a time- or dose-dependent manner. Conclusion These results suggest that ISOR enhances the regulation of mitochondrial function, which was at least partially mediated via the stimulation of the mtDNA replication, mitochondrial gene expression, and CS activity in C2C12 muscle cells. Therefore, ISOR may be useful as a potential food ingredient to prevent metabolic diseases-associated muscle mitochondrial dysfunction.

Purpose: Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid abundant in many fruits and vegetables. It has potential health-beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the lipid metabolism improvement effect of quercetin affected the regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and microRNA (miR)-21 expression in the liver of mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with normal diet, quercetin-free diet and diets containing 0.05% or 0.1% quercetin for six weeks. Hypercholesterolemia was induced by adding 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid to all diets. Serum and liver triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations were analyzed using a commercial enzymatic colorimetric kit.AMPK activity was quantified using an AMPK kinase assay kit. The levels of miR-21 and genes involved in lipid metabolism were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Supplementation of quercetin reduced serum and hepatic TG and TC levels without changing body weight and food intake. Dietary quercetin significantly inhibited the mRNA levels of hepatic sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 and fatty acid synthesis, which are involved in hepatic lipogenesis. Dietary quercetin enhanced AMPK activity and suppressed miR-21 expression, promoting hepatic lipid accumulation. Conclusion These results suggest that the lipid-lowering effect of quercetin on the serum and liver of mice may be partially mediated by the regulation of lipogenic gene expression, AMPK activity and miR-21 expression in the liver of mice fed a high-cholesterol diet.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of natural products, against growth of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Salmonella typhimurium (KCCM 11862). Chitosan, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and garlic were used as natural bioactives for antibacterial activity. The testing method was carried out according to the disk diffusion method. All of chitosan, EGCG, and garlic showed inhibitory effect against the growth of E. coli and Salmonella typhi. To evaluate the antibacterial activity of natural products during storage, chicken skins were inoculated with 106 of E. coli or Salmonella typhi. The inoculated chicken skins, treated with 0.5, 1, or 2% natural bioactives, were stored during 8 day at 4degrees C. The numbers of microorganisms were measured at 8 day. Both chitosan and EGCG showed significant decrease in the number of E. coli and Salmonella typhi in dose dependent manner (P < 0.05). These results suggest that natural bioactives such as chitosan, EGCG may be possible to be used as antimicrobial agents for the improvement of food safety.
Anti-Infective Agents ; Bacteria* ; Biological Products ; Chickens ; Chitosan ; Diffusion ; Escherichia coli ; Food Safety ; Garlic ; Salmonella typhi ; Salmonella typhimurium ; Skin

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In a healthy person, from 35 years of age, there is an annual loss of muscle mass at the rate of 1–2% and is associated with a decline in the quality of life. This study aimed to identify the particular dietary patterns associated with the risk of lower lean muscle mass in Korean postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a population-based, continuous cross-sectional annual survey. The participants of the KNHANES IV (2008–2009) and V (2010–2011) were considered for this study. The study sample consisted of 1548 postmenopausal women, aged 45–86 years. Lower lean muscle mass was defined as having appendicular skeletal muscle mass corrected for body weight less than 1 standard deviation of the young reference group aged 20 to 39 years in KNHANES IV and V. To identify the dietary pattern using factor analysis, 24-h recall data was used. RESULTS: The prevalence of lower lean muscle mass was 31.3% in this study population. Four dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis; ‘Diverse’, ‘Western’, ‘Traditional’, and ‘Snacks and beverages’. The ‘Western’ pattern, highest factor loadings for flour and bread, potatoes, red meat, processed meat, eggs, and cheese, was significantly associated with a high (60%) risk of lower lean muscle mass (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.60 [1.07–2.39], P for trend = 0.01) after adjustments for potential covariates. The other 3 dietary patterns were not associated with lower lean muscle mass. CONCLUSIONS The study findings suggest that the ‘Western’ dietary pattern that includes flour and bread, potatoes, red meat, processed meat, eggs, and cheese, may be associated with a higher risk of lower lean muscle mass in Korean postmenopausal women.