BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of red pericarp glutinous rice rich in polyphenols (Jakwangchalbyeo, red rice) on serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol and hepatic protein expression linked to synthesis and degradation of cholesterol in a hypercholesterolemic mice diet as compared with brown rice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5 each), which were fed different diets for a period of 12 weeks: American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93G diet, AIN-93G diet with 2% cholesterol, brown rice with 2% cholesterol, or red rice with 2% cholesterol. RESULT: Consumption of red rice resulted in a significant decrease in serum level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic levels of triglyceride and total-cholesterol. Expression of acyl-coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase-2 (ACAT-2), sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), and 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase was decreased, while expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK ratio, cholesterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7a1), and sterol 12-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP8b1) was increased in mice fed red rice. Brown rice had similar effects on cholesterol metabolism, but the effect of red rice was significantly greater than that of brown rice. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggested that red rice had a hypocholesterolemic effect by lowering hepatic cholesterol synthesis through ACAT-2, HMG-CoA reductase, and SREBP-2, and by enhancing hepatic cholesterol degradation through CYP7a1 and CYP8b1 in mice fed a hypercholesterolemic diet.
Adenosine Monophosphate ; Animals ; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase ; Cholesterol* ; Coenzyme A ; Diet* ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; Liver ; Male ; Metabolism* ; Mice* ; Oxidoreductases ; Phenol* ; Polyphenols ; Protein Kinases ; Steroid 12-alpha-Hydroxylase ; Triglycerides

In previous studies, we found that the consumption of legumes decreased bone turnover in ovariectomized rats. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether the protective effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and the microarchitecture of a diet containing legumes are comparable. In addition, we aim to determine their protective actions in bones by studying bone specific gene expression. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats are being divided into six groups during the 12 week study: 1) rats that underwent sham operations (Sham), 2) ovariectomized rats fed an AIN-93M diet (OVX), 3) ovariectomized rats fed an AIN-93M diet with soybeans (OVX-S), 4) ovariectomized rats fed an AIN-93M diet with mung beans (OVX-M), 5) ovariectomized rats fed an AIN-93M diet with cowpeas (OVX-C), and 6) ovariectomized rats fed an AIN-93M diet with azuki beans (OVX-A). Consumption of legumes significantly increased BMD of the spine and femur and bone volume of the femur compared to the OVX. Serum calcium and phosphate ratio, osteocalcin, expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) ratio increased significantly, while urinary excretion of calcium and deoxypyridinoline and expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were significantly reduced in OVX rats fed legumes, compared to OVX rats that were not fed legumes. This study demonstrates that consumption of legumes has a beneficial effect on bone through modulation of OPG and RANKL expression in ovariectomized rats and that legume consumption can help compensate for an estrogen-deficiency by preventing bone loss induced by ovarian hormone deficiency.
Amino Acids ; Animals ; Bone Density ; Calcium ; Cytokines ; Diet ; Fabaceae ; Femur ; Gene Expression ; Interleukin-6 ; Osteocalcin ; Osteoprotegerin ; RANK Ligand ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Salicylamides ; Soybeans ; Spine ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

BACKGROUND: Validated simple calcium questionnaires are available to assess the intake of calcium and vitamin D in western countries, but they are not appropriate for Koreans since dairy products are not the major source of calcium and vitamin D in Korea. Thus, the objective of the present study was to develop and validate a simple and easy food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of calcium and vitamin D for Korean. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-six women were asked to complete the validated FFQ used by the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and a newly developed FFQ, the Korean Calcium Assessment Tool (KCAT), which contain the 7 food groups with 24 categories of 45 food items that are consumed frequently by Koreans. RESULTS: Calcium intake was not significantly different between the two methods; Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.98 indicated a positive correlation, and Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.78 indicated the subjects were correctly classified. Bland-Altman plot also showed that the mean differences of the calcium intake as assessed by the two methods were in high agreement. However, the vitamin D intake assessed by KCAT was significantly higher than that assessed by the FFQ used in KNHANES. The vitamin D intakes as assessed by the two methods were positively correlated but the two methods were in moderate agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the newly developed KCAT was a valid tool for assessing the calcium intake in Korean women, but it might overestimate the vitamin D intake.
Calcium* ; Dairy Products ; Diet Surveys ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Methods ; Nutrition Surveys ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Menopause is a turning point in women that is based on the sex hormone change. Many women are very conscious about the postmenopausal period. After menopause, women complain about vasomotor symptoms, night sweat, psychological problems, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and urogenital symptoms. Nowadays, food and alternative treatment for postmenopausal symptoms are introduced. The average life span is now increasing, and postmenopausal care is important for public health. Long chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids, however, all mammals, including humans, should obtain them from their diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as an adjuvant and alternative source for relieving postmenopusal complains or disease. Among alternative treatment or food behavior change for postmenopusal symptoms, we will review the current issues on the relationship between the role and the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in relieving postmenopausal symptoms.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diet ; Fatty Acids, Essential ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; Fatty Acids, Omega-6 ; Female ; Humans ; Mammals ; Menopause ; Osteoporosis ; Postmenopause ; Public Health ; Sweat

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Onion, particularly onion peel, is a quercetin-rich food with, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, the effect of onion peel extract (OPE) in humans is unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether OPE improves natural killer (NK) cell activity and cytokine concentration in a randomized doubleblind placebo-controlled trial. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Eighty participants aged 19–64 yrs old with a white blood cell count of 4,000–10,000 cells/µL, symptoms of upper respiratory infection at least once within the previous 12 mon, and perceived stress scale (PSS) over 14 were included. Participants were randomly assigned to take either 1,000 mg/day OPE or a placebo for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Compliance were 87.4 ± 8.6% and 86.9 ± 79.0% in OPE and placebo groups.Compared to the placebo, OPE supplementation improved “Hoarseness” (P = 0.038) of the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS)-21 symptom, and stress scores (P = 0.001; 0.021) of PSS. Supplementation of OPE had no significant effect on NK cell activity and concentrations of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. At baseline, the WURSS-21 symptom and PSS score (P = 0.024;0.026) were higher in the OPE group than the placebo group. Among participants with higher than median WURSS-21 symptom score, OPE supplementation increased NK cell activity (P = 0.038). Supplementation of OPE had no significant effects on safety measurements and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggested that OPE supplementation improves NK cell activity in participants with moderate upper respiratory symptoms without any significant adverse effects.

Restoring composite resins with the optimal shades for all primary teeth is a great challenge for pediatric dentists. A newly developed single-shade composite resin can exhibit a color similar to that of the surrounding tooth structure based on the structural color phenomenon. This study aims to evaluate the color adjustment potential (CAP) of a single-shade composite resin compared to conventional multi-shade composite resins in primary teeth. A single-shade composite resin and two conventional multi-shade composite resins were included in this study. Two types of specimens, a single specimen and a dual specimen, were evaluated. For single specimens, duplications of the primary second molar denture teeth were made using experimental composite resins. For dual specimens, cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of extracted primary second molars and restored with experimental composite resins. The L*, a*, and b* values were measured using a colorimeter for the extracted teeth and specimens. The mean ΔEab* values for single and dual specimens and CAP were calculated. Bonferroni post-hoc analysis was performed to confirm the statistical significance between the ΔEab* and CAP values of the experimental resins. Among the single specimens, the single-shade composite resin showed significantly higher ΔESingle compared to other composite resins (p < 0.0167). There was no significant difference between ΔEDual for all experimental resins. The single-shade composite resin showed highest CAP compared to other multi-shade composite resins. A single-shade composite resin exhibited the most prominent color adaptability compared to other conventional multi-shade composite resins for primary second molars. A single-shade composite resin can simplify shade matching and provide esthetic outcomes for the restoration of primary second molars.

Background: Statin treatment has decreased the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Erythrocyte membrane oleic acid level is higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pravastatin on the erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (FA) contents in patients with CKD. Methods: Sixty-two patients were enrolled from January 2017 to March 2019 (NCT02992548). Pravastatin was initially administered at a dose of 20 mg for 24 weeks. The pravastatin dose was increased to 40 mg after 12 weeks if it was necessary to control dyslipidemia. The primary outcome was change in erythrocyte membrane FA, including oleic acid, after pravastatin treatment for 24 weeks. Results: Forty-five patients finished this study, and there was no adverse effect related to pravastatin. Compared with baseline, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased after pravastatin treatment. Compared with baseline, saturated FA, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid levels were significantly increased and polyunsaturated FA and linoleic acid (LA) levels were significantly decreased after pravastatin treatment. There was also a decrease in eicosapentaenoic acid after pravastatin treatment in CKD patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion Administration of pravastatin in patients with CKD leads to a decrease in FA known to be protective against the risk of CVD. Omega-3 FA or LA supplementation might be necessary to recover changes in erythrocyte membrane FA contents when pravastatin is used for treating dyslipidemia in patients with CKD.

The aim of this in-vitro study is to evaluate the effect of potassium iodide (KI) on erythrosine-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. S. mutans ATCC 25175 was cultured to form a biofilm on a hydroxyapatite disk. After diluting erythrosine to 20 μM and KI to 10, 50, and 100 mM, respectively, PDT was performed. The number of surviving bacteria was calculated as colony forming units (CFU)/mL and the statistical significance of the difference between groups was confirmed by Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. Cell viability was visually evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). As a result of the experiment, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in CFU was observed in the experimental groups in which PDT was performed after applying KI regardless of the concentration of KI. In addition, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in CFU was observed in the experimental group to which 100 mM KI was applied compared to 10 mM KI. The same results were confirmed when observing CLSM. KI significantly improved the efficacy of erythrosine-mediated PDT on S. mutans biofilms at all concentrations. This may compensate for the low sensitivity of PDT to biofilm-state bacteria strains, but it is necessary to establish an optimal clinical protocol through further research.

Background: Exposure to cadmium and mercury is associated with renal dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the possible ability of dietary education to decrease blood cadmium and mercury levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Twenty-seven patients with CKD were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm pilot study. Patients with blood cadmium levels ≥1.4 μg/L were instructed to reduce their intake of shellfish, while those with blood mercury levels ≥5.0 μg/L were asked to reduce their intake of externally blue-colored fish. Results: Seven dialysis patients and 15 pre-dialysis patients completed the study. Compared with baseline, the blood cadmium (2.0±0.7 μg/L vs. 1.8±0.7 μg/L, p=0.031) and mercury levels (4.4±2.6 μg/L vs. 3.5±1.9 μg/L, p=0.005) after 1 year significantly decreased, although the dietary intake was not significantly different in patients with blood cadmium levels ≥1.4 μg/L and blood mercury levels ≥5.0 μg/L. In pre-dialysis patients, kidney function worsened after 1 year compared with that at baseline despite the reduction in blood cadmium and mercury levels. Conclusions Reduction of food intake containing cadmium and mercury may lower the blood cadmium and mercury levels in CKD patients with higher cadmium and mercury levels. Higher blood cadmium levels may cause renal disease progression in pre-dialysis patients, and further studies are necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms.

The surgical treatments for aortic arch aneurysm are thought to be very invasive procedures, and high morbidity and mortality rates have been reported after aortic arch aneurysm operations. Many surgeons currently prefer the insertion of a stent-graft rather than an operation for treating an aortic arch aneurysm and if needed, with bypass of the subclavian or carotid arteries, which is called the 'hybrid method'. We managed one patient with an aortic arch aneurysm by using the hybrid method, and so we report on this case with a review of the relevant literature.
Aneurysm ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; Carotid Arteries ; Chimera ; Humans ; Stents