Antioxidant and antiobesity activities of oral treatment with ethanol extract from sprout of evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata) in high fat diet-induced obese mice / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Sprouts of evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata, OL) were reported to have high contents of flavonoids and potent antioxidant activity. This study examined the antioxidant and antiobesity activities of OL sprouts to determine if they could be a natural health-beneficial resource preventing obesity and oxidative stress.METHODS: OL sprouts were extracted with 50% ethanol, evaporated, and lyophilized (OLE). The in vitro antioxidant activity of OLE was examined using four different tests. The antiobesity activity and in vivo antioxidant activity from OLE consumption were examined using high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice.RESULTS: The IC₅₀ for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities of OLE were 26.2 µg/mL and 327.6 µg/mL, respectively. OLE exhibited the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity of 56.7 µg ascorbic acid eq./mL at 100 µg/mL, and an increased glutathione level by 65.1% at 200 µg/mL compared to the control in the hUC-MSC stem cells. In an animal study, oral treatment with 50 mg or 100 mg of OLE/kg body weight for 14 weeks reduced the body weight gain, visceral fat content, fat cell size, blood leptin, and triglyceride levels, as well as the atherogenic index compared to the high fat diet control group (HFC) (p < 0.05). The blood malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the catalase and SOD-1 activities in adipose tissue were reduced significantly by the OLE treatment compared to HFC as well (p < 0.05). In epididymal adipose tissue, the OLE treatment reduced the mRNA expression of leptin, PPAR-γ and FAS significantly (p < 0.05) compared to HFC while it increased adiponectin expression (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: OLE consumption has potent antioxidant and antiobesity activities via the suppression of oxidative stress and lipogenesis in DIO mice. Therefore, OLE could be a good candidate as a natural resource to develop functional food products that prevent obesity and oxidative stress.

Topical or oral treatment of peach flower extract attenuates UV-induced epidermal thickening, matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in hairless mice skin

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a major cause of skin photoaging. Previous studies reported that ethanol extract (PET) of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers (PPF, peach flowers) and its subfractions, particularly the ethylacetate (PEA) and n-butanol extracts (PBT), have potent antioxidant activity and attenuate the UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in human skin cells. In this study, we investigated the protective activity of PPF extract against UV-induced photoaging in a mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: Hairless mice were treated with PET or a mixture of PEA and PBT either topically or orally along with UV irradiation. Histological changes and biochemical alterations of mouse skin were examined. Major phenolic compounds in PPF extract were analyzed using an ACQUITY UPLC system. RESULTS: The overall effects of topical and oral treatments with PPF extract on the UV-induced skin responses exhibited similar patterns. In both experiments, the mixture of PEA and PBT significantly inhibited the UV-induced skin and epidermal thickening, while PET inhibited only the UV-induced epidermal thickening. Treatment of PET or the mixture of PEA and PBT significantly inhibited the UV-induced MMP-13 expression, but not typeⅠ collagen expression. Topical treatment of the mixture of PEA and PBT with UV irradiation significantly elevated catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) activities in the skin compared to those in the UV irradiated control group, while oral treatment of the mixture of PEA and PBT or PET elevated only catalase and SOD activities, but not GPx. Thirteen phytochemical compounds including 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, cimicifugic acid E and B, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside and kaempferol glycoside derivatives were identified in the PPF extract. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that treatment with PET or the mixture of PEA and PBT, both topically or orally, attenuates UV-induced photoaging via the cooperative interactions of phenolic components having anti-oxidative and collagen-protective activities.

Suppressive effects of ethanol extract of Aralia elata on UVB-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative stress contributes to several adverse biological effects on skin. Many phenolic phytochemicals have been shown to have antioxidant properties and protect skin cells from UV-induced oxidative damage. In this study, we investigated whether or not Aralia elata (AE) has a protective effect against UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately leading to photoaging. METHODS: Phenolic content of dried AE and antioxidant properties of AE extract in 70% ethanol weredetermined by measuring DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The effect of AE extract on cellular ROS generation and expression levels of oxidative stress-response proteins such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1, catalase, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf)-2,and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in UVB-irradiated (75 mJ/cm²) human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were further determined by 2'-7'-dichlorofluoresceine diacetate assay and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of dried AE were 20.15 mg tannic acid/g and 18.75 mg rutin/g, respectively. The IC₅₀ of AE extract against DPPH radical was 98.5 µg/mL, and ABTS radical scavenging activity and FRAP upon treatment with 1,000 µg/mL of AE extract were 41.8 µg ascorbic acid (AA) eq./mL and 29.7 µg AA eq./mL,m respectively. Pretreatment with AE extract significantly reduced (p < 0.05) ROS generation compared to that in UVB-irradiated control HaCaT cells. Pretreatment with AE extract reversed reduction of Nrf-2 and SOD-1 protein expression and induction of HO-1 protein expression caused by UVB exposure in HaCaT cells, whereas it did not affect catalase expression. CONCLUSION: AE extract in 70% ethanol demonstrated a protective effect against UVB-induced oxidative stress and decreased expression of Nrf-2 and SOD-1 in human keratinocytes. These findings suggest that AE ethanol extract might have potential as a natural resource for a skin antiphotoaging product in the food and cosmetic industry.

Inhibitory effects of Doenjang, Korean traditional fermented soybean paste, on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Doenjang, Korean traditional fermented soybean paste has been reported to have an anti-obesity effect. Because adipose tissue is considered a major source of inflammatory signals, we investigated the protective effects of Doenjang and steamed soybean on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low fat diet (LF), a high-fat diet (HF), or a high-fat containing Doenjang diet (DJ) or a high-fat containing steamed soybean diet (SS) for 11 weeks. RESULTS: Mice fed a DJ diet showed significantly lower body and adipose tissue weights than those in the HF group. Although no significant differences in adipocyte size and number were observed among the HF diet-fed groups, consumption of Doenjang alleviated the incidence of crown-like structures in adipose tissue. Consistently, we observed significantly reduced mRNA levels of oxidative stress markers (heme oxygenase-1 and p40phox), pro-inflammatory adipokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1), macrophage markers (CD68 and CD11c), and a fibrosis marker (transforming growth factor beta 1) by Doenjang consumption. Gene expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin was significantly induced in the DJ group and the SS group compared to the HF group. The anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects observed in mice fed an SS diet were not as effective as those in mice fed a DJ diet, suggesting that the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation and aging may be involved in the observed health-beneficial effects of Doenjang. CONCLUSIONS: Doenjang alleviated oxidative stress and restored the dysregulated expression of adipokine genes caused by excess adiposity. Therefore, Doenjang may ameliorate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in obesity via inhibition of inflammatory signals of adipose tissue.

Antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract and fractions of Doenjang in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fermentation can increase functional compounds in fermented soybean products, thereby improving antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the changes in the contents of phenolics and isoflavones, antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of Doenjang during fermentation and aging. MATERIALS/METHODS: Doenjang was made by inoculating Aspergillus oryzae and Bacillus licheniformis in soybeans, fermenting and aging for 1, 3, 6, 8, and 12 months (D1, D3, D6, D8, and D12). Doenjang was extracted using ethanol, and sequentially fractioned by hexane, dichloromethane (DM), ethylacetate (EA), n-butanol, and water. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and isoflavones, 2,2-diphenyl-1 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured. Anti-inflammatory effects in terms of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions were also measured using LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. RESULTS: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents showed a gradual increase during fermentation and 6 months of aging and were sustained thereafter. DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP were increased by fermentation. FRAP was further increased by aging, but DPPH radical scavenging activity was not. Total isoflavone and glycoside contents decreased during fermentation and the aging process, while aglycone content and its proportion increased up to 3 or 6 months of aging and then showed a slow decrease. DM and EA fractions of Doenjang showed much higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and DPPH radical scavenging activity than the others. At 100 microg/mL, DM and EA fractions of D12 showed strongly suppressed NO production to 55.6% and 52.5% of control, respectively, and PGE2 production to 25.0% and 28.3% of control with inhibition of iNOS or COX-2 protein expression in macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve month-aged Doenjang has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with high levels of phenolics and isoflavone aglycones, and can be used as a beneficial food for human health.

Investigation on Influencing Environmental Factors on Health Status of Korean Septuagenarians Dwelling in Longevity Region in Jeonla Province / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the critical environmental factors on healthy-aging of Korean people, we investigated the significant factors influencing health status of septuagenarians living in rural area of Jeonla province, known to be one of the representative longevity regions in Korea. METHODS: We divided subjects into healthy group (36M/25F) or poor-health group (26M/73F) based on self-reported health status, body mass index, a number of prescription, and blood test data. General characteristics, physical measurements, lifestyle, dietary behavior and nutrient intake, physical health and mental health data were statistically compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Average age was not different between healthy group and poor-health group in men and women, respectively. In men, significantly favorable factors to health were observed to be higher education, regular exercise, higher grip strength and walking function, body mass index (> or = 18.5 kg/m2), moderate frequency of drinking and eating-out, non-smoking, normal red blood cell (RBC) count, higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) level, good digestive function and appetite, normal hearing function, regular meals, adequate vegetable and fruit intake, diverse food intake, adequate energy and nutrients (protein, vitamin B1, B6, C and E, folate, niacin, P, Zn and K) intake, higher mini-nutrient status assessment (MNA) score and low level of depression. On the other hand, in women, those were literacy, living arrangement, moderate frequency of drinking, healthy teeth, higher grip strength and walking function, bone mineral density, normal RBC and white blood cell (WBC) count, higher DHEAS concentration, higher MNA score, normal cognition and memory function, having snack and adequate fruit intake. CONCLUSIONS: These results could be useful to plan effective strategies to increase health-life expectancy of Korean old people living in rural areas.

Comparison of anthropometric data and clinical health indicators according to the serum vitamin B12 status in female older adults living in a rural area of Jeonla province, Korea / 한국영양학회지

Subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the elderly worldwide. We investigated the change of serum vitamin B12 concentration with aging and compared anthropometric data and clinical health indicators between normal (> or = 340 pg/mL) and low (< 340 pg/mL) serum vitamin B12 groups in 470 Korean women aged 65 years and over living in a rural area. Serum vitamin B12 concentration showed inverse correlation with age (r = -0.0992, p < 0.05). The normal B12 group showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to the low B12 group, however, no difference in mean corpuscular volume was observed between the two groups. The normal B12 group showed significantly lower serum homocysteine concentration (p < 0.01) and prevalence of vitamin D (p < 0.01) or folate deficiency (p < 0.001). Bone mineral density (T-score) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the normal B12 group, compared with that in the low B12 group, and showed positive correlation (r = 0.1490, p < 0.01) with serum vitamin B12 concentration after adjusting for age, body weight, and body mass index. No differences in anthropometric data, physical activity, and smoking and drinking habits were observed between the two groups. In conclusion, it could be suggested that older female adults with normal serum vitamin B12 level would be less anemic and osteoporotic and more resistant to hyperhomocysteinemia associated chronic diseases than those with low serum vitamin B12 level.

Vitamin B12 content analysis of favorite Korean restaurant foods, convenient foods and bakery products

There is a limitation to estimate vitamin B12 intake due to the lack of data on vitamin B12 content of Korean commercial foods. In this study, vitamin B12 content was determined in favorite Korean restaurant foods, convenient or instant foods, fast foods and bakery products through a modified microbioassay using Lactobacillus delbrueckii ATCC 7830. Bulgogi and seafood & green pepper griddle had high vitamin B12 content, 3.50 and 2.96 microg/100 g, respectively. Pork suyook, pork griddle and pollack griddle had 0.48, 0.31 and 0.32 microg/100 g of vitamin B12, respectively. In stew, soft-tofu stew with seafood and doenjang stew with seafood had relatively high vitamin B12 content, 1.93 and 1.44 microg/100 g, respectively. Bibimbap and 4 different types of rice porridge, beef & mushroom, chicken & ginseng, seafood or abalone, had 0.36, 0.08, 0.09, 1.64 and 0.13 microg/100 g of vitamin B12, respectively. One serving of haejanggguk, yookejang, chuotang and galbitang had 5.97, 2.04, 2.63 and 1.91 microg of vitamin B12, respectively. One serving of samgetang and sulongtang had 2.89 microg and 6.64 microg of vitamin B12. In noodles, one serving of cram noodle soup, bibim-nangmyeon, and mul-nangmyeon had 18.8, 1.21 and 0.38 microg of vitamin B12, respectively. One regular gimbap and one triangle gimbap contained 1.09-2.53 and 0.54-1.11 microg of vitamin B12, respectively. One cheese-burger, chicken-burger and bulgogi-burger had 0.76, 0.62 and 0.54 microg of vitamin B12, respectively. A plain bagel and a waffle contained 0.13 and 0.17 microg/100 g of vitamin B12, respectively. Ready-made tomato sauce or cream sauce for spaghetti in a retort pouch contained only a trace of vitamin B12. In conclusion, these results should contribute to improving the present food vitamin B12 content database, most of which were cited from foreign data, thereby it could be helpful to estimate the vitamin B12 intake of Koreans more accurately than before. It will also provide new information for dietary education related to vitamin B12 and health.

Vitamin B12 Content Using Modified Microbioassay in Some Korean Popular Seaweeds, Fish, Shellfish and Its Products

There is a limitation to estimate vitamin B12 intake due to a lack of data on vitamin B12 content in many Korean foods. In this study, vitamin B12 content was determined in some seaweeds, fish, and shellfish and their product that are consumed in Korea using a modified microbioassay with Lactobacillus delbruecki ATCC 7830. Dried laver and dried seasoned and toasted laver contained very high levels of vitamin B12 (66.8 and 55.2-71.3 microg/100 g, respectively. Sea lettuce and seaweed fulvescene also contained high vitamin B12 content of 5.47-9.41 and 6.46-7.20 microg/100 g, respectively, whereas sea mustard and sea tangle contained low levels of vitamin B12; vitamin B12 was not detected in seaweed fusifome. Pacific saury, trout, sea-bass, or squid contained 12.01, 2.00, 0.49 and 2.33 microg vitamin B12/100 g, respectively. Ochellatus octopus, and naked sand lance contained 0.72-1.43 and 3.68 microg vitamin B12/100 g, respectively. Dried Alaska pollack contained 0.19-2.64 microg vitamin B12/100 g. Shellfish such as little neck clam and small ark shellfish contained high levels of vitamin B12 of 30.5-40.5 microg/100 g, and mussel and abalone contained 17.71 and 7.82 microg/100 g, respectively. Of unique Korean traditional fermented seafood products, salt-fermented products of squid (2.91 microg/100 g), clams (34.31 microg/100 g), Alaska pollack roe (9.98-12.02 microg/100 g), hairtail guts (4.58 microg/100 g) or small shrimp (0.58-1.55 microg/100 g), and fish sauce from anchovies (1.52-1.78 microg/100 mL), sand eel (0.22-0.24 microg/100 mL) or small shrimp (0.19-0.78 microg/100 mL) were analyzed. A few commercial brands of flying fish roe (0.73-1.73 microg/100 g), canned tuna (0.40 microg/100 g), and fried fish paste (0.25-0.69 microg /100 g) were also analyzed. In conclusion, vitamin B12 content in these foods, chosen considering the Korean food culture, should contribute to improve the present vitamin B12 food database. It may be helpful to estimate vitamin B12 intake more correctly than before, and provide additional information for dietary education related to vitamin B12 and meal management.

Anthropometric Index, Dietary Habits and Nutrient Intake of the Oldest-old Population Aged 95 and Over Living in Seoul / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The population aged 95 years and older in Seoul approximately increased to five-fold over the past 10 years, while nationwide rates increased to three-fold. In order to examine the dietary habit and nutritional status of oldest-old population living in Seoul, we recruited 87 subjects (25 males and 62 females) aged 95 years and older. The prevalence of underweight (BMI or = 25 kg/m2) were 18.2% and 18.2% in males, and 20.8% and 9.4% in females, respectively. In self-assessment of health, only 25.3% answered to be unhealthy. More males exercised regularly and reported a wide range of activities than females. The average of %Kcal from carbohydrate, protein and fat (C : P : F) was 64.9 : 13.8 : 21.2 in males and 68.1 : 14.2 : 17.7 in females. The average daily energy intake was 1,307 kcal in males and 1,304 kcal in females. More than 75% of subjects were taking under estimated average requirements (EAR) for vitamin B1, B2 & C and Ca. The average of mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was 0.66 in males and 0.70 in females, and 28.8% of males and 12.9% of females were in MAR < 0.50. Based on MAR, 32.0% of males and 14.5% females were classified as normal and 16.0% of males and 25.8% of females were classified as malnourished. Our subjects were taking more animal food, especially milk and its products, compared to those living, in rural areas. However, a significant proportion did not meet the EAR for vitamin B1, B2 & C and Ca.

Association between Risk Factors for Health and Taste Perceptions of Middle-aged and Elderly People Living in Rural Areas / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between taste perceptions and risk factors for health of Korean elderly living in rural areas. Recognition thresholds for four basic tastes, drug consumption, BMI, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were assessed in 176 males and 312 females aged between 50 and 88 years. For the recognition threshold of the four basic tastes, alcohol drinking did not influence their sensitivities, but the alcohol drinking group preferred a higher pleasant concentration of NaCl than did the non-alcohol drinking group. However, smoking significantly decreased sensitivities of the four basic tastes. For the pleasant concentration of NaCl, the smoking group tended to prefer a higher concentration than the non-smoking group. Drug consumption, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides did not have a significant correlation to the sensitivity of the four basic tastes and preference of salty solution. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure may have been positively correlated with the pleasant concentration of NaCl but did not correlate with the recognition thresholds of NaCl and sucrose. Further, systolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with the recognition thresholds of caffeine, whereas diastolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with the recognition thresholds of caffeine and citric acid. The finding that the risk factors for health correlated with taste perception has diagnostic and practical implications for health promotion for the elderly.

Anthropometric Index and Nutrient Intake in Korean Aged 50 Plus Years Living in Kugoksoondam Longevity-belt Region in Korea / 대한지역사회영양학회지

As the older adult period (> or = 65 y) is increasing, it is needed to investigate the trend of aging-dependent anthropomeric index and nutrient intake, and establish the more specific dietary guide for the different stages of aging period. To find the difference in nutrient intake among the Koreans aged 50-64, 65-74 and 75 years and older, and also any characteristics of dwellers in longevity area, we recruited 1,083 subjects (385 male and 698 female) aged 50-95 years (mean age, 71.3 yrs) living in Kugoksoondam area (Kurye, Goksung, Soonchang and Damyang counties), known as a longevity-belt region in Jeonlaprovince, Korea. We measured some anthropometric index and collected 2 day-dietary record. Nutrient intakes were analyzed by using DW24 program. The mean height and weight of subjects aged 75 years and older were lower than Korean national reference. BMI and obesity (BMI > or = 25 kg/m2) prevalence were significantly decreasing with aging. Underweight (BMI or = 80 cm) was very high in females (about 89%). In both genders, the average proportional contribution of carbohydrate, protein and fat to energy intake was not different between 65-74 years and 75 years and older. On overall, nutrient intake and quality of diet of females were inferior to those of males so that many of females aged 75 years and older assumed to be at risk of malnourished status. Fiber, folate and vitamin E intakes were substantially higher compared to those in 2007 KNHNES and other some studies in rural area. While almost nutrient %EAR was significantly decreased with aging in females, there was no significant difference in %EAR for protein, vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, niacin, Ca and Zn between 65-74 years and 75 years and older in males. Vitamin B2 for male aged 50-64 years, vitamin B2 and Ca for male aged 65 years and over and female aged 50-74 years, and vitamin B2, vitamin C, Ca and folate intake for female aged 75 years and older were assessed to be at risk to undernutrition based on the prevalence of intake below EAR. MAR of 13 nutrients and the number of nutrients consuming below EAR were significantly decreasing with aging in both genders, however, the number of nutrients of INQ < 1 and the average mini-nutritional assessment score were not significantly different between 65-74 years and 75 years and older. Taken together, decreasing tendency of nutrients intake and the quality of diet with aging was more evident in females than in males, and it is unique that our subjects consumed substantially higher fiber, folate and vitamin E compared to not only urban but also some other rural areas.

Assessment of Food Consumption, Dietary Diversity and Dietary Pattern during the Summer in Middle Aged Adults and Older Adults Living in Gugoksoondam Logevity Area, Korea / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate food intake, dietary diversity and dietary pattern during the summer in middle aged and older adults living in Gugoksundam (Gurye, Goksung, Sunchang and Damyang counties), Jeonla Province located in southern part of Korea and known as one of the representative Korean longevity areas. Food intake and dietary diversity were assessed by using the data from 2 day-24 hour recall of 1,051 subjects (394 males and 711 females) aged 45 years and older (45-93 years in male, 45-105 years in female). The average ages of males and females were 70.7 years and 71.1 years, respectively. Average total daily food intake was significantly decreased with aging in both genders, and the average animal food intake ratio to total food intake was ranged 10~14% in 3 different age groups, 45~64 years, 65~74 years and 75 years and older. The contribution of each food group, in weight, to total food intake showed the descending order of grains, fruits, vegetables and alcohols in males, and grains, fruits, potatoes and meats in females. On daily intake amount of each food item, rice, watermelon, soju, kimchi, and potato were ranked on top 5 in descending order in males, and rice, watermelon, potato, kimchi and ylmukimchi in females. On intake frequency, rice, kimchi, onion, green pepper and potato were ranked on top 5 in descending order in both genders. Dietary variety score (DVS) and dietary diversity score (DDS) for the assessment of dietary diversity and balance were significantly decreased with aging in both genders. In food group intake pattern (DMGFV), 01101 type without consumption of dairy and fruits was the most prevalent, and only 3.6% of male and 3.9% of female subjects showed 11111 type, consumed all the 5 food groups a day. Dietary pattern of subjects was analyzed by cluster analysis with 18 food groups intake. Overall dietary pattern was classified into two clusters, one was more desirable and the other was less desirable. The percentage of subjects with more desirable dietary pattern was about 15% in male and 32% in female. In conclusion, most of our subjects living in Gugoksundam area were taking very simple diet with low amount of dairy products and fruits. These results indicate that nutrition intervention and education for older people living in rural areas should be focused on various food intake including dairy products and fruits.

Dietary source of vitamin B12 intake and vitamin B12 status in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and older living in rural area

Recently, we found and analyzed vitamin B12 in some Korean traditional plant foods which had not reported, yet. This study was to investigate vitamin B12 intake and its dietary sources and the vitamin B12 status in the very old elderly Koreans. We measured serum vitamin B12 level and estimated the amounts of vitamin B12 intake from different dietary sources in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and over who had consumed a relatively low animal traditional diet for the whole life. The average age of the subjects (n = 127) was 98.0 years (85-108 years). The assessment on energy and nutrient intake involved a one-day 24-hour recall, and serum vitamin B12 concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Overall diet pattern was not different between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians, except centenarians were taking more dairy product. The average ratio of plant food to animal food consumption was 87.5:12.5 in weight. The average vitamin B12 intake of our subjects was 3.2 microg/day, and 52.7% of subjects consumed under estimated average requirement, 2.0 microg/day. On dietary source, 67.3% of dietary vitamin B12 was from meat, eggs and fishes and 30.6% was from plant foods, such as soybean-fermented foods, seaweeds, and kimchi. The average serum vitamin B12 concentration was 450.5 pg/mL, and low serum vitamin B12 (< 200 pg/mL) was found in 9.6% of subjects. Dietary vitamin B12 intake was significantly lower in subjects with low serum vitamin B12 (0.79 microg/day) than those with normal serum vitamin B12 (3.47 microg/day). There were no significant difference in vitamin B12 intake and its dietary sources and serum vitamin B12 level between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians. In conclusion, several plant-origin foods including seaweed, soybean-fermented foods, and kimchi, may contribute significantly to good vitamin B12 status in very old elderly Koreans.

Vitamin B12 Contents in Some Korean Fermented Foods and Edible Seaweeds

There is a limitation to estimate vitamin B12 intake due to lack of data on vitamin B12 content in many Korean foods. In this study, vitamin B12 content was determined in some soybean or vegetable-fermented foods, edible seaweeds and other frequently consumed foods in Korea by microbioassay using Lactobacillus delbruecki ATCC 7830. The traditional type of Doenjang and Chungkookjang contained 1.85 microgram/100 g and 0.69 microgram/100 g of vitamin B12, respectively, while the factory-type of Doenjang and Chungkookjang contained 0.04-0.86 microgram/100 g and 0.06-0.15 microgram/100 g. Vitamin B12 was not detected in steamed soybeans and Tofu which is a not-fermented soybean product, indicating that vitamin B12 in Doenjang and Chungkookjang might be produced during the fermentation process. The Korean-style soy sauce contained 0.04 microgram vitamin B12/100 mL, but vitamin B12 was not detected in Japanese-style soy sauce and white miso. Commercial Kimchi, a representative Korean vegetable- fermented food, made of Korean cabbage, Yeolmu, or Mustard leaves contained 0.013-0.03 microgram vitamin B12/100 g, while Kimchi without red pepper and fermented fish sauce (White Kimchi) did not. Vitamin B12 content was very high in some edible seaweeds such as laver (66.76 microgram/ 100 g dry weight) and sea lettuce (84.74 microgram/100 g dry weight), and it was 17.12 microgram/100 g of dried small anchovy, 1.07 microgram/100 g of whole egg, and 0.02 microgram/100 g of coffee mix. From these results, it is assumed that Koreans take substantial amount of vitamin B12 from plant-origin foods. And, with these data, we will be able to calculate dietary vitamin B12 content more correctly than before. In conclusion, soybean-fermented foods, Kimchi, laver and sea lettuce are recommendable as good sources of vitamin B12 for vegetarians or Korean elderly on grain and vegetable based diet.

Cytotoxicity on Human Cancer Cells and Antitumorigenesis of Chungkookjang, a Fermented Soybean Product, in DMBA-Treated Rats

It is reported that a fermented soybean food, Doenjang, has strong antimutagenic and cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. This study investigated the effect of Chungkookjang, another traditional popular Korean soybean fermented food, on growth of cancer cells: HL-60, SNU-638 and MCF-7, and also its in vivo antitumorigenic effect in DMBA-induced mammary tumor rat model. For the in vitro study, Chungkookjang and steamed soybeans were extracted with ethanol and sequentially fractioned with 5 kinds of solvents differing in grades of polarity such as hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, butanol and water. Almost all Chungkookjang extracts significantly inhibited the growth of HL-60 (human leukemic cancer cell), SNU-638 (human gastric cancer cell) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell) when compared to steamed soybean extracts. Butanol fraction of Chungkookjang extract especially showed a remarkable inhibitory effect in all the three kinds of cancer cells. To induce a mammary gland tumor, DMBA (50 mg/BW) was administered to 50 day-old female rats and followed by Chungkookjang or steamed soybean supplemented diets. Freezedried Chungkookjang powder (20% of diet in wet weight) was added to AIN-93G based diet for the Chungkookjang group of rats. Likewise, steamed soybean powder containing equal protein content to that of Chungkookjang powder was supplemented to soybean group of rats. At 13 weeks later, the mammary tumor incidence, average tumor number and tumor weight a rat were lower in Chungkookjang group compared to the control or soybean group. In conclusion, Chungkookjang showed a strong inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth in vitro, as well as a more preventive effect against chemically induced mammary tumorigenesis in vivo, while steamed soybeans did not. Therefore, these results suggest that Chungkookjang acquire its anticancer activity through the fermentation process.

The Comparison in Daily Intake of Nutrients, Quality of Diets and Dietary Habits between Male and Female College Students in Daejeon / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the differences in daily nutrient intakes, dietary habits and nutrition knowledge between male and female college students. Male undergraduate students (104 subjects) and female undergraduate students (229 subjects), enrolled at H University in Daejeon, were recruited for this study. The mean age of the subjects was 22.9 year in male and 20.4 year in female students. Daily intakes of energy and nutrients were calculated from the records of one day of dietary food intakes by 24-hour recall method, and general information, dietary habits and attitudes, food intake frequency and food preferences and knowledge for food and nutrition were surveyed through a questionnaire. About 70.1% of male and 66.1% of female students were in the normal range of BMI (18.5 - 23), and 25.2% of male students were over-weighted in contrast to 27.7% of female students were underweight. Males and females were taking 77.2% and 77.9% of RDA for energy, respectively, and 54.8% of male and 48.0% of female students were taking energy under 75% of RDA. Many of them showed deficient intakes of calcium, iron, vitamin A and riboflavin. Average of MAR was 0.75 in male and 0.72 in female students. NAR for calcium, iron, vitamin A and riboflavin in male students were 0.55, 0.69, 0.75 and 0.61, respectively, compared to 0.53, 0.51, 0.70 and 0.67 in female students. The nutrients, which have INQ less than 1, were calcium and riboflavin in male, compared to calcium, iron, and riboflavin in female students. There were no gender differences in meal regularity and meal skipping rates, but female students showed higher rates of skipping dinner than males (p < 0.001). About 50.8% of female students were ingesting snacks 1 - 2 time/day, compared to 27.1% of male students. For the food intake frequency, fruit group was significantly eating more for female than male students (p < 0.001). Though female students got higher scores for nutritional knowledge test (p < 0.01) than male students, they did not show better dietary habits or dietary attitudes than male students actually. Therefore, a more active and actual education program accustomed to the different genders and ages with focus on real changing of dietary behaviors needs to be developed and run in schools and local departments.

Effect of DHEA Administration on PUFA/SFA Ratio and Lipid Peroxide in Rat Liver Microsome

It is known that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) shows a dual effect, prooxidant or antioxidant, depending on the dosage or physiological status of animals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of DHEA administration at low dose on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and fatty acid composition in liver. Sprague Dawley male rats were fed either corn oil diet containing 15% corn oil or fish oil diet containing 2% corn oil + 13% sardine oil, with or without 0.2% DHEA for 9 weeks. Atherogenic index and hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced by DHEA administration in rats fed with fish oil diet. Hepatic lipid peroxide product (TBARS) and protein carbonyl levels were significantly higher in rats fed with fish oil diet than in rats fed with corn oil diet. However, DHEA administration significantly reduced the hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) and conjugated diene levels in rats fed with fish oil diet. Contents of C16 : 0, C16 : 1, C20 : 5 and C22 : 6 in hepatic microsome were higher in rats fed with fish oil diet than in rats fed with corn oil diet, and contents of C18 : 2 and C20 : 4 were lower than in rats fed with corn oil diet. DHEA administration significantly increased C16 : 0 and C18 : 3 contents and reduced C18 : 2 content in rats fed with corn oil diet, while it increased C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 and reduced C20 : 5 and C22 : 6 in rats fed with fish oil diet. On overall, DHEA administration increased saturated fatty acid (SFA) and reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in hepatic microsome, thereby PUFA/SFA ratio was significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced without the change of n-3/n-6 ratio. Taken together, low dose of DHEA administration lowered PUFA/SFA ratio in hepatic microsomal membranes and also showed antioxidative effect especially in fish oil-induced highly oxidative stress condition through blocking increases of C20 : 5 and C22 : 6 contents.

Antioxidative Effect of Plant Food Mixtures in Rat Fed on High Fat-High Cholesterol Diet

The previous extensive in vitro studies on the antioxidative activities of a number of Korean grains, vegetables, seaweeds and mushrooms, and the various combinations of these food source exhibited a wide range of antioxidative activities, and four food mixtures composed of 5 kinds of foods (5A, 5B, 5C and 5D) were designed from 16 selective foods showing high antioxidant effect, in vitro, to find the good combinations for the meal planning. Mixture 5B or 5C contained very high levels of total flavonoid and polyphenol, and ethanol extract from 5A, 5B or 5C showed very strong inhibitory effects against in vitro Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation and ethanol extract from 5B or 5C showed remarkable DPPH radical scavenging effect and lipid peroxide-protein conjugation inhibition effect. And in vivo study was also carried out with two mixtures (5B, 5C). Powders (P5B, P5C) or ethanol extracts (E5B, E5C) of these mixtures were supplemented to Sprague-Dawley rats fed on high fat (15%)-high cholesterol (1%) semipurified diet for 5 weeks. The total antioxidant power in serum was significantly higher in P5B, P5C, E5B and E5C groups than in high fat control group, and ascorbate-Fe2+-induced TBARS was significantly lowered by E5B supplementation in rat liver. In liver tissue, Cu, Zn-SOD activity was significantly higher in P5B and E5B groups than in high fat control group, while catalase or GSH-peroxidase (GPx) activity was not changed by any supplementations. In kidney, Cu, Zn- SOD activity was significantly higher in P5B group than in high fat control group, while GPx activity was not changed by any supplementations. Taken together, mixture 5B and 5C showed very strong antioxidative effects both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the ingredient Korean foods of 5B and 5C could be recommended to take a lot together for prevention from age-related chronic diseases.

Comparison of Nutritional Status among Obese, Overweight and Normal Subjects in Seoul / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The nutritional status of middle-aged overweight and control normal subjects were evaluated for the purpose of providing the background information of the degenerative disease control. A survey was conducted with 293 healthy subjects (121 males and 172 females) between the ages 40 - 64. The average BMI (body mass index) of male subjects was 24.5 +/- 2.75, and that of females was 23.5 +/- 2.87. The average values of WHR (waist-hip ratio) were 0.88 +/- 0.04 for males and 0.82 +/- 0.07 for females. The normal BMI group (BMI 18.5 - 22.9) comprised 28.9% of males and 47.1% of females. The percentage of overweight subjects (BMI 23 - 24.9) was 26.4% of males and 30.8% of females. The obese group (BMI > 25) was 44.6% of males and 22.1% of females, showing the greater rate of obese state among male subjects. The average energy intakes were 76.6 +/- 14.9% for males and 77.8 +/- 12.6% for females, protein intakes were 108.0 +/- 24.6% for males and 111.2 +/- 22.7% for females of the RDA levels. The average intakes of other nutrients were above the 75% of RDA levels except calcium. The average nutrient intakes of the three subgroups according to their BMI values were not different for both males and females. There were weak correlations between obesity and blood biochemical indices. There were positive correlations between BMI or WHR and hemoglobin, hematocrit, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, AST or ALT. There were negative correlations between BMI or WHR and HDLcholesterol. These results suggest that the obesity rate of middle-aged is an influential factor of chronic disease. The middle-aged subjects of this study with higher educational and socioeconomic background tend to have desirable nutrition knowledge and attitude, but the application of their knowledge or attitude was relatively poor.