Association of serum carotenoid, retinol, and tocopherol concentrations with the progression of Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A pivotal role of oxidative stress has been emphasized in the pathogenesis as well as in the disease progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed at investigating serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elucidating whether they could be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of PD. MATERIALS/METHODS: Serum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, α- and β-carotenes, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were measured and compared between 104 patients with idiopathic PD and 52 healthy controls matched for age and gender. In order to examine the relationship between antioxidant vitamins and the disease progression, multiple group comparisons were performed among the early PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage I and II, N = 47), advanced PD (stage III and IV, N = 57) and control groups. Separate correlation analyses were performed between the measured antioxidant vitamins and clinical variables, such as Hoehn and Yahr stage and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score. RESULTS: Compared to controls, PD patients had lower levels of α- and β-carotenes and lycopene. α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene levels were significantly reduced in advanced PD patients relative to early PD patients and were negatively correlated with Hoehn and Yahr stage and UPDRS motor score in PD patients. No significant differences were found in serum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, and other carotenoids between PD patients and controls. No significant correlations were found between these vitamin levels and clinical variables in PD patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found that serum levels of some carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene, were lower in PD patients, and that these carotenoids inversely correlated with clinical variables representing disease progression. Our findings suggest that decreases in serum α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene may be associated with the pathogenesis as well as progression of PD.

Dietary sodium intake in young Korean adults and its relationship with eating frequency and taste preference

Dietary sodium intake is considered one of the major causal factors for hypertension. Thus, to control the increase of blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension-related clinical complications, a reduction in sodium intake is recommended. The present study aimed at determining the association of dietary sodium intake with meal and snack frequency, snacking time, and taste preference in Korean young adults aged 20-26 years, using a 125-item dish-frequency questionnaire. The mean dietary sodium intakes of men and women were 270.6 mmol/day and 213.1 mmol/day, which were approximately 310% and 245% of the daily sodium intake goal for Korean men and women, respectively. Dietary sodium intake was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure in the total group, and BMI in the total and men-only groups. In the total and men-only groups, those who consumed meals more times per day consumed more dietary sodium, but the number of times they consumed snacks was negatively correlated with dietary sodium intake in the total, men-only, and women-only groups. In addition, those who consumed snacks in the evening consumed more sodium than those who did so in the morning in the men-only group. The sodium intake was also positively associated with preference for salty and sweet taste in the total and women-only groups. Such a high intake of sodium in these young subjects shows that a reduction in sodium intake is important for the prevention of hypertension and related diseases in the future.

Reading and Understanding of Food & Nutrition Labels and Dietary Behaviors of Female Middle and High School Students

This study investigated the use and understanding of food and nutrition labels in 498 female adolescents (middle school students: MS 248, high school students: HS 250) in Gyeonggi-do. Fifty percent of the MS and 47.2% of the HS read food labels, and the most common reasons for reading labels were to find a product's expiration date and price. The food label information considered most important by the subjects was the name of the manufacturing company and expiration date. Over 80% of the subjects read nutrition labels. The MS read nutrition labels to find nutrients and their amounts in foods, while the HS read labels mostly in an effort to control body weight. These subjects gave more attention to calories and fat, the nutrients related to body weight, than to other nutrients. The subjects were highly aware of the necessity and positive effects of nutrition labels, because they believed labels could make it easier for them to choose healthy foods. However, scores for understanding nutrition labels showed the subjects failed to understand label information accurately. Generally, the MS showed better dietary behaviors than HS. But the HS had significantly higher scores than MS for the item "know relative weight with height." Those that read food labels had significantly better BMIs, dietary behaviors, and awareness and understanding of nutrition labels. There were significant positive relationships among awareness & understanding of nutrition labels and subjects' dietary behaviors. The study findings can be utilized to better plan nutrition education programs aiming to improve use and awareness of food and nutrition labels among adolescents.

The Effects of a Nutrition and Body Shape Education Program as Part of Health Promoting Projects in an Elementary School

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a nutrition education program as part of health promoting projects in an elementary school. A total of 168 students in the 4th grade were enrolled in the program for 6 months. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to assess nutrition knowledge and dietary habit. Nutrient intakes and body shape perceptions were measured using 24-hour recall method and self-ratings of body shape figures, respectively. The education program was conducted in various ways, focused on healthy dietary behavior, nutrients' roles and sources, and proper body shape perceptions, etc. After the education program, nutrition knowledge and dietary habit were significantly improved. Dietary habit scores were significantly and positively related to nutrition knowledge levels. Body shape perceptions were significantly and properly changed after the program. Dissatisfaction with perceived current body shape and discrepancy between shapes desired and considered healthy were significantly decreased. But girls still indicated a desire to be leaner than shapes which were perceived current and considered healthy. Nutrient intakes were partly improved by the program, but some nutrients, such as calcium, folate, zinc, sodium and niacin, were still remained deficient or excessive. These findings indicate that enhancement of nutrition knowledge is extended to the improvement of dietary habit. In addition, establishment of proper body shape perception is closely related to healthy dietary habits and is required to good nutrition and health.

Vegetable Preferences and Their Associations with Nutritional Knowledge and Health-Related Variables in 5th and 6th Grade Schoolchildren

With recent increases in demand for women's social participation, children have tended to favor western-style foods and dislike vegetables (Veg.). The objective of this study was to evaluate dietary behavior and Veg. intake in 612 elementary school children (339 boys; 273 girls) in Gyeonggi-do. 66.5% of the subjects reported that they liked Veg. The most frequent reason given for this preference in Veg. liking group was that vegetables were 'delicious' (35.6%), followed by 'nutritious' and 'frequent intake'. The most frequent reason given for disliking Veg. in the Veg. disliking group was that vegetables are 'not delicious' (94.6%). Approximately half of the subjects had correct knowledge about vegetables. The total score of general nutrition knowledge was 7.7 points (a perfect score is 10 points) and the majority of students generally had good dietary behaviors. The Veg. liking group scored higher on knowledge about Veg., general nutritional knowledge, dietary behavior, and Veg. preference than did the members of the Veg. disliking group (p <0.001). The 'active' group had the highest score for dietary behavior (p <0.001), and the scores for dietary behavior and Veg. preference increased with increasing self-rated health status (p <0.001). The score of normal BMI group for nutritional knowledge about Veg. was higher than that of the underweight group (p <0.05). The higher self-rated academic score group showed higher on knowledge about Veg., general nutrition knowledge, dietary behavior (p <0.001) and Veg. preference (p <0.05). Dietary behavior and preference of Veg. were positively correlated with nutritional knowledge. To improve health by increasing Veg. intake, education about the nutritional importance of Veg. should be needed, and continuous nutritional education is recommended to foster good food habits and Veg. preferences in children.

Antioxidant Nutrient Intakes and Health Behaviors of Rheumatoid Arthritic Patients / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Previous studies have indicated that incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is partly related to the damage of antioxidant systems, but etiology of RA is not fully identified. This study was performed to evaluate nutrient intakes including antioxidants, health related behaviors and food habits of RA patients and controls. RA patient group (n = 68) and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 68) were joined in this study. Nutrient intake was estimated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. As mean age of RA (52.9 +/- 13.8 years) was significantly higher than those of controls (48.7 +/- 5.9 years), data were analyzed by using Student's t-test, adjusted for age. There was no significant difference between two groups in body mass index. Compared with those of controls, frequencies of drinking (p < 0.001) and coffee consumption (p < 0.05) of RA groups were lower. RA groups had lower frequencies of fruit (p < 0.01), vegetable (p < 0.05) and fatty meat (p < 0.05) consumptions and balanced diet (p < 0.01), and higher frequencies of fried dishes (p < 0.01), and salty dishes (p < 0.01), compared to controls. The most nutrient intakes including energy intake of RA were tended to be lower than those of controls. Vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C intakes were significantly lower in RA than controls (p < 0.001). Daily vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C intakes of RA were lower than those of control (vitamin A: RA 360.6 +/- 252.23 microgram RE, control 844.5 +/- 426.2 microgram RE, p < 0.001; beta-carotene: RA 1450.9 +/- 1019.0 microgram, control 3968.8 +/- 2248.21 microgram, p < 0.001; vitamin C; RA 40.6 +/- 21.48 mg,control 84.7 +/- 40.29, p < 0.001) These results suggest sufficient consumption of antioxidant nutrients may prevent and improve RA status.

Comparison of Gene Expression Profile in Eutopic Endometria with or without Endometriosis: A Microarray Study / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: Pathogenesis of the endometriosis is very complex and the etiology is still unclear. Our hypothesis is that there may be some difference in gene expression patterns between eutopic endometriums with or without endometriosis. In this study, we analyzed the difference of gene expression profile with cDNA microarray. METHODS: Endometrial tissues were gathered from patients with endometriosis or other benign gynecologic diseases. cDNA microarray technique was applied to screen the different gene expression profiles from early and late secretory phase endometria of those two groups. Each three mRNA samples isolated from early and late secretory phase of endometrial tissues of control were pooled and used as master controls and labeled with Cy3-dUTP. Then the differences of gene expression pattern were screened by comparing eutopic endometria with endometriosis, which were labeled with Cy5-dUTP. Fluorescent labeled probes were hybridized on a microarray of 4,800 human genes. RESULTS: Twelve genes were consistently overexpressed in the endometrium of endometriosis such as ATP synthase H transporting F1 (ATP5B), eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (NADP+), mitochondrial ribosomal protein L3, ATP synthase H+ transporting (ATP5C1) and TNF alpha factor. Eleven genes were consistently down-regulated in the endometriosis samples. Many extracellular matrix protein genes (decorin, lumican, EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1, fibulin 5, and matrix Gla protein) and protease/protease inhibitors (serine proteinase inhibitor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1), and insulin like growth factor II associated protein were included. Expression patterns of selected eight genes from the cDNA microarray were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR or real time RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: The result of this analysis supports the hypothesis that the endometrium from patients with endometriosis has distinct gene expression profile from control endometrium without endometriosis.

A differential gene expression profiles by cDNA microarrays in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma: a preliminary study / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological malignant disease in industrialized countries. However, the molecular bases for endometrial tumoriogenesis are not clearly elucidated. Our hypothesis is that there may be some difference in gene expression patterns between normal endometrium and endometrial cancer lesion. In this study, we analyzed the difference of gene expression profile with cDNA microarray. METHODS: Normal endometrial tissues and cancer lesions were gathered from three patient with endometrioid endometrial cancer. cDNA microarray technique (KNU 4.8K chip) was applied to screen the different gene expression profiles. RESULTS: Many genes such as interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), bifunctional apoptosis regulator (BFAR), paraneoplastic antigen MA2 (PNMA2), zinc finger protein 257 (ZNF257), ras homolog gene family, member F (in filopodia) (ARHF), cell division cycle 27 (CDC27) were over-expressed in the endometrial cancer tissue. The genes were down-regulated in the endometrial cancer samples included fibronectin 1 (FN1), meiotic checkpoint regulator (MCPR), transforming growth factor beta-stimulated protein TSC-22 (TSC22), programmed cell death 4 (neoplastic transformation inhibitor) (PDCD4), transcript variant 2, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), retinoblastoma binding protein 7 (RBBP7), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), downregulated in ovarian cancer 1 (DOC1). CONCLUSION: The result of this analysis supports the hypothesis that the endometrial cancer tissue has distinct gene expression profile from normal endometium. But, the vaildation of gene expression with RT-PCR and the further study are needed.

Levels of Serum Antioxidant Minerals and Enzyme Capacities of Korean Male Patients with Coronary Artery Disease / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Increased oxidative stress contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. We measured serum antioxidant mineral concentrations, capacities of serum antioxidant enzymes and fasting lipid profile in 97 male patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 21 male controls. Nutrient intake was assessed by the semi-quantitative food frequency method. CAD patients were divided into single-vessel disease (SVD, n = 66) and multi-vessel disease (MVD, n = 31) groups on the coronary angiography. The ratio of serum LDL- to HDL-cholesterol elevated with an increasing number of diseased vessels compared to the control (control < SVD

The Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy and Their Families / 대한간질학회지

PURPOSE: Children with epilepsy tend to experience more emotional problems compared with healthy controls. The objective of this study was to elucidate the clinical factors influencing the quality of life in children and adolescents with epilepsy. We also evaluated preliminary findings concerning relationships between family factors and child emotional problems. METHODS: Subjects were 90 epilepsy patients aged between 6 and 17 years (mean 12.2+/-3.3 years) and their parents. Parents filled up the Impact of Childhood Illness Scale (ICIS). We compared the differences across patient groups according to the clinical factors such as seizure frequency, epilepsy types and duration, mono- or polytherapy, etc. RESULTS: ICIS subscore for treatment was higher when patients took more than one antiepileptic drugs (p=0.032), and when they still had poor seizure control (p=0.054) by regression analysis. Subscores for treatment, children, parents, and family were analyzed in each clinical factor. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy patients in childhood and adolescent ages have significant impacts on their quality of life and as well as on the family if they are on polytherapy or have poorly controlled seizures.

Effects of Freeze-dried Green Vegetable Extract on Lipid Profiles and Antioxidant Status in the Rat

There has been increasing research interests that green vegetables play beneficial roles in human health. This study was performed to investigate the effects of freeze-dried green vegetable extract of Angelica keiskei Koidz (A) and Brassica oleracea acephala (B) on lipid profiles and antioxidant status in rats. Seven-weeks old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups and fed diets containing 5% A & B and 0.5% cholesterol (chol) for 8 weeks [Control Diet (C) & C + chol (CC), A & A + chol (AC), B & B + chol (BC)]. Lipid profiles and antioxidant status were determined by enzyme assay methods. The serum levels of [LDL + VLDL]-cholesterol of the rats fed vegetable extract diets A and B were significantly lower than that of group C and the ratios of HDL/[LDL + VLDL] were significantly higher in groups A and B. Addition of cholesterol in the diet, however, abolished this effect. The Brassica oleracea acephala juice lowered serum TG level even when cholesterol was added to the diet. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) were significantly higher in groups A and B as compared to the control group and the ratios of [GSH-Px + Catalase]/total-SOD in the liver were also significantly higher in groups A and B indicating that H2O2 produced be efficiently removed. In conclusion, freeze-dried green vegetable extract diets (A and B) improved serum lipid profiles by increasing the HDL/[LDL + VLDL] ratio and exerted favorable influences on antioxidant systems by improving total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum and by significantly increasing the ratio of [GSH-Px + Catalase]/total-SOD in the liver.

Relationship between Essential Hypertension and Serum Antioxidant Minerals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Essential hypertension has been accepted as being associated with a loss of the balance between pro- and anti-oxidations. Essential trace elements, such as Se, Mn, Cu and Zn, participate in various enzyme reactions necessary for the antioxidant defense system of cells. The object of the present study was to evaluate the serum levels of anti-oxidant minerals, which may be related to the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects were composed of 50 normotensive controls; 25 men and 25 women (14 premenopausal, 11 postmenopausal), and 50 hypertensive patients; 16 men and 32 women (19 premenopausal, 13 postmenopausal). ICP-MS was employed to measure the mineral concentrations. RESULTS: Compared with controls, the serum Se and Zn concentrations in the essential hypertensive patients were elevated (Se 12.78+/-0.47 vs. 17.85+/-0.58 microliter/dL, p=0.0008; Zn 110.87+/-5.36 vs. 134.36+/-5.95 microliter/dL, p=0.0040), whereas those of Mn and Cu were decreased (Mn 0.49+/-0.02 vs. 0.28+/-0.03 microliter/dL, p=0.0121; Cu 127.84+/-5.07 vs. 93.88+/-2.90 microliter/dL, p<0.0001). The mean Cu/Zn ratio of the patients was higher than that of the controls (1.14+/-0.03 vs. 0.67+/-0.02, p=0.0057). In the hypertensive patients, there was a negative correlation between the Zn and Cu concentrations (correlation coefficient -0.36458, p=0.0395). CONCLUSION: The analyzed mineral concentrations were significantly different between the essential hypertensive patients and the controls. It remains to be determined whether the alterations in the serum concentrations of antioxidant minerals are responsible for the pathogenesis of essential hypertension or just a simple consequence of hypertension.

Patterns of Intrahepatic Gene Expression in Neonatal Cholestasis / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: To identify genes specifically expressed in biliary atresia, we compared the patterns of gene expression between biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis syndrome using cDNA microarray analysis. METHODS: Liver tissues were taken from livers of 11 patients (7 patients with biliary atresia and four with neonatal hepatitis) with neonatal cholestasis by needle biopsy. Normal control could be obtained from donor liver tissue during living-related liver transplantation. Total RNA was extracted from each samples and reversely transcribed to make cDNA. Then fluorescent cDNA were pooled and hybridized to the clones on the microarray. Fluorescence intensities at the immobilized targets were measured. Utilizing cDNA arrays of 4.7 K human genes, gene expression profiles were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 4,700 microarray clones, 17 cDNA clones were significantly over-expressed in all 11 patients with neonatal cholestasis, while 20 clones were significantly decreased. Genome-wide expression analysis was carried out in livers obtained at the time of diagnosis. We could identify 49 genes, in which there showed differential expression between biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis syndrome. CONCLUSION: This study shows the pattern of differentially expressed genes in biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis syndrome. We believe that this study can contribute to the understanding of pathogenesis of neonatal cholestasis.

Mineral Intakes and Serum Mineral Concentrations of the Pregnant and Lactating Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to estimate the mineral intakes and serum mineral levels of pregnant and lactating women. The subjects consisted of 34 non-pregnant, 56 pregnant and 20 lactating women. Nutrients intakes were investigated by the 24-hr recall method, and serum major and trace minerals were analyzed by the ICP-spectrometry. Calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) intakes were observed lower than RDA especially for both pregnant and lactating women. Iron (Fe) intake of pregnant women was 85 - 139% RDA through Fe supplementation, and that of lactating women was lower than RDA. Compared with non-pregnant women, the pregnant women had similar Ca intake and higher magnesium (Mg) intake. Comparing with the non-pregnant women, serum Ca level in pregnancy was lower, and that of lactating women was not significantly different. Serum phosphorus and Mg levels were not significantly different among the groups. Serum Fe level of pregnant and lactating women was lower than that of the non-pregnant women. Serum Zn level of pregnant women was lower than those in the lactating and non-pregnant women. Serum copper level decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Serum sodium (Na) level was higher in 2nd- and 3rd trimester and potassium (K) level was higher in 3rd trimester and lactating period than other groups. Na/K ratio was not significantly different among the groups. During all periods, there was no correlation between dietary intakes and serum levels in each minerals. Serum Ca level positively corrleated with serum Mg level, especially in 3rd trimester and lactating women. In general, serum mineral levels in pregnancy were changed compared to the levels in non-pregnancy and restored in lactation to the levels for non-pregnancy.

Comparison of Nutrient Intakes Regarding Stages of Change in Dietary Fiber Increasing for College Students in Kyunggi-Do / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to compare nutrient intakes regarding stages of change in dietary fiber increasing behavior. Subjects were consisted of healthy 383 college students (250 females and 133 males) in Kyunggi-Do. Stages of change classified by an algorithim based on 6 items were designed each subjects into one of the 5 stages: precontemplation (PC), contemplation (CO), preparation (PR), action (AC), maintenance (MA). Nutrient intakes were assessed by 24-hr recall method. Regarding the 5 stages of changes, PR stage comprised the largest group (39.4%), followed by AC (33.7%), MA (14.6%), PC (7.6%), CO (4.7%). Female were more belong to either AC or MA. The higher stage of change in dietary fiber increasing behavior, the higher self-efficacy. In all male and female, there were no differences in energy, protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol intakes across the 5 stages. But, fiber, potassuim (K), vitamin A and vitamin C intakes of AC or MA were higer than those of PC, CO and PR. Energy% from fat of PR (25.4 - 26.5%) was higher than 20%, and those of AC and MA was lower than the other groups. Dietary P/S and omega6/omega3 ratios of AC and MA were similar to the recommended ratio. Female of PR had the most total saturated fat and palmitic acid and those of MA had the least. Male of PR had the least alpha-LNA (omega3) and total omega3 fatty acids and those of MA had the most. In male and female in AC or MA, fiber and K intakes from breakfast, dinner and snack and vitamin C intakes from all meals were higher than those of the other stages. These results of our study confirm differences in stages of change in fiber intake in terms of nutritional status. To have lower energy% from fat, higher intakes of K, fiber and vitamins, desirable ratio of dietary fatty acids, it needs consistent nutritional education leading to the AC or MA of fiber increasing behavior.

Investigation of Smoking Rate, Habits and Attitudes towards Smoking in Lawyers of Korea

BACKGROUND: It is well-known that a decline in the prevalence of smoking among physicians has preceded a decline in the general population. For the purpose of finding out the reason for lower smoking rate in Korean medical doctors than that of general population whether it is due to knowledge of toxicity related to smoking perceived as health professionals or as the only leader group in society this study was investigated. We selected lawyers as a representative of other professional groups. We investigated smoking rate, habits and attitudes towards smoking in Korean lawyers and compared the smoking rate and attitudes to wards smoking in lawyers with those of medical doctors. METHODS: This study investigates smoking rate, habits and attitudes towards smoking in Korean lawyers. An anonymous self-administered postal survey was used. One-third of registered lawyers were sampled according to stratified random sampling. Among 1,401 target population, 463 (38.3%) responded. RESULTS: Among male lawyers, 38.0% were current smokers, 38.9% were ex-smokers and 23.1% were non-smokers, while 7.7% were ex-smokers and 92.3% were non-smokers among female lawyers. The direct age-adjusted smoking rate among Korean male lawyers was 42.1%. CONCLUSION: In comparison of the direct age-adjusted smoking rate among male lawyers, medical doctors and general population in Korea, the rate in lawyers was 42.1%, medical doctors 34.9%, and general population 67.6%. The smoking rate of lawyers was found to be higher than that of medical doctors, but considerably lower than that of general population. In comparison of the attitudes towards smoking between lawyers and medical doctors, the lawyers were found to have a lower level of support in questions of the knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking and smoking bans on health than medical doctors.

Studies on Fatty Acid Intake Patterns, Serum Lipids and Serum Fatty Acid Compositions of High School Students in Seoul / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of individual fatty acid intake and to compare serum lipid levels and total serum fatty acid composition of high school students in Seoul (total:234;male:91;female:143). In serum lipid levels, total cholesterol (Chol.), HDL -Chol. and LDL-Chol. levels of female students were significantly higher than those of male students and there was no significant difference between High Fish & Low Meat intake (HFLM) and Low Fish & High Meat intake (LFHM) groups. The average fat intake was 22 - 25 energy % of total subjects and especially, that of LFHM group was 29%, which were over the recommendation level. Although the average P/M/S ratio of dietary fat was 1.1/1.2/1.0, the average range of omega 6/omega 3 fatty acid ratio of dietary fat was found to be 17.9 - 20.7, which was far beyond the suggested range, 4 - 10. The average intake of cholesterol of total subjects was 360mg. LFHM group had more meats and beverages such as carbonated drinks and tended to have less beans, vegetables and mushrooms. In addition, LFHM group had more energy and fat intake than those of HFLM group, the P/S ratio of dietary fat (0.73) was lower than the recommended ratio. Serum C16:0 composition of LFHM group was significantly higher than that of HFLM group, and EPA and DHA composition of HFLM was significantly lower than that of LFHM. Therefore, in HFLM group, the P/S ratio of serum fatty acids was significantly higher and the omega 6/omega 3 ratio was lower. Dietary C18: 0 was negatively correlated with serum EPA and DHA composition. Individual PUFA intake was negatively correlated with serum C16:0 and sum of SFA, and positively correlated with serum C18:2omega 6 (LA), sum of omega 6 and sum of PUFA. Serum C18:1, C18:3omega 3 and C20:4omega 6 (AA) compositions were not correlated with dietary fatty acid. Only serum triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly correlated with serum fatty acid compositions. Sum of SFA, C14:0, C16:0, sum of MUFA and C18:1 compositions were positively correlated with serum TG levels, but LA, AA, sum of PUFA and P/S ratio were negatively correlated with it.

Effects of Short-Term Supplementation of Carnitine on Plasma and Urinary Carnitine and Plasma Lipid Levels of Healthy Male Adults

This study was conducted to evaluate changes in plasma concentration and urinary excretion of carnitine, as well as plasma lipid level and fatty acid composition, caused by short term supplementation of carnitine in humans. Ten healthy male subjects (21.2 +/- 0.5 years old) received oral carnitine supplementation (4 g/day) as tablets for two weeks. Fasting blood and random urine samples were collected from each subject both prior to and at the end of carnitine supplemention program. Following the 2 weeks of carnitine supplementation, plasma total carnitine (TCNE) concentration increased 20% (85.1 +/- 7.4 vs 67.3 +/- 9.1 micro mol/1, p>0.05), while urinary excretion of total carnitine increased ten times compared to the value measured prior to the supplementation (3051 +/- 692 vs 278 +/- 90.1 micro mol/g creatinine, p<0.01). Non-esterified carnitine (NEC) comprised from 71 to 88% of TCNE in plasma, and from 32 to 40% of TCNE excreted in the urine. Two weeks of carnitine supplementation in healthy adults significantly elevated plasma level of acid soluble acylcarnitine (ASAC) which is esterified mostly with short chain fatty acids (21.6 +/- 1.6 micro mol/l) compared to the value measured prior to the supplementation (6.4 +/- 0.8 micro mol/l) (p<0.05). Carnitine supplementation significantly increased plasma HDL-cholesterol level (p<0.05), and decreased the atherogenic index (p<0.05), but failed to cause any significant change in plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and free fatty acids. Plasma triglyceride and phospholipid fatty acid compositions were not significaly affected as well by the oral supplementation of carnitine in subjects with normal range of blood lipid levels.

Gene Expression Profile Analysis of Human Breast Cancer Using cDNA Microarrys / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to classify breast carcinomas based on variations in gene expression patterns derived from cDNA microarrays and to correlate tumor characteristics to clinical outcome. METHODS: A total of 7 pairs of breast tumors and control tissues were taken at the time of primary surgery for array analysis. Then, performed microarray experiments in breast cancer tissues with the cDNA microarray spotted 3,063 clones of genes, were analyzed by hierachical clustering. RESULTS: Thirteen genes were over expressed in tumor samples regardless of their histopathological features and ER status, those were including, vitamin A responsive gene, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). Twenty-four genes were down-regulated in tumor sites, those were including, discoidin domain receptor family mamber 2, crystallin alpha B, and myosin light polypeptide kinase. We also identified the differentially expressed genes between ER positive and negative tumors. PCNA, FLJ20500, STAT1, signal recognition particle 9 kD, and proteasome activator subunit 2 were more predominantly expressed in ER negatives. Serine protease 23, vitamin responsive gene, fibronectin 1, and SERPINA1 genes were more highly expressed in ER positive tumors. We further classified the patients according to their gene expression patterns with Cluster program. Clustering results divided patients into two distinct groups, the first group consists of only estrogen receptor (ER) negative tumors and they showed more higher gene expression levels of cell replication and cycle, invasion and metastasis, those considered poor prognosis signature. The other group mostly consists of ER positive tumors. CONCLUSION: These results support the feasibility and usefulness of this systematic approach to studying variation in gene expression patterns in human cancers as a means to dissect and classify solid tumors. We believe, this gene expression profile will outperform all currently available clinical parameters in predicting disease outcome.

The Prognostic Significance of Immunohistochemically Detected Isolated Tumor Cells in Lymph Node in Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Metastasis of a colorectal carcinoma to regional lymph nodes indicates poor prognosis. The detection of lymph node metastasis is routinely performed by his topathological analysis of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained sections. However the routine histological technique may fail to detect isolated tumor cells in lymph nodes. The aims of this study are to elucidate the prognostic significance of the presence of isolated tumor cells in the regional lymph nodes in colorectal cancer, and to elucidate the correlation between the presence of isolated tumor cells and p53 protein expression in the primary colorectal cancer tissue. METHODS: We used immunohistochemical staining with anti-cytokeratin antibody to examine 452 lymph nodes in 24 patients (11 recurrent and 13 nonrecurrent) who were histologically determined Astler-Coller B. And we used immunohistochemical staining with p53 protein to examine primary colorectal cancer tissues of the patients. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining of cytokeratin revealed the presence of isolated tumor cells in 5/13 patients (38.5%), 5/214 lymph nodes (2.34%) in the nonrecurrent group and 6/11 patients (54.6%), 11/244 lymph nodes (4.51%) in the recurrent group, respectively. The detection rate of isolated tumor cells in the recurrent group was slightly higher than nonrecurrent group, but the difference was not significant statistically. The expression rate of p53 protein was 23.1% (3/13) in the nonrecurrent group and 36.4% (4/11) in the recurrent group, respectively. The expression rate of the p53 protein was not significantly correlated with the presence of isolated tumor cells in regional lymph nodes and the rate of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of isolated tumor cells in regional lymph nodes was not a prognostic indicator in predicting recurrence in histologically determined Astler- Collar B colorectal cancer patients.