Evaluation of the health status of preschool children stratified based on the weight-length index (WLI)

This study was conducted to prepare basic materials and offer advice regarding dietary habits to prevent and cure childhood obesity by comparing and analyzing dietary habit, nutritional status, blood factors, and mineral contents of hair. All subjects were stratified by their weight-length index (WLI). According to the standard WLI values, 64.9% of children were within the normal value, 13.5% of children were underweight, and 21.6% of children were overweight and obese (WLI > or = 110%). Overall, the score assessed dietary habit for all children was 21.32 +/- 2.55 point (921 subjects), with 5.1% of children having excellent dietary habits and 3.1% having poor dietary habits. Additionally, 37.9% of underweight children, 37.6% of normal weight children, and 43.2% of overweight and obese children consumed higher amounts of protein than underweight children did (meat, fish, eggs, and soy products) (P < 0.05). Overweight and obese children consumed more fried foods than underweight or normal weight children (P < 0.05). Moreover, 38.0% of the children had hemoglobin levels of 12 g/dl, while 7.6% were anemic (11.1 g/dl). When a hematocrit level of 33% was taken as the standard, 11.0% of children were anemic. The plasma transferrin content was 263.76 +/- 54.52 mg/dl in overweight and obese children. The mean values of Fe, Cu, Ca, Cr, Mn, Se, Na, K, Li, V, Co, and Mo were within the reference values, but the Zn concentrations of underweight, normal weight, and overweight and obese children were 67.97 +/- 28.51 ppm, 70.09 +/- 30.81 ppm, and 73.99 +/- 30.36 ppm, respectively. The Zn concentration of overweight and obese children (73.99 +/- 30.36 ppm) was lower than that of the standard value (180~220 ppm). Therefore, a nutritional education program and new guidance for dietary pattern should be developed to reduce the number of underweight and overweight and obese children.

Effect of Chronical Ethanol Ingestion on the Levels of Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEEs) and Lipid Peroxidation in Rat Tissues

The present study was designed to observe the effect of chronically ingested ethanol on the level of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), which is a non-oxidative metabolite of ethanol metabolism in tissues, and its correlation to the status of oxidative stress in rats. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 145 - 155 g were divided into 2 groups, Control and EtOH. All rats were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet for 4 weeks by pair-feeding. An isocaloric maltose dextrin was added in replace of 50 g ethanol (36%kcal) in the control diet. Chronically ingested ethanol significantly increased the content of FAEEs in pancreas and liver, but not in brain. The level of 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was significantly increased, but alpha-tocopherol level was significantly decreased in pancreas and liver. However, the levels of TBARS and alpha-tocopherol in brain were not significantly affected by ethanol ingestion. Therefore, chronically ingested ethanol might cause tissue damage by increasing the levels of FAEEs and TBARS and dissipating more alpha-tocopherol in tissues.

Effects of Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)on Antioxidant System in the Liver of Chronically Ethanol -Treated Rats

The study was designed to observe antioxidant activities of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA )by determining antioxidant enzyme protein levels [cytochrome P4502 E1 (CYP2E1 ), Copper, Zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD ), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px ), glutathione S-transferase (GST )] by Western blot analysis and the levels of alpha -tocopherol and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS )in the liver of chronically ethanol-treated rats. Sixty Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into 3 groups (Control, EtOH, EtOH + CLA ). All rats were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet for 4 weeks by pair-feeding against the EtOH group. The liquid diet was supplemented with 1.77g CLA mixture per kg diet in the EtOH + CLA group. Isocaloric maltose dextrin was added in replace of 50g ethanol (36%kcal )for the Control group. Ethanol ingestion significantly increased the levels of CYP2E1 protein and TBARS, but significantly reduced CuZn-SOD protein level and increased GST protein level. There was no significant effect on the level of GSH-Px protein and alpha-tocopherol in the liver by ethanol. CLA supplementation with ethanol significantly increased the levels of CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px and GST and also significantly attenuated TBARS level, whereas there was no signi-ficant effect on the levels of CYP2E1 protein and alpha-tocopherol by CLA. Overall, the CLA supplemented to ethanol could significantly increase the levels of CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px and GST proteins and reduce the level of TBARS in the liver of chronically ethanol-treated rats.

Analyses on Nutritional and Behavioral Risk Factors of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) in Korean Preschoolers

In order to examine nutritional and behavioral risk factors of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Korean preschoolers, we analyzed data on 144 children aged 3 - 6 years with AD and their 434 healthy counterparts. The data included breastfeeding history, current weight, food behaviors assessed by the Mini Dietary Assessment (MDA), food intake by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and behavior problems by the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scale (PKBS). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed after controlling for preschool location and child's age, gender and total energy intake, as appropriate. There was no group difference of child and household characteristics. Breastfeeding history was related to lower AD risk (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40 - 0 .99), yet no statistically significant association was found with overweight status. Regarding food behaviors, AD risk was lower in children who drank milk at least one cup per day (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.35 - 0.78) and had regular meals (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.42 - 0.92). Moreover, there were lower risks of AD in the second (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.28 - 0.82) and the highest (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.32 - 0.94) intake quartiles as compared with the lowest quartile of kimchi intake. Similarly, AD risk was lower in the highest quartile of rice (OR = 0.51 CI = 0.28 - 0.93) and the second quartile of fruit (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25 - 0.82) intakes. AD children had more problems in social interaction (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.26 - 3.07) and independence (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.01 - 2.54) measures than the healthy controls. Likewise, AD children tended to show more problem behaviors such as anxiety (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.99 - 2.69). Our results suggest that nutritional and behavioral dimensions are related to AD risk, yet the case control study design may preclude generalization of these results.

Study on the Eating Habits and Growth Development in Korean Preschool Children

The study was designed to observe the correlation between the eating habits and growth development in 1,574 children(3 - 6 years old) in Kyunggi-do and Seoul, Korea. The eating habits and nutrient intake were determined by mini dietary assessment and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). 35.6% children had been practicing an unbalanced diets. Children with unbalanced diet consumed less amount of protein source foods (meat, fish, egg, soy products), vegetables and fruits and had irregular meal time, but more of them preferred sweet foods (ice creme, cookies) and carbonated drinks as snack compared with children in balanced diet. 24 - 35% children consumed energy, iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), Niacin, Zinc (Zn) less than 75% RDA. Energy intake of children with unbalanced diet was not significantly different from those with balanced diet, but they consumed less amount of niacin, Fe, Ca and Zn than those with balanced diet. By using the relative percentage of standard weight-length-index (WLI), 65.7% children was normal weight, 12.9% was underweight, 13.4% was overweight and 7.9% was obese. However, 11.9% of underweight and normal weight children was so called thin obese since their body fat content was greater than 20%. There were 16.8% underweight in children with unbalanced diet and 12.6% underweight in those with balanced diet. Compared to normal weight, the underweight children significantly consumed less amount of milk and its product, high protein foods, fried foods and fruits, but obese children consumed more high protein source foods (meat, fish, egg, etc) and sweet foods. In conclusion, the eating habits of unbalanced meal was prevalent problem in preschool children which resulting in their health risks. Therefore, it would be needed that new approach for nutrition education to improve eating habits in preschoolers.

Effect of Different Amount of Dietary n-3 PUFA on Colon Carcinogenesis in DMH-treated Rats

The objective of the study was to observe the effect of n-3 PUFA on cell proliferation and apoptosis by determining mRNA and protein of COX-2 and eicosanoid product and the mRNA and protein of Bu and Bcl-2 related to apoptosis in colon carcinogenesis of 1,2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated rats. Ninety male Sprague Dawley rats weighing about 170g were divided into 3 groups, control and n-3 PUFA supplemented groups (FO group: 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA; 2FO group: 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA) and fed experimental diet for 14 weeks. All rats were intramuscularly injected with DMH 15 mg/kg twice a week for 6 weeks to deliver total dose of 180 mg/kg body weight. Compared with the control group, 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA significantly reduced the levels of mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 and 2-series eicosanoids (TXB2 and PGE2 and decreased cell proliferation in colonic mucosa. However, high levels of n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly increased the levels of mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, TXB2 and PGE2. and increased cell proliferation which was similar level to that of control group. Compared with the control group, n-3 PUFA, regardless of the amount, significantly increased apoptotic index in colonic mucosa. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses showed that the levels of mRNA and protein expression of Bax were significantly increased by 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA, but decreased by 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA. The analyses also showed the levels of mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 were significantly reduced by 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA, but increased by 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in mRNA and protein was significantly reduced by 6.2 mmoles n-3 PUFA but increased by 12.4 mmoles n-3 PUFA. Overall, these results indicate that n-3 PUFA could be effective in preventing colon carcinogenesis by reducing cell proliferation with lower level of COX-2 and 2-series eicosanoid, and increasing apoptosis by inducing pro-apoptotic gene, Bax and inhibiting anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-2 in the colonic mucosa of DMH-treated rats. However, high level of n-3 PUFA supplementation could stimulate colon carcinogenesis by increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.

Effect of Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Isomers on Tumor Incidence and the Protein Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Protein Kinase C in Colonic Mucosa of DMH-Treated Rats

This study was designed to compare the anti-carcinogenic effect of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on tumor incidence, cell proliferation and the levels of thromboxane (TX)B2, prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG), and the related enzyme expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and protein kinase C (PKC) in colonic mucosa of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated rats. One hundred eight male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups depending on the types of CLA isomers, i.e. control group (no CLA contained), c9t11 group (cis-9, trans-11 CLA contained), and t10c12 group (trans-10, cis-12 CLA contained). The experimental diet was composed of protein at 20%, carbohydrate at 56.2%, and fat at 14.5% including 1.0% CLA isomers by weight. The experimental diet was fed for 30 weeks with the initiation of intramuscular injection of DMH, which was injected twice a week for 6 weeks to give total dose of 180 mg per kg body weight. Two CLA isomers (c9, t11; t10, c12) significantly reduced tumor incidence and cell proliferation by reducing the protein expression of COX-2 and PKC, and the level of TXB2, PGE2, and DAG in colonic mucosa. However, there was no significant difference in anti-carcinogenic effect between c9t11-CLA and t10c12-CLA.

Hair Zinc and Lead : Relationship to Nutrient Intake and Height and Body Weight in Korean Preschool Children

The objective was to evaluate the factors influencing on the growth of children aged 3 - 6 years by mini dietary assessment and anthropometric indices in 556 children and by analyzing mineral contents of hair from 273 children by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean concentration of zinc (Zn) in hair was 68.9 +/- 31.1 ppm and the zinc level of 91% children was less than 60% of the reference value of 180 ppm. The mean content of lead (Pb) in hair was 1.76 +/- 1.20 ppm, but only 67% of 273 children was within the reference value of 2 ppm and the lead level of 33% of children was 2 - 4 times higher than the reference value. The level of Zn was negatively correlated with Pb content (r = -0.305, p 150%) which resulted in total 10.3% obese. Contrary to our expectation 32.8% children was underweight (70 - 89.9% of standard) and 36% of the underweight children showed the low content of zinc (10 - 49 ppm) in hair. There was no significant correlation between dietary intake of Zn and hair Zn content. Hair Zn content was low even though children consumed greater than 75% of their requirement for zinc. Regardless of dietary intake of Zn, hair Zn level was rather negatively correlated to the content of Pb in hair. 38.8% children had an unbalanced diet which resulted in lower intake of calorie, Ca, Zn, vitamin B2 compared with those consuming variety of foods. Therefore, it would be needed that new approach for nutrition education to improve eating habit having the unbalanced diet in preschool children. It might be also suggested to develop new food products to complement the nutrients of Zn, Ca, Fe as snacks or dietary supplement for Korean preschool children.

Study of the Mechanism for the Growth Inhibitory Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Caco-2 Colon Cancer Cells

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (LA) and exhibits anticarcinogenic activity in a variety of animal models. We have previously observed that CLA inhibited the growth of Caco-2 cells, a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line. The present study was performed to determine whether the growth inhibitory effect of CLA is related to change in secretion of IGF- II and/or IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) that have been shown to regulate Caco-2 cell proliferation by an autocrine mechanism. Cells were incubated in serum-free medium with various concentrations of CLA or linoleic acid (LA). Immunoblot analysis of 24-hours, serum-free, conditioned medium using a monoclonal anti-IGF-IIantibody revealed that Caco-2 cells secreted both mature 6,500 Mr and higher Mr forms of pro IGF-II. The levels of pro IGF-II and mature IGF-IIwere decreased by 43+/-2% and 53+/-6%, respectively by treatment with 50 micrometer CLA. LA slightly increased pro IGF- II levels. Results from Northern blot analysis showed that CLA decreased IGF-II mRNA levels at 50 micrometer concentration suggesting that CLA regulation of IGF-II protein expression occurs partly at the transcriptional level. Ligand blot analysis of conditioned media using 1251-IGF-II revealed that CLA slightly decreased IGFBP-2 levels and increased IGFBP-4 levels. We confirmed our previous results that CLA inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner but LA slightly increased cell growth. Exogenous IGF-II mitigated the growth inhibitory effect of CLA. These results indicate that the growth inhibitory effect of CLA may be at least in part mediated by decreasing IGF-II and IGFBP-2 secretion and increasing IGFBP-4 secretion in Caco-2 cells.

Eating Habits and Social Behavior in Korean Preschool Children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the eating habits and social behavior of preschool children. Six hundred twenty seven children ranging in age from 4 to 7 and their mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing the children''''s eating habits and kindergarten teachers were asked to rate the social behavior of their preschool children. The eating habits of children positively correlated to those of their mothers, primarily in meal regularity, breakfast frequency, unbalanced meals, overeating, eating delivery food and food preferences. The results showed that 33% of preschool children always had unbalanced meals and 50% sometimes had them. Children who had ice cream, cake, carbonated drinks or cookies as snacks more often, tend to have meals irregularly because they favored sweets and were possibly induced to have unbalanced meals. Sixty five percent of the children were graded as good in terms of having healthy eating habits and had good social behavior. The results indicate that the eating habits of children are related to problem behavior, especially social withdrawal and anxiety. That is, children who have undesirable eating habits are likely to be anxious or socially withdrawn.