Dietary effects of black bean fermented by Monascus pilosus on body weight, serum lipid profiles and activities of hepatic antioxidative enzymes in mice fed high fat diets

The anti-obesity effects of fermented black bean were tested with mice fed a high fat diet for seven weeks. Body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio (FER) in the high fat diet control (HC) group were markedly higher, compared with those of the normal control (NC) group, but were significantly lower in the 2% black bean powder supplemented high fat diet (BB) group and 2% black bean powder fermented by M. pilosus supplemented high fat diet (BBM) group, compared with those of the HC group. Food intake in the HC and BB groups was significantly lower than that of the NC and BBM groups. Water intake in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. On the other hand, relative liver and kidney weight in the HC group was lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, whereas epididymal fat weight in the HC group was markedly higher than that of the NC group, it was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. Meanwhile, hepatic GSH in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was slightly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. Although hepatic LPO in the HC group was dramatically higher than that of the NC group, it was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, serum TG, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in the HC group was significantly higher than that of the NC group, but was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. On the contrary, HDL-cholesterol in the HC group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, but was higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In addition, activity of XOR D type in the HC group was lower than that of the NC group, but was slightly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the NC group. Activities of ROS scavenging enzymes, such as SOD, GPX, and GST in the HC group were significantly lower than those of the NC group, but were significantly higher in the BB and BBM groups, compared with those of the HC group. In addition, serum ALT activity in the HC and BB groups was higher than that of the NC group, but was significantly lower in the BB and BBM groups, compared with that of the HC group. In histopathological findings, hepatic fat accumulation in the HC group was higher than that of the NC group, but was lower in the BBM group, compared with that of the HC and BB groups. In particular, antiobese, hypolipidemic, and antifatty liver effect of black bean powder fermented by M. pilosus was specifically higher than that of non-fermented steamed black bean. In conclusion, the constituents of black bean fermented by Monascus pilosus have been proven to not only inhibit obesity and hyperlipidemia but also decrease hepatic fat accumulation in high fat diet-induced obese mice.

Effect of fermented soybean curd residue (FSCR; SCR-meju) by aspergillus oryzae on the anti-obesity and lipids improvement / 한국영양학회지

In this study, we designed to confirm the dietary effect of anti-obesity of fermented soybean curd residue (FSCR; SCR-Meju; Biji-meju) by A. oryzae, which is well known as a Korean traditional meju microbe. We observed that body weight gain, serum and hepatic lipid profile, as well as the activity of ROS generating enzyme and ROS scavenging enzyme in high-fat diet induced obese mice fed experimental diet (SCR and SCR-meju). Body weight gain and epididymal fat weight of HC (high-fat diet control) was markedly higher than that of NC (Normal control). Conversely, body weight gain and epididymal fat weight of the SCR (Biji) and SCR-meju (Biji-meju) group was significantly lower than that of HC; these of the SCR-meju group was lower than that of the SCR group. Furthermore, serum TG and total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol contents of SCR and SCR-meju groups were lower than that of HC, and HDL-cholesterol level of the SCR-meju group was significantly higher than that of HC. In conclusion, although precise mechanisms of the antiobese effects of SCR-meju in this study are unknown, the present study provides an experimental evidence that SCR-meju may prevent obesity and obesity related metabolic syndromes, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes, and liver disease by high-fat diet. Nevertheless, further study in this filed will be needed.

Congenital Constriction Ring Syndrome

In general, excision of a constriction ring is not difficult when performed several months after birth, but care should be taken to excise the scar tissue in newborns so as to avoid neurovascular damage. Although Hall et al. and Greene described successful one-stage operations in cases of forearm and leg constriction rings, a two staged Z-plasty around the circumference of the constriction is recommended in neonatal balloon. The authors in this article excised constriction ring through a single operation with Z-plasty, and restored digital contour. In order to preserve neurovascular structures, the authors employed loupe(x3.5) and prevented inadequate sensation and cold intolerance, which may occur after surgery. A one-stage release of congenital constriction ring was performed for 5 constriction rings in four extremities(one patient). No wound problems occurred, even when there had been marked congestion of the extremity distal to the constriction ring. The one-stage release facilitated postoperative care, and there was no need for additional anesthesia or for additional operations, which are necessary when this problem is treated with a release performed in two or three stages.

Congenital Lacrimal Sac Fistula

Congenital lacrimal sac fistulas are relatively uncommon and are estimated to occur in 1 per 2000 birth. They consist of a dimple opening that leads to the lacrimal sac. Most of the fistulas are unilateral and are located inferonasally to the medial canthus. The patients may be asymptomatic and overlooked for some time after birth, or may demonstrate tearing from the fistula, the eye, or both. The treatment of those with symptoms such as epiphora and dacryocystitis is still controversial. In cases with nasolacrimal obstruction, performing dacryocystorhinostomy in addition to excision is appropriate. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether nasolacrimal obstruction is present before or during the operation in deciding treatment method. But in most cases, treatment is possible with excision alone. From September, 1999 to February, 2002 authors treated 3 cases of congenital lacrimal sac fistulas without nasolacrimal obstruction and good results were obtained by the method of fistulectomy alone.