Quercetin inhibits body weight gain and adipogenesis via matrix metalloproteinases in mice fed a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Limited studies reported that quercetin inhibited adipogenesis and neovascularization by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity, but such mechanisms have not been elucidated in animal experiments. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of quercetin on weight gain and adipose tissue growth through the regulation of mRNA expressions of adipogenic transcription factors and MMPs in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). MATERIALS/METHODS: Five-wk-old C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND), HFD, HFD containing 0.05% of quercetin (HFQ0.05), or HFD containing 0.15% of quercetin (HFQ0.15) for 16 wks. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity was measured using a commercial kit. The mRNA expressions of transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA expressions of MMPs and concentrations of MMPs were measured by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, respectively. RESULTS: Quercetin intake reduced body weight gain and epididymal adipose tissue weights (P < 0.05). GPDH activity was higher in the HFD group than in the ND group but lower in the quercetin groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ß (C/EBPß), C/EBPα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 were lower in the quercetin groups than in the HFD group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the mRNA expression and concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly lower in the quercetin groups than in the HFD group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study confirms that quercetin suppresses body weight gain and adipogenesis by inhibiting transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9), in mice fed a HFD.

The effect of curcumin on blood pressure and cognitive impairment in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is known that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the brain could regulate cognitive functions as well as blood pressure. Inhibition of RAS for the improvement of cognitive function may be a new strategy, but studies so far have mostly reported on the effects of RAS inhibition by drugs, and there is no research on cognitive improvement through RAS inhibition of food ingredients. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of curcumin on blood pressure and cognitive function and its related mechanism in spontaneously hypertensive rat/Izm (SHR/Izm). MATERIALS/METHODS: Six-week-old SHR/Izm rats were divided into 5 groups: control group (CON), scopolamine group (SCO, drug for inducing cognitive deficits), positive control (SCO and tacrine [TAC]), curcumin 100 group (CUR100, SCO + Cur 100 mg/kg), and curcumin 200 group (CUR200, SCO + Cur 200 mg/kg). Changes in blood pressure, RAS, cholinergic system, and cognitive function were compared before and after cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The SCO group showed increased blood pressure and significantly reduced cognitive function based on the y-maze and passive avoidance test. Curcumin treatments significantly improved blood pressure and cognitive function compared with the SCO group. In both the CUR100 and CUR200 groups, the mRNA expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II receptor type1 (AT1), as well as the concentrations of angiotensin II (Ang II) in brain tissue were significantly decreased. The mRNA expression of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and acetylcholine (ACh) content was significantly increased, compared with the SCO group. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of curcumin improved blood pressure and cognitive function in SCO-induced hypertensive mice, indicating that the cholinergic system was improved by suppressing RAS and AT1 receptor expression and increasing the mAChR expression.

Effect of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 on the Improvement of Bowel Movement in Loperamide-Treated SD Rats.

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 (B. coagulans SNZ 1969) is a spore-forming bacterium reported to be effective in attenuating constipation. However, there is no study on whether B. coagulans SNZ 1969 could improve constipation through mucin secretion and changes in intestinal hormones. To address this knowledge gap, rats were orally administrated with various treatments for four weeks. The normal control (NOR) group received saline only. There were four constipation-induced groups. The LOP group received only loperamide (LOP), a constipation-inducing agent. The BIS group received both LOP and Bisacodyl (BIS, a constipation treatment agent). The SNZ-L group received both LOP and B. coagulans SNZ 1969 at 1 × 108 CFU/day. The SNZ-H group received LOP and B.coagulans SNZ 1969 at 1 × 1010 CFU/day. As indicators of constipation improvement, fecal pellet weight, fecal water content, gastrointestinal transit time, and intestinal motility were measured. Mucus secretion in the colon was determined by histological colon analysis and mucin-related gene expressions. Gastrointestinal (GI) hormones were also measured. SNZ-L and SNZ-H groups showed significantly increased fecal weights, fecal water contents, and intestinal motility than the LOP group. SNZ-L and SNZ-H groups also showed higher secretion of mucin in the colon and mRNA expression levels of Mucin 2 and Aquaporin 8 than the LOP group. The SNZ-H group showed significantly increased substance P but significantly decreased somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide than the LOP group. The results of this study suggest that B. coagulans SNZ 1969 intake could attenuate constipation through mucin secretion and alteration of GI hormones.

Issues pertaining to Mg, Zn and Cu in the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans.

In the current years, it has now become necessary to establish standards for micronutrient intake based on scientific evidence. This review discusses issues related to the development of the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRI) for magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), and future research directions. Following issues were encountered when establishing the KDRI for these minerals. First, characteristics of Korean subjects need to be applied to estimate nutrient requirements. When calculating the estimated average requirement (EAR), the KDRI used the results of balance studies for Mg absorption and factorial analysis for Zn, which is defined as the minimum amount to offset endogenous losses for Zn and Mg. For Cu, a combination of indicators, such as depletion/repletion studies, were applied, wherein all reference values were based on data obtained from other countries. Second, there was a limitation in that it was difficult to determine whether reference values of Mg, Zn, and Cu intakes in the 2020 KDRI were achievable. This might be due to the lack of representative previous studies on intakes of these nutrients, and an insufficient database for Mg, Zn, and Cu contents in foods. This lack of database for mineral content in food poses a problem when evaluating the appropriateness of intake. Third, data was insufficient to assess the adequacy of Mg, Zn, and Cu intakes from supplements when calculating reference values, considering the rise in both demand and intake of mineral supplements. Mg is more likely to be consumed as a multi-nutrient supplement in combination with other minerals than as a single supplement. Moreover, Zn-Cu interactions in the body need to be considered when determining the reference intake values of Zn and Cu. It is recommended to discuss these issues present in the 2020 KDRI development for Mg, Zn, and Cu intakes in a systematic way, and to find relevant solutions.

Cow's Milk Intake and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Korean Postmenopausal Women.

Numerous studies have reported conflicting results associated with cow's milk intake and coronary heart disease (CHD). However, studies involving postmenopausal women are very limited. This study was therefore undertaken to identify the relationship between cow's milk intake and CHD risk in postmenopausal women, using data from the 6th period of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013−2015). A total of 1825 postmenopausal women, aged 50−64 years old, were included in the final analysis. The frequency of cow's milk consumption for each subject was determined using the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and was classified into four groups (Q1−Q4): Q1, group that did not drink milk (no milk, n = 666); Q2, 0 < frequency of milk intake per week ≤ 1 (n = 453); Q3, 1 < frequency of milk intake per week ≤ 3 (n = 319); and Q4, frequency of milk intake >3 times per week (n = 387). General characteristics, such as education, living area, household income, and obesity level, were compared between the four groups. Percentages of daily nutrient intake compared to the dietary reference intake for Koreans (KDRIs) were determined, and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), atherogenic index (AI), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were determined as the CHD risk indicators. Except household income, no significant difference was obtained among the four groups with respect to age, education, living area, or obesity. Compared to KDRIs, the intake ratio of calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin were significantly higher in the Q4 group than in the Q1−Q3 groups. Blood HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in Q4 than in Q1. The CHD risk factors FRS (%), AI, and AIP were significantly lower in the Q4 group as compared to the other groups (CHD risk (%): Q1 9.4, Q4 8.5; AI: Q1 3.06, Q4 2.83; API: Q1 0.37, Q2 0.31, Q4 0.32). FRS was determined to be significantly and positively correlated to AI or AIP, and negatively correlated with the cow's milk intake frequency and calcium intake. In conclusion, compared to women who do not consume cow's milk, postmenopausal women who consume cow's milk frequently have a better nutritional status of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12, higher HDL levels, and a lower level of CHD risk indicators, such as FRS, AI, and AIP, contributing to decreased CHD risk in a 10-year period. Therefore, to prevent the risk of CHD in postmenopausal women, there needs to be a greater emphasis for cow's milk consumption four or more times per week.

Effects of quercetin on cell differentiation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adipocytes undergo angiogenesis to receive nutrients and oxygen needed for adipocyte' growth and differentiation. No study relating quercetin with angiogenesis in adipocytes exists. Therefore, this study investigated the role of quercetin on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, acting through matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MATERIALS/METHODS: After proliferating preadipocytes into adipocytes, various quercetin concentrations were added to adipocytes, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity was investigated as an indicator of fat accumulation. The mRNA expressions of transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs), peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)-γ, and adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), were investigated. The mRNA expressions of proteins related to angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-α, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9, were investigated. Enzyme activities and concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also measured. RESULTS: Quercetin treatment suppressed fat accumulation and the expressions of adipocyte differentiation-related genes (C/EBPα, C/EBPß, PPAR-γ, and aP2) in a concentration-dependent manner in 3T3-L1 cells. Quercetin treatments reduced the mRNA expressions of VEGF-α, VEGFR-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in 3T3-L1 cells. The activities and concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also decreased significantly as the concentration of quercetin increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that quercetin inhibits adipose tissue differentiation and fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, which could occur through inhibition of the angiogenesis process related to MMPs.

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors are associated with the use of dietary supplements in a Korean population.

OBJECTIVE: The use of dietary supplements has been increasing rapidly in Korea over the last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the pattern of dietary supplement use and the sociodemographic/lifestyle characteristics of Korean consumers. METHODS: Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire on their sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, perceived health status, and regular dietary supplement use. RESULTS: A total of 697 men and 832 women completed the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 44.3% of the men and 53.2% of the women used some kind of dietary supplement regularly. Dietary supplement users were more likely to be women (P < 0.001), to be older than 50 years (P < 0.001), to have a higher household income (P = 0.003), to engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity (P < 0.032), to perceive themselves as healthy (P = 0.026), and to have received a diagnosis of a chronic disease (P < 0.001). In addition, the type of dietary supplements used varied with respect to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Among dietary supplement users, men preferred ginseng, and older respondents were more likely to use carbohydrate supplements and less likely to use lipid supplements. Those who had a lower BMI, were ex-smokers, or were nondrinkers preferred either vitamins or minerals. Those who were highly physical active or were nondrinkers tended to prefer either vitamin/mineral complexes or carbohydrate supplements. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dietary supplements was related to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in a Korean population.

Two cases of anaphylaxis after laminaria insertion.

Anaphylaxis following laminaria insertion rarely occurs but may be a life-threatening condition. Laminaria tents, prepared from natural sea kelp, are commonly used prior to elective termination of pregnancy to achieve cervical dilatation. We report herein two cases of anaphylaxis caused by IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to laminaria. Two women, each of whom had undergone at least one previous abortion where a laminaria had been utilized, developed anaphylactic reaction following laminaria insertion. The reaction included urticaria, nausea, breathing difficulty, and hypotension. The patients subsequently underwent skin testing and measurement of serum specific IgE level to laminaria extract, and were shown to elicit positive responses to laminaria. The implication and impact of laminaria allergy on gynecologic procedures are significant and this allergy should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for hypersensitive reaction in gynecologic procedures.