Effects of the Timing of Carbohydrate Intake on Metabolism and Performance in Soccer Players.

This study aims to provide information to improve the performance of athletes comparing the effects of carbohydrate-electrolyte intake before and during exercise on metabolism and performance in soccer players. The study had a single-blind cross-over design. Drust's protocol is a soccer-specific intermittent exercise test. The carbohydrate-electrolyte intake experiments were divided into three timings: first, pre-exercise; second, half-time; and third, mixed. Eight participants were included in the data analysis (age: 21.32 ± 1.19 years; BMI: 22.69 ± 1.91 kg/m2; height: 176.5 ± 7.52 cm; weight: 69.5 ± 9.18 kg; Vmax: 16.75 0.71 km/h). The results of the mixed test showed a significantly lower respiratory exchange ratio than those of the placebo and half-time tests (p < 0.05). The mixed test showed significantly more fat oxidation than the half-time test (p < 0.05). The running times are placebo (422.13 ± 133.44 s) and mixed (677.38 ± 217.75 s), and the distances are placebo (1577.25 ± 517.02 m) and mixed (2530.00 ± 832.71 m) (p < 0.05). The mixed test showed a significantly lower rating of perceived exertion than the placebo test (p < 0.05). Carbohydrate oxidation and heart rate showed no significant differences between the experiments (p > 0.05). The exercise protocol in this study showed the metabolic response of soccer players to intermittent high-intensity exercise and subsequent endurance exercise. In conclusion, it can be seen that the intake of carbohydrate-electrolytes improves the performance of soccer players, and the effect varies depending on the timing of carbohydrate-electrolyte intake.

Effects of resistance training and protein supplementation interventions on muscle volume and muscle function: sex differences in humans.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to identify differences in the effects of co-intervention with resistance training (RT) and protein supplementation according to sex and provide meaningful information for future research on the development of exercise programs to improve muscle volume and muscle function. METHODS: PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched to identify clinical and nonclinical studies that assessed the effects of RT in older adults with sarcopenia; these studies were published between 1990 and 2023. Cross-sectional and double-blind studies (randomized controlled trials, RCTs) were examined in this review. RESULTS: The effects of parallel intervention with RT and protein supplementation on muscle volume and physical function were found to differ according to sex. Both males and females had improvements in muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function after RT and protein supplementation; however, many studies found a greater increase in muscle volume and function in males than in females. Such difference may be due to differences in physiological characteristics between males and females. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this review, the effects of combined intervention with RT and protein supplementation on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function to differ according to sex. Owing to these sex differences in the response and physiological characteristics caused by the parallel intervention of RT and protein supplementation, such differences must be considered to maximize the effects of RT and protein supplementation.

Effects of 8-week Pilates training program on hamstring/quadriceps ratio and trunk strength in adolescent baseball players: a pilot case study.

The purpose of this pilot case study is to investigate the effects of Pilates training on hamstring/quadriceps ratio, trunk strength, shoulder strength, and body composition in adolescent baseball players. Eight adolescent baseball players, 15 years of age, participated in Pilates program (supervised training, 50 min per session for three times a week for 8 weeks) using reformer and Cadillac. The intensity of the program was progressively increased by applying beginner level for 1-2 weeks, intermediate level for 3-6 weeks, and advance level for 7-8 weeks. To verify the effect of the Pilates program on hamstring/quadriceps ratio, trunk strength, shoulder strength and body composition, participants performed bioelectrical impedance analysis and isokinetic testing at pre- and posttraining. After the Pilates training, there were significant increases in body weight (P<0.01), left arm muscle mass (P<0.01), and trunk muscle mass (P<0.01). In addition, there were significant increases in left and right knee flexion peak torque (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), right knee extension peak torque (P<0.05), left and right hamstring/quadriceps ratio (both P<0.01), trunk flexion peak torque (P<0.05) and shoulder flexion peak torque (P<0.05) after 8 weeks of training. Therefore, Pilates training increased muscle mass, hamstring/quadriceps ratio, trunk and shoulder strength, suggesting that it may help baseball players do better performance and prevent future injuries in adolescent players.

Bee venom attenuates Porphyromonas gingivalis and RANKL-induced bone resorption with osteoclastogenic differentiation.

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is one of the major periodontal pathogens leading to inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. Bone resorption is induced by osteoclasts, which are multinucleated giant cells. Osteoclastic bone resorption is mediated by enhanced receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) signaling. Therefore, the down-regulation of RANKL downstream signals is regarded as an effective therapeutic target in the treatment of bone loss-associated disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether purified bee venom (BV) could attenuate P. gingivalis-induced inflammatory periodontitis and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Inflammatory periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis increased alveolar bone resorption and increased expression of TNF-α and IL-1ß, while BV treatment resulted in decreased bone loss and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Similarly, RANKL-induced multinucleated osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast-specific gene expression, such as nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), cathepsin K, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and integrin αvß3 were significantly suppressed by treatment with BV. We show that BV reduces P. gingivalis-induced inflammatory bone loss-related periodontitis in vivo and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, activation, and function in vitro. These results suggest that BV exerts positive effects on inflammatory periodontitis associated osteoclastogenesis.

Effects of aerobic exercise training on the risk factors for liver diseases in elderly women with obesity and impaired fasting glucose: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: In the present pilot study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the Silverrobics exercise program, which is similar to aerobic dance, on the factors related to glucose metabolism and liver enzymes. METHODS: Eight elderly women with obesity and impaired fasting glucose participated in the Silverrobics exercise program (60 minutes per session for five times a week for 8 weeks). The program was conducted at 50-60% of the heart rate reserve at 1 to 2 weeks and at 60-80% of the heart rate reserve at 3 to 8 weeks. To verify the effect of this 8-week exercise program on glucose metabolism and liver enzymes, blood analysis at pre- and post-training was performed. RESULTS: After the Silverrobics exercise program, there were significant decreases in the glucose (p<0.05), glycated hemoglobin A1c (p<0.05), 1,5-anhydroglucitol (p<0.05), and insulin levels (p<0.01) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance score (p<0.05). However, there were no significant effects on the liver enzymes, except for alkaline phosphatase. The alkaline phosphatase level increased after the Silverrobics exercise program (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the Silverrobics exercise program had no beneficial effects on the liver enzymes, it may play an important role in preventing liver diseases considering the effects on glucose metabolism.

Antifibrotic Effect of Smad Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide in a CCl4-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis Animal Model.

Hepatic fibrosis is the wound-healing process of chronic hepatic disease that leads to the end-stage of hepatocellular carcinoma and demolition of hepatic structures. Epithelial⁻mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified to phenotypic conversion of the epithelium to mesenchymal phenotype that occurred during fibrosis. Smad decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) is a synthetic DNA fragment containing a complementary sequence of Smad transcription factor. Thus, this study evaluated the antifibrotic effects of Smad decoy ODN on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. As shown in histological results, CCl4 treatment triggered hepatic fibrosis and increased Smad expression. On the contrary, Smad decoy ODN administration suppressed fibrogenesis and EMT process. The expression of Smad signaling and EMT-associated protein was markedly decreased in Smad decoy ODN-treated mice compared with CCl4-injured mice. In conclusion, these data indicate the practicability of Smad decoy ODN administration for preventing hepatic fibrosis and EMT processes.

Effect of Spatone Supplement on Endurance Capacity and Inflammatory Cytokines in a Rapid Weight Control Program in University Wrestlers: A Pilot Study.

In this pilot study, we investigated the effect of spatone, a naturally occurring mineral water supplement, on endurance capacity and inflammatory cytokines in wrestlers undergoing a rapid weight control program. Nine amateur university wrestlers participated and were randomly divided into placebo- and spatone-treated groups. The study used a crossover design, including a 4-week washout period. The rapid weight control program was focused on body weight loss, while maintaining their athletic performance (muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance). The initial body weight was 87.19 ± 2.45 kg in the spatone-treated group and 86.60 ± 3.01 kg in the placebo group. After the rapid weight control program, the body weight decreased to 83.56 ± 2.71 kg (4.21% decrease) in the spatone-treated group and 82.95 ± 2.97 kg (4.16% decrease) in the placebo group. However, there were no significant differences in body weight or body composition between placebo- and spatone-treated groups. Endurance capacity improved significantly in terms of VO2max and lactate accumulation after spatone supplement. The interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6 concentrations were not altered with spatone treatment or placebo in the rapid weight-loss condition; however, a positive relationship (R = 0.643, P = .023) was observed between the change in IL-6 and VO2max. Thus, our results are consistent with prior studies in that spatone supplementation could protect against iron loss induced by intense training, considering that spatone affects the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and exercise capacity. These preliminary results serve to facilitate the planning for the nutritional application of spatone with their exercise program for wrestlers.

Hepatoprotective and anti-obesity effects of Korean blue honeysuckle extracts in high fat diet-fed mice.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to study the protective effects and mechanism of Blue Honeysuckle (BH) extracts (Berries of Lonicera caerulea L.) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity risk factors in a high fat-diet (HFD) model. METHODS: Animals adapted to HFD were selected after 1 week of adaption period and divided into 6 groups (8 mice in each group; 40 HFD-fed mice and 8 normal fat pellet diet (NFD)-fed mice). After the end of 12 weeks of continuous oral administrations of 3 different dosages of BH extract, 400, 200 and 100 mg/kg, or metformin 250 mg/kg, dissolved in a volume of 10 mL/kg distilled water, the hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, and anti-obesity effects were analyzed. RESULTS: The BH extract improved fat density and mass, adipocyte histopathology, hepatocyte hypertrophy, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid metabolism, and related gene expression including ACC1, AMPK α1 and AMPK α2 in hepatic tissue, leptin, UCP2, adiponectin, C/EBP α, C/EBPß and SREBP1c in adipose tissue. Especially, 200 mg/kg of BH extract constantly improved NAFLD and obesity risk factors through AMPK upregulation-mediated hepatic glucose enzyme activity, lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and activation of the antioxidant defense system, to a level comparable to that of metformin 250 mg/kg in HFD-fed mice. CONCLUSION: BH extract has the potential to reduce the risk factors associated with obesity, in addition to the remarkable effect of preventing NAFLD. Future research will need to be done to determine whether these results are consistent in human studies.

Hippotherapy and neurofeedback training effect on the brain function and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level changes in children with attention-deficit or/and hyperactivity disorder.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hippotherapy and electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback on brain function and blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in children with attention-deficit or/and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Sixteen children with ADHD participated in this study and were randomly divided into 2 groups, a 1-time hippotherapy group (W1G, n = 8) and a 2-time hippotherapy group (W2G, n = 8). All the participants attended 8 weeks of hippotherapy program in the primary training, and then 7 children with ADHD attended 8 weeks of hippotherapy program combined with neurofeedback training in the secondary training. Blood BDNF levels were measured, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed. The EEG neurofeedback training program was used to train and measure psychological factors. RESULTS: The combined effect of hippotherapy and neurofeedback on BDNF level showed a decreased tendency in W1G (pretraining, 1766.03 ± 362.54 pg/ml; posttraining, 1630.65 ± 276.70 pg/ml). However, the BDNF level of W2G showed an increased tendency (pretraining, 1968.28 ± 429.08 pg/ml; posttraining, 1976.28 ± 425.35 pg/ml). Moreover, combined training showed a significant group x repetition interaction in W1G (pretraining, 1436.57 ± 368.76 pg/ml; posttraining, 1525.23 ± 346.22 pg/ml; F = 3.870, p = 0.039). fMRI results showed that the left thalamus activity in both groups had a decreased tendency and a significantly lower change in W2G than in W1G (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed a significant increase in blood BDNF level after combined training, which may induce brain function improvement in children with ADHD.

The role of glycation in the pathogenesis of aging and its prevention through herbal products and physical exercise.

PURPOSE: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are non-enzymatic modifications of proteins or lipids after exposure to sugars. In this review, the glycation process and AGEs are introduced, and the harmful effects of AGEs in the aging process are discussed. METHODS: Results from human and animal studies examining the mechanisms and effects of AGEs are considered. In addition, publications addressing means to attenuate glycation stress through AGE inhibitors or physical exercise are reviewed. RESULTS: AGEs form in hyperglycemic conditions and/or the natural process of aging. Numerous publications have demonstrated acceleration of the aging process by AGEs. Exogenous AGEs in dietary foods also trigger organ dysfunction and tissue aging. Various herbal supplements or regular physical exercise have beneficial effects on glycemic control and oxidative stress with a consequent reduction of AGE accumulation during aging. CONCLUSION: The inhibition of AGE formation and accumulation in tissues can lead to an increase in lifespan.

Interaction of ACTN3 gene polymorphism and muscle imbalance effects on kinematic efficiency in combat sports athletes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the interaction of ACTN3 gene polymorphism and muscle imbalance effects on kinematic efficiency changes in combat sports athletes. METHODS: Six types of combat sports athletes (Judo, Taekwondo, boxing, kendo, wrestling, and Korean Ssi-reum) participated in the study. ATCN3 gene polymorphism and muscle imbalance in lower extremity were evaluated followed by analysis of differences of moment in hip, knee, and ankle joint during V-cut jumping and stop. To examine the moment difference due to an interaction of ATCN3 polymorphism and muscle imbalance, all participants were divided into 4 groups (R+MB, R+MIB, X+MB, and X+MIB). RESULTS: There was no significant difference of hip, knee, and ankle joint moment in R allele and X allele during V-cut jumping and stop based on ACTN3 gene polymorphism. Otherwise, muscle imbalance of knee moment in X-axis and ground reaction force of knee in Z-axis showed a higher significance in muscle imbalance during V-cut jumping and stop compared to muscle balance (p<0.05). In addition, joint analysis showed that muscle imbalance in X allele group had significantly higher knee moment of V-cut ground reaction force in X-axis and higher ankle moment of jumping ground reaction force in X and Z-axis compared to muscle balance with R and/or X group (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that muscle imbalance in lower extremity of combat athletes might induce higher risk factors of sports injury incidence than genetic factor and training might reduce the ratio of sports injury risk incidence.

Effects of exercise and L-arginine intake on inflammation in aorta of high-fat diet induced obese rats.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we investigated the effect of exercise and arginine on the inflammatory makers and Cu-Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression in the aortas of high-fat-induced obese rats. METHODS: Fifty 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned as follows: HF-Con: high-fat diet, HF-Ex: high-fat diet and exercise, HF-Ex+A: high-fat diet and combined exercise and arginine, HF-A: high-fat diet and arginine. The high-fat diet was fed for 12 weeks following 1 week of environmental adaptation with mixed solid chow. The rats performed treadmill exercise 6 times per week for 12 weeks at20 m/min for 60 min. L-argininewas mixed with saline and orally administered at 150 mg/kg once a day. Expressions of inflammatory markers (including NF- κB, TNF-α, COX-2) and SOD were evaluated using western blotting. RESULTS: NF-κB expression decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the HF-Ex group compared with HF-Con group, and we found additional effects(p<0.01) on NF-κB expression in HF-EX+A compared withHF-Ex. TNF-α expression decreased significantly (p<0.01) in HF-Ex, FH-Ex+A, and FH-A compared with HF-Con. In a similar trend with NF-κB expression, COX-2 expression decreased significantly in HF-Ex compared withHF-Con. In Cu-Mn SOD expression, there was no difference between HF and HF-Ex, but significant increases (p<0.01) inCu-Mn SOD werefound in HF-Ex+A and HF-A. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, treatment that combines exercise and arginine might be effective for modulatingvascular inflammation and oxidative stress in obesity.

Combined Low-Intensity Exercise and Ascorbic Acid Attenuates Kainic Acid-Induced Seizure and Oxidative Stress in Mice.

Physical exercise and vitamins such as ascorbic acid (ASC) have been recognized as an effective strategy in neuroprotection and neurorehabilitatioin. However, there is a need to find an efficient treatment regimen that includes ASC and low-intensity exercise to diminish the risk of overtraining and nutritional treatment by attenuating oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigated the combined effect of low-intensity physical exercise (EX) and ASC on kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure activity and oxidative stress in mice. The mice were randomly assigned into groups as follows: "KA only" (n = 11), "ASC + KA" (n = 11), "Ex + KA" (n = 11), "ASC + Ex + KA" (n = 11). In the present study, low intensity of swimming training period lasted 8 weeks and consisted of 30-min sessions daily (three times per week) without tail weighting. Although no preventive effect of low-intensity exercise or ASC on KA seizure occurrence was evident, there was a decrease of seizure activity, seizure development (latency to first seizures), and mortality in "ASC + Ex + KA" compared to "ASC + KA", "Ex + KA", and "KA only" group. In addition, a preventive synergistic coordination of low-intensity exercise and ASC was evident in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity compared to separate treatment. These results suggest that low-intensity exercise and ASC treatment have preventive effects on seizure activity and development with alternation of oxidative status.

A study on verifying the effectiveness of 4-week composite weight-loss dietary supplement ingestion on body composition and blood lipid changes in middle-aged women.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a composite weight-loss dietary supplement on body composition and blood lipid changes in middle-aged women. METHODS: Thirty seven middle-aged women living in the Kyunggi area participated in this study and they were randomly divided into 2 groups (Dietary supplement ingestion group; DG, n = 20 and Placebo group; PG, n = 17). Blood draw and dual energy x-ray (DEXA) measurements were conducted to examine changes in body composition and blood lipids. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in weight and BMI in both groups. There was an interaction between the composite weight-loss dietary supplement intake and lean body mass in DG and there was a significant decrease in percent body fat in DG. Blood lipid changes in the study results showed that there was no significant difference in TC, TG, and LDL in both groups; however, there was a significant interaction between the composite weight-loss dietary supplement intake and HDL-C as well as an increase in the HDL-C of DG. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it seems that 4-week ingestion of the composite weight-loss dietary supplement decreased body fat, increased lean body mass, and increased HDL-C. Therefore, the composite weight-loss dietary supplement is expected to prevent obesity and induce health improvements in middle-aged women.

Treadmill Exercise Attenuates Retinal Oxidative Stress in Naturally-Aged Mice: An Immunohistochemical Study.

In the retina, a number of degenerative diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, may occur as a result of aging. Oxidative damage is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of aging as well as to age-related retinal disease. Although physiological exercise has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in rats and mice, it is not known whether it has a similar effect in retinal tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal oxidative stress in naturally-aged mice. In addition, we evaluated the effects of aerobic training on retinal oxidative stress by immunohistochemically evaluating oxidative stress markers. A group of twelve-week-old male mice were not exercised (young control). Two groups of twenty-two-month-old male mice were created: an old control group and a treadmill exercise group. The old control group mice were not exercised. The treadmill exercise group mice ran on a treadmill (5 to 12 m/min, 30 to 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks). The retinal thickness and number of cells in the ganglion cell layer of the naturally-aged mice were reduced compared to those in the young control mice. However, treadmill exercise reversed these morphological changes in the retinas. We evaluated retinal expression of carboxymethyllysine (CML), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nitrotyrosine. The retinas from the aged mice showed increased CML, 8-OHdG, and nitrotyrosine immunostaining intensities compared to young control mice. The exercise group exhibited significantly lower CML levels and nitro-oxidative stress than the old control group. These results suggest that regular exercise can reduce retinal oxidative stress and that physiological exercise may be distinctly advantageous in reducing retinal oxidative stress.

Effects of hippotherapy on brain function, BDNF level, and physical fitness in children with ADHD.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hippotherapy on brain function and levels of blood-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: The hippotherapy group (HRG) included twenty children with ADHD and the control group (CG) included 19 children. All participants' physical fitness, fMRI brain scans, and blood BDNF levels were measured at baseline and after 32 weeks of participating in hippotherapy. RESULTS: After 32 weeks of participating in hippotherapy, the body fat of the HRG was significantly decreased (-1.12 ± 4.20%) and the body fat of the CG was increased (2.38 ± 6.35%) (p=0.049). There was no significant difference of physical fitness in both groups (p>0.05). Although there was a higher decrease in the activated insular area in the HRG (-1.59 ± 0.99) than in the CG (-1.14 ± 1.41), there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05) Also, there was a higher increase in the activated cerebellum area in the HRG (1.97 ± 1.45) than in the CG (1.92 ± 1.81). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). BDNF levels showed an increased tendency in the HRG (166.29 ± 277.52pg) compared to the CG (21.13 ± 686.33pg); otherwise, there was not any significant difference in these blood levels between the two groups (p>0.05). It can be assumed that big individual differences in the level of ADHD in the study participants might not cause any significant results, although there might be positive changes in the brain function of children with ADHD. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study suggests that hippotherapy training would need to be modified and developed to increase the efficacy of hippotherapy in children with ADHD.

The effect of muscle power training with elastic band on blood glucose, cytokine, and physical function in elderly women with hyperglycemia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of muscle power training with elastic band on body composition, glucose relation factor, and physical function in elderly women with hyperglycemia. METHODS: A total of 16 elderly women volunteered to participate in this study as subjects, and they were randomly assigned into one of the following two groups: muscle power training group (MPT: n = 8) and control group (CON: n = 8). The muscle power training group took exercise program using elastic band for 12 weeks, and the other group did not receive any exercise program during the same period. Before and after the experiment, both of the two groups received measurement in body composition (BMI, %Fat, skeletal muscle mass), glucose, cytokine (interleukin 6, adiponectin), and physical function (IPPB, grip strength). With these methods, the following conclusions were achieved. RESULTS: The results showed significant increases in adiponectin (p = 0.006), interleukin 6 (p = 0.018), SPPB (p = 0.024), and grip strength (P=.014). Blood glucose was significantly decreased in exercise group than contruo group. CONCLUSION: It shows that the muscle power training with elastic band can give positive effects in elderly women with hyperglycemia.

Effects of potato and lotus leaf extract intake on body composition and blood lipid concentration.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of potato and lotus leaf extract intake on body composition, abdominal fat, and blood lipid concentration in female university students. METHODS: A total of 19 female university students participated in this 8-week study, and they were randomly assigned into 2 groups; potato and lotus leaf extract (skinny-line) administered group (SKG, n =9) and placebo group (PG, n = 10). The main results of the present study are presented below. RESULTS: 1) Body mass index, and percent body fat and abdominal fat in students of the SKG showed a decreasing tendency without significant interaction, 2) total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in students of the SKG showed an averagely decreasing tendency and there was a significant interaction of TC only, 3) high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in students of the SKG showed an increasing tendency without significant interaction, and 4) Z-score of fatness testing interaction in group × repetition did not show a significant interaction; however, there was a significant interaction of TC in group × repetition. Based on these results, 8-week intake of potato and lotus leaf extract had a positive effect of lowering TC. On the other hand, it had no significant effect on other types of lipids and percent body fat changes. CONCLUSION: There was a positive tendency of blood lipids in students of the SKG and it seems that potato and lotus leaf extract intake might prevent obesity and improve obesity related syndromes.

A high-fat diet increases oxidative renal injury and protein glycation in D-galactose-induced aging rats and its prevention by Korea red ginseng.

Declining renal function is commonly observed with age. Obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) may reduce renal function. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been reported to ameliorate oxidative tissue injury and have an anti-aging effect. This study was designed to investigate whether HFD would accelerate the D-galactose-induced aging process in the rat kidney and to examine the preventive effect of KRG on HFD and D-galactose-induced aging-related renal injury. When rats with D-galactose-induced aging were fed an HFD for 9 wk, enhanced oxidative DNA damage, renal cell apoptosis, protein glycation, and extracellular high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), a signal of tissue damage, were observed in renal glomerular cells and tubular epithelial cells. However, treatment of rats with HFD- plus D-galactose-induced aging with KRG restored all of these renal changes. Our data suggested that a long-term HFD may enhance D-galactose-induced oxidative renal injury in rats and that this age-related renal injury could be suppressed by KRG through the repression of oxidative injury.

Synergic effect of exercise and lipoic acid on protection against kainic acid induced seizure activity and oxidative stress in mice.

Anti-convulsant effects of physical exercise and lipoic acid (LA), also referred to as thioctic acid with antioxidant activity, were investigated using chemical induced seizure model. We investigated the synergic effect of physical exercise and LA on kainic acid-induced seizure activity caused by oxidative stress. After 8 weeks of swimming training, body weight decreased and endurance capacity increased significantly compared to sedentary mice. Kainic acid (30 mg/kg, i.p.) evoked seizure activity 5 min after injection, and seizure activity peaked approximately 80 min after kainic acid treatment. Median seizure activity score in KA only treated group was 4.55 (range 0.5-5), 3.45 for "LA + KA" group (range 0.5-4.3), 3.12 for "EX + KA" group (range 0.05-3.4, p < 0.05 vs. "KA only" group), 2.13 for "EX + LA + KA" group (range 0.5-3.0, p < 0.05 vs. "EX + KA" group). Also, there was a synergic cooperation of exercise and LA in lowering the mortality in kainic acid treated mice (χ2 = 5.45, p = 0.031; "EX + KA" group vs. "LA + EX + KA" group). In addition, the synergic effect of exercise and LA was found in PGx activity compared to separated treatment ("LA + EX + KA": 37.3 ± 1.36; p < 0.05 vs. "LA + KA" and "EX + KA" group). These results indicate that physical exercise along with LA could be a more efficient method for modulating seizure activity and oxidative stress.