Current Technologies of Electrochemical Immunosensors: Perspective on Signal Amplification.

An electrochemical immunosensor employs antibodies as capture and detection means to produce electrical charges for the quantitative analysis of target molecules. This sensor type can be utilized as a miniaturized device for the detection of point-of-care testing (POCT). Achieving high-performance analysis regarding sensitivity has been one of the key issues with developing this type of biosensor system. Many modern nanotechnology efforts allowed for the development of innovative electrochemical biosensors with high sensitivity by employing various nanomaterials that facilitate the electron transfer and carrying capacity of signal tracers in combination with surface modification and bioconjugation techniques. In this review, we introduce novel nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotube, graphene, indium tin oxide, nanowire and metallic nanoparticles) in order to construct a high-performance electrode. Also, we describe how to increase the number of signal tracers by employing nanomaterials as carriers and making the polymeric enzyme complex associated with redox cycling for signal amplification. The pros and cons of each method are considered throughout this review. We expect that these reviewed strategies for signal enhancement will be applied to the next versions of lateral-flow paper chromatography and microfluidic immunosensor, which are considered the most practical POCT biosensor platforms.

Oxidative stress is associated with C-reactive protein in nondiabetic postmenopausal women, independent of obesity and insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and inflammation, suggesting it could be an early event in the pathology of chronic diseases. We tested the hypothesis that elevated levels of oxidative stress markers are associated with increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and that this is independent of obesity and insulin resistance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was cross-sectional designed and nondiabetic postmenopausal women (n = 1821) with CRP levels ≤10 mg/l was enrolled. The CRP levels were categorized into quartiles from the lowest to the highest concentrations (Q1-Q4). The degree of insulin resistance was determined using the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We measured oxidative stress using urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α) and plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). RESULTS: After adjustments for age and lifestyle habits, including smoking and drinking, we found higher body mass index (BMI) and HOMA-IR scores in Q2 and Q3 vs Q1. The Q4 BMI and HOMA-IR scores were higher than all other quartiles. The plasma ox-LDL was higher in Q4 than in Q1. Urinary 8-epi-PGF2α was higher in Q3 and Q4 than in Q1 or Q2. Urinary 8-epi-PGF2α positively correlated with CRP (r = 0·235, P < 0·001), whereas no correlation was found between ox-LDL and CRP. Multiple linear regression analyses of BMI and HOMA-IR showed that the association between urinary 8-epi-PGF2α and CRP levels remained significant (P < 0·001). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress measured by increased concentration of urine 8-epi-PGF2α is strongly associated with CRP levels. This finding was independent of obesity and insulin resistance in nondiabetic postmenopausal women.

Follow-ups of metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in middle-aged subjects without metabolic syndrome.

This study investigates the association among metabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). We conducted a 3-year longitudinal, observational study of 288 middle-aged adults not meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) at the initial screening. We measured metabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and ba-PWV. Within the 3-year study period, 15.6% (45 out of 288) of participants developed MetS. At the 3-year follow-up, patients were categorized as those with MetS (n = 45) and those without MetS (n = 243). Patients with MetS had significantly unfavorable initial measurements of baseline body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and ba-PWV. After 3 years, participants without MetS showed significant increases in WC, diastolic BP (DBP), total- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL), and ba-PWV and a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol and free fatty acids (FFA). Subjects who developed MetS showed significant increases in BMI, WC, BP, TG, glucose, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), MDA, ox-LDL, and ba-PWV and a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol. Changes in BMI, WC, BP, TG, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, HOMA-IR index, FFA, C-reactive protein (P = .022), IL-6 (P = .004), leukocyte count (P < .001), MDA (P = .002), ox-LDL (P = .015), and ba-PWV (P = .001) differed significantly between the two groups after adjustment for baseline values. Changes in ba-PWV were positively correlated with the changes in systolic and DBP, total-cholesterol, glucose, leukocyte count, and MDA. The age-related increase in arterial stiffness is greater in the presence of MetS with higher levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.

Quality Characteristics of Citrus Peel Jelly.

Citrus peels are high in flavonoids and can help with nausea, indigestion, and phlegm. Furthermore, the peel is higher in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds than the fruit. However, every year, around 40,000∼120,000 tons of citrus peels are discarded as waste. As a result, citrus peel jelly was created, which can be reused as a functional food. In this study, salinity, color, texture, and antioxidant properties were measured by adding citrus peel powder at 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%, respectively. The salinity decreased as the amount of addition increased (P<0.001). The L-value of chromaticity decreased significantly (P<0.001). The a-, b-value increased significantly (P<0.001). As the addition amount increased, the hardness decreased significantly (P=0.002). Total polyphenols, flavonoids, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging capacity, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging capacity all increased statistically significantly (P<0.001). Through this study, we confirmed the quality characteristics of citrus peel jelly. Citrus peel jelly, which is high in antioxidant activity, is expected to increase the use of peel and functional foods.

Quality and Characteristics of Scone Added with Pinus koraiensis Leaf Powder.

In this study, the quality characteristics of scones containing 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% Pinus koraiensis (Korean pine) leaf powder were analyzed. P. koraiensis is a plant belonging to the pine family and the leaf of P. koraiensis are known to have various effects, including antioxidant functions. The specific gravity, baking loss, moisture content, pH, chromaticity, texture, and antioxidant activity of the scones were measured. The results showed that, with the concentration of P. koraiensis leaf powder (PKLP) increased, the scones showed a significant decrease (P<0.001) in specific gravity. Regarding chromaticity, the brightness decreased significantly (P<0.001), and there was a significant increase (P<0.001) in redness after the addition of PKLP. We also found that the hardness of the scones was significantly decreased (P=0.001) with the addition of leaf powder. Regarding the antioxidant activity, the contents of polyphenols (P=0.007), flavonoids (P<0.001), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (P<0.001) were all significantly increased with the addition of the leaf powder. This study provides potential for the development of various foods using P. koraiensis leaf.

The association of specific metabolites of lipid metabolism with markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and arterial stiffness in men with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether circulating metabolic intermediates are associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and arterial stiffness in men with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and investigate the circulating metabolic intermediates that may predict the risk of developing diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Men with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (n = 26) and age- and body mass index-matched nondiabetic men (n = 27) were included. We measured inflammatory and oxidative markers and arterial stiffness by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). Metabolomic profiling was analysed with ultra performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Diabetic men showed higher circulating levels of glucose, triglyceride, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2α) (8-epi-PGF(2α)) and ba-PWV than nondiabetic men. In plasma, 19 metabolites including three amino acids, eight acylcarnitines, six lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPCs), and two lysophosphatidylethanolamines (lysoPEs; C18:2 and C22:6) significantly increased in diabetes men, whereas serine and lysoPE (C18:1) decreased. Decanoyl carnitine, lysoPCs (C14:0, C16:1, C18:1 and C22:6) and lysoPE (C18:1) with variable importance in the projection values >1·0 were major plasma metabolites that distinguished nondiabetic and diabetic men. Decanoyl carnitine positively correlated with oxidized LDL, 8-epi-PGF(2α), IL-6, TNF-α and ba-PWV. ba-PWV correlated positively with lysoPCs C14:0 and C16:1, and negatively with lysoPE C18:1. 8-epi-PGF(2α) correlated positively with lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2), ba-PWV and lysoPCs (C14:0 and C16:1). The receiver operating characteristic curve estimation suggested that decanoyl carnitine and lysoPC (C14:0) are the best metabolites for predicting the risk of developing diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating lipid-related intermediate metabolites can be closely associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and arterial stiffness in early diabetes.

Association of Night Eating Habits with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in University Students.

University students have dietary habits such as irregular eating habits, night eating habits (NEHs), and alcohol drinking, which can lead to nutritional problems. Especially, NEHs may increase the risk of chronic diseases and reduce the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between NEHs and HRQoL and to evaluate if their associations may differ according to gender. Data were obtained from Eulji University March-April 2018. Participants were recruited via advertisements in school. The questionnaire, including socio-demographic factors, dietary and NEHs, and HRQoL was self-administered by participants. We found that, in males, when subjects with night eating frequency ≥1 time/week, the HRQoL showed a tendency to deteriorate compared to those with night eating frequency <1 time/week. In females, when the subject answered that they consumed a lot of night meal intake, their HRQoL was significantly deteriorated compared to those who answered that they consumed a moderate or small. Therefore, we confirmed that there is a slight difference in the factors of NEHs that affect the HRQoL by gender.

An analysis study of sarcopenia and locomotive syndrome in the old people using evaluation tool.

This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between locomotive syndrome and sarcopenia in the old people using a functional evaluation tool. In this study, 237 Korean old people selected from the Miraeseum Seongnam Senior Complex and the Misa Riverside Welfare Center were diagnosed with the two diseases and the Berg balance scale was performed to confirm the deterioration of dynamic balance sensory. Through the diagnostic evaluation of the two diseases, the locomotive group (n=180) and the sarcopenia group (n=34) were classified and statistically analyzed. As a result of the study, a significant difference in dynamic balance sensory between the two diseases was confirmed, and a significant negative correlation was confirmed with 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale and grip strength among the diagnostic evaluation items of the two diseases. These results suggest that gradual deterioration of locomotive syndrome and sarcopenia occurs in the deterioration of physical performance in the old people, suggesting that the evaluation of locomotive syndrome can be used as a screening test for sarcopenia.

Effect of fermented Rhus verniciflua stokes extract on liver function parameters in healthy Korean adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fermented Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract (FRVE) reported an anti-hepatic lipidemic property mediated by the upregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in cell and animal models. However, it remains unclear whether there is an effect of FRVE on liver disease-related parameters and serum lipid levels in humans. We investigated the effects of FRVE intake for 12 weeks on liver disease-related parameters and serum lipid profiles in Korean adults. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted among 79 subjects. An aqueous extract of fermented Rhus verniciflua Stokes that was filtered and fermented was prepared. For 12 weeks, the test group (n = 39) consumed two capsules of FRVE (main components: fustin 129 mg and fisetin 59 mg) once daily. The control group (n = 40) consumed two placebo pills (main component: lactose 627.0 mg) once daily. A 1:1 randomization of control and test was performed using computer-generated randomization. Both before and after FRVE intake, anthropometric parameters, liver function-related parameters, and clinical laboratory parameters were measured. The effects between the test and control groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test, and the difference between baseline and follow-up values was compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test and paired t-test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference when comparing the change values of liver disease-related parameters and serum lipid profiles in between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we did not confirm the significance in liver function parameters and serum lipid profiles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered in the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp ) under number KCT0005687. Registered on 2 December 2020.

Interactions between the APOA5 -1131T>C and the FEN1 10154G>T polymorphisms on ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and coronary artery disease.

We determined the contribution of the combination of FEN1 10154G>T with the most significant association in the analysis of plasma arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4ω6) and the APOA5-1131T>C on phospholipid ω6PUFA and coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with CAD (n = 807, 27-81 years of age) and healthy controls (n = 1123) were genotyped for FEN1 10154G>T and APOA5-1131T>C. We found a significant interaction between these two genes for CAD risk (P = 0.007) adjusted for confounding factors. APOA5-1131C allele carriers had a higher CAD risk [odds ratio (OR):1.484, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.31-1.96; P = 0.005] compared with APOA5-1131TT individuals in the FEN1 10154GG genotype group but not in the FEN1 10154T allele group (OR:1.096, 95%CI:0.84-1.43; P = 0.504). Significant interactions between these two genes were also observed for the AA proportion (P = 0.04) and the ratio of AA/linoleic acid (LA, 18:2ω6) (P = 0.004) in serum phospholipids of controls. The APOA5-1131C allele was associated with lower AA (P = 0.027) and AA/LA (P = 0.014) only in controls carrying the FEN1 10154T allele. In conclusion, the interaction between these genes suggests that the FEN1 10154T variant allele decreases AA and AA/LA in the serum phospholipids of carriers of the APOA5-1131C allele, but contributes no significant increase in CAD risk for this population subset despite their increased triglylcerides and decreased apoA5.

Vitamin D Status and Gastric Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study in Koreans.

Sufficient vitamin D levels are associated with reduced Helicobacter pylori infections, which can cause gastric carcinogenesis. We examined associations between vitamin D concentrations and gastric cancer (GC) prevalence in a Korean population. We analyzed data of 33,119 adults using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations as a biomarker of vitamin D status. Participants were classified with GC if previously diagnosed as such by a physician. After controlling for age, sex and body mass index (model A), odds ratio (OR) for GC was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70, 0.95), with a 5-ng/mL increment in total 25(OH)D concentrations. In fully adjusted models (model B), the OR for GC was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.98), with a 5-ng/mL increment in total vitamin D. Following the classification of vitamin D concentrations into three categories or for GC in model A was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.92) comparing between higher (≥20 ng/mL) and lower (<12 ng/mL) total 25(OH)D concentrations. In model B OR for GC was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.00) comparing between higher and lower total 25(OH)D concentrations. Our results suggested that high vitamin D concentration was associated with lower ORs of GC in Korean adults.

Vitamin D Status, Fiber Intake, and Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Adults.

Vitamin D and fiber intake are nutritional factors that could affect the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), potentially by reducing insulin resistance. Therefore, we hypothesized that the influence of vitamin D on T2D might depend on fiber intake. This study investigated the association between vitamin D status and T2D according to fiber intake. The present study analyzed data from 9,656 American adults (≥20 years old) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010. The serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was used as a biomarker for vitamin D status. The T2D classification was based on two criteria: T2Da was identified using only self-reported questionnaire data and T2Db was identified based on both survey and laboratory data. The deficient vitamin D status (<50 nmol/L) was used as the reference group. After controlling for sociodemographic, behavioral, and dietary factors, the odds ratios (ORs) were 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58, 0.90) for T2Da and 0.60 (0.50, 0.80) for T2Db in the sufficient vitamin D status (≥75 nmol/L). Furthermore, the total vitamin D concentration exhibited dose-dependent associations with lower OR values for T2Da (P for trend = .005) and T2Db (P for trend <.001). Among participants with high-fiber intake, the OR values for T2Db were 0.60 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.90) at suboptimal vitamin D status and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.77) at sufficient vitamin D status. Moreover, the significant dose-dependent association persisted in the high-fiber-intake subgroup (P for trend = .004). Therefore, combining vitamin D plus high-fiber intake would help reduce the prevalence of diabetes, although the interaction analysis results were not statistically significant.

Dietary Protein to Carbohydrate Ratio and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults Based on a Long-Term Prospective Community-Based Cohort.

Interest in high protein diets has recently been increasing for reduction of weight or management of cardiometabolic risks. However, studies on high protein, low carbohydrate diet in Asians are limited. This study aimed to estimate whether the dietary ratio of protein (%) to carbohydrate (%) from total energy intake (p/c ratio) is associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in Korean adults using a long-term prospective cohort. A total of 6335 participants from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, aged between 40 and 69 years, with no previous diagnosis of MS, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer at baseline (2001-2002) were followed until 2013. Dietary intake was measured using a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. MS components were measured at baseline and every 2 years. During a mean of 7.7 years of follow up, 1198 (36.1%) men and 1169 (38.8%) women developed MS. The multivariate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of incident MS was 1.43 (95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.89) for the highest compared lowest quintile of p/c ratio in men. When evaluating each component of MS, higher dietary p/c ratio was associated with an increased risk of high triglyceride and fasting glucose in men (HR for fifth vs. first quintile, 1.39 and 1.41 in Model 3, respectively). However, we observed no associations with incident MS and its components and dietary p/c ratio in women. In conclusion, we found that high dietary p/c ratio was associated with an increased risk of MS and its components (i.e., increased triglycerides and fasting glucose) in men. Our study suggested that even if the absolute amount of protein intake is not large, an increased p/c ratio may increase the risk of metabolic diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effect from extracts of Red Chinese cabbage and Aronia in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

A chronic inflammatory environment facilitates tumor growth and proliferation. Fruits and vegetables are important sources of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and other biologically active substances that can favorably affect the pathogenesis of cancer. The objective of the study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Red Chinese cabbage (RC) and mixture of commercial Red Chinese cabbage leaves and Aronia fruits (ARC) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The RAW 264.7 cells were cultured and measured the cytotoxicity by using an MTT assay. The inflammatory markers, such as nitrite, IL-6, and TNF-alpha expression, were evaluated using ELISA, and protein expression of inflammatory markers like iNOS and COX-2 was analyzed using Western blot. MTT assays showed that pretreatment of RAW 264.7 cells with RC and ARC did not change cell growth or cytotoxicity. We also found that ARC extracts reduced inflammation-related biomarker (TNF-a, IL-6, and NO) production and gene expression (iNOS, COX-2). Our results suggested that ARC has good anti-inflammatory properties compared with RC that maybe used as potential nutrients for treating inflammatory diseases.

Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nattokinase supplementation on blood pressure in subjects with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 86 participants ranging from 20 to 80 years of age with an initial untreated systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 to 159 mmHg received nattokinase (2,000 FU/capsule) or a placebo capsule for 8 weeks. Seventy-three subjects completed the protocol. Compared with the control group, the net changes in SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were -5.55 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI], -10.5 to -0.57 mmHg; p<0.05) and -2.84 mmHg (CI, -5.33 to -0.33 mmHg; p<0.05), respectively, after the 8-week intervention. The corresponding net change in renin activity was -1.17 ng/mL/h for the nattokinase group compared with the control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, nattokinase supplementation resulted in a reduction in SBP and DBP. These findings suggest that increased intake of nattokinase may play an important role in preventing and treating hypertension.

Association of the Anxiety/Depression with Nutrition Intake in Stroke Patients.

Stroke patients often experience a walking dysfunction caused by decreased mobility, weakened muscular strength, abnormal posture control, and cognitive dysfunction. Anxiety/depression is the most important and prevalent neuropsychiatric complication of stroke survivors. Brain injury and the presence of malnutrition after stroke contribute to metabolic status and clinical outcome of patients. We examined the level of nutrition intake in stroke patients according to their degree of anxiety/depression. The data were obtained from 2013 to 2015 through the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Study subjects were categorized to either a group having no problem of anxiety/depression (n = 274) or a group having a problem of anxiety or depression (n = 104). The EuroQoL-5 Dimensions Health Questionnaire (EQ-5D) index score was derived from the first description of an individual health status based on the EQ-5D classification system, including mobility, self-care, usual daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The mean age was 67.4 years in the normal group and 68.0 years in the anxiety or depression group. In the anxiety or depression group, 39.4% were men vs. 53.3% in the normal group. The total energy intake (p = 0.013), riboflavin (p = 0.041), and niacin (p = 0.038) was significantly higher in stroke patients with no anxiety/depression than those in stroke patients with having an anxiety/depression. The group having no problem of anxiety/depression had significantly higher EQ-5D index compared to the group having a problem of anxiety/depression group (p < 0.001) had. The results suggest the association between nutrition intake, usual activities and pain/discomfort status in the stroke patients with having an anxiety/depression.

Additive effect of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) single nucleotide polymorphism on serum CRP concentration and other cardiovascular risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are influenced by CRP or interleukin-6 (IL-6) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). However, it is still controversial. Therefore, we investigated the association of IL-6/CRP SNPs and serum CRP levels or other CVD risk factors in healthy adult Korean men. METHODS: In healthy adult men (age>or=20 years, n=677), we genotyped IL-6-572C>G and CRP SNPs (-717G>A, 1444C>T, 2147A>G) and measured anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, serum levels of CRP and IL-6 and insulin resistance. RESULTS: At IL-6-572C>G (n=677), subjects with G/G genotype (n=42) showed higher concentrations of CRP (P=0.027) and IL-6 (P=0.028) as compared with C allele carriers after age-adjustment (C/C: n=371, C/G: n=264). Fasting insulin and homeostatis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also higher in G/G genotype. However, there were no significant differences in other metabolic biomarkers. Among 677 study subjects, 676 were genotyped at CRP-717G>A (G/G: n=513, G/A: n=150, A/A: n=13), 672 at CRP+1444C>T (C/C: n=580, C/T: n=85, T/T: n=7), and 668 at CRP+2147A>G (A/A: n=273, A/G: n=296, G/G: n=99). There were no significant differences in CRP concentrations and other markers related to CVD risk according to each CRP SNP genotype. However, we could find the additive gene-gene interaction between IL-6-572C>G and CRP SNPs on CRP concentration; subjects with the 'G/G' at IL-6-572 showed the highest CRP levels when they have variant allele at CRP SNPs after adjusted for age, body mass index, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking (-717G>A: F=7.806, P=0.005; CRP+1444C>T: F=8.398, P=0.004; and CRP+2147A>G: F=7.564, P=0.006, respectively) Particularly, G allele carriers at CRP+2147A>G in subjects with IL-6-572G/G showed highest HOMA-IR (F=9.092, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The present data showed that serum CRP levels and other CVD risk factors appeared more influenced by IL-6-572C>G rather than CRP SNPs (-717G>A, 1444C>T, and 2147A>G), however CRP levels and insulin resistance may be additively affected by IL-6-572 and CRP SNP, particularly when subjects with G/G genotype at IL-6-572 have allele variant at CRP SNPs.

Association between Genetic Variations Affecting Mean Telomere Length and the Prevalence of Hypertension and Coronary Heart Disease in Koreans.

In this study, we investigated whether the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with telomere length (TL) were associated with the incidence of hypertension (HTN)/coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular risk factors in the Korean population. Data from 5,705 (ages 39-70) participants in the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (rural Ansung and urban Ansan cohorts) were studied. Twelve SNPs known to be associated with telomere biology were tested for an association with HTN/CHD. As results, no significant associations were found between the selected TL-related SNPs and prevalence of HTN and CHD. Among non-alcohol users, subjects with minor alleles in rs1269304 and rs10936601 (TERC and LRRC34, respectively) exhibited a higher rate of CHD occurrence (odds ratio [OR], 1.862; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.137, 3.049; OR, 1.855; 95% CIs, 1.111, 2.985; respectively). However, alcohol users with minor alleles in rs398652 (PELI2) were significantly associated with higher HTN prevalence (OR, 1.179; 95% CIs, 1.040, 1.336). Of the 3 SNPs related to disease outcomes, rs1296304 was significantly associated with increased levels of diastolic blood pressure (ß estimate, 0.470; 95% CIs, 0.013, 0.926). The minor allele in rs398652 was significantly associated with higher levels of body mass index (OR, 0.128; 95% CIs, 0.010, 0.246) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (OR, 0.013; 95% CIs, 0.001, 0.024). In conclusion, there were no significant associations between the selected TL-related SNPs and the occurrence of HTN/CHD in Koreans. However, the results suggest the presence of a possible interaction between related SNPs and alcohol behavior associated with HTN/CHD occurrence.

Emodin isolated from Polygoni Multiflori Ramulus inhibits melanogenesis through the liver X receptor-mediated pathway.

Melanogenesis is a physiological process that results in the synthesis of melanin pigments, which play a crucial protective role against skin photocarcinogenesis. We investigated the effects of a Polygoni Multiflori Ramulus extract on melanogenesis and isolated emodin from Polygoni Multiflori as an active compound. In addition, the possible mechanisms of action were examined. We found that emodin inhibited both melanin content and tyrosinase activity concentration and time dependently. Tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 mRNA levels decreased following emodin treatment. However, while the mRNA levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) were not affected by emodin, emodin reduced MITF protein levels. Furthermore, expression of the liver X-receptor (LXR) α gene, but not the LXR ß gene was upregulated by emodin. Moreover, emodin regulated melanogenesis by promoting degradation of the MITF protein by upregulating the LXR α gene. The emodin effects on MITF was found to be mediated by phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK. Taken together, these findings indicate that the inhibition of melanogenesis by emodin occurs through reduced MITF protein expression, which is mediated by upregulation of the LXR α gene and suggest that emodin may be useful as a hyperpigmentation inhibitor.

Estimation of Apple Intake for the Exposure Assessment of Residual Chemicals Using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Database.

The aims of this study were to develop strategies and algorithms of calculating food commodity intake suitable for exposure assessment of residual chemicals by using the food intake database of Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). In this study, apples and their processed food products were chosen as a model food for accurate calculation of food commodity intakes uthrough the recently developed Korea food commodity intake calculation (KFCIC) software. The average daily intakes of total apples in Korea Health Statistics were 29.60 g in 2008, 32.40 g in 2009, 34.30 g in 2010, 28.10 g in 2011, and 24.60 g in 2012. The average daily intakes of apples by KFCIC software was 2.65 g higher than that by Korea Health Statistics. The food intake data in Korea Health Statistics might have less reflected the intake of apples from mixed and processed foods than KFCIC software has. These results can affect outcome of risk assessment for residual chemicals in foods. Therefore, the accurate estimation of the average daily intake of food commodities is very important, and more data for food intakes and recipes have to be applied to improve the quality of data. Nevertheless, this study can contribute to the predictive estimation of exposure to possible residual chemicals and subsequent analysis for their potential risks.