Differences in dietary patterns related to metabolic health by gut microbial enterotypes of Korean adults

Diet has a profound impact on the progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS) into various diseases. The gut microbiota could modulate the effect of diet on metabolic health. We examined whether dietary patterns related to MetS differed according to gut microbial enterotypes among 348 Korean adults aged 18–60 years recruited between 2018∼2021 in a cross-sectional study. The enterotype of each participant was identified based on 16S rRNA gut microbiota data. The main dietary pattern predicting MetS (MetS-DP) of each enterotype was derived using reduced-rank regression (RRR) models. In the RRR models, 27 food group intakes assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and MetS prediction markers including triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were used as predictor and response variables, respectively. The MetS-DP extracted in Bacteroides enterotype (B-type) was characterized by high consumption of refined white rice and low consumption of eggs, vegetables, and mushrooms. The MetS-DP derived among Prevotella enterotype (P-type) was characterized by a high intake of sugary food and low intakes of bread, fermented legumes, and fermented vegetables. The MetS-DP of B-type was positively associated with metabolic unhealthy status (ORT3 vs. T1 = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.5–8.2), comparing the highest tertile to the lowest tertile. Although it was not significantly associated with overall metabolic unhealthy status, the MetS-DP of P-type was positively associated with hyperglycemia risk (ORT3 vs. T1 = 6.2; 95% CI = 1.6–24.3). These results suggest that MetS-DP may differ according to the gut microbial enterotype of each individual. If such associations are found to be causal, personalized nutrition guidelines based on the enterotypes could be recommended to prevent MetS

GABAergic inhibition is weakened or converted into excitation in the oxytocin and vasopressin neurons of the lactating rat

BACKGROUND: Increased secretion of oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) from hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) is a key physiological response to lactation. In the current study, we sought to test the hypothesis that the GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition of MNCs is altered in lactating rats. RESULTS: Gramicidin-perforated recordings in the rat supraoptic nucleus (SON) slices revealed that the reversal potential of GABA(A) receptor-mediated response (E(GABA)) of MNCs was significantly depolarized in the lactating rats as compared to virgin animals. The depolarizing E(GABA) shift was much larger in rats in third, than first, lactation such that GABA exerted an excitatory, instead of inhibitory, effect in most of the MNCs of these multiparous rats. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that GABAergic excitation was found in both AVP and oxytocin neurons within the MNC population. Pharmacological experiments indicated that the up-regulation of the Cl(−) importer Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(−) cotransporter isotype 1 and the down-regulation of the Cl(−) extruder K(+)-Cl(−) cotransporter isotype 2 were responsible for the depolarizing shift of E(GABA) and the resultant emergence of GABAergic excitation in the MNCs of the multiparous rats. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, in primiparous rats, the GABAergic inhibition of MNCs is weakened during the period of lactation while, in multiparous females, GABA becomes excitatory in a majority of the cells. This reproductive experience-dependent alteration of GABAergic transmission may help to increase the secretion of oxytocin and AVP during the period of lactation

On the Dynamical Structure of the Jet System in the Disk with the Keplerian Rotation

The classical sloar wind theory proposed by Parker(1963) explains well the dynamics of the wind pheonomena such as stellar wind accretion disk. While the stellar wind system like the solar wind has the spherically symmetric wind structure, there are various jet phenomena which collimate the system into the narrow space. We can find these dynamical structures in SS433, in the optical jet of M87, and around the active galactic nulei. We present the dynamical structure of the jet system in disks, which conserves the angular momentum, with the Keplerian rotation and the strong relation between the geometrical cross section and the physical change of the jet stream on the basis of the hydrodynamic equations

The Instability of Infinite Disk System with the Magnetic Field

The instability of the infinite disk system with the effect of the surrounding magnetic field has been investigated and the initial mass function has been obtained. We present the fact that the infinite system becomes unstable by the long wavelength perturbation if the magnetic pressure is greater than the gas pressure, on the other hand, it also becomes unstable by the short wavelength perturbation if the gas pressure is greater than the magnetic pressure

Effects of High-Pressure, Hydrothermal, and Enzyme-Assisted Treatment on the Taste and Flavor Profile of Water-Soluble Ginger (<i>Zingiber officinale</i>) Extract

Ginger, a plant widely consumed worldwide, is used as a spice or to enhance the flavor of foods. In this study, the taste characteristics (gingerol, shogaol, and amino acid) of extracts treated with various solubilizing methods were objectively compared. In addition, an E-nose confirmed the flavor pattern combined with principal component analysis (PCA) between each extract gas chromatogram-tandem mass spectrometry was performed to compare and analyze volatile compounds between extraction methods. As a result, high-pressure enzyme-assisted extraction (HPE) and hydrothermal enzyme-assisted extraction (HWE) treatment effectively improved the extraction yield of ginger and the contents of gingerol and shogaol and removed the bitter taste. In addition, radar charts of both E-nose and PCA provided the distribution of flavor substances in HPE and HWE products of ginger. After enzyme-assisted treatment, a strong fruity and piquant flavor was noted. In conclusion, it is suggested that ginger extract of enzyme-assisted treatment has increased flavor compounds and can be an excellent food material

Nepetoidin B from Salvia plebeia R. Br. Inhibits Inflammation by Modulating the NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways in Macrophage Cells

Salvia plebeia has been used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, as well as colds and bronchitis. Macrophages have antioxidant defense mechanisms to cope with the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced as part of the immune response. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathway in inflamed macrophages is an appealing target due to its protective effect against ROS-induced cell damage. In this study, nepetoidin B (NeB) was first isolated from S. plebeia and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NeB reduced pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In the NeB-treated group, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher, and ROS expression decreased. By activating Nrf2 signaling, NeB enhanced HO-1 expression. Furthermore, when the cells were pretreated with tin protoporphyrin (an HO-1 inhibitor), the anti-inflammatory effects of NeB were reduced. Therefore, NeB may activate the Nrf2/ HO-1 pathway. These results reveal the NeB isolated from S. plebeia exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating NF-κB signaling and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Clinical characteristics and satisfaction with the fimasartan in Korean hypertensive patients: a prospective, cross-sectional and open-label, 8-week switching study (Kanarb-hypertension epidemiology medication satisfaction study; K-HEMS study)

Abstract Background Fimasartan (Kanarb; Boryung Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea) is a non-protein angiotensin II receptor blocker that selectively blocks the AT1 receptor. No prior large-scale study has investigated the impact of demographics, disease, treatment, and clinical characteristics on medication satisfaction and quality of life in Korean hypertensive patients. Additionally, it is unclear whether increased medication compliance affects the achievement of hypertension treatment objectives. Methods This was a multicenter, non-interventional, open-label and 8-week switching study. This study was divided into 2 steps. STEP I was a cross-sectional study composed entirely of hypertensive patients undergoing treatment and STEP II was a prospective observational study of hypertensive patients switching to fimasartan. A total of 12,244 and 2023 patients were analyzed in the STEP I and STEP II groups, respectively. In STEP I, we investigated demographics, clinical, disease, and treatment characteristics at the registration point and then analyzed medication satisfaction, patient compliance, and quality of life. In STEP II, the patients who switched to fimasartan were followed up for 8 weeks, and the data analyzed included changes in medication effects, satisfaction, compliance, and adverse events. Results Some baseline characteristics, such as sex, body mass index, region of residence, educational level, and income level, affected the quality of life and medication duration in hypertensive patients. At 4 and 8 weeks, 62.5 and 69.9% of patients, respectively, reached their target blood pressure. The medication satisfaction scores were increased 4.0 ± 1.2, 5.1 ± 1.1, and 5.4 ± 1.0 at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Most patients (76.4%) who changed from prior antihypertensive drug to fimasartan were not satisfied with conventional antihypertensive drugs (e.g., lack of efficacy). Among 2183 patients, 234 adverse events occurred in 151 (6.9%) and 50 adverse drug reactions occurred in 39 (1.8%). Conclusion The demographic, clinical, disease, and treatment characteristics of hypertensive patients were investigated in this study. After switching to fimasartan, blood pressure was significantly decreased and patient satisfaction was improved. Fimasartan treatment was well tolerated and safe in hypertensive patients in Korea. Trial registration. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (NCT02394392)

Additional file 1: Figure S1. of Extracts from Aralia elata (Miq) Seem alleviate hepatosteatosis via improving hepatic insulin sensitivity

Effects of Aralia elata (Miq) Seem (AE) on insulin signaling-associated genes in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were treated with 100 μg/mL AE and OA. After treatment for 24 h, RNA was isolated and reverse transcribed for RTPCR analysis using the primers described in materials and methods. Results are the mean ± SEM. *p < 0.05 compared with the OA group. DMEM, control group; OA, oleic acid-treated group; RV, OA+ resveratrol-treated group; AE, OA+ Aralia elata (Miq) Seem-treated group. (PPTX 90 kb

In Vitro Analysis of the Immunomodulating Effects of Allium Hookeri on Lymphocytes, Macrophages, and Tumour Cells

The present study investigated the effects of ethanol extracts of Allium hookeri (leaf, root, and fermented root) on parameters of innate immunity, tumour cell viability and antioxidant effect in vitro. Innate immunity was measured by spleen lymphocyte proliferation, nitric oxide production by chicken macrophage HD11 cells and suppressive effect on tumour cell viability was assessed using chicken RP9 cells. Free radical scavenging capacity as a measure of antioxidant capacity was determined by 0.15 mM of DPPH solution. In vitro culture of chicken spleen lymphocytes with ethanol extract of Allium hookeri (62.5-500 μg/mL) significantly induced higher proliferation compared with media control. Stimulation of macrophages with ethanol extract of Allium hookeri (62.5-500 μg/mL) showed increased Nitric oxide production. Tumor cells growth was significantly inhibited by extracts of Allium hookeri at 15.6-125 μg/mL compared with medium control and all extracts exhibited greater than 80% scavenging activity at 1000 μg/mL compared with ethanol vehicle control. Above all, fermented root extracts showed strongest effects on antioxidant activity compared to leaf and root extracts