Search

The study investigated the osteogenic capacity of a prefabricated periosteal flap created using only skeletonized pedicle transfer without fascia or muscle for vascular induction in rabbit calvarium. A critical-sized bone defect was made in the parietal bone centered on the sagittal suture, and the demineralized bone matrix was implanted. The periosteofascia over the defect was used as a form of prefabricated periosteofascial flap (PPF group, N=10), conventional periosteofascial flap (CPF group, N=10), and nonvascularized free periosteofascial graft (FPG group, N=6). The prefabricated flap was designed via vascular induction by transferring the central artery and vein of the right auricle onto the periosteofascia for 4 weeks prior to flap elevation. A quantitative comparison of volume restoration and radiodensity in the bone defect and a histological study were performed after 6 weeks of covering the bone defect with periosteofascia. The volume restoration of the bone defect covered with the PPF (43.4%) was not different from that of the CPF (46.2%), but significantly increased compared with that of the FPG (24.6%). The radiodensity of the bone defect covered with the PPF (-186.3 HU) was not different from that of the CPF (-153.6 HU), but significantly increased compared with that of the FPG (-329.8 HU). The results were based on adequate vascular development of the periosteum and were closely related to the osteogenic changes in the implanted demineralized bone matrix (DBM). In conclusion, even in the PPF created by transferring only skeletonized vascular pedicles, the osteogenic capacity of the periosteofascial flap is well maintained.

Background We assessed correlations of smoking habits and alcohol consumption with disease activity or damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A total of 505 patients with SLE were enrolled in the Korean Lupus Network (KORNET) SLE registry from January 2014 to January 2016. Disease activity and organ damage were measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze associations with cutaneous lesions. Results There were no differences in SLEDAI-2K and SLICC/ACR damage indices according to either smoking status or alcohol consumption. More frequent cutaneous damage was observed in current alcohol drinkers compared with non-current alcohol drinkers ( p = 0.020). Cutaneous damage was significantly associated with alcohol consumption (odds ratio (OR) 4.048, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.251–12.102, p = 0.020). Both low (1–5 glasses/week) and high (≥6 glasses/week) amounts of alcohol consumption had a significant impact on cutaneous damage compared with the absence of current alcohol consumption ( p = 0.033 and p = 0.027, respectively). Pairwise comparison of alcohol consumption and smoking status with cutaneous damage showed that only alcohol consumption was significantly associated with the presence of cutaneous damage, compared with non-current alcohol consumption and non-current smoking (OR 3.513, 95% CI 1.130–10.920, p =0.030). Conclusions Current alcohol consumption, but not smoking, might influence the development of cutaneous damage in patients with SLE.

Background Physical activity is found to be associated with clinical status such as disease activity, organ damage, disability, fatigue, and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the association between physical activity and disease activity and organ damage in patients with SLE. Methods A total of 415 patients with SLE were consecutively enrolled from KORean lupus Network (KORNET) registry. This registry assessed clinical features, disease activity Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI-2K]), and disease damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology [SLICC/ACR] damage index [SDI]) at the enrollment of study. Self-reported physical activity was measured by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analyses were used by Mann-Whitney U test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results There is significant difference of vigour activity between patients with lupus nephritis (n=93) and without lupus nephritis (n=322) (p=0.012), but not moderate and walking activities. In contrast, the differences of each physical activity, walking, moderate, and vigorous intensity, according to SLEDAI-2K and SDI were not found. In addition to high PCS of SF-36 (p=0.006) and SLEDAI-2K (p=0.038), less vigorous physical activity were related with lupus nephritis (p=0.033). However, the risk of CVD was not associated with physical activity of SLE. Conclusions This study showed that patients with lupus nephritis had less vigorous physical activity. It implicates that SLE-related organ damage might be associated with levels of physical activity. References [1] Costenbader KH, Wright E, Liang MH, Karlson EW. Cardiac risk factor awareness and management in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum2004;51:983–8. [2] Katz P, Julian L, Tonner MC, Yazdany J, Trupin L, Yelin E, Criswell LA. Physical activity, obesity, and cognitive impairment among women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken)2012;64:502–10. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was identified originally as a highly conserved non-histone DNA-binding factor and recently noted as a potent inflammatory mediator under inflammatory conditions. Objectives This study is to investigate the inflammatory cascade between HMGB1 protein and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human macrophage under uric acid-induced inflammation. Methods The study used human U937 macrophage cell line under stimulation with monosodium urate (MSU) crystal or HMGB1. Total reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by flow cytometry. Interleukin-1b (IL-1b), NLRP3, TXNIP, HMGB1, NF-kB, IkBa, and caspase-1 protein expression was detected using western blotting. IL-1b, IL-18, caspase-1, and HMGB1 gene expression were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Intracellular HMGB1 expression was assessed by immunofluorescent staining with MitoTracker Red. Results MSU crystals induced HMGB1 and ROS production by activation of NF-kB signal pathway in human macrophages. HMGB1 mRNA expression was markedly attenuated under stimulation using TXNIP siRNA. Enhanced release of IL-1 was noted through increased HMGB1 expression and TXNIP-mediated NLRP3 infammasome activation under stimulation of MSU. Combination of MSU and HMGB1 augmented NLRP3 inflammasome, compared to either MSU or HMGB1 stimulation. Conclusions This study demonstrated that HMGB1 is a crucial molecule for ROS-mediated TXNIP and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in uric acid-induced inflammation. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Objective: Salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) has been applied in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). The aim of this study is to investigate the association of SGUS findings with clinical, histological, and serologic features of SS. Methods: A total of 104 patients with suspected SS underwent SGUS for evaluation of salivary gland involvement. Patients with primary SS were determined according to the classification criteria for SS. The parenchymal inhomogeneity of bilateral parotid and submandibular glands was graded from 0 (homogeneity) to 4 (gross inhomogeneity). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of different SGUS scoring methods. Clinical and serologic features were compared between groups classified by SGUS score. The association between SGUS and these features of SS was explored by multivariable linear regression analysis. Results: Study participants were predominantly women (96.2%) and had a mean age of 54.1 years. Eighty-seven patients and 88 patients with primary SS were identified based on AECG criteria and ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SS, respectively. Among the different scoring methods, the sum of the grades of four salivary glands (range 0–16) had the best diagnostic performance, with sensitivity of 77.3% and specificity of 87.5% (cutoff value, 7) for distinguishing primary SS from sicca non-SS. SGUS score was associated with focus score in labial salivary gland biopsy (β = 0.240, p = 0.033) and anti-Ro/SSA serology (β = 0.283, p = 0.016) and inversely associated with unstimulated whole salivary flow (β = −0.298, p = 0.011). Conclusion: Ultrasonography of major salivary glands is associated with histopathology of minor salivary glands, serology of SS, and salivary gland function.

The purpose of this research is to compare and analyze the advanced speed of ships with different rudder controller in wavy condition by using a simulation. The commercial simulation tool named AQWA is used to develop the simulation of ship which has 3 degree of freedom. The nonlinear hydrodynamic force acting on hull, the propeller thrust and the rudder force are calculated by the additional subroutine which interlock with the commercial simulation tool, and the regular wave is used as the source of the external force for the simulation. Rudder rotational velocity and autopilot coefficients vary to make the different rudder controller. An advanced speed of ships depending on the rudder controller is analyzed after the autopilot simulations.

To evaluate the improving effects of antioxidant activity, we observed antioxidant capacities such as electron donating ability (EDA), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), inhibitory activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) and aldehyde oxidase (AO), and sensory characteristics on mixture of Smilax china L. root water extract added with water extract of fermented S. china L. leaf by Aspergillus oryzae (FSCL). Those contents of mixture with higher ratio of FSCL were proportionally high. And OD475 of mixture with higher ratio of FSCL was almost proportionally high (R 2 = 0.9850). Antioxidant capacities of EDA and FRAP of the mixture was higher than that of non-mixture. In addition, XO inhibitory activity (IC50) of A (1.19) was 59.80% higher than that of F (2.96), and the activity of mixture by the higher ratio of FSCL was proportionally low (R 2 =0.9490). Taste acceptability of A was slightly higher than that of F, whereas that of C was highest. And color acceptability of 40�80% mixture was higher than those of A, F, and B. Overall acceptability of C and D was highest than those of others. Moreover, hot water extract of S. china L. leaf fermented with A. oryzae was maroon color, which looks like Puerh tea style, and mixture of S. china L. root extract added with hot water extract of S. china L. leaf was high acceptability of beverage. These results suggest that mixture of extract of S. china L. root and hot water extract of S. china L. leaf fermented with A. oryzae could improve antioxidant activities.

Aspergillus oryzae로 발효시킨 청미래덩굴잎 용매추출분획물의 xanthine oxidase (XO) 및 aldehyde oxidase (AO) 저해활성과 항고요산혈증에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 용매별 추출수율(g/kg)은 80% ethanol (EtOH)은 13.56이었으며, n-hexane, dichloromethane (DICM), ethylacetate (EtOAc) 및 n-butanol fraction (BuOH) 은 1.35.3.33 범위였다. Total polyphenol 함량(mg/g-extract)은 EtOAc fraction 478.07.501.26, BuOH fraction 259.49.289.02, DICM fraction 165.03.232.27, EtOH fraction 134.02.196.54이었으며 EtOAc 및 DICM fraction에서는 발효시킨 경우가 비 발효에 비하여 각각 4.85 및 40.74%가 높았으나 그 외 모든fraction에서는 발효시킨 경우가 낮았다. 총 flavonoid 함량은 EtOAc fraction이 여타 fraction에 비하여 높았다. EtOAc 및 BuOH fraction의 TF 함량은 발효시킨 경우가 비 발효에 비하여 각각 10.56% 및 60.17%가 높았으나 여타 fraction들에서는 발효시킨 경우가 낮았다. XO 저해활성은 모든 분획물에서 발효시킨 경우가 비발효에 비하여 현저하게 높았으며 EtOAc 및 BuOH fraction의 경우 발효시킨 경우는 각각 75.02 및 65.59%로 비발효 경우 39.42 및 5.34% 보다 현저하게 높았다. AO 저해활성은 DICM과 EtOAc fraction에서 각각 81.82 및 77.93%로 여타 fraction들에 비하여 높았으며XO의 경우와 마찬가지로 발효시킨 경우가 비발효에 비하여 현저하게 높았다. 고요산혈증 mouse의 혈중 요산(SU) 함량에 미치는 영향을 조사한 결과, 고요산혈증 대조군의 SU 함량은 6.98mg/dL로 정상대조군 (NC)의 3.82 mg/dL에 비하여 1.83배가 높았으나, EtOAc fraction은 투여량에 의존적으로 SU의 함량이 감소하였으며, 발효시킨 경우가 비발효에 비하여 유의적인 감소를 보였다. 이상의 결과, A. oryzae와 청미래덩굴잎의 발효과정을 통해, glycoside형태의 flavonoid를 aglycone화하여 비발효에 비해 높은 XO 및 AO 저해활성과 함께 항고요산혈증 효과를 나타내는 것으로 사료된다.

This study was conducted in order to investigate the optimal fermentation periods of the Smilax china L. leaves as a fermented tea via Aspergillus oryzae for 0 (non-fermented), and 10, 20, and 30 days (NF, F10, F20, F30). It was also observed for its quality characteristics. In the color and spectrum (400~700nm) of 1% tea water extract, NF was light yellow, whereas fermented tea (F10~F30) was light red color, and the F10 among F10~F30 has the clearest color and spectrum. Furthermore, acceptabilities of aroma and brightness were insignificantly different between NF and F10~30, while the mouth feel and overall acceptabilities were insignificantly distinct among all of the fermented teas. Therefore, these results suggest that the appropriate fermentation period for tea fermentation is 10 days. On the other hand, the total polyphenol and flavonoid content in the NF was the highest among all of the fermented teas. In the antioxidant parameters, EDA (electron donating ability), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and LPOIA (lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity) in the NF were the highest among all fermented teas. Meanwhile, the XOI (xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity) was low, as well as insignificantly different from NF and F10~F30, whereas the AOI (aldehyde oxidase inhibitory activity) was markedly higher (38.09~41.70%) by the hot water tea extract (with or without fermentation), particularly the AOI that has increased via fermentation. In conclusion, the overall antioxidant activity tended to be reduced by fermentation; however, the EDA, FRAP and LPOIA in the fermented tea for 10 days was higher than the activities during 20~30 days of fermentation. There was a similar result in the color and acceptability of fermented tea for 10 days, which was remarkably better than those of 20-30 days. Therefore, fermented tea from the leaves of Smilax china L. could be expected to be used as a functional tea without the loss of inhibitory activity of both the XO and AO via fermentation.

In this study, to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of mulberry leaf tea and its fermented product by Monascus pilosus , we investigated body and organ weight, blood and liver biomarkers in mice fed 1% tea infusionsinstead of water for 8 weeks. Mice were divided into three groups such as a normal control (NC), unfermented mulberry leaf tea infusion (UMI) and fermented mulberry leaf tea infusion (FMI). Although it is not significant, teainfusion groups showed reduction of body weight gains compared with NC group. Moreover, contents of LDL-cholesterol and lipid peroxide (LPO), altherogenic index, and xanthin oxidase (XO) activity were significantlydecreased, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly elevated. The results from this study suggested that UMI and FMI may have an anti-obesity activity, upregulate antioxidant enzymes and reduce levelsof oxidants related to liver damage. Key Words : Antiobese, Fermentation, Monascus pilosuss, Mulberry leaf tea, ROS-scavenging enzymes

고지방식이로 비만을 유도한 ICR 생쥐를 동물 모델로 하여 7종의 Aspergillus속 미생물로 발효시킨 발효비지의 항비만 효과를 조사하였다. 수컷 ICR 생쥐에 5주간 고지방 식이를 실시하여 비만을 유도하고 고지방식이에 발효비지 2%를 첨가하여 6주 동안 사육하였으며, 체중, 섭취량, 혈청 총콜레스테롤, 중성지질, Alanine...

In this study, we investigated the contents of total polyphenol (TP), total flavonoid, and absorbance at 475 nm (OD475) which may produced in solid-fermented leaf of Smilax china L. by Aspergillus oryzae as a new functional components with reddish brown color, contents of water soluble substance (WSS), electron donating ability (EDA), Hunter L*, a*, b* values, sensory overall acceptability (OA) and also, the inhibitory activities (XOI and AOI) against partial purified xanthine oxidase (XO) and aldehyde oxidase (AO) from rabbit liver which were well known to relate the gout, and alcoholic liver disease, respectively in order to optimize water extraction using response surface methodology (RSM). All the R values of the second-order polymonials ranged from 0.85 to 0.98, except for the EDA (0.69) and the XOI (0.78). However, the activities of the EDA and XOI were relatively high in the lower concentration of the fermented Smilax china L. leaf. The effects on the water extraction were highest in the concentration, among the dependent variables, and showed significant differences at the 1% level in the TP, TF and WSS contents and the a*, b* and OD475 values, but the OA showed significant differences at the 5% level. The optimal values of AOI, which was the most important functionality in the Smilax china L. that was predicted via RSM, were 59.48% at the 2.19% concentration, a 90.02°C extraction temperature and a 4.03 minute extraction time (R: 0.93, p

In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of the mulberry leaf tea fermented by Monascus pilosus on high fat-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, and fatty liver in mice. Non-fermented mulberry leaf tea powder (UM) and fermented mulberry leaf tea powder (FM) were supplemented with high-fat diet at 2% (wt/wt) dosage for 8 weeks. Both UM and FM lowered body weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, epididymal fat, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol increased markedly with high fat diet (HC) in mice. FM showed more significant effects when it was compared with UM. In addition, Hepatic lipid peroxides and xanthin oxidase activities of the UM and FM were significantly lower than those of HC, despite the lack of a big difference in the amount of hepatic GSH. Activities of ROS scavenging enzymes and serum alanine aminotransferase activity were also examined as a parameter of hepatic damage. The UM and FM groups showed a recovery to NC group from significant changes induced by HC. Finally, histopathological analyses of liver samples revealed a decrease of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in the UM and FM groups. These results suggest that UM and

* 명지대학교 농생명바이오식의약소재개발사업단, ** 명지대학교 생명과학정보학부 Abstract To evaluate the functional characteristic and availability for drinking of the fermented Smilax china leaf tea by using different microbial species, various fermented leaf tea was prepared by non-fermentation (C), or the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S), Bacillus sp. (B), Bifidobacterium bifidus (L), Monascus pilosus (M) and Aspergilus oryzae (A), and sensory and antioxidant parameter of each brewed tea was observed. The color of the A tea was red, but the other teas were yellow in color. Furthermore, the aesthetic quality of the A and M tea was 3.95 and 3.30 point, respectively, and other teas (2.55~ 2.28) were similar to that of the C tea. TP of fermented tea water extract was lower than that of the C, although TF was not significantly different between the fermented and non-fermented tea. Especially, TF of the A tea was significantly lower than those of the other teas. The range of EDA (1 ㎎/㎖) of water and ethanol extracts of tea C and the fermented teas was 19.25~22.48%; however, tea A was only 8.04~12.49%. In addition, FRAP, FICA and LPOIA of teas were not significantly different between the fermented and non-fermented teas. On the other hand, XOIA and AOIA of tea ethanol extracts were slightly higher than those of water extracts. XOIA of water extract derived from the teas was 4.83~9.20%, while ethanol extract of these was 9.00~19.00%. However, XOIA of B and L teas water extract was not detected. Furthermore, AOIA of fermented tea water extract (30.17~48.52%) were lower than those of ethanol extract (44.09~66.93%). In this study, interestingly, antioxidant parameters, such as FRAP, FICA, LPOIA and AOIA, of the A tea water extract (0.1%) was higher than that of the other tea in spite of high decreasing rate in the contents of TP and TF. Therefore, above results imply the possibility of fermented Smilax china leaf tea as a functional food.

The aims of this study were to assess the reliability of a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring system for inflammatory lesions of facet joints and to clarify the clinical significance of facet joint inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).A total of 53 AS patients (45 males, 84.9%) were assessed for active inflammatory lesions involving the facet joints, as indicated by bone marrow oedema, at 23 discovertebral units (DVUs) between C2 and S1 using a novel scale, the AS Activity of the Facet joint (ASAFacet). The reliability of the ASAFacet was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots.ICC values for the ASAFacet scores were 0.857 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.741-0.919] for inter-observer and 0.941 (95% CI 0.873-0.969) for intra-observer reliability. Inflammatory activity scores in facet joints were evenly distributed at all spine levels (p = 0.294 for ASAFacet), whereas vertebral body inflammation was more prominent in the thoracic spine than in the cervical and lumbar spine [p 0.001 for the AS spine MRI activity (ASspiMRI-a) score, p = 0.002 for the Berlin method, and p 0.001 for the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI index]. ASAFacet scores were closely associated with erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p 0.05, respectively). Patients with peripheral arthritis had fewer lesions involving the vertebral bodies or facet joints than patients without peripheral arthritis (p 0.001 for the four different MRI activity indexes).This study suggests that recognition of facet joint inflammation has the potential to contribute to our understanding of clinical outcomes in AS.

Abst ract Using a fiber laser heat source, an oil pressure sensor was fabricated to measure the pressure in commercial vehicles. A stepping motor was used for the rotational and translational motion in the diaphragms and hardware joining. Laser welding process algorism including shielding gas control and vision system was integrated by using LabVIEW software for the high quality welding and in-line monitoring purpose. For the maximum flexibility in pressure transmission to the pressure sensor, thin sheet metal diaphragm, 25~50㎛(SUS-316L), was used and the diaphragms were optimally designed with FEM analysis. The welded samples were cross-sectioned the observation showed that the maximum depth ratio was more than seven times of diaphragms. The maximum welding speed was measured to be as high as 50in/mm by the developed automation mechanism. The fabricated prototypes were tested for the proof pressure, spring constant and sealing. The FEM results of spring constant measurement was as accurate as up to 80% of the design value and the sensor was safely operated up to the nominal pressure of 10bars.

Monascus pilosus로 발효시킨 후 발효 녹차의 첨가식이가 고지방식이 ICR 마우스의 체중과 혈청 지방함량 및 간 조직 항산화계 효소활성에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 정상대조군(NC), 고지방식이대조군(HC), 비발효녹차 분말을 2% 첨가한 고지방식이군(CHA) 및 M. pilosus로 발효시킨 후발효녹차 분말을 2% 첨가한 고지방식이군(mCHA)으로 구분하여 7주간 사육하였다. 체중은 CHA군과 mCHA군간의 유의적인 차이가 없으나 HC군에 비하여 각각 24.15 및 29.66%가 감소되었으며 식이섭취량에는 차이가 없었다. 체중 당 간 및 신장의 중량은 CHA군 및 mCHA군이 HC군에 비해 증가하였다. 체중 당 부고환주위지방의 무게는 mCHA군에서 유의하게 감소하였다. 혈청 TG와 의총콜레스테롤 함량은 mCHA군에서 NC군 수준으로 감소하였다. CHA군과 mCHA군의 HDL-cholesterol 함량은 HC군에 비하여 96.55 및 119.32%가 높았다. CHA군과 mCHA군의 CHA군 및 mCHA군의 LDL-cholesterol 함량은 각각 0.67 및 0.41을 나타내었다. 간 조직의 GSH 함량은 HC군에 비하여 CHA군이 11.24%, mCHA군은 23.68%가 높았다. LPO 함량은 CHA군과 mCHA군이 HC군에 비하여 43.70 및 45.38%가 낮았다. CHA군과 mCHA군의 xanthine oxidoreductase D type 효소활성은 HC군에 비하여 각각 18.52 및 33.33%가 감소하였으며 mCHA군은 NC군 수준으로 높았다. XOD O type 효소활성은 CHA군과 mCHA군이 HC군에 비하여 각각 16.67 및 33.33%가 높았다. superoxide dismutase 활성은 CHA군과 mCHA군이 HC군에 비하여 유의차는 없었다. mCHA군의 glutathione S-transferase 활성은 HC군에 비하여 유의적으로 높았으며 특히, mCHA군의 glutathione peroxidase 활성은 HC군의 2.55배, CHA군의 1.5배로 높았으며 NC군과 대등하였다. CHA군과 mCHA군의 ALT 활성 HC군에 비하여 현저하게 낮았다. 간 조직의 현미경 관찰결과, CHA군과 mCHA군에서는 간 세포 내 축적된 지방의 크기가 작은 포말형으로 변화되고, 이로 인해 간 세포판과 동양혈관 형성이 간 소엽단위로 뚜렷하게 구분되었다. 이상의 실험결과로 보아 M. pilosus로 발효시킨 후발효 녹차는 고지방식이에 의해 유발되는 비만과 고지혈증 및 지방간을 예방 혹은 경감시켜줄 수 있는 유효한 가능성을 시사하였다. 【The anti-obese, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of post-fermented green tea by Monascus pilosus was tested with mice fed with high-fat diet for 7 weeks. The body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio (FER) in normal control group (NC), CHA (2% non-fermented green tea powder supplemented high-fat diet group) and mCHA (2% green tea powder post-fermented by M. pilosus supplemented high fat diet group) groups were significantly lower than those of high fat diet control group (HC). Epididymal fat weight in mCHA and NC were significantly lower than HC. The hepatic lipid peroxide was dramatically higher in HC than that of NC and was significantly lower in CHA and mCHA. In addition, dehydrogenase type activity of xanthine oxidoreductase in HC was lower than that of NC, but significantly higher than CHA and mCHA. In histopathological findings, hepatic fat accumulation in HC was higher than that of NC, CHA and mCHA. Antiobese, hypolipidemic and antifatty liver effect of green tea powder post-fermented by M. pilosus was slightly higher than that of non-fermented green tea. In conclusion, the constituents of green tea fermented by M. pilosus has been proven to not only inhibit obesity and hyperlipidemia but also decrease the hepatic fat accumulation in high fat diet-induced obese mice.】

Green tea leaves were fermented for 15 and 30 days with Monascus pilosus which is known to produce functional statins (TMs), and the content of various biochemical constituents such as total polyphenol (TP), total flavonoid (TF), theaflavin, and thearubigin were analyzed and compared with that of non- fermented green tea (GT) and Pu-erh Chinese post-fermented tea (PU). In addition to the electron donating ability (EDA), ferric iron reducing power (FIRP), xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, iron chelating activity (ICA) and hydrogen peroxide contents were also measured and compared with that of GT and PU. Content of TP and TF in the water and ethanol extracts in TMs were lower than those in GT and PU. Theaflavin and thearubigin contents of water and ethanol extracts in TMs were higher than those of GT. And, these components were increased depending on the period of fermentation. While, EDA and FIRP of TMs were lower than those of GT, XO inhibitory activity of TMs was higher than non- fermented tea. While, ICA of TMs was slightly higher than GT and PU, the content of hydrogen peroxide in TMs was markedly lower than GT. This results suggested that the green tea fermented by M. pilosus was valuable for oxidative stress-induced diseases by decreasing hydrogen peroxide, and forming theaflavins and thearubigins with functionality of genus Monascus.

This study was carried out to investigate the dietary effects of Monascus pilosus mycelial extract on obesity in high-fat with cholesterol-induced obese rat models. It was observed that M. pilosus mycelial extract contains 25.85±1.98 mg% of total monacolin K without citrinin by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups; normal control and a high-fat with cholesterol diet group. The high-fat with cholesterol diet group was fed a 5L79 diet with an added 15% lard and 1% cholesterol supplemented diet for 3 weeks for induction of obesity. After induction, obesity was confirmed by checking obesity indexes, the animals were divided into 4 groups (n=5); first, the normal control (NC), and then taken from the obese model of rats, a high-fat with cholesterol diet obesity control group (HF), 0.5% M. pilosus mycelial extract supplemented high-fat with cholesterol diet group (MPMs), 2% conjugated linoleic acid supplemented high-fat with cholesterol diet group (CLA) for 7 weeks. Body weight gains, obesity indexes, and body fat contents in the experimental groups (MPMs and CLA) were decreased compared with HF group. Feed Efficiency Ratio (FER) in MPMs was significantly lower than that of HF without change of feed intake. These results suggested that the anti-obesity effects of the M. pilosus mycelial extracts (MPMs) could prevent obesity induced by high-fat with cholesterol diet possibly via inhibition of lipid absorption.

Hepatoprotective effects of Monascus pilosus mycelial ethanol extract (MPME) were examined in high-fat diet induced-obese rats. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups; normal control (NC) and a high-fat and high cholesterol diet group (HFC). The HFC diet group was fed a 5L79 diet supplemented with 15% lard and 1% cholesterol for 3 weeks for induction of obesity. And then, the rats were divided into 4 groups (n=5); the NC, a HFC diet obesity control group (HF), 0.5% MPME supplemented HFC diet group (MPM), and 2% conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplemented HFC diet group for 7 weeks. Whereas the daily weight gain of NC and HFC groups were 3.48 g and 4.48 g, respectively, those of MPM and CLA were 3.09 g and 4.38 g, respectively. Furthermore, activity of serum alanine and aspartic aminotransferase in HF was markedly higher than those of NC group, but, the activity in MPM and CLA was significantly lower than HF. Hepatic reduced glutathione content in MPM and CLA was higher than HF. On the contrary, hepatic lipid peroxide content in MPM and CLA was significantly lower than HF. In conclusion, although the precise mechanisms of the hepatoprotective effects of the MPME in this study are unknown, our study provides experimental evidence that MPME may prevent obesity and hepatic damage by high-fat and high cholesterol diet via inhibition of lipid absorption and induction of reactive oxygen spices scavenging enzyme such as superoxide dismutase.

The hypoglycemic effects of red ginsgeng-chungkukjang plus seaweeds, green laver and sea tangle, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Five groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 140±10 g (10 animals/group) were fed for four weeks with the following: nondiabetic control (NC group); STZ-induced diabetic (D group); diabetic rats fed 3% red ginseng (20%, w/w)-chungkukjang (D-RC group); diabetic rats fed RC containing 10% (w/w) green laver powder (D-RCG group); diabetic rats fed RC containing 10% (w/w) sea tangle powder (D-RCS group). Partially normalized body weight gain, FER, and blood glucose levels were observed in the D-RC, D-RCG and D-RCS groups as compared to the D group. In these three groups, serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol were found to be lower than in the D group, whereas HDL-cholesterol levels increased. Serum insulin level in D was significantly lower than that of NC, although D-RC, D-RCG, and D-RCS almost recovered to the NC. Serum ALT activity was markedly increased in the D group, while the serum ALT levels in the D-RC, D-RCG, and D-RCS were almost the same as the NC group. Due to diabetes, hepatic xanthine oxidase (XO) activity was significantly increased and administration of red ginseng-chungkukjang or seaweeds resulted in decreased levels of the XO activity. Activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) were significantly decreased in the D group, but the activity in the D-RC, D-RCG, and D-RCS groups were similar to that of the NC group. Results of the present study indicate that supplementation of red ginseng-chungkukjang with seaweed after the onset of diabetes ameliorated hyperglycemia via an increase in serum insulin.

Dietary effects of chicken treated with Hwangki-Beni Koji sauces (HBS) on serum and hepatic lipid profiles in rats fed high a fat and high cholesterol diet were investigated. Experimental plots (5 rats per each group) were divided into normal control diet group (NC), high fat and high cholesterol diet group (HFC), HFC plus 15% base sauce treated chicken supplemented diet group (HFC-BS), HFC plus 15% HBS-treated chicken supplemented diet group (HFC-HBS), and fed for 5 weeks. Feed intakes in HFC-HBS group were higher than those of HFC and HFC-BS groups, whereas body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio of the HFC-HBS group were lower than those of the HFC and HFC-BS groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities of HFC-HBS group were significantly lower than those of HFC and HFC-BS groups. Level of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in HFC-HBS group were 34.06%, 6.28% and 31.00% lower than those of HFC-BS group, respectively, whereas HDL-cholesterol level and atherogenic index in HFC-HBS group were 1.72-fold higher and 2.52-fold lower, respectively, than those of HFC-BS group. Level of hepatic total lipid, triglyceride and total cholesterol in HFC-HBS group were 9.53%, 5.25% and 22.20% lower than those of HFC-BS group, respectively. In the morphological results of liver, the hepatocytes of central vein lesion and intact hepatic cell plate are preserved well from steatosis in HFC-HBS group, whereas the hepatocytes in HFC and HFC-BS groups are distended by accumulation of multiple fat droplets, and sinusoids are occluded. In the above results, we expected that chicken treated with Hwangki-Beni Koji sauce may have functionalities of anti-obesity, anti-cholesterol and also, lowering anti-atherogenic index in high fat and high cholesterol diets.

This study was carried out to investigate the dietary effects of chitosan mixture (CM), an herbal medicine mixture with Sukjihwang (HS), and CM containing HS (CHS) on obesity in an induced obese model of rats fed high-fat only (HF), in which supplemented diets of 5% CM (HCM), 5% HS (HHS), or 2.5% CM-2.5% HS (HCH) was tested for 6 weeks. Body weight gains, obesity indexes, and body fat contents in the experimental groups (HCM, HHS, HCH) were decreased compared with HF group. The levels of serum triglyceride, total lipid, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in the experimental groups were markedly decreased, however HDL-cholesterol levels in the experimental groups were slightly increased compared with HF group. In addition, although serum ALT and AST activity, and relative organ weights were lower than those of HF group, serum albumin contents were not significantly different in all experimental groups including the normal control group (NC). In conclusion, there are improved effects on obesity in the obese model of animals with all experimental diets supplementations, and the improvement degrees on obesity depend on the content and compositions of the herbal medicine mixture. Further study is needed on the anti-obesity mechanism of these diets.

Dietary effects of Agaricus bisporus powder (ABP) on the quality characteristic of eggs from hens (Hy-Line) were investigated. Experimental groups (100 hens/group) were divided into normal control group (Control), 0.3% ABP supplemented diet group (M-0.3) and 0.6% ABP supplemented diet group (M-0.6), then fed for 12 weeks. There were no significant differences in shell thickness, while Haugh unit in M-0.3 and M-0.6 groups were 18.327.6% higher than that of control groups. Color and values of egg albumen and yolk in the M-03 and M-0.6 groups were lower whereas values were higher than those of NC group. In the yolk of M-03 and M-0.6 groups compared with control groups, the levels of total phospholipids and HDL-cholesterol were 4.513.9% and 86.187.0% higher, respectively, while the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol were 29.431.9%, 51.952.4% and 49.153.5% lower than those of control groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in fatty acids. In the result of sensory evaluation, gory odor of raw eggs in the M-03 and M-0.6 groups was slightly lower compared with control groups. These results suggest that the feed containing mushroom of Agaricus bisporus can be used to reduce the egg yolk cholesterol content and gory odor from raw egg, and also to increase the phospholipids as a functional feed. Further studies on the mechanism are required.

Summary Quality of chungkukjangs (C1–C7) prepared with each of the seven Bacillus strains isolated from conventionally prepared chungkukjang (C0) was compared with that of C0. Seven strains isolated were identified as Bacillus circulans (C1), Brevibacillus brevis (C2), Bacillus licheniformis (C3), Bacillus arabitane (C4), Bacillus coagulans (C5), Bacillus sterothermophillus (C6), and Bacillus subtilis (C7). The quality significantly differed among C1-C7. Preparation of chungkukjang using a single strain of B. licheniformis (C3) or B. subtilis (C7) was advantageous as it generally yielded a product with a higher slime content, lower hardness, and higher protease activity compared with the conventionally prepared chungkukjang (C0) and others (C1, C2 and C4–C6). Furthermore, based on consumer perception, C3 was the most acceptable product because of its lower bitterness and higher savoury taste.

In order to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of an herb distillate, ie., a mixture of 28 traditional Korean herbs, germanium, tormarine and Gijangsoo (Gijang water), CCl₄ was intraperitoneally administered to rats before or after supplementation of the diluted herb distillate (HD) for 2 weeks. Then hepatic xanthine oxidase activity and serum lipid profiles were determined. The experimental groups had higher feed intake than the normal control (NC), but had lower weight gain. Water intake and the amount of feces were not significantly different, but urine was excreted in lower amounts in all the experimental groups compared to the NC. Liver weights in the HD-supplemented groups were lower than that of the distilled water-supplemented groups (DW-groups) after CCl4-administration. Serum ALT activities in all the experimental groups were higher than that of the NC-group. However, the increasing activity of serum ALT in the HD-supplemented groups (HD-groups) was lower than that of the DW-groups. Total serum and LDL-cholesterol levels were higher in all the CCl₄-administered groups than in the NC-groups, and serum HDL-cholesterol levels were lower in all the experimental groups compared with the NC-groups. Meanwhile, the increasing rate of total serum and LDL-cholesterol levels and the decreasing rate of HDL-cholesterol in the HD-groups were lower than that of the DW-groups. But, levels of serum TG were similar among all the experimental groups. The activities of hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) type O of the CCl4-administered rats showed a significant increase in and an increasing rate of XOD in the HD-groups, which was lower than that of the DW-groups. On the other hand, GST activities in all the experimental groups were significantly decreased, and the decreasing rate was lower in the HD-groups than in the DW-groups. The hepatic contents of GSH and LPO in all the rats were not changed by CCl4 administration. These results suggest that the decreased liver damage in the HD-supplemented groups was due to the inhibition of XOD-type O activity by constituents of HD, as well as by a prevention/inhibition of serum lipid profile changes in CCl₄-treated rats. However, further detailed studies are needed to support this hypothesis.

This study was performed to examine the influence of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) promoter polymorphisms on disease susceptibility and clinical features of Behçet's disease (BD) and the association between TNFalpha polymorphisms and human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B51.We examined 115 patients with BD and 114 healthy subjects. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TNFalpha promoter at positions -1031, -863, -857, -308, -238, and -646 were analysed using automated sequencing. We compared the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in patients with BD and controls using the chi(2)-test or Fisher's exact test. Haplotype frequency was also assessed using the chi(2)-test.We found no significant differences in the frequencies of polymorphic genotypes and alleles of the TNFalpha promoter region between BD patients and controls. The resulting haplotype frequencies of the BD patients were also not significantly different from those of controls. None of the TNFalpha promoter polymorphisms analysed here were associated with clinical features. Patients with the novel -646A allele of the TNFalpha promoter region were significantly associated with the expression of the HLA-B51 allele (p(corr) = 0.006), although this novel polymorphic allele was not associated with BD susceptibility.The novel -646A TNFalpha allele was associated with the expression of HLA-B51 in Korean BD, although we found no genetic role of TNFalpha promoter polymorphisms in the susceptibility to BD. Further studies to examine the contributions of this gene polymorphism and HLA-B51 to the susceptibility to BD in large populations are required.

This study was conducted to investigate the solubility, antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of the freeze dried chitosan-ascorbate (CAs) and chitosan-acetate (CAc). In the results of solubility, CAs was soluble over 0.5% in distilled water, vinegar, green tea, soju (distilled liquor), beer and red wine, while it was not soluble in soy sauce, soy milk, milk, orange juice, coffee, sesame oil, soy milk and soybean oil. The solubility of CAc in the liquid foods was similar to those of CAs, but it was soluble less than 0.1% in beer, and formed curd in red wine. Electron donating activity, antioxidative activity and SOD activity of CAs were 48.2, 90.6 and 67.5%, respectively, while the activities of the CAc were 0, 40.0 and 10.0%, respectively. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of CAs and CAc were against Bacillus circulans, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus arabitane and Bacillus sterothermophillus, against Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenous, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis. There was no significant difference in Hunter`s L* value between CAs and CAc , but Hunter`s a* and b* values of the CAs was higher than those of CAc. While sour and bitter tastes of CAs were lower than those of CAc, there was no significant difference in astringent taste. From these results, it suggested that CAs has more extensive utility in liquid foods with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity as well as sensory quality compared to CAc.

To develop a health-aid preparation of Chinese yam (Dioscorea batatas Decne), lactic acid fermentation was attempted using a mixed starter comprising ofLactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, andBifidobacterium bifidus. The anaerobic fermentation of a 5% Chinese yam flour suspension gave a uniform suspension of pH 4.35, containing 7.76×106 CFU/mL lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and which was found to be acceptable to the panel from a sensory assessment. During the administration of the lactic acid fermented (LAF) Chinese yam to Sprague Dawley rats for 6 weeks, a smaller body weight gain, but greater excretion of feces were observed, implying the creation of a healthy gastrointestine on the administration of LAF Chinese yam, which was also confirmed by the gastrointestinal motility of the feed in rats fed on LAF Chinese yam. The constipation induced by loperamide was further suppressed in a rat group fed on a LAF Chinese yam diet, which was qualified from healthy gastrointestinal flora established by LAB. A serochemical analysis revealed a slight improvement in the blood glucose, neutral lipid and total cholesterol concentrations on administration of LAF Chinese yam, suggesting LAF Chinese yam could be served as a healthy-aid preparation, even for hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia patients.

Effects of plasticizer concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% glycerol) and solvent types (1% acetic and 1% lactic acid) on internal quality of eggs coated with 2% chitosan solution were evaluated during 5 wk of storage at 25 °C. In comparison of plasticizer concentrations, eggs coated with chitosan dissolved in acetic acid containing 2% glycerol showed significant reduction in weight loss compared with the noncoated eggs during 5 wk of storage. At 2% glycerol, the Haugh unit and yolk index values suggested that chitosan-coated eggs can be preserved for at least 3 wk longer than the control noncoated eggs during 5 wk of storage at 25 °C. Use of acetic acid rather than lactic acid as a chitosan solvent was more advantageous in view of shelf-life extension of eggs.

Effect of chitosan addition (0, 0.5 and 1% of steamed soybeans) on quality of chungkukjang fermented by Bacillus licheniformis at for 48 hr was investigated. Chitosan addition did not affect the pH and slime content of chungkukjang, irrespective of chitosan concentrations. The number of total microbes was slightly lower for chungkukjang added with 1% chitosan compared with those added with 0 and 0.5% chitosan. Color L* and b* values decreased while a* value increased with increasing chitosan concentration. The contents of glucosamine, lipid, total free amino acids, and fatty acids increased with increasing chitosan concentration. Chungkukjang added with 1% chitosan showed better overall acceptability compared with those added with 0 and 0.5% chitosan.

Chitosan, a natural biopolymer derived by deacetylation of chitin, has been extensively used in biomedical, agricultural and food applications. The ultimate aim of research effort was to develop various economic/simplified chitosan production processes for particular food applications. Therefore, a set of experiments was designed to evaluate the effect of chitosans prepared under various deproteinization (DP) times (at 0, 5 and 15 min) and demineralization (DM) times (at 0, 10, 20 and 30 min) on the growth of soybean sprouts. Chitosan treatment increased the total weight of soybean sprouts by 10.7–13.8% compared with that of the control; the effectiveness of the chitosan treatment was independent of DP and DM times. The increase (12.7%) in the growth of soybean sprouts by chitosan prepared without DP and DM steps was noteworthy. This investigation demonstrates that the elimination of DP and DM steps or a reduction in the reaction time required for optimum DP and DM in the production of chitosan needs further studies before being considered for particular usages. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

Quality characteristics of mul-kimchi prepared using eastern deep seawater added with chitosan-ascorbate (CA) were investigated during fermentation for 12 days at , in an effort to effectively utilize the eastern deep seawater in Korea. Four water sources were considered for preparation of mul-kimchi; (1)distilled water added with mineral salt (DW), (2) eastern deep seawater (containing salt) diluted to salt concentration with distilled water (ED), (3) DW+CA (DW-CA), and (4) ED+CA (ED-CA). Juice of mul-kimchi prepared with ED-CA as a water source showed higher PH and antioxidant activity, and lower acidity, total microbe numbers, turbidity and alcohol insoluble substance compared with those Prepared with other three water sources. The former also showed higher overall acceptability compared with the latter. This study demonstrated the possibility of use of eastern deep seawater added with chitosan-ascorbate as a water source for extension of shelf-life of mul-kimchi.

Effects of dietary calcium lactate (CaL-A) and Chungkukjang (Korean native fermented soybean) on bone mass, calcium status, body weight, serum glucose and cholesterol levels in young male rats were investigated. Chungkukjang was fermented by mixing 4 types of Bacillus sp., and then dried at 45oC. Calcium lactate was prepared from the ash of black snail. The rats were fed a commercial rat diet for 1 week and then the experimental diets for 4 weeks. Animals were divided into four dietary groups: one calcium-deficient diet (Ca-De) and one of three with calcium supplemented diets (5 g calcium/kg diet) with either calcium phosphate (Ca-P), CaL-A, or CaL-A＋Chungkukjang (CaL-AC). Calcium supplemented diets contained 39 g Ca-P/kg diet and 28 g/kg of calcium lactate in the CaL-A and CaL-AC diets. Body weight gains during the 4 weeks in the Ca-P, CaL-A, CaL-AC and Ca-De groups were 130.45 g, 112.50 g, 143.40 g and 10.20 g, respectively. Feed consumption of the groups from high to low was CaL-AC＞Ca-P＞CaL-A＞Ca-De. The Ca-De group had low femur weights and low serum calcium concentrations, while they were comparatively high in CaLAC, Ca-P and CaL-A groups. The Ca-De groups excreted less calcium in urine than did the other rats, probably due to increased absorption of the mineral in Ca-P, CaL-A and CaL-AC groups. Microscopic observations revealed that there were many regularly spaced holes in the femur of Ca-De group, while there were much smaller regularly spaced holes in Ca-P group. However, no holes in femur were observed in the CaL-A and CaL-AC groups. Bone surfaces were especially smooth and clean in the CaL-AC group. Serum concentrations of glucose and total cholesterol were remarkably lower in the CaL-AC group than in the other supplemented groups. These results suggest that calcium from CaL-A has higher bioavailability than from Ca-P, and dietary Chungkukjang may have a beneficial effect on calcium metabolism.

Filtration characteristics of apple juices pretreated with various filter-aids were studied to select an appropriate process for the clarification with higher permeate flux and lower membrane fouling, and for the production of high quality juice. Bentonite of 0.5% was superior filter-aid than 0.2% polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), 0.1% activated carbon of 10–14 mesh, and the enzyme mixture of 0.03% pectinase and 0.003% amyalse in reducing juice turbidity, although PVPP was best in tannin rejection. Permeate fluxes during membrane filtration were effectively increased by filter-aids pretreatment, especially bentonite. From considering the recovery of permeate flux drop with time, ultrafiltration (MWCO 30,000) was presumed to be proper than microfiltration (0.01 μm pore size). In the quality change of apple juice, bentonite pretreatment and membrane filtrations improved color without the deteriorational changes of pH, total acidity, and the contents of total sugar, organic acid and Vitamin C, which are important quality index in fruit juice. Finally, ultrafiltration with bentonite pretreatment was optimal process for the effective clarification and the high quality of apple juice.

In order to enhance the firmness and shelf-life of kimchi, as well as to increase the content of well-absorbed digestible calcium, the effect of calcium lactate (CaL) treatment of salted Chinese cabbage on pH, titratable acidity, total microbes, lactic acid bacteria, alcohol insoluble substance (AIS) content, firmness, mineral content and tissue structure were investigated. Treatment with the Cal solution increased pH and decreased titratable acidity, which was more pronounced at higher concentrations. The edible period evaluated by pH was 7～8 days for non-treated kimchi, 10 days for 1% treated kimchi, 15 days for 2% treated kimchi and 20 days for 3% treated kimchi. Total microbes were reduced, but lactic acid bacteria counts were higher in the treated group. CaL treated kimchi showed higher AIS content and firmer texture, which was more conspicuous in the 2 and 3% CaL treated groups. Calcium content in kimchi fermented for 15 days was 40.75～41.53 mg%, which is 42～45% higher than that in the control group. The sodium content was 23～54% less in the treated groups. The epidermis and vascular bundle tissue of kimchi fermented for 15 day was damaged more severely in the control group than in the treated group. CaL treated kimchi has a crispier taste and the development of sour taste was delayed. Therefore, addition of CaL can produces a kimchi with high calcium as well as superior texture and shelf-life, when adjusting the concentration according to the fermentation periods.

Calcium lactate (CL) prepared from powdered black snail (PBS) or its ashed powder (ABS), was investigated for ideal manufacturing conditions to optimize color, solubility and sensory quality. Based on the amount of PBS and 100 mL lactic acid (LA), the yields of PBS-CL were 300% and 15 g in 10% LA and 260% and 20 g in 20% LA. Yields of ABS-CL based on the amount ABS and 100 mL LA were 400% and 60 g in 10% LA and 329% and 66 g in 20% LA. Both of the yields were decreased with an increase of the LA concentration on the basis of PBS and ABS amounts, but proportionally increased with the increment in the LA concentration on the basis of LA volume. Optimal preparation times of the dehydrated PBS-CL and ABS-CL were, respectively, 4 hr and 5 hr at 100℃, 3 hr and 4 hr at 120℃, and 1 hr and 2 hr at 150℃, which showed shorter time in preparing the dehydrated ABS-CL. PBS-CL and ABS-CL were confirmed to be Ca(CH₃CHOHCO₂)₂ by the analysis results of IR and ¹H-NMR. Calcium contents of the anhydrous PBS-CL and ABS-CL were individually 15.4% (w/w) and 17.3% (w/w) representing 84.2% and 94.5% of each theoretical value. Colors of PBS-CL and ABS-CL were light yellow and light-greenish white each. Solubilities of PBS- CL and ABS-CL in distilled water at pH 3～8 were 5.43 and 6.11 g/100 mL, respectively, which demonstrated higher mean solubilities rather than the 4.74 g/100 mL of standard CL. Solubilities of PBS-CL (3.14～5.03 g/100 mL) and ABS-CL (4.69～6.05 g/100 mL) against soup soy sauce, 3% brine, Soju (Korean distilled liquor), thick soy sauce, grape juice and orange juice were higher than those of standard CL (2.94～5.84 g/100 mL). ABS-CL was believed to have a wide use range due to its low sourness while different applications of PBS-CL in food are expected due to its mild astringent taste and strong savory taste despite its strong bitter taste as estimated by sensory evaluation.

This study investigated the effects of non-fermented Smilax china L. (SC) and fermented Smilax china L. leaf extract by Aspergillus oryzae (FSC) on lipogenesis and antioxidant activities in diet induced-obese mice. While principal bioactive constituents in SC were decreased by fermentation, diverse secondary metabolites were identified. Both SC and FSC supplementation reduced body weight and epididymal fat mass in mice fed a high-fat diet. Hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels were lowered by SC treatment and the degree of lipid reduction was higher in FSC-treated group due to hepatic upregulation of lipogenic genes. SC and FSC improved hepatic function by lowering the activity of serum biomarker enzymes. In contrast, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were elevated and cellular lipid peroxide were decreased in liver. Taken together, FSC is more potent in preventing obesity and ameliorating hepatic function by fermentation-mediated production of bioactive constituents that have higher antioxidant and anti-obese efficacy. Practical applications The studies revealing that specific mechanism regarding anti-obesity effect of consumption of SC leaf in animal models is limited. Extract of fermented SC by Aspergillus oryzae (FSC) could be used as a bioactive ingredient for functional food products that can have a health claim for reducing hepatic lipogenesis in the liver in high-fat diet induced-obese mice.

Objective We investigated the association of serum and urine β2-microglobulin (β2MG) with renal involvement and clinical disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Sixty-four female patients with SLE were enrolled. We assessed SLE disease activity (SLEDAI)-2K and measured serum and urine β2MG levels, as well as complement (C3 and C4) and anti-dsDNA levels. According to the SLEDAI scores, two groups were categorized: low (0–5 of SLEDAI) and high (6–19 of SLEDAI) disease activity groups. The presence of renal involvement was determined by renal SLEDAI score. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, multivariate regression analysis, and logistic regression analysis. Results Urine β2MG levels were significantly different between low and high SLEDAI groups ( p = 0.001), but not for serum β2MG levels ( p = 0.579). Patients with renal involvement showed higher urine β2MG levels compared to those without renal involvement ( p Conclusions We demonstrated that urine β2MG levels are associated with renal involvement and overall clinical disease activity in SLE.

Background Genetic association studies using multiple ancestral cohorts have revealed a large overlap of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-risk alleles among different ancestries, but there are some exceptional loci showing heterogenic association among populations. Objectives Here we investigated genetic variants with distinct effects on the development of RA in Asian and European populations. Methods Ancestry-related association heterogeneity was examined using the association data from large Korean (n=9,299) and European (n=45,790) rheumatoid arthritis cohorts with Immunochip and genome-wide SNP array data. Novel disease associations detected in Koreans were validated using two independent Asian cohorts (n=5,166) and a meta-analysis. Results We identified significant heterogeneity between the two ancestries for the common variants in the GTF2I locus and showed that this heterogeneity is due to an Asian-specific association effect ( P Heterogeneity =9.6×10 -9 at rs73366469 [OR Meta =1.37 and P Meta =4.2×10 –13 in Asians; OR Meta =1.00 and P Meta =1.00 in Europeans]) in RA. Trans-ancestral comparison and bioinfomatics analysis revealed a plausibly causal SNP (rs117026326; linked to rs73366469), whose minor allele is common in Asians but rare in Europeans. Conclusions We identified the largest effect on Asian RA across human non-HLA regions at GTF2I by heterogeneity mapping followed by replication studies, and pinpointed a possible causal variant. References Okada, Y. et al. Genetics of rheumatoid arthritis contributes to biology and drug discovery. Nature 506, 376–81 (2014). Kim, K. et al. High-density genotyping of immune loci in Koreans and Europeans identifies eight new rheumatoid arthritis risk loci. Ann Rheum Dis 74, e13 (2015). Acknowledgement This study was supported by the Korea Healthcare Technology R&D Project of the Ministry for Health & Welfare (HI13C2124), the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (15H04965) and the US National Institutes of Health (R01MD007909 and R01AR060366). *Drs. Kwangwoo Kim and So-Young Bang contributed equally to this work. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic constituent in fruits and nuts, such as raspberries, strawberries, walnuts, mango kernel and pomegranate. It was documented that EA shows anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory activity in vivo model of bowel inflammation and lung fibrosis, however the precise mechanism of signal inhibition was not extensively investigated. Objectives The objectives of this study are first, to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effect of EA in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line by NF-kB pathway in vitro, and second, to compare it with effect of other immuno-modulating agent, tacrolimus and colchicine. Methods We determined the cytotoxic effect of EA using MTT assay. The effects of EA on tumor necrosis facor (TNF)-alpha induced mRNA and protein expression were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. In addition, we examined the effects of pharmaceutical drugs with anti-inflammatory properties on expression of TNF-alpha. Results EA significantly suppressed the expression of interleukin-1 beta and TNF-alpha in a dose dependent manner. EA suppressed TNF-alpha induced inflammatory genes expression by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and Akt, whereas had no significant effect on p38 activation. In addition, the inhibitory effect of EA on TNF-alpha induced inflammatory genes expression was regulated by suppression of IkB-alpha phosphorylation and NF-kB translocation. The expression of TNF-alpha mRNA level was reduced comparably treated with EA and other anti-inflammatory agents (ascorbic acid, dexamethasone and colchicine). Conclusions These findings suggest that EA suppresses inflammatory genes expression through phosphorylation of JNK/Akt and regulation of NF-kB signal pathway in TNF-alpha induced inflammation. Further investigation regarding effects of EA on autoimmune, inflammatory is scheduled. References S. Corbett, J. Daniel, R. Drayton, M. Field, R. Steinhardt, N. Garrett, Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of ellagic acid, J. Perianesth. Nurs. 25 (2010), 214–220. S. Ahmed, A. Rahman, M. Saleem, M. Athar, S. Sultana, Ellagic acid ameliorates nickel induced biochemical alterations: diminution of oxidative stress, Hum. Exp. Toxicol. 18 (1999) 691–698. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Given that obesity might have a potent role in the regulation of the inflammatory response of spinal or peripheral joints in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), the detailed relationships between obesity and disease symptoms and activity should be addressed in patients with SpA Objectives We cross-sectionally investigated whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with parameters of disease activity and clinical manifestations in axSpA. Methods Demographic, clinical, and radiological features and disease activity indexes from 789 axSpA patients (619 males and 170 females) were obtained from the Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics (KOBIO) registry cohort. BMI (kg/m2) was classified into normal (BMI Results The mean BMI in patients with axSpA was 23.8± 13.3. 50.2% of all patients were overweight or obese. Overweight/obese female patients showed higher ESR, CRP, ASDAS-ESR, and ASDAS-CRP than normal patients (p=0.045, p=0.011, p=0.035, and p=0.029, respectively). Patients with ASDAS score ≥2.1 showed higher BMI than patients with ASDAS score Conclusions Our results imply that increased BMI was related with presence of syndesmophyte and in part associated with disease activity in axSpA. References Ajeganova S, Andersson ML, Hafstrom I; BARFOT Study Group. Association of obesity with worse disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis as well as with comorbidities: a long-term followup from disease onset. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2013;65:78–87. Ottaviani S, Allanore Y, Tubach F, Forien M, Gardette A, Pasquet B, et al. Body mass index influences the response to infliximab in ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Res Ther 2012;14:R115. Gremese E, Bernardi S, Bonazza S, Nowik M, Peluso G, Massara A, et al. Body weight, gender and response to TNF-α blockers in axial spondyloarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2014;53:875–81. Disclosure of Interest None declared