Oral L-Carnitine on Quality of Life and Cognition in Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Randomized, Double- Blind, Placebo-Controlled (HELIOS) Study

( Eileen L. Yoon ),( Dae Won Jun ),( Sang Bong Ahn ),( Yong Kyun Cho ),( Do Seon Song ),( Jae Yoon Jeong ),( Hee Yeon Kim ),( Young Kul Jung ),( Myeong Jun Song ),( Sung Eun Kim ),( Hyoung Su Kim ),( 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: To evaluate the impact of L-carnitine on the improvement of quality of life (QOL) and cognitive function in liver cirrhosis patients with covert hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Methods: We conducted a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, phase III clinical trial in patients with covert HE. A total of 150 covert HE patients were randomized 1:1 to L-carnitine (1 g) or placebo for 24 weeks. Changes in QOL and cognitive function were assessed at 6 months. West Haven criteria, 36- Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), and the Stroop Test were evaluated in all patients. Results: The L-carnitine supplement improved QOL compared to baseline. PHES scores were improved and normalization rates of minimal HE were increased in the L-carnitine group compared to baseline; however, median PHES scores and normalization rates were not different between the L-carnitine group and the placebo group at Week 24. Assessment of cognitive inhibition via the Stroop test showed significant improvement following 24 weeks of treatment in the L-carnitine group. Model for end stage liver disease scores were increased in the placebo group and significantly decreased in the L-carnitine group. Changes in total carnitine level positively correlated with rate correct scores of the Stroop test in the L-carnitine group. The incidence of adverse events was not different between the treatment groups. Conclusions: L-carnitine supplement was safe and effective for the improvement of QOL and cognitive dysfunction in covert HE patients with liver cirrhosis. (Clinical trial No. KCT0002029)

Dipyrenylcalix[4]arene—A Fluorescence-Based Chemosensor for Trinitroaromatic Explosives

Lee, Young Hoon,Liu, Hongguang,Lee, Jin Yong,Kim, Sang Hoon,Kim, Sung Kuk,Sessler, Jonathan L.,Kim, Yang,Kim, Jong Seung WILEY-VCH Verlag 2010 Chemistry Vol.16 No.20

<P>A new chemosensor-based approach to the detection of nitroaromatics is described. It involves the analyte-induced quenching of excimer emission of a dipyrenyl calix[4]arene (L). The chemical and photophysical properties of the complexes formed between L and mono-, di-, and trinitrobenzene, and di- and trinitrotoluene were studied in acetonitrile and chloroform by using <SUP>1</SUP>H NMR, UV/Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the trinitroaromatics engendered the largest response among the various substrates tested, with the sensitivity for these analytes being correspondingly high. Quantitative analysis of the fluorescence titration profile generated from the titration of L with TNT provided evidence that this particular functionalized calix[4]arene receptor allows for the detection of TNT down to the low ppb level in CH<SUB>3</SUB>CN. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that in the solid state the complex L⋅TNT consists of a supramolecular crystalline polymeric structure, the formation of which appears to be driven by intermolecular π–π interactions between two pyrene units and a TNT molecule held at a distance of 3.2–3.6 Å, as well as by intra- and intermolecular hydrogen-bonds among the amide linkages. Nevertheless, the changes in the <SUP>1</SUP>H NMR, UV/Vis, and fluorescence spectrum, including sharp color changes, are ascribed to a charge-transfer interaction arising from complementary π–π overlap between the pyrene subunits and the bound trinitroaromatic substrates. A number of ab initio calculations were also carried out and, considered in concert, they provide further support for the proposed charge-transfer interactions, particularly in the case of L⋅TNT.</P> <B>Graphic Abstract</B> <P>How to find TNT! A new chemosensor-based approach for the detection of nitrated aromatics is described. It involves the analyte-induced quenching of excimer emission of a dipyrenyl-calix[4]-arene (L; see graphic). In the solid state, the complex L⋅TNT consists of a supramolecular crystalline polymeric structure, the formation of which appears to be driven by intermolecular π–π interactions between two pyrene units and a TNT molecule held at a distance of 3.2–3.6 Å. <img src='wiley_img_2010/09476539-2010-16-20-CHEM200903439-content.gif' alt='wiley_img_2010/09476539-2010-16-20-CHEM200903439-content'> </P>

Effect of L-carnitine on quality of life in covert hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

( Eileen L. Yoon ),( Sang Bong Ahn ),( Dae Won Jun ),( Yong Kyun Cho ),( Do Seon Song ),( Jae Yoon Jeong ),( Hee Yeon Kim ),( Young Kul Jung ),( Myeong Jun Song ),( Sung Eun Kim ),( Hyoung Su Kim ),( 대한내과학회 2022 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.37 No.4

Background/Aims: L-carnitine is potentially beneficial in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We aimed to evaluate the impact of L-carnitine on the quality of life and liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis and covert HE. Methods: We conducted an investigator-initiated, prospective, multi-center, double-blind, randomized phase III trial in patients with covert HE. A total of 150 patients were randomized 1:1 to L-carnitine (2 g/day) or placebo for 24 weeks. Changes in quality of life and liver function were assessed at 6 months. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), and the Stroop Test were evaluated in all patients. Results: The total SF-36 score significantly improved in the L-carnitine group after 24 weeks (difference: median, 2; interquartile range, 0 to 11; p < 0.001); however, these values were comparable between the two groups. Furthermore, there was a significant ordinal improvement in PHES scores among patients with minimal HE who were in the L-carnitine group (p = 0.007). Changes in the total carnitine level also positively correlated with improvements in the Stroop test in the L-carnitine group (color test, r = 0.3; word test, r = 0.4; inhibition test, r = 0.5; inhibition/switching test, r = 0.3; all p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the MELD scores at week 24 did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Twenty-four weeks of L-carnitine supplementation was safe but ineffective in improving quality of life and liver function.

청국장 향미에 미치는 β-cyclodextrin 의 포접 효과 : Korean Traditional Fermented bean paste

김혜영B,이인선,김순미 한국식생활문화학회 2001 韓國食生活文化學會誌 Vol.16 No.4

식품의 향기를 포접하여 향기성분을 순화시키는 성질을 지닌β-cyclodextrin을 청국장에 0%, 10%, 20% 및 30%씩 첨가하여 청국장의 냄새에 대한 포접효과를 살펴보면, β-cyclodextrin을 20% 대체한 시료의 단백질과 회분양은 control 시료보다 유의적으로 감소하였다. 지방량과 탄수화물량은 대체시료가 control 시료보다 유의적으로 증가하였다. 시료의 L값은 β-cydodextrin을 30%대체한 시료가 53.99로 가장 밝게 평가되었고, 대체수준이 10%일 때 L값은 51.81으로 유의적으로 가장 낮은 수치를 보이며 색이 더 진하게 평가 되었다. 시료의 a값은 대체 수준이 증가할수록 감소하여 붉은 정도가 옅어지었다. 시료의 b값은 대체량이 증가할수록 시료의 노란정도가 점점 옅어짐을 나타내었다. 시료 입자의 내부구조 조직을 주사전자 현미경으로 관찰한 결과, control 시료의 내부구조는 점질물질이 불규칙 한 모양으로 뭉쳐져 있거나 거칠게 퍼져 있음을 볼 수 있었으며, 첨가수준이 증가할수록 불규칙하고 거친 내부조직이 점차 감소하여 30% 대체 시료에서는 매끈하고 안정된 조직감과 내부구조를 보여 주었다. 관능적 특성에 대한 결과, 청국장 시료의 구수한 냄새는 시료의 대체수준이 20% 이상으로 될 때 구수한 냄새는 6.65에서 6.78의 수치를 보이며 유의적으로 다소 감소하여 구수한 냄새가 약하게 나타났다. 시료의 이취는 β-cyclodextrin을 대체량을 20%로 증가한 시료에서 control 시료의 이취보다 유의적인 감소를 보여 주었다. (P<0.05). 시료의 짠맛은 20% 대체시료군이 control 시료의 짠맛보다 유의적으로 현저히 감소하였으며, 쓴맛은 control 시료에 비하여 모든 대체시료군이 낮은 수치로 쓴맛이 약해지는 경향을 나타내었다. 이상으로 β-cyclodextrin으로 청국장을 포접시엔 특히, 구수한 냄새 이취 및 짠맛을 순화하는 경향이 있는 것을 알 수 있었다. Flavor modifing effects of β-cyclodextrin on the flavor of Chungkookjang(Korean traditional fermented bean paste) were investigated with varied substitution levels of 10, 20, and 30%. The 20% substituted sample groups showed significantly lower amount of protein and ash contents compared to those of control. The L value of brightness had significantly the largest value of 53.99 with 30% substituted sample group, and lower a and b values. Internal structures of control group observed using the scanning electronic microscope, had irregular round type shape with viscous materials, and they had tendencies to be less rough and organized making even and ordered internal cell structures as the substituted levels were increased. Results of sensory characteristics showed significantly lower off-odor and salty flavor with the 20% substituted sample groups compared to those of control. Results of this study showed the possibilities of flavor moderating effects of β-cydodextrin when it was used as one of the flavor modifier of the Chungkookjang. Future studies of finding the optimum level of substitution is further required.

Identifying the major intermediate species by combining time-resolved X-ray solution scattering and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Kim, Kyung Hwan,Kim, Jeongho,Oang, Key Young,Lee, Jae Hyuk,Grolimund, Daniel,Milne, Christopher J.,Penfold, Thomas J.,Johnson, Steven L.,Galler, Andreas,Kim, Tae Wu,Kim, Jong Goo,Suh, Deokbeom,Moon, J The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015 Physical chemistry chemical physics Vol.17 No.36

<P>Identifying the intermediate species along a reaction pathway is a first step towards a complete understanding of the reaction mechanism, but often this task is not trivial. There has been a strong on-going debate: which of the three intermediates, the CHI<SUB>2</SUB> radical, the CHI<SUB>2</SUB>–I isomer, and the CHI<SUB>2</SUB><SUP>+</SUP> ion, is the dominant intermediate species formed in the photolysis of iodoform (CHI<SUB>3</SUB>)? Herein, by combining time-resolved X-ray liquidography (TRXL) and time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (TR-XAS), we present strong evidence that the CHI<SUB>2</SUB> radical is dominantly formed from the photolysis of CHI<SUB>3</SUB> in methanol at 267 nm within the available time resolution of the techniques (∼20 ps for TRXL and ∼100 ps for TR-XAS). The TRXL measurement, conducted using the time-slicing scheme, detected no CHI<SUB>2</SUB>–I isomer within our signal-to-noise ratio, indicating that, if formed, the CHI<SUB>2</SUB>–I isomer must be a minor intermediate. The TR-XAS transient spectra measured at the iodine L<SUB>1</SUB> and L<SUB>3</SUB> edges support the same conclusion. The present work demonstrates that the application of these two complementary time-resolved X-ray methods to the same system can provide a detailed understanding of the reaction mechanism.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>We identify a major transient species formed in the photolysis of CHI<SUB>3</SUB> by combining time-resolved X-ray liquidography (TRXL) and time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (TR-XAS). <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c5cp03686k'> </P>

Production of Bioactive Yoghurt containing Cichorium intybus L. (Chicory) Extract - Preliminary Study

Jeong, Dana,Kim, Dong-Hyeon,Oh, Yong-Taek,Chon, Jung-Whan,Kim, Hyunsook,Jeong, Dong-Kwan,Kim, Hong-Seok,Kim, Yun-Gyeong,Song, Kwang-Young,Kim, Young-Ji,Kang, Il-Byung,Park, Jin-Hyeong,Chang, Ho-Seok,L Korean Society of Dairy Science and Biotechnology 2017 한국유가공기술과학회지 Vol.35 No.1

Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) roots and leaves are widely used in herbal preparations, which have beneficial effects on the stimulation of digestion and metabolism of food ingredients, gastric juice excretion, diuretic action, and bile excretion. Notably, chicory root is well known as a source of polyphenols, compounds with recognized value in health improvement. In this study, we examined the physicochemical characteristics (TA, pH, and sensory evaluation) of bioactive yoghurt containing different concentrations of chicory. With increasing incubation time (5 h), the TA of the yoghurt increased whereas the pH decreased, regardless of the amount of chicory. As the amount of chicory increased, the scores for color, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability generally decreased. Among the tested groups, yoghurt with the addition of 1% chicory attained the highest scores. Further studies on the production of bioactive yogurt with optimum chicory concentration are needed.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Red Pepper Landraces (Capsicum annuum L.) from Bulgaria Using SSR Markers

Se-Jong Oh,Jae-Young Song,Jeongran Lee,Gi-An Lee,Ho-Cheol Ko,T. Stoilova,L. Krasteva,Yeon-Gyu Kim,Ju-Hee Rhee,Jae-Gyun Gwag,Na-Young Ro,On-Sook Hur,Myung-Chul Lee 한국국제농업개발학회 2012 韓國國際農業開發學會誌 Vol.24 No.5

본 연구는 농업유전자원센터에 보존되어있는 불가리아 재래종 고추 유전자원 61 점을 대상으로 농업형질을 조사하고, 22개의 분자마커(SSR marker)를 이용하여 불가리아 재래종 고추 유전자원의 유전적 다양성 및 집단분석을 통하여, 자원보존 및 효율적인 작물 육종을 위한 기초정보를 제공하고자 본실험을 수행하였으며 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 파종 후 발아까지 소요일수는 최소 11일에서 최대 26 일,평균 16.9 일이었고 개화 소요일수는 최소 48일, 최대 65일, 평균 56.9일이었으며 성숙까지의 소요일수는 최소 73일, 최대 98일, 평균 90.7일이었다. 2. 농업형질의 특성을 바탕으로 PCA 분석을 이용하여 불가리아 고추의 다양성을 분석한 결과, 파종 후 개화까지의 소요일수에 따라 조생종, 중생종, 만생종 3개의 그룹으로 나눌 수있었다. 3. 61점의 고추자원에 대하여 22개 SSR 마커에 의해 나타난 대립유전자 (allele)수는 총 82개였다. 마커당 평균 allele수는 3.7 개였고, allele 수의 범위는 2개에서 5개로 확인되었다. 유전적 다양성을 나타내는 PIC 값의 범위는 0.061-0.636이었으며 평균 PIC 값은 0.349로 확인되었다. 4. 분자마커(SSR)를 이용하여 UPGMA, PCoA, STUCTURE 분석을 통한 고추의 다양성 및 집단 구조를 분석한 결과, 3개의 그룹으로 나뉘어졌다. 결론적으로, 농업형질 특성을 바탕으로 한 불가리아 재래종고추의 다양성과 분자학적 특성을 이용한 다양성 결과와는 차이가 있었다. The amount of genetic variability of a species is essential for its survival and adaptation in different environments, and studies of genetic diversity using molecular markers are necessary to understand the genetic structure of a population and to orientate effective strategies of germplasm conservation. The aim of current study was to determine the SSR markers that can be used rapidly and reliably to evaluated the pepper of Bulgaria landraces, and applied the markers to assessment of introduce genetic diversity of the pepper germplasm. We used 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers to analysis of genetic diversity within 61 pepper collection of Bulgaria landraces germplasm, all SSR primers pairs produced 82 polymorphic and reproducible amplification fragments. Results showed a relatively low level of genetic diversity among pepper accessions from Bulgaria for both molecular and morphological markers. An average value of polymorphic information contents (PIC) were 0.334 with a range of 0.061 to 0.63. The mean values of observed (HO) and gene diversity (GD) were 0.383 and 0.154, respectively, indicating a considerable amount of polymorphism within this collection. A genetic distance-based phylogeny grouped into three distinct groups according to genetic difference among the accessions. An average day of flowering time was 56.9 days with a range of 48 to 65 days. The average of fruit length andwidth were 6.9cm with a range 2.6 to 13.9cm, and 1.9cm with a range 0.5 to 4.2cm, respectively.

Therapeutic mechanisms and beneficial effects of non-antidiabetic drugs in chronic liver diseases

Han Ah Lee,Young Chang,Pil Soo Sung,Eileen L. Yoon,Hye Won Lee,Jeong-Ju Yoo,Young-Sun Lee,Jihyun An,Do Seon Song,Young Youn Cho,Seung Up Kim,Yoon Jun Kim 대한간학회 2022 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.28 No.3

The global burden of chronic liver disease (CLD) is substantial. Due to the limited indication of and accessibility to antiviral therapy in viral hepatitis and lack of effective pharmacological treatment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the beneficial effects of antidiabetics and non–antidiabetics in clinical practice have been continuously investigated in patients with CLD. In this narrative review, we focused on non-antidiabetic drugs, including ursodeoxycholic acid, silymarin, dimethyl- 4,4’-dimethoxy-5,6,5’,6’-dimethylenedixoybiphenyl-2,2’-dicarboxylate, L-ornithine L-aspartate, branched chain amino acids, statin, probiotics, vitamin E, and aspirin, and summarized their beneficial effects in CLD. Based on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and regulatory functions in glucose or lipid metabolism, several non–antidiabetic drugs have shown beneficial effects in improving liver histology, aminotransferase level, and metabolic parameters and reducing risks of hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality, without significant safety concerns, in patients with CLD. Although the effect as the centerpiece management in patients with CLD is not robust, the use of these non-antidiabetic drugs might be potentially beneficial as an adjuvant or combined treatment strategy.

Pharmacological Stimulation of NADH Oxidation Ameliorates Obesity and Related Phenotypes in Mice

Hwang, Jung Hwan,Kim, Dong Wook,Jo, Eun Jin,Kim, Yong Kyung,Jo, Young Suk,Park, Ji Hoon,Yoo, Sang Ku,Park, Myung Kyu,Kwak, Tae Hwan,Kho, Young Lim,Han, Jin,Choi, Hueng-Sik,Lee, Sang-Hee,Kim, Jin Man,L American Diabetes Association 2009 Diabetes Vol.58 No.4

<P><B>OBJECTIVE</B></P><P>Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NAD<SUP>+</SUP> and NADH) play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, and a dysregulated NAD<SUP>+</SUP>-to-NADH ratio is implicated in metabolic syndrome. However, it is still unknown whether a modulating intracellular NAD<SUP>+</SUP>-to-NADH ratio is beneficial in treating metabolic syndrome. We tried to determine whether pharmacological stimulation of NADH oxidation provides therapeutic effects in rodent models of metabolic syndrome.</P><P><B>RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS</B></P><P>We used β-lapachone (βL), a natural substrate of NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), to stimulate NADH oxidation. The βL-induced pharmacological effect on cellular energy metabolism was evaluated in cells derived from NQO1-deficient mice. In vivo therapeutic effects of βL on metabolic syndrome were examined in diet-induced obesity (DIO) and <I>ob/ob</I> mice.</P><P><B>RESULTS</B></P><P>NQO1-dependent NADH oxidation by βL strongly provoked mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in vitro and in vivo. These effects were accompanied by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase and suppression of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase activity. Consistently, systemic βL administration in rodent models of metabolic syndrome dramatically ameliorated their key symptoms such as increased adiposity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver. The treated mice also showed higher expressions of the genes related to mitochondrial energy metabolism (PPARγ coactivator-1α, nuclear respiratory factor-1) and caloric restriction (Sirt1) consistent with the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and energy expenditure.</P><P><B>CONCLUSIONS</B></P><P>Pharmacological activation of NADH oxidation by NQO1 resolves obesity and related phenotypes in mice, opening the possibility that it may provide the basis for a new therapy for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.</P>

청국장 향미에 미치는 ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$의 포접 효과

이인선,김순미,김혜영B,Lee, In-Seon,Kim, Soon-Mi,L. Kim, Hye-Young 한국식생활문화학회 2001 韓國食生活文化學會誌 Vol.16 No.4

식품의 향기를 포접하여 향기성분을 순화시키는 성질을 지닌 ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$을 청국장에 0%, 10%, 20% 및 30%씩 첨가하여 청국장의 냄새에 대한 포접효과를 살펴보면, ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$을 20% 대체한 시료의 단백질과 회분양은 control 시료보다 유의적으로 감소하였다. 지방량과 탄수화물량은 대체시료가 control 시료보다 유의적으로 증가하였다. 시료의 L값은 ${\beta}-cydodextrin$을 30%대체한 시료가 53.99로 가장 밝게 평가되었고, 대체수준이 10%일 때 L값은 51.81으로 유의적으로 가장 낮은 수치를 보이며 색이 더 진하게 평가 되었다. 시료의 a값은 대체 수준이 증가할수록 감소하여 붉은 정도가 옅어지었다. 시료의 b값은 대체량이 증가할수록 시료의 노란정도가 점점 옅어짐을 나타내었다. 시료 입자의 내부구조 조직을 주사전자 현미경으로 관찰한 결과, control 시료의 내부구조는 점질물질이 불규칙 한 모양으로 뭉쳐져 있거나 거칠게 퍼져 있음을 볼 수 있었으며, 첨가수준이 증가할수록 불규칙하고 거친 내부조직이 점차 감소하여 30% 대체 시료에서는 매끈하고 안정된 조직감과 내부구조를 보여 주었다. 관능적 특성에 대한 결과, 청국장 시료의 구수한 냄새는 시료의 대체수준이 20% 이상으로 될 때 구수한 냄새는 6.65에서 6.78의 수치를 보이며 유의적으로 다소 감소하여 구수한 냄새가 약하게 나타났다. 시료의 이취는 ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$을 대체량을 20%로 증가한 시료에서 control 시료의 이취보다 유의적인 감소를 보여 주었다. (p<0.05). 시료의 짠맛은 20% 대체시료군이 control 시료의 짠맛보다 유의적으로 현저히 감소하였으며, 쓴맛은 control 시료에 비하여 모든 대체시료군이 낮은 수치로 쓴맛이 약해지는 경향을 나타내었다. 이상으로 ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$으로 청국장을 포접시엔 특히, 구수한 냄새 이취 및 짠맛을 순화하는 경향이 있는 것을 알 수 있었다. Flavor modifing effects of ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$ on the flavor of Chungkookjang(Korean traditional fermented bean paste) were investigated with varied substitution levels of 10, 20, and 30%. The 20% substituted sample groups showed significantly lower amount of protein and ash contents compared to those of control. The L value of brightness had significantly the largest value of 53.99 with 30% substituted sample group, and lower a and b values. Internal structures of control group observed using the scanning electronic microscope, had irregular round type shape with viscous materials, and they had tendencies to be less rough and organized making even and ordered internal cell structures as the substituted levels were increased. Results of sensory characteristics showed significantly lower off-odor and salty flavor with the 20% substituted sample groups compared to those of control. Results of this study showed the possibilities of flavor moderating effects of ${\beta}-cyclodextrin$ when it was used as one of the flavor modifier of the Chungkookjang. Future studies of finding the optimum level of substitution is further required.