Micro-inflammation in the gut, assessed by fecal calprotectin (FC), is considered a component of the pathogenesis of functional diarrhea (FD). Since probiotics may suppress micro-inflammation in the intestine by competing with harmful bacteria, we hypothesized that they would reduce the ratio of loose stool symptoms and gut inflammation in patients with FD. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the clinical and laboratory effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP243 in FD patients with elevated FC levels for two months. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with FD with elevated FC levels were randomly assigned to either a probiotic group or a placebo group. After 2 months, 10 patients in the probiotic group and 12 patients in the placebo group completed the study, and FD symptoms, FC values, and intestinal flora were re-evaluated in these subjects. The percentage of subjects who had adequate FD relief (decrease in loose stool frequency) in the probiotic group was significantly increased after two months compared with the baseline. In addition, the probiotic group showed a statistically significant decrease in log-transformed FC values compared with the pre-treatment group, whereas the placebo group showed no difference before and after the intervention. Furthermore, the levels of Leuconostoc genus organisms in the gut microbiota composition in the probiotic group increased significantly after the end of the study compared with the baseline values. In this preliminary exploratory research, we found that two months of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243 treatment resulted in FD symptom improvement, reduced FC values, and increased Leuconostoc levels, suggesting that the intake of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was helpful in those patients. These findings need to be validated via further clinical studies.

Background: Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels change during body weight reduction. However, the changes that occur during short-term body weight control interventions remain controversial. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the changes in TSH levels according to body fat reduction.Methods: We performed a 3-month intervention study involving partial meal replacement. Forty-nine participants completed the study. Correlations between changes in TSH levels and other body composition parameters were determined. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their body fat reduction (>1 kg, n=20; <1 kg, n=29). The changes in metabolic parameters, including TSH levels, were compared. For significant values, a multivariate analysis was performed after adjustment to evaluate the relationship between TSH changes and body fat reduction.Results: The 3-month intervention caused favorable changes in body proportions and metabolic parameters. TSH levels changed significantly only after changes in total body fat, showing a partial correlation. Changes in TSH levels were significantly different between groups (P=0.014). Moreover, the change in TSH levels was significantly different after adjustment (P=0.012).Conclusion: A body fat reduction, especially >1 kg, can reduce serum TSH concentrations in subjects with metabolic syndrome after short-term body weight intervention.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has increased worldwide. Although a low serum vitamin D level is known to be associated with the risk of CVD, the mechanism is not well understood yet. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25[OH]D) with homocysteine and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). SUBJECTS/METHODS Of 777 subjects recruited from one health promotion center for routine heath exam from January 2010 to December 2016, 518 subjects were included in this study. Serum 25(OH)D, serum homocysteine, and other metabolic parameters including ApoB were analyzed. Simple and partial correlations were carried out after adjustments. Simple linear regression analysis was used for precise correlation of parameters. Multivariate regression analysis was done to know which factor (serum homocysteine or ApoB) was more related to serum 25(OH)D after adjustments. Finally, logarithms of homocysteine concentrations according to tertiles of serum 25(OH)D were compared. RESULTS After sex and age adjustments, serum 25(OH)D showed negative correlations with serum homocysteine ( r ’ = −0.114) and ApoB ( r ’ = −0.098). In simple linear regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D showed a significant negative correlation with ApoB ( P = 0.035). However, in multivariate regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D was significantly associated with serum homocysteine after adjustments ( P = 0.022). In addition, serum homocysteine concentration was significantly high in the lowest 25(OH)D group ( P = 0.046). CONCLUSION Serum 25(OH)D concentration showed a stronger negative association with serum homocysteine than with ApoB.

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