The data suggest that the ethanol extracts of Artemisia asiatica exerted significant protection from alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury through bio-regulation, which is essential for cytoprotection and anti-inflammation.

Restored tissue levels of ghrelin and improved status of appetite was achieved with gastric ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication.

Background/AimsOxidative stress increases the risk of cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was conducted to examine the difference in antioxidant capacity according to the presence of MetS, and to characterize the association between antioxidant capacity and MetS-related factors.MethodsWe used the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test to estimate antioxidant capacity. The BAP test has recently been used as an indicator of antioxidant capacity. We measured BAP levels in 45 patients with MetS (mean age, 44.6 ± 1.1 years) and 47 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age, 42.7 ± 1.1 years). To evaluate the association between antioxidant capacity and MetS, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), linear regression and logistic analyses were performed.ResultsThe mean BAP of the MetS group (1,937.3 ± 36.5 µmol/L) was significantly lower than that of the non-MetS group (2,101.7 ± 29.5 µmol/L). Also, the mean BAP was low in persons having low high density lipoprotein and high triglyceride. Reduced antioxidant capacity was significantly associated with adiponectin, HOMA-IR and hs-CRP after adjusting for age and sex. The odds ratios for MetS with BAP, log adiponectin, log HOMA-IR, and log hs-CRP were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49 to 0.82), 0.22 (0.10 to 0.51), 14.24 (4.35 to 46.58), and 1.93 (1.36 to 2.75), respectively.ConclusionsPersons with MetS showed reduced antioxidant capacity. We identified relationships between antioxidant capacity measured by BAP test and MetS, as well as MetS-related factors, such as insulin resistance, hs-CRP, and adiponectin.

The novel VEGF polymorphism -1780T/C could significantly predict the predisposition to GDU after the exposure to etiologic risks, based on defective angiogenic activity.

Background: Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. Although data exist on the prevalence of sarcopenia among the community-dwelling elderly, there is no systematic research on hospitalized elderly patients in Korea, in accordance with the newly developed criteria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Daejin Medical Center, Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, Korea, from May 2013 to March 2015. In this study, we evaluated the levels of hemoglobin, total cholesterol, serum albumin, serum prealbumin, and serum zinc. Handgrip strength was measured with a hand grip dynamometer (FT-7110). Furthermore, the skeletal muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Sarcopenia was defined by skeletal muscle mass as measured with BIA, according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Results: Of the hospitalized elderly subjects, 40 (46.5%) had a definite diagnosis of sarcopenia and 46 (53.5%) had no sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia of the subjects was higher in males than females (males, 46.9% vs. females, 46.3%). The correlation analysis showed that the score of skeletal muscle index (SMI) was negatively correlated with age; whereas, it was positively correlated with the BMI, body weight, and serum prealbumin level. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that sarcopenia was associated with several factors, including age, BMI, serum prealbumin level, among the study subjects. Sarcopenia can be used as a sensitive predictive marker for prognosis of the hospitalized elderly.

Purpose: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is defined as the coexistence of several metabolic risk factors. Diet is thought to play a major role in development of MetS. We attempted to determine whether the Korean diet is related to a reduced risk for development of MetS. Methods: A total of 425 healthy Korean adults were recruited by advertisement to Bundang Jesaeng Hospital from January 1 to June 30, 2009; those not taking regular medications and without diagnosis of disease were included. Data were collected on three-day dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and diagnostic parameters, including levels of lipid panel, glucose, adiponectin,

Purpose: In Korea, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased. The relationship between metabolic syndrome, adiponectin, and dietary components is widely known. However, the relation between cytokine and dietary components is not yet well studied in Korea. Methods: Five hundred and ninety-six Korean adults between 30 and 59 years of age were recruited by advertisement to the Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital (BJ-GH), and those not taking regular medications and without diagnoses of fulminant disease were included. Data was collected on anthropometric measurements, diagnostic parameters for metabolic syndrome (MetS), and 3-day dietary intakes from individuals in the study. Results: Serum adiponectin level was positively correlated with serum HDL-cholesterol level and was negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Intake of dietary fiber was high in the high-adiponectin group. Conclusion: High-fiber diet and adiponectin can be helpful for improving metabolic syndrome. (JKSPEN 2011; 4(1):16-20)

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