Alcohol consumption is associated with metabolic burden and a range of alcohol-related symptoms. Amino acids have been suggested to support hepatic metabolism and recovery following alcohol consumption. This study investigated the effects of Amino Liver (AL), an amino acid mixture, on alcohol metabolism and alcohol-related symptoms in healthy adults. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial, healthy adults consumed AL or placebo prior to alcohol consumption. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations were measured at predefined time points up to 13 h after alcohol consumption. Alcohol-related symptoms were assessed using the Alcohol Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS). Safety parameters were also evaluated. AL intake was associated with a more rapid reduction in blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations compared with placebo. Participants who received AL reported lower severity of alcohol-related symptoms, particularly fatigue and cognitive difficulty, at 13 h after alcohol consumption. No clinically significant adverse effects were observed. The findings suggest that AL supplementation is associated with favorable modulation of alcohol metabolism and reduced severity of alcohol-related symptoms. Although further studies are required to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms, AL may represent a potential nutritional approach for supporting alcohol metabolism following alcohol consumption. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea (KCT0010612). Registered 10 June 2025. Retrospectively registered.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Fatigue is closely associated with an impaired mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inefficient energy metabolism, all contributing to reduced physical performance. Nutritional strategies targeting mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense may help alleviate fatigue and enhance endurance. This study examined the anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects of an amino acid (AA)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) mixture comprised of 3 AAs (cysteine [Cys], glutamine [Gln], and leucine [Leu]) and EGCG on mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress mitigation, and physical performance enhancement. MATERIALS/METHODS:C2C12 myoblasts were treated to assess mitochondrial biogenesis-related gene expression and oxidative stress markers. Animal studies measured the swimming endurance, glycogen, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and serum parameters. A pilot clinical trial evaluated the blood glucose, lactate, and serum enzyme levels post-exercise. RESULTS:In cellular experiments, a 1:1:3 ratio of the AA mixture (Cys, Gln, and Leu) with EGCG enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis-related gene expression (AMP-activated protein kinase, sirtuin 1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α [PGC-1α]) and reduced the oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde [MDA]). Animal studies revealed significant increases in swimming endurance, elevated glycogen and ATP levels, and reduced serum fatigue markers (creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood nitrogen). Furthermore, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and PGC-1α expression was significantly upregulated in the gastrocnemius muscle, supporting enhanced mitochondrial function. In addition, the antioxidant effects were observed with reduced MDA levels in liver tissue. Clinical trial data showed improved blood lactate clearance and higher post-exercise blood glucose levels in the AA-EGCG group compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSION:The AA-EGCG mixture enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant capacity by activating the NRF2 and PGC-1α pathways, improving physical performance and reducing fatigue. This study highlights its potential as a supplement for managing fatigue and enhancing endurance.

This study evaluated the protective effects of Amino Liver Mixture (ALM), a formulation of branched-chain amino acids, L-arginine, L-methionine, and L-alanine, against ethanol-induced hepatic and behavioral impairments. In vitro, ALM reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, restored alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, activated the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway, and suppressed TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expression. In vivo, ALM pretreatment in mice decreased serum ethanol, acetaldehyde, AST, ALT, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), while enhancing ADH and ALDH activity and downregulating CYP2E1. ALM also alleviated oxidative stress, restored antioxidant gene expression, and reduced hepatic inflammatory cytokines. Behavioral tests showed dose-dependent improvements in ethanol-induced motor coordination and anxiety-like behaviors. These findings demonstrate that ALM provides hepatoprotective and neurobehavioral benefits by modulating ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, supporting its potential as a functional food for alcohol-related disorders.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of yeast hydrolysate (YH) on lipogenesis, elucidate its mechanistic action, and identify the active compounds responsible for its anti-adipogenic effects. YH (2 mg/mL) significantly reduced Oil Red O-stained lipids. YH (2 mg/mL) also downregulated C/EBPβ and upregulated KLF2, both of which are early adipogenic factors. Moreover, YH (2 mg/mL) decreased C/EBPα, PPARγ, FABP4, FAS, ACC, and HMGCR mRNA expression. Additionally, YH significantly downregulated SEBP1c and SREBP2 and their target genes, which govern fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism; however, 2 mg/mL YH had a greater suppressive effect on SREBP1c than on SREBP2. YH (2 mg/mL) also significantly reduced the mRNA level of G6PD and malic enzyme, which are enzymes that synthesize NADPH for lipid synthesis, compared with the control. Furthermore, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (MTCA) was identified as the active compound with anti-adipogenic effects using solvent fractionation and chromatographic analysis of YH, and 1.1 μg/mL MTCA significantly downregulated SREBP1c/SREBP2 mRNAs by 47.8% and 69.2%, respectively, along with the target genes FAS, ACC, and HMGCR by 79.0%, 77.0%, and 40.9%, respectively. Collectively, YH effectively suppressed adipogenic lipid storage by downregulating SREBP- and NADPH-synthesizing genes. These findings suggest that YH containing MTCA has the potential to act as an anti-obesity agent.

We used an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model to test whether yeast hydrolysate (YH) has therapeutic effects on postmenopausal osteoporosis-induced bone loss. The rats were separated into five treatment groups: the sham group (sham operation); the control group (no treatment after OVX); the estrogen group (estrogen treatment after OVX); YH 0.5% group (drinking water supplementation with 0.5% YH after OVX); and the YH 1% group (drinking water supplementation with 1% YH after OVX). In addition, the YH treatment restored serum testosterone concentration in the OVX rats up to the normal level. Further, YH treatment affected bone markers; a significant increase in serum calcium concentration was observed after adding YH to the diet. The levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen were reduced by YH supplementation, unlike those in the no-treatment control. Although not statistically significant, YH treatment in OVX rats improved trabecular bone microarchitecture parameters. These results show that YH may ameliorate the bone loss caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis because of the normalization of serum testosterone concentration.

To understand the mechanisms involved in the anti-obesity effects Centella asiatica (CA), we examined body weight, serum levels, white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, histological analysis, and the expression of cholesterol homeostasis- and lipid metabolism-related genes in mice with high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFHSD)-induced obesity that were orally treated with CA for 12 weeks. Eight-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the following four groups (8 mice/group): NOR, normal diet; HFHSD (Control), HFHSD; CA-L, HFHSD + CA 300 mg/kg; CA-H, HFHSD+CA 600 mg/kg. The suspension of powdered CA leaf was fed using oral gavage. CA treatment significantly attenuated HFHSD-induced increase in body weight gain, serum glucose, triacylglycerol, and WAT weight (p < 0.05). Compared to that in HFHSD, adipocyte diameter and macrovesicular area of epididymal WAT significantly decreased with CA treatment (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), 3- hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD 1) were significantly downregulated in the CA-H compared to the HFHSD (p < 0.05). CA exerts anti-obesity effects by lowering body fat accumulation via regulating gene expression and thus, is a potential lipid-lowering agent.

본 연구는 40-60대 건강한 중년여성을 대상으로 8주간 돈태반추출물 200 mg의 경구 섭취에 따른 피부노화의 개선 효과를 탐구하였다. 분석 대상자는 총 38명으로 40대 14명, 50대 15명, 60대 9명이었다. 피부개선효과는 미백효과로 멜라닌지수, 홍반지수를 측정하였으며, 피부건조 효과로 수분보유량과 수분손실량을 측정하였고, 주름개선 효과로 주름분포율과 주름의 개수를 측정 분석하였다. 그 결과 돈태반추출물의 경구 섭취는 멜라닌 색소와 홍반을 유의적으로 감소시키며 특히 연령이 상대적으로 높은 60대에서 뚜렷한 미백효과의 증가를 보였다. 돈태반추출물은 수분보유량을 증가시키고 수분증발량을 감소시켜 피부 건조 상태를 향상시키는 것으로 나타났으나 연령에 따른 효과 차이는 크지 않은 것으로 나타났다. 또한 돈태반추출물의 경구 섭취는 주름분포율과 주름수를 감소시키는 경향을 나타내며 주름 개선효과의 가능성을 보였으며 연령이 높은 경우 주름개선 효과는 더 큰 경향을 나타내었다. 따라서 돈태반추출물 경구 섭취에 따른 인체 적용 평가를 통해 돈태반추출물의 식이 기능성화장품으로써의 가능성을 확인할 수 있었다.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of edible halophyte Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with biopolymers on inhibition of sodium absorption in mouse. Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with four biopolymers (pectin, chitosan, cellulose and dextrin) were fed to mice for 48 hr, and inhibiting sodium absorption was measured. In primary in vitro condition, fresh Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with 1% cellulose had 40% binding rate. Juice residue Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with 1% chitosan had the highest sodium binding rate by 50%. In mouse model, fresh, juice, and juice residue of Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with 4% chitosan had the highest sodium absorption inhibitory rate by 19%. These results indicate that biopolymer‐encapsulated Salicornia herbacea could be combined with sodium under in vitro condition, and Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with biopolymers reduced sodium absorption in a mouse model. Chitosan and cellulose had the highest sodium absorption inhibitory effects compared with the other biopolymers.

We conducted a review to investigate whether the evidence for an association between tableware in the built food environment and food consumption is consistent and important. We systematically searched electronic databases for articles published in English since 2000. A total of 541 studies were identified. Of these, we excluded 525 studies and reviewed 16. The types of tableware studied were plates (n=7), bowls (n=5), glasses (n=2), cups (n=1), spoons (n=1), and chopsticks (n=1). Their manipulated properties were size (n=9), color (n=6), shape (n=5), and type (n=1). In conclusion, there is a tendency to use tableware as an indication of how much should be served and consumed. Simply using smaller tableware might be all that is required to make an environment less conducive to overeating. One possible effect of tableware color has been identified in this review. Thus, the review demonstrates that tableware affects mainly visual aspects of perception.

This study aimed to investigate whether plate color affects dietary intake in young people with mild intellectual disabilities. The experiment employed a within-subjects, repeated-measures design. A portion of fried rice (400 g) was presented on a white plate, red plate, or blue plate. Twenty subjects (12 male, 8 female; aged 15-21 years) took part. Although the amount served was always the same, most of the subjects (80%) estimated that the amount of fried rice on a white plate was more than the amount in a regular rice bowl. In contrast, 50% or 40% of the subjects perceived the amount of fried rice on the red or blue plate, respectively, to be more than the amount in a regular rice bowl. Plate color did not have a significant effect on the amount consumed. There were no significant differences in satiety and hunger ratings across conditions for 2 hours after each test meal. Young people with intellectual disabilities, who are less influenced by the environment as a result of their cognitive deficits, may be forced to rely more on internal factors than on external factors.

This study aimed at investigating the acute and subacute oral toxicity of yeast hydrolysate (DNF-10) in Sprague-Dawley rats.To determine the acute toxicity of DNF-10, it was orally administered to rats at a dose of 5,000 mg/ kg.Furthermore, to determine subacute toxicity of DNF-10, it was orally administered to female and male rats at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg for 90 days.In the acute toxicity test, the experimental group did not show changes in body and organ weights compared to the corresponding weights in the control group.When compared to female controls, the DNF-10treated female rats showed decreased red blood cell counts, haemoglobin, and total bilirubin levels; however, the parameters remained within the normal range.In the subacute toxicity test, DNF-10 administration significantly reduced body weight among male rats, which appears attributable to the anti-obesity effect of the compound.In the experimental groups, significant differences in some haematological parameters were considered as non-toxic because the results were within the normal range.These results suggest that DNF-10 is safe and non-toxic at single doses (5,000 mg/kg) and repeated doses (1,000 mg/kg).

Prebiotic treatment may rebalance the skin microbiota by regulating the growth of harmful and beneficial microorganisms. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (N = 60), we evaluated the effects of a cosmetic serum containing galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on the balance of the skin microbiota by measuring various skin parameters. The skin water-holding capacity between the control (ND) and experimental (NF) groups was significantly different after 8 weeks of serum treatment (p < 0.05). Similarly, changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the erythema index in the ND and NF groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the wrinkle depth and Staphylococcus aureus population decreased in the NF group compared with those in the ND group (p < 0.05). The mean form factor, Shannon index, and Pediococcus population were significantly increased in the post-NF group compared with those in the post-ND group (p < 0.05). Finally, in the ND group, water-holding capacity was positively correlated with Enhydrobacter, whereas Enterobacteriaceae was negatively correlated with TEWL in the NF group. These results suggest that GOS inhibit the growth of harmful skin microbes and increase the population of beneficial microbes.

Animal and clinical studies were performed to determine whether Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners with increased sweetness contributed to blood glucose elevations. In the animal study, male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) received an oral load of 2 g of glucose or Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners per kilogram of body weight. Thirty minutes after the glucose load, the rat blood glucose levels in the Palatinose-based alternative sweetener groups were significantly lower than those in the glucose groups (p < 0.05). Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners significantly improved glucose tolerance in rats. However, significant differences in the blood glucose levels were not observed among the Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners. In the clinical study, 14 healthy volunteers (21.4 ± 1.3 years) consumed glucose or Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners (50 g). At 60 min, when Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners were ingested, blood glucose was significantly lower compared to when glucose was ingested (Palatinose-L, 123.1 mg/dL; Palatinose-IS, 125.9 mg/dL; Palatinose-FOS. 129.1 mg/dL vs. glucose, 154.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05). The glycaemic index of Palatinose-L, Palatinose-IS and Palatinose-FOS was 43.9, 58.1, and 49.2, respectively. Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners could help maintain health as the postprandial blood glucose levels are constantly maintained owing to slow hydrolysis.

This study measured the proliferative activity of malto-oligosaccharide (MOS) as a prebiotic against Bifidobacteria, resistance to digestion in vitro, and changes during in vitro fermentation by human fecal microorganisms. It consisted of 21.74%, 18.84%, and 11.76% of maltotriose, maltotetraose, and maltopentaose produced by amylase (HATT), respectively. When 1% of MOS was added to a modified PYF medium as the carbon source, proliferation of Bifidobacterium breve was increased significantly. During the in vitro digestion test, MOS was partially degraded by intestinal enzymes. Fermentation characteristics by human fecal microorganisms were evaluated by adding 1% galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), as well as 1% and 2% MOS as carbon sources to the basal medium, respectively. In comparison with the addition of 1% of MOS and GOS, the total short chain fatty acid (SCFA) content increased over time when 2% of MOS was added. The species diversity and richness of intestinal microbiota increased significantly with 2% MOS compared to those with 1% GOS. In addition, the 2% addition of MOS reduced intestinal pathobiont microorganisms and increased commensal microorganisms including Bifidobacterium genus. Collectively, MOS produced by amylase increased the SCFA production and enhanced the growth of beneficial bacteria during in vitro fermentation by human fecal microbiota.

BACKGROUND Low-sodium sausages were manufactured using sodium substitution and biopolymer encapsulation. A diet comprising 10% treatment sausages (six treatment groups: C (100% NaCl), T1 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt), T2 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with chitosan), T3 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with cellulose), T4 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with dextrin), and T5 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with pectin)) was added to a 90% commercial mouse diet for 4 weeks. RESULTS Subacute toxicity, hematology, liver function, and organ weight tests in low-sodium sausage groups showed results similar to those of the control group, and all toxicity test levels were within normal ranges. CONCLUSIONS All low-sodium sausage types tested are suggested to be safe in terms of subacute toxicity. Moreover, low-sodium sausages can be manufactured by biopolymer encapsulation of saltwort using pectin, chitosan, cellulose, and dextrin without toxicity. (c) 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

To investigate the effects of ingestion of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) on skin pigmentation, we conducted cell experiments and clinical trials. The effect of GOS on melanin accumulation was assessed in vitro using B16F10 cells. Moreover, melanin and erythema indexes following GOS consumption were explored during a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study, which included subjects divided by stratified block randomization to placebo or GOS. No cytotoxicity was observed at 70 mg/mL or lower GOS in B16F10 melanoma cells. Melanin accumulation was inhibited at 14 mg/mL or higher GOS. Upon ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, the survival of HaCaT cells (control) was reduced to 69.0% lower than baseline. A protective effect of GOS was observed upon treatment with 14~35 mg/mL GOS; however at 70 mg/mL, cells showed 64% viability compared to control cells irradiated with UVB. Delta values (Δ melanin index), which indicate the difference from the baseline melanin level, were significantly different to placebo (P<0.01) after 8 weeks. In the GOS group, delta values (Δ erythema index), which indicate the difference from baseline erythema level, also significantly differed from the placebo group (P<0.05) after 8 weeks. Our results suggest that intake of prebiotic GOS inhibits skin pigmentation and may represent a novel nutritional approach for skin care.

In this study, we investigated whether the body fat suppressive effects of Cornus walteri extract (CE) were due to alterations in lipid-regulating enzyme activities in high fat diet-induced obese rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=6): a normal diet group (N-control), a high fat diet group (F-control), and a high fat diet group, treated orally with CE (0.25%) in their drinking water (Treatment). After five weeks, CE supplementation tended to reduce body-weight gain and visceral fat in the diet-induced obese rats. Tie activity of hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and malic enzyme (ME), responsible for fatty acid synthesis, tended to be lower in the Treatment group compared to the non-treated groups. This finding indicates that the body fat suppressive effects of CE are most likely due to decreases in hepatic fatty acid synthesis. CE supplementation increased hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity, which suggests that beta-oxidation was enhanced. In conclusion, CE supplementation suppressed body fat accumulation by attenuating fatty acid synthesis and enhancing beta-oxidation through alteration of lipid-regulating enzyme activities.

To develop sausage with inhibition of 60% sodium intake, using biopolymer encapsulation technology and sodium replacer, the sausages were subdivided into five treatment groups: control was the normal sodium amount without sodium substitution and biopolymers; and four treatments involved encapsulation with four different biopolymers (T1: pectin, T2: chitosan, T3: cellulose, T4: dextrin), with sodium substituted by 55% with sodium replacers (a mixture of potassium, magnesium, and calcium chlorides). The experimental sausages were fed to mice for 48 h, and sodium absorption and its inhibition were measured. T2 sausage (3% chitosan with a sodium replacer) and T3 sausage (3% cellulose with a sodium replacer) showed the highest rates of inhibition of sodium absorption: 69.65 and 67.34%, respectively. These results indicated that the final goal of 60% inhibition of sodium intake was accomplished by 55% sodium replacement and more than 15% inhibition of sodium absorption with minimal deterioration of sausage quality.

OBJECTIVE:We aimed to assess the correlations among multiple cytokine concentrations in the maternal plasma, cervicovaginal fluid (CVF), and amniotic fluid (AF) compartments in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), and to develop a prediction model based on non-invasive measures, having better sensitivity and specificity for the identification of microbial invasion of amniotic cavity (MIAC).METHOD:This retrospective study included 75 consecutive women with pPROM (20+0-34+0 weeks), who underwent amniocentesis. Both maternal plasma and CVF samples were collected at the time of amniocentesis. Stored AF, plasma and CVF samples were assayed for cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β] using a multiplex immunoassay kit.RESULTS:Levels of inflammatory proteins measured in the CVF were significantly correlated with AF proteins levels, whereas none of the proteins in plasma correlated significantly with any in the AF or CVF. Proteins levels measured in the AF and CVF were significantly higher in women with MIAC compared to those without, whereas only high levels of IL-6 in plasma were significantly associated with MIAC. By using stepwise regression analysis, a non-invasive model (using clinical factors and CVF cytokine levels) for the prediction of MIAC was developed; the area under curve of this non-invasive model was similar to that of the invasive model (using clinical factors and AF cytokines).CONCLUSIONS:The levels of inflammatory proteins in the CVF correlated with those in the AF, whereas those in the plasma showed no correlation. A non-invasive model using clinical factors and CVF cytokine levels predicted the risk of MIAC in women with pPROM.

Background: We aimed to identify prenatal and postnatal risk factors associated with abnormal newborn hearing screen (NHS) results and subsequently confirmed sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in preterm twin neonates. Methods: Electronic medical records of 159 twin neonates who were born alive after <= 32 weeks were retrospectively reviewed for hearing loss in both ears. Histopathologic examination of the placenta was performed and clinical data, including method of conception and factors specific to twins, were retrieved from a computerized perinatal database. The main outcome measure was failure to pass the NHS test. The generalized estimation equations model was used for twins. Results: Thirty-two neonates (20.1%) had a "refer" result, and, on the confirmation test, permanent SNHL was identified in 4.4% (7/159) of all neonates. Neonates who had a "refer" result on the NHS test were more likely to be of lower birth weight, more likely to have been conceived with the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and more likely to have higher rates of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, monochorionic placentation, death of the co-twin, or being born first was not associated with a "refer" result on the NHS test. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that conception after IVF and the presence of IVH were the only variables to be statistically significantly associated with "refer" on the NHS test. No parameters studied were found to be significantly different between the SNHL and no SNHL groups, probably because of the relatively small number of cases of SNHL. Conclusion: In preterm twin newborns, IVF and the presence of IVH were independently associated with an increased risk of abnormal NHS results, whereas the factors specific to twins were not associated with abnormal NHS results. Copyright (C) 2018, Taiwan Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.