Prebiotics are known as components of intestinal microbiota that can improve and maintain human health status by stimulating the growth and activity of the intestinal tract as a method of controlling the intestinal environment. In this study, we examined whether 2’-fucosyllactose (FL) could affect intestinal microbial population and bowel activity. Water content and frequency of mouse feces were increased in the 2’-FL treated group at a high concentration (1,000 mg/kg), with brightness of the color enhanced and physical properties diluted. In addition, intestinal microbial analysis showed that harmful bacteria Clostridium and Staphylococcus strains were decreased and beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus strains were markedly increased in the group treated with a high concentration of 2’-FL compared to those in the control group. These findings suggest that administration of 2’-FL can maintain healthy bowel activity by reducing harmful bacteria population and improving diluted physical properties.

This study investigated the effects of the diet with Cucurbita moschata (CM), adlay seed (AS), and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf (CTL) mixed-powder on the visceral fat, fecal amount, and serum lipid profiles in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The mixed ratio of CM, AS, and CTL as a functional food ingredient was 1:1:1 on a weight basis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (D12492; 45 kcal fat) for 5 weeks during the first phase. In the second phase, which lasted 5 weeks, the rats were divided into six experimental groups. The groups were: a high-fat diet group as a control during the 10 weeks of experimental period; and a high-fat diet with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30% mixed powder supplement group. The adipose tissue (RFP, EFP) weights were significantly decreased in the 20% and 30% mixed powder supplement groups than in the HFD group (p<0.05). The fecal weight produced by the 15%, 20%, and 30% mixed powder supplement groups was significantly increased during the second phase compared to the first phase (p<0.05). In terms of serum lipids, TG (triglyceride) content was decreased in the 10% and 15% mixed-powder supplement groups. The blood glucose levels were significantly decreased in all experimental diet supplement groups than in the HFD group (p<0.05). The findings show that the high supplement groups could improve the visceral fat accumulation, fecal amount, and blood glucose content compared to the HFD group.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and often catastrophic disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of PE is im-portant, however, prompt diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific clinical manifestations. On the other hand, syncope may develop as a presenting symptom of PE, and defecation activity could trigger PE. In Korea, PE associated with defecation has not been previously reported. We report on a case of acute massive PE presenting as defecation syncope in a 26-year-old female with a serous borderline tumor of the ovary.