Objectives: . The prevalence of allergic sensitization and diseases varies over time due to changes in climate, environment, and lifestyle. This study analyzed changes in sensitization to house dust mites (HDM) and dogs, as well as the prevalence of allergic diseases in the Korean general population over a 9-year period and identified contributing factors. Methods: . This cross-sectional study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2010 and 2019. Participants were aged ≥10 years, with the analysis stratified by adolescents (10–18 years) and adults (≥19 years). We evaluated the prevalence of allergic sensitization and diseases and examined links to clinicodemographic factors across the two survey years. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between sensitization and clinicopathological factors. Results: . In total, 4,084 participants (2010: n=2,019, 2019: n=2,065) were enrolled. In 2010, HDM sensitization was 36.9%, declining to 36.6% in 2019. Dog sensitization decreased from 6.1% in 2010 to 5.8% in 2019. There were no significant differences between the two years among total participants; however, dog sensitization increased significantly among adolescents (2010: 8.7% vs. 2019: 15.3%; P=0.027). In 2010, HDM sensitization was negatively associated with urban residence (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60–0.96) and apartment dwelling (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.95) but was without significance in 2019. In adolescents, dog sensitization was strongly correlated with urban residence (OR, 8.06; 95% CI, 1.53–42.49) in 2010, whereas HDM sensitization was associated with obesity (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.04–3.91) in 2019. In adults, heavy drinking was linked to dog sensitization (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.20–4.62) in 2010 and HDM sensitization in 2019 (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03–2.02). Conclusion . The prevalence of HDM sensitization remained stable over 9 years, while dog sensitization increased in adolescents. The factors associated with sensitization differed between age groups and years. Understanding these trends and related factors in the general population can help healthcare providers develop new strategies to reduce allergic sensitization and diseases.

Objective: Several miRNAs have been identified as differentially expressed in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) compared to those with normal responses. This study aims to assess the potential of serum miR-329-3p as a biomarker for diagnosing POR. Methods: We conducted a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis to confirm the target genes of miR-329-3p. KGN cells were transfected with both miR-329-3p mimic and inhibitor to assess the differential expression of these target genes. In accordance with the Bologna criteria, we enrolled 16 control patients and 16 patients with POR. We collected patient samples, including serum from day 2 and the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) day, as well as granulosa and cumulus cells, to validate the expression of miR-329-3p using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: KEGG pathway analysis revealed that miR-329-3p targeted adenylyl cyclase 9 (ADCY9) and protein kinase A subunit beta (PRKACB), both of which are involved in ovarian steroidogenesis. In KGN cells treated with a miR-329-3p mimic, ADCY9 and PRKACB expression levels were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Elevated levels of miR-329-3p suppressed aromatase expression and 17β-estradiol production by modulating ADCY9 and PRKACB in KGN cells. These effects were also observed in POR patients. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) expression was diminished in the granulosa cells of POR patients. On day 2, on hCG day, and in granulosa cells, miR-329-3p exhibited high expression levels in the serum of POR patients. Conclusion miR-329-3p exhibited increased expression in granulosa cells and in the sera of POR patients. Consequently, we propose that miR-329-3p may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of POR.

Background/Aims: A clinical unmet need persists for medications capable of modulating the progression of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This study aimed to assess the clinical feasibility of HK-660S (beta-lapachone) in PSC. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase 2 trial, participants were assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either 100 mg of HK-660S or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were the reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and the percentage of participants showing improvements in PSC severity, as determined by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with the Anali score. Secondary endpoints included changes in liver stiffness and adverse events. Results: The analysis included 21 patients, 15 receiving HK-660S, and six receiving a placebo. Improvements in the Anali score were observed in 13.3% of the HK-660S group, with no improvements in the placebo group. HK-660S treatment resulted in a 15.2% reduction in mean ALP levels, compared to a 6.6% reduction in the placebo group. A stratified ad-hoc analysis based on baseline ALP levels showed a statistically significant response in the HK-660S group among those with ALP levels greater than twice the upper limit of normal, with a 50% responder rate (p=0.05). Additionally, 26.7% of the HK-660S group showed improvements in the enhanced liver fibrosis score, with no improvements in the placebo group. HK-660S was generally well tolerated. Conclusions HK-660S is well tolerated among patients with PSC and may improve bile duct strictures, decrease serum ALP levels, and reduce liver fibrosis (cris.nih.go.kr, Number KCT0006590).

Background: In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), renowned for its osteogenic properties, also exerts beneficial effects on muscle metabolism by enhancing myogenesis and reversing muscle atrophy. Despite being proposed as a common regulatory factor for both muscle and bone, the impact of BMP-7 on human muscle health has not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 182 community-dwelling older adults who underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment in South Korea. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using Asian-specific cutoffs, and serum BMP-7 levels were quantified via enzyme immunoassay. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.2±7.3 years, with 62.6% being female. After adjustments for confounders, serum BMP-7 levels were not significantly different between individuals with and without sarcopenia, nor were there differences based on skeletal muscle mass, strength, or physical performance levels (p=0.423 to 0.681). Likewise, no correlations were detected between circulating BMP-7 levels and any sarcopenia assessment metrics such as skeletal muscle index, grip strength, gait speed, or chair stand completion times (p=0.127 to 0.577). No significant associations were observed between increases in serum BMP-7 concentrations and the risk of sarcopenia or poor muscle phenotypes (p=0.431 to 0.712). Stratifying participants into quartiles based on serum BMP-7 levels also indicated no differences in sarcopenia-related parameters (p=0.663 to 0.996). Conclusion Despite experimental evidence supporting BMP-7’s role in muscle metabolism, this study found no significant association between serum BMP-7 levels and clinical indicators of muscle health in older adults. These findings challenge the utility of serum BMP-7 as a biomarker for sarcopenia in this demographic.

Purpose: Mitochondria-accumulating amphiphilic peptide (Mito-FF) was designed to selectively target mitochondria in cancer cells and enhance anticancer effects through its unique structure. Mito-FF consists of (1) diphenylalanine, a β-sheet-forming building block critical for self-assembly; (2) triphenylphosphonium, a mitochondrial targeting moiety guiding the peptide to mitochondria; and (3) pyrene, a fluorescent probe enabling visualization of its accumulation and selfassembly. This study evaluates the anticancer efficacy of Mito-FF in breast cancer cells and explores its combination with paclitaxel, a standard therapy for breast cancer, focusing on its modulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Methods: In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines and their respective xenograft models. Cell viability, migration, EMT marker expression, and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed. Results: Mito-FF demonstrated superior inhibition of cell viability and migration compared to paclitaxel alone in both cell lines. Combination therapy with Mito-FF and paclitaxel resulted in enhanced reduction of cell viability and migration. EMT markers were significantly modulated, with decreased mesenchymal markers (Snail and vimentin) and increased epithelial marker (E-cadherin) following combination treatment. Furthermore, the combination therapy synergistically elevated proapoptotic markers such as poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase and reduced anti-apoptotic markers such as myeloid cell leukemia 1. In vivo experiments revealed a marked reduction in tumor volume with combination therapy, accompanied by the highest expression levels of E-cadherin and pro-apoptotic marker Bim. Conclusion Mito-FF, designed for mitochondrial targeting and visualization, exhibited potent anticancer effects when combined with paclitaxel, in the breast cancer cells.

Purpose: Determining the extent of radical lymphadenectomy at clinical early stage is challenging. We aimed to investigate the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy in clinical early-stage right colon cancer. Methods: Patients with clinical stage 0 or I right colon cancer who underwent curative surgery from January 2007 to December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. The extent of lymph node (LN) metastases based on the distribution of LN metastases (LND: LND1 pericolic nodes, LND2 intermediate nodes, LND3 apical nodes), along with the depth of submucosal (SM) invasion (classed into SM1–3), were analyzed. Results: Of the 348 patients, distribution across pathologic stages was as follows: 30 patients (8.6%) at stage 0, 207 (59.5%) at stage I, 52 (14.9%) at stage II, and 59 (17.0%) at stage III. In pT1 tumor patients, LN metastases varied by SM invasion depth: 3.6% in SM1 (all LND1), 5.1% in SM2 (all LND1), and 17.5% in SM3 (LND1 10%, LND2 5%, LND3 2.5%). For pT2, pT3, and pT4 stages, LN metastasis rates were 16.2% (LND1 11.3%, LND2 3.8%, LND3 1.3%), 39.7% (LND1 28.9%, LND2 8.4%, LND3 2.4%), and 50% (LND1 25%, LND2 25%), respectively. Tumor invasion depth and lymphovascular invasion were identified as significant risk factors for LN metastasis extending to LND2–3. Conclusion Complete mesocolic excision should be considered for right-sided colon cancer because tumor infiltration deeper than SM2 could metastasize to LND2 or further. If preoperative endoscopy confirms SM1 or SM2 invasion, D2 lymphadenectomy could be a limited surgical option.