Recent accumulating epidemiological evidence underlines the important role of environmental exposures on kidney diseases. Among environmental exposures, this study addresses “Green space,” which has been recognized as one of the major environmental exposures at the population level. We review a total of seven epidemiological studies currently published on greenness and kidney disease. We also discuss knowledge gaps in the epidemiological evidence in relation to study design, greenness exposure index, emerging kidney outcomes, and inequalities. With an increase in public attention regarding environmental risks and climate change, an improved understanding of the beneficial effects of green space can play an important role in promoting kidney health.

Tibolone, a selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator, is a synthetic steroid with distinct pharmacological and clinical characteristics in contrast to conventional menopausal hormone therapy. Tibolone induces estrogenic activity in the brain, vagina, and bone but remains inactive in the endometrium and breast. In particular, several studies have investigated whether tibolone usage increases the risk of breast cancer. This study aims to determine the effects of tibolone on the breast by focusing on the relation between tibolone use and breast cancer. Our investigation emphasizes recent studies, particularly those based on Asian populations.

Antiphospholipid syndrome nephropathy (APSN) is well documented in the literature as the renal involvement of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). A review of literature also shows that among antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant (LA) positivity is recognized as the strongest risk factor for APSN. In addition, APSN is also known to be associated with a poor functional outcome in the first posttransplant year. Therefore, it is a general belief that renal transplantation may be life threatening in APS patients. Furthermore, the presence of LA at the time of transplantation is particularly associated with a high rate of allograft APSN and the consequent poor transplantation outcomes. Here, we report the case that thrombotic acute kidney injury due to APSN after kidney transplantation can be successfully treated if anticoagulation therapy is timely applied with a prompt diagnosis.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Antibodies, Antiphospholipid ; Antiphospholipid Syndrome ; Humans ; Kidney ; Kidney Transplantation ; Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor ; Risk Factors ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Transplants

PURPOSE: To evaluate lipid profiles and liver enzymes as surrogate markers used for recognizing insulin resistance in Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 458 women with PCOS were divided into two groups: non-obese with a body mass index (BMI)<25.0 kg/m2 and obese with a BMI> or =25.0 kg/m2. Anthropometric measures and blood sampling for hormone assay, liver enzymes, lipid profiles and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Insulin resistance was defined as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)> or =2.5. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the power of serum markers. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of each confounding factor for HOMA-IR. RESULTS: In non-obese and obese groups, the ROC curve analyses demonstrated that the best marker for insulin resistance was triglyceride (TG), with the areas under the ROC curve of 0.617 and 0.837, respectively. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was the significant marker for insulin resistance with areas under the ROC curve of 0.698 in obese group, but not significant in non-obese group. TG and LDL-C were significantly associated with HOMA-IR in both non-obese and obese PCOS women by multiple linear regression analysis. The optimal cut-off points of TG> or =68.5 was a marker for predicting insulin resistance in non-obese PCOS patients and TG> or =100.5 in obese group. CONCLUSION: TG can be used as a useful marker for insulin resistance in Korean women with PCOS, especially for obese patients.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/ethnology ; Biological Markers/blood ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol, LDL/blood ; Female ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Humans ; Insulin/blood ; Insulin Resistance/ethnology/*physiology ; Lipids/blood ; Obesity/*blood/ethnology ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/*blood/ethnology ; ROC Curve ; Regression Analysis ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Triglycerides/*blood

BACKGROUND: The Htr3a antagonist, ondansetron, has been reported to prolong the QT interval and induce Torsades de pointes in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. To explore the mechanisms underlying these findings, we examined the effects of ondansetron on the mouse cardiac voltage-gated K⁺ (Kv) channel. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ondansetron increased QT intervals in late pregnant (LP) mice. We measured the Kv channels in freshly isolated left ventricular (LV) myocytes from non-pregnant (NP) and late pregnant (LP) mice, using patch-clamp electrophysiology. Ondansetron blocked Kv current at a dose of 50 µM, and reduced the amplitude of peak current densities in a dose-dependent manner (0, 1, 5, 50 µM), in LP but not in NP mice. In contrast, serotonin and the Htr3 agonist, m-CPBG, increased Kv current densities in NP, but not in LP mice. Interestingly, during pregnancy, serum serotonin levels were markedly increased, suggesting the saturation of the effect of serotonin. Immunostaning data showed that Kv4.3 protein and Htr3a co-localize at the membrane and t-tubule of cardiomyocytes. Moreover, Kv4.3 membrane trafficking was enhanced in response to Htr3a-mediated serotonin stimulation in NP, but not in LP mice. Membrane analysis showed that serotonin enhances Kv4.3 membrane trafficking in NP, but not LP mice. CONCLUSION: Ondansetron reduced Kv current densities, and reduced the Kv4.3 membrane trafficking in LP mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes. This data suggests that QT prolongation by ondansetron is mediated by the reduction of Kv current densities and Kv4.3 membrane trafficking.
Animals ; Electrophysiology ; Membranes ; Mice* ; Muscle Cells* ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; Ondansetron* ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Pregnancy ; Serotonin ; Torsades de Pointes

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the association of socioeconomic factors, acculturation, and body mass index (BMI) as the first large prospective cohort study to determine the state of health of Vietnamese-born migrant women residing in Korea. METHODS: Participants were Vietnamese marriage-based immigrant women living in Korea. Data (n=1,066) was collected during both periods of baseline (2006–2011) and follow-up (2012–2014) in 34 cities in Korea. RESULTS: The results show that acculturation stress is relatively low among participants. Current BMI showed a significant difference according to the current age, monthly family income, and psychophysical stress. Depending on age, education level, monthly family income, we identified a significant difference in the annual BMI change. In correlation analysis, current BMI was significantly associated with age at arrival, reading and writing in Korean language adaptation, and psychophysical stress. Annual BMI change was significantly associated with age at arrival and years since immigration. CONCLUSION: Our analysis revealed that acculturation measured by Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students had no association with current BMI or annual BMI change, but had an association with several socioeconomic statuses. This study had the advantage that subjects had a homogenous background of marriage-based immigrant women, so we could see the association of BMI and acculturation, without considering cofounding factors.
Acculturation ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Body Mass Index ; Cohort Studies ; Education ; Emigrants and Immigrants ; Emigration and Immigration ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Korea ; Prospective Studies ; Social Class ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Transients and Migrants ; Women's Health ; Writing

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.