1.Resveratrol attenuates aging-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the rat heart
Youngju CHOI ; Mi-Hyun NO ; Jun-Won HEO ; Eun-Jeong CHO ; Dong-Ho PARK ; Ju-Hee KANG ; Chang-Ju KIM ; Dae Yun SEO ; Jin HAN ; Hyo-Bum KWAK
Nutrition Research and Practice 2025;19(2):186-199
RESULTS:
Resveratrol significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in aging hearts. In addition, resveratrol significantly ameliorated aging-induced mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., decreased oxygen respiration and increased hydrogen peroxide emission) and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling (the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening sensitivity, and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels).Resveratrol also significantly attenuated aging-induced apoptosis (determined via cleaved caspase-3 staining and TUNEL-positive myonuclei) in cardiac muscles.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that resveratrol treatment has a beneficial effect on aging-induced cardiac remodeling by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the heart.
2.Microplastics Accumulation Induces Kynurenine-Derived Neurotoxicity in Cerebral Organoids and Mouse Brain
Sung Bum PARK ; Jeong Hyeon JO ; Seong Soon KIM ; Won Hoon JUNG ; Myung-Ae BAE ; Byumseok KOH ; Ki Young KIM
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):447-457
Microplastics (MP) are pervasive environmental pollutants with potential adverse effects on human health, particularly concerning neurotoxicity. This study investigates the accumulation and neurotoxic effects of MP in cerebral organoids and mouse brains. Utilizing in vitro cerebral organoids and in vivo mouse models, we examined the penetration of MP, revealing that smaller MP (50 nm) infiltrated deeper into the organoids compared to larger ones (100 nm). Exposure to 50 nm MP resulted in a significant reduction in organoid viability. Furthermore, total RNA sequencing indicated substantial alterations in neurotoxicity-related gene expression.In vivo, MP-treated mice exhibited notable DNA fragmentation in the hippocampus and cortex, alongside elevated levels of inflammatory markers and neurotoxic metabolites, such as kynurenine (KYN) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK). Our findings suggest that MP may promote neurotoxicity through the kynurenine pathway, leading to heightened levels of neurotoxic compounds like quinolinic acid. This research highlights the potential for MP to induce neuroinflammatory responses and disrupt normal brain function, underscoring the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of MP exposure on neurological health.
3.The Survival and Financial Benefit of Investigator-Initiated Trials Conducted by Korean Cancer Study Group
Bum Jun KIM ; Chi Hoon MAENG ; Bhumsuk KEAM ; Young-Hyuck IM ; Jungsil RO ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Seock-Ah IM ; Tae Won KIM ; Jae Lyun LEE ; Dae Seog HEO ; Sang-We KIM ; Keunchil PARK ; Myung-Ju AHN ; Byoung Chul CHO ; Hoon-Kyo KIM ; Yoon-Koo KANG ; Jae Yong CHO ; Hwan Jung YUN ; Byung-Ho NAM ; Dae Young ZANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):39-46
Purpose:
The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients.
Materials and Methods:
We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided.
Results:
From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient.
Conclusion
Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.
4.Locoregional Recurrence in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study (KROG 22-14)
Sang Min LEE ; Bum-Sup JANG ; Won PARK ; Yong Bae KIM ; Jin Ho SONG ; Jin Hee KIM ; Tae Hyun KIM ; In Ah KIM ; Jong Hoon LEE ; Sung-Ja AHN ; Kyubo KIM ; Ah Ram CHANG ; Jeanny KWON ; Hae Jin PARK ; Kyung Hwan SHIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):150-158
Purpose:
This study aims to evaluate the treatment approaches and locoregional patterns for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the breast, which is an uncommon malignant tumor with limited clinical data.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 93 patients diagnosed with primary ACC in the breast between 1992 and 2022 were collected from multi-institutions. All patients underwent surgical resection, including breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or total mastectomy (TM). Recurrence patterns and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were assessed.
Results:
Seventy-five patients (80.7%) underwent BCS, and 71 of them (94.7%) received post-operative radiation therapy (PORT). Eighteen patients (19.3%) underwent TM, with five of them (27.8%) also receiving PORT. With a median follow-up of 50 months, the LRFS rate was 84.2% at 5 years. Local recurrence (LR) was observed in five patients (5.4%) and four cases (80%) of the LR occurred in the tumor bed. Three of LR (3/75, 4.0%) had a history of BCS and PORT, meanwhile, two of LR (2/18, 11.1%) had a history of mastectomy. Regional recurrence occurred in two patients (2.2%), and both cases had a history of PORT with (n=1) and without (n=1) irradiation of the regional lymph nodes. Partial breast irradiation (p=0.35), BCS (p=0.96) and PORT in BCS group (p=0.33) had no significant association with LRFS.
Conclusion
BCS followed by PORT was the predominant treatment approach for ACC of the breast and LR mostly occurred in the tumor bed. The findings of this study suggest that partial breast irradiation might be considered for PORT in primary breast ACC.
5.Ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal neoplasm is increasing as a surgical indication in the biologics era:a retrospective observational study of 20 years of experience in a single tertiary center
Hyo Jun KIM ; Seung-Bum RYOO ; Jin Sun CHOI ; Han-Ki LIM ; Min Jung KIM ; Ji Won PARK ; Seung-Yong JEONG ; Kyu Joo PARK
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2025;108(3):150-157
Purpose:
We aimed to identify changes in surgical indications in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in the biologics era in a single tertiary center.
Methods:
In this retrospective observational study, 108 patients with UC who underwent abdominal surgery for UC at Seoul National University Hospital from 2000 to 2021 were included. We compared the total number of patients undergoing UC before and after the introduction of biologic therapy.
Results:
Of the 108 patients with UC (male, 59 and female, 49; mean age, 46.8 years), 30 (27.8%) underwent surgery for neoplasms and 78 (72.2%) for medical intractability without neoplasms. The duration between diagnosis and surgery varied significantly (126.00 months vs. 60.50 months, P = 0.001). A significant difference was also noted in the surgical indications according to time (P = 0.02). Between 2000 and 2010, 12 patients (19.4%) underwent surgery for UC with neoplasms and 50 (80.6%) for UC without neoplasms, while between 2011 and 2021, 18 (39.1%) and 28 patients (60.9%) underwent surgery for UC with and without neoplasms, respectively.
Conclusion
Since 2011, when biological agents were covered by insurance in South Korea, there has been a relative increase in the incidence of surgical indications for neoplasia cases. Focusing on closely monitoring individuals with longterm UC for neoplasms is necessary.
6.Resveratrol attenuates aging-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the rat heart
Youngju CHOI ; Mi-Hyun NO ; Jun-Won HEO ; Eun-Jeong CHO ; Dong-Ho PARK ; Ju-Hee KANG ; Chang-Ju KIM ; Dae Yun SEO ; Jin HAN ; Hyo-Bum KWAK
Nutrition Research and Practice 2025;19(2):186-199
RESULTS:
Resveratrol significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in aging hearts. In addition, resveratrol significantly ameliorated aging-induced mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., decreased oxygen respiration and increased hydrogen peroxide emission) and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling (the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening sensitivity, and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels).Resveratrol also significantly attenuated aging-induced apoptosis (determined via cleaved caspase-3 staining and TUNEL-positive myonuclei) in cardiac muscles.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that resveratrol treatment has a beneficial effect on aging-induced cardiac remodeling by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the heart.
7.Von Hippel-Lindau Disease : A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis, Genetics, Clinical Challenges, and Surveillance
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2025;68(3):338-349
von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a genetic condition predisposing individuals to the development of benign and malignant tumors across various organs. This review explores the intricate genetic underpinnings of VHL disease, its clinical manifestations, and the associated malignancy risks. The latest diagnostic criteria, surveillance guidelines, and advancements in therapeutic strategies, including the Food and Drug Administration-approved hypoxia-inducible factor-2α inhibitor, belzutifan, are focused on. Through a multidisciplinary approach, tailored surveillance programs aim to improve patient outcomes while balancing intervention risks. Emerging technologies such as wholebody magnetic resonance imaging and liquid biopsies hold promises for enhancing non-invasive surveillance. This review underscores the significance of ongoing research and interdisciplinary care in managing this complex syndrome.
8.Von Hippel-Lindau Disease : A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis, Genetics, Clinical Challenges, and Surveillance
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2025;68(3):338-349
von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a genetic condition predisposing individuals to the development of benign and malignant tumors across various organs. This review explores the intricate genetic underpinnings of VHL disease, its clinical manifestations, and the associated malignancy risks. The latest diagnostic criteria, surveillance guidelines, and advancements in therapeutic strategies, including the Food and Drug Administration-approved hypoxia-inducible factor-2α inhibitor, belzutifan, are focused on. Through a multidisciplinary approach, tailored surveillance programs aim to improve patient outcomes while balancing intervention risks. Emerging technologies such as wholebody magnetic resonance imaging and liquid biopsies hold promises for enhancing non-invasive surveillance. This review underscores the significance of ongoing research and interdisciplinary care in managing this complex syndrome.
9.Profiling of Anti-Signal-Recognition Particle Antibodies and Clinical Characteristics in South Korean Patients With Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy
Soo-Hyun KIM ; Yunjung CHOI ; Eun Kyoung OH ; Ichizo NISHINO ; Shigeaki SUZUKI ; Bum Chun SUH ; Ha Young SHIN ; Seung Woo KIM ; Byeol-A YOON ; Seong-il OH ; Yoo Hwan KIM ; Hyunjin KIM ; Young-Min LIM ; Seol-Hee BAEK ; Je-Young SHIN ; Hung Youl SEOK ; Seung-Ah LEE ; Young-Chul CHOI ; Hyung Jun PARK
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(1):31-39
Background:
and Purpose This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of an anti-signal-recognition particle 54 (anti-SRP54) antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as the clinical, serological, and pathological characteristics of patients with SRP immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).
Methods:
We evaluated 87 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and 107 healthy participants between January 2002 and December 2023. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies were assessed, and the clinical profiles of patients with antiSRP54 antibodies were determined.
Results:
The ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies had a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 99%, respectively, along with a test–retest reliability of 0.92 (p<0.001). The 32 patients diagnosed with anti-SRP IMNM using a line-blot immunoassay included 28 (88%) who tested positive for anti-SRP54 antibodies using the ELISA, comprising 12 (43%) males and 16 (57%) females whose median ages at symptom onset and diagnosis were 43.0 years and 43.5 years, respectively. Symptoms included proximal muscle weakness in all 28 (100%) patients, neck weakness in 9 (32%), myalgia in 15 (54%), dysphagia in 5 (18%), dyspnea in 4 (14%), dysarthria in 2 (7%), interstitial lung disease in 2 (7%), and myocarditis in 2 (7%). The median serum creatine kinase (CK) level was 7,261 U/L (interquartile range: 5,086–10,007 U/L), and the median anti-SRP54 antibody level was 2.0 U/mL (interquartile range: 1.0–5.6 U/mL). The serum CK level was significantly higher in patients with coexisting anti-Ro-52 antibodies.
Conclusions
This study has confirmed the reliability of the ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies and provided insights into the clinical, serological, and pathological characteristics of South Korean patients with anti-SRP IMNM.
10.Resveratrol attenuates aging-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the rat heart
Youngju CHOI ; Mi-Hyun NO ; Jun-Won HEO ; Eun-Jeong CHO ; Dong-Ho PARK ; Ju-Hee KANG ; Chang-Ju KIM ; Dae Yun SEO ; Jin HAN ; Hyo-Bum KWAK
Nutrition Research and Practice 2025;19(2):186-199
RESULTS:
Resveratrol significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in aging hearts. In addition, resveratrol significantly ameliorated aging-induced mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., decreased oxygen respiration and increased hydrogen peroxide emission) and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling (the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening sensitivity, and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels).Resveratrol also significantly attenuated aging-induced apoptosis (determined via cleaved caspase-3 staining and TUNEL-positive myonuclei) in cardiac muscles.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that resveratrol treatment has a beneficial effect on aging-induced cardiac remodeling by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the heart.

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