1.Glutathione’s Role in Liver Metabolism and Hangover Symptom Relief: Dysregulation of Protein S-Glutathionylation and Antioxidant Enzymes
Hwa-Young LEE ; Geum-Hwa LEE ; Do-Sung KIM ; Young Jae LIM ; Boram CHO ; Hojung JUNG ; Hyun-shik CHOI ; Soonok SA ; Wookyung CHUNG ; Hyewon LEE ; Myoung Ja CHUNG ; Junghyun KIM ; Han-Jung CHAE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):117-128
Hangovers from alcohol consumption cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue, disrupting daily activities and overall well-being. Over time, they can also lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. Effective hangover relief alleviates symptoms, prevents dehydration, and replenishes energy needed for daily tasks. Natural foods considered high in antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties may aid in the hepatic breakdown of alcohol. The study aims to investigate the impact of glutathione or its enriched yeast extract, which is recognized for its antioxidant characteristics, on alcohol metabolism and alleviating hangovers in a rat model exposed to binge drinking. In this study, glutathione and its enriched yeast extract controlled hangover behaviour patterns, including locomotor activity. Additionally, it enhanced the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) following ethanol ingestion (3 g/kg). Further, the incorporation of glutathione led to an increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD and catalase, by activating the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.This activation reduced the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Next, glutathione modulated the activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and the protein expressions of Bax and Bcl2. Besides, in vitro and in vivo investigations with glutathione demonstrated a regulating effect on the pan-s-glutathionylation and its associated protein expression, glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), glutathione-S-transferase Pi (GST-π), and glutathione reductase (GR). Together, these findings suggest that glutathione or its enriched yeast extract as a beneficial dietary supplement for alleviating hangover symptoms by enhancing alcohol metabolism and its associated Nrf2/Keap1 signalings.
2.Genetic Characteristics of 63 Patients with Non-syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa at a Single Korean Institution
Sa Ra KIM ; Jae Hui KIM ; Won Tae YOON ; Young Ju LEW
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(1):36-44
Purpose:
To investigate the genetic characteristics of patients with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) analyzed at a single institution.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 63 patients clinically diagnosed with non-syndromic RP who underwent genetic testing. The clinical features of patients exhibiting the most common mutations, EYS and USH2A, were further assessed through routine ophthalmic examinations.
Results:
Of the 63 patients, 22 (34.9%) exhibited significant mutations. Notably, EYS and USH2A mutations were each found in 5 patients (7.9%); RP1 mutations were found in 4 patients (6.3%). The average ages at diagnosis were 38.8 years for EYS mutations and 41.8 years for USH2A mutations. The average best-corrected visual acuities were logMAR 0.08 for EYS mutations and logMAR 0.51 for USH2A mutations. Both mutation types showed a decrease in the normal macular area in fundus photographs with increasing age. In USH2A mutations, optical coherence tomography revealed a more pronounced reduction in central macular thickness and central foveal ellipsoid length compared with EYS mutations. Visual field tests indicated a reduction within the central 10° in 40% of EYS mutations and 60% of USH2A mutations. Electroretinography showed non-detectable responses in 2 individuals with EYS mutations and 4 individuals with USH2A mutations (40% and 80%, respectively).
Conclusions
EYS and USH2A mutations represented 45% of the genetically identified cases; affected patients typically were diagnosed in their 40s. EYS mutations tended to preserve retinal function and central foveal structure better than USH2A mutations.
3.Evaluating Rituximab Failure Rates in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Nationwide Real-World Study From South Korea
Su-Hyun KIM ; Ju-Hong MIN ; Sung-Min KIM ; Eun-Jae LEE ; Young-Min LIM ; Ha Young SHIN ; Young Nam KWON ; Eunhee SOHN ; Sooyoung KIM ; Min Su PARK ; Tai-Seung NAM ; Byeol-A YOON ; Jong Kuk KIM ; Kyong Jin SHIN ; Yoo Hwan KIM ; Jin Myoung SEOK ; Jeong Bin BONG ; Sohyeon KIM ; Hung Youl SEOK ; Sun-Young OH ; Ohyun KWON ; Sunyoung KIM ; Sukyoon LEE ; Nam-Hee KIM ; Eun Bin CHO ; Sa-Yoon KANG ; Seong-il OH ; Jong Seok BAE ; Suk-Won AHN ; Ki Hoon KIM ; You-Ri KANG ; Woohee JU ; Seung Ho CHOO ; Yeon Hak CHUNG ; Jae-Won HYUN ; Ho Jin KIM
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(2):131-136
Background:
and Purpose Treatments for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) such as eculizumab, ravulizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have significantly advanced relapse prevention, but they remain expensive. Rituximab is an off-label yet popular alternative that offers a cost-effective solution, but its real-world efficacy needs better quantification for guiding the application of newer approved NMOSD treatments (ANTs). This study aimed to determine real-world rituximab failure rates to anticipate the demand for ANTs and aid in resource allocation.
Methods:
We conducted a nationwide retrospective study involving 605 aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patients from 22 centers in South Korea that assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab over a median follow-up of 47 months.
Results:
The 605 patients treated with rituximab included 525 (87%) who received continuous therapy throughout the follow-up period (median=47 months, interquartile range=15–87 months). During this period, 117 patients (19%) experienced at least 1 relapse. Notably, 68 of these patients (11% of the total cohort) experienced multiple relapses or at least 1 severe relapse.Additionally, 2% of the patients discontinued rituximab due to adverse events, which included severe infusion reactions, neutropenia, and infections.
Conclusions
This study has confirmed the efficacy of rituximab in treating NMOSD, as evidenced by an 87% continuation rate among patients over a 4-year follow-up period. Nevertheless, the occurrence of at least one relapse in 19% of the cohort, including 11% who experienced multiple or severe relapses, and a 2% discontinuation rate due to adverse events highlight the urgent need for alternative therapeutic options.
4.Glutathione’s Role in Liver Metabolism and Hangover Symptom Relief: Dysregulation of Protein S-Glutathionylation and Antioxidant Enzymes
Hwa-Young LEE ; Geum-Hwa LEE ; Do-Sung KIM ; Young Jae LIM ; Boram CHO ; Hojung JUNG ; Hyun-shik CHOI ; Soonok SA ; Wookyung CHUNG ; Hyewon LEE ; Myoung Ja CHUNG ; Junghyun KIM ; Han-Jung CHAE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):117-128
Hangovers from alcohol consumption cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue, disrupting daily activities and overall well-being. Over time, they can also lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. Effective hangover relief alleviates symptoms, prevents dehydration, and replenishes energy needed for daily tasks. Natural foods considered high in antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties may aid in the hepatic breakdown of alcohol. The study aims to investigate the impact of glutathione or its enriched yeast extract, which is recognized for its antioxidant characteristics, on alcohol metabolism and alleviating hangovers in a rat model exposed to binge drinking. In this study, glutathione and its enriched yeast extract controlled hangover behaviour patterns, including locomotor activity. Additionally, it enhanced the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) following ethanol ingestion (3 g/kg). Further, the incorporation of glutathione led to an increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD and catalase, by activating the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.This activation reduced the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Next, glutathione modulated the activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and the protein expressions of Bax and Bcl2. Besides, in vitro and in vivo investigations with glutathione demonstrated a regulating effect on the pan-s-glutathionylation and its associated protein expression, glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), glutathione-S-transferase Pi (GST-π), and glutathione reductase (GR). Together, these findings suggest that glutathione or its enriched yeast extract as a beneficial dietary supplement for alleviating hangover symptoms by enhancing alcohol metabolism and its associated Nrf2/Keap1 signalings.
5.Evaluating Rituximab Failure Rates in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Nationwide Real-World Study From South Korea
Su-Hyun KIM ; Ju-Hong MIN ; Sung-Min KIM ; Eun-Jae LEE ; Young-Min LIM ; Ha Young SHIN ; Young Nam KWON ; Eunhee SOHN ; Sooyoung KIM ; Min Su PARK ; Tai-Seung NAM ; Byeol-A YOON ; Jong Kuk KIM ; Kyong Jin SHIN ; Yoo Hwan KIM ; Jin Myoung SEOK ; Jeong Bin BONG ; Sohyeon KIM ; Hung Youl SEOK ; Sun-Young OH ; Ohyun KWON ; Sunyoung KIM ; Sukyoon LEE ; Nam-Hee KIM ; Eun Bin CHO ; Sa-Yoon KANG ; Seong-il OH ; Jong Seok BAE ; Suk-Won AHN ; Ki Hoon KIM ; You-Ri KANG ; Woohee JU ; Seung Ho CHOO ; Yeon Hak CHUNG ; Jae-Won HYUN ; Ho Jin KIM
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(2):131-136
Background:
and Purpose Treatments for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) such as eculizumab, ravulizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have significantly advanced relapse prevention, but they remain expensive. Rituximab is an off-label yet popular alternative that offers a cost-effective solution, but its real-world efficacy needs better quantification for guiding the application of newer approved NMOSD treatments (ANTs). This study aimed to determine real-world rituximab failure rates to anticipate the demand for ANTs and aid in resource allocation.
Methods:
We conducted a nationwide retrospective study involving 605 aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patients from 22 centers in South Korea that assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab over a median follow-up of 47 months.
Results:
The 605 patients treated with rituximab included 525 (87%) who received continuous therapy throughout the follow-up period (median=47 months, interquartile range=15–87 months). During this period, 117 patients (19%) experienced at least 1 relapse. Notably, 68 of these patients (11% of the total cohort) experienced multiple relapses or at least 1 severe relapse.Additionally, 2% of the patients discontinued rituximab due to adverse events, which included severe infusion reactions, neutropenia, and infections.
Conclusions
This study has confirmed the efficacy of rituximab in treating NMOSD, as evidenced by an 87% continuation rate among patients over a 4-year follow-up period. Nevertheless, the occurrence of at least one relapse in 19% of the cohort, including 11% who experienced multiple or severe relapses, and a 2% discontinuation rate due to adverse events highlight the urgent need for alternative therapeutic options.
6.Genetic Characteristics of 63 Patients with Non-syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa at a Single Korean Institution
Sa Ra KIM ; Jae Hui KIM ; Won Tae YOON ; Young Ju LEW
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(1):36-44
Purpose:
To investigate the genetic characteristics of patients with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) analyzed at a single institution.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 63 patients clinically diagnosed with non-syndromic RP who underwent genetic testing. The clinical features of patients exhibiting the most common mutations, EYS and USH2A, were further assessed through routine ophthalmic examinations.
Results:
Of the 63 patients, 22 (34.9%) exhibited significant mutations. Notably, EYS and USH2A mutations were each found in 5 patients (7.9%); RP1 mutations were found in 4 patients (6.3%). The average ages at diagnosis were 38.8 years for EYS mutations and 41.8 years for USH2A mutations. The average best-corrected visual acuities were logMAR 0.08 for EYS mutations and logMAR 0.51 for USH2A mutations. Both mutation types showed a decrease in the normal macular area in fundus photographs with increasing age. In USH2A mutations, optical coherence tomography revealed a more pronounced reduction in central macular thickness and central foveal ellipsoid length compared with EYS mutations. Visual field tests indicated a reduction within the central 10° in 40% of EYS mutations and 60% of USH2A mutations. Electroretinography showed non-detectable responses in 2 individuals with EYS mutations and 4 individuals with USH2A mutations (40% and 80%, respectively).
Conclusions
EYS and USH2A mutations represented 45% of the genetically identified cases; affected patients typically were diagnosed in their 40s. EYS mutations tended to preserve retinal function and central foveal structure better than USH2A mutations.
7.Glutathione’s Role in Liver Metabolism and Hangover Symptom Relief: Dysregulation of Protein S-Glutathionylation and Antioxidant Enzymes
Hwa-Young LEE ; Geum-Hwa LEE ; Do-Sung KIM ; Young Jae LIM ; Boram CHO ; Hojung JUNG ; Hyun-shik CHOI ; Soonok SA ; Wookyung CHUNG ; Hyewon LEE ; Myoung Ja CHUNG ; Junghyun KIM ; Han-Jung CHAE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):117-128
Hangovers from alcohol consumption cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue, disrupting daily activities and overall well-being. Over time, they can also lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. Effective hangover relief alleviates symptoms, prevents dehydration, and replenishes energy needed for daily tasks. Natural foods considered high in antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties may aid in the hepatic breakdown of alcohol. The study aims to investigate the impact of glutathione or its enriched yeast extract, which is recognized for its antioxidant characteristics, on alcohol metabolism and alleviating hangovers in a rat model exposed to binge drinking. In this study, glutathione and its enriched yeast extract controlled hangover behaviour patterns, including locomotor activity. Additionally, it enhanced the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) following ethanol ingestion (3 g/kg). Further, the incorporation of glutathione led to an increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD and catalase, by activating the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.This activation reduced the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Next, glutathione modulated the activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and the protein expressions of Bax and Bcl2. Besides, in vitro and in vivo investigations with glutathione demonstrated a regulating effect on the pan-s-glutathionylation and its associated protein expression, glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), glutathione-S-transferase Pi (GST-π), and glutathione reductase (GR). Together, these findings suggest that glutathione or its enriched yeast extract as a beneficial dietary supplement for alleviating hangover symptoms by enhancing alcohol metabolism and its associated Nrf2/Keap1 signalings.
8.Evaluating Rituximab Failure Rates in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Nationwide Real-World Study From South Korea
Su-Hyun KIM ; Ju-Hong MIN ; Sung-Min KIM ; Eun-Jae LEE ; Young-Min LIM ; Ha Young SHIN ; Young Nam KWON ; Eunhee SOHN ; Sooyoung KIM ; Min Su PARK ; Tai-Seung NAM ; Byeol-A YOON ; Jong Kuk KIM ; Kyong Jin SHIN ; Yoo Hwan KIM ; Jin Myoung SEOK ; Jeong Bin BONG ; Sohyeon KIM ; Hung Youl SEOK ; Sun-Young OH ; Ohyun KWON ; Sunyoung KIM ; Sukyoon LEE ; Nam-Hee KIM ; Eun Bin CHO ; Sa-Yoon KANG ; Seong-il OH ; Jong Seok BAE ; Suk-Won AHN ; Ki Hoon KIM ; You-Ri KANG ; Woohee JU ; Seung Ho CHOO ; Yeon Hak CHUNG ; Jae-Won HYUN ; Ho Jin KIM
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(2):131-136
Background:
and Purpose Treatments for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) such as eculizumab, ravulizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have significantly advanced relapse prevention, but they remain expensive. Rituximab is an off-label yet popular alternative that offers a cost-effective solution, but its real-world efficacy needs better quantification for guiding the application of newer approved NMOSD treatments (ANTs). This study aimed to determine real-world rituximab failure rates to anticipate the demand for ANTs and aid in resource allocation.
Methods:
We conducted a nationwide retrospective study involving 605 aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patients from 22 centers in South Korea that assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab over a median follow-up of 47 months.
Results:
The 605 patients treated with rituximab included 525 (87%) who received continuous therapy throughout the follow-up period (median=47 months, interquartile range=15–87 months). During this period, 117 patients (19%) experienced at least 1 relapse. Notably, 68 of these patients (11% of the total cohort) experienced multiple relapses or at least 1 severe relapse.Additionally, 2% of the patients discontinued rituximab due to adverse events, which included severe infusion reactions, neutropenia, and infections.
Conclusions
This study has confirmed the efficacy of rituximab in treating NMOSD, as evidenced by an 87% continuation rate among patients over a 4-year follow-up period. Nevertheless, the occurrence of at least one relapse in 19% of the cohort, including 11% who experienced multiple or severe relapses, and a 2% discontinuation rate due to adverse events highlight the urgent need for alternative therapeutic options.
9.Genetic Characteristics of 63 Patients with Non-syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa at a Single Korean Institution
Sa Ra KIM ; Jae Hui KIM ; Won Tae YOON ; Young Ju LEW
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(1):36-44
Purpose:
To investigate the genetic characteristics of patients with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) analyzed at a single institution.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 63 patients clinically diagnosed with non-syndromic RP who underwent genetic testing. The clinical features of patients exhibiting the most common mutations, EYS and USH2A, were further assessed through routine ophthalmic examinations.
Results:
Of the 63 patients, 22 (34.9%) exhibited significant mutations. Notably, EYS and USH2A mutations were each found in 5 patients (7.9%); RP1 mutations were found in 4 patients (6.3%). The average ages at diagnosis were 38.8 years for EYS mutations and 41.8 years for USH2A mutations. The average best-corrected visual acuities were logMAR 0.08 for EYS mutations and logMAR 0.51 for USH2A mutations. Both mutation types showed a decrease in the normal macular area in fundus photographs with increasing age. In USH2A mutations, optical coherence tomography revealed a more pronounced reduction in central macular thickness and central foveal ellipsoid length compared with EYS mutations. Visual field tests indicated a reduction within the central 10° in 40% of EYS mutations and 60% of USH2A mutations. Electroretinography showed non-detectable responses in 2 individuals with EYS mutations and 4 individuals with USH2A mutations (40% and 80%, respectively).
Conclusions
EYS and USH2A mutations represented 45% of the genetically identified cases; affected patients typically were diagnosed in their 40s. EYS mutations tended to preserve retinal function and central foveal structure better than USH2A mutations.
10.Clinical Usefulness of a Cell-based Assay for Detecting Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies in Central Nervous System Inflammatory Disorders
Jin Myoung SEOK ; Patrick WATERS ; Mi Young JEON ; Hye Lim LEE ; Seol-Hee BAEK ; Jin-Sung PARK ; Sa-Yoon KANG ; Ohyun KWON ; Jeeyoung OH ; Byung-Jo KIM ; Kyung-Ah PARK ; Sei Yeul OH ; Byoung Joon KIM ; Ju-Hong MIN
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2024;44(1):56-63
Background:
The clinical implications of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein autoantibodies (MOG-Abs) are increasing. Establishing MOG-Ab assays is essential for effectively treating patients with MOG-Abs. We established an in-house cell-based assay (CBA) to detect MOG-Abs to identify correlations with patients’ clinical characteristics.
Methods:
We established the CBA using HEK 293 cells transiently overexpressing fulllength human MOG, tested it against 166 samples from a multicenter registry of central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorders, and compared the results with those of the Oxford MOG-Ab-based CBA and a commercial MOG-Ab CBA kit. We recruited additional patients with MOG-Abs and compared the clinical characteristics of MOG-Ab-associated disease (MOGAD) with those of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).
Results:
Of 166 samples tested, 10 tested positive for MOG-Abs, with optic neuritis (ON) being the most common manifestation (4/15, 26.7%). The in-house and Oxford MOG-Ab CBAs agreed for 164/166 (98.8%) samples (κ = 0.883, P < 0.001); two patients (2/166, 1.2%) were only positive in our in-house CBA, and the CBA scores of the two laboratories correlated well (r = 0.663, P < 0.001). The commercial MOG-Ab CBA kit showed one falsenegative and three false-positive results. The clinical presentation at disease onset differed between MOGAD and NMOSD; ON was the most frequent manifestation in MOGAD, and transverse myelitis was most frequent in NMOSD.
Conclusions
The in-house CBA for MOG-Abs demonstrated reliable results and can potentially be used to evaluate CNS inflammatory disorders. A comprehensive, long-term study with a large patient population would clarify the clinical significance of MOG-Abs.

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