Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze whether there is a change in patterns of medical use among those likely to be converted their health insurance qualifications when the family support rule is alleviated. There is no empirical analysis that converting health insurance qualification will affect the increase in medical use. Methods: For analysis, data were extracted from the national health insurance eligibility and medical care database. To identify analysis targets similar to that of medical aids’ characteristics among health insurance coverage, we compared income, property level, and medical use patterns through basic statistical analysis and used a difference-in-difference (DID) analysis to estimate the net effect of changes in medical use following the change of qualifications. Results: The main results are as follows. The results show that those who are under the 5% income group (1st income group) of health insurance coverage are the most similar to the medical aids group. DID analysis shows that changes in the medical use of people who maintain their national insurance qualification and who are not. As a results, the number of hospitalized days of converting group was reduced by 3.5 days while outpatient days were increased by 1.8 days. Conclusion As a result, there was not much difference in the patterns of medical use for the under 5% income group who are likely to be eligible for expanded medical aids when the family support rule is alleviated. In addition, more than 30% of them are in arrears with their health insurance premiums, causing inconvenience in using medical services. These findings suggest the need of abolishing the criteria obligated to support family, and great efforts should be made to contribute to non-paid poor and remove their medical blind spot.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Brain senescence causes cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. It has also been demonstrated that curcumin (Cur) and hesperetin (Hes), both antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, mediate anti-aging and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether Cur, Hes, and/or their combination exert anti-aging effects in D-galactose (Dg)-induced aged neuronal cells and rats.MATERIALS/METHODS: SH-SY5Y cells differentiated in response to retinoic acid were treated with Cur (1 μM), Hes (1 μM), or a combination of both, followed by 300 mM Dg.Neuronal loss was subsequently evaluated by measuring average neurite length and analyzing expression of β-tubulin III, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and neurofilament heavy polypeptide. Cellular senescence and related proteins, p16 and p21, were also investigated, including their regulation of antioxidant enzymes. In vivo, brain aging was induced by injecting 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) Dg. The effects of supplementing this model with 50 mg/kg b.w. Cur, 50 mg/kg b.w. Hes, or a combination of both for 3 months were subsequently evaluated. Brain aging was examined with a step-through passive avoidance test and apoptosis markers were analyzed in brain cortex tissues. RESULTS: Cur, Hes, and their combination improved neuron length and cellular senescence by decreasing the number of β-gal stained cells, down-regulated expression of p16 and p21, and up-regulated expression of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase 1, and catalase. Administration of Cur, Hes, or their combination also tended to ameliorate cognitive impairment and suppress apoptosis in the cerebral cortex by downregulating Bax and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSIONS Cur and Hes appear to attenuate Dg-induced brain aging via regulation of antioxidant enzymes and apoptosis. These results suggest that Cur and Hes may mediate neuroprotective effects in the aging process, and further study of these antioxidant polyphenolic compounds is warranted.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The umami taste receptor (TAS1R1/TAS1R3) is endogenously expressed in skeletal muscle and is involved in myogenesis; however, there is a lack of evidence about whether the expression of the umami taste receptor is involved in muscular diseases. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of the umami taste receptor and its mechanism on muscle wasting in cancer cachexia using in vivo and in vitro models.MATERIALS/METHODS: The Lewis lung carcinoma-induced cancer cachexia model was used in vivo and in vitro, and the expressions of umami taste receptor and muscle atrophy-related markers, muscle atrophy F-box protein, and muscle RING-finger protein-1 were analyzed. RESULTS: Results showed that TAS1R1 was significantly downregulated in vivo and in vitro under the muscle wasting condition. Moreover, overexpression of TAS1R1 in vitro in the human primary cell model protected the cells from muscle atrophy, and knockdown of TAS1R1 using siRNA exacerbated muscle atrophy. CONCLUSION Taken together, the umami taste receptor exerts protective effects on muscle-wasting conditions by restoring dysregulated muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia. In conclusion, this result provided evidence that the umami taste receptor exerts a therapeutic anti-cancer cachexia effect by restoring muscle atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative disease affecting the cartilage and subchondral bone, leading to temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction. The complex nature of TMJOA warrants effective alternative treatments, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promise in regenerative therapies. The aim of this study is twofold: firstly, to ascertain the optimal interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-primed MSC cell line for TMJOA treatment, and secondly, to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-γ-primed mesenchymal stem cells derived from the human umbilical cord matrix in a rat model of TMJOA. METHODS: We analyzed changes in the expression of several key genes associated with OA protection in MSC-secreted compounds. Following this, we performed co-culture experiments using a transwell system to predict gene expression changes in primed MSCs in the TMJOA environment. Subsequently, we investigated the efficacy of the selected IFN-γ-primed human umbilical cord matrix-derived MSCs (hUCM-MSCs) for TMJOA treatment in a rat model. RESULTS: IFN-γ-primed MSCs exhibited enhanced expression of IDO, TSG-6, and FGF-2. Moreover, co-culturing with rat OA chondrocytes induced a decrease in pro-inflammatory and extracellular matrix degradation factors. In the rat TMJOA model, IFN-γ-primed MSCs with elevated IDO1, TSG-6, and FGF2 expression exhibited robust anti-inflammatory and therapeutic capacities, promoting the improvement of the inflammatory environment and cartilage regeneration. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing the mitigation of the inflammatory milieu in TMJOA treatment and highlight IFN-γ-primed MSCs secreting these three factors as a promising, comprehensive therapeutic strategy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.