BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Brain aging is a major risk factor for severe neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, L-histidine and L-carnosine are known to exhibit neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to examine the potential for L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination to mediate anti-brain aging effects in neuronal cells subjected to D-galactose-induced aging.MATERIALS/METHODS: The neuroprotective potential of L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination was examined in a retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiated SH-SY5Y cell line exposed to D-galactose (200 mM) for 48 h. Neuronal cell proliferation, differentiation, and expression of anti-oxidant enzymes and apoptosis markers were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: Treatment with L-histidine (1 mM), L-carnosine (10 mM), or both for 48 h efficiently improved the proliferation, neurogenesis, and senescence of D-galactose-treated SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, protein expression levels of both neuronal markers (β tubulin-III and neurofilament heavy protein) and anti-oxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase-1 and superoxide dismutase-1 were up-regulated. Conversely, protein expression levels of amyloid β (1-42) and cleaved caspase-3 were down-regulated. Levels of mRNA for the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were also down-regulated. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that L-histidine, L-carnosine, and their combination mediate anti-aging effects in a neuronal cell line subjected to D-galactose-induced aging. These results suggest the potential benefits of L-histidine and L-carnosine as anti-brain aging agents and they support further research of these amino acid molecules.

Purpose: To compare the diagnosis and treatment outcome of lacrimal drainage obstruction of patients who underwent systemic chemotherapy (CTx) or radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) by using dacryoendoscopy and at the same time performing dacryoendoscopy-guided silicone tube insertion (STI) to treat epiphora. Methods: From July 2017 to December 2020, the medical records of 11 patients (16 eyes) were diagnosed with lacrimal drainage obstruction after CTx or RAI and underwent dacryoendoscopy-guided STI were reviewed retrospectively. We tried to count the number of obstructive sites in total patients using slit-lamp examination and dacryoendoscopic findings. Results: A total of 11 patients, 16 eyes, were enrolled in this study. The onset of epiphora in the CTx group (3.0 ± 4.0 months) was significantly shorter than that in the RAI group (52.6 ± 36.5 months, p = 0.001). There were total 32 obstructive sites including 28 obstructive sites of dacryoendoscopic findings and four sites of punctual stenosis in total 16 cases. Using dacryoendoscopy, granulation findings was dominant in RAI patients (p = 0.038) and mucus finding was frequent mostly in lacrimal sac and canaliculus. In the CTx group, mucosal edema finding was dominant (p = 0.038) and fibrotic membrane finding was frequent in all levels of lacrimal drainage system. Regarding the obstructive location, lacrimal sac was the most frequently obstructed site in the two groups (p = 0.038). Conclusions The onset of epiphora in the CTx group was significantly earlier than in the RAI group. In the CTx group, mucosal edema finding was frequent in all levels of lacrimal drainage system. In the RAI group, granulation finding was frequent mostly in lacrimal sac and canaliculus. Since the clinical outcome was satisfactory, intervention with dacryoendoscopy-guided STI could be a treatment of choice in patients with epiphora after CTx or RAI.

Vitamin A (Vit A) is a lipid-soluble vitamin required for diverse normal body functions, including good vision, reproduction, growth, development, and cellular differentiation. The therapeutic effects of Vit A have been demonstrated for the treatments of inflammation, low immunity, and cancer. The present review discusses the scientific evidence for establishing the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRI) for Vit A, issues caused by unit change of Vit A, and suggestions for the 2025 KDRI revision. Due to the changes in the standard bodyweight observed in several age groups, the 2020 KDRI had minor revisions as compared to the 2015 KDRI. In the 2015 KDRI, the Vit A unit has changed from retinol equivalent (RE) to retinol activity equivalent (RAE) and the activity of carotenoids became half with RAE compared to RE due to this unit change. Since the Vit A intake of Koreans relies heavily on plant-based carotenoids, the dietary intake of Vit A in Koreans as determined by considering the RAE was much lower than values obtained with RE. The analysis for Vit A intake by the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey only reflects intakes of retinol and beta-carotene. Thus, it would be necessary to include the consumption of other provitamin A, such as alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Moreover, assessing the amounts of Vit A in foods should be customized to Korean diets since there are seasonal variations in the carotenoid concentration of plants. Moreover, other factors such as age- and sex-specific intake data and considerations of baseline micronutrient status, body mass index, and dietary patterns should be considered for developing more precise KDRI. In particular, the Vit A requirement needs to be met by consuming diverse foods, including animal foods.

BACKGROUND: Beta-carotene (BC) is a carotenoid which exerts anti-cancer effects in several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Epigenetic modifications of genes, such as histone deacetylation and DNA hypermethylation, have also been detected in various types of cancer. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying cancer preventive and therapeutic effects of BC, microRNAs (miRNAs), histone acetylation, and global DNA methylation in colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) were investigated.METHODS: HCT116 colon cancer cells positive for expression of CD44 and CD133 were sorted by flow cytometry and used in subsequent experiments. Cell proliferation was examined by the MTT assay and self-renewal capacity was analyzed by the sphere formation assay. The miRNA sequencing array was used to detect miRNAs regulated by BC. Histone acetylation levels were measured by the Western blot analysis. mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) was examined by qPCR and global DNA methylation levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Treatment of CD44⁺CD133⁺ colon CSCs with BC caused a reduction in both cell proliferation and sphere formation. Analysis of the miRNA sequencing array showed that BC regulated expression of miRNAs associated with histone acetylation. Histone H3 and H4 acetylation levels were elevated by BC treatment. In addition, BC treatment down-regulated DNMT3A mRNA expression and global DNA methylation in colon CSCs.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that BC regulates epigenetic modifications for its anti-cancer effects in colon CSCs.
Acetylation ; beta Carotene ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Proliferation ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; DNA Methylation ; DNA ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epigenomics ; Flow Cytometry ; Histones ; Methyltransferases ; MicroRNAs ; RNA, Messenger ; Stem Cells ; Therapeutic Uses

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Excess intake of dietary sodium, either directly or indirectly, increases the risk of several diseases, including cardio-cerebral vascular diseases such as stroke and hypertension. Excessive sodium intake and increased prevalence of hypertension have emerged as major issues worldwide. Therefore, the present study evaluated the recent trends in dietary sodium intake and the food sources of sodium intake in the Korean population using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2013–2017) data. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study used the one-day 24-h recall dietary intake survey data from the 2013–2017 KNHANES to determine the average daily sodium intake by sex and age and the main dishes and food groups contributing to the dietary sodium intake. RESULTS: The mean sodium intake range was 3,477.2–3,889.6 mg/day during 2013–2017. The major food groups contributing to sodium intake were seasonings (1,597.5–1,870.5 mg/day), vegetables (680.4–756.7 mg/day), and cereal and grains (573.2–609.4 mg/day). Noodles and dumplings (536.7–573.2 mg/day), kimchi (487.3–539.6 mg/day), and soups (367.6–428.9 mg/day) were the top three dish groups that contributed to the sodium intake. In these dishes, the major sources of sodium intake were ramyeon (age groups 10–18 and 19–29 yrs), baechukimchi (age groups 40–49 and 50–59 yrs) and doenjang-kuk (age groups 60–69 and ≥ 70 yrs), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In summary, reducing the consumption of soups and kimchi is an effective way to reduce sodium intake. Personalized nutrition education on dietary sodium intake management is required because of the different food sources contributing to the sodium intake according to the subjects' age.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Excess intake of dietary sodium, either directly or indirectly, increases the risk of several diseases, including cardio-cerebral vascular diseases such as stroke and hypertension. Excessive sodium intake and increased prevalence of hypertension have emerged as major issues worldwide. Therefore, the present study evaluated the recent trends in dietary sodium intake and the food sources of sodium intake in the Korean population using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2013–2017) data. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study used the one-day 24-h recall dietary intake survey data from the 2013–2017 KNHANES to determine the average daily sodium intake by sex and age and the main dishes and food groups contributing to the dietary sodium intake. RESULTS: The mean sodium intake range was 3,477.2–3,889.6 mg/day during 2013–2017. The major food groups contributing to sodium intake were seasonings (1,597.5–1,870.5 mg/day), vegetables (680.4–756.7 mg/day), and cereal and grains (573.2–609.4 mg/day). Noodles and dumplings (536.7–573.2 mg/day), kimchi (487.3–539.6 mg/day), and soups (367.6–428.9 mg/day) were the top three dish groups that contributed to the sodium intake. In these dishes, the major sources of sodium intake were ramyeon (age groups 10–18 and 19–29 yrs), baechukimchi (age groups 40–49 and 50–59 yrs) and doenjang-kuk (age groups 60–69 and ≥ 70 yrs), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In summary, reducing the consumption of soups and kimchi is an effective way to reduce sodium intake. Personalized nutrition education on dietary sodium intake management is required because of the different food sources contributing to the sodium intake according to the subjects' age.

The prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus extending to the inferior vena cava (IVC) is extremely poor. Herein, we present a rare case of advanced HCC that was treated with sorafenib and radiotherapy, leading to complete remission. This patient had a 9 cm infiltrative HCC occupying almost the entire left lobe with a tumor thrombus extending through the hepatic vein, IVC, and left portal vein. The patient received 400 mg sorafenib twice daily. One year after the start of sorafenib, intensity-modulated radiation therapy for viable HCC and tumor thrombus was performed with a dose of 5,500 cGy. Twenty-seven months after the starting date of sorafenib, there was no intratumoral arterial enhancement, which suggested a complete response according to the modified RECIST criteria. This case suggests that the combination of sorafenib and radiotherapy might provide clinical benefits in patients with advanced HCC with IVC tumor thrombus.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Unhealthy dietary behaviors constitute one of risk the factors for chronic and cardiovascular diseases, which are prevalent in middle-aged and older populations. Milk and dairy products are high-quality foods and important sources of calcium. Calcium protects against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study investigated the association of milk and dairy product consumption with cardiocerebrovascular disease incidence in middle-aged and older Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data were derived from the Ansan–Anseong cohort study, and a total of 8,009 individuals aged 40–69 years were selected and followed up biennially. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of milk and dairy product consumption with cardio-cerebrovascular disease incidence. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 96.5 person-months, 552 new cases of cardiocerebrovascular disease were documented. Milk consumers (< 1 serving/day) exhibited a 23% lower risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease incidence than non-milk consumers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.97; P for trend = 0.842). High yogurt consumption was associated with a 29% lower incidence risk (≥ 0.5 servings/day vs. none: HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53–0.96; P for trend = 0.049), whereas high ice cream consumption was associated with a 70% higher risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease incidence (≥ 0.5 servings/ day vs. none: HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.01–2.88; P for trend = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that less than one serving of milk and high yogurt consumption are associated with a lower cardio-cerebrovascular disease risk in the middleaged and older populations.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is considered a serious health issue worldwide and is influenced by risk factors, including physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. Myokines secreted by muscles during physical activity play a crucial role in cancer development and the immune system. Genistein (Gen), an isoflavone primarily in legumes, induces anti-cancer activity by regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, this study investigated the potential anti-cancer effect of a combination of myokine and Gen on the human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.MATERIALS/METHODS: MCF-7, a human breast cancer cell line, was used for in vitro study. The cell viability of MCF-7 cells was evaluated in response to treatment with myokines, irisin (Iri), oncostatin M (OSM), and Gen using the MTT assay. Clonogenic and sphere formation assays were used to evaluate the self-renewal capacity of breast CSCs. The mRNA expression levels of stem cell markers were analyzed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. RESULTS: Administering Iri or OSM with Gen significantly inhibited the self-renewal capacity of MCF-7 cells. In addition, mRNA expression of breast CSC markers SOX2 and OCT4, which are characteristic of CSCs, was suppressed by both myokine and Gen. However, combining Iri or OSM with Gen was the most effective treatment. CONCLUSION These results suggested that combining Iri or OSM with Gen has an additive effect on breast CSCs by regulating self-renewal capacity and expression of CSCs markers.Therefore, the combination of myokines and Gen may have the therapeutic potential for treating breast cancer and improving the quality of life of cancer patients.