AIM:To investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21)on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database were analyzed to determine the expression profile of the FGF21 receptor FGFR1 in RPE cells. Human ARPE-19 cells were cultured and randomly assigned to control, high glucose(30 mmol/L), and high glucose+FGF21 analog treatment groups, with additional siFGFR1 and PI3K inhibitor groups. Cell viability in different treatment groups was assessed using CCK-8 assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were quantified using DCFH-DA fluorescent probing combined with immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on cells from the high glucose group and high glucose+FGF21 group to analyze the enrichment level of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blotting was performed to detect phosphorylation levels of PI3K/Akt pathway components.RESULTS:Single-cell sequencing revealed specific expression of FGFR1 in RPE cells of retinal tissues from diabetic model mice. Under In vitro experiments, high glucose(30 mmol/L)exposure reduced ARPE-19 cell viability by 49.7% and increased ROS levels by approximately 2-fold. Whereas treatment with the FGF21 analog(60 ng/mL)restored cell viability and attenuated high glucose-induced ROS accumulation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FGFR1 knockdown inhibited the antioxidative stress of FGF21. Further validation of the molecular mechanism revealed that high glucose significantly suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway activation(the levels of p-Akt and p-PI3K were decreased by 33.9% and 36.6%, respectively), while FGF21 effectively reversed this inhibitory effect and restored the expression of p-Akt and p-PI3K. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the cytoprotective effect of FGF21 and significantly increased the ROS-positive cells, these findings confirm that PI3K/Akt signaling is indispensable downstream mechanism for FGF21 to exert its effects.CONCLUSION:FGF21 alleviates high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in RPE cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through its receptor FGFR1.

Surface proteins play pivotal roles in physiological processes, including cell recognition, signal transduction, substance transport, and immune responses. However, challenges persist in characterizing abnormal surface proteins in disease states and identifying therapeutic targets, due to the low abundance of these proteins within the total proteome and the frequent presence of their complex glycosylation modifications. Recent years have witnessed the vigorous development of chemical proteomics, leading to the successful creation of various chemical probes for the labeling and characterization of cell surface proteins. These techniques have subsequently been applied to the detection of disease surface proteins and the discovery of corresponding targets. Surface protein characterization techniques based on chemical proteomics are discussed herein, focusing on the principles of amino acid-targeted labeling, proximity labeling, and glycoprotein capture. The novelty, advantages, and limitations of techniques such as targeted lysine labeling, peroxidase and photocatalytic proximity labeling, and chemical glycan capture and metabolic glycan labeling are elaborated, and their applications across various biological models and disease types are described, aiming to provide some reference for target discovery and drug development targeting surface proteins.

Background: Preclinical studies have reported anticancer properties of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). We aimed to elucidate the association between the use of SGLT2is and the risk of prostate cancer among male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: An active-comparator, new-user cohort design using a nationwide database between September 2014 and June 2020 was conducted on 45,601 new SGLT2i users and 205,395 new users of other glucose-lowering medications (oGLMs). In the following 1:1 propensity score matched (PSM) analysis, 35,371 SGLT2i users matched with an equivalent number of oGLM users were assessed. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prostate cancer were calculated. Results: Among the cohort, prostate cancer was diagnosed in 210 out of 45,601 SGLT2i users, corresponding to a cumulative incidence of 1.0%, in contrast to 1,880 cases among 205,395 users of oGLMs, with a cumulative incidence of 1.5%. The use of SGLT2is was significantly correlated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer based on a multivariable-adjusted HR of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71 to 0.98). PSM analysis affirmed 18% reduction in prostate cancer risk associated with SGLT2i use (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.99). Subgroup analyses revealed that body mass index (BMI) significantly influenced the effect of SGLT2i on prostate cancer risk, with a more pronounced reduction in the subgroup with a BMI <25 kg/m2 (P=0.037). Conclusion The use of SGLT2is in Korean male patients with T2DM is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the hand function recovery capacity of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) patients with different severities of hand dexterity impairment. Methods: Hand functional outcome measures such as the 10-second grip and release (10s-G&R) test, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) upper extremity score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) upper extremity function were collected before surgery and at the 1-year follow-up. A total of 102 DCM patients were categorized into mild, moderate and severe group based on the preoperative 10s-G&R test result. Hand functional parameters were compared across the 3 groups. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to explore predictive factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive efficacy of the preoperative 10s-G&R test and establish the cutoff value for incomplete recovery of hand dexterity. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, significant improvements were observed in all hand functional parameters across all 3 groups. However, the incomplete recovery rates of the mild, moderate, severe groups were 26.67%, 46.88%, and 57.50%, respectively (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression revealed that preoperative 10s-G&R test result, age, Hoffmann sign, duration of symptom, and mJOA Upper score serve as significant predictors for postoperative 10s-G&R test outcomes. Patients with a preoperative 10s-G&R test < 15 cycles have a 1.9 times higher risk of incomplete recovery of hand function (p = 0.005). Conclusion Most patients, regardless of their preoperative hand function, exhibit potential for improvement in hand dexterity. However, worse initial hand dexterity correlates with poorer outcomes. Surgical treatment is recommended before the 10s-G&R test drops below 15 cycles.

Selecting the optimal surgical treatment for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy significantly affects symptom improvement, postoperative prognosis, and quality of life. Proper patient selection and precise surgical execution are crucial for achieving successful outcomes, considering the favorable natural course of cervical radiculopathy. Several factors must be considered, including the number of affected segments, spinal alignment, kyphosis degree, stiffness, and surgeon expertise, when determining the surgical approach for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. An anterior approach is commonly used in cases that involve fewer than three segments with mild kyphosis, whereas posterior laminoplasty or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are effective for cases with more than three segments with maintained lordosis. Both the degree of stiffness and spinal cord compression need to be considered for cases with kyphotic deformity. ACDF may be suitable when anterior structures are the primary source of compression and mild kyphosis is present. The decision between laminoplasty or laminectomy and fusion depends on the kyphosis degree for multilevel compression with kyphosis. An evaluation of cervical rigidity is required for severe kyphosis, and posterior laminectomy and fusion may be effective for flexible kyphosis, whereas a staged posterior–anterior–posterior approach may be required for rigid kyphosis to address both deformity and neural compression. This review summarizes recent research and presents illustrative cases of optimal surgical decision-making for various cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy presentations.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the hand function recovery capacity of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) patients with different severities of hand dexterity impairment. Methods: Hand functional outcome measures such as the 10-second grip and release (10s-G&R) test, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) upper extremity score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) upper extremity function were collected before surgery and at the 1-year follow-up. A total of 102 DCM patients were categorized into mild, moderate and severe group based on the preoperative 10s-G&R test result. Hand functional parameters were compared across the 3 groups. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to explore predictive factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive efficacy of the preoperative 10s-G&R test and establish the cutoff value for incomplete recovery of hand dexterity. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, significant improvements were observed in all hand functional parameters across all 3 groups. However, the incomplete recovery rates of the mild, moderate, severe groups were 26.67%, 46.88%, and 57.50%, respectively (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression revealed that preoperative 10s-G&R test result, age, Hoffmann sign, duration of symptom, and mJOA Upper score serve as significant predictors for postoperative 10s-G&R test outcomes. Patients with a preoperative 10s-G&R test < 15 cycles have a 1.9 times higher risk of incomplete recovery of hand function (p = 0.005). Conclusion Most patients, regardless of their preoperative hand function, exhibit potential for improvement in hand dexterity. However, worse initial hand dexterity correlates with poorer outcomes. Surgical treatment is recommended before the 10s-G&R test drops below 15 cycles.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.