1.Successful Reduction of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in a Muscular Patient Using Brachial Plexus Block: A Case Report
Seo Won KANG ; Dongkeun LIM ; Hyeongin CHO ; Ki Won LEE ; Ingyu LEE
The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;43(1):46-49
Anterior shoulder dislocation is a common injury among athletes, particularly during resistance training, where muscle resistance can complicate reduction procedures. In muscular patients, traditional reduction techniques may be challenging due to increased muscle tone and resistance. This case report describes a 29-year-old male patient who suffered an anterior shoulder dislocation while performing bench press exercises. Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB) was used, resulting in effective pain relief and muscle relaxation, enabling successful reduction without sedation or general anesthesia. This report highlights the utility of BPB in managing difficult reductions, particularly in patients with significant muscle mass.
2.Endoscopic spine surgery for obesity-related surgical challenges: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence
Wongthawat LIAWRUNGRUEANG ; Watcharaporn CHOLAMJIAK ; Peem SARASOMBATH ; Yudha Mathan SAKTI ; Pang Hung WU ; Meng-Huang WU ; Yu-Jen LU ; Lo Cho YAU ; Zenya ITO ; Sung Tan CHO ; Dong-Gune CHANG ; Kang Taek LIM
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):292-310
Obesity presents significant challenges in spinal surgery, including higher rates of perioperative complications, prolonged operative times, and delayed recovery. Traditional open spine surgery often exacerbates these risks, particularly in patients with obesity, because of extensive tissue dissection and larger incisions. Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative, offering advantages such as reduced tissue trauma, minimal blood loss, lower infection rates, and faster recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of ESS techniques, including fully endoscopic and biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy and decompression, in patients with obesity and lumbar spine pathologies. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases yielded 2,975 studies published between 2000 and 2024, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in pain relief (Visual Analog Scale) and functional outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index), with comparable results between patients with and without obesity. Patients who are obese experienced longer operative times and have a slightly higher risk of symptom recurrence; however, ESS demonstrated lower rates of wound infections, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery than traditional surgery. These findings position ESS as a viable and effective option for managing lumbar spine conditions in patients with obesity, addressing obesity-related surgical challenges while maintaining favorable clinical outcomes. However, limitations such as study heterogeneity and the lack of randomized controlled trials highlight the need for further high-quality research to refine ESS techniques and optimize patient care in this high-risk population.
3.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.
4.The SIRT6 Activator MDL-800 Inhibits PPARα and Fatty acid Oxidation-Related Gene Expression in Hepatocytes
Yeonsoo KIM ; Hyeokjin LIM ; Ye Eun CHO ; Seonghwan HWANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):438-446
A histone deacetylase SIRT6 regulates the transcription of various genes involved in lipid metabolism. Fatty acid (FA) oxidation plays a pivotal role in maintaining hepatic lipid homeostasis, and its dysregulation significantly contributes to lipotoxicity and inflammation, driving the progression of steatotic liver disease. While SIRT6 is known to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), a central regulator of FA oxidation, the development of SIRT6 activators capable of enhancing FA oxidation and mitigating steatotic liver disease has yet to be achieved. This study evaluated the effect of MDL-800, a selective SIRT6 activator, on the expression of PPARα and genes related to FA oxidation. In AML12 mouse hepatocytes, MDL-800 treatment activated SIRT6 but unexpectedly decreased the expression of PPARα and its FA oxidation-associated target genes. Furthermore, OSS128167, a selective SIRT6 inhibitor, did not reverse the suppressive effects of MDL-800 on PPARα, suggesting that MDL-800 downregulates PPARα and FA oxidation-related genes through a mechanism independent of SIRT6 activation. Mechanistic investigations revealed that MDL-800 increased the production of reactive oxygen species and activated stress kinases. The inhibition of PPARα by MDL-800 was reversed by co-treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or the JNK inhibitor SP600125.In summary, MDL-800 suppresses PPARα and FA oxidation-related genes primarily through the induction of oxidative stress in hepatocytes, independent of its role as a SIRT6 activator.
5.Relative efficacy of systemic treatments for patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a network meta‑analysis according to 17p deletion/TP53 mutations
Jinchul KIM ; Jinhyun CHO ; Joo Han LIM ; Moon Hee LEE
Blood Research 2025;60():1-
Purpose:
This network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy of systemic treatments in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (R/R CLL), focusing on key genetic mutations, specifically the 17p deletion and TP53 mutations.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic literature review to identify all publicly available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane database, and meeting abstracts published through December 2023.A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for progression-free survival (PFS) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and to determine the ranking of the included regimens.
Results:
Twelve trials involving 4,437 patients and 13 treatment options were included in the meta-analysis. Venetoclax plus rituximab and zanubrutinib emerged as the most effective treatments for the overall R/R CLL population, showing the lowest PFS HR (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.32–1.20 and HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.86, respectively) versus ibrutinib, and were ranked as the best agent (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA] value of both 90%, respectively) among the included drugs. In the 17p deletion/TP53 mutation subgroup, zanubrutinib demonstrated the most favorable efficacy (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31–0.88 versus ibrutinib) with the highest SUCRA value (97%). In patients without these mutations, venetoclax plus rituximab was the most effective (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26–0.94 versus ibrutinib) with a SUCRA value of 94%.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the superior efficacy of venetoclax plus rituximab and zanubrutinib for treating R/R CLL and confirm that the role of each regimen may vary depending on the clinically significant mutations.
6.Factors Associated with Postoperative Recurrence in Stage I to IIIA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation: Analysis of Korean National Population Data
Kyu Yean KIM ; Ho Cheol KIM ; Tae Jung KIM ; Hong Kwan KIM ; Mi Hyung MOON ; Kyongmin Sarah BECK ; Yang Gun SUH ; Chang Hoon SONG ; Jin Seok AHN ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jae Hyun JEON ; Chi Young JUNG ; Jeong Su CHO ; Yoo Duk CHOI ; Seung Sik HWANG ; Chang Min CHOI ; Seung Hun JANG ; Jeong Uk LIM ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):83-94
Purpose:
Recent development in perioperative treatment of resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have changed the landscape of early lung cancer management. The ADAURA trial has demonstrated the efficacy of adjuvant osimertinib treatment in resectable NSCLC patients; however, studies are required to show which subgroup of patients are at a high risk of relapse and require adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. This study evaluated risk factors for postoperative relapse among patients who underwent complete resection.
Materials and Methods:
Data were obtained from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R), a database created using a retrospective sampling survey by the Korean Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) and the Lung Cancer Registration Committee.
Results:
A total of 3,176 patients who underwent curative resection was evaluated. The mean observation time was approximately 35.4 months. Among stage I to IIIA NSCLC patients, the EGFR-mutant subgroup included 867 patients, and 75.2%, 11.2%, and 11.8% were classified as stage I, stage II, and stage III, respectively. Within the EGFR-mutant subgroup, 44 (5.1%) and 121 (14.0%) patients showed early and late recurrence, respectively. Multivariate analysis on association with postoperative relapse among the EGFR-mutant subgroup showed that age, pathologic N and TNM stages, pleural invasion status, and surgery type were independent significant factors.
Conclusion
Among the population that underwent complete resection for early NSCLC with EGFR mutation, patients with advanced stage, pleural invasion, or limited resection are more likely to show postoperative relapse.
7.Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP)
Jae Hoon MOON ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Wonjae CHA ; Young Jun CHAI ; Sun Wook CHO ; June Young CHOI ; Sung Yong CHOI ; A Jung CHU ; Eun-Jae CHUNG ; Yul HWANGBO ; Woo-Jin JEONG ; Yuh-Seog JUNG ; Kyungsik KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Su-jin KIM ; Woochul KIM ; Yoo Hyung KIM ; Chang Yoon LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyu Eun LEE ; Young Ki LEE ; Hunjong LIM ; Do Joon PARK ; Sue K. PARK ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Junsun RYU ; Jungirl SEOK ; Young Shin SONG ; Ka Hee YI ; Hyeong Won YU ; Eleanor WHITE ; Katerina MASTROCOSTAS ; Roderick J. CLIFTON-BLIGH ; Anthony GLOVER ; Matti L. GILD ; Ji-hoon KIM ; Young Joo PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(2):236-246
Background:
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods:
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.
8.Korean Registry on the Current Management of Helicobacter pylori (K-Hp-Reg): Interim Analysis of Adherence to the Revised Evidence-Based Guidelines for First-Line Treatment
Hyo-Joon YANG ; Joon Sung KIM ; Ji Yong AHN ; Ok-Jae LEE ; Gwang Ha KIM ; Chang Seok BANG ; Moo In PARK ; Jae Yong PARK ; Sun Moon KIM ; Su Jin HONG ; Joon Hyun CHO ; Shin Hee KIM ; Hyun Joo SONG ; Jin Woong CHO ; Sam Ryong JEE ; Hyun LIM ; Yong Hwan KWON ; Ju Yup LEE ; Seong Woo JEON ; Seon-Young PARK ; Younghee CHOE ; Moon Kyung JOO ; Dae-Hyun KIM ; Jae Myung PARK ; Beom Jin KIM ; Jong Yeul LEE ; Tae Hoon OH ; Jae Gyu KIM ;
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):364-375
Background/Aims:
The Korean guidelines for Helicobacter pylori treatment were revised in 2020, however, the extent of adherence to these guidelines in clinical practice remains unclear. Herein, we initiated a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry study in 2021 to evaluate the current management of H.pylori infection in Korea.
Methods:
This interim report describes the adherence to the revised guidelines and their impact on firstline eradication rates. Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, treatments, and eradication outcomes were collected using a web-based electronic case report form.
Results:
A total of 7,261 patients from 66 hospitals who received first-line treatment were analyzed.The modified intention-to-treat eradication rate for first-line treatment was 81.0%, with 80.4% of the prescriptions adhering to the revised guidelines. The most commonly prescribed regimen was the 14-day clarithromycin-based triple therapy (CTT; 42.0%), followed by tailored therapy (TT; 21.2%), 7-day CTT (14.1%), and 10-day concomitant therapy (CT; 10.1%). Time-trend analysis demonstrated significant increases in guideline adherence and the use of 10-day CT and TT, along with a decrease in the use of 7-day CTT (all p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that guideline adherence was significantly associated with first-line eradication success (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.61 to 2.56; p<0.001).
Conclusions
The revised guidelines for the treatment of H. pylori infection have been increasingly adopted in routine clinical practice in Korea, which may have contributed to improved first-line eradication rates. Notably, the 14-day CTT, 10-day CT, and TT regimens are emerging as the preferred first-line treatment options among Korean physicians.
9.Phenotype of Relapsing Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease in Children
Ji Yeon HAN ; Soo Yeon KIM ; Woojoong KIM ; Hunmin KIM ; Anna CHO ; Jieun CHOI ; Jong-Hee CHAE ; Ki Joong KIM ; Young Se KWON ; Il Han YOO ; Byung Chan LIM
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(1):65-73
Background:
and Purpose To determine the clinical phenotypes, relapse timing, treatment responses, and outcomes of children with relapsing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).
Methods:
We collected the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of patients aged <18 years who had been diagnosed with MOGAD at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital between January 2010 and January 2022; 100 were identified as positive for MOG antibodies, 43 of whom experienced relapse.
Results:
The median age at onset was 7 years (range 2–16 years). The median number of relapses was 2 (range 1–8), and patients were followed up for a median of 65 months (range 5–214 months). The first relapse was experienced before 3 months from onset by 15 patients (34.9%). The most-common initial phenotypes were acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (n=17, 39.5%) and optic neuritis (ON; n=11, 25.6%). The most-common relapse phenotypes were neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (n=9, 20.9%), relapsing ON (n=6, 14.0%), and multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (n=6, 14.0%). Many of the patients (n=18, 41.9%) were not specifically categorized. A high proportion of these patients had non-acute disseminated encephalomyelitis encephalitis. Atypical phenotypes such as prolonged fever or hemiplegic migraine-like episodes were also noted. Mycophenolate mofetil and cyclic immunoglobulin treatment significantly reduced the annual relapse rates.
Conclusions
Our 43 pediatric patients with relapsing MOGAD showed a tendency toward early relapse and various relapse phenotypes. The overall prognoses of these patients were good regardless of phenotype or response to second-line immunosuppressant treatment.
10.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.

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