1.Associations of Cardiocerebrovascular Risks and Exercise according to Menopausal Status in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Ji-Hee KO ; Sun Joon MOON ; Kyung-Do HAN ; Hye-Mi KWON ; Se-Eun PARK ; Eun-Jung RHEE ; Won-Young LEE
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):101-114
Background:
Menopausal status can increase the risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Regular exercise is well-known to reduce this risk. This study explored the impact of exercise on CCVD and mortality in women with T2DM according to their menopausal status.
Methods:
A total of 32,477 premenopausal and 53,690 postmenopausal Korean women with T2DM aged 40 to 60 years from a national health examination cohort (2009 to 2018) were included. We evaluated risks for stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality based on exercise intensity. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to obtain the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval.
Results:
Exercise reduced stroke, MI, and mortality risks in women with T2DM, regardless of menopausal status. The highest effects of aHR compared to the sedentary group were 0.68 for stroke, 0.66 for MI, and 0.81 for mortality. Postmenopausal women experienced significant MI risk reductions at most exercise intensities, with the greatest reduction in the ≥1,500 metabolic equivalent of task score group unlike premenopausal women. However, stroke and mortality risk reductions in postmenopausal women were less pronounced compared to premenopausal women.
Conclusion
Exercise reduces CCVD risk in women with T2DM across menopausal status. Postmenopausal women with T2DM had more benefits from exercise on MI but fewer benefits on stroke and mortality than premenopausal women. In premenopausal women with T2DM, exercise was not associated with a lower MI risk.
2.Early-Onset Dementia Risk Escalates with Diabetes Duration: Insights from a Nationwide Cohort Study
Ji-Hong PARK ; Sun-Joon MOON ; Da Yeon LEE ; Ji-Hee KO ; Han Na JANG ; Hye-Mi KWON ; Se-Eun PARK ; Kyung-Do HAN ; Eun-Jung RHEE ; Won-Young LEE
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):235-244
Background:
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and early-onset dementia (EOD), defined as dementia diagnosed at an age <65 years, is increasing worldwide, with significant socioeconomic implications. We investigated the association between diabetes, prediabetes, and EOD, focusing on the influence of diabetes duration on EOD risk.
Methods:
Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed data from 1,979,509 patients aged 40–60 years who underwent health checkups in 2009. Patients were categorized into five groups: normal, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), newly diagnosed diabetes, diabetes duration <5 years, and diabetes duration ≥5 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for EOD after adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates.
Results:
During the observation period (mean 7.75 years), 8,921 patients with EOD were identified. The diabetes group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the normal group (aHR, 1.334; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.226 to 1.451). EOD risk increased with longer diabetes duration, with the highest risk observed in patients with diabetes ≥5 years (aHR, 1.543; 95% CI, 1.368 to 1.741). No significant difference was observed between the IFG and normal groups (aHR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.938 to 1.043). Additionally, the hypertension group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the non-hypertension group (aHR, 1.364; 95% CI, 1.291 to 1.442).
Conclusion
Diabetes is independently associated with increased risk of EOD, and this risk increases with longer diabetes duration. This association remained significant regardless of the presence and duration of hypertension.
3.Association Between Childhood Trauma and Anhedonia-Related Symptoms: The Mediation Role of Trait Anhedonia and Circulating Proteins
Sang Jin RHEE ; Dongyoon SHIN ; Daun SHIN ; Yoojin SONG ; Eun-Jeong JOO ; Hee Yeon JUNG ; Sungwon ROH ; Sang-Hyuk LEE ; Hyeyoung KIM ; Minji BANG ; Kyu Young LEE ; Jihyeon LEE ; Yeongshin KIM ; Youngsoo KIM ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e66-
Background:
Though accumulating evidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and anhedonia, further analysis is needed to consider specific traumatic dimensions, both traits and state anhedonia, and the role of circulating proteins. Therefore, this study investigated the association between different types of childhood traumas and their influence on anhedonia-related symptoms, and to evaluate the influence of anhedonia traits and plasma proteins as mediators.
Methods:
This study included 170 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls aged 19–65 years. Multiple reaction monitoring was performed to quantify plasma proteins, and 464 proteins were analyzed. The association between childhood trauma dimensions, anhedonic traits, and related symptoms was analyzed with linear regression. A series of mediation analyses was performed to determine whether anhedonic traits and plasma proteins mediated the association between childhood trauma and anhedonia-related symptoms.
Results:
Childhood emotional neglect was significantly associated with anhedonic traits and anhedonia-related symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of anhedonic traits for childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms (effect = 0.037; bias-corrected CI, 0.009 to 0.070) was statistically significant. The indirect effect of plasma TNR5 for anhedonic traits on anhedonia-related symptoms was statistically significant (effect = −0.011; bias-corrected CI, −0.026 to −0.002). Serial mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms via anhedonic traits and TNR5 was statistically significant (effect = 0.007; biascorrected CI, 0.001 to 0.017).
Conclusion
Anhedonic traits and plasma TNR5 protein levels serially mediated the association between childhood emotional neglect and anhedonia-related symptoms.The study highlights the importance of considering both psychopathological traits and biological correlates when investigating the association between childhood trauma and psychopathological symptoms.
4.Association Between Childhood Trauma and Anhedonia-Related Symptoms: The Mediation Role of Trait Anhedonia and Circulating Proteins
Sang Jin RHEE ; Dongyoon SHIN ; Daun SHIN ; Yoojin SONG ; Eun-Jeong JOO ; Hee Yeon JUNG ; Sungwon ROH ; Sang-Hyuk LEE ; Hyeyoung KIM ; Minji BANG ; Kyu Young LEE ; Jihyeon LEE ; Yeongshin KIM ; Youngsoo KIM ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e66-
Background:
Though accumulating evidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and anhedonia, further analysis is needed to consider specific traumatic dimensions, both traits and state anhedonia, and the role of circulating proteins. Therefore, this study investigated the association between different types of childhood traumas and their influence on anhedonia-related symptoms, and to evaluate the influence of anhedonia traits and plasma proteins as mediators.
Methods:
This study included 170 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls aged 19–65 years. Multiple reaction monitoring was performed to quantify plasma proteins, and 464 proteins were analyzed. The association between childhood trauma dimensions, anhedonic traits, and related symptoms was analyzed with linear regression. A series of mediation analyses was performed to determine whether anhedonic traits and plasma proteins mediated the association between childhood trauma and anhedonia-related symptoms.
Results:
Childhood emotional neglect was significantly associated with anhedonic traits and anhedonia-related symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of anhedonic traits for childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms (effect = 0.037; bias-corrected CI, 0.009 to 0.070) was statistically significant. The indirect effect of plasma TNR5 for anhedonic traits on anhedonia-related symptoms was statistically significant (effect = −0.011; bias-corrected CI, −0.026 to −0.002). Serial mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms via anhedonic traits and TNR5 was statistically significant (effect = 0.007; biascorrected CI, 0.001 to 0.017).
Conclusion
Anhedonic traits and plasma TNR5 protein levels serially mediated the association between childhood emotional neglect and anhedonia-related symptoms.The study highlights the importance of considering both psychopathological traits and biological correlates when investigating the association between childhood trauma and psychopathological symptoms.
5.Association Between Childhood Trauma and Anhedonia-Related Symptoms: The Mediation Role of Trait Anhedonia and Circulating Proteins
Sang Jin RHEE ; Dongyoon SHIN ; Daun SHIN ; Yoojin SONG ; Eun-Jeong JOO ; Hee Yeon JUNG ; Sungwon ROH ; Sang-Hyuk LEE ; Hyeyoung KIM ; Minji BANG ; Kyu Young LEE ; Jihyeon LEE ; Yeongshin KIM ; Youngsoo KIM ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e66-
Background:
Though accumulating evidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and anhedonia, further analysis is needed to consider specific traumatic dimensions, both traits and state anhedonia, and the role of circulating proteins. Therefore, this study investigated the association between different types of childhood traumas and their influence on anhedonia-related symptoms, and to evaluate the influence of anhedonia traits and plasma proteins as mediators.
Methods:
This study included 170 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls aged 19–65 years. Multiple reaction monitoring was performed to quantify plasma proteins, and 464 proteins were analyzed. The association between childhood trauma dimensions, anhedonic traits, and related symptoms was analyzed with linear regression. A series of mediation analyses was performed to determine whether anhedonic traits and plasma proteins mediated the association between childhood trauma and anhedonia-related symptoms.
Results:
Childhood emotional neglect was significantly associated with anhedonic traits and anhedonia-related symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of anhedonic traits for childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms (effect = 0.037; bias-corrected CI, 0.009 to 0.070) was statistically significant. The indirect effect of plasma TNR5 for anhedonic traits on anhedonia-related symptoms was statistically significant (effect = −0.011; bias-corrected CI, −0.026 to −0.002). Serial mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms via anhedonic traits and TNR5 was statistically significant (effect = 0.007; biascorrected CI, 0.001 to 0.017).
Conclusion
Anhedonic traits and plasma TNR5 protein levels serially mediated the association between childhood emotional neglect and anhedonia-related symptoms.The study highlights the importance of considering both psychopathological traits and biological correlates when investigating the association between childhood trauma and psychopathological symptoms.
6.Association Between Childhood Trauma and Anhedonia-Related Symptoms: The Mediation Role of Trait Anhedonia and Circulating Proteins
Sang Jin RHEE ; Dongyoon SHIN ; Daun SHIN ; Yoojin SONG ; Eun-Jeong JOO ; Hee Yeon JUNG ; Sungwon ROH ; Sang-Hyuk LEE ; Hyeyoung KIM ; Minji BANG ; Kyu Young LEE ; Jihyeon LEE ; Yeongshin KIM ; Youngsoo KIM ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e66-
Background:
Though accumulating evidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and anhedonia, further analysis is needed to consider specific traumatic dimensions, both traits and state anhedonia, and the role of circulating proteins. Therefore, this study investigated the association between different types of childhood traumas and their influence on anhedonia-related symptoms, and to evaluate the influence of anhedonia traits and plasma proteins as mediators.
Methods:
This study included 170 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls aged 19–65 years. Multiple reaction monitoring was performed to quantify plasma proteins, and 464 proteins were analyzed. The association between childhood trauma dimensions, anhedonic traits, and related symptoms was analyzed with linear regression. A series of mediation analyses was performed to determine whether anhedonic traits and plasma proteins mediated the association between childhood trauma and anhedonia-related symptoms.
Results:
Childhood emotional neglect was significantly associated with anhedonic traits and anhedonia-related symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of anhedonic traits for childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms (effect = 0.037; bias-corrected CI, 0.009 to 0.070) was statistically significant. The indirect effect of plasma TNR5 for anhedonic traits on anhedonia-related symptoms was statistically significant (effect = −0.011; bias-corrected CI, −0.026 to −0.002). Serial mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms via anhedonic traits and TNR5 was statistically significant (effect = 0.007; biascorrected CI, 0.001 to 0.017).
Conclusion
Anhedonic traits and plasma TNR5 protein levels serially mediated the association between childhood emotional neglect and anhedonia-related symptoms.The study highlights the importance of considering both psychopathological traits and biological correlates when investigating the association between childhood trauma and psychopathological symptoms.
7.Impact of glycemic control on residual kidney function and technique failure associated with volume overload in diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis
Dong Eon KIM ; Da Woon KIM ; Hyo Jin KIM ; Harin RHEE ; Eun Young SEONG ; Yewon CHOI ; Sang Heon SONG
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2025;44(3):481-490
It is unclear whether poor glycemic control contributes to residual kidney function (RKF) decline and consequent volume overload in diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: This retrospective analysis included 80 diabetic patients who started PD at a single center. The first 2 years of patient data were collected to investigate the impact of glycemic control on RKF and volume overload in the early stages of PD. We used the time-averaged glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels to estimate glycemic control. RKF loss was measured as the slope of RKF decline and time to anuria. To assess the association between glycemic control and volume overload, we examined technique failure (TF) associated with volume overload (TFVO), defined as TF due to excessive fluid accumulation. Multivariable linear regression and Cox regression analysis were performed to assess how glycemic control affects RKF and TFVO. Results: Over the first 2 years, the mean rate of RKF decline was –3.25 ± 3.94 mL/min/ 1.73 m2 per year. Multivariable linear regression showed that higher time-averaged HbA1c was associated with a rapid RKF decline (β = –0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], –1.66 to –0.24; p = 0.01). In the adjusted Cox regression analysis, higher time-averaged HbA1c increased the risk of progression to anuria (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; 95% CI, 1.29–3.00; p = 0.002) and TFVO (adjusted HR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.41–5.89; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Poor glycemic control is associated with rapid RKF decline and leads to volume overload in diabetic patients on PD.
8.Associations of Alcohol Consumption with All-Cause and Cancer Mortalities in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Population Cohort Study
Da Yeon LEE ; Sun-Joon MOON ; Kyung-Do HAN ; Ji-Hee KO ; Han-na JANG ; Hye-Mi KWON ; Se-Eun PARK ; Eun-Jung RHEE ; Won-Young LEE
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(6):893-903
Background:
To investigate the impact of alcohol consumption on all-cause and cancer mortalities in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Methods:
This nationwide cohort study included Korean patients with T2D aged >20 years from a national health exams cohort (2009 to 2012). Participants were categorized based on alcohol consumption: non, mild (<30 g/day), and heavy drinkers (≥30 g/day). Primary outcomes were all-cause and cancer mortality rates. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) with adjustments for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, exercise, comorbidities, diabetes duration, and medications.
Results:
Among 2,642,359 participants (median follow-up, 7.8 years), 57.2%, 32.7%, and 10.1% were non, mild, and heavy drinkers, respectively. Compared to non-drinkers, mild alcohol consumption was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.82) and cancer mortality (aHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.89), while heavy drinking increased both all-cause (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.07) and cancer mortalities (aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.11). Subgroup analyses revealed variations: in chronic kidney disease and older age groups, heavy drinkers showed lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-drinkers. Regarding cancer mortality, younger and middle-aged groups showed protective effects of alcohol even for heavy drinkers, while females showed linear association between alcohol consumption and cancer mortality.
Conclusion
This study indicates a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and all-cause and cancer mortality risk in patients with T2D, with variations across subgroups. These findings suggest the need for personalized recommendations considering individual risk factors.
9.Obesity in Children and Adolescents: 2022 Update of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity
Eungu KANG ; Yong Hee HONG ; Jaehyun KIM ; Sochung CHUNG ; Kyoung-Kon KIM ; Ji-Hee HAAM ; Bom Taeck KIM ; Eun Mi KIM ; Jung Hwan PARK ; Sang Youl RHEE ; Jee-Hyun KANG ; Young-Jun RHIE
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(1):11-19
The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has been gradually increasing in recent years and has become a major health problem. Childhood obesity can readily progress to adult obesity. It is associated with obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is important to make an accurate assessment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with consideration of growth and development. Childhood obesity can then be prevented and treated using an appropriate treatment goal and safe and effective treatment strategies. This article summarizes the clinical practice guidelines for obesity in children and adolescents that are included in the 8th edition of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity.
10.Changes in cardiovascular-related health behaviors after the end of social distancing: the 2023 Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Awareness Survey
Jaeyong LEE ; Eunji KIM ; Won-Young LEE ; Eun-Jung RHEE ; Hyeon Chang KIM
Cardiovascular Prevention and Pharmacotherapy 2024;6(2):57-64
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of social distancing have been reported to negatively impact cardiovascular-related health behaviors. However, the effects of lifting social distancing restrictions on these health behaviors remain unclear. This study investigated public awareness and behavioral changes related to cardiovascular disease prevention after the end of social distancing.
Methods:
Between June 5 and June 12, 2023, 2,000 adults participated in the 2023 Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Awareness Survey in Korea. The survey comprehensively addressed sociodemographic factors, cardiometabolic disease history, cardiovascular disease concern, prevention awareness, and behavioral changes after the end of social distancing. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between behavioral changes and sociodemographic factors.
Results:
Cardiovascular disease ranked as the second most feared disease (most feared, 18.0%; second most feared, 26.3%) after cancer (most feared, 42.3%; second most feared, 21.7%). Among nine cardiovascular disease prevention recommendations, stress management, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy diet were perceived as the most challenging recommendations. After the end of social distancing, there were more positive changes than negative changes in smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, and healthcare service use, whereas stress management more frequently changed negatively (40.0%) than it changed positively (19.5%).
Conclusions
Positive changes in cardiovascular-related health behaviors, except for stress management, were observed after the end of social distancing. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the impact of discontinuing social distancing practices.

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