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.

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.

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.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The numbers of women, young doctors, and foreigners in the medical field have increased continuously. On the other hand, the environment for these minority groups has not improved, particularly in Eastern countries. The authors aimed to increase the awareness of the importance of a Diversity Committee in the Korean Society of Gastroenterology (KSG) by an analysis of a survey. METHODS: From January to February in 2019, a survey was conducted on physicians and a few medical students by googling. The questionnaire consisted of the target doctors of the Diversity Committee, purpose, specific activities, and expected effects of Diversity Committee to the KSG. The participants requested to respond with yes/no or a 5-point scale. RESULTS: A total of 202 participants completed the questionnaire, and 93.5% (189/202) were medical specialists. The proportion of males was 61.9% (125/202), and 39.6% (80/202) and 36.1% (73/202) participants were in their 30s and 40s, respectively. A total of 174 participants (86.1%) agreed with the necessity of a Diversity Committee, and 180 participants (89.1%) answered this committee would help advance the KSG with significant differences between males and females (80.8% vs. 94.8%, p=0.006; 84.8% vs. 96.1%, p=0.011). Similarly, there were significant differences in the responses according to sex in most questions. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants of the survey expected a contribution of the Diversity Committee to the advancement of the KSG. On the other hand, in most of the priorities of the target, purpose, specific activities, and expected effects of the Diversity Committee, there was a difference in the perceptions between males and females. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to reduce the differences within the KSG.
Emigrants and Immigrants ; Female ; Gastroenterology ; Hand ; Humans ; Male ; Minority Groups ; Specialization ; Students, Medical ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The numbers of women, young doctors, and foreigners in the medical field have increased continuously. On the other hand, the environment for these minority groups has not improved, particularly in Eastern countries. The authors aimed to increase the awareness of the importance of a Diversity Committee in the Korean Society of Gastroenterology (KSG) by an analysis of a survey.METHODS: From January to February in 2019, a survey was conducted on physicians and a few medical students by googling. The questionnaire consisted of the target doctors of the Diversity Committee, purpose, specific activities, and expected effects of Diversity Committee to the KSG. The participants requested to respond with yes/no or a 5-point scale.RESULTS: A total of 202 participants completed the questionnaire, and 93.5% (189/202) were medical specialists. The proportion of males was 61.9% (125/202), and 39.6% (80/202) and 36.1% (73/202) participants were in their 30s and 40s, respectively. A total of 174 participants (86.1%) agreed with the necessity of a Diversity Committee, and 180 participants (89.1%) answered this committee would help advance the KSG with significant differences between males and females (80.8% vs. 94.8%, p=0.006; 84.8% vs. 96.1%, p=0.011). Similarly, there were significant differences in the responses according to sex in most questions.CONCLUSIONS: Most participants of the survey expected a contribution of the Diversity Committee to the advancement of the KSG. On the other hand, in most of the priorities of the target, purpose, specific activities, and expected effects of the Diversity Committee, there was a difference in the perceptions between males and females. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to reduce the differences within the KSG.
Emigrants and Immigrants ; Female ; Gastroenterology ; Hand ; Humans ; Male ; Minority Groups ; Specialization ; Students, Medical ; Surveys and Questionnaires

The purpose of this study was to investigate postpartum glucose testing rates in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to determine factors affecting testing non-compliance in the Korean population. This was a retrospective study of 1,686 patients with GDM from 4 tertiary centers in Korea and data were obtained from medical records. Postpartum glucose testing was conducted using a 2-hr 75-g oral glucose tolerance, fasting glucose, or hemoglobin A1C test. Test results were categorized as normal, prediabetic, and diabetic. The postpartum glucose testing rate was 44.9% (757/1,686 patients); and of 757 patients, 44.1% and 18.4% had pre-diabetes and diabetes, respectively. According to the multivariate analysis, patients with a high parity, larger weight gain during pregnancy, and referral from private clinics due to reasons other than GDM treatment were less likely to receive postpartum glucose testing. However, patients who had pharmacotherapy for GDM were more likely to be screened. In this study, 55.1% of patients with GDM failed to complete postpartum glucose testing. Considering the high prevalence of diabetes (18.4%) at postpartum, clinicians should emphasize the importance of postpartum diabetes screening to patients with factors affecting testing noncompliance.
Blood Glucose/*metabolism ; Diabetes, Gestational/*blood ; Fasting ; Female ; *Glucose Tolerance Test ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/metabolism ; Humans ; Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data ; Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data ; Postpartum Period/*blood ; Pregnancy ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Tertiary Care Centers

Because of various current problems and issues which are low health insurance medical fee of National Health Insurance Corporation, extreme competition with very large general hospitals, new supply of more than of 3,000 new doctors, many medical practitioner's offices who are suffering management difficulties are increasing. In order to investigate their current overall management situations, we made this study through statistical extraction procedures with the sample population of the medical practitioners which are registered in Korean Medical Association and subsequently we made the study with 1,031 selected cases. The average number of patients is 53.6 patients per day. 44.4% of the medical practitioners' offices are working at night and legal holidays and 8.5% are working at Sunday. Average working hours is 50.1 hours per week, which greatly exceeds 40 hours per week that is regulated in the Labor Standards Act. According to the management performance analysis of those medical clinics through profit and loss statements, average total annual sales revenue in 2010 fiscal year was 444,167,867 KRW, the expenses were 314,217,081 KRW and the earnings before taxes was 129,940,786 KRW. The average net profit (earnings before taxes) of the director of the medical practitioners' offices was 122,337,868 KRW per year and 10,194,822 KRW per month. According to the study results, we have found that we need to increase doctor's bill for outpatient, and establishment and its improvement of medical service delivery systems and classification standards of medical services for first and succeeding outpatients. Considering overall results of the study, readjustment of outpatients' treatment fees and reestablishment of more efficient medical service delivery systems which require the first medical service is to be provided properly should be realized in order to improve the management performance of the medical practitioners' offices.
Commerce ; Fees and Charges ; Fees, Medical ; Holidays ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Insurance, Health ; Korea ; National Health Programs ; Outpatients ; Stress, Psychological ; Taxes

Greater than its influence on the medical practitioner's individual ability is the National Health Insurance System's influence on the management of medical practitioners' offices in Korea. However, despite the important effect health insurance exerts on the income of medical clinics, recently, the financial difficulties of medical clinics have often become an issue, and financial difficulty has been aggravated as much as a solution has been sought. The current state of the overall management of medical clinics was investigated to understand the factors influencing the sales and expenses in their management. A questionnaire was completed by 1,009 physicians registered in the Korean Medical Association who were participating in a statistical extraction course. As a result of the study, the factors influencing the total revenue and total expenditures of medical clinics, such as increases in the total number of doctors, increasing numbers of outpatients, the size of the medical office, medical disputes, and clinical specialties (based on the first medical treatment) showed statistical significance. In conclusion, in order to improve medical clinic management, a health insurance medical fee should be more reasonably fixed, a medical transfer system should be reestablished, and a cooperative strategy should be created for medical clinics and general hospitals in order to attract patients. As a result, low cost and highly efficient medical services could be provided and the satisfaction of patients improved.
Commerce ; Dissent and Disputes ; Fees, Medical ; Health Expenditures ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Insurance ; Insurance, Health ; Korea ; National Health Programs ; Outpatients ; Physicians, Primary Care ; Primary Health Care ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Immunosuppressive therapy can improve clinical, biochemical and histological features and considerably prolong survival in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Although ethnicity may affect disease severity and presentation, the long-term outcome of immunosuppression in Korean populations is unknown. This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy and determine the prognosis of autoimmune hepatitis in Korean populations. We reviewed the medical records of 86 patients diagnosed as having autoimmune hepatitis at the Samsung Medical Center between 1994 and 2008. Seventy-two (83.7%) patients reached remission after a median treatment duration of 3.5 months (range 1 to 44 months). Attempts to withdraw medications were made in 24 cases after the median treatment duration of 36 months (median 6 to 125 months). Thirteen of 24 (54.1%) patients relapsed after treatment withdrawal. Of the 86 patients, 6 (7.2%) experienced disease progression and the overall 5-and 10-yr progression-free survival rates were 91.2% and 85.5%, respectively. In conclusion, immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune hepatitis results in a favorable rate of remission and excellent progression-free survival, but the relapse rate after treatment withdrawal is high. This suggests that long-term immunosuppressive therapy may be particularly important for treatment of Korean patients.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Azathioprine/therapeutic use ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Hepatitis, Autoimmune/*drug therapy/mortality/pathology ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents/*therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prednisolone/therapeutic use ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Compact lipiodol uptake without enhancement on multiphasic helical computed tomography (CT) has been suggested as a radiologic response criterion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and subsequent partial hepatectomy. However, its usefulness has not been fully investigated in the explanted liver. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2007, 81 patients with HCC underwent 1-9 sessions of TACE followed by liver transplantation (LT). Thirty-nine tumors in 29 patients showed a radiologic response on CT performed prior to LT. The radiologic response criteria and the duration of the response were evaluated to predict total necrosis in the explanted liver. RESULTS: Among the 39 tumors, 34 nodules (87.2%) exhibited total pathological necrosis. While 13 out of 16 tumors (81.3%) with a radiologic response for 6 months or less were completely necrotic, 21 out of 23 tumors (91.3%) with a radiologic response of longer than 6 months showed total necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the radiologic response criteria based on serial CT images might be useful for predicting total necrosis of TACE-pretreated HCC in LT.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Ethiodized Oil ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver ; Liver Transplantation ; Necrosis ; Tomography, Spiral Computed