Purpose: Psychiatric conditions are common in children and adolescents with diabetes and can hinder disease management. In this study, we examined whether mental health status at diagnosis predicts glycemic control at 1 year. Methods: We included 57 patients aged 6–18 years diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes between 2019 and 2023 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Mental health was assessed within 3 months of diagnosis using the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, Children’s Depression Inventory, and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for ages 6–18. Poor glycemic control was defined as glycated hemoglobin >6.5% at 1 year. Associations between screening results and glycemic control were analyzed using Fisher exact test and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 57 patients, 32 (56.1%) had type 1 diabetes, and the mean age at diagnosis was 12.9±3.1 years; 31 (54.4%) were male. Poor glycemic control at 1 year was observed in 16 patients (28.1%). Although individual subscale positivity was not significantly associated with glycemic control, borderline somatic complaints on the CBCL were significantly associated with poor control (p=0.022). In multivariate analysis, having 2 or more positive CBCL subscales showed a trend toward association with poor glycemic control (adjusted odds ratio=21.47, p=0.054). Conclusion Early psychological screening, especially for somatic symptoms or multiple psychological problems, may help identify those at risk for poor glycemic control in pediatric diabetes. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention in optimizing diabetes management.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity and falls among community-dwelling older adults in Korea and to assess whether body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC) more accurately predicts fall risk. Methods: This study included 4378 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). Complex-sample logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between general and central obesity and falls, stratified by sex and age group. Predictive accuracy was evaluated using Harrell’s C-index, and differences between WC and BMI were assessed using the ΔC-index and the DeLong test. Results: BMI-defined general obesity was not significantly associated with falls. In contrast, WC-defined central obesity was significantly associated with falls among older adults overall (adjusted odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 2.76). In sex-stratified analyses, central obesity remained significantly associated with falls in both males and females. Age-stratified analyses showed a significant association between central obesity and falls among adults aged 65–74 years, but not among those aged ≥75 years. WC demonstrated a modest but statistically significant improvement in predictive ability compared with BMI (ΔC-index=0.047, p=0.044), although subgroup differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions Central obesity, but not general obesity defined by BMI, was significantly associated with falls among community-dwelling older Korean adults. WC showed slightly better predictive performance than BMI. These findings suggest that WC may be a more appropriate indicator than BMI for identifying older adults at increased risk of falls.

A phytochemical study of the root extract of Hemerocallis fulva var. kwanso Regel resulted in the isolation and structural characterization of four lignans (1‒4), three flavanones (5, 6, and 8), one chalcone (9), and two monoterpenes (7 and 10). Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that two flavanone glucosides (5 and 6) showed significant inhibitory effect against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), with IC50 values of 31.38 µM and 51.46 µM, respectively. Further enzyme kinetic studies demonstrated that these two compounds acted as noncompetitive PTP1B inhibitors, with Ki values of 30.88 µM and 50.38 µM, respectively.

Dystaenia takeshimana (Nakai) Kitagawa belongs to the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) and is a perennial herb naturally endemic to Ulleung Island, Republic of Korea. Following its successful introduction and cultivation in mainland Korea, a phytochemical investigation of this plant was carried out. As a result, thirteen compounds were isolated and structurally characterized, including one flavonoid glycoside (1), two polyacetylenes (2 and3), one caffeoylquinic acid derivative (4), one aliphatic hydroxy acid (5), four phenolic acids and their derivatives(6, 8–10), one aromatic alcohol derivative (7), two carbohydrates (11 and 12), and one phytosterol (13). The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses and comparison with previously reported literature data. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report on the isolation of falcarinol (2), trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenoic acid (5), and sucrose (11) from D. takeshimana and the evaluation of their protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity. Compounds 2, 3, and 5 exhibited potent PTP1B inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 10.74, 8.31, and 25.24 µM, respectively. Enzyme kinetic studies indicated noncompetitive inhibition by 2 and mixed-type inhibition by 5 against PTP1B. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis was performed to investigate the binding interactions between the active compounds and the enzyme active site.

Phytochemical investigation of the water extract and alkaloid fraction of Areca catechu L. led to theisolation of one new methoxyflavonoid rutinoside (1), together with eleven known compounds (2−12), five of which (8−12) belong to the pyridine alkaloid class. The structure of the new compound was elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and high-resolution mass spectrometry.Notably, rhamnazin-3-O-rutinoside (2) is reported here for the first time from this species. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) using a p-nitrophenyl phosphate assay. Flavonoids (3 and 4) and stilbene (5) exhibited notable inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 13.30 ± 0.71, 13.44 ± 0.84, and 8.68 ± 0.12 μM, respectively. In contrast, methoxyflavonoid rutinosides (1 and 2) and pyridine alkaloids (8−12) did not show significant inhibitory activity against PTP1B.These findings provide additional chemical insights into A. catechu and its constituents in relation to PTP1B inhibition.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lutein, a dietary carotenoid, plays a crucial role in protecting eye health as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. Green leafy vegetables constitute a major source of lutein; however, comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the bioavailability of lutein from lutein-rich foods, namely, raw vegetables and raw vegetable juice. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this study, 18 adults were recruited. They were randomly divided into three groups: commercial lutein supplement (LUT, 20 mg), raw vegetable (RV), and raw vegetable juice (RVJ) groups. Blood was collected at 0-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 12-, 24-, and 30-h intervals after the consumption of each test meal. Participants’ serum lutein levels were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Considering lutein’s wellestablished anti-inflammatory properties, changes in inflammatory status were assessed by measuring serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Furthermore, urinary metabolomic profiling was conducted using 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate metabolic alterations. RESULTS: After consuming each lutein-rich food, participants’ blood lutein levels were analyzed, and the serum concentration peaked at 12 h (0.37 ± 0.13 μg/mL), 24 h (0.61 ± 0.18 μg/mL), and 30 h (0.42 ± 0.16 μg/mL) after RV, LUT, and RVJ consumption, respectively.Additionally, hs-CRP levels decreased following lutein-rich food consumption. Twelve hours after consumption, hs-CRP levels decreased to 0.81 and 0.83 mg/L in the RV and RVJ groups, respectively. Twenty-four hours after consumption, they further decreased to 0.68 and 0.74 mg/L in the LUT and RVJ groups, respectively. Thirty hours after consumption, a reduction to 0.61 mg/L was observed in the RVJ group. Furthermore, after consuming each luteinrich food, N-acetyl glycoprotein levels decreased at 24 h, reflecting metabolic alterations potentially associated with lutein metabolism. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the short-term consumption of lutein-rich foods, regardless of their type or source, potentially yields health benefits.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) scores and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its risk factors in Korean adults, focusing on 3 KHEI domains. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data from 9,161 adults (3,985 men, 5,176 women) aged 19–64 yrs who participated in the 2022–2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. MetS was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Program– Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The KHEI scores were calculated using the revised 2022 KHEI. Statistical analysis was performed using complex sample design methods, including the Rao–Scott χ 2 test, analysis of covariance, and survey logistic regression, with adjustments for relevant covariates. RESULTS: The risk of MetS was significantly lower in the group with highest total KHEI score than in the group with lowest score in men (odds ratio, 0.658; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.492–0.881). Among the 3 domains, Adequacy was the most effective predictor of MetS. The highest score group exhibited significantly decreased odds of MetS in men (0.689; 95% CI, 10.523–0.909) and women (0.665; 95% CI, 0.456–0.969). Total KHEI scores were significantly lower in the MetS group than in the non-MetS, in both men and women (P < 0.001). Within the adequacy, scores for breakfast, fruit, and milk/dairy product intake were lower for individuals with MetS (P < 0.05). In the Moderation, gender-specific patterns in MetS risk were observed, as women in the highest score group exhibited a higher risk.The Balance was generally not associated with MetS. CONCLUSION These findings reveal that a high quality diet, particularly in the Adequacy domain, is associated with a lower risk of MetS. Dietary patterns within each KHEI domain may differentially influence MetS risk. Therefore, future nutritional strategies for the prevention of MetS should focus on improving the adequacy of essential food groups.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Edible insects are increasingly being recognized as sustainable protein sources with potential lipid-lowering properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of protein hydrolysates from 3 edible insects, Tenebrio molitor (TM), Protaetia brevitarsis (PB), and Gryllus bimaculatus (GB), on lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.MATERIALS/METHODS: Treat cells with different concentrations of insect hydrolysates for 48 h during adipocyte differentiation. To evaluate the lipid-lowering effects of insect hydrolysates, analyses were conducted using Oil Red O staining, western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Non-toxic concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) of the hydrolysates were applied during adipocyte differentiation for 48 h. All 3 hydrolysates significantly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation, with the PB hydrolysate demonstrating superior effects. PB uniquely stimulated lipolysis, as indicated by increased free fatty acid and glycerol release, accompanied by enhanced phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase. Additionally, the PB hydrolysate upregulated key genes involved in adipocyte metabolism, including Pparg, Cebpa, aP2, and ApN. CONCLUSION PB hydrolysate exhibits distinct metabolic benefits, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient for obesity management. Further in vivo studies are required to explore the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic applications.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as a global health issue due to its increasing prevalence associated with lifestyle changes and its strong correlation with metabolic syndrome. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor that plays a pivotal role in regulating bile acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism, making it an attractive therapeutic target for liver and metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of MHY5456, a synthetic agonist of FXR, on hepatic metabolism and fibrosis. MHY5456 enhanced the transcriptional activity of FXR in a concentration-dependent manner.Treatment of AC2F rat liver-derived cells with MHY5456 resulted in the downregulation of genes involved in lipid accumulation and an upregulation of mitochondrial-related gene expression. Additionally, MHY5456 significantly reduced oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation. To assess its anti-fibrotic potential, we tested its effects on transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced fibrosis in LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). MHY5456 significantly suppressed the expression of fibrosis-related genes and proteins. In vivo, administration of MHY5456 to mice fed a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet alleviated hepatic fibrosis, inflammation, and lipid accumulation. These results show that FXR activation by MHY5456 modulates lipid metabolism and fibrotic pathways, suggesting its potential as a pharmacological candidate for liver and metabolic disorders, including MASLD. Further pharmacological and toxicological studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic relevance.