BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, herbal medicines have gained attention for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in elderly men. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of ethanol extract of Asparagi radix (EAR), which is traditionally used to treat various diseases, on BPH development using a testosteroneinduced BPH model.MATERIALS/METHODS: Testosterone propionate (TP)-treated Sprague–Dawley rats were used to establish a BPH model in vivo. EAR was orally administered along with TP, and finasteride was used as a positive control. All rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment, and pathological changes in the prostate tissue and levels of key biomarkers associated with BPH pathogenesis were assessed. RESULTS: Oral administration of EAR significantly inhibited TP-induced BPH by reducing the prostate weight, lumen size, and epithelial thickness in a concentration-dependent manner. EAR also significantly abrogated the expression of 5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) induced by TP.Additionally, serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and PSA were elevated in the TP-induced group but decreased in the EAR-treated group. EAR also decreased the expression levels of the androgen receptor (AR) and its coactivators in TP-induced BPH model rats. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that EAR protected against BPH by inhibiting 5α-reductase activity and AR signaling pathway, suggesting its potential for BPH treatment.

Secretory proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, are generally known to be transported to the plasma membrane through the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi pathway. However, recent studies have revealed that several plasma membrane proteins and cytosolic proteins lacking a signal peptide are released via an unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) route, bypassing the Golgi during their journey to the cell surface. For instance, transmembrane proteins such as the misfolded cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein and the Spike protein of coronaviruses have been observed to reach the cell surface through a UcPS pathway under cell stress conditions. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of the UcPS pathway, particularly the molecular machineries involving cytosolic motor proteins, remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified specific kinesins, namely KIF1A and KIF5A, along with cytoplasmic dynein, as critical players in the unconventional trafficking of CFTR and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Gene silencing results demonstrated that knockdown of KIF1A, KIF5A, and the KIF-associated adaptor protein SKIP, FYCO1 significantly reduced the UcPS of △F508-CFTR. Moreover, gene silencing of these motor proteins impeded the UcPS of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. However, the same gene silencing did not affect the conventional Golgimediated cell surface trafficking of wild-type CFTR and Spike protein. These findings suggest that specific motor proteins, distinct from those involved in conventional trafficking, are implicated in the stress-induced UcPS of transmembrane proteins.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, herbal medicines have gained attention for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in elderly men. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of ethanol extract of Asparagi radix (EAR), which is traditionally used to treat various diseases, on BPH development using a testosteroneinduced BPH model.MATERIALS/METHODS: Testosterone propionate (TP)-treated Sprague–Dawley rats were used to establish a BPH model in vivo. EAR was orally administered along with TP, and finasteride was used as a positive control. All rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment, and pathological changes in the prostate tissue and levels of key biomarkers associated with BPH pathogenesis were assessed. RESULTS: Oral administration of EAR significantly inhibited TP-induced BPH by reducing the prostate weight, lumen size, and epithelial thickness in a concentration-dependent manner. EAR also significantly abrogated the expression of 5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) induced by TP.Additionally, serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and PSA were elevated in the TP-induced group but decreased in the EAR-treated group. EAR also decreased the expression levels of the androgen receptor (AR) and its coactivators in TP-induced BPH model rats. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that EAR protected against BPH by inhibiting 5α-reductase activity and AR signaling pathway, suggesting its potential for BPH treatment.

Secretory proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, are generally known to be transported to the plasma membrane through the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi pathway. However, recent studies have revealed that several plasma membrane proteins and cytosolic proteins lacking a signal peptide are released via an unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) route, bypassing the Golgi during their journey to the cell surface. For instance, transmembrane proteins such as the misfolded cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein and the Spike protein of coronaviruses have been observed to reach the cell surface through a UcPS pathway under cell stress conditions. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of the UcPS pathway, particularly the molecular machineries involving cytosolic motor proteins, remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified specific kinesins, namely KIF1A and KIF5A, along with cytoplasmic dynein, as critical players in the unconventional trafficking of CFTR and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Gene silencing results demonstrated that knockdown of KIF1A, KIF5A, and the KIF-associated adaptor protein SKIP, FYCO1 significantly reduced the UcPS of △F508-CFTR. Moreover, gene silencing of these motor proteins impeded the UcPS of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. However, the same gene silencing did not affect the conventional Golgimediated cell surface trafficking of wild-type CFTR and Spike protein. These findings suggest that specific motor proteins, distinct from those involved in conventional trafficking, are implicated in the stress-induced UcPS of transmembrane proteins.

Background: Foot deformities can cause abnormal biomechanics of the ankle joint and the development of osteoarthritis. It was hypothesized that foot deformities would be related to medial ankle osteoarthritis, and this study investigated this relationship using radiographic measurements. Methods: Seventy-six ankles of 76 patients (32 men and 44 women; mean age, 69.0 years) with medial ankle osteoarthritis were included. Eleven radiographic measurements evaluated ankle joint orientation (tibial plafond inclination [TPI], medial distal tibial angle [MDTA], and anterior distal tibial angle [ADTA]), ankle joint incongruency (tibiotalar tilt [TT]), foot deformities (lateral talofirst metatarsal angle [Lat talo-1MT], anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle [AP talo-1MT], and talonavicular coverage), talar body migration (medial talar center migration [MTCM] and anterior talar center migration [ATCM]), internal rotation (IR) of the talus, and mechanical tibiofemoral angle. All were statistically analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and regression analyses. Results: Ankle joint orientation to the ground (TPI, p = 0.002), increased foot arch (Lat talo-1MT, p < 0.001), and IR of the talus (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with ankle joint incongruency (TT) in linear regression analysis. Ankle joint incongruency (TT, p = 0.003), medial talar body migration (MTCM, p = 0.042), and increased foot arch (Lat talo-1MT, p = 0.022) were significantly associated with IR of the talus in the binary logistic regression analysis. MTCM was significantly correlated with TPI (r = 0.251, p = 0.029), TT (r = 0.269, p = 0.019), MDTA (r = 0.359, p = 0.001), ATCM (r = –0.522, p < 0.001), and AP talo-1MT (r = 0.296, p = 0.015). ATCM was significantly correlated with TPI (r = –0.253, p = 0.027), ADTA (r = 0.349, p = 0.002), and Lat talo-1MT (r = –0.344, p = 0.002). Conclusions Ankle joint orientation, foot deformities, and talar rotation were associated with ankle joint incongruency in medial ankle osteoarthritis when evaluated radiographically. These findings need to be considered during surgical treatment for medial ankle osteoarthritis. However, the biomechanical significance of these radiographic measurements requires further investigation.

Background: In Korea, there are no surveillance programs for vaccines that are not included in the national immunization program (NIP), and vaccine safety monitoring in the adult population is inadequate. This study aimed to establish a safety monitoring system for nonNIP vaccines in adults. Methods: Frequently administered non-NIP vaccines were selected. Individuals were included if they received at least one of the selected vaccines at a participating institution and provided informed consent. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events were monitored using questionnaires sent through text messages on days 1, 3, 7, 28, and 90 post-vaccination.Selected adverse events of special interest (AESIs) were monitored monthly by retrospective review of electronic medical records. Causality was assessed according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency guidelines. Results: Four vaccines (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis [Tdap], pneumococcal conjugate 13-valent [PCV13], live zoster vaccine [ZVL], and recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV]) were selected, and their safety profiles were monitored at four tertiary hospitals and 10 primary care clinics. The response rates of the questionnaires on post-vaccination days 1, 7, 28, and 90 were 99.2%, 93.6%, 81.0%, and 48.7%, respectively. Of 555 AESI identified over 10 months, 10 cases received one of the selected non-NIP vaccines within 90 days of the event. Conclusion We are establishing the first safety monitoring system for selected non-NIP vaccines in Korea since September 2022 and report its progress as of July 2023. However, continuous government support is essential for its maintenance and improvement.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, herbal medicines have gained attention for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in elderly men. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of ethanol extract of Asparagi radix (EAR), which is traditionally used to treat various diseases, on BPH development using a testosteroneinduced BPH model.MATERIALS/METHODS: Testosterone propionate (TP)-treated Sprague–Dawley rats were used to establish a BPH model in vivo. EAR was orally administered along with TP, and finasteride was used as a positive control. All rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment, and pathological changes in the prostate tissue and levels of key biomarkers associated with BPH pathogenesis were assessed. RESULTS: Oral administration of EAR significantly inhibited TP-induced BPH by reducing the prostate weight, lumen size, and epithelial thickness in a concentration-dependent manner. EAR also significantly abrogated the expression of 5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) induced by TP.Additionally, serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and PSA were elevated in the TP-induced group but decreased in the EAR-treated group. EAR also decreased the expression levels of the androgen receptor (AR) and its coactivators in TP-induced BPH model rats. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that EAR protected against BPH by inhibiting 5α-reductase activity and AR signaling pathway, suggesting its potential for BPH treatment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, herbal medicines have gained attention for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in elderly men. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of ethanol extract of Asparagi radix (EAR), which is traditionally used to treat various diseases, on BPH development using a testosteroneinduced BPH model.MATERIALS/METHODS: Testosterone propionate (TP)-treated Sprague–Dawley rats were used to establish a BPH model in vivo. EAR was orally administered along with TP, and finasteride was used as a positive control. All rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment, and pathological changes in the prostate tissue and levels of key biomarkers associated with BPH pathogenesis were assessed. RESULTS: Oral administration of EAR significantly inhibited TP-induced BPH by reducing the prostate weight, lumen size, and epithelial thickness in a concentration-dependent manner. EAR also significantly abrogated the expression of 5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) induced by TP.Additionally, serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and PSA were elevated in the TP-induced group but decreased in the EAR-treated group. EAR also decreased the expression levels of the androgen receptor (AR) and its coactivators in TP-induced BPH model rats. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that EAR protected against BPH by inhibiting 5α-reductase activity and AR signaling pathway, suggesting its potential for BPH treatment.

Secretory proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, are generally known to be transported to the plasma membrane through the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi pathway. However, recent studies have revealed that several plasma membrane proteins and cytosolic proteins lacking a signal peptide are released via an unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) route, bypassing the Golgi during their journey to the cell surface. For instance, transmembrane proteins such as the misfolded cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein and the Spike protein of coronaviruses have been observed to reach the cell surface through a UcPS pathway under cell stress conditions. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of the UcPS pathway, particularly the molecular machineries involving cytosolic motor proteins, remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified specific kinesins, namely KIF1A and KIF5A, along with cytoplasmic dynein, as critical players in the unconventional trafficking of CFTR and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Gene silencing results demonstrated that knockdown of KIF1A, KIF5A, and the KIF-associated adaptor protein SKIP, FYCO1 significantly reduced the UcPS of △F508-CFTR. Moreover, gene silencing of these motor proteins impeded the UcPS of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. However, the same gene silencing did not affect the conventional Golgimediated cell surface trafficking of wild-type CFTR and Spike protein. These findings suggest that specific motor proteins, distinct from those involved in conventional trafficking, are implicated in the stress-induced UcPS of transmembrane proteins.

Secretory proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, are generally known to be transported to the plasma membrane through the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi pathway. However, recent studies have revealed that several plasma membrane proteins and cytosolic proteins lacking a signal peptide are released via an unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) route, bypassing the Golgi during their journey to the cell surface. For instance, transmembrane proteins such as the misfolded cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein and the Spike protein of coronaviruses have been observed to reach the cell surface through a UcPS pathway under cell stress conditions. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of the UcPS pathway, particularly the molecular machineries involving cytosolic motor proteins, remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified specific kinesins, namely KIF1A and KIF5A, along with cytoplasmic dynein, as critical players in the unconventional trafficking of CFTR and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Gene silencing results demonstrated that knockdown of KIF1A, KIF5A, and the KIF-associated adaptor protein SKIP, FYCO1 significantly reduced the UcPS of △F508-CFTR. Moreover, gene silencing of these motor proteins impeded the UcPS of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. However, the same gene silencing did not affect the conventional Golgimediated cell surface trafficking of wild-type CFTR and Spike protein. These findings suggest that specific motor proteins, distinct from those involved in conventional trafficking, are implicated in the stress-induced UcPS of transmembrane proteins.