1.DRG2 levels in prostate cancer cell lines predict response to PARP inhibitor during docetaxel treatment
Jeong Min LEE ; Won Hyeok LEE ; Seung Hyeon CHO ; Jeong Woo PARK ; Hyuk Nam KWON ; Ji Hye KIM ; Sang Hun LEE ; Ji Hyung YOON ; Sungchan PARK ; Seong Cheol KIM
Investigative and Clinical Urology 2025;66(1):56-66
Purpose:
Developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 2 (DRG2) regulates microtubule dynamics and G2/M arrest during docetaxel treatment. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) acts as an important repair system for DNA damage caused by docetaxel treatment. This study investigated whether DRG2 expression affects response to PARP inhibitors (olaparib) using prostate cancer cell lines PC3, DU145, LNCaP-FGC, and LNCaP-LN3.
Materials and Methods:
The cell viability and DRG2 expression levels were assessed using colorimetric-based cell viability assay and western blot. Cells were transfected with DRG2 siRNA, and pcDNA6/V5-DRG2 was used to overexpress DRG2. Flow cytometry was applied for cell cycle assay and apoptosis analysis using the Annexing V cell death assay.
Results:
The expression of DRG2 was highest in LNCaP-LN3 and lowest in DU145 cells. Expressions of p53 in PC3, DU145, and the two LNCaP cell lines were null-type, high-expression, and medium-expression, respectively. In PC3 (DRG2 high, p53 null) cells, docetaxel increased G2/M arrest without apoptosis; however, subsequent treatment with olaparib promoted apoptosis. In DU145 and LNCaP-FGC (DRG2 low), docetaxel increased sub-G1 but not G2/M arrest and induced apoptosis, whereas olaparib had no additional effect. In LNCaP-LN3 (DRG2 high, p53 wild-type), docetaxel increased sub-G1 and G2/M arrest, furthermore olaparib enhanced cell death. Docetaxel and olaparib combination treatment had a slight effect on DRG2 knockdown PC3, but increased apoptosis in DRG2-overexpressed DU145 cells.
Conclusions
DRG2 and p53 expressions play an important role in prostate cancer cell lines treated with docetaxel, and DRG2 levels can predict the response to PARP inhibitors.
2.Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia: Recommendations for Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine
Yeshin KIM ; Dong Woo KANG ; Geon Ha KIM ; Ko Woon KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM ; Seunghee NA ; Kee Hyung PARK ; Young Ho PARK ; Gihwan BYEON ; Jeewon SUH ; Joon Hyun SHIN ; YongSoo SHIM ; YoungSoon YANG ; Yoo Hyun UM ; Seong-il OH ; Sheng-Min WANG ; Bora YOON ; Sun Min LEE ; Juyoun LEE ; Jin San LEE ; Jae-Sung LIM ; Young Hee JUNG ; Juhee CHIN ; Hyemin JANG ; Miyoung CHOI ; Yun Jeong HONG ; Hak Young RHEE ; Jae-Won JANG ;
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2025;24(1):1-23
Background:
and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia.
Methods:
Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.
Results:
Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects.
Conclusions
This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.
3.Post-blepharoplasty ectropion management: therapeutic benefits of platelet-rich plasma and polydeoxyribonucleotide injections
Hyung Woo WANG ; Han Earl LEE ; Seong Oh PARK ; Youn Hwan KIM
Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2025;31(2):41-45
Background:
Ectropion, a common complication after lower blepharoplasty, causes significant patient discomfort and dissatisfaction, yet effective treatments remain lacking. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of intradermal injections of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for scar regeneration and the rapid recovery of temporary ectropion following lower blepharoplasty.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 21 cases of ectropion among 420 patients who underwent transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty between January 2020 and October 2022. PDRN and PRP were injected intradermally into the lower eyelid, with patients monitored at 1- or 2-week intervals. We investigated patient satisfaction, the total number of injections administered, and the time to complete improvement of the ectropion.
Results:
The average time for complete ectropion resolution was 9.3 weeks, with a relatively high patient satisfaction rating (mean, 4.3 out of 5). Ten primary cases responded well to a single injection, whereas all six patients with previous operations required two or more injections. The rate of improvement was faster than previously reported, likely due to the enhanced collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory effects of PDRN, along with the tissue repair and angiogenic properties of PRP.
Conclusions
Intradermal injections of PDRN and PRP demonstrated promising results in rapidly resolving ectropion after lower blepharoplasty, thereby reducing patient discomfort and increasing overall satisfaction.
4.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
7.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
10.High-Dose Rifampicin for 3 Months after Culture Conversion for Drug-Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Nakwon KWAK ; Joong-Yub KIM ; Hyung-Jun KIM ; Byoung-Soo KWON ; Jae Ho LEE ; Jeongha MOK ; Yong-Soo KWON ; Young Ae KANG ; Youngmok PARK ; Ji Yeon LEE ; Doosoo JEON ; Jung-Kyu LEE ; Jeong Seong YANG ; Jake WHANG ; Kyung Jong KIM ; Young Ran KIM ; Minkyoung CHEON ; Jiwon PARK ; Seokyung HAHN ; Jae-Joon YIM
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(1):170-180
Background:
This study aimed to determine whether a shorter high-dose rifampicin regimen is non-inferior to the standard 6-month tuberculosis regimen.
Methods:
This multicenter, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial enrolled participants with respiratory specimen positivity by Xpert MTB/RIF assay or Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture without rifampicin-resistance. Participants were randomized at 1:1 to the investigational or control group. The investigational group received high-dose rifampicin (30 mg/kg/day), isoniazid, and pyrazinamide until culture conversion, followed by high-dose rifampicin and isoniazid for 12 weeks. The control group received the standard 6-month regimen. The primary outcome was the rate of unfavorable outcomes at 18 months post-randomization. The non-inferiority margin was set at <6% difference in unfavorable outcomes rates. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04485156)
Results:
Between 4 November 2020 and 3 January 2022, 76 participants were enrolled. Of these, 58 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Unfavorable outcomes occurred in 10 (31.3%) of 32 in the control group and 10 (38.5%) of 26 in the investigational group. The difference was 7.2% (95% confidence interval, ∞ to 31.9%), failing to prove non-inferiority. Serious adverse events and grade 3 or higher adverse events did not differ between the groups.
Conclusion
The shorter high-dose rifampicin regimen failed to demonstrate non-inferiority but had an acceptable safety profile.

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