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: Excessive adipogenesis and angiogenesis, mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), contribute to the development of obesity-related complications.Diallyl disulfide (DADS), an organosulfur compound derived from garlic, has been reported to exhibit anti-obesity properties, but studies on the expression of MMPs as an anti-obesity effect of DADS are limited. This study investigated the potential role of DADS in regulating weight gain, adipogenesis, and MMP expression in mice fed a high-fat diet.MATERIALS/METHODS: Six-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were divided into 4 groups:a normal-fat diet (NF), a high-fat diet (HF), a high-fat diet supplemented with 12.5 mg/kg DADS (HFDADS12.5), and a high-fat diet supplemented with 25 mg/kg DADS (HFDADS25) for 14 weeks. This study measured plasma lipid concentrations, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity, mRNA expression of transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation in the liver, and the mRNA expression and concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in epididymal adipose tissue. The plasma concentrations of adiponectin and leptin were also measured. RESULTS: DADS intake significantly reduced the body weight gain and epididymal adipose tissue weight (P < 0.05). The GPDH activity, mRNA expressions of the transcription factors related to adipocyte differentiation, the mRNA expression and concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and plasma leptin concentration were significantly higher in the HF group than in the NF group, but they were significantly lower in the DADS intake groups (P < 0.05).The plasma adiponectin concentrations were lower in the HF group than the NF group, but they were significantly higher in the HFDADS25 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION DADS suppressed body weight gain and adipogenesis, potentially by inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9 in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Background/Aims: The prognostic value of serial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18F-FDG PET/CT) for patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer who undergo conversion surgery or continue chemotherapy without surgery has not been well-established. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was conducted at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2013 and February 2022.Patients underwent PET/CT at baseline and subsequent radiologic evaluations following chemotherapy. Changes in the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis were analyzed.Based on their treatment regimens, patients were stratified into the conversion surgery group or nonconversion surgery group. Survival outcomes and various clinical factors were assessed. Results: Among 121 patients, 52 underwent conversion surgery, and 69 continued to receive chemotherapy without surgery. A significant reduction in the SUVmax was correlated with prolonged recurrence-free survival and overall survival in the conversion surgery group. Confirmation of a pathologic response indicated a significant association between reductions in the SUVmax and positive outcomes. Reductions in the metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis were associated with improved progression-free survival and overall survival in the nonconversion surgery group. Conclusions Serial PET/CT scans demonstrated prognostic value in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, revealing distinct correlations in the conversion surgery group and nonconversion surgery group.

Background/Aims: The prognostic value of serial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18F-FDG PET/CT) for patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer who undergo conversion surgery or continue chemotherapy without surgery has not been well-established. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was conducted at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2013 and February 2022.Patients underwent PET/CT at baseline and subsequent radiologic evaluations following chemotherapy. Changes in the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis were analyzed.Based on their treatment regimens, patients were stratified into the conversion surgery group or nonconversion surgery group. Survival outcomes and various clinical factors were assessed. Results: Among 121 patients, 52 underwent conversion surgery, and 69 continued to receive chemotherapy without surgery. A significant reduction in the SUVmax was correlated with prolonged recurrence-free survival and overall survival in the conversion surgery group. Confirmation of a pathologic response indicated a significant association between reductions in the SUVmax and positive outcomes. Reductions in the metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis were associated with improved progression-free survival and overall survival in the nonconversion surgery group. Conclusions Serial PET/CT scans demonstrated prognostic value in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, revealing distinct correlations in the conversion surgery group and nonconversion surgery group.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in both Korea and worldwide. Since 2004, the Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer have been regularly updated, with the 4th edition published in 2022. The 4th edition was the result of a collaborative work by an interdisciplinary team, including experts in gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and guideline development methodology. The current guideline is the 5th version, an updated version of the 4th edition. In this guideline, 6 key questions (KQs) were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group, and 7 statements were developed, or revised, or discussed based on a systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database. Over the past 2 years, there have been significant changes in systemic treatment, leading to major updates and revisions focused on this area.Additionally, minor modifications have been made in other sections, incorporating recent research findings. The level of evidence and grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Key factors for recommendation included the level of evidence, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability. The working group reviewed and discussed the recommendations to reach a consensus. The structure of this guideline remains similar to the 2022 version.Earlier sections cover general considerations, such as screening, diagnosis, and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. In the latter sections, statements are provided for each KQ based on clinical evidence, with flowcharts supporting these statements through meta-analysis and references. This multidisciplinary, evidence-based gastric cancer guideline aims to support clinicians in providing optimal care for gastric cancer patients.

Objectives: This study examined the potential of a new analytical framework for the Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS) with classification criteria for the sub-national governmental level, the degree of urbanization including an urban-rural multimodal category, and population size as a more effective tool to address local health problems and deduce practical implications. Methods: Retrospective survey data from 2023 KCHS were obtained. Frequency analyses were performed for self-rated good health status, current smoking status, and unmet medical needs as proxies for health status, as well as health behavior and healthcare utilization, utilizing individual weights to represent national community residents. Results: We established a new classification of local governments into 7 types to facilitate regional comparisons. These local government types are presumably composed of populations showing statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics. There were evident differences in health status, health behavior, and healthcare utilization in comparisons of groups categorized by local government types. Conclusions This study suggests that regional disparities can be analyzed using a new typology of local governments. This practically effective approach could be used in decision-making for community-centered health projects in terms of community health planning. Future research should conduct analyses of KCHS data that use these 7 local government types to comprehensively reflect regional characteristics.

Background/Aims: The prognostic value of serial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18F-FDG PET/CT) for patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer who undergo conversion surgery or continue chemotherapy without surgery has not been well-established. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was conducted at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2013 and February 2022.Patients underwent PET/CT at baseline and subsequent radiologic evaluations following chemotherapy. Changes in the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis were analyzed.Based on their treatment regimens, patients were stratified into the conversion surgery group or nonconversion surgery group. Survival outcomes and various clinical factors were assessed. Results: Among 121 patients, 52 underwent conversion surgery, and 69 continued to receive chemotherapy without surgery. A significant reduction in the SUVmax was correlated with prolonged recurrence-free survival and overall survival in the conversion surgery group. Confirmation of a pathologic response indicated a significant association between reductions in the SUVmax and positive outcomes. Reductions in the metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis were associated with improved progression-free survival and overall survival in the nonconversion surgery group. Conclusions Serial PET/CT scans demonstrated prognostic value in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, revealing distinct correlations in the conversion surgery group and nonconversion surgery group.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in both Korea and worldwide. Since 2004, the Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer have been regularly updated, with the 4th edition published in 2022. The 4th edition was the result of a collaborative work by an interdisciplinary team, including experts in gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and guideline development methodology. The current guideline is the 5th version, an updated version of the 4th edition. In this guideline, 6 key questions (KQs) were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group, and 7 statements were developed, or revised, or discussed based on a systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database. Over the past 2 years, there have been significant changes in systemic treatment, leading to major updates and revisions focused on this area.Additionally, minor modifications have been made in other sections, incorporating recent research findings. The level of evidence and grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Key factors for recommendation included the level of evidence, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability. The working group reviewed and discussed the recommendations to reach a consensus. The structure of this guideline remains similar to the 2022 version.Earlier sections cover general considerations, such as screening, diagnosis, and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. In the latter sections, statements are provided for each KQ based on clinical evidence, with flowcharts supporting these statements through meta-analysis and references. This multidisciplinary, evidence-based gastric cancer guideline aims to support clinicians in providing optimal care for gastric cancer patients.

Objectives: This study examined the potential of a new analytical framework for the Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS) with classification criteria for the sub-national governmental level, the degree of urbanization including an urban-rural multimodal category, and population size as a more effective tool to address local health problems and deduce practical implications. Methods: Retrospective survey data from 2023 KCHS were obtained. Frequency analyses were performed for self-rated good health status, current smoking status, and unmet medical needs as proxies for health status, as well as health behavior and healthcare utilization, utilizing individual weights to represent national community residents. Results: We established a new classification of local governments into 7 types to facilitate regional comparisons. These local government types are presumably composed of populations showing statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics. There were evident differences in health status, health behavior, and healthcare utilization in comparisons of groups categorized by local government types. Conclusions This study suggests that regional disparities can be analyzed using a new typology of local governments. This practically effective approach could be used in decision-making for community-centered health projects in terms of community health planning. Future research should conduct analyses of KCHS data that use these 7 local government types to comprehensively reflect regional characteristics.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in both Korea and worldwide. Since 2004, the Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer have been regularly updated, with the 4th edition published in 2022. The 4th edition was the result of a collaborative work by an interdisciplinary team, including experts in gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and guideline development methodology. The current guideline is the 5th version, an updated version of the 4th edition. In this guideline, 6 key questions (KQs) were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group, and 7 statements were developed, or revised, or discussed based on a systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database. Over the past 2 years, there have been significant changes in systemic treatment, leading to major updates and revisions focused on this area.Additionally, minor modifications have been made in other sections, incorporating recent research findings. The level of evidence and grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Key factors for recommendation included the level of evidence, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability. The working group reviewed and discussed the recommendations to reach a consensus. The structure of this guideline remains similar to the 2022 version.Earlier sections cover general considerations, such as screening, diagnosis, and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. In the latter sections, statements are provided for each KQ based on clinical evidence, with flowcharts supporting these statements through meta-analysis and references. This multidisciplinary, evidence-based gastric cancer guideline aims to support clinicians in providing optimal care for gastric cancer patients.