1.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
2.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
3.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
4.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
5.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
6.The first Korean carbon-ion radiation therapy facility: current status of the Heavy-ion Therapy Center at the Yonsei Cancer Center
Min Cheol HAN ; Seo Hee CHOI ; Chae-Seon HONG ; Yong Bae KIM ; Woong Sub KOOM ; Jin Sung KIM ; Jaeho CHO ; Chan Woo WEE ; Changhwan KIM ; Jong Won PARK ; Soorim HAN ; Heejeong LEE ; Hong In YOON ; Ik Jae LEE ; Ki Chang KEUM
Radiation Oncology Journal 2024;42(4):295-307
Purpose:
This report offers a detailed examination of the inception and current state of the Heavy-ion Therapy Center (HITC) at the Yonsei Cancer Center (YCC), setting it apart as the world’s first center equipped with a fixed beam and two superconducting gantries for carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT).
Materials and Methods:
Preparations for CIRT at YCC began in 2013; accordingly, this center has completed a decade of meticulous planning and culminating since the operational commencement of the HITC in April 2023.
Results:
This report elaborates on the clinical preparation for adopting CIRT in Korea. It includes an extensive description of HITC’s facility layout at YCC, which comprises the accelerator and treatment rooms. Furthermore, this report delineates the clinical workflow, criteria for CIRT application, and the rigorous quality assurance processes implemented at YCC. It highlights YCC’s sophisticated radiation therapy infrastructure, collaborative initiatives, and the efficacious treatment of >200 prostate cancer cases utilizing CIRT.
Conclusion
This manuscript concludes by discussing the prospective influence of CIRT on the medical domain within Korea, spotlighting YCC’s pioneering contribution and forecasting the widespread integration of this groundbreaking technology.
7.The first Korean carbon-ion radiation therapy facility: current status of the Heavy-ion Therapy Center at the Yonsei Cancer Center
Min Cheol HAN ; Seo Hee CHOI ; Chae-Seon HONG ; Yong Bae KIM ; Woong Sub KOOM ; Jin Sung KIM ; Jaeho CHO ; Chan Woo WEE ; Changhwan KIM ; Jong Won PARK ; Soorim HAN ; Heejeong LEE ; Hong In YOON ; Ik Jae LEE ; Ki Chang KEUM
Radiation Oncology Journal 2024;42(4):295-307
Purpose:
This report offers a detailed examination of the inception and current state of the Heavy-ion Therapy Center (HITC) at the Yonsei Cancer Center (YCC), setting it apart as the world’s first center equipped with a fixed beam and two superconducting gantries for carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT).
Materials and Methods:
Preparations for CIRT at YCC began in 2013; accordingly, this center has completed a decade of meticulous planning and culminating since the operational commencement of the HITC in April 2023.
Results:
This report elaborates on the clinical preparation for adopting CIRT in Korea. It includes an extensive description of HITC’s facility layout at YCC, which comprises the accelerator and treatment rooms. Furthermore, this report delineates the clinical workflow, criteria for CIRT application, and the rigorous quality assurance processes implemented at YCC. It highlights YCC’s sophisticated radiation therapy infrastructure, collaborative initiatives, and the efficacious treatment of >200 prostate cancer cases utilizing CIRT.
Conclusion
This manuscript concludes by discussing the prospective influence of CIRT on the medical domain within Korea, spotlighting YCC’s pioneering contribution and forecasting the widespread integration of this groundbreaking technology.
8.Colon cancer: the 2023 Korean clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment
Hyo Seon RYU ; Hyun Jung KIM ; Woong Bae JI ; Byung Chang KIM ; Ji Hun KIM ; Sung Kyung MOON ; Sung Il KANG ; Han Deok KWAK ; Eun Sun KIM ; Chang Hyun KIM ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Gyoung Tae NOH ; Byung-Soo PARK ; Hyeung-Min PARK ; Jeong Mo BAE ; Jung Hoon BAE ; Ni Eun SEO ; Chang Hoon SONG ; Mi Sun AHN ; Jae Seon EO ; Young Chul YOON ; Joon-Kee YOON ; Kyung Ha LEE ; Kyung Hee LEE ; Kil-Yong LEE ; Myung Su LEE ; Sung Hak LEE ; Jong Min LEE ; Ji Eun LEE ; Han Hee LEE ; Myong Hoon IHN ; Je-Ho JANG ; Sun Kyung JEON ; Kum Ju CHAE ; Jin-Ho CHOI ; Dae Hee PYO ; Gi Won HA ; Kyung Su HAN ; Young Ki HONG ; Chang Won HONG ; Jung-Myun KWAK ;
Annals of Coloproctology 2024;40(2):89-113
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.
9.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Overview and Summary 2024
Young Joo PARK ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Young Shin SONG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Hyungju KWON ; Keunyoung KIM ; Mijin KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Won Gu KIM ; Won Bae KIM ; Won Woong KIM ; Jung-Han KIM ; Hee Kyung KIM ; Hee Young NA ; Shin Je MOON ; Jung-Eun MOON ; Sohyun PARK ; Jun-Ook PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Su-Jin SHIN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Seung Hoon WOO ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Jee Hee YOON ; Ka Hee YI ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Seung Eun LEE ; Sihoon LEE ; Young Ah LEE ; Joon-Hyop LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Jieun LEE ; Cho Rok LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Jae-Yol LIM ; Yun Kyung JEON ; Kyong Yeun JUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Chan Kwon JUNG ; Kwanhoon JO ; Yoon Young CHO ; A Ram HONG ; Chae Moon HONG ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Woong Youn CHUNG ; Do Joon PARK ; Dong Gyu NA ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):1-20
Differentiated thyroid cancer demonstrates a wide range of clinical presentations, from very indolent cases to those with an aggressive prognosis. Therefore, diagnosing and treating each cancer appropriately based on its risk status is important. The Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) has provided and amended the clinical guidelines for thyroid cancer management since 2007. The main changes in this revised 2024 guideline include 1) individualization of surgical extent according to pathological tests and clinical findings, 2) application of active surveillance in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, 3) indications for minimally invasive surgery, 4) adoption of World Health Organization pathological diagnostic criteria and definition of terminology in Korean, 5) update on literature evidence of recurrence risk for initial risk stratification, 6) addition of the role of molecular testing, 7) addition of definition of initial risk stratification and targeting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations according to ongoing risk stratification (ORS), 8) addition of treatment of perioperative hypoparathyroidism, 9) update on systemic chemotherapy, and 10) addition of treatment for pediatric patients with thyroid cancer.
10.Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression and Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic:A Nationwide Study in Korea
Shinwon LEE ; Soyoon HWANG ; Ki Tae KWON ; EunKyung NAM ; Un Sun CHUNG ; Shin-Woo KIM ; Hyun-Ha CHANG ; Yoonjung KIM ; Sohyun BAE ; Ji-Yeon SHIN ; Sang-geun BAE ; Hyun Wook RYOO ; Juhwan JEONG ; NamHee OH ; So Hee LEE ; Yeonjae KIM ; Chang Kyung KANG ; Hye Yoon PARK ; Jiho PARK ; Se Yoon PARK ; Bongyoung KIM ; Hae Suk CHEONG ; Ji Woong SON ; Su Jin LIM ; Seongcheol YUN ; Won Sup OH ; Kyung-Hwa PARK ; Ju-Yeon LEE ; Sang Taek HEO ; Ji-yeon LEE
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;39(13):e120-
Background:
A healthcare system’s collapse due to a pandemic, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can expose healthcare workers (HCWs) to various mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the depression and anxiety of HCWs.
Methods:
A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was conducted on HCWs who worked in healthcare facilities and public health centers in Korea in December 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to measure depression and anxiety. To investigate factors associated with depression and anxiety, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results:
A total of 1,425 participating HCWs were included. The mean depression score (PHQ-9) of HCWs before and after COVID-19 increased from 2.37 to 5.39, and the mean anxiety score (GAD-7) increased from 1.41 to 3.41. The proportion of HCWs with moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) increased from 3.8% before COVID-19 to 19.5% after COVID-19, whereas that of HCWs with moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10) increased from 2.0% to 10.1%. In our study, insomnia, chronic fatigue symptoms and physical symptoms after COVID-19, anxiety score (GAD-7) after COVID-19, living alone, and exhaustion were positively correlated with depression. Furthermore, post-traumatic stress symptoms, stress score (Global Assessment of Recent Stress), depression score (PHQ-9) after COVID-19, and exhaustion were positively correlated with anxiety.
Conclusion
In Korea, during the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs commonly suffered from mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Regularly checking the physical and mental health problems of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial, and social support and strategy are needed to reduce the heavy workload and psychological distress of HCWs.

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