1.Mitochondrial Metabolic Reprogramming of Cortical Neurons by Prenatal Exposure to Corticosterone: A Shift from ATP Synthesis to Membrane Potential Maintenance
Khulan AMARSANAA ; Michidmaa BADARCH ; Hee-Young KIM ; Oh-Bin KWON ; Eun-Bok BAEK ; Eun-A KO ; Sung-Cherl JUNG
Experimental Neurobiology 2026;35(1):1-16
Mitochondrial bioenergetics plays a fundamental role in neuronal development and function. Prenatal exposure to corticosterone in rats (Corti.Pup) has previously been shown to cause delayed neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity deficits, showing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - like behaviors. However, the underlying mitochondrial metabolic adaptations remain unclear. This study investigated mitochondrial function and metabolic remodeling in prefrontal cortex neurons of Corti.Pups, focusing on oxidative phosphorylation, calcium handling, and redox balance. We assessed neuronal viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) through experiments conducted in both neuron-glia co-culture and neuron-only conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated electron transport chain (ETC) activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in purified isolated mitochondria. In results, Corti.Pup neurons exhibited increased vulnerability to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in the absence of glial support. Despite reduced ROS production, these neurons showed elevated mitochondrial OCR and proton leak, coupled with decreased non-mitochondrial OCR and ETC complex activity. Surprisingly, MMP remained elevated despite ETC dysfunction, and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was suppressed. These features indicate mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming, prioritizing MMP maintenance over ATP synthesis. The observed mitochondrial inefficiency and compensatory adaptations may impair energy production, contributing to delayed neuronal development in Corti.Pups. These findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic remodeling play central roles in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD.
2.Primary Cutaneous CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders in South Korea: A Nationwide, Multi-Center, Retrospective, Clinical, and Prognostic Study
Woo Jin LEE ; Sook Jung YUN ; Joon Min JUNG ; Joo Yeon KO ; Kwang Ho KIM ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Myung Hwa KIM ; You Chan KIM ; Jung Eun KIM ; Chan-Ho NA ; Je-Ho MUN ; Jong Bin PARK ; Ji-Hye PARK ; Hai-Jin PARK ; Dong Hoon SHIN ; Jeonghyun SHIN ; Sang Ho OH ; Seok-Kweon YUN ; Dongyoun LEE ; Seok-Jong LEE ; Seung Ho LEE ; Young Bok LEE ; Soyun CHO ; Sooyeon CHOI ; Jae Eun CHOI ; Mi Woo LEE ; On behalf of The Korean Society of Dermatopathology
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(2):75-85
Background:
Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (pcCD30-LPDs) are a diseases with various clinical and prognostic characteristics.
Objective:
Increasing our knowledge of the clinical characteristics of pcCD30-LPDs and identifying potential prognostic variables in an Asian population.
Methods:
Clinicopathological features and survival data of pcCD30-LPD cases obtained from 22 hospitals in South Korea were examined.
Results:
A total of 413 cases of pcCD30-LPDs (lymphomatoid papulosis [LYP], n=237; primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma [C-ALCL], n=176) were included. Ninety percent of LYP patients and roughly 50% of C-ALCL patients presented with multiple skin lesions. Both LYP and C-ALCL affected the lower limbs most frequently. Multiplicity and advanced T stage of LYP lesions were associated with a chronic course longer than 6 months. Clinical morphology with patch lesions and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase were significantly associated with LPDs during follow-up in LYP patients. Extracutaneous involvement of C-ALCL occurred in 13.2% of patients. Lesions larger than 5 cm and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase were associated with a poor prognosis in C-ALCL. The survival of patients with C-ALCL was unaffected by the anatomical locations of skin lesions or other pathological factors.
Conclusion
The multiplicity or size of skin lesions was associated with a chronic course of LYP and survival among patients with C-ALCL.
3.Characteristics and Prevalence of Sequelae after COVID-19: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Se Ju LEE ; Yae Jee BAEK ; Su Hwan LEE ; Jung Ho KIM ; Jin Young AHN ; Jooyun KIM ; Ji Hoon JEON ; Hyeri SEOK ; Won Suk CHOI ; Dae Won PARK ; Yunsang CHOI ; Kyoung-Ho SONG ; Eu Suk KIM ; Hong Bin KIM ; Jae-Hoon KO ; Kyong Ran PECK ; Jae-Phil CHOI ; Jun Hyoung KIM ; Hee-Sung KIM ; Hye Won JEONG ; Jun Yong CHOI
Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;57(1):72-80
Background:
The World Health Organization has declared the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. However, this did not indicate the end of COVID-19. Several months after the infection, numerous patients complain of respiratory or nonspecific symptoms; this condition is called long COVID. Even patients with mild COVID-19 can experience long COVID, thus the burden of long COVID remains considerable. Therefore, we conducted this study to comprehensively analyze the effects of long COVID using multi-faceted assessments.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a prospective cohort study involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 2020 and September 2021 in six tertiary hospitals in Korea. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after discharge. Long COVID was defined as the persistence of three or more COVID-19-related symptoms. The primary outcome of this study was the prevalence of long COVID after the period of COVID-19.
Results:
During the study period, 290 patients were enrolled. Among them, 54.5 and 34.6% experienced long COVID within 6 months and after more than 18 months, respectively. Several patients showed abnormal results when tested for post-traumatic stress disorder (17.4%) and anxiety (31.9%) after 18 months. In patients who underwent follow-up chest computed tomography 18 months after COVID-19, abnormal findings remained at 51.9%. Males (odds ratio [OR], 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.53; P=0.004) and elderly (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.09; P=0.04) showed a significant association with long COVID after 12–18 months in a multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
Many patients still showed long COVID after 18 months post SARS-CoV-2 infection. When managing these patients, the assessment of multiple aspects is necessary.
4.Characteristics and Prevalence of Sequelae after COVID-19: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Se Ju LEE ; Yae Jee BAEK ; Su Hwan LEE ; Jung Ho KIM ; Jin Young AHN ; Jooyun KIM ; Ji Hoon JEON ; Hyeri SEOK ; Won Suk CHOI ; Dae Won PARK ; Yunsang CHOI ; Kyoung-Ho SONG ; Eu Suk KIM ; Hong Bin KIM ; Jae-Hoon KO ; Kyong Ran PECK ; Jae-Phil CHOI ; Jun Hyoung KIM ; Hee-Sung KIM ; Hye Won JEONG ; Jun Yong CHOI
Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;57(1):72-80
Background:
The World Health Organization has declared the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. However, this did not indicate the end of COVID-19. Several months after the infection, numerous patients complain of respiratory or nonspecific symptoms; this condition is called long COVID. Even patients with mild COVID-19 can experience long COVID, thus the burden of long COVID remains considerable. Therefore, we conducted this study to comprehensively analyze the effects of long COVID using multi-faceted assessments.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a prospective cohort study involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 2020 and September 2021 in six tertiary hospitals in Korea. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after discharge. Long COVID was defined as the persistence of three or more COVID-19-related symptoms. The primary outcome of this study was the prevalence of long COVID after the period of COVID-19.
Results:
During the study period, 290 patients were enrolled. Among them, 54.5 and 34.6% experienced long COVID within 6 months and after more than 18 months, respectively. Several patients showed abnormal results when tested for post-traumatic stress disorder (17.4%) and anxiety (31.9%) after 18 months. In patients who underwent follow-up chest computed tomography 18 months after COVID-19, abnormal findings remained at 51.9%. Males (odds ratio [OR], 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.53; P=0.004) and elderly (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.09; P=0.04) showed a significant association with long COVID after 12–18 months in a multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
Many patients still showed long COVID after 18 months post SARS-CoV-2 infection. When managing these patients, the assessment of multiple aspects is necessary.
5.Characteristics and Prevalence of Sequelae after COVID-19: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Se Ju LEE ; Yae Jee BAEK ; Su Hwan LEE ; Jung Ho KIM ; Jin Young AHN ; Jooyun KIM ; Ji Hoon JEON ; Hyeri SEOK ; Won Suk CHOI ; Dae Won PARK ; Yunsang CHOI ; Kyoung-Ho SONG ; Eu Suk KIM ; Hong Bin KIM ; Jae-Hoon KO ; Kyong Ran PECK ; Jae-Phil CHOI ; Jun Hyoung KIM ; Hee-Sung KIM ; Hye Won JEONG ; Jun Yong CHOI
Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;57(1):72-80
Background:
The World Health Organization has declared the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. However, this did not indicate the end of COVID-19. Several months after the infection, numerous patients complain of respiratory or nonspecific symptoms; this condition is called long COVID. Even patients with mild COVID-19 can experience long COVID, thus the burden of long COVID remains considerable. Therefore, we conducted this study to comprehensively analyze the effects of long COVID using multi-faceted assessments.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a prospective cohort study involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 2020 and September 2021 in six tertiary hospitals in Korea. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after discharge. Long COVID was defined as the persistence of three or more COVID-19-related symptoms. The primary outcome of this study was the prevalence of long COVID after the period of COVID-19.
Results:
During the study period, 290 patients were enrolled. Among them, 54.5 and 34.6% experienced long COVID within 6 months and after more than 18 months, respectively. Several patients showed abnormal results when tested for post-traumatic stress disorder (17.4%) and anxiety (31.9%) after 18 months. In patients who underwent follow-up chest computed tomography 18 months after COVID-19, abnormal findings remained at 51.9%. Males (odds ratio [OR], 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.53; P=0.004) and elderly (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.09; P=0.04) showed a significant association with long COVID after 12–18 months in a multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
Many patients still showed long COVID after 18 months post SARS-CoV-2 infection. When managing these patients, the assessment of multiple aspects is necessary.
6.Double stent-assisted coiling with Neuroform Atlas stents for treating ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms
Hyoung Bin KIM ; Lee HWANGBO ; Young Ha KIM ; Pil Soo KIM ; Jun Kyeung KO
Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery 2025;27(4):327-337
Objective:
A ruptured blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery is a rare but surgically challenging vascular disease. Numerous endovascular approaches have been reported, but optimal management remains controversial. This study aimed to report on our experience and assess the safety and efficacy of our treatment strategy.
Methods:
The treatment strategy basically involves stent-assisted coiling using semi-jailing technique followed by stent overlap with Neuroform Atlas stents. Angiographic results (modified Raymond scale), clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale), and technical feasibility were evaluated.
Results:
A total of ten patients with ruptured BBAs were treated via this technique (8 women; mean age, 45.4 years). Procedures were successfully applied without any procedure-related symptomatic complications except one thromboembolism. The immediate angiographic results were complete occlusion in 6 aneurysms, residual neck in 1 aneurysm, and residual sac in 3 aneurysms. Early complementary treatment was required in one. Follow-up angiograms (mean, 9.6 months), which were available in 8 patients, showed complete resolution of BBAs in all, except one who was retreated with a flow diverter. At the end of the observation period (mean, 41.0 months), all patients had excellent clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0-1), except two with initial poor grade subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Conclusions
Double stent-assisted coiling using Neuroform Atlas stents offers a feasible and practical reconstructive option for ruptured BBAs, particularly in healthcare systems where flow diverters are not approved for acute-phase use.
7.COVID-19 Vaccination Alters NK CellDynamics and Transiently Reduces HBsAg Titers Among Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Hyunjae SHIN ; Ha Seok LEE ; Ji Yun NOH ; June-Young KOH ; So-Young KIM ; Jeayeon PARK ; Sung Won CHUNG ; Moon Haeng HUR ; Min Kyung PARK ; Yun Bin LEE ; Yoon Jun KIM ; Jung-Hwan YOON ; Jae-Hoon KO ; Kyong Ran PECK ; Joon Young SONG ; Eui-Cheol SHIN ; Jeong-Hoon LEE
Immune Network 2023;23(5):e39-
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination may non-specifically alter the host immune system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg) titer and host immunity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Consecutive 2,797 CHB patients who had serial HBsAg measurements during antiviral treatment were included in this study. Changes in the HBsAg levels after COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed. The dynamics of NK cells following COVID-19 vaccination were also examined using serial blood samples collected prospectively from 25 healthy volunteers. Vaccinated CHB patients (n=2,329) had significantly lower HBsAg levels 1–30 days post-vaccination compared to baseline (median, −21.4 IU/ml from baseline), but the levels reverted to baseline by 91–180 days (median, −3.8 IU/ml). The velocity of the HBsAg decline was transiently accelerated within 30 days after vaccination (median velocity: −0.06, −0.39, and −0.04 log 10 IU/ml/year in pre-vaccination period, days 1–30, and days 31–90, respectively). In contrast, unvaccinated patients (n=468) had no change in HBsAg levels. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of NK cells expressing NKG2A, an NK inhibitory receptor, significantly decreased within 7 days after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (median, −13.1% from baseline; p<0.001). The decrease in the frequency of NKG2A + NK cells was observed in the CD56dimCD16+ NK cell population regardless of type of COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination leads to a rapid, transient decline in HBsAg titer and a decrease in the frequency of NKG2A + NK cells.
8.Iatrogenic mixed pial and dural arteriovenous fistula after pterional approach for surgical clipping of aneurysm: A case report
Seung-Bin WOO ; Young San KO ; Chang-Young LEE
Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery 2023;25(4):440-446
Craniotomy is known as a cause of iatrogenic dural cerebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF). However, mixed pial and dural AVFs after craniotomy are extremely rare and require accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment due to their aggressiveness. We present a case of an iatrogenic mixed pial and dural AVF diagnosed 2 years after pterional craniotomy for surgical clipping of a ruptured anterior choroidal aneurysm. The lesion was successfully treated using single endovascular procedure of transvenous coil embolization through the engorged vein of Labbe and the superficial middle cerebral vein. The possibility of the AVF formation after the pterional approach should always be kept in mind because it usually occurs at the middle cranial fossa, which frequently has an aggressive nature owing to direct cortical venous or leptomeningeal drainage patterns. This complication is believed to be caused by angiogenetic conditions due to coagulation, retraction, and microinjuries of the perisylvian vessels, and can be prevented by performing careful sylvian dissection according to patient-specific perisylvian venous anatomy.
9.Natural course of chronic subdural hematoma following surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysm by pterional approach
Su-Bin KWEON ; Suchel KIM ; Min-Yong KWON ; Chang-Hyun KIM ; Sae Min KWON ; Yong San KO ; Chang-Young LEE
Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery 2023;25(4):390-402
Objective:
Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a neurological complication following clipping surgery. However, the natural course and ideal approach for the treatment of clipping-related-CSDH (CR-CSDH) have not been clearly established. We aimed to investigate the course of CR-CSDH using chronological radiological findings.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis of 28 (3.8%) patients who developed CSDH among 736 patients who underwent surgical clipping using pterional approach for unruptured aneurysms at our institution between December 2010 and December 2018. Patients underwent follow-up CT scan 6–8 weeks after clipping surgery and decision to pursue surgical intervention rests upon the patient’s symptom based on the Markwalder’s grading scale (MGS) and numeric rating scale (NRS).
Results:
Of the 28 patients, 3 patients (10.7%) underwent surgery, while 25 (89.2%) showed spontaneous resolution of CR-CSDH. Eighteen patients (64.2%) had mild headache with MGS of 0–1. The mean maximum hematoma volume was 41.9±30.9 ml (5.8–135 ml), and 26 patients (92.8%) had homogeneous hematoma. The mean time to hematoma resolution was 126.7±52.9 days (46–228 days). Comparing group of CR-CSDH volume ≥43 ml or a midline shift ≥5 mm, the difference in presence of linear low-density area (p=0.002) and age (p=0.026) between the conservative and operative groups were found to be statistically significant.
Conclusions
Most CR-CSDH cases spontaneously resolved within 4 months. Therefore, we suggest that close observation should be performed if patient’s symptoms are mild and special radiologic findings are present, despite its relatively large volume and midline shifting.
10.A Report on a Nationwide Surveillance System for Pediatric Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology in Korea
Kyung Jae LEE ; Jae Sung KO ; Kie Young PARK ; Ki Soo KANG ; Kunsong LEE ; Jeana HONG ; Soon Chul KIM ; Yoon LEE ; Ben KANG ; Yu Bin KIM ; Hyun Jin KIM ; Byung Wook EUN ; Hye-Kyung CHO ; Yae-Jean KIM ; Mi Jin KIM ; Jin LEE ; Taek-Jin LEE ; Seak Hee OH ; Sowon PARK ; Eun Ha HWANG ; Sangjun SOHN ; Jin Gyu LIM ; YooJin KIM ; Yeoun Joo LEE
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2023;38(47):e401-
Background:
Several cases of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology related to adenoviral infections have been reported in Europe since January 2022. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, severity, possible etiology, and prognosis of the disease with those in the past in Korea.
Methods:
The surveillance group collected data between May and November 2022 using a surveillance system. Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology was defined in patients aged < 16 years with a serum transaminase level > 500 IU/L, not due to hepatitis A-E or other underlying causes. For comparison, data from 18 university hospitals were retrospectively collected as a control group between January 2021 and April 2022.
Results:
We enrolled 270 patients (mean age, 5 years). The most common symptom was fever. However, the incidence was similar between 2021 and 2022. Liver function test results, number of patients with acute liver failure (ALF), liver transplantation (LT), death, and adenovirus detection rates did not differ between the two groups. None of the adenoviruspositive patients in either group experienced ALF, LT, or death. In the surveillance group, adenovirus-associated virus-2 was detected in four patients, one of whom underwent LT. Patients with an unknown etiology showed significantly higher bilirubin levels, a lower platelet count, and a higher LT rate than patients with a possible etiology.
Conclusion
The incidence of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology and adenovirus detection rate have not increased in Korea.

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