1.Association Between Childhood Trauma and Anhedonia-Related Symptoms: The Mediation Role of Trait Anhedonia and Circulating Proteins
Sang Jin RHEE ; Dongyoon SHIN ; Daun SHIN ; Yoojin SONG ; Eun-Jeong JOO ; Hee Yeon JUNG ; Sungwon ROH ; Sang-Hyuk LEE ; Hyeyoung KIM ; Minji BANG ; Kyu Young LEE ; Jihyeon LEE ; Yeongshin KIM ; Youngsoo KIM ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e66-
Background:
Though accumulating evidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and anhedonia, further analysis is needed to consider specific traumatic dimensions, both traits and state anhedonia, and the role of circulating proteins. Therefore, this study investigated the association between different types of childhood traumas and their influence on anhedonia-related symptoms, and to evaluate the influence of anhedonia traits and plasma proteins as mediators.
Methods:
This study included 170 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls aged 19–65 years. Multiple reaction monitoring was performed to quantify plasma proteins, and 464 proteins were analyzed. The association between childhood trauma dimensions, anhedonic traits, and related symptoms was analyzed with linear regression. A series of mediation analyses was performed to determine whether anhedonic traits and plasma proteins mediated the association between childhood trauma and anhedonia-related symptoms.
Results:
Childhood emotional neglect was significantly associated with anhedonic traits and anhedonia-related symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of anhedonic traits for childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms (effect = 0.037; bias-corrected CI, 0.009 to 0.070) was statistically significant. The indirect effect of plasma TNR5 for anhedonic traits on anhedonia-related symptoms was statistically significant (effect = −0.011; bias-corrected CI, −0.026 to −0.002). Serial mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms via anhedonic traits and TNR5 was statistically significant (effect = 0.007; biascorrected CI, 0.001 to 0.017).
Conclusion
Anhedonic traits and plasma TNR5 protein levels serially mediated the association between childhood emotional neglect and anhedonia-related symptoms.The study highlights the importance of considering both psychopathological traits and biological correlates when investigating the association between childhood trauma and psychopathological symptoms.
2.The pathogenesis of gout
Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 2025;32(1):8-16
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults, associated with hyperuricemia and the chronic deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Hyperuricemia results from increased production of uric acid and decreased excretion by the kidneys and intestines. Urate excretion is regulated by a group of urate transporters, and decreased renal or intestinal excretion is the primary mechanism of hyperuricemia in most people. Genetic variability in these urate transporters is strongly related to variances in serum urate levels. Not all individuals with hyperuricemia show deposition of MSU crystals or develop gout. The initiation of the inflammatory response to MSU crystals is mainly mediated by the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The activated NLRP3 inflammasome complex cleaves pro-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) into its active form, IL-1β, which is a key mediator of the inflammatory response in gout. IL-1β leads to the upregulation of cytokines and chemokines, resulting in the recruitment of neutrophils and other immune cells. Neutrophils recruited to the site of inflammation also play a role in resolving inflammation. Aggregated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) trap and degrade cytokines and chemokines through NET-bound proteases, promoting the resolution of inflammation. Advanced gout is characterized by tophi, chronic inflammatory responses, and structural joint damage. Tophi are chronic foreign body granuloma-like structures containing collections of MSU crystals encased by inflammatory cells and connective tissue. Tophi are closely related to chronic inflammation and structural damage.
3.Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Metabolic Parameters and Body Composition including Skeletal Muscle Mass: A Matched Case-Control Study
Suh Eun BAE ; Kee Don CHOI ; Jaewon CHOE ; Min Jung LEE ; Seonok KIM ; Ji Young CHOI ; Hana PARK ; Jaeil KIM ; Hye Won PARK ; Hye-Sook CHANG ; Hee Kyong NA ; Ji Yong AHN ; Kee Wook JUNG ; Jeong Hoon LEE ; Do Hoon KIM ; Ho June SONG ; Gin Hyug LEE ; Hwoon-Yong JUNG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):346-354
Background/Aims:
Findings on the impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on metabolic parameters are inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of H. pylori eradication on metabolic parameters and body composition, including body fat mass and skeletal muscle mass.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the data of asymptomatic patients who underwent health screenings, including bioelectrical impedance analysis, before and after H. pylori eradication between 2005 and 2021. After matching individuals based on key factors, we compared lipid profiles, metabolic parameters, and body composition between 823 patients from the eradicated group and 823 patients from the non-eradicated groups.
Results:
Blood pressure, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and glycated hemoglobin values were significantly lower in the eradicated group than in the non-eradicated group. However, changes in body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), waist circumference, and lipid profiles were not significantly different between the two groups. In a subgroup analysis of individuals aged >45 years, blood pressure, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and glycated hemoglobin changes were significantly lower in the eradicated group than in the noneradicated group. BMI values were significantly higher in the eradicated group than in the noneradicated group; however, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding changes in body weight, body fat mass, ASM, or waist circumference. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the eradicated group than in non-eradicated group.
Conclusions
H. pylori eradication significantly reduced blood pressure, glucose levels, and systemic inflammation and improved lipid profiles in patients aged >45 years. BMI, body fat mass, ASM, and waist circumference did not significantly differ between patients in the eradicated group and those in the non-eradicated group.
4.A case of SDRIFE (symmetric drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema) associated with denosumab
Ji-Su SHIM ; Kyung-Min AHN ; Min-Hye KIM ; Young-Joo CHO
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):39-43
Symmetric drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) is a rare drug-induced skin reaction characterized by distinctive rashes. It presents as sharply demarcated erythema in “V” shape on the flexural areas such as the buttocks and the groin. Additionally, it can affect other flexural regions such as the axillae, popliteal fossae, and antecubital fossae. SDRIFE typically occurs within a few days following systemic drug exposure, without prior cutaneous sensitization. It is generally associated with a favorable prognosis with no systemic involvement. Consequently, treatment usually involves discontinuation of the offending drug and symptomatic management with antihistamines, with systemic corticosteroids rarely necessary. Herein, we report a case of severe SDRIFE that developed six weeks after denosumab administration and required long-term systemic corticosteroids.
5.Erratum to "Investigating the Immune-Stimulating Potential of β-Glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans in Cancer Immunotherapy" Biomol Ther 32(5), 556-567 (2024)
Jae-Hyeon JEONG ; Dae-Joon KIM ; Seong-Jin HONG ; Jae-Hee AHN ; Dong-Ju LEE ; Ah-Ra JANG ; Sungyun KIM ; Hyun-Jong CHO ; Jae-Young LEE ; Jong-Hwan PARK ; Young-Min KIM ; Hyun-Jeong KO
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):233-233
6.Identifying Trends in Oncology Research through a Bibliographic Analysis of Cancer Research and Treatment
Choong-kun LEE ; Jeong Min CHOO ; Yong Chan AHN ; Jin KIM ; Sun Young RHA ; Chai Hong RIM ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):11-18
During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Cancer Association, articles published in Cancer Research and Treatment from 2004 to 2023 were assessed based on the subject and design of each study. Based on this analysis, trends in domestic cancer research were inferred and directions were suggested for the future development of Cancer Research and Treatment.
7.Factors Associated with Postoperative Recurrence in Stage I to IIIA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation: Analysis of Korean National Population Data
Kyu Yean KIM ; Ho Cheol KIM ; Tae Jung KIM ; Hong Kwan KIM ; Mi Hyung MOON ; Kyongmin Sarah BECK ; Yang Gun SUH ; Chang Hoon SONG ; Jin Seok AHN ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jae Hyun JEON ; Chi Young JUNG ; Jeong Su CHO ; Yoo Duk CHOI ; Seung Sik HWANG ; Chang Min CHOI ; Seung Hun JANG ; Jeong Uk LIM ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):83-94
Purpose:
Recent development in perioperative treatment of resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have changed the landscape of early lung cancer management. The ADAURA trial has demonstrated the efficacy of adjuvant osimertinib treatment in resectable NSCLC patients; however, studies are required to show which subgroup of patients are at a high risk of relapse and require adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. This study evaluated risk factors for postoperative relapse among patients who underwent complete resection.
Materials and Methods:
Data were obtained from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R), a database created using a retrospective sampling survey by the Korean Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) and the Lung Cancer Registration Committee.
Results:
A total of 3,176 patients who underwent curative resection was evaluated. The mean observation time was approximately 35.4 months. Among stage I to IIIA NSCLC patients, the EGFR-mutant subgroup included 867 patients, and 75.2%, 11.2%, and 11.8% were classified as stage I, stage II, and stage III, respectively. Within the EGFR-mutant subgroup, 44 (5.1%) and 121 (14.0%) patients showed early and late recurrence, respectively. Multivariate analysis on association with postoperative relapse among the EGFR-mutant subgroup showed that age, pathologic N and TNM stages, pleural invasion status, and surgery type were independent significant factors.
Conclusion
Among the population that underwent complete resection for early NSCLC with EGFR mutation, patients with advanced stage, pleural invasion, or limited resection are more likely to show postoperative relapse.
8.Enhancing Identification of High-Risk cN0 Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Using MRI-Based Radiomic Features
Harim KIM ; Jonghoon KIM ; Soohyun HWANG ; You Jin OH ; Joong Hyun AHN ; Min-Ji KIM ; Tae Hee HONG ; Sung Goo PARK ; Joon Young CHOI ; Hong Kwan KIM ; Jhingook KIM ; Sumin SHIN ; Ho Yun LEE
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):57-69
Purpose:
This study aimed to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based radiomics model to predict high-risk pathologic features for lung adenocarcinoma: micropapillary and solid pattern (MPsol), spread through air space, and poorly differentiated patterns.
Materials and Methods:
As a prospective study, we screened clinical N0 lung cancer patients who were surgical candidates and had undergone both 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) and chest CT from August 2018 to January 2020. We recruited patients meeting our proposed imaging criteria indicating high-risk, that is, poorer prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma, using CT and FDG PET/CT. If possible, these patients underwent an MRI examination from which we extracted 77 radiomics features from T1-contrast-enhanced and T2-weighted images. Additionally, patient demographics, maximum standardized uptake value on FDG PET/CT, and the mean apparent diffusion coefficient value on diffusion-weighted image, were considered together to build prediction models for high-risk pathologic features.
Results:
Among 616 patients, 72 patients met the imaging criteria for high-risk lung cancer and underwent lung MRI. The magnetic resonance (MR)–eligible group showed a higher prevalence of nodal upstaging (29.2% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001), vascular invasion (6.5% vs. 2.1%, p=0.011), high-grade pathologic features (p < 0.001), worse 4-year disease-free survival (p < 0.001) compared with non-MR-eligible group. The prediction power for MR-based radiomics model predicting high-risk pathologic features was good, with mean area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) value measuring 0.751-0.886 in test sets. Adding clinical variables increased the predictive performance for MPsol and the poorly differentiated pattern using the 2021 grading system (AUC, 0.860 and 0.907, respectively).
Conclusion
Our imaging criteria can effectively screen high-risk lung cancer patients and predict high-risk pathologic features by our MR-based prediction model using radiomics.
9.Association Between Childhood Trauma and Anhedonia-Related Symptoms: The Mediation Role of Trait Anhedonia and Circulating Proteins
Sang Jin RHEE ; Dongyoon SHIN ; Daun SHIN ; Yoojin SONG ; Eun-Jeong JOO ; Hee Yeon JUNG ; Sungwon ROH ; Sang-Hyuk LEE ; Hyeyoung KIM ; Minji BANG ; Kyu Young LEE ; Jihyeon LEE ; Yeongshin KIM ; Youngsoo KIM ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e66-
Background:
Though accumulating evidence suggests an association between childhood trauma and anhedonia, further analysis is needed to consider specific traumatic dimensions, both traits and state anhedonia, and the role of circulating proteins. Therefore, this study investigated the association between different types of childhood traumas and their influence on anhedonia-related symptoms, and to evaluate the influence of anhedonia traits and plasma proteins as mediators.
Methods:
This study included 170 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and healthy controls aged 19–65 years. Multiple reaction monitoring was performed to quantify plasma proteins, and 464 proteins were analyzed. The association between childhood trauma dimensions, anhedonic traits, and related symptoms was analyzed with linear regression. A series of mediation analyses was performed to determine whether anhedonic traits and plasma proteins mediated the association between childhood trauma and anhedonia-related symptoms.
Results:
Childhood emotional neglect was significantly associated with anhedonic traits and anhedonia-related symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of anhedonic traits for childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms (effect = 0.037; bias-corrected CI, 0.009 to 0.070) was statistically significant. The indirect effect of plasma TNR5 for anhedonic traits on anhedonia-related symptoms was statistically significant (effect = −0.011; bias-corrected CI, −0.026 to −0.002). Serial mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of childhood emotional neglect on anhedonia-related symptoms via anhedonic traits and TNR5 was statistically significant (effect = 0.007; biascorrected CI, 0.001 to 0.017).
Conclusion
Anhedonic traits and plasma TNR5 protein levels serially mediated the association between childhood emotional neglect and anhedonia-related symptoms.The study highlights the importance of considering both psychopathological traits and biological correlates when investigating the association between childhood trauma and psychopathological symptoms.
10.The pathogenesis of gout
Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 2025;32(1):8-16
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults, associated with hyperuricemia and the chronic deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Hyperuricemia results from increased production of uric acid and decreased excretion by the kidneys and intestines. Urate excretion is regulated by a group of urate transporters, and decreased renal or intestinal excretion is the primary mechanism of hyperuricemia in most people. Genetic variability in these urate transporters is strongly related to variances in serum urate levels. Not all individuals with hyperuricemia show deposition of MSU crystals or develop gout. The initiation of the inflammatory response to MSU crystals is mainly mediated by the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The activated NLRP3 inflammasome complex cleaves pro-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) into its active form, IL-1β, which is a key mediator of the inflammatory response in gout. IL-1β leads to the upregulation of cytokines and chemokines, resulting in the recruitment of neutrophils and other immune cells. Neutrophils recruited to the site of inflammation also play a role in resolving inflammation. Aggregated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) trap and degrade cytokines and chemokines through NET-bound proteases, promoting the resolution of inflammation. Advanced gout is characterized by tophi, chronic inflammatory responses, and structural joint damage. Tophi are chronic foreign body granuloma-like structures containing collections of MSU crystals encased by inflammatory cells and connective tissue. Tophi are closely related to chronic inflammation and structural damage.

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