To investigate the relationship between depression and AD, water avoidance stress (WAS) was induced for 10 days in both Tg2576 mice and wild-type (WT) mice. After WAS, memory function and depressive-like behavior were investigated in Tg2576 mice. Tg2576 WAS mice exhibited more depressive-like behaviors than WT WAS and Tg2576 control (CON) mice. Strikingly, Tg2576 CON mice showed more depressive-like behaviors than WT mice. Moreover, corticosterone and phospho-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR) levels were also higher in Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison to Tg2576 CON mice. Spinster homologue 2 (SPNS2) is a member of non-ATP-dependent transporter. The role of SPNS2 was widely known as a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter, which export intracellular S1P from cells. Using GEO database to analyze SPNS2 gene expression changes in patients with AD and depression, we show that SPNS2 gene expression correlates with AD and depression. Interestingly, Tg2576 WAS mice displayed significantly increased levels of SPNS2 w1hen compared to Tg2576 CON counterparts. SPNS2 levels were also higher in Tg2576 CON mice in comparison with WT CON mice. Remarkably, we found a decrease in S1P brain levels and an increase in S1P serum levels of Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison with Tg2576 CON mice. Accordingly, WAS induced group further decreased S1P levels in the brains. However, the level in the serum further increased in comparison with non-induced group. Therefore, these results suggest that AD and depression could be associated, and that Tg2576 transgenic mice are more susceptible to stress-induced depression through the release of S1P by SPNS2 up-regulation.

To investigate the relationship between depression and AD, water avoidance stress (WAS) was induced for 10 days in both Tg2576 mice and wild-type (WT) mice. After WAS, memory function and depressive-like behavior were investigated in Tg2576 mice. Tg2576 WAS mice exhibited more depressive-like behaviors than WT WAS and Tg2576 control (CON) mice. Strikingly, Tg2576 CON mice showed more depressive-like behaviors than WT mice. Moreover, corticosterone and phospho-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR) levels were also higher in Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison to Tg2576 CON mice. Spinster homologue 2 (SPNS2) is a member of non-ATP-dependent transporter. The role of SPNS2 was widely known as a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter, which export intracellular S1P from cells. Using GEO database to analyze SPNS2 gene expression changes in patients with AD and depression, we show that SPNS2 gene expression correlates with AD and depression. Interestingly, Tg2576 WAS mice displayed significantly increased levels of SPNS2 w1hen compared to Tg2576 CON counterparts. SPNS2 levels were also higher in Tg2576 CON mice in comparison with WT CON mice. Remarkably, we found a decrease in S1P brain levels and an increase in S1P serum levels of Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison with Tg2576 CON mice. Accordingly, WAS induced group further decreased S1P levels in the brains. However, the level in the serum further increased in comparison with non-induced group. Therefore, these results suggest that AD and depression could be associated, and that Tg2576 transgenic mice are more susceptible to stress-induced depression through the release of S1P by SPNS2 up-regulation.

To investigate the relationship between depression and AD, water avoidance stress (WAS) was induced for 10 days in both Tg2576 mice and wild-type (WT) mice. After WAS, memory function and depressive-like behavior were investigated in Tg2576 mice. Tg2576 WAS mice exhibited more depressive-like behaviors than WT WAS and Tg2576 control (CON) mice. Strikingly, Tg2576 CON mice showed more depressive-like behaviors than WT mice. Moreover, corticosterone and phospho-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR) levels were also higher in Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison to Tg2576 CON mice. Spinster homologue 2 (SPNS2) is a member of non-ATP-dependent transporter. The role of SPNS2 was widely known as a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter, which export intracellular S1P from cells. Using GEO database to analyze SPNS2 gene expression changes in patients with AD and depression, we show that SPNS2 gene expression correlates with AD and depression. Interestingly, Tg2576 WAS mice displayed significantly increased levels of SPNS2 w1hen compared to Tg2576 CON counterparts. SPNS2 levels were also higher in Tg2576 CON mice in comparison with WT CON mice. Remarkably, we found a decrease in S1P brain levels and an increase in S1P serum levels of Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison with Tg2576 CON mice. Accordingly, WAS induced group further decreased S1P levels in the brains. However, the level in the serum further increased in comparison with non-induced group. Therefore, these results suggest that AD and depression could be associated, and that Tg2576 transgenic mice are more susceptible to stress-induced depression through the release of S1P by SPNS2 up-regulation.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of applying the hot spring water exercise for 8 weeks to middle-aged females with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: To investigate this, body composition, isokinetic muscle function, and the knee flexion angle K-WOMAC were evaluated before and after the 8-week hot spring water exercise program and analyzed using a mixed-design two-way ANOVA. After analysis, if a significant difference was observed, the Bonferroni method was used as a post hoc method, and the following results were obtained. Results: First, among the body composition parameters, the body fat percentage showed a statistically significant reduction after the 8-week hot spring water exercise program in the exercise group (EG) (p = .031).However, there was no significant difference in body weight, muscle mass, body fat mass, and body mass index. Among the isokinetic muscle functions, the peak torque (p = .003, p = .001) and total work (p = .003, p = .003) of the flexion and extension movements, and the average power (p = .007) of the flexion movement significantly increased in the EG, while the average power of the extension movement did not change. The range of joint motion significantly increased after the exercise. The K-WOMAC index significantly decreased after the exercise. Conclusion Thus, the 8-week aquatic exercise program utilizing hot springs improved knee extension and flexion muscle strength. Hence, it is believed that it can be used as an interventional therapy for low back pain in the elderly and for obese people who have difficulty with land-based exercises.

“Chronic pain after spinal surgery” (CPSS) is a nonspecific term for cases in which the end result of surgery generally does not meet the preoperative expectations of the patient and surgeon. This term has replaced the previous term i.e., failed back surgery syndrome. CPSS is challenging for both patients and doctors. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and technologies, a subset of patients continue to experience persistent or recurrent pain postoperatively. This review provides an overview of the multimodal management for CPSS, ranging from conservative management to revision surgery. Drawing on recent research and clinical experience, we aimed to offer insights into the diverse strategies available to improve the quality of life of CPSS patients.

Recently, increasing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation may be a critical factor in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in addition to the ratio of acetylcholine/dopamine because dopaminergic neurons are particularly vulnerable to inflammatory attack. In this study, we investigated whether botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) was effective for the treatment of PD through its anti-neuroinflammatory effects and the modulation of acetylcholine and dopamine release. We found that BoNT-A ameliorated MPTP and 6-OHDA-induced PD progression, reduced acetylcholine release, levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as GFAP expression, but enhanced dopamine release and tyrosine hydroxylase expression. These results indicated that BoNT-A had beneficial effects on MPTP or 6-OHDA-induced PD-like behavior impairments via its anti-neuroinflammation properties, recovering dopamine, and reducing acetylcholine release.

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a nationwide health problem, which is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic renal failure. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korea significantly increased from 1998 to 2007. After that, the prevalence was stable in female but still increasing in male. The objective of this study was to evaluate how the prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome changed in Korean adults through the last decade. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008 to 2017 was used. National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III were used to define metabolic syndrome. We compared how each metabolic syndrome component and the risk factors changed through the years. Results: A total of 51,177 (30,092 female and 21,085 male) people were included in this study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in male increased from 24.5% in 2008 to 28.1% in 2017, whereas that in female was stable at 20.5% in 2008 from 18.7% in 2017. Waist circumference measurements and fasting glucose levels increased through the decade in male, whereas only fasting glucose levels increased in female. Conclusion Since the last decade, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults has increased in male but remained stable in female. Lifestyle intervention in male, namely ceasing smoking and drinking could prevent increasing metabolic syndrome prevalence in Korean adults.

Background: Several studies have shown that elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with cardiovascular disease. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been shown to be a measure of the severity and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of hs-CRP with hyperuricemia. Methods: From March 2016 to November 2017, a total of 26,987 patients who received a health check-up at a Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Korea, were enrolled. Foreigners, patients who had hs-CRP score greater than 10 or white blood cell score greater than 10,000, those who did not respond sincerely, those who had previously been diagnosed with gout and cerebrovascular disease, and females were excluded. Data were collected from 2,808 patients. Results: The subjects were divided into four sections by 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile, and 100th percentile based on the distribution of hs-CRP. Serum hs-CRP levels were 1.85 (1.34–2.56), 2.59 (1.90–3.54), and 3.64 (2.70–4.93) respectively in the second, third, and fourth quartiles based on the first quartile. The odds ratios were 1.46 (1.05–2.03), 1.76 (1.27–2.45), and 2.27 (1.64–3.14) after adjusting the disturbance variables of age, body mass index, smoking status, and regular exercise. Conclusion In this study, we evaluated the relationship between serum hs-CRP and hyperuricemia, which are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and found statistically significant correlations. These results were still significant after adjusting for age, smoking, exercise, and body mass index.

The function of microglia/macrophages after ischemic stroke is poorly understood. This study examines the role of microglia/macrophages in the focal infarct area after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rhesus monkeys. We measured infarct volume and neurological function by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and non-human primate stroke scale (NHPSS), respectively, to assess temporal changes following MCAO. Activated phagocytic microglia/macrophages were examined by immunohistochemistry in post-mortem brains (n=6 MCAO, n=2 controls) at 3 and 24 hours (acute stage), 2 and 4 weeks (subacute stage), and 4, and 20 months (chronic stage) following MCAO. We found that the infarct volume progressively decreased between 1 and 4 weeks following MCAO, in parallel with the neurological recovery. Greater presence of cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68)-expressing microglia/macrophages was detected in the infarct lesion in the subacute and chronic stage, compared to the acute stage. Surprisingly, 98~99% of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) was found colocalized with CD68-expressing cells. CD68-expressing microglia/macrophages, rather than CD206⁺ cells, may exert anti-inflammatory effects by secreting TGFβ after the subacute stage of ischemic stroke. CD68⁺ microglia/macrophages can therefore be used as a potential therapeutic target.
Brain ; Haplorhini ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; Inflammation ; Macaca mulatta ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Microglia ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; Primates ; Stroke ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients are known to have unusually high mean intraocular pressure (IOP); attributable to autonomic dysfunction and genetic factors. A recent study reported that diabetic complications occur in not only diabetes but also prediabetes. We performed this study to analyze the relationship between glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and IOP in non-diabetics using electronic medical records at the health screening center of Soon Chun Hyang University Seoul Hospital.METHODS: We considered 16,643 individuals who visited the health screening center of Soon Chun Hyang University Seoul Hospital between November 2015 and September 2017. In total, 3,029 subjects were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included a history of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis (A-C), cancer, other disease, fasting blood glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher, HbA1c of 6.5% or higher, and individuals whose binocular IOP could not be measured. We categorized subjects into two groups; those with HbA1c less than or equal to 5.6%, and those with HbA1c greater than 5.6% and less than 6.5%. The mean IOP of each group was compared by gender.RESULTS: After adjusting for factors affecting IOP, analysis of variance was performed to analyze the relationship between HbA1c and IOP. There was no statistically significant difference between the HbA1c groups in males. However, there was a significant difference in IOP between females in the the higher and lower HbA1c groups.CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant relationship between mean IOP and HbA1c in females without diabetes. Further research is needed with prospective and extensive data collection.
Blood Glucose ; Data Collection ; Diabetes Complications ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Electronic Health Records ; Fasting ; Female ; Health Promotion ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Intraocular Pressure ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Myocardial Infarction ; Prediabetic State ; Prospective Studies ; Seoul ; Telescopes