OBJECTIVES: Studies evaluating weight changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have yielded inconsistent results, and most of those studies were based on self-reported anthropometric measures. We investigated changes in body mass index (BMI), professionally measured waist circumference (WC), and metabolic syndrome components from before to during the pandemic in a sample of the adult population in Korea. METHODS: This retrospective study included 1,118 male and female (age≥18 years) who underwent health checkups at a university medical center between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2022. Changes in BMI, lifestyles, and metabolic syndrome components during the pandemic were analyzed using the paired t-test, McNemar test, generalized estimating equations, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Changes in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage during the pandemic were not clinically significant. However, statistically significant results were found for decreased physical activity (p<0.001) and WC (p<0.001), and exacerbation of all metabolic syndrome components (except serum triglyceride levels). Moreover, the metabolic syndrome prevalence increased significantly from 20.2% to 31.2% during the pandemic (p<0.001). The prevalence of abdominal obesity and high fasting blood glucose levels also significantly increased from 2019 to 2021. CONCLUSIONS Metabolic syndrome, its components, and fat distribution worsened significantly after the implementation of social distancing and lockdowns, despite no clinically significant changes in body weight and BMI. Further studies on the post- pandemic period should investigate the long-term impact of social lockdowns on BMI and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Background: Although neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is known to be a rare disease, its prevalence and incidence have not yet been studied in Korea. We performed a population-based study to examine the prevalence and incidence of NMOSD in Korea using data from the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database. Methods: Data from 2013 to 2017 were obtained, with a washout period set as 2013 and 2014. The prevalence and incidence of NMOSD in 2016 and 2017 were calculated using population census data. Subjects were divided into 5 groups at 15-year intervals, depending on the age at which the diagnostic code was entered. The relative risk (RR) for each age group was compared with the oldest (≥ 60 years) age group. Results: The overall prevalence was estimated to be 3.36 and 3.56 per 100,000 individuals, with an incidence of 0.41 and 0.65 per 100,000 individuals-year in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The mean age was 43.08 (standard deviation, 14.56) years, and the ratio of male to females was 1:4.7. The incidence was higher in female individuals aged between 30 and 59 years (RR, 2.8–3.05; P < 0.05). Conclusion Nationwide prevalence of NMOSD in Korea was 3.36 and 3.56/100,000 and its incidence was 0.41 and 0.65/100,000-year in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and plays a key role in cognitive dysfunction. Perilla frutescens var. japonica extract (PFE) and its major compound, rosmarinic acid (RA), have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated whether administration of PFE and RA contributes to cognitive improvement in an Aβ25-35-injected mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male ICR mice were intracerebroventricularly injected with aggregated Aβ25-35 to induce AD. Aβ25-35-injected mice were fed PFE (50 mg/kg/day) or RA (0.25 mg/kg/day) for 14 days and examined for learning and memory ability through the T-maze, object recognition, and Morris water maze test. RESULTS: Our present study demonstrated that PFE and RA administration significantly enhanced cognition function and object discrimination, which were impaired by Aβ25-35, in the T-maze and object recognition tests, respectively. In addition, oral administration of PFE and RA decreased the time to reach the platform and increased the number of crossings over the removed platform when compared with the Aβ25-35-induced control group in the Morris water maze test. Furthermore, PFE and RA significantly decreased the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, kidney, and liver. In particular, PFE markedly attenuated oxidative stress by inhibiting production of NO and MDA in the Aβ25-35-injected mouse brain. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PFE and its active compound RA have beneficial effects on cognitive improvement and may help prevent AD induced by Aβ.
Administration, Oral ; Alzheimer Disease ; Animals ; Brain ; Cognition* ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Humans ; Kidney ; Learning ; Liver ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; Memory* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nitric Oxide ; Oxidative Stress ; Perilla frutescens* ; Perilla* ; Water

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and plays a key role in cognitive dysfunction. Perilla frutescens var. japonica extract (PFE) and its major compound, rosmarinic acid (RA), have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated whether administration of PFE and RA contributes to cognitive improvement in an Aβ25-35-injected mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male ICR mice were intracerebroventricularly injected with aggregated Aβ25-35 to induce AD. Aβ25-35-injected mice were fed PFE (50 mg/kg/day) or RA (0.25 mg/kg/day) for 14 days and examined for learning and memory ability through the T-maze, object recognition, and Morris water maze test. RESULTS: Our present study demonstrated that PFE and RA administration significantly enhanced cognition function and object discrimination, which were impaired by Aβ25-35, in the T-maze and object recognition tests, respectively. In addition, oral administration of PFE and RA decreased the time to reach the platform and increased the number of crossings over the removed platform when compared with the Aβ25-35-induced control group in the Morris water maze test. Furthermore, PFE and RA significantly decreased the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, kidney, and liver. In particular, PFE markedly attenuated oxidative stress by inhibiting production of NO and MDA in the Aβ25-35-injected mouse brain. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PFE and its active compound RA have beneficial effects on cognitive improvement and may help prevent AD induced by Aβ.
Administration, Oral ; Alzheimer Disease ; Animals ; Brain ; Cognition* ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Humans ; Kidney ; Learning ; Liver ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; Memory* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nitric Oxide ; Oxidative Stress ; Perilla frutescens* ; Perilla* ; Water

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Colitis is a serious health problem, and chronic obesity is associated with the progression of colitis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of natural raw meal (NRM) on high-fat diet (HFD, 45%) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 2% w/v)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Body weight, colon length, and colon weight-to-length ratio, were measured directly. Serum levels of obesity-related biomarkers, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were determined using commercial kits. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 were detected using a commercial ELISA kit. Histological study was performed using a hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining assay. Colonic mRNA expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined by RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: Body weight and obesity-related biomarkers (TG, TC, LDL, HDL, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin) were regulated and obesity was prevented in NRM treated mice. NRM significantly suppressed colon shortening and reduced colon weight-to-length ratio in HFD+DSS induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice (P < 0.05). Histological observations suggested that NRM reduced edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by HFD and DSS. In addition, NRM decreased the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 and inhibited the mRNA expressions of these cytokines, and iNOS and COX-2 in colon mucosa (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that NRM has an anti-inflammatory effect against HFD and DSS-induced colitis in mice, and that these effects are due to the amelioration of HFD and/or DSS-induced inflammatory reactions.
Adiponectin ; Animals ; Biomarkers ; Body Weight ; Cholesterol ; Colitis ; Colitis, Ulcerative* ; Colon ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Cytokines ; Dextran Sulfate* ; Dextrans* ; Diet, High-Fat* ; Edema ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Hematoxylin ; Insulin ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Leptin ; Lipoproteins ; Meals* ; Mice* ; Mucous Membrane ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; Obesity ; RNA, Messenger ; Triglycerides ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Ulcer*

PURPOSE: We wanted to clinically evaluate the antibiotic therapy used from pre- to postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy along with the improved surgical techniques and instruments and the patient nutrition. METHODS: We prospective studied 105 patients who were treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute and chronic cholecystitis at Busan St. Mary Hospital from March 2007 to January 2008. The two groups were divided as follows: (A) the group was not injected with antibiotics, and the other group (B) was injected with antibiotics. We did not used antibiotics when the patient had no acute aggravating symptoms, and we exclude the patients with old age (<70 years), a past history of diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension (HTN), and a past operation history. RESULTS: Between the two group, there was no difference when they were compared for age, BMI (Body Mass Index), the operation time (minute) and the length of the hospital stay: (A) Group 49.3+/-13.0 years, 24.4+/-3.2 kg/m2, 37.9 +/- 10.0 minute and 4.6 +/- 1.3 days, respectively, and (B) Group 55.9+/-15.6 years, 23.5+/-3.5 kg/m2, 43.2 +/- 23.8 minute and 5.5 +/- 2.5 days, respectively. There was a significant different in the leukocyte count and the % of neutrophils: (A) Group 6396microliter(-1) and 53.4%, respectively and (B) Group 9354microliter(-1) and 66.6%, respectively. In (B) group, there were 2 cases of atrial fibrillation, 1 case of diarrhea and 1 case of wound seroma. There were no surgical related complications in group (A). CONCLUSION: For the well nourished chronic cholecystitis patients, the use of the prophylatic antibiotics may be less effective because of the many drug-induced side effects. More studies about the use of prophylactic antibiotics are needed.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Cholecystectomy ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Cholecystitis ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diarrhea ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Leukocyte Count ; Prospective Studies ; Seroma

Arteries ; Body Height ; Dentofacial Deformities ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla ; Osteotomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of the +769 G/A mutation of inhibin-alpha gene in Korean patients with idiopathic premature ovarian failure. DESIGN: DNA analysis of the mutation. METHODS: One hundred patients with idiopathic premature ovarian failure (POF) were recruited. Patient with known causes of premature ovarian failure were excluded: cytogenetic abnormalities, prior chemotherapy, prior bilateral oophorectomy and autoimmune disease, etc. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the +769 G/A variant of Inhibin-alpha gene (INH-alpha) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism using restriction enzyme BbvI. RESULTS: We didn't find any case of +769 G/A variant in Inhibin-alpha gene in 100 Korean patients with idiopathic POF. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that in contrary to the recent data reported on the Asian population, the +769 G/A variant in inhibin-alpha gene may not exist in Korean patients with idiopathic POF.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Chromosome Aberrations ; DNA ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Ovariectomy ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency*

The correlation between facial pain and/or headache in patients with chronic sinusitis and localized findings on paranasal sinus omputed tomography (CT) are poorly understood. So we prospectively evaluated the relationship of paranasal sinus pain symptoms with CT imaging. Fifty eight patients with headache and/or facial pain rated their pain in 9 areas at the time of CT scanning and 2 months after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We scored the degree of air-fluid level, mucosal thickening, and mucus retention cysts using a grade scale of severity. The ostiomeatal unit, middle meatus and nasofrontal duct were also evaluated for patency. Bivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between patients' pain, that was improved after ESS and CT findings. Among 58 patients who had facial pain and/or headache at the time of CT scan, the pain improved in 51 patients after ESS. Bivariate analysis failed to show any relationship between pain symptoms and CT findings in 51 patients. This study suggests that findings on CT do not routinely correlate with the patients' symptoms of facial pain or headache. CT should therefore be reserved for delineating the anatomy and degree of sinus disease before surgical intervention.
Facial Pain ; Headache ; Humans ; Korea* ; Mucus ; Prospective Studies ; Sinusitis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Long-term immunotherapy lasting for 3 to 5 years is known to be one of the effective treatment modalities for the perennial allergic rhinitis. However, it is questionable whether open-ended immunotherapy is beneficial to control the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis. This study was designed to confirm the effectiveness of open-ended immunotherapy with every 3-month injection after 3-year immunotherapy by comparing the results of immunotherapy between patients who received less than 3 years and those who received more than 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHOD: One hundred-one perennial allergic rhinitis patients who received immunotherapy more than 1 year and had no history of sinonasal operation were chosen. They were divided into two groups; the duration of immunotherapy was from 1 year to 3 years in one group and more than 3 years in the other group. They were surveyed with global study and the questionnaires regarding practical problems about nasal, eye, and generalized systemic symptoms as well as their medical treatment history. This questionnaire was administered twice in one sitting, with the first on recalling symptoms before immunotherapy treatment, and the second on an evaluation of current symptoms. RESULTS: Improvement in the allergic symptoms was preserved in group B as well as in Group A. With the treatment, the patients in both groups experienced decrease in the frequency of absence from work or school, hospital visits and the use of antibiotics. There were no significant differences in the results between two groups. CONCLUSION: The long-term maintenance of immunotherapy with 3-month injection after 3-year immunotherapy is effective for the prevention of recurrence of perennial allergic rhinitis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Humans ; Immunotherapy* ; Quality of Life* ; Surveys and Questionnaires* ; Recurrence ; Rhinitis*