1.Quercetin-3-Methyl Ether Induces Early Apoptosis to Overcome HRV1B Immune Evasion, Suppress Viral Replication, and Mitigate Inflammatory Pathogenesis
Jae-Hyoung SONG ; Seo-Hyeon MUN ; Sunil MISHRA ; Seong-Ryeol KIM ; Heejung YANG ; Sun Shim CHOI ; Min-Jung KIM ; Dong-Yeop KIM ; Sungchan CHO ; Youngwook HAM ; Hwa-Jung CHOI ; Won-Jin BAEK ; Yong Soo KWON ; Jae-Hoon CHANG ; Hyun-Jeong KO
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):388-398
Human rhinovirus (HRV) causes the common cold and exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite its significant impact on public health, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for HRV infection. Apoptosis is the process through which cells eliminate themselves through the systematic activation of intrinsic death pathways in response to various stimuli. It plays an important role in viral infections and serves as a key immune defense mechanism in the interactions between viruses and the host. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin-3-methyl ether, a flavonoid isolated from Serratula coronata, on human rhinovirus 1B (HRV1B). Quercetin-3-methyl ether significantly inhibited HRV1B replication in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby reducing cytopathic effects and viral RNA levels. Time-course and time-of-addition analyses confirmed that quercetin-3-methyl ether exhibited antiviral activity during the early stages of viral infection, potentially targeting the replication and translation phases. Gene expression analysis using microarrays revealed that pro-apoptotic genes were upregulated in quercetin-3-methyl ether-treated cells, suggesting that quercetin-3-methyl ether enhances early apoptosis to counteract HRV1B-induced immune evasion. In vivo administration of quercetin-3-methyl ether to HRV1B-infected mice significantly reduced viral RNA levels and inflammatory cytokine production in the lung tissues. Our findings demonstrated the potential of quercetin-3-methyl ether as a novel antiviral agent against HRV1B, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of HRV1B infections and related complications.
2.A Novel Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitor, 4-FHA, Improves Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive and Memory Impairment in Mice
Jee-Yeon SEO ; Jisoo KIM ; Yong-Hyun KO ; Bo-Ram LEE ; Kwang-Hyun HUR ; Young Hoon JUNG ; Hyun-Ju PARK ; Seok-Yong LEE ; Choon-Gon JANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):268-277
Although histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is considered a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its role in cholinergic dysfunction in AD patients remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of (E)-3-(2-(4-fluorostyryl)thiazol-4-yl)-N-hydroxypropanamide (4-FHA), a new synthetic HDAC6 inhibitor, on cognitive and memory impairments in a scopolamine-induced-AD mouse model. Behaviorally, 4-FHA improved scopolamine-induced memory impairments in the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. In addition, 4-FHA ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in the novel object recognition and place recognition tests. Furthermore, 4-FHA increased acetylation of α-tubulin (a major HDAC6 substrate); the expression of BDNF; and the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, CREB, and ChAT in the hippocampus of scopolamine-treated mice. In summary, according to our data 4-FHA, an HDAC6 inhibitor, improved the cognitive and memory deficits of the AD mouse model by normalizing BDNF signaling and synaptic transmission, suggesting that 4-FHA might be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
3.Quercetin-3-Methyl Ether Induces Early Apoptosis to Overcome HRV1B Immune Evasion, Suppress Viral Replication, and Mitigate Inflammatory Pathogenesis
Jae-Hyoung SONG ; Seo-Hyeon MUN ; Sunil MISHRA ; Seong-Ryeol KIM ; Heejung YANG ; Sun Shim CHOI ; Min-Jung KIM ; Dong-Yeop KIM ; Sungchan CHO ; Youngwook HAM ; Hwa-Jung CHOI ; Won-Jin BAEK ; Yong Soo KWON ; Jae-Hoon CHANG ; Hyun-Jeong KO
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):388-398
Human rhinovirus (HRV) causes the common cold and exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite its significant impact on public health, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for HRV infection. Apoptosis is the process through which cells eliminate themselves through the systematic activation of intrinsic death pathways in response to various stimuli. It plays an important role in viral infections and serves as a key immune defense mechanism in the interactions between viruses and the host. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin-3-methyl ether, a flavonoid isolated from Serratula coronata, on human rhinovirus 1B (HRV1B). Quercetin-3-methyl ether significantly inhibited HRV1B replication in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby reducing cytopathic effects and viral RNA levels. Time-course and time-of-addition analyses confirmed that quercetin-3-methyl ether exhibited antiviral activity during the early stages of viral infection, potentially targeting the replication and translation phases. Gene expression analysis using microarrays revealed that pro-apoptotic genes were upregulated in quercetin-3-methyl ether-treated cells, suggesting that quercetin-3-methyl ether enhances early apoptosis to counteract HRV1B-induced immune evasion. In vivo administration of quercetin-3-methyl ether to HRV1B-infected mice significantly reduced viral RNA levels and inflammatory cytokine production in the lung tissues. Our findings demonstrated the potential of quercetin-3-methyl ether as a novel antiviral agent against HRV1B, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of HRV1B infections and related complications.
4.A Novel Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitor, 4-FHA, Improves Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive and Memory Impairment in Mice
Jee-Yeon SEO ; Jisoo KIM ; Yong-Hyun KO ; Bo-Ram LEE ; Kwang-Hyun HUR ; Young Hoon JUNG ; Hyun-Ju PARK ; Seok-Yong LEE ; Choon-Gon JANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):268-277
Although histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is considered a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its role in cholinergic dysfunction in AD patients remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of (E)-3-(2-(4-fluorostyryl)thiazol-4-yl)-N-hydroxypropanamide (4-FHA), a new synthetic HDAC6 inhibitor, on cognitive and memory impairments in a scopolamine-induced-AD mouse model. Behaviorally, 4-FHA improved scopolamine-induced memory impairments in the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. In addition, 4-FHA ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in the novel object recognition and place recognition tests. Furthermore, 4-FHA increased acetylation of α-tubulin (a major HDAC6 substrate); the expression of BDNF; and the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, CREB, and ChAT in the hippocampus of scopolamine-treated mice. In summary, according to our data 4-FHA, an HDAC6 inhibitor, improved the cognitive and memory deficits of the AD mouse model by normalizing BDNF signaling and synaptic transmission, suggesting that 4-FHA might be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
5.Quercetin-3-Methyl Ether Induces Early Apoptosis to Overcome HRV1B Immune Evasion, Suppress Viral Replication, and Mitigate Inflammatory Pathogenesis
Jae-Hyoung SONG ; Seo-Hyeon MUN ; Sunil MISHRA ; Seong-Ryeol KIM ; Heejung YANG ; Sun Shim CHOI ; Min-Jung KIM ; Dong-Yeop KIM ; Sungchan CHO ; Youngwook HAM ; Hwa-Jung CHOI ; Won-Jin BAEK ; Yong Soo KWON ; Jae-Hoon CHANG ; Hyun-Jeong KO
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):388-398
Human rhinovirus (HRV) causes the common cold and exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite its significant impact on public health, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for HRV infection. Apoptosis is the process through which cells eliminate themselves through the systematic activation of intrinsic death pathways in response to various stimuli. It plays an important role in viral infections and serves as a key immune defense mechanism in the interactions between viruses and the host. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin-3-methyl ether, a flavonoid isolated from Serratula coronata, on human rhinovirus 1B (HRV1B). Quercetin-3-methyl ether significantly inhibited HRV1B replication in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby reducing cytopathic effects and viral RNA levels. Time-course and time-of-addition analyses confirmed that quercetin-3-methyl ether exhibited antiviral activity during the early stages of viral infection, potentially targeting the replication and translation phases. Gene expression analysis using microarrays revealed that pro-apoptotic genes were upregulated in quercetin-3-methyl ether-treated cells, suggesting that quercetin-3-methyl ether enhances early apoptosis to counteract HRV1B-induced immune evasion. In vivo administration of quercetin-3-methyl ether to HRV1B-infected mice significantly reduced viral RNA levels and inflammatory cytokine production in the lung tissues. Our findings demonstrated the potential of quercetin-3-methyl ether as a novel antiviral agent against HRV1B, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of HRV1B infections and related complications.
6.A Novel Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitor, 4-FHA, Improves Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive and Memory Impairment in Mice
Jee-Yeon SEO ; Jisoo KIM ; Yong-Hyun KO ; Bo-Ram LEE ; Kwang-Hyun HUR ; Young Hoon JUNG ; Hyun-Ju PARK ; Seok-Yong LEE ; Choon-Gon JANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):268-277
Although histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is considered a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its role in cholinergic dysfunction in AD patients remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of (E)-3-(2-(4-fluorostyryl)thiazol-4-yl)-N-hydroxypropanamide (4-FHA), a new synthetic HDAC6 inhibitor, on cognitive and memory impairments in a scopolamine-induced-AD mouse model. Behaviorally, 4-FHA improved scopolamine-induced memory impairments in the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. In addition, 4-FHA ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in the novel object recognition and place recognition tests. Furthermore, 4-FHA increased acetylation of α-tubulin (a major HDAC6 substrate); the expression of BDNF; and the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, CREB, and ChAT in the hippocampus of scopolamine-treated mice. In summary, according to our data 4-FHA, an HDAC6 inhibitor, improved the cognitive and memory deficits of the AD mouse model by normalizing BDNF signaling and synaptic transmission, suggesting that 4-FHA might be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
7.Korea-Registries to Overcome Dementia and Accelerate Dementia Research (K-ROAD): A Cohort for Dementia Research and Ethnic-Specific Insights
Hyemin JANG ; Daeun SHIN ; Yeshin KIM ; Ko Woon KIM ; Juyoun LEE ; Jun Pyo KIM ; Hee Jin KIM ; Soo Hyun CHO ; Si Eun KIM ; Duk. L. NA ; Sang Won SEO ; On behalf of the K-ROAD Study Groups
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2024;23(4):212-223
Background:
and Purpose: Dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, is a significant global health concern, with early diagnosis and treatment development being critical goals. While numerous cohorts have advanced dementia research, there is a lack of comprehensive data on ethnic differences, particularly for the Korean population. The Korea-Registries to Overcome Dementia and Accelerate Dementia Research (K-ROAD) aims to establish a large-scale, hospital-based dementia cohort to address this gap, with a focus on understanding disease progression, developing early diagnostics, and supporting treatment advancements specific to the Korean population.
Methods:
K-ROAD comprises multiple prospective cohorts. Participants underwent clinical evaluations, neuroimaging, and biomarker analysis, with data collected on a range of clinical and genomic markers.
Results:
As of December 2023, K-ROAD has recruited over 5,800 participants, including individuals across the Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome, subcortical vascular cognitive impairment, and frontotemporal dementia spectra. Preliminary findings highlight significant ethnic differences in amyloid positivity, cognitive decline, and biomarker profiles, compared to Western cohorts.
Conclusions
The K-ROAD cohort offers a unique and critical resource for dementia research, providing insights into ethnic-specific disease characteristics and biomarker profiles. These findings will contribute to the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to dementia, enhancing global understanding of the disease.
8.Evaluation of Burnout and Contributing Factors in Imaging Cardiologists in Korea
You-Jung CHOI ; Kang-Un CHOI ; Young-Mee LEE ; Hyun-Jung LEE ; Inki MOON ; Jiwon SEO ; Kyu KIM ; So Ree KIM ; Jihoon KIM ; Hong-Mi CHOI ; Seo-Yeon GWAK ; Minkwan KIM ; Minjeong KIM ; Kyu-Yong KO ; Jin Kyung OH ; Jah Yeon CHOI ; Dong-Hyuk CHO ; On behalf of the Korean Society of Echocardiography Heart Imagers of Tomorrow
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;40(5):e21-
Background:
We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors.
Methods:
An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results:
A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions
Conclusion
Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..
9.Evaluation of Burnout and Contributing Factors in Imaging Cardiologists in Korea
You-Jung CHOI ; Kang-Un CHOI ; Young-Mee LEE ; Hyun-Jung LEE ; Inki MOON ; Jiwon SEO ; Kyu KIM ; So Ree KIM ; Jihoon KIM ; Hong-Mi CHOI ; Seo-Yeon GWAK ; Minkwan KIM ; Minjeong KIM ; Kyu-Yong KO ; Jin Kyung OH ; Jah Yeon CHOI ; Dong-Hyuk CHO ; On behalf of the Korean Society of Echocardiography Heart Imagers of Tomorrow
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;40(5):e21-
Background:
We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors.
Methods:
An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results:
A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions
Conclusion
Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..
10.Korea-Registries to Overcome Dementia and Accelerate Dementia Research (K-ROAD): A Cohort for Dementia Research and Ethnic-Specific Insights
Hyemin JANG ; Daeun SHIN ; Yeshin KIM ; Ko Woon KIM ; Juyoun LEE ; Jun Pyo KIM ; Hee Jin KIM ; Soo Hyun CHO ; Si Eun KIM ; Duk. L. NA ; Sang Won SEO ; On behalf of the K-ROAD Study Groups
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2024;23(4):212-223
Background:
and Purpose: Dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, is a significant global health concern, with early diagnosis and treatment development being critical goals. While numerous cohorts have advanced dementia research, there is a lack of comprehensive data on ethnic differences, particularly for the Korean population. The Korea-Registries to Overcome Dementia and Accelerate Dementia Research (K-ROAD) aims to establish a large-scale, hospital-based dementia cohort to address this gap, with a focus on understanding disease progression, developing early diagnostics, and supporting treatment advancements specific to the Korean population.
Methods:
K-ROAD comprises multiple prospective cohorts. Participants underwent clinical evaluations, neuroimaging, and biomarker analysis, with data collected on a range of clinical and genomic markers.
Results:
As of December 2023, K-ROAD has recruited over 5,800 participants, including individuals across the Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome, subcortical vascular cognitive impairment, and frontotemporal dementia spectra. Preliminary findings highlight significant ethnic differences in amyloid positivity, cognitive decline, and biomarker profiles, compared to Western cohorts.
Conclusions
The K-ROAD cohort offers a unique and critical resource for dementia research, providing insights into ethnic-specific disease characteristics and biomarker profiles. These findings will contribute to the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to dementia, enhancing global understanding of the disease.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail