1.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.
2.Licochalcone D Exerts Antitumor Activity in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells by Inducing ROS Generation and Phosphorylating JNK and p38 MAPK
Seung-On LEE ; Sang Hoon JOO ; Seung-Sik CHO ; Goo YOON ; Yung Hyun CHOI ; Jin Woo PARK ; Kwon-Yeon WEON ; Jung-Hyun SHIM
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):344-354
Anticancer activities of Licochalcone D (LCD) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant HCT116 (HCT116-OxR) were determined. Cell viability assay and soft agar assay were used to analyze antiproliferative activity of LCD.Flow cytometry was performed to determine effects of LCD on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) dysfunction, and multi-caspase activity in CRC cells. Western blot analysis was used to monitor levels of proteins involved in cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathways. LCD suppressed the growth and anchorageindependent colony formation of both HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that LCD induced cell cycle arrest and increased cells in sub-G1 phase. In parallel with the antiproliferative effect of LCD, LCD up-regulated levels of p21 and p27 while downregulating cyclin B1 and cdc2. In addition, phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were increased by LCD. Inhibition of these kinases somehow prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD. Moreover, LCD increased ROS and deregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of multiple caspases. An ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD, supporting that ROS generation and caspase activation mediated LCD-induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In conclusion, LCD exerted antitumor activity in CRC cells by inducing ROS generation and phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. These results support that LCD could be further developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating CRC.
3.The feasibility of anterior plate fixation in distal-third humeral shaft fractures: a retrospective case series
Ki-Tae KIM ; Seung Je KIM ; Jae Woo SHIM
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):86-94
Purpose:
The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm.
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks).
Conclusion
Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.
4.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.
5.The feasibility of anterior plate fixation in distal-third humeral shaft fractures: a retrospective case series
Ki-Tae KIM ; Seung Je KIM ; Jae Woo SHIM
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):86-94
Purpose:
The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm.
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks).
Conclusion
Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.
6.Licochalcone D Exerts Antitumor Activity in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells by Inducing ROS Generation and Phosphorylating JNK and p38 MAPK
Seung-On LEE ; Sang Hoon JOO ; Seung-Sik CHO ; Goo YOON ; Yung Hyun CHOI ; Jin Woo PARK ; Kwon-Yeon WEON ; Jung-Hyun SHIM
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):344-354
Anticancer activities of Licochalcone D (LCD) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant HCT116 (HCT116-OxR) were determined. Cell viability assay and soft agar assay were used to analyze antiproliferative activity of LCD.Flow cytometry was performed to determine effects of LCD on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) dysfunction, and multi-caspase activity in CRC cells. Western blot analysis was used to monitor levels of proteins involved in cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathways. LCD suppressed the growth and anchorageindependent colony formation of both HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that LCD induced cell cycle arrest and increased cells in sub-G1 phase. In parallel with the antiproliferative effect of LCD, LCD up-regulated levels of p21 and p27 while downregulating cyclin B1 and cdc2. In addition, phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were increased by LCD. Inhibition of these kinases somehow prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD. Moreover, LCD increased ROS and deregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of multiple caspases. An ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD, supporting that ROS generation and caspase activation mediated LCD-induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In conclusion, LCD exerted antitumor activity in CRC cells by inducing ROS generation and phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. These results support that LCD could be further developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating CRC.
7.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.
8.The feasibility of anterior plate fixation in distal-third humeral shaft fractures: a retrospective case series
Ki-Tae KIM ; Seung Je KIM ; Jae Woo SHIM
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):86-94
Purpose:
The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm.
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks).
Conclusion
Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.
9.Licochalcone D Exerts Antitumor Activity in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells by Inducing ROS Generation and Phosphorylating JNK and p38 MAPK
Seung-On LEE ; Sang Hoon JOO ; Seung-Sik CHO ; Goo YOON ; Yung Hyun CHOI ; Jin Woo PARK ; Kwon-Yeon WEON ; Jung-Hyun SHIM
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):344-354
Anticancer activities of Licochalcone D (LCD) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant HCT116 (HCT116-OxR) were determined. Cell viability assay and soft agar assay were used to analyze antiproliferative activity of LCD.Flow cytometry was performed to determine effects of LCD on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) dysfunction, and multi-caspase activity in CRC cells. Western blot analysis was used to monitor levels of proteins involved in cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathways. LCD suppressed the growth and anchorageindependent colony formation of both HCT116 and HCT116-OxR cells. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that LCD induced cell cycle arrest and increased cells in sub-G1 phase. In parallel with the antiproliferative effect of LCD, LCD up-regulated levels of p21 and p27 while downregulating cyclin B1 and cdc2. In addition, phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were increased by LCD. Inhibition of these kinases somehow prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD. Moreover, LCD increased ROS and deregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of multiple caspases. An ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK prevented the antiproliferative effect of LCD, supporting that ROS generation and caspase activation mediated LCD-induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In conclusion, LCD exerted antitumor activity in CRC cells by inducing ROS generation and phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. These results support that LCD could be further developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating CRC.
10.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.

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