Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor usually involved in the survival, differentiation, and growth of sensory neurons and nociceptive function. Yet, it has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies suggested a possible relationship between NGF and OA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the impact of NGF in chondrogenesis using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived chondrogenic pellets. To investigate how NGF affects the cartilage tissue, hiPSC-derived chondrogenic pellets were treated with NGF on day 3 of differentiation, expression of chondrogenic, hypertrophic, and fibrotic markers was confirmed. Also, inflammatory cytokine arrays were performed using the culture medium of the NGF treated chondrogenic pellets. As a result, NGF treatment decreased the expression of pro-chondrogenic markers by approximately 2∼4 times, and hypertrophic (pro-osteogenic) markers and fibrotic markers were increased by approximately 3-fold or more in the NGF-treated cartilaginous pellets. In addition, angiogenesis was upregulated by approximately 4-fold or more, bone formation by more than 2-fold, and matrix metalloproteinase induction by more than 2-fold. These inflammatory cytokine array were using the NGF-treated chondrogenic pellet cultured medium.Furthermore, it was confirmed by Western blot to be related to the induction of the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) pathway by NGF. In Conclusions, these findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted role of NGF in cartilage hypertrophy and fibrosis, which might play a critical role in OA progression.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor usually involved in the survival, differentiation, and growth of sensory neurons and nociceptive function. Yet, it has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies suggested a possible relationship between NGF and OA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the impact of NGF in chondrogenesis using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived chondrogenic pellets. To investigate how NGF affects the cartilage tissue, hiPSC-derived chondrogenic pellets were treated with NGF on day 3 of differentiation, expression of chondrogenic, hypertrophic, and fibrotic markers was confirmed. Also, inflammatory cytokine arrays were performed using the culture medium of the NGF treated chondrogenic pellets. As a result, NGF treatment decreased the expression of pro-chondrogenic markers by approximately 2∼4 times, and hypertrophic (pro-osteogenic) markers and fibrotic markers were increased by approximately 3-fold or more in the NGF-treated cartilaginous pellets. In addition, angiogenesis was upregulated by approximately 4-fold or more, bone formation by more than 2-fold, and matrix metalloproteinase induction by more than 2-fold. These inflammatory cytokine array were using the NGF-treated chondrogenic pellet cultured medium.Furthermore, it was confirmed by Western blot to be related to the induction of the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) pathway by NGF. In Conclusions, these findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted role of NGF in cartilage hypertrophy and fibrosis, which might play a critical role in OA progression.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor usually involved in the survival, differentiation, and growth of sensory neurons and nociceptive function. Yet, it has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies suggested a possible relationship between NGF and OA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the impact of NGF in chondrogenesis using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived chondrogenic pellets. To investigate how NGF affects the cartilage tissue, hiPSC-derived chondrogenic pellets were treated with NGF on day 3 of differentiation, expression of chondrogenic, hypertrophic, and fibrotic markers was confirmed. Also, inflammatory cytokine arrays were performed using the culture medium of the NGF treated chondrogenic pellets. As a result, NGF treatment decreased the expression of pro-chondrogenic markers by approximately 2∼4 times, and hypertrophic (pro-osteogenic) markers and fibrotic markers were increased by approximately 3-fold or more in the NGF-treated cartilaginous pellets. In addition, angiogenesis was upregulated by approximately 4-fold or more, bone formation by more than 2-fold, and matrix metalloproteinase induction by more than 2-fold. These inflammatory cytokine array were using the NGF-treated chondrogenic pellet cultured medium.Furthermore, it was confirmed by Western blot to be related to the induction of the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) pathway by NGF. In Conclusions, these findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted role of NGF in cartilage hypertrophy and fibrosis, which might play a critical role in OA progression.

Background and Objectives: The popliteal artery is generally regarded as a “no-stent zone.”Limited data are available on the outcomes of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for popliteal artery disease. This study aimed to evaluate the 12-month clinical outcomes among patients who received DCB treatment for atherosclerotic popliteal artery disease. Methods: This prospective, multicenter registry study enrolled 100 patients from 7 Korean endovascular centers who underwent endovascular therapy using IN.PACT DCB (Medtronic) for symptomatic atherosclerotic popliteal artery disease. The primary endpoint was 12-month clinical primary patency and the secondary endpoint was clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR)–free rate. Results: The mean age of the study cohort was 65.7±10.8 years, and 77% of enrolled patients were men. The mean lesion length was 93.7±53.7 mm, and total occlusions were present in 45% of patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Combined atherectomy was performed in 17% and provisional stenting was required in 11%. Out of the enrolled patients, 91 patients completed the 12-month follow-up. Clinical primary patency and TLR-free survival rates at 12 months were 76.0% and 87.2%, respectively. A multivariate Cox regression analysis identified female and longer lesion length as the significant independent predictors of loss of patency. Conclusions DCB treatment yielded favorable 12-month clinical primary patency and TLRfree survival outcomes in patients with popliteal artery disease.

Background and Objectives: The popliteal artery is generally regarded as a “no-stent zone.”Limited data are available on the outcomes of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for popliteal artery disease. This study aimed to evaluate the 12-month clinical outcomes among patients who received DCB treatment for atherosclerotic popliteal artery disease. Methods: This prospective, multicenter registry study enrolled 100 patients from 7 Korean endovascular centers who underwent endovascular therapy using IN.PACT DCB (Medtronic) for symptomatic atherosclerotic popliteal artery disease. The primary endpoint was 12-month clinical primary patency and the secondary endpoint was clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR)–free rate. Results: The mean age of the study cohort was 65.7±10.8 years, and 77% of enrolled patients were men. The mean lesion length was 93.7±53.7 mm, and total occlusions were present in 45% of patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Combined atherectomy was performed in 17% and provisional stenting was required in 11%. Out of the enrolled patients, 91 patients completed the 12-month follow-up. Clinical primary patency and TLR-free survival rates at 12 months were 76.0% and 87.2%, respectively. A multivariate Cox regression analysis identified female and longer lesion length as the significant independent predictors of loss of patency. Conclusions DCB treatment yielded favorable 12-month clinical primary patency and TLRfree survival outcomes in patients with popliteal artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to evaluate the association between smoking status and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, as detected by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 9,285 asymptomatic participants (mean age, 53.7±8.0 years; n=6,017, 64.8% male) with no history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who had undergone self-referred CCTA. Of these participants, 4,333 (46.7%) were considered never smokers, 2,885 (31.1%) former smokers, and 2,067 (22.3%) current smokers. We assessed the degree and characteristics of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis using CCTA, with obstructive CAD defined as a diameter stenosis of at least 50%. RESULTS: Compared with never-smokers, former smokers exhibited no significant differences in the probabilities of obstructive CAD, any coronary plaque, calcified plaque, or mixed plaque, as determined using adjusted odds ratios (aORs; p>0.05 for all). However, the risk of non-calcified plaque was significantly higher in former smokers (aOR, 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00 to 1.78; p=0.048). Current smokers had significantly higher rates of obstructive CAD (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.96; p=0.010), any coronary plaque (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.65; p<0.001), calcified plaque (aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.55; p=0.001), non-calcified plaque (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.32; p<0.001), and mixed plaque (aOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.39 to 2.86; p<0.001) compared to never smokers. CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study revealed a significant association between current smoking and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, as detected on CCTA. Additionally, former smoking demonstrated an association with non-calcified plaque, indicating elevated cardiovascular risk.