Monitoring physiological and biochemical indices in the systematic training of sprinters / Monitoramento de índices fisiológicos e bioquímicos no treino sistemático de velocistas / Monitoreo de los índices fisiológicos y bioquímicos en el entrenamiento sistemático de velocistas

ABSTRACT Introduction This paper studies physiological and biochemical indicators in the systematic training of sprinters. This paper analyzes the data measured during the athletes' training process and studies the detailed data of their physical functions. Objective This study aimed to find a link between exercise data and biochemical indicator data in sprinter athletes. By analyzing the data from this article, the researchers were able to find the optimal training program for the athletes. Methods High-intensity aerobic training tests were performed with statistical analysis of various physiological and biochemical indicators. Results Hemoglobin data were shown to be highly sensitive to intensity. The researchers found that long-term high-load training in athletes can lead to physical fatigue. This fatigue production is positively correlated with the intensity of the training load. Conclusion There is a strong positive correlation between biochemical and physiological indicators on performance levels in sprinter athletes. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

RESUMO Introdução Este artigo estuda o monitoramento de indicadores fisiológicos e bioquímicos no treino sistemático de velocistas. Este documento analisa os dados medidos durante o processo de treino das atletas e estuda os dados detalhados de suas funções físicas. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi encontrar uma ligação entre os dados de exercício e os dados de indicadores bioquímicos nas atletas velocistas. Ao analisar as informações deste artigo, os pesquisadores conseguiram encontrar um programa de treino ideal para as atletas. Métodos Foram empegadas experiências de treino aeróbico de alta intensidade, com análise estatística de vários indicadores fisiológicos e bioquímicos. Resultados Os dados de hemoglobina mostraram-se altamente sensíveis à intensidade. Os pesquisadores descobriram que o treino a longo prazo de alta carga em atletas pode acarretar numa fadiga física. Essa produção de fadiga está positivamente correlacionada com a intensidade da carga de treino. Conclusão Há uma forte correlação positiva entre indicadores bioquímicos e fisiológicos nos níveis de desempenho em atletas velocistas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción Este trabajo estudia el seguimiento de los indicadores fisiológicos y bioquímicos en el entrenamiento sistemático de los velocistas. Este artículo analiza los datos medidos durante el proceso de entrenamiento de los atletas y estudia los datos detallados de sus funciones físicas. Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue encontrar una relación entre los datos del ejercicio y los datos de los indicadores bioquímicos en los atletas velocistas. Al analizar las informaciones de este artículo, los investigadores pudieron encontrar un programa de entrenamiento óptimo para los atletas. Métodos Se realizaron pruebas de entrenamiento aeróbico de alta intensidad con análisis estadístico de varios indicadores fisiológicos y bioquímicos. Resultados Los datos de la hemoglobina se mostraron muy sensibles a la intensidad. Los investigadores descubrieron que el entrenamiento de alta carga a largo plazo en los atletas puede conducir a la fatiga física. Esta producción de fatiga está positivamente correlacionada con la intensidad de la carga de entrenamiento. Conclusión Existe una fuerte correlación positiva entre los indicadores bioquímicos y fisiológicos en los niveles de rendimiento de los atletas velocistas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Transcriptional profiling of uterine leiomyoma rats treated by a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma and Sparganii rhizoma

The aim of this study was to elucidate the concise effects of a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma-Sparganii rhizoma (CRSR), on uterine leiomyoma (UL) by analyzing transcriptional profiling. The UL rat model was made by intramuscular injection of progesterone and gavage administration of diethylstilbestrol. From 11 weeks of the establishment of the model, rats of the UL+CRSR group were gavaged daily with CRSR (6.67 g/kg). The serum concentrations of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay, the uterine index was measured by caliper measurement, and the pathological status was observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Gene expression profiling was checked by NimbleGen Rat Gene Expression Microarrays. The results indicated that the uterine mass of UL+CRSR rats was significantly shrunk and serum P and E2 levels significantly reduced compared to UL animals and nearly to the level of normal rats. Results of microarrays displayed the extensive inhibition of CRSR upon the expression of proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and significantly regulated a wide range of metabolism disorders. Furthermore, CRSR extensively regulated key pathways of the UL process, such as MAPK, PPAR, Notch, and TGF-β/Smad. Regulation of the crucial pathways for the UL process and ECM metabolism may be the underlying mechanisms of CRSR treatment. Further studies will provide clear clues for effectively treating UL with CRSR.

Serum Infliximab Cutoff trough Level Values for Maintaining Hematological Remission in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infliximab (IFX) often loses its therapeutic effect in initial responders with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over time. Low serum IFX trough levels (TLs) are linked to poor clinical response and outcomes. Maintenance of optimal therapeutic IFX concentrations is important for sustaining response and achieving good clinical outcomes. Measurement of serum IFX TLs is helpful for determining a further proper therapeutic plan. However, adequate therapeutic IFX TLs in pediatric IBD is uncertain. We aimed to identify the cutoff values for IFX TLs associated with laboratory response to IFX maintenance therapy. METHODS: Patients with pediatric IBD who had received IFX infusions between December 2008 and March 2015 at Samsung Medical Center were retrospectively investigated. We analyzed 239 blood samples that were collected from 103 pediatric patients. We measured IFX TLs at induction (6 and 14 weeks) and during maintenance therapy (>22 weeks, 8 weeks interval) by fluid-phase radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: A significant association was found between the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and IFX TLs during maintenance (correlation coefficient, −0.11; p=0.0005). A cutoff value of 18 mm/hr for ESR was used to define higher levels. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified optimal cutoff values: IFX TL >1.58 μg/mL (sensitivity 82% and specificity 73%). CONCLUSIONS: Cutoff values are considered a prerequisite for further investigating the clinical usefulness of measurements of IFX in patients maintained with IFX treatment.

Risk Factors of Multiple Gastric Polyps according to the Histologic Classification: Prospective Observational Cohort Study / 대한소화기병학회잡지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of multiple gastric polyps according to the histological classification of gastric polyps. METHODS: Subjects with multiple gastric polyps (at least three) during endoscopy were enrolled prospectively. They were assigned to a fundic gland polyp (FGP) group and hyperplastic polyp (HP) group based on a histological classification of gastric polyps. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was confirmed by its histology. Serum gastrin was measured using the radioimmunoassay method. A questionnaire was taken regarding the intake of proton pump inhibitor and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, smoking history, and diet. RESULTS: Among the 60 subjects enrolled from 2015 to 2018 at Seoul National University Bungdang Hospital, 47 and 13 subjects were assigned to the FGP and HP groups, respectively. The H. pylori infection rate was 12.8% in the FGP group, which is lower than that in the HP group (69.2%, p<0.001). The gastrin level was higher in the HP group (194.7 pg/dL, range 50.6–387.8 pg/dL) than in the FGP group (57.4 pg/dL, range 24.8–79.0 pg/dL) (p=0.007). Histologically, neutrophil infiltration in the antrum and body of the stomach were higher in the HP group than in the FGP group (p=0.022 and p=0.030, respectively). In contrast, monocyte infiltration in the antrum and body of the stomach were higher in the FGP group than in the HP group (p=0.018 and p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HPs arise from inflammation caused by H. pylori. On the other hand, the FGP was not associated with H. pylori or environmental factors.

The Effect of Occupational Noise Exposure on Serum Cortisol Concentration of Night-shift Industrial Workers: A Field Study

BACKGROUND: In both developed and developing countries, noise is regarded as the most common occupational hazard in various industries. The present study aimed to examine the effect of sound pressure level (SPL) on serum cortisol concentration in three different times during the night shift. METHODS: This case–control study was conducted among 75 workers of an industrial and mining firm in 2017. The participants were assigned to one of the three groups (one control and two case groups), with an equal number of workers (25 participants) in each group. Following the ISO 9612 standard, dosimetry was adopted to evaluate equivalent SPL using a TES-1345 dosimeter. The influence of SPL on serum cortisol concentration was measured during the night shift. The serum cortisol concentration was measured using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) test in the laboratory. Repeated measure analysis of variance and linear mixed models were used with α = 0.05. RESULTS: The results indicated a downward trend in the serum cortisol concentration of the three groups during the night shift. Both SPL and exposure time significantly affected cortisol concentration (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). Conversely, age and body mass index had no significant influence on cortisol concentration (p = 0.360, p = 0.62). CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, increasing SPL will lead to enhancement of serum cortisol concentration. Given that cortisol concentration varies while workers are exposed to different SPLs, this hormone can be used as a biomarker to study the effect of noise-induced stress.

Risk Factors of Multiple Gastric Polyps according to the Histologic Classification: Prospective Observational Cohort Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of multiple gastric polyps according to the histological classification of gastric polyps.METHODS: Subjects with multiple gastric polyps (at least three) during endoscopy were enrolled prospectively. They were assigned to a fundic gland polyp (FGP) group and hyperplastic polyp (HP) group based on a histological classification of gastric polyps. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was confirmed by its histology. Serum gastrin was measured using the radioimmunoassay method. A questionnaire was taken regarding the intake of proton pump inhibitor and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, smoking history, and diet.RESULTS: Among the 60 subjects enrolled from 2015 to 2018 at Seoul National University Bungdang Hospital, 47 and 13 subjects were assigned to the FGP and HP groups, respectively. The H. pylori infection rate was 12.8% in the FGP group, which is lower than that in the HP group (69.2%, p<0.001). The gastrin level was higher in the HP group (194.7 pg/dL, range 50.6–387.8 pg/dL) than in the FGP group (57.4 pg/dL, range 24.8–79.0 pg/dL) (p=0.007). Histologically, neutrophil infiltration in the antrum and body of the stomach were higher in the HP group than in the FGP group (p=0.022 and p=0.030, respectively). In contrast, monocyte infiltration in the antrum and body of the stomach were higher in the FGP group than in the HP group (p=0.018 and p<0.001, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: HPs arise from inflammation caused by H. pylori. On the other hand, the FGP was not associated with H. pylori or environmental factors.

Influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistent and recurrent disease in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy / Influência da tireoidite linfocítica crônica sobre o risco de doença persistente e recorrente em pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide e anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados após a terapia inicial

Abstract Introduction In patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who have negative serum thyroglobulin after initial therapy, the risk of structural disease is higher among those with elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies compared to patients without antithyroglobulin antibodies. Other studies suggest that the presence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistence/recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Objective This prospective study evaluated the influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistence and recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with negative thyroglobulin but elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy. Methods This was a prospective study. Patients with clinical examination showing no anomalies, basal Tg < 1 ng/mL, and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies 8-12 months after ablation were selected. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on histology; Group B, without histological chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Results The time of follow-up ranged from 60 to 140 months. Persistent disease was detected in 3 patients of Group A (6.6%) and in 6 of Group B (8.8%) (p = 1.0). During follow-up, recurrences were diagnosed in 2 patients of Group A (4.7%) and in 5 of Group B (8%) (p = 0.7). Considering both persistent and recurrent disease, structural disease was detected in 5 patients of Group A (11.1%) and in 11 of Group B (16.1%) (p = 0.58). There was no case of death related to the disease. Conclusion Our results do not support the hypothesis that chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistent or recurrent disease, at least in patients with persistently elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Resumo Introdução Em pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide e com tireoglobulina sérica negativa após a terapia inicial, o risco de doença estrutural é maior entre aqueles com anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados em comparação com pacientes sem anticorpos antitireoglobulina. Outros estudos sugerem que a presença de tireoidite linfocítica crônica está associada a um menor risco de persistência/recorrência do carcinoma papilífero de teireoide. Objetivo Este estudo prospectivo avaliou a influência da tireoidite linfocítica crônica sobre o risco de persistência e recorrência do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide em pacientes com tireoglobulina negativa, mas com anticorpos antitireoglobulinas elevados após a terapia inicial. Método Esse foi um estudo prospectivo, no qual foram selecionados pacientes com exame clínico sem anomalias; tireoglobulina basal < 1 ng/mL e anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados 8-12 meses após ablação. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo A, com tireoidite linfocítica crônica no exame histológico; Grupo B, histologicamente sem tireoidite linfocítica crônica. Resultados O tempo de seguimento variou de 60 a 140 meses. Doença persistente foi detectada em 3 pacientes do Grupo A (6,6%) e em 6 do Grupo B (8,8%) (p = 1,0). Durante o seguimento, as recidivas foram diagnosticadas em 2 pacientes do Grupo A (4,7%) e em 5 do Grupo B (8%) (p = 0,7). Considerando tanto a doença persistente quanto a recorrente, doença estrutural foi detectada em 5 pacientes do Grupo A (11,1%) e em 11 do Grupo B (16,1%) (p = 0,58). Não houve nenhum caso de óbito relacionado à doença. Conclusão Nossos resultados não apoiam a hipótese de que a tireoidite linfocítica crônica esteja associada a um menor risco de doença persistente ou recorrente, pelo menos em pacientes com anticorpos antitireoglobulina persistentemente elevados após a terapia inicial do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide.

Effects of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract and gomisin A on the contractility of penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle: a potential mechanism through the nitric oxide - cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects and molecular mechanisms of the Schisandra chinensis fruit extract (SC) and its major compound gomisin A (GA), on the contractility of rabbit penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (PCCSM). MATERIALS/METHODS: PCCSM was exposed to SC or GA after appropriate pretreatment with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blocker, guanylate cyclase blocker, adenylyl cyclase blocker or protein kinase A blocker. Subsequently, we evaluated the cyclic nucleotide in the perfusate by radioimmunoassay, protein expression level of neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) by western blot, and the interaction of SC or GA with udenafil and rolipram. RESULTS: Both SC and GA induce PCCSM relaxations in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with NOS blocker, guanylate cyclase blocker, adenylyl cyclase blocker or protein kinase A blocker result in significantly decreased relaxation. SC and GA also induce the levels of cyclic nucleotide in the perfusate in a concentration-dependent manner. Perfusion with GA also showed significantly higher levels of eNOS protein. Furthermore, the udenafil and rolipram induced relaxations of PCCSM were enhanced after exposure to SC and GA. Our results indicate that SC and GA induce the relaxation of PCCSM via the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP and cAMP signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The SC and GA are potential alternative treatments for men who want to consume natural products to ameliorate erectile function, or who do not respond to the commercially available medicines.

Survey Result of the Counting Efficiency of Gamma Counter by Certified Reference Materials / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: In radioimmunoassay (RIA), the gamma counter is the important instrument for the accurate measurement. To manage quality assurance of RIA, the counting efficiency of gamma counter is one of the important parameters. The aimof this study was to evaluate the counting efficiency of gamma counters in multiple institutes on the base of traceability by using the certified reference materials (CRMs).METHODS: Twenty-three institutes that perform RIA were enrolled in this study. I-125 CRMs that were certified by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) were used. Each institute was asked to count the activity of I-125 CRMs at most twice on all gamma counters in use. The counting efficiency of each well of counter was calculated on the base of NIST-certified information, corrected for I-125 decay for date of testing.RESULTS: From 23 institutes, 44 gamma counters were evaluated. The average counting efficiency of all wells was 85.9% and the standard deviation was 13.5%. As a mean value of each gamma counter, three gamma counters showed poor counting efficiency (less than 70%). The poorest counting efficiency was 7%. The counting efficiency of seven gamma counters was between 70 and 75%. Eight counters had the counting efficiency between 75 and 90%. More than half of counter (26 gamma counters) showed excellent counting efficiency (more than 90%). The standard deviation variation range of inter-well efficiency was from 0 to 11.2.CONCLUSION: The first survey on the counting efficiency of gamma counter was performed in South Korea. Most of the RIA laboratories have well managed the quality assurance of gamma counter.

Arterial stiffness and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in chronic kidney disease patients

Summary Objective: Arterial stiffness refers to arterial wall rigidity, particularly developing in central vessels. Arterial stiffness increases in early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it is a strong predictor of cardiovascular and all cause mortality. Vitamin D has beneficial effects on blood pressure, vascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is quite common worldwide and in the CKD population. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency and its relation with arterial stiffness in CKD. Method: Our study included 101 patients (51 male, 50 female), with stages 3B-5 CKD not on dialysis. A single-cuff arteriograph device (Mobil-O-Graph) was used to evaluate arterial stiffness parameters of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Alx@75). The patients were divided into two groups: group I vitamin D non-deficient [25(OH)D > 15 ng/mL] and group II vitamin D deficient [25(OH)D ≤ 15 ng/mL]. Results: Overall, the mean 25(OH)D level was 14.1±7.9 ng/mL and 70 patients (69.4%) were vitamin D deficient. The mean Alx@75 value was significantly higher in group II (28.6±10.8% vs. 23.3±13.5%, p=0.038). PWV was higher in group II, but the difference was not significant. Group II exhibited significantly lower serum albumin (p<0.001), hemoglobin (p=0.005), calcium (p=0.041) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p=0.041), but significantly higher 24-hour proteinuria (p=0.011) and more females (p=0.006). Vitamin D was negatively correlated with Alx@75 augmentation pressure, parathyroid hormone, proteinuria and body mass index, and positively correlated with albumin, hemoglobin, eGFR, calcium and transferrin. 25(OH)D was independently associated with Alx@75 (beta=-0.469, p=0.001) and albumin (beta=0.447, p=0.002). Conclusion: In CKD patients 25(OH)D deficiency was common, particularly in females. Level of 25(OH)D was independently associated with Alx@75.

Oral insulin improves metabolic parameters in high fat diet fed rats

ABSTRACT Introduction/Aim: The gut has shown to have a pivotal role on the pathophysiology of metabolic disease. Food stimulation of distal intestinal segments promotes enterohormones secretion influencing insulin metabolism. In diabetic rats, oral insulin has potential to change intestinal epithelium behavior. This macromolecule promotes positive effects on laboratorial metabolic parameters and decreases diabetic intestinal hypertrophy. This study aims to test if oral insulin can influence metabolic parameters and intestinal weight in obese non-diabetic rats. Methods: Twelve weeks old Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: control (CTRL) standard chow group; high fat diet low carbohydrates group (HFD) and HFD plus daily oral 20U insulin gavage (HFD+INS). Weight and food consumption were weekly obtained. After eight weeks, fasting blood samples were collected for laboratorial analysis. After euthanasia gut samples were isolated. Results: Rat oral insulin treatment decreased body weight gain (p<0,001), fasting glucose and triglycerides serum levels (p<0,05) an increased intestinal weight of distal ileum (P<0,05). Animal submitted to high fat diet presented higher levels of HOMA-IR although significant difference to CT was not achieved. HOMA-beta were significantly higher (p<0.05) in HFD+INS. Visceral fat was 10% lower in HFD+INS but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: In non-diabetic obese rats, oral insulin improves metabolic malfunction associated to rescue of beta-cell activity.

Effects of vitamin D deficiency and daily calcium intake on bone mineral density and osteoporosis in Korean postmenopausal woman

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the combined effects of vitamin D and daily calcium intake on bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in Korean postmenopausal women. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study consisting of 1,921 Korean postmenopausal women aged 45 to 70 years without thyroid dysfunction, from the 2008–2011 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were classified into six groups according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and daily calcium intake. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at femur and at lumbar spine, and the serum vitamin D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The BMD divided according to serum 25(OH)D and daily calcium intakes were not statistically different among the groups. However, when both daily calcium intake and serum 25(OH)D were not sufficient, risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis showed significant increase in both femur neck and lumbar spine (odds ratio [OR] 2.242, P=0.006; OR 3.044, P=0.001; respectively). Although daily calcium intake was sufficient, risks of osteopenia and osteoporosis significantly increased in lumbar spine group if serum 25(OH)D is <20 ng/mL (OR 2.993, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: The combined effects of insufficient daily calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency may cause low BMD and increase in prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Korean postmenopausal women aged 45 to 70 years.

Quercetin Relaxed the Smooth Muscle of Rabbit Penile Corpus Cavernosum by Activating the NO-cGMP Signaling Pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and action mechanism of quercetin on penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (PCCSM). PCCSM precontracted with phenylephrine (Phe) was treated with four different concentrations of quercetin (10−7, 10−6, 10−5 and 10−4 M). PCCSM were preincubated with N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) to block nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase, respectively. The changes in PCCSM tension were recorded, and cyclic nucleotides in the perfusate were measured by radioimmunoassay. The interactions of quercetin with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) such as sildenafil, udenafil and mirodenafil, were also evaluated. PCCSM relaxation induced by quercetin occurred in a concentrationdependent manner. The application of quercetin to PCCSM pre-treated with L-NAME and ODQ significantly inhibited the relaxation. Quercetin significantly increased cGMP in the perfusate. Furthermore, quercetin enhanced PDE5-Is-induced relaxation of PCCSM. Quercetin relaxed the PCCSM by activating the NO-cGMP signaling pathway, and it may be a therapeutic candidate or an alternative treatment for patients with erectile dysfunction who do not completely respond to PDE5-Is.

Association of Plasma Ghrelin Levels with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Saudi Subjects

BACKGROUND: Although the exact mechanism of insulin resistance (IR) has not yet been established, IR is the hallmark characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and IR in Saudi subjects with T2DM. METHODS: Patients with T2DM (n=107, cases) and non-diabetic apparently healthy subjects (n=101, controls) from Saudi Arabia were included in this study. The biochemical profiles and plasma insulin levels of all subjects were analyzed, and IR was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Active ghrelin levels in plasma were measured using the radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS: Only 46.7% (50 of 107) of the T2DM subjects had IR, including 26% (28 of 107) with severe IR (HOMA-IR ≥5), while 5.9% (six of 101) of the controls had moderate IR (3 ≤HOMA-IR <5). HOMA-IR values were not associated with age, disease duration, or gender. Importantly, T2DM itself and the co-occurrence of IR with T2DM were significantly associated with low plasma ghrelin levels. However, ghrelin levels were inversely correlated with the HOMA-IR index, body weight, and fasting plasma insulin levels, mainly in the control subjects, which was indicative of the breakdown of metabolic homeostasis in T2DM. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IR was relatively low, and IR may be inversely associated with plasma ghrelin levels among Saudi patients with T2DM.

Characteristics of Middle Aged Depressed Women with Hot Flushes / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: Middle aged women with depression often experience hot flush symptoms. It is still unclear about the association between depression and hot flush symptoms. Therefore, we investigated hormonal profile, functional somatic symptoms, coping styles and attitude for menopause between depressed women with hot flush and those without hot flush. METHODS: This study included 33 depressed patients with hot flush symptoms and 33 depressed patients without hot flush symptoms. Hot flush was confirmed through prospective daily symptom ratings for a week. Subjects' coping styles were assessed by the stress coping checklist. Somatic symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-15(PHQ-15). Sex hormonal levels were assayed by a radioimmunoassay. The Brief World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Instrument(WHOQOL-BREF) was used to evaluate quality of life. RESULTS: In coping style, depressed women with hot flush symptoms used less ‘problem-centered coping’(13.15±3.17) and ‘search for social support’(11.83±2.84) than those without hot flush symptoms(15.17±3.1, p=0.028 ; 14.25±3.22, p=0.009 ; respectively). Depressed women with hot flush symptoms showed more negative attitude toward post-menopause, but its statistical significance was marginally insufficient(p=0.059). We did not find any group differences in sex hormonal levels and somatic complaints assessed by the PHQ-15. The score of social relationship domain of WHOQOL-BREF was significantly lower in subjects with hot flush symptoms(8.62±2.04) than subjects without hot flush symptoms(9.71±1.65 ; p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Among middle aged women with depression, the manifestation of hot flush symptoms was associated with coping styles and attitude for menopausal transition. Hot flush symptoms in depressed women negatively influence quality of life, so clinicians actively perform therapeutic approach in case of depressed patients with hot flush symptoms. In case of depressed patients who present hot flushes, cognitive behavior therapy or stress management might be an effective treatment option in company with antidepressants or hormonal treatment. Later, longitudinal study will be needed to evaluate risk factor, cause and effect associated with hot flush and depression.

First Report of Familial Dysalbuminemic Hyperthyroxinemia With an ALB Variant

Familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH) is an inherited disease characterized by increased circulating total thyroxine (T4) levels and normal physiological thyroid function. Heterozygous albumin gene (ALB) variants have been reported to be the underlying cause of FDH. To our knowledge, there have been no confirmed FDH cases in Korea. We recently observed a female patient with mild T4 elevation (1.2 to 1.4-fold) and variable levels of free T4 according to different assay methods. Upon Sanger sequencing of her ALB, a heterozygous c.725G>A (p.Arg242His) variant was identified. The patient's father and eldest son had similar thyroid function test results and were confirmed to have the same variant. Although the prevalence of FDH might be very low in the Korean population, clinical suspicion is important to avoid unnecessary evaluation and treatment.

Impact of Serum Leptin to Adiponectin Ratio on Regression of Metabolic Syndrome in High-Risk Individuals: The ARIRANG Study

PURPOSE: The ratio of serum leptin to adiponectin (L/A ratio) could be used as a marker for insulin resistance. However, few prospective studies have investigated the impact of L/A ratio on improvement of metabolic components in high-risk individuals with metabolic syndrome. We examined the association between L/A ratio and the regression of metabolic syndrome in a population-based longitudinal study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1017 subjects (431 men and 586 women) with metabolic syndrome at baseline (2005–2008) were examined and followed (2008–2011). Baseline serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) analyses were used to assess the predictive ability of L/A ratio for the regression of metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: During an average of 2.8 years of follow-up, metabolic syndrome disappeared in 142 men (32.9%) and 196 women (33.4%). After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for regression of metabolic syndrome in comparisons of the lowest to the highest tertiles of L/A ratio were 1.84 (1.02–3.31) in men and 2.32 (1.37–3.91) in women. In AUROC analyses, L/A ratio had a greater predictive power than serum adiponectin for the regression of metabolic syndrome in both men (p=0.024) and women (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Low L/A ratio is a predictor for the regression of metabolic syndrome. The L/A ratio could be a useful clinical marker for management of high-risk individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs

Concentrations of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate were measured by performing radioimmunoassay of the cerebrospinal fluid of 68 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy or inflammatory, degenerative, or non-neurological disease. No steroid concentration differences were found among diagnoses. Dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate concentrations were higher in males than in females and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate decreased with increasing age. No sex or age effects were observed on cortisol or hormone ratios. Although limited to a relatively small sample, our results show sex- and age-dependent variations in these neurosteroid concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid. The role of such variations in the pathophysiology of the dog brain warrants further investigation.

Association of Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Concentration and Arterial Stiffness among Korean Adults in Single Center

BACKGROUND: There are growing concerns about the role of vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) and arterial stiffness among Korean adults. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 302 people (115 women and 187 men) who visited a tertiary hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using the radioimmunoassay technique, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using an automatic wave analyzer. We obtained the doctor's report on the medical history of the participants, their alcohol consumption and smoking habits, and their exercise status. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results of basic blood tests and physical assessment were also collected. RESULTS: In the Pearson correlation analysis, serum 25(OH)D and baPWV showed a statistically significant inverse relationship (r=-0.279, P<0.001). Using multiple regression analysis, and after adjusting for possible confounders, serum 25(OH)D concentration was found to be significantly associated with baPWV (β=-0.121, P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and arterial stiffness. Further studies involving larger sample sizes will be needed to confirm this associations.

Penile Erection Induced by Scoparone from Artemisia capillaris through the Nitric Oxide-Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relaxant effect of scoparone from Artemisia capillaris on rabbit penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (PCCSM) and to elucidate the mechanism of action of scoparone for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCCSM that had been precontracted with phenylephrine was treated with 3 Artemisia herbs (A. princeps, A. capillaris, and A. iwayomogi) and 3 fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) with different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/mL). Four components (esculetin, scopoletin, capillarisin, and scoparone) isolated from A. capillaris were also evaluated. The PCCSM was preincubated with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Cyclic nucleotides in the perfusate were measured by a radioimmunoassay. The interactions of scoparone with udenafil and rolipram were also evaluated. RESULTS: A. capillaris extract relaxed PCCSM in a concentration-dependent manner. Scoparone had the highest relaxant effect on PCCSM among the 4 components (esculetin, scopoletin, capillarisin, and scoparone) isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction. The application of scoparone on PCCSM pretreated with L-NAME and ODQ led to significantly less relaxation. Scoparone also increased the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in the perfusate in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, scoparone enhanced udenafil- and rolipram-induced relaxation of the PCCSM. CONCLUSIONS: Scoparone relaxed the PCCSM mainly by activating the nitric oxide-cGMP signaling pathway, and it may be a new promising treatment for ED patients who do not completely respond to udenafil.