IRB review points for studies utilizing paraffin blocks archived in the pathology laboratory / 영남의대학술지

In the personalized medicine era, utilizing paraffin blocks in pathology archives for investigating human diseases has come into the limelight. This archived material with clinical data will reduce the research time and could prevent new patient recruitment to obtain tissue for research. However, the clause indicating the necessity of consent from human material providers in the Korean Bioethics and Safety Act has made the Institutional Review Board (IRB) deny permission to use paraffin blocks for research without consent, and alternatively to get the same before starting an experiment. Written consent may be waived off in studies using paraffin blocks with anonymous status or conditions not linked to personal information by applying the paragraph 3, article 16 of the current Bioethics and Safety Act. Also, the IRB should recommend researchers to preserve the blocks as medical records of patients in long-term archives.

IRB review points for studies utilizing paraffin blocks archived in the pathology laboratory / 영남의대학술지

In the personalized medicine era, utilizing paraffin blocks in pathology archives for investigating human diseases has come into the limelight. This archived material with clinical data will reduce the research time and could prevent new patient recruitment to obtain tissue for research. However, the clause indicating the necessity of consent from human material providers in the Korean Bioethics and Safety Act has made the Institutional Review Board (IRB) deny permission to use paraffin blocks for research without consent, and alternatively to get the same before starting an experiment. Written consent may be waived off in studies using paraffin blocks with anonymous status or conditions not linked to personal information by applying the paragraph 3, article 16 of the current Bioethics and Safety Act. Also, the IRB should recommend researchers to preserve the blocks as medical records of patients in long-term archives.

A study on revitalization of primary healthcare organizations through development of standard functions

Primary care lays the foundation of national healthcare systems, but it has been weak in playing its role correctly because of legal and environmental attributes surrounding the healthcare industry in Korea. This study is conducted to concretize the definition and scope of primary care and to deduce its standard functions to contribute to establishing the healthcare delivery system and appropriate healthcare systems embracing socio-environmental leverage. The term primary healthcare institution was adopted based on literature review to achieve the research goal. The principle diseases appropriate for the primary healthcare institution based on ambulatory care sensitive conditions were analyzed, and the standard functions were deduced by matching these diseases with current procedural terminologies using CrossCoder package. Based on the analysis, the primary healthcare institution-specific diseases were 53 specific diseases under 23 broad disease groups. The standard functions were deduced in three categories of the standard functions of the entire primary healthcare institutions with 100% frequency, common standard functions with 70% frequency, and peculiar standard functions specific to diseases or body systems. These functions included outpatient evaluation and measurement, various factor tests through blood collection, and X-ray. Establishing the standard functions for the primary healthcare institution can promote patient reliability on primary care, alleviate health demand congestion toward large-sized advanced healthcare institutions. Furthermore, it contributes to establishing and reinforcing other healthcare policies related to the healthcare reimbursement system and referral system, and fosters primary care physician education. Most importantly, it reduces the national health expenditures by realizing efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Analysis of the Chemical Constituents of Agaricus brasiliensis

This study examined the chemical composition of A. blasiliensis and the chemical structural properties of an immuno-stimulating polysaccharide. The amino acids, free sugars, and organic acids by HPLC and fatty acids by GC were analyzed. The immuno-stimulating substance from A. blasiliensis was extracted with hot water and purified by ethanol precipitation. It underwent ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration on Toyopearl HW 65F. Through GP-HPLC, the substance was found to be homogeneous. Its chemical structure was determined by 13C-NMR. Fatty acids, organic acids, and sugar alcohol composition consisted exclusively of linoleic acid, fumaric acid and mannitol, respectively. The amino acids were mainly glutamic acid, glycine, and arginine. By 13C-NMR analysis, the immuno-stimulating substance was identified as beta-(1-->3) (1-->6)-glucan, composed of a backbone with (1-->3)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues branching a (1-->6)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residue. The beta-glucan from A. blasiliensis showed pronounced immuno-stimulating activity on the antibody-production ability of B-lymphocytes by the hemolytic suspension assay. In these results, A. blasiliensis was estimated to have potent pharmacological properties and potential nutritional values.

Relationship of body iron stores with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although numerous reports have shown the influence of the iron overload state on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there have been few reports on the prevalence of NAFLD according to the body iron stores. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of body iron stores with the development of NAFLD in apparently healthy women. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was performed with data obtained from 5,249 women (mean age: 40.6+/-8.9 years), that received an annual health check-up. All components of metabolic syndrome criteria, anthropometric parameters, fasting insulin levels, level of C-reactive protein and serum iron tests were measured in each subject. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly different according to body iron status (normal iron store/iron store depletion/iron deficient erythropoiesis/iron deficiency anemia: 10.6%/4.1%/6.5%/11.2%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.284; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1161.507) per 10 years), being overweight (OR=1.952; 95% CI: 1.3952.732), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.694; 95% CI: 1.198-2.397), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=2.434; 95% CI: 1.737-3.409), abdominal obesity (OR=3.559; 95% CI: 2.538-4.992), insulin resistance (OR=2.665; 95% CI: 1.979-3.587), anemia (OR=2.015; 95% CI: 1.150-3.532) and stored iron depletion (OR=0.580; 95% CI: 0.405-0.830) were profoundly associated with the development of NAFLD. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals a possible correlation between the development of NAFLD and body iron stores, and stored iron depletion and anemia seem to be key factors for this correlation.

Gossypiboma (Textiloma) due to Retained Surgical Gauze / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract availble.

Genetic and Environmental Factors that Influence on Erythropoietin Resistance in Patients on Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietin (EPO) requirement to reach a specified target hemoglobin level varies in patients on dialysis, the reasons being multifactorial. Angiotensin II has been shown to stimulate proliferation of early erythroid progenitors via erythropoietin and the plasma level of angiotensin II has been strongly associated with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism. EPO resistance index (ERI, weekly rhEPO dose/hematocrit/body weight) is a collective responsiveness between EPO and hematocrit. We have evaluated whether ACE gene polymorphism might exert effect on ERI and also have analysed various laboratory parameters that could affect erythropoietin requirement in HD patients. METHODS: We have compared various demographic data and laboratory parameters, including age, sex, months on dialysis, body mass index (BMI), EPO requirement, ERI, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), ferritin, albumin, hematocrit, iPTH, Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), cause of renal failure and whether or not patients were on ACE inhibitor or Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), in 199 patients on hemodialysis therapy [M: F 94: 105, Age 61+/-13, duration of dialysis 63 (3-287 months)] according to ACE gene polymorphism (II, ID, DD). We also have assessed independent association of ERI with demographic variables and laboratory parameters using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference (p=0.034) in ERI in the II/ID group compared to the DD group and it was lower in the DD group. But there was no statistically significant difference in other demographic data and laboratory parameters according to ACE gene polymorphism. In the linear regression analysis, lower BMI (p<0.001), female gender (p=0.001), and ACE gene polymorphism (non-DD vs. DD, p=0.027) were determined to be independent factors affecting high ERI. CONCLUSION: ACE gene polymorphism could be determining factor of EPO requirement in patients on hemodialysis. Improving nutritional status might be helpful in reducing EPO requirement and we should consider the gender difference in determining EPO dose in patients on hemodialysis.

Changes of Enzyme Activities and Compositions of Abnormal Fruiting Bodies Grown under Artificial Environmental Conditions in Pleurotus ostreatus

This study investigated the biochemical changes of abnormal fruiting bodies grown under artificial environmental conditions in P. ostreatus. Abnormal mushroom growth during cultivation damages the production of good quality mushroom. This study showed that different environmental conditions produced morphological changes in the fruiting bodies of P. ostreatus. The fruiting bodies with morphological changes were collected and examined for differences in biochemical properties, enzyme activities, and carbohydrates composition. The enzyme activities assay showed that glucanase and chitinase activities decreased when the temperature was below or above the optimum cultivation temperature for P. ostreatus. The biochemical compositions of the abnormal mushroom were significantly different from the normal fruiting bodies. It was suggested that the changes in the biochemical composition of abnormal mushroom were caused by the unfavorable environmental conditions during mushroom cultivation.

An Improved Compost Using Cotton Waste and Fermented Sawdust Substrate for Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom

A composting technique was assessed to enhance efficiency in oyster mushroom substrate. Poplar sawdusts and by-product of winter mushroom added by 10% of rice bran were composted outdoors at 20degrees C to 28degrees C for 12 days. The duration of fermentation was shortened 3 days in fermented sawdust plot. The yield obtained from waste cotton substrate with fermented poplar sawdust was 742 g, whereas the yield from control 663 g. In addition, the substrate with by-product of winter mushroom was the most effective to composting. It was useful to apply the fermented sawdust and by-product to waste cotton for compost and sporophore production of oyster mushroom.

Studies on the Effect of Vinyl Mulching on Pleurotus Cultivation: Control of Mushroom Diseases on Pleurotus ostreatus (II)

Perforated vinyl mulching technique was performed on oyster mushroom beds for controlling mushroom diseases. Mycelium under vinyl sheets were safely protected from outside undesirable microorganisms. One of two mushroom farms showed 75% of disease incidence, the other 40% and National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (NIAST) 13% in the conventional growing method, whereas 12%, 14%, and 5% in the vinyl mulching cultivation method. Waterlogging caused mushroom bed worse, and Trichoderma spp. were infested on the conventional mushroom bed. Disease incidence investigated in other case was 25% to 30% in the conventional growing method, whereas 5 to 9% in the vinyl mulching cultivation method. Yields in conventional method were 6.5 to 7.2 kg/m2 and those in vinyl mulching method were 7.6 to 8.1 kg/m2. So it was suggested that vinyl mulching technique was good for prevention from disease and elevation of productivity.

Characterization of Fruitbody Morphology on Various Environmental Conditions in Pleurotus ostreatus

This study investigated the morphological differences of P. ostreatus grown in the artificial environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, ventilation, and watering. Oyster mushroom, which was cultivated on artificial environmental condition, was shown to have different morphology of fruitbodies. The optimum CO2 concentration for good morphology of P. ostreatus was 0.3%. But most fruitbody showed the morphologically low qualities in more than 0.5% of CO2 concentration. In the humidity in excess of 80% at 13~16degrees C, the best morphology of P. ostreatus was investigated. The growth of fruitbodies of P. ostreatus in the ventilation system was good at the wind velocity ranging from 0.2~0.5 fpms and expouring type. In other conditions, P. ostreatus generally showed the morphology closing to malformation.

Relationship between metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and C-reactive protein in urban Korean adult population / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Increased C-reactive protein (CRP), very sensitive acute phase reactant, is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. However, the relationship between insulin resistance and CRP has not been thoroughly studied. We intended to observe the association between metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and CRP, thus identify the role of CRP in the atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. METHODS: Total 767 subjects (436 men, 331 women) who underwent medical check-up at health promotion center in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital during March 2002, aged 20-84 years (mean+/-SD: 47.3+/-11.2), were included in this study. Age, sex, height, body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels were measured. HOMA (Homeostasis model assessment index) and QUICKI (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index) were calculated and the correlations between indices of insulin resistance and CRP were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of CRP in subjects according to the presence of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 features of metabolic syndrome defined by NCEP-ATP III were 0.64, 0.95, 1.14, 1.19, 2.40, 2.53 mg/L, respectively. The mean concentrations of CRP were significantly higher in subjects with higher insulin resistance (high HOMA index and lower QUICKI) compared to those with lower insulin resistance (por=1.1 mg/L), the waist circumference, triglyceride, blood pressure and glucose levels were significantly higher and the HDL cholesterol level was significantly lower than the group with the lowest quartile of CRP (CRP<0.2 mg/L, p<0.01). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between CRP and BMI, waist circumference, triglyceride, blood pressure, glucose and HOMA index. A significant negative correlation was found between CRP and HDL cholesterol and QUICKI (above all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are associated with systemic inflammatory response, which plays an important pathogenetic role in atherosclerosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and tight control of metabolic syndrome should be administered for the prevention of cardiovascular events.

Kaposi Sarcoma in Patient with Membranous Glomerulonephropathy during Corticosteroid Therapy / 대한신장학회잡지

Membranous glomerulonephropathy is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Kaposi sarcoma is a well-known entity with distinct clinical forms such as nodular cutaneous lesions, generalized lymphadenopathy and visceral involvement. Incidence of Kaposi sarcoma is greater in patients with immunosuppression, particularly those having undergone renal transplantation, but also in patients with other underlying disorders treated with immunosuppressive therapy, notably, corticosteroids. We present a case of Kaposi sarcoma in patient with membranous glomerulopathy during corticosteroid therapy. A 49- year-old man was admitted with a complain of facial and leg edema, 5-kg weight gain for 1 month, and foamy urine. Kidney biopsy showed membranous glomerulopathy. We started corticosteroid therapy to the patient. Two month later, his 24 hr urinary protein was decreased to 2.1 g/day. But, the well defined, various-sized, purple-colored papules and plaque appeared on the both hands and feet. He underwent skin biopsy, which revealed abnormally proliferated and dilated vessels, vascular slits, spindle-shaped cells and extravasated erythrocytes in the dermis. The findings were in accordance with Kaposi sarcoma. So he received cryotherapy with discontinuing corticosteroid. Four months after cryotherapy, skin lesions were cleared leaving slight hypopigmentation and amount of proteinuria was preserved without definite aggravation.

Plasma CRP, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B and Lp(a) according to thyroid function status / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Alterations of lipid profiles are well known in thyroid dysfunction. Hypothyroidism is associated with premature atherosclerosis. This relation has been attributed to increased levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. However, there have been dissenting reports of abnormalities in serum lipid concentrations in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Serum Lp(a), an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis, is predicted according to thyroid function status. C-reactive protein (CRP) is very sensitive acute phase reactant and independently associated with the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Overt hypothyroidism is a cause of atherosclerosis, so it is expected that serum level of CRP may be related with thyroid dysfunction. However, no study has been performed about it. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relation of plasma CRP, apo A1, apo B and Lp(a) with thyroid function. METHODS: We undertook this study in 54 patients with hyperthyroidism, 35 patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism, 29 patients with overt hypothyroidism, 194 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and 100 age and sex matched healthy control subjects. Serum CRP and Lp(a) were measured by immuno-nephelometry. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of serum CRP, Lp(a), HDL-C and apo A1 according to thyroid dysfunction. Serum total cholesterol level was lower in hyperthyroidism than in overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism and healthy control subjects (p<0.05). Serum LDL-C level was lower in hyperthyroidism than overt hypothyroidism (p<0.05). Serum triglyceride level was higher in overt hypothyroidism than in hyperthyroidism and healthy control subjects (p<0.05). Serum apo B level was lower in hyperthyroidism than in overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and healthy control subjects (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum CRP and Lp(a), risk factors of atherosclerosis, were not significantly different according to thyroid dysfunction. Increased risk for atherosclerosis in overt hypothyroidism seems not to be associated with serum CRP level.

A case of combined deficiency of antithrombin III and protein C complicated by recurrent venous thrombosis / 대한내과학회지

Primary venous thrombosis caused by deficiency or qualitative abnormality of antithrombin III, protein C and protein S is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Usually, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary thromboembolism is developed by such abnormalities, however, mesenteric vein thrombosis is rarely reported. A 27-year-old man with previous history of deep vein thrombosis underwent segmental resection of jejunum due to mesenteric vein thrombosis complicated by necrosis of jejunum. Postoperative investigation disclosed combined deficiency of antithrombin III and protein C. His son also showed deficiency of antithrombin III. Postoperatively, he is on life-long warfarin therapy without experiencing recurrence of venous thrombosis.

The comparison of bacterial infection rate in the patients with alcoholic and viral cirrhosis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis may be considered one of the most common cause of acquired immunodeficiency. Alcohol abuse may be predisposing factor to infections in patients with liver cirrhosis, so we compared the rate of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and other bacterial infections in alcoholic and viral liver cirrhosis. METHODS: We studied 188 patients who had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis from January 1995 to June 2000 and evaluated the frequency of bacterial infections (SBP, pneumonia, urinary track infection, bacteremia, infectious colitis) retrospectively according to cause and degree of cirrhosis. RESULTS: Among 188 patients (alcoholic 76, viral 112), 64 patients (34%) presented with bacterial infection at hospitalization, 33 (43%;33/76) of 64 subjects were alcoholic and 31 (28%;31/112) of 64 subjects were viral liver cirrhosis. The rate of bacterial infections was higher in alcoholic liver cirrhosis than viral cirrhosis (p0.05). CONCLUSION: This results suggest that the rate of bacterial infections are more common in alcoholic than viral liver cirrhosis in relatively early stage and it may be influence the prognosis of liver cirrhosis.

Cultural Characteristics of A Medicinal Mushroom, Phellinus linteus

For comparison of mycelial colonization of Phellinus linteus on logs, several techniques of inoculation were tested; sterilized short log inoculation, drilling inoculation and log-end sandwich inoculation. The mycelial colonization of P. linteus on logs was good in the treatment of sterilized short log inoculation, but poor in the traditional methods such as drilling inoculation and log-end sandwich inoculation. The initial mycelial growth and the full mycelial colonization of P. linteus in logs were the best in case of 20 cm logs under the condition of 42% moisture content. Also, the initial mycelial growth of P. linteus was accelerated over 12 hours of sterilization. Burying method of logs after 5~6 months of incubation was the best for formation of basidiocarps of P. linteus. The formation of fruiting body of P. linteus was quite good in the cultivation house at 31~35degrees C and over 96% of relative humidity.

Physiological Characteristics of Symbiotic Fungi Associated with the Seed Germination of Gastrodia elata

This study was carried out to investigate the possibility for seeds germination of Gastrodia elata using symbiotic fungi. Since seeds of G. elata are very small and lack an endosperm and other nutrients, their germination is difficult without requirement for external nutrients. Out of twenty six isolates collected from protocorms of G. elata and roots of native orchids inhabited in wild, two strains (H-2 and H-21) were observed to stimulate the seed germination of G. elata. The seed germination of G. elata was excellent on oak tree leaves medium. The optimal conditions for mycelial growth of symbiotic fungi were 25degrees C and pH 6.0, respectively. The mycelial growth of H-2 strain was excellent on YMA medium, while H-21 was poor on PDA medium. In case of carbon sources, the mycelial growth of H-2 and H-21 was good on media supplemented with glucose and dextrin, respectively. Calcium nitrate was good for mycelial growth of H-2 strain as a nitrogen sources, whereas urea was effective to H-21 strain.

Effects of smoking, alcohol, exercise, level of education, and family history on the metabolic syndrome in Korean adults / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for cardiovascular mortality. Metabolic syndrome is caused by interplay between genetic and many environmental factors. Although several environmental factors have diverse effect on the development of metabolic syndrome, few studies have examined their relation in Koreans. This study was performed to estimate the effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, education level and family history on the components of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults and to observe the relative risk of developing metabolic syndrome defined by NCEP-ATP III according to these factors. METHODS: This study was performed in 4341 subjects (2059 men, 2282 women, mean age 42.3+/-10.4). We gathered the smoking, alcohol drinking, exercise, family history and education level by self-administered questionnaire at the health promotion center. Height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure were examined. Fasting serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose were measured. RESULTS: Multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of hypertriglyceridemia was 1.4 (95% CI 1.0~1.8) and low HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) was 1.9 (95% CI 1.3~2.6) in subjects who smoked more than 20 PYS compared to nonsmokers. Also relative risk of developing metabolic syndrome in smokers (more than 20 PYS) was 1.9 (95% CI 1.1~3.7) compared to nonsmokers. Alcohol consumption had a significant protective effect against low HDL-C in all categories compared to nondrinkers (adjusted OR 0.6~0.2). In people with lack of exercise, the odds ratio of high waist circumference was 4.1 (95% CI 1.31~8.6), high triglyceride was 1.3 (95% CI 1.0~1.8), low HDL-C was 1.5 (95% CI 1.5~2.0) when compared to subjects with regular exercise. Relative risk for metabolic syndrome was 1.7 (95% CI 0.9~2.8). The adjusted odds ratio of high blood pressure was 1.3 (95% CI 1.1~1.6) and high fasting glucose was 1.7 (95% CI 1.1~2.5) in subjects with family history compared to subjects without family history. Relative risk for the metabolic syndrome was 1.5 (95% CI 1.1~2.1) in subjects with family history. Relative risk for the presence of the metabolic syndrome in subjects with lowest education level was 2.0 (95% CI 1.2~3.4) when compared to subjects with the highest education level. Significant associations were found between low education and high waist circumference (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.5~14.0) and low HDL-C (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0~1.4) and high blood pressure (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6~2.9). CONCLUSION: Smoking was associated with dyslipidemia. Alcohol consumption increased HDL-C and was associated with abdominal obesity. Lack of exercise was associated with obesity and dyslipidemia. Family history was associated with hypertension and diabetes. Low education level was strongly associated with hypertension and abdominal obesity. Since subjects with low education level and family history were associated with increased risk for metabolic syndrome and thus developing cardiovascular disease, particular attention should be paid in these subjects.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome as defined by NCEP-ATPIII among the urban Korean population / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The definition of metabolic syndrome was different in each studies and thus the results of each studies were variable. In 2001 years, the third report of the national cholesterol education program expert panel on detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (NCEP-ATP III) emphasized the importance of treating patients with the metabolic syndrome to prevent cardiovascular disease. In year 2000, the criteria to define obesity in Asia-Pacific region was proposed. However, limited information is available about the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome according to NCEP-ATP III in Korea. We compared the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the urban Korean population by criteria of ATP III report and Asia-Pacific region and estimated the effect of age and sex on the development of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Total 40,698 participants (26,528 men, 14,170 women) underwent medical check-up from Jan. to Dec. 2001, aged 20-82 years (mean+/-SD: 41.2+/-9.2), were included in this study. Age, sex, height, body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and fasting glucose levels were measured. RESULTS: By the definition of ATPIII, the age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome for Koreans was 6.8% in total, 5.2% in men, 9.0% in women. In Asia-Pacific definition with waist circumference, 10.9% in total, 9.8% in men, 12.4%. In Asia-Pacific definition with body mass index (BMI) instead of waist circumference, 13.1% in total, 13.2% in men, 13.1% in women. By the definition of ATP III, the prevalence among participants aged 20 through 29 years, 30 through 39 years, 40 through 49 years, 50 through 59 years, 60 through 69 years, and over 70 years were 1.4%, 2.5%, 5.2%, 11.5%, 19.5% and 22.2%, respectively. By the Asia-Pacific definition with waist circumference, 2.4%, 5.4%, 9.4%, 18.2%, 27.5% and 31.3%, respectively. By the Asia-Pacific definition with BMI instead of waist circumference, 3.2%, 8.4%, 13.0%, 21.0%, 29.0% and 30.6%, respectively. With BMI-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of participants with the metabolic syndrome aged over 70 years against aged 20 through 29 years was 13.8(95% CI 8.2~23.2). With age and BMI-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of women with the metabolic syndrome for men was 1.4(95% CI 1.2~1.5). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome on NHANES III (The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) report in USA displayed much difference with our report. Therefore, adequate criteria of the metabolic syndrome for Koreans should be needed.