Effect of oral health behaviors as risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in advanced countries due to their upward-trending incidence rates. Preventing CVDs is imperative to ensure a healthy elderly life and prepare for an aging society. Considering the relationship between oral health and systemic health, effective oral health management will have an important role in preventing CVDs. This study aimed to examine the influence of oral health behaviors as risk factors for CVDs. @*Methods@#A custom database combining data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2017 was analyzed. The study included participants aged 35 or over (n=14,492) with recorded responses on oral health behaviors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between oral health behaviors and CVDs. @*Results@#The CVDs group was shown to practice inappropriate oral health management. In comparison to the non-CVDs group, the CVDs group showed a significantly higher rate of 8.0% in ‘once or less’ of toothbrushing frequency (P<0.001). Moreover, the percentage of individuals who did not use oral hygiene supplements was 13.8% higher (P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the ‘use of dental floss and/or interdental brush’ was associated with a 16% lower risk for CVDs (P<0.05). Additionally, ‘twice’ and ‘three or more’ of toothbrushing frequency were associated with a 19% and 23% lower risk for CVDs, respectively (P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#The frequency of daily toothbrushing and the utilization of dental floss or interdental brush were significantly associated with CVDs. Therefore, there is a need to consistently emphasize the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases, along with the importance of oral hygiene management.

A study of job stress, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in display manufacturing workers: a crosssectional study

Background@#This study aimed to investigate the association between job stress and suicide ideation/attempts among display manufacturing workers. @*Methods@#Data were collected from 836 workers in a display manufacturing company who participated in health screenings from May 22 to June 16, 2017. The data included general characteristics, night work, job tenure, previous physician-diagnosed chronic diseases, suicidal ideation/suicide attempts, and job stress. We investigated suicidal ideation/suicide attempts that covered the past year by using a self-reported questionnaire. Job stress was measured using the 43-item Korean Occupational Stress Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between job stress and suicidal ideation/ suicide attempts. The mediator effect of depression on suicidal ideation/suicide attempts was tested using a series of logistic regression by applying Baron and Kenny's mediation method. @*Results@#In the model adjusting for variables (e.g., age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, regular exercise, shift work, job tenure, chronic disease and depression), physical environment (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.08–12.02), lack of reward (OR: 5.31, 95% CI:1.54–18.34), and occupation climate (OR: 7.36, 95% CI: 2.28–23.72) were correlated with suicidal ideation/suicide attempts in women. However, all subscales of job stress were not significantly correlated with suicidal ideation/suicide attempts in men. In mediation analysis, job instability and occupational climate were correlated with suicidal ideation/suicide attempts and were mediated by depression in men workers. @*Conclusions@#In women workers, the experiences of suicidal ideation/suicide attempts were significantly correlated with the physical environment, lack of reward, and occupational climate that were subscales of job stress. In men workers, depression rather than job stress was correlated with experiences of suicidal ideation/suicide attempts.

A study of job stress, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in display manufacturing workers: a crosssectional study

Background@#This study aimed to investigate the association between job stress and suicide ideation/attempts among display manufacturing workers. @*Methods@#Data were collected from 836 workers in a display manufacturing company who participated in health screenings from May 22 to June 16, 2017. The data included general characteristics, night work, job tenure, previous physician-diagnosed chronic diseases, suicidal ideation/suicide attempts, and job stress. We investigated suicidal ideation/suicide attempts that covered the past year by using a self-reported questionnaire. Job stress was measured using the 43-item Korean Occupational Stress Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between job stress and suicidal ideation/ suicide attempts. The mediator effect of depression on suicidal ideation/suicide attempts was tested using a series of logistic regression by applying Baron and Kenny's mediation method. @*Results@#In the model adjusting for variables (e.g., age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, regular exercise, shift work, job tenure, chronic disease and depression), physical environment (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.08–12.02), lack of reward (OR: 5.31, 95% CI:1.54–18.34), and occupation climate (OR: 7.36, 95% CI: 2.28–23.72) were correlated with suicidal ideation/suicide attempts in women. However, all subscales of job stress were not significantly correlated with suicidal ideation/suicide attempts in men. In mediation analysis, job instability and occupational climate were correlated with suicidal ideation/suicide attempts and were mediated by depression in men workers. @*Conclusions@#In women workers, the experiences of suicidal ideation/suicide attempts were significantly correlated with the physical environment, lack of reward, and occupational climate that were subscales of job stress. In men workers, depression rather than job stress was correlated with experiences of suicidal ideation/suicide attempts.

Relationship of spouses' weekly working hours and sleep problems in Korean wage workers: the 5th Korean working conditions survey

Background@#Sleep disorders are common and serious problems for mental health. This study investigated the relationship between spouses' weekly working hours (SWWH) and sleep problems by using the data from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. @*Methods@#Data from 14,921 wage workers were used in the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. General and occupational characteristics, sleep problems are included in the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used after adjustment for general and occupational characteristics to find the relationship between SWWH and sleep problems. @*Results@#Compared to those whose spouses worked less than 40 hours per week, risk of trouble falling asleep, waking up repeatedly while sleeping, and waking up with a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue was significantly higher as SWWH increase among those whose spouses worked 53 or more hours per week (odds ratio [OR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.70; OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.23–1.82; OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.24–1.83). @*Conclusions@#SWWH were related to sleep problems among Korean wage workers.

Measurement of Tumor Pressure and Strategies of Imaging Tumor Pressure for Radioimmunotherapy / 대한핵의학회잡지

Tumor interstitial pressure is a fundamental feature of cancer biology. Elevation in tumor pressure affects the efficacy of cancer treatment and results in the heterogenous intratumoral distribution of drugs and macromolecules. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) play a prominent role in cancer therapy and molecular nuclear imaging. Therapy using mAb labeled with radionuclides—also known as radioimmunotherapy (RIT)—is an effective form of cancer treatment. RIT is clinically effective for the treatment of lymphoma and other blood cancers; however, its clinical use for solid tumor was limited because their high interstitial pressure prevents mAb from penetrating into the tumor. This pressure can be decreased using anti-cancer drugs or additional external therapy. In this paper, we reviewed the intratumoral pressure using direct tumor-pressure measurement strategies, such as the wick-in-needle and pressure catheter transducer method, and indirect tumor-pressure measurement strategies via magnetic resonance.

Measurement of Tumor Pressure and Strategies of Imaging Tumor Pressure for Radioimmunotherapy / 대한핵의학회잡지

Tumor interstitial pressure is a fundamental feature of cancer biology. Elevation in tumor pressure affects the efficacy of cancer treatment and results in the heterogenous intratumoral distribution of drugs and macromolecules. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) play a prominent role in cancer therapy and molecular nuclear imaging. Therapy using mAb labeled with radionuclides—also known as radioimmunotherapy (RIT)—is an effective form of cancer treatment. RIT is clinically effective for the treatment of lymphoma and other blood cancers; however, its clinical use for solid tumor was limited because their high interstitial pressure prevents mAb from penetrating into the tumor. This pressure can be decreased using anti-cancer drugs or additional external therapy. In this paper, we reviewed the intratumoral pressure using direct tumor-pressure measurement strategies, such as the wick-in-needle and pressure catheter transducer method, and indirect tumor-pressure measurement strategies via magnetic resonance.

Relationship of spouses' weekly working hours and sleep problems in Korean wage workers: the 5th Korean working conditions survey

Background@#Sleep disorders are common and serious problems for mental health. This study investigated the relationship between spouses' weekly working hours (SWWH) and sleep problems by using the data from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. @*Methods@#Data from 14,921 wage workers were used in the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey. General and occupational characteristics, sleep problems are included in the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used after adjustment for general and occupational characteristics to find the relationship between SWWH and sleep problems. @*Results@#Compared to those whose spouses worked less than 40 hours per week, risk of trouble falling asleep, waking up repeatedly while sleeping, and waking up with a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue was significantly higher as SWWH increase among those whose spouses worked 53 or more hours per week (odds ratio [OR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.70; OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.23–1.82; OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.24–1.83). @*Conclusions@#SWWH were related to sleep problems among Korean wage workers.

The associations between work-related factors and temporomandibular disorders among female full-time employees: findings from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007–2009)

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between work-related factors and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among female full-time employees using representative data from a national population-based survey. METHODS: Data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007–2009) were used to analyze 1,612 women. Complex samples logistic regression was applied for adjusting for general characteristics and work-related factors to examine the association between work-related factors and TMD. RESULTS: The prevalence of TMD was 12.8% in this study population. With respect to age, educational status, marital status, problem drinking, exercise, and stress, there were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of TMD. In logistic regression analyses on complex samples, based on 40 h or less per week, odds ratios (ORs) for respondents who worked 40–48 working hours, 49–60 working hours, and more than 60 h were 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–1.94), 1.41 (95% CI 0.79–2.54), and 2.43 (95% CI 1.29–4.59), after adjusting for general characteristics, working schedule, employment status, and occupation. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that long working hours were significantly associated with TMD in Korean female full-time employees.

Relationship between job stress and functional dyspepsia in display manufacturing sector workers: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Job stress has been reported as a risk factor of psychological changes, which have been shown to be related to gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms such as functional dyspepsia. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between job stress and functional dyspepsia. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between job stress and functional dyspepsia in South Korea.

Salicylic Acid Reduces OmpF Expression, Rendering Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium More Resistant to Cephalosporin Antibiotics / 전남의대학술지

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is one of the most important bacterial pathogens causing diarrhea. The resistance of S. typhimurium to antimicrobial agents, which has recently been isolated from patients, is causing serious problems. We investigated the effects of salicylic acid (Sal) and acetyl salicylate (AcSal) on the susceptibility of S. typhimurium to cephalosporin antibiotics, which are known to increase resistance to cephalosporin and quinolone antibiotics. The MIC of cephalosporin antibiotics was higher than that of the media without Sal. The rate of accumulation of ethidium bromide (EtBr) in the bacteria by the outer membrane protein (Omp) was not different from that of the bacteria cultured in the medium containing Sal. However, Carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), an inhibitor of bacterial efflux pumps, significantly reduced the rate of accumulation of EtBr in bacteria cultured on Sal containing medium. In the medium containing CCCP, the MIC of the antimicrobial agent tended to decrease as compared with the control. In addition, the MIC of the bacteria treated with CCCP and Sal was higher than that of the antimicrobial agent against the CCCP treated experimental bacteria. These results suggest that Sal decreases the expression of OmpF in the Omp of S. typhimurium and reduces the permeability of cephalosporin antibiotics to bacteria, which may induce tolerance to cephalosporin antibiotics.

The study to estimate the floating population in Seoul, Korea

Traffic-related pollutants have been reported to increase the morbidity of respiratory diseases. In order to apply management policies related to motor vehicles, studies of the floating population living in cities are important. The rate of metro rail transit system use by passengers residing in Seoul is about 54% of total public transportation use. Through the rate of metro use, the people-flow ratios in each administrative area were calculated. By applying a people-flow ratio based on the official census count, the floating population in 25 regions was calculated. The reduced level of deaths among the floating population in 14 regions having the roadside monitoring station was calculated as assuming a 20% reduction of mobile emission based on the policy. The hourly floating population size was calculated by applying the hourly population ratio to the regional population size as specified in the official census count. The number of people moving from 5 a.m. to next day 1 a.m. could not be precisely calculated when the population size was applied, but no issue was observed that would trigger a sizable shift in the rate of population change. The three patterns of increase, decrease, and no change of population in work hours were analyzed. When the concentration of particulate matter less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter was reduced by 20%, the number of excess deaths varied according to the difference of the floating population. The effective establishment of directions to manage the pollutants in cities should be carried out by considering the floating population. Although the number of people using the metro system is only an estimate, this disadvantage was supplemented by calculating inflow and outflow ratio of metro users per time in the total floating population in each region. Especially, 54% of metro usage in public transport causes high reliability in application.

Establishment of a mouse model of 70% lethal dose by total-body irradiation / 한국실험동물학회지

Whereas increasing concerns about radiation exposure to nuclear disasters or side effects of anticancer radiotherapy, relatively little research for radiation damages or remedy has been done. The purpose of this study was to establish level of LD70/30 (a lethal dose for 70% of mice within 30 days) by total-body γ irradiation (TBI) in a mouse model. For this purpose, at first, 8-week-old male ICR and C57BL/6N mice from A and B companies were received high dose (10, 11, 12 Gy) TBI. After irradiation, the body weight and survival rate were monitored for 30 days consecutively. In next experiment, 5-week-old male ICR and C57BL/6N mice from B company were received same dose irradiation. Results showed that survival rate and body weight change rate in inbred C57BL/6N mice were similar between A and B company. In ICR mice, however, survival rate and body weight change rate were completely different among the companies. Significant difference of survival rate both ICR and C57BL6N mice was not observed in between 5-week-old and 8-week-old groups receiving 10 or 12 Gy TBI. Our results indicate that the strain and age of mice, and even purchasing company (especially outbred), should be matched over experimental groups in TBI experiment. Based on our results, 8-week-old male ICR mice from B company subjected to 12 Gy of TBI showed LD70/30 and suitable as a mouse model for further development of new drug using the ideal total-body irradiation model.

Environmental health centers for asbestos and their health impact surveys and activities

In 2009, Korea banned the import, transport, and use of asbestos, and the Asbestos Injury Relief Act (AIRA) was promulgated in 2011. Two environmental health centers for asbestos (EHCA), including Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital (PNUYH) and SoonChunHyang University Cheonan Hospital (SCHUCH), were adapted to find environmental asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) and to support the purposes of AIRA. EHCA conducted a health impact survey (HIS) on persons who resided or reside near asbestos factories or mines. A total of 13,433 persons have taken screening examinations in PNUYH EHCA, and 623 persons (4.6%) have had secondary examinations. Of the 21,014 persons who had screening examinations in SCHUCH EHCA, 2490 persons (11.8%) had secondary examinations. Some of those who tested positive for ARDs through HISs filed applications for the asbestos victims’ medical pocketbook (AVMP). Approximately 116 and 612 persons received AVMPs as a result of PNUYH and SCHUCH examinees, respectively. EHCAs have conducted HISs, public relations, and education for asbestos victims, ordinary citizens, and physicians. As HISs are based on voluntary participation, they does not monitor high-risk groups. Active surveillance focusing on high-risk groups has been blocked by the personal information protection act. Although important work has been performed in finding environmental asbestos victims and increasing public awareness on asbestos, it is necessary to improve the current system and registration.

Night shift work and inflammatory markers in male workers aged 20–39 in a display manufacturing company

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the association between shift work and inflammatory markers, which are independent risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, in male manual workers at a display manufacturing company. METHODS: This study was conducted between June 1 and July 31, 2015 on 244 male manual workers aged 20–39 years old at a display manufacturing company and investigated age, marital status, education level, alcohol consumption habit, smoking habit, regular exercise habit, sleep duration, sleep debt, sleep insufficiency, past medical history, current and past shift work experience, duration of shift work, and weekly work hours through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and performed blood tests. Study participants were divided into daytime, former shift, and current shift workers based on the work schedule. Chi-square tests and one-way analyses of variance were performed to compare inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease risk factors, and analyses of covariance were conducted after adjusting for variables potentially affecting inflammatory markers. RESULTS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; mean ± standard deviation) levels in daytime, former shift, and current shift workers were 0.65 ± 0.43, 0.75 ± 0.43, and 0.86 ± 0.72 mg/L, respectively (p = 0.029). The leukocyte count (mean ± standard deviation) was 5,556 ± 1,123, 6,210 ± 1,366, and 6,530 ± 1,216 cells/μL, respectively (p < 0.001). Both hs-CRP level and leukocyte count were significantly higher in current shift workers than in daytime workers, and leukocyte count was higher in former shift workers than in daytime workers. After adjusting for variables potentially affecting inflammatory markers, hs-CRP levels (adjusted mean ± standard deviation) in daytime and current shift workers were 0.59 ± 0.06 and 0.92 ± 0.07 mg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). The leukocyte count (adjusted mean ± standard deviation) was 5,557 ± 124 and 6,498 ± 144 cells/μL, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant association between shift work and increases in inflammatory markers was confirmed. Because chronic low-grade inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, regular follow-up of inflammatory markers as a marker of cardiovascular diseases in shift workers may serve as an early indicator in predicting the effects of shift work on health.

Employment and occupation effects on late-life depressive symptoms among older Koreans: a cross-sectional population survey

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms in older Koreans and identified associations between depressive symptoms and occupational factors. METHODS: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010–2012) were used to analyze 7320 participants aged 55 years or older. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting general characteristics to determine associations between depressive symptoms and occupational factors. RESULTS: Among older Korean men, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the employed and the non-employed groups were 9.9 % and 13.7 %, respectively. Employment status was significantly associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting for general factors (OR: 0.69, 95 % CI: 0.49–0.97). Among older Korean women, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the employed and the non-employed groups were 17.4 % and 20.3 %, respectively, but employment status was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Second skill level occupational groups (clerks, plant and machine operators) in particular showed significantly lower prevalence of depressive symptoms than the non-employed group of men (9.3 % vs 13.7 %). By occupation type, the odds ratios were 0.31 (95 % CI: 0.10–0.97, clerks) and 0.47 (95 % CI: 0.23–0.86, plant and machine operators) adjusting for general factors. CONCLUSIONS: The employed group showed lower late-life depressive symptom prevalence than the non-employed group among older Korean men. In addition some second skill level occupations (clerks, plant and machine operators) were significantly associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms after adjusting for general factors in older Korean men.

Effect of Harderian adenectomy on the statistical analyses of mouse brain imaging using positron emission tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) using 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) as a radioactive tracer is a useful technique for in vivo brain imaging. However, the anatomical and physiological features of the Harderian gland limit the use of FDG-PET imaging in the mouse brain. The gland shows strong FDG uptake, which in turn results in distorted PET images of the frontal brain region. The purpose of this study was to determine if a simple surgical procedure to remove the Harderian gland prior to PET imaging of mouse brains could reduce or eliminate FDG uptake. Measurement of FDG uptake in unilaterally adenectomized mice showed that the radioactive signal emitted from the intact Harderian gland distorts frontal brain region images. Spatial parametric measurement analysis demonstrated that the presence of the Harderian gland could prevent accurate assessment of brain PET imaging. Bilateral Harderian adenectomy efficiently eliminated unwanted radioactive signal spillover into the frontal brain region beginning on postoperative Day 10. Harderian adenectomy did not cause any post-operative complications during the experimental period. These findings demonstrate the benefits of performing a Harderian adenectomy prior to PET imaging of mouse brains.

Association between long working hours and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels in female workers: data from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2011)

OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the association between long working hours and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels, a factor influencing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Data from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2011) were used to analyze 1,809 women. Subjects were divided into three groups based on the number of weekly working hours: or =52 hours per week. Complex samples logistic regression was performed after adjusting for general and occupational factors to determine the association between long working hours and high serum GGT levels. RESULTS: The prevalence of high serum GGT levels in groups with or =52 working hours per week was 22.0%, 16.9%, and 26.6%, respectively. Even after adjusting for general and occupational factors, those working 30-51 hours per week had the lowest prevalence of high serum GGT levels. Compared to those working 30-51 hours per week, the odds ratios (OR) of having high serum GGT levels in the groups with > or =52 and < or =29 working hours per week were 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.23) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.05-2.24), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long working hours were significantly associated with high serum GGT levels in Korean women.

Knockdown of Bcl-xL Enhances Growth-Inhibiting and Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Resveratrol and Clofarabine in Malignant Mesothelioma H-2452 Cells

Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, key anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family, have attracted attention as important molecules in the cell survival and drug resistance. In this study, we investigated whether inhibition of Bcl-xL influences cell growth and apoptosis against simultaneous treatment of resveratrol and clofarabine in the human malignant mesothelioma H-2452 cells. Resveratrol and clofarabine decreased Mcl-1 protein levels but had little effect on Bcl-xL levels. In the presence of two compounds, any detectable change in the Mcl-1 mRNA levels was not observed in RT-PCR analysis, whereas pretreatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 led to its accumulation to levels far above basal levels. The knockdown of Bcl-xL inhibited cell proliferation with cell accumulation at G2/M phase and the appearance of sub-G0/G1 peak in DNA flow cytometric assay. The suppression of cell growth was accompanied by an increase in the caspase-3/7 activity with the resultant cleavages of procaspase-3 and its substrate poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and increased percentage of apoptotic propensities in annexin V binding assay. Collectively, our data represent that the efficacy of resveratrol and clofarabine for apoptosis induction was substantially enhanced by Bcl-xL-lowering strategy in which the simultaneous targeting of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL could be a more effective strategy for treating malignant mesothelioma.

Spatial and Temporal Expression, and Statin Responsiveness of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 in Murine Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Existing data on the spatiotemporal expression patterns of a variety of galectins in murine atherosclerosis are limited. We investigated the expression levels of galectins, and their in vivo spatiotemporal expression patterns and statin responsiveness in the inflamed atherosclerotic plaques of apolipoprotein E (apoE)-/- mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Galectins expression patterns in aortic atherosclerotic plaques and serum galectin-3 levels were investigated in 26-week-old apoE-/- (n=6) and C57BL/6 mice (n=9). To investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in plaques, high-cholesterol diet-fed 26-week-old (n=12) and 36-week-old apoE-/- mice (n=6) were sacrificed and their aortas were examined for galectins' expression using immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemical stain. 36-week-old apoE-/- mice were treated with atorvastatin (n=3, 0.57 mg/kg/day) for the evaluation of its effect on aortic galectins' expression. RESULTS: Immunoblot analyses showed that galectin-1 and galectin-3 were the predominant galectins expressed in murine atherosclerosis. The serum galectin-3 level was significantly higher in apoE-/- mice (p<0.001). While galectin-1 was weakly expressed in both intimal plaques and the media of atherosclerotic aortas, galectin-3 was heavily and exclusively accumulated in intimal plaques. Galectin-3 distribution was colocalized with plaque macrophages' distribution (r=0.66). As the degree of plaque extent and inflammation increased, the intraplaque galectin-3 expression levels proportionally elevated (p<0.01 vs. baseline), whereas galectin-1 expression had not elevated (p=0.14 vs. baseline). Atorvastatin treatment markedly reduced intraplaque galectin-3 and macrophage signals (p<0.001 vs. baseline), whereas it failed to reduce galectin-1 expression in the aortas. CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 is the predominant gal and is colocalized with macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques. Intraplaque galectin-3 expression reflects the degree of plaque inflammation.

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Stress and Allergic Disease Among Children and Adolescents in Gwangyang Bay, Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Stress is considered a causal factor in many diseases, allergic disease being one of them. The prevalence of allergic disease is increasing in Korea, but the relationship between allergic symptoms and stress is not empirically well known. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between allergy-related symptoms and stress in children and adolescents. METHODS: We investigated 698 children and adolescents living in Gwangyang Bay, Korea, using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and the Psychosocial Well-being Index, these subjects were surveyed on allergy-related symptoms and psychosocial stressors in their lives, respectively. We used a multivariate logistic analysis for odds ratios for the complaint rate of allergic symptoms, after adjusting for age, gender, household income, body mass index, and residence. RESULTS: After adjustments, lifetime rhinitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.024), rhinoconjunctivitis (OR, 1.090), diagnosis of itchy eczema (OR, 1.040), treatment of itchy eczema (OR, 1.049), 12-month allergic conjunctivitis (OR, 1.026), diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis (OR, 1.031), and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis (OR, 1.034) were found to be significantly associated with stress. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that there is a relationship between stress and allergic symptoms in children and adolescents. Further research into any causal relationship between stress and allergies, as well as preventative public health plans for decreasing stress in children and adolescents are needed.