Association between changes in having of cancer patients in the family and depression: A longitudinal panel study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer diagnosis can cause considerable stress among patients and their families. Both may experience clinical depression and severe anxiety. Therefore, this study investigated the association between the occurrence of cancer patients in the family and the depression among family members. METHODS: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2020) were used. A total of 6251 participants who completed the short-form Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10-D) questionnaire were included. General estimating equations were used to assess the temporal effects of changes on depression in the presence of cancer patients in the family. RESULTS: Having cancer patients in the family was associated with a high risk of depression among both men and women (men, Odds Ratio (OR):1.78, 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.13-2.79; women, OR:1.53, 95 % CI 1.06-2.22). Depressive symptoms were particularly high in women, especially when cancer symptoms were more severe than previous surveys (OR: 2.48, 95 % CI 1.18-5.20). LIMITATIONS: First, non-responders were excluded but this could be affected by underestimation bias. Second, depression was defined as the CESD-10-D score, and the biological risk factors of depression could not be identified because of survey-based database. Third, due to the retrospective design study, confirming the causal relationship clearly is difficult. Finally, residual scheming effects of unmeasured variables could not be eliminated. CONCLUSION: Our findings support efforts to diagnose and manage depression in the families of cancer patients. Accordingly, healthcare services and supportive interventions to reduce the psychological factors of cancer patients' families are needed.

Associations between the type of help after sexual harm and adolescents' suicidal ideation.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between receiving external help after sexual harm and suicidal ideation among Korean adolescents. The help received was classified into professional and nonprofessional to test the strength of the association according to the type of help. METHODS: Using data from the 2017-2019 Korean children and youth rights study, we analyzed a total of 18,740 middle and high school students. The dependent variable was suicidal ideation; the primary and secondary independent variable was experience of sexual harm and receiving help after sexual harm, respectively. Data were analyzed using χ2  tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Experience of sexual harm was significantly associated with higher suicidal ideation, and receiving help after sexual harm was significantly associated with lower suicidal ideation compared with not receiving help, regardless of gender. Furthermore, lower suicidal ideation was more strongly associated with receiving professional help in female adolescents, and receiving nonprofessional help in male adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving help after sexual harm was negatively associated with suicidal ideation, and the strength of this association varied with gender and the type of help received. These results can aid the development of evidence-based crisis intervention for victims of sexual harm.

Association between Asthma and Oral Health Symptoms in Adolescents.

Oral health is an indicator of patients' overall quality of life. Poor oral health among adolescents with asthma can affect their health in adulthood. This study researched the association between asthma and oral health symptoms in South Korean adolescents. Data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were used. A total of 44,940 students participated in this study. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms. Asthma was the primary independent variable based on diagnosis in the past 12 months. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used. Students with asthma were associated with oral health symptoms, compared with those without asthma (boys, odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.66; girls, OR: 1.94, 95% CI = 1.40-2.69). Poor health habits, such as low physical activity, higher sweetened beverage consumption, and fewer sleeping hours, were associated with oral health symptoms. Students who did not receive asthma treatment also had higher oral health symptoms (boys, OR: 1.29, 95% CI = 1.13-1.48, girls, OR: 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15-1.57). Students with absence due to asthma had a higher risk of oral health than those without asthma (boys, OR: 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17-1.46, girls OR: 1.28, 95% CI = 1.12-1.46). Students with asthma had a high risk of poor oral health among South Korean adolescents, suggesting more attention be given to regular dental check-ups and maintaining oral hygiene.

Associations between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and oral health symptoms in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Oral health condition in adolescence impacts the oral well-being throughout life. This study aimed to determine the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and oral health in adolescents, using nationally representative data. METHODS: Using data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, we assessed self-reported data on ETS exposure and oral health symptoms in 37,591 non-smoking adolescents. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms of adolescents (tooth fracture, dental pain, and gum bleeding). ETS exposure was the primary independent variable. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine these relationships. RESULTS: ETS exposure was positively associated with oral symptoms compared to no-ETS exposure in adolescents [boys, odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41-1.60]; individuals with good oral health habits such as frequent tooth brushing [boys, three times or more a day, OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.53] and less soda consumption [girls, less than once a day, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.29-2.33] had a weaker association. ETS exposure was positively associated with dental pain [boys, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.45-1.66; girls, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.41-1.60] and gum bleeding [boys, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.29-1.58; girls, OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.44]; however, tooth fracture was significantly associated only in girls [OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13-1.45]. CONCLUSIONS: ETS in various environments is negatively associated with oral health in adolescents. This association could vary depending on health habits. Sophisticated policies to protect South Korean adolescents from ETS can be developed from these findings.

Ethanol Extract of Sargassum siliquastrum Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Nitric Oxide Generation by Downregulating the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Pathway.

Sargassum siliquastrum (SS) is an edible brown seaweed widely consumed in Korea and considered a functional food source. Previous studies have reported various biological activities of SS extracts, including antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of the SS extract and assessed the underlying mechanism of action. The SS extract significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner (% of NO production at 500 µg/mL: 60.1 ± 0.9%), with no obvious toxicity. Furthermore, the SS extract inhibited mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible NO synthase, as well as LPS-induced expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-6, or TNF-α (IL-6 production (ng/mL) : LPS-: 0.7 ± 0.3; LPS+: 68.1 ± 2.8; LPS + SS extract: 51.9 ± 1.2; TNF-α production (ng/mL) : LPS-: 0.3 ± 0.1; LPS+: 23.0 ± 0.1; LPS + SS extract: 18.2 ± 10.8). Mechanistically, the SS extract attenuated LPS-induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (nuclear factor-kappa B, NF-κB) signaling pathway such as phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and degradation of IκB-α, thereby blocking LPS-induced activation of NF-κB transcriptional activity. The SS extract also enhanced LPS-induced heme oxygenase-1 expression and attenuated LPS-induced cellular reactive oxygen species production (% of ROS production at 500 µg/mL: 52.2 ± 1.3%). Collectively, these findings suggest that the SS extract elicits anti-inflammatory effects in mouse macrophage cells.

Morphological study of the pelvis and vertebral column in university dance major students / Estudio morfológico de la pelvis y la columna vertebral en estudiantes universitarios de danza

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to investigate the pelvis and spine of university dance major students. The spine and pelvic morphology were measured in 32 students (eight ballet, eight Korean dance, and eight modern dance) and eight general studies students. using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and Formetric III 4D. First, as a result of measuring the front and rear tilt, a back tilt of the torso was found in all groups. Second, measurement of the left and right tilt of the spine showed a tilt to the right, and the angle and distance of the tilt were 1.25 ? 1.16 ? and 10.5 ? 9.3 mm, respectively in the ballet major group. Third, the kyphosis angle was the highest in the Korean dance students, exceeding the normal range (ballet: 46 ?, Korean dance: 54 ?, modern dance: 47 ?, general department: 49?). Although, there was no significant difference among the groups, but the spine and pelvic morphology were measured in different forms (shapes) according to the majors. Therefore, according to the major, the movements used to affect the shape of the spine and the pelvis are considered to change. This suggests that follow-up studies are needed. If the displacement is severe due to the movement, pain may occur and it is necessary to study how to identify the pain area when the pain occurs.

RESUMEN: El propósito de este estudio fue investigar la pelvis y la columna vertebral de estudiantes universitarios de danza. Se realizaron mediciones morfológicas de la columna y la pelvis en 32 estudiantes (ocho de ballet, ocho de danza coreana y ocho de danza moderna) y ocho estudiantes de estudios generales. utilizando absorciometría de rayos X de energía dual y formétrico ? 4D. Primero, como resultado de medir la inclinación delantera y trasera, se encontró una inclinación del torso hacia atrás en todos los grupos. En segundo lugar, la medición de la inclinación izquierda y derecha de la columna mostró una inclinación hacia la derecha, y el ángulo y la distancia de la inclinación fueron 1,25 ? 1,16 ? y 10,5 ? 9,3 mm, respectivamente, en el grupo principal de ballet. En tercer lugar, el ángulo de cifosis fue el más alto en los estudiantes de danza coreana, excediendo el rango normal (ballet: 46 ?, danza coreana: 54 ?, danza moderna: 47 ?, departamento general: 49 ?). Aunque no hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos, la morfología de la columna y la pelvis se midió en diferentes formas (formas) según las carreras. Por lo tanto, según la especialidad, se considera que cambian los movimientos utilizados afectando la forma de la columna y la pelvis. Esto sugiere que se requieren estudios de seguimiento. Si el desplazamiento es severo debido al movimiento, este puede generar dolor y es necesario estudiar cómo identificar el área de dolor cuando ocurre.

The Suppressive Activity of Fucofuroeckol-A Derived from Brown Algal Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura on UVB-Induced Mast Cell Degranulation.

UV light, especially UVB, is known as a trigger of allergic reaction, leading to mast cell degranulation and histamine release. In this study, phlorotannin Fucofuroeckol-A (F-A) derived from brown algal Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura was evaluated for its protective capability against UVB-induced allergic reaction in RBL-2H3 mast cells. It was revealed that F-A significantly suppress mast cell degranulation via decreasing histamine release as well as intracellular Ca2+ elevation at the concentration of 50 µM. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of F-A on IL-1ß and TNF-α productions was also evidenced. Notably, the protective activity of F-A against mast cell degranulation was found due to scavenging ROS production. Accordingly, F-A from brown algal E. stolonifera was suggested to be promising candidate for its protective capability against UVB-induced allergic reaction.

Sargaquinoic acid attenuates inflammatory responses by regulating NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Myagropsis myagroides, a brown alga, showed strong anti-inflammatory activities in the previous studies. In this study, we isolated a strong anti-inflammatory compound, sargaquinoic acid (SQA), from M. myagroides and investigated the anti-inflammatory action using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. SQA suppressed the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-stimulated cells as well as that of reactive oxygen species. As a result, SQA inhibited the production of NO, prostaglandin E2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. LPS-induced transcriptional activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was remarkably inhibited by SQA treatment through the prevention of inhibitor κB-α degradation. The regulation of NF-κB activation was also mediated by the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, SQA induced the production of heme oxygenase 1 via activation of transcription factor Nrf2. These results indicate that SQA inhibits the LPS-induced expression of inflammatory mediators via suppression of ERK and Akt-mediated NF-κB pathway as well as up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, indicating that SQA has a potential therapeutic and preventive application in various inflammatory diseases.

Sargaquinoic Acid Inhibits TNF-α-Induced NF-κB Signaling, Thereby Contributing to Decreased Monocyte Adhesion to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs).

Sargaquinoic acid (SQA) has been known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the effects of SQA isolated from Sargassum serratifolium on the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). SQA decreased the expression of cell adhesion molecules such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 as well as chemotactic cytokines such as interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in TNF-α-treated HUVECs. As a result, SQA prevented monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-induced adhesion. SQA also inhibited TNF-α-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation into the nucleus by preventing proteolytic degradation of inhibitor κB-α. Overall, SQA protects against TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in HUVECs. These data suggest that SQA may be used as a therapeutic agent for vascular inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Phlorofucofuroeckol B suppresses inflammatory responses by down-regulating nuclear factor κB activation via Akt, ERK, and JNK in LPS-stimulated microglial cells.

Microglial activation has been implicated in many neurological disorders for its inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of phlorofucofuroeckol B (PFF-B) isolated from Ecklonia stolonifera, on the production of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia. PFF-B decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 and the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Profoundly, PFF-B inhibited activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) by preventing the degradation of inhibitor κB-α (IκB-α), which led to prevent the nuclear translocation of p65 NF-κB subunit. Moreover, PFF-B inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, and JNK. These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of PFF-B on LPS-stimulated microglial cells is mainly regulated by the inhibition of IκB-α/NF-κB and Akt/ERK/JNK pathways. Our study suggests that PFF-B can be considered as a therapeutic agent against neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglial activation.

eckol enhances heme oxygenase-1 expression through activation of Nrf2/JNK pathway in HepG2 cells.

Eckol isolated from Ecklonia stolonifera was previously reported to exhibit cytoprotective activity with its intrinsic antioxidant activity in in vitro studies. In this study, we characterized the mechanism underlying the eckol-mediated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Eckol suppressed the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased glutathione level in HepG2 cells. Eckol treatment enhanced the expression of HO-1 at the both level of protein and mRNA in HepG2 cells. Enhanced expression of HO-1 by eckol was presumed to be the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) demonstrated by its nuclear translocation and increased transcriptional activity. c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs) and PI3K/Akt contributed to Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression. These results demonstrate that the eckol-mediated expression of HO-1 in HepG2 cells is regulated by Nrf2 activation via JNK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, suggesting that eckol may be used as a natural antioxidant and cytoprotective agent.

Anti-inflammatory effects of sargachromenol-rich ethanolic extract of Myagropsis myagroides on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production from activated microglia contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, thus, microglial inactivation may delay the progress of neurodegeneration by attenuating the neuroinflammation. Among 5 selected brown algae, we found the highest antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory activities from Myagropsis myagroides ethanolic extract (MME) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells. METHODS: The levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by Griess assay and enzyme linked immunesorbent assay. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt were measured using Western blot. Nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were determined by immunefluorescence and reporter gene assay, respectively. RESULTS: MME inhibited the expression of iNOS and COX-2 at mRNA and protein levels, resulting in reduction of NO and PGE2 production. As a result, pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced by MME. MME also inhibited the activation and translocation of NF-κB by preventing inhibitor κB-α (IκB-α) degradation. Moreover, MME inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERKs) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs). Main anti-inflammatory compound in MME was identified as sargachromenol by NMR spectroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of sargachromenol-rich MME on LPS-stimulated microglia is mainly regulated by the inhibition of IκB-α/NF-κB and ERK/JNK pathways.

In vitro antibacterial activity and synergistic antibiotic effects of phlorotannins isolated from Eisenia bicyclis against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Six phlorotannins, isolated from Eisenia bicyclis, were evaluated for antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the compounds were in the range 32 to 64 µg/mL. Phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF) exhibited the highest anti-MRSA activity, with an MIC of 32 µg/mL. An investigation of the interaction between these compounds and the ß-lactam antibiotics ampicillin, penicillin, and oxacillin revealed synergistic action against MRSA in combination with compound PFF. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the anti-MRSA activity of phlorotannins from E. bicyclis. The results obtained in this study suggest that the compounds derived from E. bicyclis can be a good source of natural antibacterial agents against MRSA.

The Efficacy and Safety of 17α-Estradiol (Ell-Cranell® alpha 0.025%) Solution on Female Pattern Hair Loss: Single Center, Open-Label, Non-Comparative, Phase IV Study.

BACKGROUND: There are several commercially available agents to treat female pattern hair loss (FPHL), including minoxidil solution, anti-androgen agents and mineral supplements. However, these treatments are not always satisfactory. We report the results of a clinical trial of 17α-estradiol (Ell-Cranell® alpha 0.025%) solution to Korean female patients with FPHL. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the efficacy and safety of Ell-Cranell® alpha 0.025% solution in Korean female patients with FPHL. METHODS: A total of 53 women, 18 to 55 years old, applied topical Ell-Cranell® alpha 0.025% solution once daily for 8 months. Efficacy was evaluated by the change of hair counts and diameter, subjective assessment, and photographic assessment by investigators. RESULTS: Hair counts and diameter from baseline to 4 and 8 months after treatment increased in treated patients and these changes were statistically significant (p<0.0001). 17α-estradiol (Ell-Cranell® alpha 0.025%) solution showed significant improvement by subjective self-assessment and by investigator photographic assessment. Ell-Cranell® alpha 0.025% solution was well tolerated over 8-months period. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Ell-Cranell® alpha 0.025% solution is a safe and effective agent for Korean women with FPHL.

α-Glucosidase- and α-amylase-inhibitory activities of phlorotannins from Eisenia bicyclis.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to develop alternative therapeutic agents, strong inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase was detected in Eisenia bicyclis methanolic extract. RESULTS: In this study, two phlorotannins were isolated from E. bicyclis and characterised by chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. The active substances were identified as fucofuroeckol A (FF) and dioxinodehydroeckol (DD). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the identification of these substances in E. bicyclis. However, to date, no antidiabetic activity of FF and DD has been reported. Both phlorotannins demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. FF showed potent antidiabetic activity, with IC(50) values of 131.34 nmol L(-1) against α-glucosidase and 42.91 µmol L(-1) against α-amylase. The corresponding IC(50) values of DD were 93.33 nmol L(-1) and 472.7 µmol L(-1) . Furthermore, kinetic analysis revealed that FF and DD exhibited non-competitive inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FF and DD may be candidates for the development of an antidiabetic pharmaceutical agent or food additive.

1-(3',5'-dihydroxyphenoxy)-7-(2'',4'',6-trihydroxyphenoxy)-2,4,9-trihydroxydibenzo-1,4-dioxin inhibits adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts.

In this study, we isolated the phloroglucinol derivative, 1-(3',5'-dihydroxyphenoxy)-7-(2'',4'',6-trihydroxyphenoxy)-2,4,9-trihydroxydibenzo-1,4-dioxin (1), from Ecklonia cava and evaluated its potential inhibition on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Lipid accumulation along with the expression of several genes associated with adipogenesis and lipolysis was examined at the end of differentiation. Lipid accumulation level was examined by measuring triglyceride content and Oil-Red O staining. The expression levels of several genes and proteins were examined using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. Compound 1 significantly reduced lipid accumulation and downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins alpha in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the presence of compound 1 induced downregulation of adipogenic target genes such as fatty acid binding protein 4, fatty acid transport protein 1, fatty acid synthase, acyl-CoA synthetase 1, lipoprotein lipase, and leptin. According to the lipolytic response, compound 1 downregulated perilipin and hormone-sensitive lipase while upregulating tumor necrosis factor alpha. Therefore, these results suggest that compound 1 might decrease lipid accumulation during adipocyte differentiation by modulating adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Furthermore, compound 1 could be developed as a functional agent effective in improving obesity.

Isolation and identification of phlorotannins from Ecklonia stolonifera with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of Ecklonia stolonifera was used to determine the chemical identity of bioactive constituents, with potent antioxidant activities. The structures of the phlorotannins were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including NMR and mass spectrometry analysis. The antioxidant activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by free radical scavenging activities in both in vitro and cellular systems. The anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated compounds were evaluated by determining their inhibitory effects on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The results indicated that phlorofucofuroeckol A, dieckol, and dioxinodehydroeckol showed potential radical scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Among them, phlorofucofuroeckol A and dieckol significantly suppressed the intracellular reactive oxygen species level assayed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Phlorofucofuroeckol A significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of NO and PGE(2) through the down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 protein expressions. In conclusion, these results suggest that phlorofucofuroeckol A has a potential for functional foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.