• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.42-49
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• 2019

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitations associated with chronic inflammatory response due to noxious particles or gases in the lung. Iron deficiency is associated with chronic inflammation, such as COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among iron deficiency, iron homeostasis, and inflammation in retired miners with COPD. Methods: The serum levels of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor(sTfR), and transferrin saturation(TSat) as biomarkers for iron deficiency and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP) as a biomarker for inflammation and hepcidin as a biomarker for iron homeostasis were measured in 93 male subjects. Iron deficiency was defined as any one or more of (1) sTfR>28.1 nmol/L, (2) TSat<16%, and (3) ferritin< $12{\mu}g/L$. Results: Iron deficiency was found 28% of the study subjects. Median levels of serum hsCRP was significantly increased related to airflow limitation of COPD(GOLD 1, $0.09{\mu}g/dL$ vs. GOLD 2, $0.17{\mu}g/dL$ vs. GOLD $3{\leq}$, $0.30{\mu}g/dL$, p=0.010), and was positively correlated with hepcidin(p=0.009). Mean level of serum hepcidin was lower in COPD subjects with iron deficiency(p=0.004) and serum levels of hepcidin was negatively correlated with %$FEV_1$ predicted(p=0.030). Conclusions: These results suggest that high serum levels of hepcidin are related to severe airflow limitation or inflammation and can decrease iron availability, regardless of iron status.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.859-868
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate the value of initial CT quantitative analysis of ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, and total lesion volume and its relationship with clinical features for assessing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: A total of 84 patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively reviewed from January 23, 2020 to February 19, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: severe group (n = 23) and non-severe group (n = 61). Clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and CT findings on admission were analyzed. CT quantitative parameters, including GGO, consolidation, total lesion score, percentage GGO, and percentage consolidation (both relative to total lesion volume) were calculated. Relationships between the CT findings and laboratory data were estimated. Finally, a discrimination model was established to assess the severity of COVID-19. Results: Patients in the severe group had higher baseline neutrophil percentage, increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and procalcitonin levels, and lower baseline lymphocyte count and lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.001). The severe group also had higher GGO score (p < 0.001), consolidation score (p < 0.001), total lesion score (p < 0.001), and percentage consolidation (p = 0.002), but had a lower percentage GGO (p = 0.008). These CT quantitative parameters were significantly correlated with laboratory inflammatory marker levels, including neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte count, lymphocyte percentage, hs-CRP level, and procalcitonin level (p < 0.05). The total lesion score demonstrated the best performance when the data cut-off was 8.2%. Furthermore, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 93.8% (confidence interval [CI]: 86.8-100%), 91.3% (CI: 69.6-100%), and 91.8% (CI: 23.0-98.4%), respectively. Conclusion: CT quantitative parameters showed strong correlations with laboratory inflammatory markers, suggesting that CT quantitative analysis might be an effective and important method for assessing the severity of COVID-19, and may provide additional guidance for planning clinical treatment strategies.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACS patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and took medicine during phase II of rehabilitation were recruited for study. Subjects were divided into two groups; exercise group (EX, n=21) and a non-exercise group (non-EX, n=13). Supervised exercise program in hospital consisted of treadmill and bicycle exercise was performed three times per week for 6 weeks. Patients of EX received individual counseling, including knowledge of heart disease, risk factor modification, and physical training. Cardiopulmonary fitness, body composition, and biochemical blood factors were analyzed before and after experiment. There was no significant difference in serum levels of hs-CRP and TGF-${\beta}1$ between groups, and between time intervals. But there was a significant decrease in serum levels of IL-18 (P<.001). And there was a significant increase in ratio of IL-18 to IL-10 (P<.01) and serum levels of IL-10 (P<.001). After cardiac rehabilitation, there was significant increase in exercise duration (P<.001), maximal oxygen uptake ($VO_{2peak}$; P<.001) and decrease in submaximal rate-pressure product (sRPP; P<.05) in EX. In conclusion, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation during phase II in patients with ACS after PCI decreased serum IL-18 (pro-inflammatory) content and ratio of IL-18 to IL-10 in serum (highly related with disease recurrence), and increased serum IL-10 (anti-inflammatory) content. In addition, it led to improved cardiopulmonary fitness.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.153-161
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• 2015

Gamrosu is a modified fasting therapy beverage (431 kcal/d). A retrospective observational study was conducted to investigate the detoxification feasibility of Gamrosu. Three cases were reviewed which participants have finished the fasting with Garmrosu for 10 consecutive days. Detoxification profiles of Gamrosu were reviewed at pre- and post-fasting sessions. Post-Gamrosu session, -6.3% of average weight, -6.5% of average body fat mass and -6.6% of average muscle mass were reduced with the nutrition indices being improved. The inflammation indices showed the significant diminished profiles. Liver/kidney functions and the standard of electrolytes were maintained within normal range in stable manners, however, marginal elevation of total bilirubin and mild ketoacidosis were observed. The indices of oxidative stress decreased and those of antioxidative activity increased. The fatigue scale scores indicated lower scores except insomnia symptom. Taken together, detoxification profiles of Gamrosu were sufficiently feasible and the observed findings should be considered for further clinical studies.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.482-489
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• 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether hand-measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was a reliable and simple tool that could be used to evaluate the severity of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) with normal high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). Material and Method: We examined left carotid IMTs in 688 patients with stable CAD and excluded 121 patients with abnormally elevated hs-CRP ($\geq$0.5 mg/dL). We sought to determine the association between risk factors and the severity of stable CAD and carotid IMT in 567 patients who were divided into lower and higher groups based on the median value. Patients underwent a coronary artery angiogram and had at least significant stenosis (>50% of the original luminal diameter involving one or more major coronary artery). Result: Of the 567 patients, 300 (52.9%) were in the lower IMT group and 267 (47.1%) were in the higher IMT group; the median value was 0.76 mm. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, the following groups were different: older age (~49 vs. 70~ years, respectively; OR=6.552), high FBS (~99 vs. 120~ mg/dL; OR=1.713) and severity of CAD (1 vessel vs. 2 vessel disease; OR=1.711, 1 vessel vs. 3 vessel disease; OR=1.714). Conclusion: We conclude that there are correlations between increased carotid IMT and severity of CAD in stable angina patients with normal CRP levels.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2015

Purpose: Despite well-known benefits of walking on cardiovascular health, no structured walking exercise program has been formally tested on elderly Korean immigrants (EKIs). This pilot randomized controlled trial study assessed the effect of a walking program on walking behavior (pedometer steps count), stress (cortisol), depressive symptoms (CESD-10), and cardiovascular disease biomarkers (hs-CRP and fibrinogen) via venipuncture in EKIs. Methods: Seventy EKIs recruited from a Korean community were randomly assigned to a 12-week walking group or control group in a 3:2 ratio. The working program included a pedometer, buddy, monthly coffee card, weekly call for goal setting, and physical activity consultation. Walking group EKIs maintained the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended exercise guidelines and good mental health status over 12 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in the outcomes between control and walking groups. Conclusion: Social networking with Koreans in the senior center and church from a well-established Korean community might have positive effects on mental health.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.85-97
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• 2010

1. Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of oral administration of distilled Suhwagije-tang in aging rats. 2. Methods The SD rats used in this experiment were 6, 48 and 68 weeks old. These groups were treated with distilled water(DW), 1% Vitamin C(Vit. C) and 50% Suhwagije-tang(SGT) distillate respectively, once a day for 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken from heart and the levels of various parameters in serum were analysed. 3. Results and Conclusions (1) At all concentration of SGT, survival rates of liver cells were higher than the control group. (2) The rate of which the 10W-SGT group gained weight was significantly higher than that of the control groups. (3) The levels of albumin in serum of 10W-SGT group were significantly increased in comparison to those of the DW group. The levels of ALP, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in serum of 52W-SGT group were significantly decreased in comparison to those of the DW group. (4) The levels of testosterone in serum of SGT groups showed no significantly changes in comparison to those of the control groups. Testosterone levels were naturally decreased with advancing years, so 72W-DW group's testosterone level was significantly decreased in comparison to those of 10W-DW group's. In contrast, 72W-SGT group's level was the highest in comparison to those of the control groups and those of deviation from 10W, 52W and 72W in SGT groups was also smaller than control groups'. (5) The levels of glucose, total-bilirubin, ALT, AST, BUN, CRP, hs-CRP, homocystein, Na, K, Na/K ratio, Cl and Ca in serum of SGT groups showed no significantly changes in comparison to those of the control groups. These results suggest that oral administration of Suhwagije-tang distillate should be effective in promoting growth and preventing rapid decline of testosterone in aging rats does not cause any imbalance in liver, kidney and electrolyte.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.246-253
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• 2012

The Framingham risk score (FRS) has been used to assess the risk of a cardiovascular event and to identify patients for risk factor modifications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the FRS with dietary intake and inflammatory biomarkers. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 180 men ($49.2{\pm}10.2$ years) with MS. Serum levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and adiponectin were examined. Participants were asked to complete the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) using the previous 1 year as a reference point. The absolute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk percentage over 10 years was calculated to estimate the FRS, which was classified as low risk (< 10%), intermediate risk (10-20%), and high risk (> 20%). Mean intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was lower in subjects who had > 20% FRS than in subjects who had < 10% FRS ($3.7{\pm}1.9$ g/day vs. $4.7{\pm}1.9$ g/day; P < 0.05). Significant differences in the Index of Nutritional Quality of protein, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin $B_1$, niacin, vitamin $B_6$, and vitamin C were observed between the > 20% FRS group and the < 10% FRS group (P < 0.05). IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with a < 10% FRS than in subjects who were 10-20% FRS or > 20% FRS ($0.91{\pm}0.26$ vs. $1.48{\pm}033$ vs. $2.72{\pm}0.57$ pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). IL-6 and dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids together explained 6.6% of the variation in FRS levels in a stepwise multiple regression model. Our results provide some evidence that dietary intake in the higher CVD risk group was inferior to that in the lower risk group and that dietary fat intake and IL-6 were associated with FRS and MS in Korean men.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 2013

Objectives The purpose of this study is to know hematologic characteristics of patients with stroke in Sasang Constitutional Medicine which will be helpful for the prevention and treatment of stroke. Methods We collected data from 111 patients who received treatment as a stroke inpatient at one Korean medicine hospital in Busan, Korea. A Sasang Constitutional Medicine(SCM) specialist diagnosed their Sasang Constitutional types based on the four diagnosis standard of SCM and herbal medicine reaction. Results of hematologic tests were classified according to gender, age, stroke types and Sasang Constitutional types and analysed by SAS system. Results 1. Male's mean value of RBC count, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit was lower than normal range. 2. The mean value of hsCRP of above age 65 group was 3.19 times significantly higher than under age 65 group. 3. The mean value of platelet of cerebral hemorrhage group was significantly higher than cerebral infarction group. 4. The mean value of triglyceride of Taeeumin was significantly higher than Soyangin and Soeumin. Conclusions For the prevention of stroke, appropriate treatment of stress, trauma and infections is needed and male require a regular and balanced meals. Especially Taeeumin need to eat small meals to avoid excessive accumulation of energy.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.762-770
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• 2011

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a core role in bone reformation by antagonizing the effect of receptor activator of nuclear factor ${\kappa}$-B ligand (RANKL), and mediates vascular calcification in cardiovascular disease patients. Thus, we aimed to examine the relationship between serum OPG levels and cardiovascular factors and inflammatory markers in metabolic syndrome patients (MS). This cross-sectional study included 96 men who visited the diet clinic between May and July 2011. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on NCEP-ATP guidelines: normal and with MS (n = 50 and 46, respectively). Physical measurements, biochemical assay were measured. Serum OPG and IL-6, diponectin and hs-CRP were assessed. MS were aged $50.02{\pm}10.85$ years, and normal patients $52.07{\pm}9.56$ years, with no significant differences. Significant differences were not observed in BMI between the 2 groups. Moreover, significant differences were not observed in serum OPG, however, the serum OPG level ($4.41{\pm}1.86pmol/L$) differed significantly between an overweight MS (BMI > 25) and normal patients. OPG was correlated to age (r = 0.410, p = 0.000), HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.209, p = 0.015), and log adiponectin (r = 0.175, p = 0.042). Multiple regression analyses using the enter method showed that age (${\beta}$ = 0.412, p = 0.000) and BMI (${\beta}$ = 0.265, p = 0.000) considerably affected OPG. In conclusion, out study showed that serum OPG levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as BMI, HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in MS and adiponectin, suggesting that serum OPG has potential as a cardiovascular disease indicator and predictor.