• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.77 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2014

Background: Low levels of serum vitamin D is associated with several lung diseases. The production and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of emphysema. The aim of the current study therefore is to investigate if vitamin D modulates the expression and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human lung fibroblasts (HFL-1) cells. Methods: HFL-1 cells were cast into three-dimensional collagen gels and stimulated with or without interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$) in the presence or absence of 100 nM 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D ($1,25(OH)_2D$) for 48 hours. Trypsin was then added into the culture medium in order to activate MMPs. To investigate the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, gelatin zymography was performed. The expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of MMP-9 mRNA and TIMP-1, TIMP-2 mRNA was quantified by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: IL-$1{\beta}$ significantly stimulated MMP-9 production and mRNA expression. Trypsin converted latent MMP-2 and MMP-9 into their active forms of MMP-2 (66 kDa) and MMP-9 (82 kDa) within 24 hours. This conversion was significantly inhibited by 25(OH)D (100 nM) and $1,25(OH)_2D$ (100 nM). The expression of MMP-9 mRNA was also significantly inhibited by 25(OH)D and $1,25(OH)_2D$. Conclusion: Vitamin D, 25(OH)D, and $1,25(OH)_2D$ play a role in regulating human lung fibroblast functions in wound repair and tissue remodeling through not only inhibiting IL-$1{\beta}$ stimulated MMP-9 production and conversion to its active form but also inhibiting IL-$1{\beta}$ inhibition on TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 production.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.428-435
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• 2022

Objectives: The Indonesian Ministry of Health launched isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in 2016, with general practitioners (GPs) at the frontline of this program. However, the extent to which GPs have internalized this program remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge and attitudes of GPs towards the IPT program in Indonesia. Methods: This study used an online, self-administered questionnaire distributed via e-mail and social messaging services. A logistic regression model was employed to identify the explanatory variables influencing the level of knowledge and attitudes toward IPT among GPs in Indonesia. An empirical analysis was conducted separately for each response variable (knowledge and attitudes). Results: Of the 418 respondents, 128 (30.6%) had a good knowledge of IPT. Working at a public hospital was the only variable associated with good knowledge, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 2.81). Furthermore, 279 respondents (66.7%) had favorable attitudes toward IPT. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, good knowledge (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.89), 1-5 years of work experience (aOR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.21 to 3.60), and having experienced IPT training (aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.93), were significantly associated with favorable attitudes. Conclusions: In general, GPs in Indonesia had favorable attitudes toward IPT. However, their knowledge of IPT was limited. GPs are an essential element of the IPT program in the country, and therefore, adequate information dissemination to improve their understanding is critical for the long-term viability and quality of the IPT program in Indonesia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.490-501
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• 1992

Background: Isocyanate is the most significant cause of occupational asthma in this country. The mechanism of isocyanate induced bronchoconstriction is unclear. Subjects and Method: To observe its immunologic and clinical findings, we performed methacholine bronchial challenge test (MBCT), toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-bronchoprovocation test (BPT) and RAST to TDI-, diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)-, and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate in 22 isocyanate-sensitive asthmatic workers. Results: BPT revealed early (11), dual (5), and late only (6) asthmatic responses. Their latent period ranged from 3 to 120 months (mean:45.9 months). Three cases (13.6%)showed a negative response on initial MBCT, but following MBeT performed 24 hours after TDI-BPT revealed the development of airway hyperresponsivenss. Twelve (54.5%) workers had increased specific IgE to TDI-HSA, seven (31.8%) had to MDI-HSA, and nine (40.9%) had to HDI-HSA conjugate. The prevalence of specific IgE was not associated with latent period, type of asthmatic responses, smoking, and atopic status. After 3 months' avoidance from workplace, airway hyperresponsiveness was improved in 10 (38.3%), among 12 followed cases. Conclusion: It is suggested that isocyanate can induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in 59.1% of isocyanate-sensitive asthmatic workers. Isocyanate-induced asthma can occur even though MBeT showed a negative result, and measurement of the changes of airway hyperresponsivenss after isocyanate-BPT could be helpful to diagnose isocyanate-sensitive asthma.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.1224-1233
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• 2018

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of add-on therapy with certolizumab pegol (CZP) in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of a single ethnicity. Methods: In this 24-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, eligible patients (n = 127) were randomized 2:1 to subcutaneous CZP + methotrexate (MTX; 400 mg at week 0, 2, and 4 followed by 200 mg every 2 weeks) or placebo + MTX. Results: At week 24, the American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20% (ACR20) response rate was significantly greater with CZP + MTX than with placebo (66.7% vs. 27.5%, p < 0.001). Differences in ACR20 response rates for CZP vs. placebo were significant from week 1 (p < 0.05) and remained significant through week 24. The CZP group reported significant improvement in physical function and disability compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001) at week 24, as assessed by Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (KHAQ-DI). Post hoc analysis indicated that the proportion of patients who had ACR70 responses, Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) low disease activity, and DAS28 remission at week 24 was greater in CZP + MTX-treated patients who achieved a decrease in DAS28 ${\geq}1.2$ (43.8%) at week 4 than in nonresponders. Among 18 (22.2%) and 14 patients (35.0%) in CZP and placebo groups who had latent tuberculosis (TB), none developed active TB. Most adverse events were mild or moderate. Conclusions: CZP treatment combined with MTX in active RA patients with moderate to severe disease activity and an inadequate response to MTX resulted in rapid onset of efficacy, which is associated with better clinical outcome at week 24 and has an acceptable safety profile, especially in an intermediate TB-burden population.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.733-739
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• 1966

A 371 agricultural households from 26 different communities in South Korea was subjected on a study of food taboos in January of 1966. To the pregnant women, those to whom a high protein diet is particurally important, as many as 14 different kinds of foods, mostly portein rich foods, were avoided to eat. It is believed that if duck is eaten while pregnant her baby may walk like a duck in later life. Some mother have a strong aversion to the rabbit meat that her unborn baby must be a harelip. It is feared to eat chicken, shark or carp by the pregnant mother for her baby may get a gooseflesh appearance, or fish scale-like skin in later life. It is thought that if mother eats soup made of meat borns, especially chicken bones, a disfigured baby may be born. Some area informed that if mother eats crab meat her future baby will always bubble. To the child-bearing mothers 13 different kinds of foods were avoided to eat. Some believe that if raddish kimchi, soybean curd, squash are eaten while dilivery that mother may get dental decay or to lose all her teeth. Other think that highly spiced raddish kimchi cause delivery difficult. To the lactating mothers 7 different items of foods were not recommended to eat. It is a common belief that eating green vegetables, especially fresh lettuce, are restricted that her baby may stool greenish. It is said that eating ginsen-chicken soup, or ginsen tea during lactating reduces breast milk secretion. To the weaning babies 7 different kinds of foods were prohibited to fee. Eggs are not eaten because mothers think her babies will start to talk very late. Eight different items of foods in cases of gastro-intestinal diseases, 5 items for liver disease, 7 items for high blood pressure as well as for paralysis were respectively restricted. It is said that meats including pork, beef, and chicken are neither desirable for the patients of high blood pressure nor those of paralysis. To the measles children 10 varieties of foods were restricted. Especially soybean products and meats were not encouraged to use for avoiding asecond attack of measles. For the common cold 8 different kinds of foods were aversed and men think that eating of soup of undria delays a recovery. For the tuberculosis 4 kinds of foods were prohibited to eat. It is said that wine, red pepper and ginsen will stimulate lung bleeding. Many mothers had a strong aversion to fermented shrimp and fish in case of style. and 5 different items of foods were restricted. In case of menstration not so many foods were restricted as other cases, but meat soup is not eaten in this condition in some areas. Majority of food taboos in Korean villages are neither based on tribal nor religious factors. But no one knows how, since what ages, from where, these food taboos have been transmitted and spread over the country. This survey found a great variety of food taboos, aversions, traditional beliefs and prohibitions latent unknown reseasons, or non-scientific conceptions, or completely different ideas from the modern medical aspect, or somewhat fallacious and superstitious beliefs. For the vascular disease contrasting approach were found between modern the oritical therapy and popular remedy among the rural populations who largely depend on the eastern medication. Further scientific study on either side should be done to lead the patient proper way. Many restricted foods such as rabbit, duck, chicken and fish are best resources of protein rich foods which are available in the village. Emphasis should be laid upon breaking down fallacious and supersititious food taboos through the extended nutrition education activities in order to improve food habit and good eating pattern for healthier and stronger generations of Korea.