• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.745-754
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has increased worldwide. Although a low serum vitamin D level is known to be associated with the risk of CVD, the mechanism is not well understood yet. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25[OH]D) with homocysteine and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). SUBJECTS/METHODS: Of 777 subjects recruited from one health promotion center for routine heath exam from January 2010 to December 2016, 518 subjects were included in this study. Serum 25(OH)D, serum homocysteine, and other metabolic parameters including ApoB were analyzed. Simple and partial correlations were carried out after adjustments. Simple linear regression analysis was used for precise correlation of parameters. Multivariate regression analysis was done to know which factor (serum homocysteine or ApoB) was more related to serum 25(OH)D after adjustments. Finally, logarithms of homocysteine concentrations according to tertiles of serum 25(OH)D were compared. RESULTS: After sex and age adjustments, serum 25(OH)D showed negative correlations with serum homocysteine (r' = -0.114) and ApoB (r' = -0.098). In simple linear regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D showed a significant negative correlation with ApoB (P = 0.035). However, in multivariate regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D was significantly associated with serum homocysteine after adjustments (P = 0.022). In addition, serum homocysteine concentration was significantly high in the lowest 25(OH)D group (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Serum 25(OH)D concentration showed a stronger negative association with serum homocysteine than with ApoB.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.34.1-34.13
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• 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between lead exposure and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) levels as an oxidative stress marker in male steelworkers. Methods: Data were collected during the annual health examination of workers in 2020. A total of 1,654 steelworkers were selected, and the variables for adjustment included the workers' general characteristics, lifestyle, and occupational characteristics. The association between the blood lead level (BLL) and serum γGT level was investigated by multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. The BLL and serum γGT values that were transformed into natural logarithms were used in multiple linear regression analysis, and the tertile of BLL was used in logistic regression analysis. Results: The geometric mean of the participants' BLLs and serum γGT level was 1.36 ㎍/dL and 27.72 IU/L, respectively. Their BLLs differed depending on age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, drinking status, shift work, and working period, while their serum γGT levels differed depending on age, BMI, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity, and working period. In multiple linear regression analysis, the difference in models 1, 2, and 3 was significant, obtaining 0.326, 0.176, and 0.172 (all: p < 0.001), respectively. In the multiple linear regression analysis stratified according to drinking status, BMI, and age, BLLs were positively associated with serum γGT levels. Regarding the logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of the third BLL tertile in models 1, 2, and 3 (for having an elevated serum γGT level within the first tertile reference) was 2.74, 1.83, and 1.81, respectively. Conclusions: BLL was positively associated with serum γGT levels in male steelworkers even at low lead concentrations (< 5 ㎍/dL).

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.203-213
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• 2017

Serum creatinine-based eGFR and serum cystatin C-based eGFR are the most popular methods for measuring renal function. Thyroid hormone is known to affect serum creatinine-based eGFR and serum cystatin C-based eGFR; however, the clinical significance of thyroid dysfunctional patients of renal function evaluation has not been fully elucidated to date. This study examined the effect of thyroid hormone on serum creatinine-based eGFR and serum cystatin C-based eGFR. Moreover, we also evaluated the correlation analysis between serum creatinine-based eGFR and serum cystatin C-based eGFR in patients with thyroid dysfunction. A total of 442 patients with hypothyroidism and 284 patients with hyperthyroidism were investigated. A correlation analysis between thyroid hormone and serum creatinine- (and cystatin C-) based eGFR was performed. A correlation analysis between thyroid hormone and serum cystatin-C based eGFR indicated that serum cystatin-C based eGFR is more of an independent biomarker than serum creatinine-based eGFR in thyroid dysfunction patients. Therefore, serum cystatin C-based eGFR more accurately reflects renal function than serum creatinine-based eGFR in thyroid dysfunction patients.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.30-33
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• 2014

A solid phase extraction (SPE) method was optimized for the quantitative analysis of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in serum using hydrophilic-lipophilic balance SPE and LC-MS/MS. Fetal bovine serums spiked with $^{13}C_8$-PFOA before or after SPE were used as test samples for evaluation of the SPE efficiency. Simultaneous evaluation of matrix effects and absolute SPE recovery for $^{13}C_8$-PFOA in serum using different sample pre-treatments and SPE conditions allowed optimization of SPE process efficiency with minimal matrix effect and decent SPE recovery. Introduction of protein precipitation as a sample pre-treatment procedure for serum samples before SPE generally decreased matrix effect in LC-MS/MS analysis and provided more stable recovery of PFOA.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7421-7426
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• 2013

Background: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. FOLFOX is the most common regimen used in the first-line chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer, but only half of the patients respond to this regimen and we have almost no clue in predicting resistance in such first-line application. Methods: To explore the potential molecular biomarkers predicting the resistance of FOLFOX regimen as the first-line treatment in advanced colorectal cancer, we screened microRNAs in serum samples from drug-responsive and drug-resistant patients by microarrays. Then differential microRNA expression was further validated in an independent population by reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR. Results: 62 microRNAs expressing differentially with fold-change >2 were screened out by microarray analysis. Among them, 5 (miR-221, miR-222, miR-122, miR-19a, miR-144) were chosen for further validation in an independent population (N=72). Our results indicated serum miR-19a to be significantly up-regulated in resistance-phase serum (p=0.009). The ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of serum miR-19a to discriminate the resistant patients from the response ones was 66.7%, and the specificity was 63.9% when the AUC was 0.679. We additionally observed serum miR-19a had a complementary value for cancer embryonic antigen (CEA). Stratified analysis further revealed that serum miR-19a predicted both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed aberrant expression of serum miR-19a in FOLFOX chemotherapy resistance patients, suggesting serum miR-19a could be a potential molecular biomarker for predicting and monitoring resistance to first-line FOLFOX chemotherapy regimens in advanced colorectal cancer patients.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.74-77
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• 2001

A ten-year-old, male cat presented with recent loss of body weight, depression, vomiting, anorexia, polydipsia, and polyuria. General physical findings included depression, weakness, severe dehydration and a strong acetone odor on the breath. A complete blood count and serum biochemical profiles were leukocytosis, hyperglycemia (286 mg/dl), hypokalemia (2.6 mEq/L), hyponatremia, and high serum fructosamine (600 $\mu$mol/L). In blood gas analysis the cat had acidosis (pH 7.127, p$CO_2$26.7 mmHg). In urinalysis glycosuria and ketouria were appeared. On the basis of clinical signs, serum chemistry, blood gas analysis and urinalysis, diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed. Treatment included subcutaneous administration of protamine zinc insulin (0.75 U/head) and intravenous administration of 0.9% saline. Potassium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate was added to the fluids. Serum fructosamine for assessment of glycemic control was measured on occasion calls. On day 296, the patient improved clinically and did not experience any problems resulting from diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.130-138
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• 2024

Numerous studies have indicated that low levels of serum adiponectin are linked with the development of various chronic diseases. While some recent research has suggested that soy has a positive impact on serum adiponectin levels, the results are inconsistent. Therefore, we aim to conduct a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the effects of soy on serum adiponectin levels in adults. The search was conducted until March 2024 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify RCTs that studied the effects of soy supplementation on serum adiponectin levels. A random-effects model was used to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs). Ten and nine RCTs were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. After analyzing data from 9 eligible RCTs, it was found that soy supplementation did not significantly impact the concentrations of adiponectin (WMD = -0.24㎍/mL; 95% confidence interval, -1.56 to 1.09; p = 0.72). However, there was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I² = 89.8%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that overall estimates were not affected by the elimination of any study. We did not observe any evidence regarding publication bias. In conclusion, soy supplementation did not have a significant effect on adiponectin levels in adults. However, further RCTs are needed with longer intervention duration, higher doses, and studies conducted in different countries.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9077-9083
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• 2014

Background: This study aimed to summarize the potential diagnostic value of serum DKK1 levels in cancer detection. Materials and Methods: Serum DKK1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a case-control study. Then we performed a meta-analysis and the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves were used to evaluate the overall test performance. Results: Serum DKK1 levels were found to be significantly upregulated in gastric cancer as compared to controls. ROC curve analysis revealed an AUC of 0.636, indicating the test has the potential to diagnose cancer with poor accuracy. The summary estimates of the pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio in meta-analysis were 0.55 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.53-0.57), 0.86 (95%CI, 0.84-0.88) and 12.25 (95%CI, 5.31-28.28), respectively. The area under the sROC was 0.85. Subgroup analysis revealed that the diagnostic accuracy of serum DKK1 in lung cancer (sensitivity: 0.69 with 95%CI, 0.66-0.74; specificity: 0.95 with 95%CI, 0.92-0.97; diagnostic odds ratio: 44.93 with 95%CI, 26.19-77.08) was significantly higher than for any other cancer. Conclusions: Serum DKK1 might be useful as a noninvasive method for confirmation of cancer diagnosis, particularly in the case of lung cancer.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.705-712
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to assess the zinc and copper nutritional status of 102 college women by measuring zinc and copper intake, hematological parameters of zinc and copper, hair zinc and urinary excretion of zinc and copper. The mean zinc intake was 5.5mg(45.8% RDA) with food analysis and 4.5mg(37.8% RDA) with computation from food composition table. The copper intake with food analysis was 2.3mg and 1.2mg with computation. Mean serum zinc concentration was 77.02ug/dl and the proportion of subjects with zinc deficiency estimated by serum zinc(<70ug/dl)was 23.0%. Mean serum copper concentration was 121.80ug/dl and 4.1% of subjects showed serum copper less than 70ug/dl, The mean ceruloplasmin concentration was 22.63mg/dl and the proportion of subjects whose ceruloplasmin was lower than 18-40mg/dl was 6.6%. The mean hair zinc of subjects was 143.8ppm and the mean hair copper was 11.2ppm. The mean urinary excretion of zinc was 0.43mg/day and the proportion of subjects with marginal deficiency estimated by urinary zinc excretion( <0.3mg/day) was 23.3%. The mean urinary copper excretion was 0.044mg/day which was within the normal range(0.01-0.06mg/day). Assessing by zinc content in hair, urine and serum, 22.9-23.3% of college women had bordeline zinc deficiency or zinc deficiency. Whereas 4.1-6.6% of college women was assessed copper deficiency estimated by serum copper and ceruloplasmin.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.349-357
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• 1998

This study was done to investigate the effect of adolescent smoking on dietary intakes and nutritional status of serum lipids and antioxidant vitamins. Subjects were 82 somkers whose average pack-year was 0.73, and 85 nonsmokers of male technical high school students in Seoul. Anthropometric measurement was performed and % body fat was also analyzed by Bioelectrical Impedance Fatness Analyzer(GIF-891). Dietary intakes and habits were examined through questionnaires and nutrient intakes were analyzed by Computer Aided Nutritional (CAN) analysis programs. Serum TG and total cholesterol levels were measured by Spotchem sp-4410 and serum HDL-cholesterol levels were measured by test kit. serum vitamin C level was measured by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method and serum levels of vitamin A and vitamin E were measured by HPLC. All data were statistically analyzed by SAS PC package program. There was a significant difference in body fat percentage and systolic blood pressure while other anthropometric measurements were not different between smokers and monsmokers. Caloric intakes(2335㎉) in adolescent smokers tended to be higher than that of nonsmokers (2,175㎉) but the difference was not statistically significant. Intakes of protein(76.67g) and niacin(16.49㎎) in adolescent male smokers were significantly higher(P<0.05) than those of nonsmokers although other nutrient intakes were not significantly different. Analysis of serum lipids showed that serum HDL-cholesterol level of smokers was significantly different. Analysis of serum lipids showed that serum HDL-cholesterol level of smokers was significantly lower(p<0.05) than that of nonsmokers, whereas other lipid levels were not significantly different. Serum vitamin C level was also significantly lower(p<0.05) in adolescent smokers than in nonsmokers. In addition, serum vitamin E level, which was 7.85㎎/1 in smokers, was lower than that of 9.20㎎/1 in nonsmokers(p<0.05) while serum vitamin A level was not significantly different between the two groups. These results indicate that cigarette smoking in adolescence decreases serum levels of HDL-cholesterol, vitamin C and vitamin E even thoughth their smoking history is very short. (Korean J Community Nutrition 3(3) : 349∼357, 1998)