Diindolylmethane Inhibits Cadmium-Induced Autophagic Cell Death via Regulation of Oxidative Stress in HEL299 Human Lung Fibroblasts.

Cadmium (Cd), a harmful heavy metal, can lead to various pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by inducing cytotoxicity and disturbing redox homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate Cd-mediated cytotoxicity using human lung fibroblasts and the therapeutic potential of 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM). Cadmium significantly reduced the cell viability of human embryonic lung (HEL299) cells accompanied by enhanced oxidative stress as evidenced by the increased expression of autophagy-related proteins such as LC3B and p62. However, treatment with DIM significantly suppressed autophagic cell death in Cd-induced HEL299 fibroblasts. In addition, DIM induced antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Cd-damaged HEL299 cells. This study suggests that DIM effectively suppressed Cd-induced lung fibroblast cell death through the upregulation of antioxidant systems and represents a potential agent for the prevention of various diseases related to Cd exposure.

Long-term care needs of the elderly in Korea and elderly long-term care insurance.

Korea is one of the fastest-aging societies in the world. According to the Korea National Statistical Office, the number of those aged 65 years and older will dramatically increase from 9.1% in 2005 to 37.3% in 2050. It is very evident that Korea must urgently prepare itself for new times. The government insurance policy for elderly people, now called long-term care insurance, is ultimately designed for providing home- and facility-based supports to seniors with geriatric diseases and dementia, as well as for reducing the support burden on other family members. This article is to introduce the long-term care insurance of Korea and thereby to advocates the necessity of international discussion of the prospects for developing health care for aging populations; its aim is to encourage the sharing of differing national experiences concerning care for the elderly.