Small Peptide Derived from SFRP5 Suppresses Melanogenesis by Inhibiting Wnt Activity.

Melanocytes, located in the epidermis' basal layer, are responsible for melanin pigment production, crucial for skin coloration and protection against UV radiation-induced damage. Melanin synthesis is intricately regulated by various factors, including the Wnt signaling pathway, particularly mediated by the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). While MITF is recognized as a key regulator of pigmentation, its regulation by the Wnt pathway remains poorly understood. This study investigates the role of Sfrp5pepD, a peptide antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway, in modulating melanogenesis and its potential therapeutic implications for pigmentary disorders. To tackle this issue, we investigated smaller peptides frequently utilized in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, there is a significant scarcity of reports on peptides associated with melanin-related signal modulation or inhibiting melanin production. Results indicate that Sfrp5pepD effectively inhibits Wnt signaling by disrupting the interaction between Axin-1 and ß-catenin, thus impeding downstream melanogenic processes. Additionally, Sfrp5pepD suppresses the interaction between MITF and ß-catenin, inhibiting their nuclear translocation and downregulating melanogenic enzyme expression, ultimately reducing melanin production. These inhibitory effects are validated in cell culture models suggesting potential clinical applications for hyperpigmentation disorders. Overall, this study elucidates the intricate interplay between Wnt signaling and melanogenesis, highlighting Sfrp5pepD as a promising therapeutic agent for pigmentary disorders. Sfrp5pepD, with a molecular weight of less than 500 Da, is anticipated to penetrate the skin unlike SFRPs. This suggests a strong potential for their use as cosmetics or transdermal absorption agents. Additional investigation into its mechanisms and clinical significance is necessary to enhance its effectiveness in addressing melanin-related skin conditions.

Suppression of UVB-Induced MMP-1 Expression in Human Skin Fibroblasts Using Lysate of Lactobacillus iners Derived from Korean Women's Skin in Their Twenties.

The process of skin aging is intricate, involving intrinsic aging, influenced by internal factors, and extrinsic aging, mainly caused by exposure to UV radiation, resulting in photoaging. Photoaging manifests as skin issues such as wrinkles and discoloration. The skin microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms on the skin's surface, plays a crucial role in skin protection and can be affected by factors like humidity and pH. Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms, have been investigated for their potential to enhance skin health by regulating the skin microbiome. This can be accomplished through oral probiotics, impacting the gut-skin axis, or topical applications introducing live bacteria to the skin. Probiotics mitigate oxidative stress, suppress inflammation, and maintain the skin's extracellular matrix, ultimately averting skin aging. However, research on probiotics derived from human skin is limited, and there is no established product for preventing photoaging. The mechanism by which probiotics shield the skin microbiome and skin layers from UV radiation remains unclear. Recently, researchers have discovered Lactobacillus in the skin, with reports indicating a decrease in this microorganism with age. In a recent study, scientists isolated Lactobacillus iners KOLBM20 from the skin of individuals in their twenties and confirmed its effectiveness. A comparative analysis of genetic sequences revealed that strain KOLBM20 belongs to the Lactobacillus genus and closely relates to L. iners DSM13335(T) with a 99.20% similarity. Importantly, Lactobacillus iners KOLBM20 displayed anti-wrinkle properties by inhibiting MMP-1. This investigation demonstrated the inhibitory effect of KOLBM20 strain lysate on MMP-1 expression. Moreover, the data suggest that KOLBM20 strain lysate may prevent UVB-induced MMP-1 expression by inhibiting the activation of the ERK, JNK, and p38 signaling pathways induced by UVB. Consequently, KOLBM20 strain lysate holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating skin photoaging.

Improvement in Yield of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Edelweiss Callus Treated with LED Light and Enhancement of Skin Anti-Aging Indicators.

The process of skin aging is currently recognized as a disease, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being used to care for it. While various EVs are present in the market, there is a growing need for research on improving skin conditions through microbial and plant-derived EVs. Edelweiss is a medicinal plant and is currently an endangered species. Callus culture is a method used to protect rare medicinal plants, and recently, research on EVs using callus culture has been underway. In this study, the researchers used LED light to increase the productivity of Edelweiss EVs and confirmed that productivity was enhanced by LED exposure. Additionally, improvements in skin anti-aging indicators were observed. Notably, M-LED significantly elevated callus fresh and dry weight, with a DW/FW ratio of 4.11%, indicating enhanced proliferation. Furthermore, M-LED boosted secondary metabolite production, including a 20% increase in total flavonoids and phenolics. The study explores the influence of M-LED on EV production, revealing a 2.6-fold increase in concentration compared to darkness. This effect is consistent across different plant species (Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng), demonstrating the universality of the phenomenon. M-LED-treated EVs exhibit a concentration-dependent inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, surpassing dark-cultured EVs. Extracellular melanin content analysis reveals M-LED-cultured EVs' efficacy in reducing melanin production. Additionally, the expression of key skin proteins (FLG, AQP3, COL1) is significantly higher in fibroblasts treated with M-LED-cultured EVs. These results are expected to provide valuable insights into research on improving the productivity of plant-derived EVs and enhancing skin treatment using plant-derived EVs.

Associations Between Korean Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score and Cognitive Function in Dementia-Free Korean Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk is a modifiable factor that can help prevent dementia. Given the dearth of optimal treatment options, managing dementia risk factors is crucial. We examined the association between cardiovascular risk, as measured by the Korean coronary heart disease risk score (KRS), and cognitive function in dementia-free elderly individuals. METHODS: We enrolled 8,600 individuals (average age: 69.74 years; 5,206 women) who underwent a medical evaluation from the National Health Insurance Service. KRS was calculated using age, sex, blood pressure, lipid profile, diabetes, and smoking status. Cognitive function was evaluated using Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire-Cognition (KDSQ-C). Scores of ≥ 6 indicated a cognitive decline. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Weight, height, stroke history, coronary heart disease history, alcohol consumption, and physical activity engagement were adjusted. RESULTS: The lowest, middle, and highest groups, according to the KRS, were 5,923 (68.9%), 2,343 (27.2%), and 334 (3.9%), respectively. The highest KRS group in all participants exhibited a greater risk of cognitive decline than the lowest KRS group (OR, 1.339; 95% CI, 1.034-1.734; P = 0.027). The highest KRS female group aged 71-75 years old exhibited greater cognitive decline than the corresponding lowest KRS group (OR, 1.595; 95% CI, 1.045-2.434; P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Individuals with high cardiovascular risk were associated with poorer cognitive function than those with low risk, especially older women. Cardiovascular risk factors should be carefully managed to promote healthy mental aging in dementia-free elderly individuals.

Off-Flavor Removal from Sheep Placenta via Fermentation with Novel Yeast Strain Brettanomyces deamine kh3 Isolated from Traditional Apple Vinegar.

Animal placentae can be used as health-promoting food ingredients with various therapeutic efficacies, but their use is limited by their unpleasant odor and taste. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of deodorization of sheep placenta via yeast fermentation. A yeast strain was successfully isolated and identified as a novel Brettanomyces strain (Brettanomyces deamine kh3). The deodorizing efficacy of fermentation of the sheep placenta with B. deamine kh3 was evaluated by 42 panels, based on evaluation of preference, ranking, and aroma profiles, and compared with normal placenta and placenta fermented with B. bruxellensis. The results of the sensory evaluation indicated that fermentation of the sheep placenta with B. deamine kh3 may improve its palatability by increasing flavors such as that of grass (tree), rubber, and burnt, and by decreasing the odor and soy sauce flavor. Solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography (SPME-GC) showed that major off-flavors in sheep placenta, such as ammonia, dimethyl disulfide, and 1,3-dioxolane, were completely diminished in the sheep placenta fermented with B. deamine kh3. This study presents those major volatile compounds, including 2-isobutyl\-4,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane, and 3-methyl-1-butanol, could be crucial in improving the palatability of the sheep placentae fermented with B. deamine kh3. This study provides a good starting point for the industrial application of a new deodorization method.

A 6-year Prospective, Observational, Multi-Center Post-Marketing Surveillance of the Safety of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of whooping cough is increasing in Korea. Since 2011, occurrence among adolescents and adults has risen putting vulnerable neonates at risk. National immunization guidelines now include Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) vaccination during pregnancy and as a cocooning strategy (i.e., vaccinating adults and adolescents in contact with neonates). This study assessed post-marketing Tdap (Boostrix®, GSK, Belgium) vaccine safety in subjects ≥ 10 years. METHODS: This open, non-comparative multi-center study was conducted over six years at 10 hospitals in Korea. Subjects received Tdap in normal clinical practice according to local prescribing information. All adverse events (AEs) were recorded, classified as expected or unexpected, and severity and relationship to Tdap were assessed. RESULTS: The analysis included 672 Korean subjects (mean age, 44 years; range, 11-81), 451 were women and 211 were pregnant. Ninety subjects experienced 124 AEs (incidence 13.39%) of which six were serious AEs (SAEs) assessed as not related to vaccination, and 51 were non-SAEs related to vaccination (mostly administration site reactions). Overall 65/124 AEs were unexpected; the most common were 14 constipation, 5 dyspepsia, 4 common cold and 4 premature labor cases. One case of common cold was assessed as possibly related to vaccination. Pregnancy outcome was 'live infant, no apparent congenital anomaly' in 195 subjects (92.42%) or 'lost to follow-up' in 16 subjects. CONCLUSION: Tdap administration to Korean subjects ≥ 10 years, including pregnant women, for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis was shown to have a well-tolerated safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01929291.

Diterpenes from the roots of Oryza sativa L. and their inhibition activity on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Two new pimarane diterpenoids, momilactone D (3) and momilactone E (5), along with three known diterpenoids, momilactone A (1), sandaracopimaradien-3-one (2), and oryzalexin A (4) were isolated from Oryza sativa roots. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic data analysis. The isolated diterpenoids were evaluated for their ability to inhibit NO production and iNOS mRNA and protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compound 4 showed strong inhibition activity on NO production, and compounds 1 and 4 decreased the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein levels.

Jeotgalibaca dankookensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Carnobacteriaceae, isolated from seujeot (Korean traditional food).

A novel, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated strain EX-07T, was isolated from seujeot (Korean traditional food). The strain was aerobic, halotolerant and non-motile; it formed cocci that grouped into tetrads and sarcinae or formed irregular conglomerates. Growth occurred at pH 7-9, at 10-37 °C and with up to 9% NaCl. Isolate EX-07T was catalase- and oxidase-negative and used sugars and organic acids as carbon sources. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the novel strain showed 94.2-94.5% similarity with the type strains of Trichococcus pasteurii, Trichococcus patagoniensis, Trichococcus collinsii, Trichococcus flocculiformis and Trichococcus palustris and only 92.2% with representatives of the genera Bavariicoccus, Carnobacterium and Granulicatella. Sequence similarities based on the groEL gene ranged from 81.3 to 82.8% between the novel isolate and the type strains of all species of the genus Trichococcus, and only 74.2 and 75.3% with type strains of members of the genera Bavariicoccus and Granulicatella, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.6 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were C16:1ω9c, C18:1ω9c, C16:0 and C14:0. The polar lipid profile was very complex and included phosphatidylethanolamine and several unidentified aminolipids, glycolipids and phospholipids. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic results obtained in this study, it is proposed that isolate EX-07T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Carnobacteriaceae for which the name Jeotgalibaca dankookensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Jeotgalibaca dankookensis is EX-07T (=KCCM 90229T=JCM 19215T).

Siansivirga jejuensis [corrected] sp. nov., isolated from seawater of Jeju Island in Korea and emendation of the genus Siansivirga.

A Gram-stain negative, non-flagellated, non-gliding and rod-shaped bacterium, strain JHH-2(T), was isolated from seawater collected in Jeju Island, Korea. The novel isolate was found to grow at 25-30 °C, at pH 6.5-7.0 and in the presence of 1-2% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain JHH-2(T) is closely related to Siansivirga zeaxanthinifaciens JCM 17682(T), with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.6%. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-6 and the major cellular fatty acids were detected as iso-C(15:0), C(16:0) and iso-C(17:0) 3-OH. Polar lipid profiling revealed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified glycolipid, four unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of the chromosomal DNA of the type strain is 35.6 mol%. On the basis of several distinct phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, a new species of the genus Siansivirga, Siansivirga jejuensis [corrected] JHH-2(T) sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JHH-2(T) (= KCCM 90230(T) = JCM 19228(T)). [corrected].

Pseudogulbenkiania gefcensis sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A novel strain, yH16, was isolated on nutrient agar from soil samples collected at KyungHee University, Suwon City, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain yH16(T) were short rods, Gram-negative-staining, motile and non-spore-forming, with a polar flagellum. Biochemical and molecular characterization revealed that this strain was most similar to Pseudogulbenkiania subflava BP-5(T). Further 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies revealed that the new strain clustered with Pseudogulbenkiania subflava BP-5(T) (95.9 % similarity), Paludibacterium yongneupense 5YN8-15(T) (95.2 % similarity), Gulbenkiania mobilis E4FC31-5(T) (94.6 % similarity) and Chromobacterium aquaticum CC-SE-YA-1(T) (93.9 % similarity). The isolate was able to grow at 25-40 °C, 0.3-2 % NaCl and pH 5.5-7. The DNA G+C content was 65.9 ± 1.0 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH) and C(16:0). Ubiquinone 8 was the major respiratory quinone. It was evident from the data obtained that the strain should be classified as a novel species of the genus Pseudogulbenkiania. The name proposed for this taxon is Pseudogulbenkiania gefcensis sp. nov., and the type strain is yH16(T) (=KCCM 90100(T) = JCM 17850(T)).

Asinibacterium lactis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Chitinophagaceae, isolated from donkey (Equus asinus) milk.

A novel bacterial strain, designated LCJ02(T), was isolated on R2A agar from donkey (Equus asinus) milk powder and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain LCJ02(T) showed a Gram-negative reaction, was non-motile, non-spore-forming and possessed rod-shaped cells and yellow-pigmented colonies. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel isolate formed a cluster with several uncultured bacterial clones and with cultured members of the genera Hydrotalea, Sediminibacterium and Lacibacter (family Chitinophagaceae, phylum Bacteroidetes). The gene sequence similarities with respect to the type strains of recognized species from the above genera and other phylogenetic neighbours ranged from 89.3 to 92.9%. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 49.2 mol%, the only isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(17:0) 3-OH, iso-C(15:1) G and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH). The major polar lipids of strain LCJ02(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified aminolipid and five unidentified lipids. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain LCJ02(T) from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. On the basis of the evidence of this polyphasic study, isolate LCJ02(T) represents a novel genus and species in the family Chitinophagaceae for which the name Asinibacterium lactis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LCJ02(T) ( =KCCM 90108(T) =JCM 18484(T)).

Near-surface termination of upward-propagating strike-slip ruptures on the Yangsan Fault, Korea.

We present a new example of the termination of strike-slip paleoearthquake ruptures in near-surface regions on the Yangsan Fault, Korea, based on multi-scale structural observations. Paleoearthquake ruptures occur mostly along the boundary between the inherited fault core and damage zone (N10-20°E/> 75°SE). The ruptures propagated upward to the shallow subsurface along a < 3-cm-wide specific slip zone with dextral-slip sense, along which the deformation mechanism is characterized mainly by granular flow in near-surface region. The ruptures either reach the surface or are terminated in unconsolidated sediment below the surface. In the latter case, the rupture splays show westward bifurcation, and their geometry and kinematics show a change to NNW-strike with low-angle dip and dextral-reverse oblique-slip sense in the strata. We suggest that the upward termination of the contractional strike-slip ruptures is controlled by the inherited fault geometry that is unfavorable with respect to the stress field (ENE-WSW σHmax) at basement depths in terms of movement on the fault, and the lack of extension of the fault into shallow subsurface; a depth-dependent change in stress from σHmax > σv > σHmin to σHmax > σHmin > σv at depth of a ~ 200 m; and the physical properties of unconsolidated sediment, which have low inter-granular cohesion, resulting in distributed deformation.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in relation to suicide mortality in Asia: prospective cohort study of over one million Korean men and women.

AIMS: A potential role for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the aetiology of suicide has not been comprehensively examined. In addition to being small in scale and poorly characterized, existing studies very rarely sample Asian populations in whom risk factor-suicide relationships may plausibly differ to Caucasian groups. We examined the association between a series of CVD risk factors and future mortality from suicide. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Korean Cancer Prevention Study is a prospective cohort study comprising 1 234 927 individuals (445 022 women) aged 30-95 years with extensive measurement of established CVD risk factors at baseline and subsequent mortality surveillance. Fourteen years of follow-up gave rise to 472 deaths (389 in men and 83 in women) from suicide. After adjustment for a range of covariates, in men, smoking hazard ratio; 95% CI: (current vs. never: 1.69; 1.27, 2.24), alcohol intake (1-24 g/day vs. none: 1.29; 1.00, 1.66), blood cholesterol (≥ 240 vs. <200 mg/dL: 0.54; 0.36, 0.80), body mass index (underweight vs. normal weight: 2.08; 1.26, 3.45), stature [quartile 1(lowest) vs. 4: 1.68; 1.23, 2.30], socioeconomic status [quartile 1(lowest) vs. 4: 1.65; 1.21, 2.24], and martial status (unmarried vs. other: 1.60; 0.83, 3.06) were related to suicide mortality risk. These associations were generally apparent in women, although of lower magnitude. Exercise and blood pressure were not associated with completed suicide. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of Korean men and women, a series of CVD risk factors were associated with an elevated risk of future suicide mortality.

Alanine aminotransferase is associated with metabolic syndrome independently of insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the effect of insulin resistance on the association between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and metabolic syndrome. The association between ALT levels and metabolic syndrome were determined, independently of insulin resistance in Korean populations. METHODS AND RESULTS: The association between ALT and metabolic syndrome were examined in 28,456 subjects who visited 7 Health Promotion Centers at University Hospitals in Korea from 2006 to 2008. HOMA-IR index was used to represent insulin resistance index. ALT levels were found to be positively associated with metabolic syndrome after adjusting for age, alcohol intake, and smoking status. Furthermore, when additional adjustment was made for insulin resistance, this association between ALT and metabolic syndrome, although slightly attenuated, remained strongly significant. Subjects in the highest ALT quartile were found to have a higher risk of having metabolic syndrome than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio (OR)=4.45, 95% confidence interval (CI)=3.96-4.99 for men and OR=3.51, 95%CI=2.73-4.52 for women). In addition, the association between ALT level and the risk of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in the relatively low risk group. CONCLUSIONS: ALT levels were found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome independently of insulin resistance and with an interaction by age. Further cohort studies are needed to determine the usefulness of ALT levels for predicting the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Safety and tolerability of Korean Red Ginseng in healthy adults: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been used in Asia for its various biological effects, but no studies have investigated the safety of its long-term intake. Therefore, the present study evaluated the safety of KRG intake for 24 weeks. METHODS: We randomized 1,000 participants in a 1:1 ratio into two groups, which were treated daily with 2 g of KRG or a placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was all adverse events and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that occurred after KRG or placebo administration, which were reported at week 4, 12, and 24 after the baseline visit. RESULTS: In total, 192 and 211 participants experienced adverse events in the KRG and placebo groups (39.2% and 42.0%, respectively; p = 0.361), and 59 and 57 KRG- and placebo-treated individuals reported ADRs (12.0% and 11.4%, respectively; p = 0.737). The frequently occurring ADRs were pruritus (2.0%), headache (1.6%), diarrhea (1.4%), and dizziness (1.2%) in the KRG group and pruritus (2.0%), headache (1.8%), dizziness (1.6%), rash (1.4%), and diarrhea (1.2%) in the placebo group. Discontinuation of drug administration due to ADRs was reported in 13 participants, six (1.2%) and seven (1.4%) in the KRG and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.814). No significant abnormal changes were revealed by anthropometric, laboratory, and vital sign measurements in the KRG group compared with those in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the safety and tolerability of daily intake of 2 g of KRG for 24 weeks by healthy adults.

The Relationship between the Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is associated with cardiovascular diseases and is characterized by insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest that the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDLC) ratio predicts insulin resistance better than individual lipid levels, including TG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), or HDLC. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between the TG/HDLC ratio and metabolic syndrome in the general Korean population. METHODS: We evaluated the data of adults ≥20 years old who were enrolled in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013 and 2014. Subjects with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer were excluded. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the harmonized definition. We examined the odds ratios (ORs) of metabolic syndrome according to TG/HDLC ratio quartiles using logistic regression analysis (SAS ver. 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Weighted complex sample analysis was also conducted. RESULTS: We found a significant association between the TG/HDLC ratio and metabolic syndrome. The cutoff value of the TG/HDLC ratio for the fourth quartile was ≥3.52. After adjustment, the OR for metabolic syndrome in the fourth quartile compared with that of the first quartile was 29.65 in men and 20.60 in women (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The TG/HDLC ratio is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.

Effects on weight reduction and safety of short-term phentermine administration in Korean obese people.

The phentermine, an appetite suppressant, has been widely applied in Korea since 2004. However, there have been relatively few reports about the efficacy and the safety of phentermine in Korea. The aim of this study is to verify the effect of phentermine on weight reduction and the safety in Korean patients. This randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study had been performed between February and July, 2005, in Seoul on 68 relatively healthy obese adults whose body mass index was 25 kg/m2 or greater. They received phentermine-HCl 37.5 mg or placebo once daily with behavioral therapy for obesity. The primary endpoints were the changes of body weight and waist circumference from the baseline in the intention-to-treat population. Mean decrease of both body weight and waist circumference in phentermine-treated subjects were significantly greater than that of placebo group (weight: -6.7 +/- 2.5 kg, p < 0.001; waist circumference: -6.2 +/- 3.5 cm, p < 0.001). Significant number of subjects in phentermine group accomplished weight reduction of 5% or greater from the baseline and 10% or more (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the groups (p = 0.122 for systolic BP; p = 0.219 for diastolic BP). Dry mouth and insomnia were the only statistically significant adverse events that occurred more frequently in phentermine group. Most side effects of phentermine were mild to moderate in intensity. Short-term phentermine administration induced significant weight reduction and reduction of waist circumference without clinically problematic adverse events on relatively healthy Korean obese people.

Associations of smoking with overall obesity, and central obesity: a cross-sectional study from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2013).

OBJECTIVES: The association between smoking and obesity is a significant public health concern. Both are preventable risk factors of cardiovascular disease and a range of other conditions. However, despite numerous previous studies, no consensus has emerged regarding the effect of smoking on obesity. We therefore carried out a novel study evaluating the relationship between smoking and obesity. METHODS: A total of 5,254 subjects aged 19 years or older drawn from the 2010-2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in this cross-sectional study. Smoking was examined both in terms of smoking status and the quantity of cigarettes smoked by current smokers. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between smoking and obesity. Overall obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2), and central obesity was defined as a waist circumference ≥90 cm for males and ≥85 cm for females. We adjusted for the possible confounding effects of age, sex, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and the presence of hypertension or diabetes. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in central obesity according to smoking status was identified. Current smokers were more likely to be centrally obese than never-smokers (adjusted odds ratio,1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.67). However, no significant association was found between smoking and obesity defined by BMI. Moreover, among current smokers, no statistically significant association was found between the daily amount of smoking and obesity or central obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking was positively associated with central obesity. Current smokers should be acquainted that they may be more prone to central obesity.

Association between Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Korean Adults of Age 30 Years and Older without Diabetes, Hypertension, Renal Failure, or Overt Proteinuria: The 2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria and obesity markers are known risk factors for cardiovascular or renal disease. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of microalbuminuria according to body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity criteria. METHODS: The study subjects included 3,979 individuals aged 30 years or older who did not have diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, or overt proteinuria, from among those who participated in The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, stratified survey. Microalbuminuria was defined as a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio of 30 to 300 mg/g. BMI and waist circumference were classified according to the Asia-Pacific criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of microalbuminuria was found to be 5.1%. In the normoalbuminuria group, 3.4%, 41.7%, 24%, 27.6%, and 3.2% of participants were included in the underweight, normal, overweight, obesity 1, and obesity 2 groups, respectively. These percentages in the microalbuminuria group were 7.1%, 34.5%, 19.2%, 28.6%, and 10.6%, respectively (P<0.001). The waist circumference in men was 21.4% in the normoalbuminuria group and 36.5% in the microalbuminuria group (P=0.004). Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between the presence of microalbuminuria and BMI or waist circumference groups. The risk of microalbuminuria was significant only in the underweight group (odds ratio, 13.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.55-68.63; P=0.002) after adjusting for confounding factors, abdominal obesity was not significantly associated with microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in a general population in Korea was associated with underweight in men and was not associated with waist circumference in either men or women.