Construction of a non-contact community treatment centre for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The explosive outbreak of COVID-19 led to a shortage of medical resources, including isolation rooms in hospitals, healthcare workers (HCWs) and personal protective equipment. Here, we constructed a new model, non-contact community treatment centres to monitor and quarantine asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients who recorded their own vital signs using a smartphone application. This new model in Korea is useful to overcome shortages of medical resources and to minimise the risk of infection transmission to HCWs.

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Among U. S. College Students Concerning Papillomavirus Vaccination.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Data on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to HPV vaccination among college students are limited. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of the variables influencing HPV vaccination uptake and intention among college students. This study employed a cross sectional descriptive quantitative design. Survey data were collected online from the 181 college students, aged 18-25 years. The data were analyzed to identify the students' attitudes toward HPV vaccine (perceived potential harm, effectiveness, barriers, and uncertainty), knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, and their intention of receiving the vaccine in the next 6 months. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regressions were conducted to examine the correlates of vaccination intention and uptake. Among 181 participants, 101 (55.8%) were had received at least one dose of HPV vaccine, 52 (28.7%) intended to receive HPV vaccine, and 28 (15.5%) did not intend to receive HPV vaccine. On average, participants responded correctly to less than half of the questions on the HPV knowledge and HPV vaccine knowledge scales, and those who were vaccinated were significantly more knowledgeable than their counterparts. Multivariate logistic regression showed HPV vaccine knowledge and uncertainty were significant factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake. Providing education designed to improve HPV and HPV vaccination knowledge and decrease feelings of uncertainty could improve college students' HPV vaccination uptake.

Quality of Online Information Regarding High-Risk Pregnancies.

Health information on the Internet can have a direct effect on healthcare decision-making. However, the quality of information online has seldom been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the quality of online information on high-risk pregnancies provided by English and Korean Web sites. Through a Google search, 30 English and 30 Korean Web sites were selected on January 2 and 3, 2020, respectively, and assessed using DISCERN, a Journal of the American Medical Association, and Health On the Net Foundation code questionnaires. The data assessed were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistical tests. Overall, the information provided by the English Web sites presented higher-quality information than the Korean Web sites. Most Web sites did not provide the sources of the information presented on their Web sites, meet the Journal of the American Medical Association criteria, or provide information on complementarity. Based on our results, nurses need to be competent in assessing the quality of Web sites and the health information presented there, and nursing students need to be prepared to do so as well. Nurses are responsible for educating their patients about the possibility of incorrect information provided by Internet Web sites and informing their patients about reliable Web sites, thus assisting them to make informed decisions regarding their health.

Quality Evaluation of Visual Display Terminal Syndrome Videos Shared on YouTube.

Visual display terminal syndrome is a health problem that occurs when an individual looks at a visual display terminal for a long time. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of YouTube videos on visual display terminal syndrome. YouTube was searched using the keywords "visual display terminal syndrome" and "a prolonged user of a computer or smartphone" on October 16, 2019. A total of 45 videos were evaluated using DISCERN and the Journal of the American Medical Association scoring systems. The variables extracted from the videos were the uploading agency; content; presentation format; days since upload; the number of views, likes, dislikes, and comments; and the video power index. The mean DISCERN and Journal of the American Medical Association scores were 35.64 and 3.08 points, respectively, indicating that the information on visual display terminal syndrome in YouTube videos was inaccurate and unreliable. The major reason for the low quality of the videos was that the sources of information presented in the videos were not provided. The DISCERN and Journal of the American Medical Association scores showed significant differences in the uploading agency and presentation format variables. Nurses must be familiar with evaluating the quality of videos presenting health information. Guidelines informing patients that YouTube might provide misinformation about health need to be developed.

Caregiving experiences of Korean family caregivers of cancer patients: An integrative literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of Korean family caregivers of patients with cancer by reviewing recent literature. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched-MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PubMed for English literature, and Korean Information Service System (KISS), and Research Information Sharing Service (RISS) for Korean literature for articles published from January 2010 to March 2020 using the key words cancer, caregiver, and Korean. Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria and remained in the final review. RESULTS: No intervention study was found and most of studies were quantitative without theoretical/conceptual framework. All the studies were conducted with Koreans living in Korea. No previous study has been conducted with Koreans living in the U.S. or other countries. Most studies focused on caregivers' quality of life, burden, unmet needs, and resilience/adaptation/post-traumatic growth. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive intervention studies focused on improving quality of life, burden, and adaptation to their complex roles as caregivers in the context of Korean culture would be helpful. Further research is needed in examining the caregiver-patient dyad interactions longitudinally to understand the dynamic complicated processes of caregiving.

Development and validation of the Health Care System Distrust scale for cancer screening among Koreans.

PURPOSE: The current research addresses the need for developing a Health Care System Distrust scale for cancer screening among Koreans living in the Republic of Korea. This study developed and validated a scale to measure health care system distrust and to examine the psychometric properties of the scale. METHODS: Interviews, expert reviews, a pilot test, and a cross-sectional survey with 884 Koreans were conducted for instrument development and validation. Content validity, construct validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, convergent and discriminant validity, and reliability of the scale were examined. RESULTS: Factor analyses demonstrated a three-factor structure (competency of tests and health care providers, quality of health care organizations, and honesty of health care organizations) of the Health Care System Distrust scale with 12 items accounting for a total of 71.47% of the variance (competency = 33.35%, quality = 21.14%, and honesty = 16.97%). Cronbach's α coefficients of the subscales were 0.72-0.92. CONCLUSION: The newly developed Health Care System Distrust scale will aid in understanding Koreans' distrust of the health care system and their cancer screening behaviors, and will improve cancer screening utilization by transforming distrust into trust.

Adaptation and validation of the health belief model scale for colorectal cancer screening.

Korea has the second highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the world. Instruments that are culturally and contextually sensitive, as well as valid and reliable, for determining health beliefs regarding colorectal cancer screening are essential for obtaining accurate information. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the health belief model scale for Koreans regarding colorectal cancer and fecal occult blood test utilization. Individual and cognitive interviews (also known as cognitive debriefing) with 33 Koreans, expert reviews with seven nursing practitioners and professors, and a pilot test with 18 Koreans were conducted to make the existing health belief model scale culturally and contextually sensitive. Subsequently, a cross-sectional survey with 728 Koreans aged >50 years was conducted. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the construct validity and internal consistency reliability supported the adapted health belief model scale. The adapted and validated health belief model scale in this study could contribute to the assessment of health beliefs regarding the fecal occult blood test among Koreans with a greater degree of accuracy with respect to Korean culture and context.

Factors Influencing Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Thais in the U.S.

This study examined factors related to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake among Thais in the United States. A total of 121 Thais between 50 and 75 years of age, who were married and living in southern California participated in the survey (mean age = 61 years). Out of all the participants, only 21% of the participants had fecal occult blood tests, 21% had sigmoidoscopy, and 45% had colonoscopy that were within the recommended period. Overall, 55% of participants met CRC screening adherence criteria. Participants who had had regular checkups in the previous 2 years without having any symptoms were 16 times more likely to have obtained CRC screening than their counterparts (OR 16.01, CI 3.75-68.75) in the multivariable logistic regression model. Other significant predictors of screening adherence included older age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.17), having lived in the U.S. 15 years or longer (OR 6.65, 95% CI 1.55-28.59), having had at least some college education (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.23-11.37), and higher levels of perceived self-efficacy (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.01-3.50) to obtain CRC screening. Targeted interventions for Thais who are less likely receive CRC screening could be effective in improving CRC screening. Interventions to improve the populations' awareness of the importance of preventive measures when they are not sick could be also effective.

Depression, Poverty, and Abuse Experience in Suicide Ideation Among Older Koreans.

We examined to what extent the depression, poverty, and elder abuse experience affect suicide ideation among older Koreans. The data from the Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons were used. A sample of 10,279 members was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis revealed that younger old (65-69 years) were more likely to have suicide ideation that oldest old (80 years and older). After including all predicting variables such as depression, poverty, and abuse experience, results showed that depression, poverty, and abuse experience remained predictors for suicide ideation. Higher level of depression ( OR = 1.19) was positively associated with suicide ideation. Poor older person ( OR = 1.59) and those who experienced abuse ( OR = 2.37) were more likely to have suicide ideation than their counterparts. We conclude that suicide prevention policy needs to take a holistic approach, which integrates the mental health of the older people, family welfare, and economic well-being.

ER stress attenuation by Aloe-derived polysaccharides in the protection of pancreatic ß-cells from free fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity.

Insulin resistance, a pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, is associated with obesity. Lipotoxicity in obesity leads to the dysfunction and death of pancreatic ß-cells and inadequate insulin production, thereby aggravating type 2 diabetes. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of Aloe vera polysaccharides (APs) as an anti-hyperglycemic agent and their mechanisms of action. Gel polysaccharides from Aloe extracts were separated using ultrafiltration devices with molecular weight-cutoff membranes, and the protective effect of APs on pancreatic ß-cells in response to free fatty acids (FFAs) was determined. Hamster pancreatic ß-cell line HIT-T15 was treated with palmitate and APs to analyze cellular responses. We observed a large number of apoptotic ß-cell death after treatment with high levels of palmitate, but this was efficiently prevented by the addition of APs in a dose-dependent manner. It was found that the anti-apoptotic properties of APs were largely due to the relief of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling. APs were effective in interfering with the FFA-induced activation of the PERK and IRE1 pathways as well as ROS generation, thereby protecting pancreatic ß-cells from lipotoxicity. Although variation in the chain length of APs can influence the activity of FFA-mediated ER stress signaling in different ways, polysaccharide mixtures with molecular weights higher than 50 kDa showed greater antiapoptotic and antioxidant activity in ß-cells. After oral administration of APs, markedly lowering fasting blood glucose levels were observed in db/db mice, providing evidence of the potential of APs as an alternative insulin sensitizer. Therefore, it was concluded that APs have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes by modulating obesity-induced ER stress in pancreatic ß-cells.

Factor structure and internal reliability of cultural belief scales about colorectal cancer screening among Koreans in the Republic of Korea.

BACKGROUND: Culturally sensitive, reliable and valid cultural belief scales for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Koreans in the Republic of Korea are not available in the literature. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate existing cultural belief scales for CRC screening in Koreans. METHODS: Individual interviews, expert reviews, and a pilot test were conducted for instrument adaptation, and a cross-sectional survey with 884 Koreans was conducted for instrument validation. Construct validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability of the Korean version of the instruments were examined. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis using c four factors that accounted for 48.12% of the variance. The validity and reliability of the cultural belief scales were supported by confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that the four-factor cultural belief scales were culturally sensitive, reliable and valid in Koreans. The final cultural belief scales could be used to identify cultural beliefs more accurately and specifically, as well as to develop effective interventions to increase CRC screening in Koreans in the Republic of Korea.

Cancer screening in Koreans: a focus group approach.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the greatest disease burden in Korea. Cancer screening can reduce the burden of cancer but cancer screening rates among Koreans remain low. The purposes of this study were to a) understand Koreans' beliefs and knowledge about cancer screening, and b) explore preferred strategies for increasing cancer screening utilization. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, qualitative study using eight face-to-face focus groups with a total of 64 Koreans aged 40 and over. Participants answered semi-structured, open-ended questions assessing their experiences with, and beliefs, knowledge, and opinions about, cancer screening. All interview data were recorded and analyzed in the context of the health belief model (HBM). RESULTS: The most important themes that emerged from the focus group data were (a) perceived susceptibility (most of the participants believed they were not susceptible to cancer; those who perceived themselves susceptible to cancer were reluctant to express it); (b) perceived benefits (early detection and feelings of relief after cancer screening were benefits; participants had screening because they wanted to take advantage of the Korean government's Medical Payment Support program for cancer patients who have participated in the National Cancer Screening program); (c) perceived barriers (no symptoms; self-care when having symptoms; widespread distrust of tests, doctors, and hospitals; unkind health care providers; the financial burdens of advanced cancer screening tests; and the discomfort during cancer screening); and (d) knowledge of the causes of cancer (incorrect knowledge including beliefs that stress, personality, and body overuse cause cancer). Almost all of the participants were very knowledgeable about the seriousness of cancer and were confident that they were able to have cancer screening. Participants preferred strategies of cancer screening using group interventions with family or friends; various information delivery methods; information emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention; convenient, free, or inexpensive services; and kind health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: This HBM-based research suggests that beliefs in low susceptibility to cancer, many barriers to cancer screening, and incorrect knowledge should be the foci for increasing cancer screening rates in Koreans. Interventions could change individual cultural beliefs and increase knowledge as well as the quality of health care for Koreans.

Multiplex PCR for detection of the Vibrio genus and five pathogenic Vibrio species with primer sets designed using comparative genomics.

BACKGROUND: The genus Vibrio is clinically significant and major pathogenic Vibrio species causing human Vibrio infections are V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. alginolyticus and V. mimicus. In this study, we screened for novel genetic markers using comparative genomics and developed a Vibrio multiplex PCR for the reliable diagnosis of the Vibrio genus and the associated major pathogenic Vibrio species. METHODS: A total of 30 Vibrio genome sequences were subjected to comparative genomics, and specific genes of the Vibrio genus and five major pathogenic Vibrio species were screened. The designed primer sets from the screened genes were evaluated by single PCR using DNAs from various Vibrio spp. and other non-Vibrio bacterial strains. A sextuplet multiplex PCR using six primer sets was developed to enable detection of the Vibrio genus and five pathogenic Vibrio species. RESULTS: The designed primer sets from the screened genes yielded specific diagnostic results for target the Vibrio genus and Vibrio species. The specificity of the developed multiplex PCR was confirmed with various Vibrio and non-Vibrio strains. This Vibrio multiplex PCR was evaluated using 117 Vibrio strains isolated from the south seashore areas in Korea and Vibrio isolates were identified as Vibrio spp., V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. alginolyticus, demonstrating the specificity and discriminative ability of the assay towards Vibrio species. CONCLUSIONS: This novel multiplex PCR method could provide reliable and informative identification of the Vibrio genus and major pathogenic Vibrio species in the food safety industry and in early clinical treatment, thereby protecting humans against Vibrio infection.

Nicotine in high concentration causes contraction of isolated strips of rabbit corpus cavernosum.

It is well known that cigarette smoke can cause erectile dysfunction by affecting the penile vascular system. However, the exact effects of nicotine on the corpus cavernosum remains poorly understood. Nicotine has been reported to cause relaxation of the corpus cavernosum; it has also been reported to cause both contraction and relaxation. Therefore, high concentrations of nicotine were studied in strips from the rabbit corpus cavernosum to better understand its effects. The proximal penile corpus cavernosal strips from male rabbits weighing approximately 4 kg were used in organ bath studies. Nicotine in high concentrations (10(-5)~10(-4) M) produced dose-dependent contractions of the corpus cavernosal strips. The incubation with 10(-5) M hexamethonium (nicotinic receptor antagonist) significantly inhibited the magnitude of the nicotine associated contractions. The nicotine-induced contractions were not only significantly inhibited by pretreatment with 10(-5) M indomethacin (nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and with 10(-6) M NS-398 (selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), but also with 10(-6) M Y-27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor). Ozagrel (thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor) and SQ-29548 (highly selective TP receptor antagonist) pretreatments significantly reduced the nicotine-induced contractile amplitude of the strips. High concentrations of nicotine caused contraction of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosal strips. This contraction appeared to be mediated by activation of nicotinic receptors. Rho-kinase and cyclooxygenase pathways, especially cyclooxygenase-2 and thromboxane A2, might play a pivotal role in the mechanism associated with nicotine-induced contraction of the rabbit corpus cavernosum.

The association between KL polymorphism and prostate cancer risk in Korean patients.

The Klotho (KL) gene is a classical "aging suppressor" gene. Although recent studies have shown that KL participates in the progression of several types of human cancers, the relationship between KL polymorphism and prostate cancer was unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the association between KL genetic polymorphisms and prostate cancer. Twenty-five common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KL gene (including KL gene polymorphism C1818T in exon 4) were assessed in 272 prostate cancer cases and 173 controls. Single-locus analyses were conducted using unconditional logistic regression. In addition, we did a haplotype analysis for the 25 KL SNPs tested. CC genotype of C1548T KL polymorphism had approximately twofold increased prostate cancer risk compared with the homozygous genotype TT and heterozygote CT (odds ratio 1.85 [95% CI, 1.09-3.12], P = 0.02). We also found that non-T allele carriers had significantly higher prostate cancer risk associated with the prostate cancer clinical characteristics (tumor stage or Gleason score). Our findings suggested that the C1548T polymorphism of KL gene is associated with the prostate cancer and may act as a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer.

Non-pharmacological interventions on anxiety and depression in lung cancer patients' informal caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the common cancers and the leading cause of death. Tremendous caregiving burden of informal caregivers of lung cancer causes psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Interventions for informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer to improve their psychological health, which ultimately leads to patients' positive health outcomes, are crucial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to: 1) evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the outcomes of depression and anxiety for lung cancer patients' informal caregivers; and 2) compare the effects of interventions with differing characteristics (i.e. intervention types, mode of contact, and group versus individual delivery). METHODS: Four databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria for the articles were peer-reviewed non-pharmacological intervention studies on depression and anxiety in lung cancer patients' informal caregivers published between January 2010 and April 2022. Systematic review procedures were followed. Data analysis of related studies was conducted using the Review Manager Version 5.4 software. Intervention effect sizes and studies' heterogeneity were calculated. RESULTS: Eight studies from our search were eligible for inclusion. Regarding total effect for the caregivers' levels of anxiety and depression, results revealed evidence for significant moderate effects of intervention on anxiety (SMD -0.44; 95% CI, -0.67, -0.21; p = 0.0002) and depression (SMD -0.46; 95% CI, -0.74, -0.18; p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses for both anxiety and depression of informal caregivers revealed moderate to high significant effects for specific intervention types (cognitive behavioral and mindfulness combined with psycho-education interventions), mode of contact (telephone-based interventions), and group versus individual delivery. CONCLUSION: This review provides evidence that cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based, telephone-based, individual or group-based interventions were effective for informal caregivers of lung cancer patients. Further research is needed to develop the most effective intervention contents and delivery methods across informal caregivers with larger sample size in randomized controlled trials.

Ventilation strategies based on an aerodynamic analysis during a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in an acute-care hospital.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate ventilation strategies to prevent nosocomial transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective epidemiological investigation of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in a teaching hospital (February-March 2021). The largest outbreak ward was studied, and measurements were taken to determine the pressure difference and air change per hour (ACH) of the rooms. Airflow dynamics were assessed using an oil droplet generator, indoor air quality sensor, and particle image velocimetry in the index patient's room, corridor, and opposite rooms, by varying the opening and closing of windows and doors. RESULTS: During the outbreak, 283 COVID-19 cases were identified. The SARS-CoV-2 spread occurred sequentially from the index room to the nearest room, especially the opposite. The aerodynamic study demonstrated that droplet-like particles in the index room diffused through the corridor and the opposite room through the opening door. The mean ACH of the rooms was 1.44; the air supply volume was 15.9% larger than the exhaust volume, forming a positive pressure. Closing the door prevented diffusion between adjacent rooms facing each other, and natural ventilation reduced the concentration of particles within the ward and minimised their spread to adjacent rooms. CONCLUSIONS: Spread of droplet-like particles between rooms could be attributed to the pressure difference between the rooms and corridor. To prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2 between rooms, increasing the ACH in the room by maximising ventilation and minimising the positive pressure through supply/exhaust control and closing the room door are essential.

Enhancement of lipid extraction from marine microalga, Scenedesmus associated with high-pressure homogenization process.

Marine microalga, Scenedesmus sp., which is known to be suitable for biodiesel production because of its high lipid content, was subjected to the conventional Folch method of lipid extraction combined with high-pressure homogenization pretreatment process at 1200 psi and 35°C. Algal lipid yield was about 24.9% through this process, whereas only 19.8% lipid can be obtained by following a conventional lipid extraction procedure using the solvent, chloroform:methanol (2:1, v/v). Present approach requires 30 min process time and a moderate working temperature of 35°C as compared to the conventional extraction method which usually requires >5 hrs and 65°C temperature. It was found that this combined extraction process followed second-order reaction kinetics, which means most of the cellular lipids were extracted during initial periods of extraction, mostly within 30 min. In contrast, during the conventional extraction process, the cellular lipids were slowly and continuously extracted for >5 hrs by following first-order kinetics. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy revealed altered texture of algal biomass pretreated with high-pressure homogenization. These results clearly demonstrate that the Folch method coupled with high-pressure homogenization pretreatment can easily destruct the rigid cell walls of microalgae and release the intact lipids, with minimized extraction time and temperature, both of which are essential for maintaining good quality of the lipids for biodiesel production.

Experiences of Korean patients with thyroid cancer receiving radioactive iodine therapy after total thyroidectomy.

Objective: South Korea has a high incidence of thyroid cancer. This study aimed to describe and understand the nature of the experience of Korean patients with thyroid cancer undergoing radioactive iodine treatment after total thyroidectomy through an in-depth investigation of their experience. Methods: Individual interviews using open questions were conducted with 22 participants living in South Korea. All were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. This study used the phenomenological analysis method proposed by Colaizzi to determine the essential subjects verified according to the four reliability criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln. Results: Three categories, 6 theme clusters, and 13 themes emerged from the study. The three categories identified were "broken life," "solitude in a crowd," and "positive changes in values." The six theme clusters were "anxiety about death," "an imperfect being," "feeling social isolation," "struggling alone," "an active attitude toward life," and "life support." The themes that emerged the most were related to physical and psychological difficulties. Of the 13 themes, four themes were related to family-oriented values and culture. Conclusions: This study suggests that nursing interventions are required to reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of Korean patients with thyroid cancer. It is necessary to build a support system with the patient's family members to consider family-oriented values and culture.

Expression of human ß-defensin-2 in the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and regulation of human ß-defensin-2 (HBD-2) in the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Normal human prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE-1), human prostate cancer cell lines (DU-145, PC-3), and paraffin-embedded prostate tissue from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were analysed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. HBD-2 expression was also analysed by RT-PCR and ELISA in RWPE-1 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation was assessed by IκBα immunoblotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS: BPH tissue and all of the tested prostate cell lines other than PC-3 constitutively express HBD-2 mRNA. HBD-2 protein was strongly detected in prostate gland tissue surrounded by inflammatory cells including macrophages. Exposure to LPS induced HBD-2 upregulation and NF-κB activation, as assessed by IκBα phosphorylation and degradation in RWPE-1 cells. Bay11-7082, an NF-κB inhibitor prevented LPS-induced HBD-2 production in RWPE-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate epithelial cells may constitutively express HBD-2, and its expression was upregulated by LPS. Our data indicate that HBD-2 may be an important immunomodulatory factor in prostate function. Expression of HBD-2 in normal prostates and the potential role of HBD-2 in prostatitis and BPH should be addressed in the future.