Association between Socioecological Status, Nutrient Intake, and Cancer Screening Behaviors in Adults Aged 40 and Over: Insights from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2019).

Cancer screening is pivotal for early detection and improved survival rates. While socio-ecological factors are known to influence screening uptake, the role of lifestyle, dietary habits, and general health in shaping these decisions remains underexplored. Utilizing the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), this study examined the myriad of factors impacting cancer screening utilization. Data from 274,872 adults aged 40 years or older were scrutinized, highlighting demographics, income, lifestyle behaviors, health-related variables, nutrient intake, and dietary quality. A combination of descriptive statistics and logistic regression helped us ascertain influential determinants. Higher educational attainment and income quartiles were positively correlated with cancer screening rates. Regular walkers, those engaged in moderate physical activity, and individuals with a previous cancer diagnosis were more likely to get screened. High-risk drinkers and smokers were less inclined towards screening. Dietary habits also influenced screening decisions. Notably, participants with healthier eating behaviors, indicated by factors such as regular breakfasts and fewer meals out, were more likely to undergo screening. Additionally, nutrient intake analysis revealed that those who had undergone screening consumed greater quantities of most nutrients, bar a few exceptions. For individuals aged 50-64, nutritional assessment indicators highlighted a higher mean adequacy ratio (MAR) and index of nutritional quality (INQ) value among those who participated in screening, suggesting better nutritional quality. This study elucidates the complex socio-ecological and nutritional landscape influencing cancer screening decisions. The results underscore the importance of a holistic approach, emphasizing lifestyle, dietary habits, and socio-economic considerations. It provides a roadmap for policymakers to craft more inclusive screening programs, ensuring equal access and promoting early detection.

Impact of Dietary Nutrients on the Prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome among Korean Women Aged 40 and above: Evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among Korean women aged 40 and above and explore the correlation between the syndrome and daily dietary nutrient intake. We analyzed data from 92,888 female participants (mean age: 63.35 ± 8.86 years) from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2019). Dietary intake was evaluated using a personalized 24 h recall method for 21 nutrients, including macronutrients, macro- and micro-minerals, and both water- and fat-soluble vitamins. Associations between nutrient intake and dry eye syndrome were determined using odds ratios from multivariate logistic regression. We found a 7.7% prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the population studied. Intake of dietary fiber (adjusted OR: 0.72), protein (adjusted OR: 0.84), omega-3 fatty acids (adjusted OR: 0.90), water (adjusted OR: 0.76), calcium (adjusted OR: 0.82), phosphate (adjusted OR: 0.87), potassium (adjusted OR: 0.88), magnesium (adjusted OR: 0.87), vitamin A (adjusted OR: 0.78), vitamin C (adjusted OR: 0.73), and vitamin E (adjusted OR: 0.86) was inversely associated with dry eye syndrome prevalence (p < 0.0001 for all). Conversely, a higher intake of carbohydrates (adjusted OR: 1.23), sugar (adjusted OR: 1.30), fat (adjusted OR: 1.25), cholesterol (adjusted OR: 1.32), sodium (adjusted OR: 1.18), iron (adjusted OR: 1.28), and zinc (adjusted OR: 1.26) correlated with an increased risk (p < 0.0001 for all). No significant associations were found between the prevalence of dry eye syndrome and the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin D. Our study identified significant associations between specific dietary nutrients and the risk of dry eye syndrome among Korean women aged 40 and above. These findings suggest that dietary choices could influence the likelihood of developing dry eye syndrome, indicating a potential role for dietary intervention in its management. However, it is important to note that these observations are preliminary, and further research is necessary to confirm these relationships and explore their implications for dietary recommendations in dry eye syndrome prevention and management.

Nutritional intake, environmental factors, and their impact on myopia prevalence in Korean children aged 5-12 years.

BACKGROUND: Myopia is a complex condition influenced by numerous factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Although evidence indicates that certain dietary factors may influence the development of myopia, this relationship is still not completely understood and is a topic of ongoing research. METHODS: This study analyzed the relationship between dietary habits, environmental factors, and the prevalence of myopia in a sample of 24,345 children aged 5-12 years from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII). The average daily intake of dietary nutrients associated with the refractive error status of the participants was analyzed using analysis of variance (GLM) and the Scheffe method for post-hoc comparison. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted between the participant's refractive error status and daily dietary nutrient intake, while taking into consideration the age, sex, BMI, parental myopia, and near-work hours. RESULTS: The risk of myopia increased with age, especially notable between ages 11 and 12, and was higher in children with both parents having myopia. Dietary factors played a crucial role; children with myopia had significantly lower intake of fat, omega-3 fatty acids, and retinol but higher intake of other nutrients compared to emmetropic and hyperopic counterparts. High consumption of carbohydrates, protein, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and sodium was associated with increased myopia risk. High sodium intake was particularly associated with a 2.05-fold increased myopia risk. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant role of diet and lifestyle choices in the development of myopia in children. Our findings suggest the importance of considering these specific factors in the management and prevention strategies for myopia, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in children's health and vision care.

Aqueous extract of Laurus nobilis leaf accelerates the alcohol metabolism and prevents liver damage in single-ethanol binge rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Excessive alcohol consumption has harmful health effects, including alcohol hangovers and alcohol-related liver disease. Therefore, methods to accelerate the alcohol metabolism are needed. Laurus nobilis is a spice, flavoring agent, and traditional herbal medicine against various diseases. This study examined whether the standardized aqueous extract of L. nobilis leaves (LN) accelerates the alcohol metabolism and protects against liver damage in single-ethanol binge Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: LN was administered orally to SD rats 1 h before ethanol administration (3 g/kg body weight [BW]) at 100 and 300 mg/kg BW. Blood samples were collected 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after ethanol administration. The livers were excised 1 h after ethanol administration to determine the hepatic enzyme activity. The alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the liver tissue were measured. RESULTS: LN decreased the serum ethanol and acetaldehyde levels in ethanol-administered rats. LN increased the hepatic ADH and ALDH activities but decreased the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities in the ethanol-administered rats. In addition, LN inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased the activities of SOD and GPx. CONCLUSIONS: LN modulates the mediators of various etiological effects of excessive alcohol consumption and enhances the alcohol metabolism and antioxidant activity, making it a potential candidate for hangover treatments.

Association between household income levels and nutritional intake of allergic children under 6 years of age in Korea: 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and application of machine learning.

Introduction: This study investigated the prevalence of allergic diseases in Korean children aged 6 and below, focusing on the interplay between nutritional status, household income levels, and allergic disease occurrence. Methods: This study used data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationwide comprehensive survey, and included a representative sample of 30,382 children under the age of 6 to investigate in detail the relationship between allergic diseases, nutritional intake, and socioeconomic factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with allergic diseases, including gender, BMI, eating habits, dietary supplement intake, and nutrient consumption. To predict childhood asthma, 14 machine learning models were compared using the 'pycaret' package in Python. Results: We discerned that 24.7% were diagnosed with allergic conditions like atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Notably, household income exhibited a significant influence, with the lowest income quartile exhibiting higher prevalence rates of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and multiple allergic diseases. In contrast, the highest income quartile displayed lower rates of allergic rhinitis. Children diagnosed with allergic diseases demonstrated compromised intake of essential nutrients such as energy, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, sodium, potassium, and iron. Particularly noteworthy were the deficits in dietary fiber, vitamin A, niacin, and potassium intake among children aged 3-5 with allergies. Logistic regression analysis further elucidated that within low-income families, female children with higher BMIs, frequent dining out, dietary supplement usage, and altered consumption of vitamin B1 and iron faced an elevated risk of allergic disease diagnosis. Additionally, machine learning analysis pinpointed influential predictors for childhood asthma, encompassing BMI, household income, subjective health perception, height, and dietary habits. Discussion: Our findings underscore the pronounced impact of income levels on the intricate nexus between allergic diseases and nutritional status. Furthermore, our machine learning insights illuminate the multifaceted determinants of childhood asthma, where physiological traits, socioeconomic circumstances, environmental factors, and dietary choices intertwine to shape disease prevalence. This study emphasizes the urgency of tailored nutritional interventions, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, while also underscoring the necessity for comprehensive longitudinal investigations to unravel the intricate relationship between allergic diseases, nutritional factors, and socioeconomic strata.

Dietary phlorizin enhances osteoblastogenic bone formation through enhancing ß-catenin activity via GSK-3ß inhibition in a model of senile osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent forms of age-related bone diseases. Increased bone loss with advancing age has become a grave public health concern. This study examined whether phlorizin and phloretin, dihydrochalcones in apple peels, inhibited senile osteoporosis through enhancing osteoblastogenic bone formation in cell-based and aged mouse models. Submicromolar phloretin and phlorizin markedly stimulated osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells with increased transcription of Runx2 and osteocalcin. Senescence-accelerated resistant mouse strain prone-6 (SAMP6) mice were orally supplemented with 10 mg/kg phlorizin and phloretin daily for 12 weeks. Male senescence-accelerated resistant mouse strain R1 mice were employed as a nonosteoporotic age-matched control. Oral administration of ploretin and phorizin boosted bone mineralization in all the bones of femur, tibia and vertebra of SAMP6. In particular, phlorizin reduced serum RANKL/OPG ratio and diminished TRAP-positive osteoclasts in trabecular bones of SAMP6. Additionally, treating phlorizin to SAMP6 inhibited the osteoporotic resorption in distal femoral bones through up-regulating expression of BMP-2 and collagen-1 and decreasing production of matrix-degrading cathepsin K and MMP-9. Finally, phlorizin and phloretin antagonized GSK-3ß induction and ß-catenin phosphorylation in osteoblasts and aged mouse bones. Therefore, phlorizin and phloretin were potential therapeutic agents encumbering senile osteoporosis through promoting bone-forming osteoblastogenesis via modulation of GSK-3ß/ß-catenin-dependent signaling.

Resveratrol Suppresses Cytokine Production Linked to FcεRI-MAPK Activation in IgE-Antigen Complex-Exposed Basophilic Mast Cells and Mice.

A complicated interplay between resident mast cells and other recruited inflammatory cells contributes to the development and progression of allergic inflammation entailing the promotion of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine responses. The current study examined whether resveratrol suppressed the production of inflammatory Th2 cytokines in cultured rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. Cells pre-treated with resveratrol nontoxic at 1­25 µM were sensitized with anti-dinitrophenyl (anti-DNP), and subsequently stimulated by dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin (DNP­HSA) antigen. Resveratrol dose-dependently diminished the secretion of interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-13 as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by the antigen stimulation from sensitized cells. It was found that resveratrol mitigated the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK, and JNK elevated in mast cells exposed to Fc epsilon receptor I (FcεRI)-mediated immunoglobulin E (IgE)-antigen complex. The FcεRI aggregation was highly enhanced on the surface of mast cells following the HSA stimulation, which was retarded by treatment with 1­25 µM resveratrol. The IgE-receptor engagement rapidly induced tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Src-related focal adhesion protein paxillin involved in the cytoskeleton rearrangement. The FcεRI-mediated rapid activation of c-Src and paxillin was attenuated in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the paxillin activation entailed p38 MAPK and ERK-responsive signaling, but the JNK activation was less involved. Consistently, oral administration of resveratrol reduced the tissue level of phosphorylated paxillin in the dorsal skin of DNP­HSA-challenged mice. The other tyrosine kinase Tyk2-STAT1 signaling was activated in the dorsal epidermis of antigen-exposed mice, which was associated with allergic inflammation. These results showed that resveratrol inhibited Th2 cytokines- and paxillin-linked allergic responses dependent upon MAPK signaling. Therefore, resveratrol may possess the therapeutic potential of targeting mast cells in preventing the development of allergic inflammation.

Blockade of nitroxidative stress by roasted licorice extracts in high glucose-exposed endothelial cells.

Diabetes can cause a wide variety of vascular complications and endothelial dysfunction. In this study, human vascular endothelial cells were exposed to 5.5 mM and 33 mM glucose for 5 d in the absence and presence of 1 to 20 mug/mL roasted licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat.) ethanol extracts (rLE). Caspase-3 activation and Annexin V staining revealed that high glucose induced endothelial apoptotic toxicity with a generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and these effects were reversed by rLE at >/=1 mug/mL in a dose-dependent manner. Cytoprotective rLE substantially reduced high glucose-induced expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and hence attenuated the formation of peroxynitrite radicals derived from NO. In addition, rLE suppressed expression of PKCbeta2 and activation of NADPH oxidase subunit of p22phox promoted by high glucose. However, rLE

Blockade of chronic high glucose-induced endothelial apoptosis by Sasa borealis bamboo extract.

Hyperglycemia is a causal factor in the development of diabetic vascular complications including impaired vascular smooth muscle contractility and increased cell proliferation. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Sasa borealis water-extract (SBwE) on chronic hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were cultured in 5.5 mM low glucose, 5.5 mM glucose plus 27.5 mM mannitol as an osmotic control, or 33 mM high glucose for 5 days in the absence and presence of 1-30 microg/ ml SBwE. Caspase-3 activation and Annexin V staining revealed chronic high glucose-induced endothelial apoptotic toxicity with a generation of oxidants detected by DCF-fluorescence, and these effects were reversed by SBwE at > or =1 microg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. Cytoprotective SBwE substantially reduced the sustained high glucose-induced expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and attenuated the formation of peroxynitrite radicals. The suppressive effects of SBwE were most likely mediated through blunting activation of PKC beta 2 and NADPH oxidase promoted by high glucose. In addition, this bamboo extract modulated the high glucose-triggered mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent upregulation of heat-shock proteins. Our results suggest that SBwE suppressed these detrimental effects caused by PKC-dependent peroxynitrite formation via activation of NADPH oxidase and induction of nitric oxide synthase and heat-shock protein family that may be essential mechanisms responsible for increased apoptotic oxidative stress in diabetic vascular complications. Moreover, the blockade of high glucose-elicited heat-shock protein induction appeared to be responsible for SBwE-alleviated endothelial apoptosis. Therefore, SBwE may be a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetic endothelial dysfunction and related complications.

Blockade of cytokine-induced endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression by licorice isoliquiritigenin through NF-kappaB signal disruption.

Numerous polyphenolic compounds have been found to inhibit adhesion and migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation that are partly regulated by the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). Licorice root extracts have been used in traditional Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian medicine for the treatment of pulmonary diseases and inflammatory processes. Expression of CAM proteins was examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) treated with a licorice component (isoliquiritigenin, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, formononetin, or ononin) and exposed to TNF-alpha. The involvement of NF-kappaB in the transcriptional control of CAM proteins was assessed by degradation of IkappaBalpha and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB using Western blotting techniques and immunocytochemical staining. At nontoxic > or =10 microM, isoliquiritigenin blocked the induction of VCAM-1 and E-selectin on activated HUVEC and markedly interfered with THP-1 monocyte adhesion to TNF-alpha-activated endothelial cells. Isoliquiritigenin abolished TNF-alpha-induced mRNA accumulation of VCAM-1 and E-selectin. Additionally, immunocytochemical staining revealed that isoliquiritigenin attenuated PECAM-1 expression induced by TNF-alpha. In contrast, other components recognized in licorice, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, formononetin, and ononin did not down-regulate the expression of VCAM-1 and/or PECAM-1 activated by TNF-alpha, implying that these components are inactive in modulating adhesion of leukocytes to stimulated endothelial cells. Isoliquiritigenin downregulated CAM proteins in TNF-alpha-activated HUVEC at the transcriptional levels by blocking degradation of IkappaBalpha and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. These results demonstrate that the induction blockade of VCAM-1 and E-selectin by isoliquiritigenin was directly mediated by its interference with the CAM mRNA transcription through NF-kappaB-dependent mechanisms under inflammatory conditions.

Inhibition of hydrogen peroxide-induced endothelial apoptosis by 2',4',7-trihydroxyflavanone, a flavonoid form.

Oxidative stress contributes to cellular injury following clinical and experimental ischemia/reperfusion episodes. Oxidative injury can induce cellular and subcellular damage that results in apoptotic cell death. We tested whether 2',4',7-trihydroxyflavanone, a synthetic flavonoid derivative, inhibits hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced toxicity in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cultured HUVECs were incubated for 30 minutes with 0.2 mM H(2)O(2) in the absence and presence of 2',4',7-trihydroxyflavanone at a non-toxic concentration of 50 microM. The effect of 2',4',7-trihydroxyflavanone on apoptosis parameters was compared with that of naringenin and two flavonol derivatives, 2',4',7-trihydroxyflavonol and 2',4',6-trihydroxyflavonol. H(2)O(2) induced cell death within 24 hours over the range of 0.05-1.0 mM, and decreased cell viability by approximately 30% at 0.2 mM. This cytotoxicity was associated with nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation, indicating induction of apoptosis. 2',4',7-Trihydroxyflavanone, as well as naringenin, was effective as an inhibitor of oxidative stress, protecting cell viability with >/=85% viable cells compared with the control, and no apparent nuclear condensation or DNA fragmentation. In contrast, the flavonol derivatives had no such effect. In addition, immunocytochemical data and Western blot analysis revealed that, unlike flavonol derivatives, the expression of Bcl-2 was markedly up-regulated, and that the expression of Bax and activation of caspase-3 were strongly inhibited by this flavanone derivative, thereby implicating antioxidant activity-related anti-apoptotic mechanisms of 2',4',7-trihydroxyflavanone. These results indicate that the synthetic flavonoid derivative 2',4',7-trihydroxyflavanone is an effective antioxidant, preventing endothelial apoptosis induced by H(2)O(2).