A PAS-Containing Histidine Kinase is Required for Conidiation, Appressorium Formation, and Disease Development in the Rice Blast Fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae

Rice blast disease, caused by the ascomycete fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most important diseases in rice production. PAS (period circadian protein, aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator protein, single-minded protein) domains are known to be involved in signal transduction pathways, but their functional roles have not been well studied in fungi. In this study, targeted gene deletion was carried out to investigate the functional roles of the PAS-containing gene MoPAS1 (MGG_02665) in M. oryzae. The deletion mutant ΔMopas1 exhibited easily wettable mycelia, reduced conidiation, and defects in appressorium formation and disease development compared to the wild type and complemented transformant. Exogenous cAMP restored appressorium formation in ΔMopas1, but the shape of the restored appressorium was irregular, indicating that MoPAS1 is involved in sensing the hydrophobic surface. To examine the expression and localization of MoPAS1 in M. oryzae during appressorium development and plant infection, we constructed a MoPAS1:GFP fusion construct. MoPAS1:GFP was observed in conidia and germ tubes at 0 and 2 h post-infection (hpi) on hydrophobic cover slips. By 8 hpi, most of the GFP signal was observed in the appressoria. During invasive growth in host cells, MoPAS1:GFP was found to be fully expressed in not only the appressoria but also invasive hyphae, suggesting that MoPAS may contribute to disease development in host cells. These results expand our knowledge of the roles of PAS-containing regulatory genes in the plant-pathogenic fungus M. oryzae.

Efficacy and Safety of "URSA Complex" in Subjects with Physical Fatigue: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Fatigue is a common symptom both in diseases status and in healthy subjects. Various supplements and nutraceuticals for relieving of fatigue have been used. However, there are a few studies to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of the drug for fatigue alleviation, we conducted using URSA Complex to evaluate the efficacy on physical fatigue via score changes in the checklist individual strength (CIS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study was designed as a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with subjects randomized to one of the two arms, receiving either placebo or URSA Complex administered as identical capsules. The primary efficacy endpoints of this clinical trials are the ratio of improving CIS scores < 76 points in patients at the end (4 weeks). Secondary efficacy variables are as follows one is an improvement of fatigue and the other is an improvement of the liver enzyme.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fatigue recovery rate in who had improved CIS scores of < 76 points were 70.0%, 50.9% in the therapy group and placebo group, respectively (P = 0.019). The fatigue recovery rate in CIS score was higher in URSA Complex therapy group than placebo group. The difference between therapy group and placebo group was statistically significant at 4 weeks later, but not 2 weeks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results provided that the URSA Complex was effective in alleviating physical fatigue. The adverse event frequency in the therapy groups was similar to that in the placebo group.</p>

Sex Difference in the Association between Serum Homocysteine Level and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: The relationship between serum homocysteine levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the sex-specific relationship between serum homocysteine level and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Korean population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 150 men and 132 women who participated in medical examination programs in Korea from January 2014 to December 2014. Patients were screened for fatty liver by abdominal ultrasound and patient blood samples were collected to measure homocysteine levels. Patients that consumed more than 20 grams of alcohol per day were excluded from this study. RESULTS: The homocysteine level (11.56 vs. 8.05 nmol/L) and the proportion of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (60.7% vs. 19.7%) were significantly higher in men than in women. In men, elevated serum homocysteine levels were associated with a greater prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (quartile 1, 43.6%; quartile 4, 80.6%; P=0.01); however, in females, there was no significant association between serum homocysteine levels and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In the logistic regression model adjusted for age and potential confounding parameters, the odds ratio for men was significantly higher in the uppermost quartile (model 3, quartile 4: odds ratio, 6.78; 95% confidential interval, 1.67 to 27.56); however, serum homocysteine levels in women were not associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the crude model or in models adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSION: Serum homocysteine levels were associated with the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in men.

Low Serum Testosterone Concentrations in Hospitalized Men with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes

Our aim was to examine whether serum testosterone concentrations are in fact low in hospitalized men with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes compared with healthy men. In this study, 79 men aged 40 years or older (41 healthy men and 38 men with type 2 diabetes) were included. Total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were measured. The average duration of diagnosed diabetes was 10.8 years and the mean glycated hemoglobin value was 10.8%. Total testosterone concentrations were lower in men with type 2 diabetes than in healthy men, after adjusting for age and body mass index (3.83+/-0.32 ng/mL vs. 5.63+/-0.31 ng/mL, P<0.001). In conclusion, this study shows that serum testosterone concentrations are lower in hospitalized men with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes than in healthy men. Therefore, men with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes should undergo further assessment for hypogonadism.

Serum TSH Level in Healthy Koreans and the Association of TSH with Serum Lipid Concentration and Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The proper treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism and the normal range of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration are intensely debated. However, few reports have investigated TSH concentrations in Asian ethnic groups. Therefore, the present study was designed to define the TSH reference range in a Korean population and to investigate the metabolic significance of TSH concentration. METHODS: We enrolled patients who underwent medical examination at the CHA Bundang Medical Center. Anthropometric data were evaluated, and serum TSH, free T4, and lipid profiles were assayed. RESULTS: A total of 7,270 subjects were included. Mean TSH concentration of the study population was 1.82 +/- 0.95 mU/L, and we observed a sex-related difference in TSH concentration (male, 1.67 +/- 0.87 mU/L; female, 2.02 +/- 1.01 mU/L; p < 0.01). When the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles were calculated, 95% TSH reference limits were 0.52-4.29 mU/L. TSH concentration was higher in elderly subjects, during winter, in postmenopausal women, and in obese males. Moreover, TSH showed significantly positive correlations with serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol regardless of sex, age, season, obesity, or menopausal status (all p < 0.01). Finally, TSH concentration was positively related to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the association between TSH concentration within the normal reference range and serum lipid levels. TSH concentration varies according to sex, age, season, and body mass index (only in males). Moreover, high normal TSH levels were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, which may be of importance when evaluating subjects with high normal TSH concentration.

Androgen Deficiency in Postmenopausal Women / 대한폐경학회지

In contrast to previous dogma, the decline in testosterone levels in postmenopausal women is thought to be age-related and not a specific function of the menopause. In addition to normal aging, many conditions affecting ovarian and adrenal function, factors leading to increased SHBG levels can decrease androgen levels below the physiologic range in women. Clinical symptoms of female androgen deficiency include a loss of libido, lack of well-being, and persistent fatigue. However, the diagnosis of female androgen deficiency, as recently provided by the Princeton consensus statement, is under debate due to several limitations. Testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women with symptoms suggestive of androgen deficiency remains controversial. The adverse effects of testosterone therapy appear to be low in incidence, but more studies are necessary to assess long-term safety. Therefore, the decision to treat or not to treat androgen deficiency in postmenopausal women must be carefully considered on an individual basis by comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits and risks.

The Relationship of Subclinical Hypothyroidism with Bone Mineral Density and Biochemical Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND: It is well recognized that thyroid hormone stimulates bone turnover, increasing bone resorption, thus affecting bone mineral density, but few data are available on untreated subclinical hypothyroidism. The aim of this study was to examine whether bone mineral density is increased in postmenopausal subclinical hypothyroidism patients compared with postmenopausal normal thyroid function women, and to evaluate the relationship between thyroid hormones (TSH, FT(4)) and bone mineral density or various biochemical markers of bone metabolism. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study of 132 postmenopausal women aged from 51 to 70 who undertook health screening program in Pundang CHA general hospital from 1996 to 2001. They were divided into two groups; subclinical hypothyroidism group (n=52) and normal thyroid function group (n=80) matched by age. RESULTS: The total bone mineral density was significantly increased in the subclinical hypothyroid group than in the normal group (P<0.05). The serum osteocalcin was lower in the subclinical hypothyroidism group (P<0.05), but neither the alkaline phosphatase nor the deoxypyridinoline showed any significance. For all participants in this study, TSH, but not FT(4), exhibited significant correlation with the total bone mineral density (r=0.188, P<0.05), and with the osteocalcin (r=-0.191, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified the TSH as an independent predictor of the total bone mineral density (beta=0.0410; P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that subclinical hypothyroidism is one of the factors which can elevate bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

2006 KOSAR Recommendations for Investigation, Treatment and Monitoring of LOH in Males / 대한남성과학회지

Androgen deficiency in the aging male has become a topic of increasing interest and debate throughout the world. The evidence from results showing that testosterone decrease progressively with age and that a significant percentage of men over the age 60 years have serum testosterone levels that are below the lower limits of young adults(age 20~30) men suggest that older hypogonadal men will benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. Long term data on the effects of testosterone replacement therapy in the older population, however, are limited and specific risk data on the prostate and cardiovascular systems are needed. Key questions of functional benefits that may retard frailty of the elderly are not yet available. The recommendations described below were based on document suggested by the International Society of Andrology(ISA), the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male(ISSAM) and the European Association of Urology(EAU) in 2005. The academic committee of the Korean Society for the Aging Male Research(KOSAR) suggested these recommendations to provide the appropriate information about investigation, treatment and monitoring for late-onset hypogonadism in aging Korean men following an annual meeting in October 2006.

Clinical Characteristics of Health Screen Examinees with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver and Normal Liver Function Test / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be closely associated with various metabolic abnormalities including metabolic syndrome. However, there are few data available on the association of metabolic syndrome with the sonographically fatty liver and normal range of liver function test. The purposes of this study were to find the incidence of ultrasonographic fatty liver with normal range of liver function test and to evaluate the association with metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy Korean adults. METHODS: We examined 538 men and women, aged 30-80 years, who participated in a health screening test. Among the people with normal ALT level, we compared clinical characteristics and prevalence of metabolic disorders according to the presence of nonalcoholic sonographyally fatty liver, and then they were subdivided into upper normal range and lower normal range of ALT level. RESULTS: Compared to the people without sonographic fatty liver, people with sonographic fatty liver and normal range of ALT level had odds ratios for metabolic syndrome of 4.53, insulin resistance 4.83, hypertension 2.69, dyslipidemia 6.90, and obesity 5.39, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of metabolic syndromes and other metabolic disorders were increased in both sonographically fatty liver group or ultrasonographically normal liver group with upper normal range of ALT level compared with lower normal ALT level (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The nonalcoholic sonographically fatty liver was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and common metabolic abnormalities even with normal liver function test.

Relationship between the Metabolic Syndrome and Colorectal Polyps

BACKGROUND: With increased prevalence of colorectal cancer, it is important to establish the risk factors of colorectal cancer. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) is also increasing. Insulin resistance may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS and colorectal polyps. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between MS and colorectal polyps. METHODS: A total 558 subjects underwent colonoscopic examination from April 2004 to July 2005 at the health promotion center of Bundang CHA Hospital. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III definition of MS, the waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG) and HDL cholesterol were measured. Alcohol consumption, smoking and other confounding factors were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The incidence of MS and colorectal polyps was 16.3% and 33.0%, respectively. In subjects with polyps, the number of men, smokers and drinkers were higher than in subjects without polyps. In subjects with polyps, BP, FBG and TG were also higher than in subjects without polyps. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, MS was associated with increased risk of colorectal polyps (odds ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.94~3.22). MS strongly increased the risk of colorectal polyps in men (odds ratio 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.07~4.45), but not in women. CONCLUSION: We concluded that MS is a risk factor for colorectal polyps in asymptomatic Korean adults and this suggests that insulin resistance may play an important role in the development of colorectal polyps.

Neurofeedback Treatment of Panic Disorder

BACKGROUND: It is reported that many types of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, are related with abnormal brain wave activity, and neurofeedback is associated with clinical improvement in generalized anxiety, OCD, phobic disorder, and PTSD. But in panic disorder, previous studies with neurofeedback are very lacking. Therefore, in this study, the author applied neurofeedback to patients with panic disorder, refractory to cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. METHODS: From March 2 to May 15 in 2005, six patients with a panic disorder had received 20 sessions of neurofeedback training. The author evaluated the treatment effect by using the alteration of K-APPQ score, the frequency of panic attack, medication and individual handicap. RESULTS: All 6 patients completed 20 sessions of neurofeedback training. At the end, the score of total APPQ, agoraphobia, and interoceptive fear was decreased (P= 0.028) and the frequency of panic attack, medication, and individual handicap was also decreased. CONCLUSION: Neurofeedback training was successful in reducing panic symptom severity, frequency and individual handicap. A controlled study on a larger population is strongly recommended.

The Relationship between Sex Hormones and Bone Turnover Markers in Adult Men

BACKGROUND: Bone mass changes in men is related to age, BMI, sex hormones and other factors. In prior studies, bone markers were negatively correlated with bone mineral density, free testosterone, and estrogen and was positively correlated with SHBG. In a study of sex hormones and bone markers in Korean men estradiol was negatively correlated with deoxypyridinoline. In this study, the relationship of testosterone, estradiol, calculated free testosterone, FEI and SHBG to bone turnover markers in adult men were investigated. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 184 men who had undertaken a health screening program in one general hospital in Bundang from November, 2001 to February, 2003. We surveyed information concerning the past medical history, current medication, alcohol consumption amount per week and smoking amount by means of self questionnaire records. Serum total testosterone, estradiol, SHBG and osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase were measured at a fasting state. Urine was tested for deoxypyridinoline. Free testosterone was calculated using albumin, SHBG, and total testosterone level. RESULTS: Deoxypyridinoline adjusted by age, BMI was negatively correlated with FEI (r=-0.17, P=0.020) and was positively correlated with smoking amount (r=0.20 P= 0.007). Osteocalcin was negatively correlated with calculated free testosterone and ethanol consumption amount (r=-0.186, P=.0.12, r=-0.186, P=0.012). Multiple regression analysis showed that the most powerful factor influencing deoxypyridinoline was smoking amount (R2= 0.046), followed by FEI, BMI, and the one influencing osteocalcin was BMI (R2=0.050), ethanol amount and calculated free testosterone. After adjusting for age, BMI, drinking amount and smoking amount FEI shown to be a predictor of deoxypyridinoline (beta=-0.08, p<0.01, R2=0.101). After adjusting for age, BMI, and drinking amount calculated free testosterone was shown to be a predictor of osteocalcin (beta=-0.570, P<0.01, R2=0.130) in multiple regression model. CONCLUSIONS: In adult men, FEI shown to be a predictor of deoxypyridinoline and calculated free testosterone to be a predictor of osteocalcin as an independent variable.

Plasma Lipid Concentrations and Blood Pressure in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting reports on the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on plasma lipid concentrations and blood pressure. This may be due to lack of consideration for menopause status or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in selecting the study subjects. Also, the reason may be that many subjects with transient abnormality were included in those studies. Therefore, we intended to include the subjects who satisfied the definition of subclinical hypothyroidism on repeated measures. Then, we investigated the difference of plasma lipid concentrations and blood pressure between subclinical hypothyroidism and normal control subjects. METHODS: This study involved the women above age 18, who visited a health promotion center in a general hospital and measured their serum TSH and free T4, from January 1997 to May 2003. The number patients who satisfied the definition of subclinical hypothyroidism on repeated measures, and who had no history of thyroid disease, herb medication or HRT, diabetes, abnormalities of liver and renal function were 30. Age, menopause, body mass index-matched people of 65 were selected as normal controls. Serum TSH, free T4 and plasma lipid concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent assay and enzyme method, respectively. Dyslipidemia were defined according to NCEP ATPIII guidelines. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of blood pressure and plasma lipid concentrations between subclinical hypothyroidism patients and normal controls irrespective of menopause. There was no significant difference of percentage of dyslipidemia and hypertension between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There were no significant increase in plasma lipid concentrations and blood pressure in subclinical hypothyroidism patients despite more strict inclusion.

The Relationship between Testosterone and Bone Mineral Density in Middle Aged Men

BACKGROUND: With the population aging, osteoporosis is becoming a major health issue. Although not as common as women, osteoporosis and its clinical end point of fracture are significant health care concern in men. Despite the considerable public health burden, our understanding of their pathogenesis is incomplete, and several factors known to affect bone metabolism in men are still controversial. So this study was made to investigate relationship between testosterone and bone mineral density in men. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 432 men undertaken health screening program in Pundang CHA General Hospital from January 2000 to December 2000. We surveyed information concerning exercise and consumption of alcohol and smoking by means of self questionnaire records. Serum total testosterone, SHBG, and osteocalcin were measured at a fasting state. Second morning urine was tested for deoxypyridinoline. BMD was assessed using pQCT. RESULTS: FTI (free testosterone index) was positively correlated with BMD (r=0.265, P<0.01). Age, osteocalcin, SHBG, and urine deoxypridinoline were negatively correlated with BMD (r= 0.397, P<0.01, r= 0.121, P<0.05, r= 0.214, P<0.01, and r= 0.126, P<0.01). BMI and total testosterone had no significant correlation with BMD, and there were no apparent association among the level of alcohol and tobacco use, regular exercise and BMD. FTI was not independently correlated with BMD after age, BMI and urine deoxypyridinoline were adjusted, but showed a trend to significantly predict BMD (beta =0.10, P=0.052). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that FTI may play a role in determination of BMD in men, allowing the potential for clinical intervention. But further investigation of the role of testosterone in bone metabolism in men is necessary.

The Relationship among Testosterone, IGF- 1 and Fat Mass

BACGROUND: The age-related increase in fat mass seems related to decrease in hormone level. Few studies have been done in Korea concerning the association between testosterone, GH (growth hormone) and fat mass. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship among testosterone, IGF-1 and fat mass. METHODS: The study was performed from February to October 2001 in the Health Screening Center of Pundang CHA Hospital with 243 men as subjects. Fat intake was measured through interview with diet therapist and other data were obtained by self-questionnaire. Fat mass was measured using Inbody 3.0 and the level of total testosterone, SHBG and IGF-1 in serum were measured. RESULTS: Smoking was negatively correlated with fat mass and WHR (waist to hip ratio) (P <0.05) and fat intake was positively correlated with fat mass (P <0.05). Fat mass was negatively correlated with total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, and SHBG (gamma = 0.26; P <0.01, gamma = 0.15; P <0.05, gamma = 0.31; P <0.01). WHR was positively correlated with age (gamma =0.26; P <0.01) and negatively correlated with total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, and IGF-1 (gamma = 0.24; P <0.01, gamma = 0.20; P <0.01, gamma = 0.16; P <0.05). After adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking, and fat intake, the calculated free testosterone and IGF-1 were independently negatively correlated with fat mass (beta = 0.072; P <0.01, beta = 0.0035; P <0.05) and WHR (beta = 6.9E-04; P <0.05, beta = 4.0E-05; P <0.05) but, total testosterone and SHBG were not independently correlated with fat mass and WHR. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the calculated free testosterone and IGF-1 can be independent determinants of fat mass and WHR in middle-aged men.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Choledochal Cyst at 23 weeks by Sonography / 대한산부인과학회잡지

In the past few years a wide variety of fetal abnormalities have been successfully prenatal diagnosed by maternal sonography. Early excision of the choledochal cyst in the newborn is considered to be the optimal treatment and may pose less risk to the patient than delayed surgical exploration. We present a new case diagnosed a choledochal cyst at 23 weeks gestation by routine ultrasound scanning. At 38 weeks gestation a female infant was born by spontaneous delivery. At 7 weeks of age the patient underwent a laparotomy performed cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. We experienced a case of choledochal cyst at prenatal sonography and report our case with a brief review of literature.

Risk factors of delirium in elderly inpatients

BACKGROUND: This study was done to investigate the clinical risk factors of delirium in general hospital's elderly inpatients. METHODS: A case-control study design was used. Forty cases and age -sex matched 120 contols were identified using hospital discharge data from June 1995 to May 2001. The controls were selected during the same period. The clinical records of each subject were reviewed using discharged disease code to select cases. Subsequent7, the data were recorded from clinical records. RESULTS: The subjects admitted with delirium tended to have increased age (P=0.007), hypoxia(P=0.018), low hemoglobin(P =0.011),sleep disturbance (P=0.001), more ADL total dependence ( P=0.018), diagnoses with infections (P=0.006), diabetes (P=0.046), and hypertension (P=0.041). Above risk factors seemed to be clinically associated with delirium. CONSLUSION: These findings indicate that rapid infection control, maintenance of good sleep hygiene, well-controlled diabetes and hypertension, and correction of hypoxia may help to prevent delirium in general hospital's elderly inpatients.

The relationship between grip strength and radial BMD in middle aged men

BACKGROUND: Although it has become obvious that male osteoporosis represent a public health issue, few studies has been done in Korea concerning the association between grip strength and bone mineral density(BMD) in men. This study was undertaken to enforce the necessity of muscle strengthening exercise program to improve BMD in middle-aged men by evaluate the association between grip strength and BMD. METHODS: The study was performed from January to December 1998 in the health screening center of CHA hospital with 174 men who measured both BMD and grip strength . BMD was measured at the proximal and distal radius of the dominant hand using Osteoplan p-DXA and grip strength was measured from the dominant hand using dynamometer. Daily calcium intake was measured through the interview with the diet therapist. Other datas were obtained from the questionnaire. RESULTS: We found a significant positive correlation between grip strength and BMD of distal and proximal radius(r=0.208; P<0.01, r=0.255;P<0.01)and a significant negative correlation between age and BMD of distal and proximal radius(r= -0.313; P<0.01, r= -0.190; P<0.05). There was no correlation between calcium intake and BMD. BMI was correlated significantly only with BMD of distal radius(r=0.194; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in BMD either by smoking or exercise. The multiple regression analysis showed that grip strength was independently correlated with BMD of the proximal radius significantly(beta =1.731, P<0.05), but not with BMD of the distal radius after adjusting the confounding variables. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is a significant correlation between grip strength and BMD in middle aged men. Therefore it can be safely concluded that it is helpful to carry out muscle strengthening program to improve muscle strength and increase BMD for preventing male osteoporosis.

The Association of Exposure to Organic Solvents with Liver Function / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the association of cumulative exposure to organic solvent with liver function. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study. 461 male workers who perform painting job at a shipyard and use organic solvents routinely and 125 workers of the same shipyard who never have been exposed to organic solvents were studied. All subjects who were confirmed not having HBsAg surveyed their age, BMI(body mass index), alcohol drinking and smoking history, and examined liver function test (SGOT, SGPT, gamma-GTP, Total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin). The amount of cumulative exposure (CE) to mixed organic solvents were measured by biological monitoring method using their metabolites in urine. RESULTS: The CE was observed as a significant variable with logistic regression analysis on abnormality of SGOT(>35IU/L), SGPT(>40IU/L) and gamma-GTP(>63IU/L), their odds ratio were 1.10 (95 %CI, 1.02-1.20), 1.10 (95 %CI, 1.01-1.19), and 1.10 (95 %CI, 1.01-1.19) each. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore we suggest that the cumulative exposure to mixed organic solvents might be a significant variable on abnormal liver function indices (SGOT, SGPT,gamma-GTP) in male shipyard workers

Relationship between total testosterone and serum lipid in middle aged men

BACKGROUND: The prevalance of coronary heart disease is significantly higher in men than in premenopausal women of the same age. Impact that endogenous androgens have on serum lipid has many arguments and few researches were made in Korea. So this study was made to investigate correlation between total testosterone and serum lipid known as effect on cardiovascular disease. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study on 560 middle aged men undertaken health screening program in Pundang General Hospital, Korea from June 1999 to June 2000. We surveyed informations concerning exercise, consumption of alcohol and smoking by means of self questionnaire records and total testosterone and serum lipid were measured at fasting state. RESULTS: Body mass index was positively correlated with total cholesterol and triglycerides(r=2.023;P<0.01, r=0.229;P<0.01) but negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol(r= 0.284;P<0.001). Total testosterone concentrations were negatively correlated with total cholesterol and triglyceride(r= 0.096; P<0.05, r= 0.145; P<0.01) but positively correlated with HDL cholesterol(r=0.155; P<0.001). Total testosterone concentrations were independently correlated with HDL cholesterol after age and body mass index were adjusted(beta=0.734; P<0.05). And after statistical adjustment for age, body mass index, exercise, smoking and alcohol, total testosterone concentrations were significantly correlated with triglyceride(beta= 10.467; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The result indicate that total testosterone can be a independent determinant of HDL cholesterol and we expect that appropriate maintenance of total tetosterone concentrations will have a protective effect for cardiovascular disease.