Timosaponin A3 Induces Anti-Obesity and Anti-Diabetic Effects In Vitro and In Vivo.

Obesity is a serious global health challenge, closely associated with numerous chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes. Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (AA) known as Jimo has been used to address conditions associated with pathogenic heat such as wasting-thirst in Korean Medicine. Timosaponin A3 (TA3), a natural compound extracted from AA, has demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in various disease models. However, its effects on diabetes and obesity remain largely unexplored. We investigated the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties of TA3 using in vitro and in vivo models. TA3 treatment in NCI-H716 cells stimulated the secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) through the activation of phosphorylation of protein kinase A catalytic subunit (PKAc) and 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, TA3 effectively inhibited lipid accumulation by regulating adipogenesis and lipogenesis. In a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice model, TA3 administration significantly reduced body weight gain and food intake. Furthermore, TA3 improved glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, and mitigated hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed mice. Histological analysis revealed that TA3 reduced the size of white adipocytes and inhibited adipose tissue generation. Notably, TA3 downregulated the expression of lipogenic factor, including fatty-acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), emphasizing its potential as an anti-obesity agent. These findings revealed that TA3 may be efficiently used as a natural compound for tackling obesity, diabetes, and associated metabolic disorders, providing a novel approach for therapeutic intervention.

The Effects of an App-Based Physical Activity Program on Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Oxaliplatin, which is used as adjuvant chemotherapy, affects quality of life by causing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of an application (app)-based physical activity program for alleviating peripheral neuropathy symptoms in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study that included 34 patients undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Outcomes were compared between patients who participated in a 6-week app-based physical activity program (experimental group; n = 17) and who received standard booklet education (control group; n = 17). Data were collected using questionnaires, and exercise time was recorded to evaluate intervention adherence. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the groups in peripheral neuropathy symptoms (F = 8.93, P = .002), interference with activities (Z = -2.55, P = .011), and quality of life (F = 7.65, P = .003). The experimental group showed significantly higher average exercise times at 1 to 4 weeks (Z = -2.10, P = .026), 5 to 6 weeks (Z = -4.02, P < .001), and 1 to 6 weeks (Z = -3.40, P = .001) than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The app-based physical activity program had a positive effect on participants' exercise adherence and reduced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Thus, we propose the adoption of a mobile health app that can be used at any time or place as an intervention for preventing or alleviating adverse effects during the treatment of cancer patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: An app-based physical activity program using the mobile health app can be used as a nursing intervention to manage symptoms and increase the health behavior adherence in cancer patients.

Clinical safety of remdesivir therapy in COVID-19 patients with renal insufficiency.

Though remdesivir benefits COVID-19 patients, its use in those with renal dysfunction is currently limited due to concerns about possible toxic effects of accumulated sulfobutylether-ß-cyclodextrin (SBECD) on liver and kidney. We examined renal and hepatic function for a month in renally-impaired COVID-19 patients who were treated or not treated with remdesivir to assess the safety of the drug. A retrospective study was performed in adult COVID-19 patients with glomerular filtration rates of <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 at admission to a tertiary care hospital between November 2020 and March 2022. Data on serum creatinine and liver chemistry were collected serially. A total of 101 patients with impaired renal function were analyzed, comprising 64 remdesivir-treated patients and 37 who did not receive any antiviral agent. Although remdesivir-treated patients were more likely to be infected with the Omicron variant (79.7% vs. 48.6%), baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. Among patients who initially did not require dialysis, 18.4% (7/38) of remdesivir-treated patients developed acute kidney injury (AKI) at days 4-6, compared with 51.7% (15/29) of non-remdesivir-treated patients. Liver injury severity worsened in 3.1% (2/64) of remdesivir-treated patients and 5.4% (2/37) of non-remdesivir-treated patients at days 4-6. In addition, there was no significant increase in AKI and liver injury over time in remdesivir-treated patients, and there were no cases of discontinuation of remdesivir due to adverse reactions. Concerns regarding the safety of SBECD should not lead to hasty withholding of remdesivir treatment in renally-impaired COVID-19 patients.

Acetylcorynoline Induces Apoptosis and G2/M Phase Arrest through the c-Myc Signaling Pathway in Colon Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and despite advances in treatment, survival rates are still low; therefore, the development of novel drugs is imperative. Acetylcorynoline (ACN) is derived from Corydalis ambigua Cham. et Schltdl tubers. The effect of ACN on colon cancer is still unknown. Therefore, we investigated its potential effects. Our data showed that ACN inhibited cell viability and proliferation. Moreover, ACN induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by inhibiting cell growth. In the present study, we hypothesized that ACN regulates c-Myc through CNOT2 or MID1IP1. ACN reduced the protein expression of oncogenic genes, decreased c-Myc half-life, and rapidly inhibited the serum stimulation response. Moreover, knockdown of CNOT2 and MID1IP1 with ACN increased apoptosis and further reduced the expression of oncogenes. In addition, ACN exhibited a synergistic effect with low-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin (Dox). Collectively, our data demonstrate that ACN inhibited c-Myc expression through CNOT2 and MID1IP1, and induced apoptosis. These findings indicate the potential of ACN as a therapeutic agent against colon cancer.

Clinical Characteristics of and Risk Factors for Subsequent Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) Bacteraemia in Rectal CPE Carriers.

BACKGROUND: Due to high mortality and limited treatment options, the rise in carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) has become a major concern. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of subsequent CPE bacteraemia in rectal CPE carriers and investigate the risk factors for CPE bacteraemia compared with non-carbapenemase-producing (non-CP) Enterobacterales bacteraemia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on adult patients who were confirmed to have CPE colonisation by stool surveillance culture at a tertiary hospital from January 2018 to February 2022. All episodes of Enterobacterales bacteraemia up to 6 months after CPE colonisation were identified. RESULTS: Of 1174 patients identified as rectal CPE carriers, 69 (5.8%; 95% CI 4.6-7.3%) experienced subsequent CPE bacteraemia during the 6 months after the diagnosis of CPE colonisation. Colonisation by a Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) producer (or CP-K. pneumoniae), colonisation by multiple CPE species, chronic kidney disease and haematological malignancy were independently associated with CPE bacteraemia in CPE carriers. When CPE carriers developed Enterobacterales bacteraemia, the causative agent was more frequently non-CP Enterobacterales than CPE (63.6% vs. 36.4%). Among these patients, colonisation with a KPC producer, CPE colonisation at multiple sites, shorter duration from colonisation to bacteraemia (< 30 days) and recent intraabdominal surgery were independent risk factors for CPE bacteraemia rather than non-CP Enterobacterales bacteraemia. CONCLUSIONS: In CPE carriers, non-CP Enterobacterales were more often responsible for bacteraemia than CPE. Empirical antibiotic therapy for CPE should be considered when sepsis is suspected in a CPE carrier with risk factors for CPE bacteraemia.

Momordicae Semen inhibits migration and induces apoptotic cell death by regulating c-Myc and CNOT2 in human pancreatic cancer cells.

Pancreatic cancer(PC) is less common than other cancers; however, it has a poor prognosis. Therefore, studying novel target signaling and anticancer agents is necessary. Momordicae Semen (MS), the seed of Momordica sochinensis Spreng, mainly found in South-East Asia, including China and Bangladesh, is used to treat various diseases because of its anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. However, the effect of the MS extract on pancreatic cancer cells remains unknown. In this study investigated whether the MS extract exerted an anti-cancer effect by regulating c-Myc through CNOT2. Cytotoxicity and proliferation were investigated using MTT and colony formation assays. The levels of apoptotic, oncogenic, and migration-associated factors were confirmed using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Wound closure was analyzed using a wound healing assay. The chemical composition of the MS methanol extracts was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We confirmed that the MS extract regulated apoptotic factors and attenuated the stability of c-Myc and its sensitivity to fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, the MS extract increased apoptosis by regulating c-Myc and CNOT2 expression and enhanced the sensitivity of 5-FU in pancreatic cancer. This study showed that the MS extract is a promising new drug for PC.

Viscum album Induces Apoptosis by Regulating STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer Cells.

In this study, we investigated the potential anticancer effects of Viscum album, a parasitic plant that grows on Malus domestica (VaM) on breast cancer cells, and explored the underlying mechanisms. VaM significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. VaM also regulated cell cycle progression and effectively inhibited activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway through SHP-1. Combining VaM with low-dose doxorubicin produced a synergistic effect, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic. In vivo, VaM administration inhibited tumor growth and modulated key molecular markers associated with breast cancer progression. Overall, our findings provide strong evidence for the therapeutic potential of VaM in breast cancer treatment and support further studies exploring clinical applications.

Effects of Health Education Using Virtual Reality for Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of health interventions using virtual reality (VR) on improving knowledge, attitudes, and skills; and inducing behavioral change among adolescents. METHODS: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. We searched Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Korean databases between database inception and April 10, 2021. Based on heterogeneity, a random- or fixed-effects model was used, as appropriate, to calculate effect sizes in terms of the standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR). Studies were selected if they verified the effects of health education using VR on adolescents; there was an appropriate control group; and if the effects of education were reported in terms of changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills, or behaviors. RESULTS: This analysis included six studies (n = 1,086). The intervention groups showed greater responses in knowledge and attitudes (SMD = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.12 to 1.02]), skills related to health behavior (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.71 to -0.19]), and behavioral change after 12 months (OR = 2.36, 95% CI [1.03 to 5.41]). CONCLUSION: The results confirm the effectiveness of health interventions using virtual reality (VR). Although the analysis include a small number of studies, a case can be made for health interventions using VR to be utilized as educational methods and strategies to prevent risky behaviors among adolescents.

Euonymus sachalinensis Induces Apoptosis by Inhibiting the Expression of c-Myc in Colon Cancer Cells.

We hypothesized that Euonymus sachalinensis (ES) induces apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of c-Myc in colon cancer cells, and this study proved that the methanol extract of ES has anticancer effects in colon cancer cells. ES belongs to the Celastraceae family and is well known for its medicinal properties. Extracts of species belonging to this family have been used to treat diverse diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic nephritis, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and asthma. However, ES has been targeted because there are currently few studies on the efficacy of ES for various diseases, including cancer. ES lowers cell viability in colon cancer cells and reduces the expression of c-Myc protein. We confirm that the protein level of apoptotic factors such as PARP and Caspase 3 decrease when ES is treated with Western blot, and confirm that DNA fragments occur through TUNEL assay. In addition, it is confirmed that the protein level of oncogenes CNOT2 and MID1IP1 decrease when ES is treated. We have also found that ES enhances the chemo-sensitivity of 5-FU in 5-FU-resistant cells. Therefore, we confirm that ES has anticancer effects by inducing apoptotic cell death and regulating the oncogenes CNOT2 and MID1IP1, suggesting its potential for use in the treatment of colon cancer.

How do mothers with young children perceive endocrine-disrupting chemicals?: an exploratory qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Despite the health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) beginning in the early stages of life, there is little research on the perception of EDCs among Korean mothers, who are primarily responsible for protecting children. This study aimed to explore how mothers with young children perceived EDCs for their concerns, the issues they faced, and the way they dealt with them. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative design was utilized. Twelve mothers who were recruited from snowball sampling participated in voluntary interviews. Individual in-depth interviews lasting approximately 47 to 60 minutes were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis as suggested by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS: Four categories, 10 subcategories, and 25 condensed meaning units were identified by interpreting mothers' underlying meanings. The four categories were 'Knowledgeable yet contrasting ideas regarding EDCs,' 'Negative health impact, but more so for children,' 'Inaction or trying to minimize exposure,' and 'Need for early, reliable resources and social change.' Mothers were knowledgeable about EDCs and actively needed further education and support. While they tended to focus more on the health impact of EDCs on their children and were optimistic about their health risks, paying less attention to their preventive behaviors. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals must consider mothers' perceptions of EDCs in future education and interventions regarding EDCs impact on women's life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and childrearing. Also preventive strategies that can be applied to their daily lives are needed.

Extracellular vesicles from IFN-γ-primed mesenchymal stem cells repress atopic dermatitis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by immune dysregulation, pruritus, and abnormal epidermal barrier function. Compared with conventional mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem cell (iMSC) is recognized as a unique source for producing extracellular vesicles (EVs) because it can be obtained in a scalable manner with an enhanced homogeneity. Stimulation of iMSCs with inflammatory cytokines can improve the immune-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-repairing potential of iMSC-derived EVs. RESULTS: Proteome analysis showed that IFN-γ-iMSC-EVs are enriched with protein sets that are involved in regulating interferon responses and inflammatory pathways. In AD mice, expression of interleukin receptors for Th2 cytokines (IL-4Rα/13Rα1/31Rα) and activation of their corresponding intracellular signaling molecules was reduced. IFN-γ-iMSC-EVs decreased itching, which was supported by reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and mast cells in AD mouse skin; reduced IgE receptor expression and thymic stromal lymphopoietin and NF-kB activation; and recovered impaired skin barrier, as evidenced by upregulation of key genes of epidermal differentiation and lipid synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: IFN-γ-iMSC-EVs inhibit Th2-induced immune responses, suppress inflammation, and facilitate skin barrier restoration, contributing to AD improvement.

Learning effects of virtual versus high-fidelity simulations in nursing students: a crossover comparison.

BACKGROUND: Simulation is an alternative or complementary method for students who cannot obtain sufficient direct care experience, as they allow students to experience various clinical situations. Mixed learning is becoming increasingly common as a way to provide students with opportunities to experience real-life clinical scenarios. This study compared the learning effects of a virtual simulation and a high-fidelity simulation in a different order of presentation, with a focus on training for premature rupture of membranes in the field maternity nursing. Through this comparison, this study aimed to obtain evidence to support decision-making regarding the most effective way to utilize mixed simulation strategies. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, crossover-design study was performed with two randomly allocated groups of 26 junior nursing students each. The virtual simulation used the vSim® for nursing, and the high-fidelity simulation used a scenario developed by the research team. The learning effects were measured in terms of the problem-solving process, clinical reasoning, reflective thinking, satisfaction with the practicum, and self-confidence. The data collected with a structured questionnaire were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The virtual simulation-first, high-fidelity simulation-second order led to significantly higher scores for reflective thinking (z = 3.53, p < .001) and self-confidence (z = 2.47, p = .013) than the other order. CONCLUSIONS: The initial application of virtual simulation seemed to improve students' thought processes, and then high-fidelity simulation seemed to allow them to perform actual practice better. Further trials of mixed learning methods are necessary to maximize learning effects in nursing education. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0005767  at 2021-01-12 registered.

Effects of an action-guided intervention on optimistic bias and protective behaviors regarding endocrine disruptors in young women.

This study examined the effects of an action-guided intervention on reducing optimistic bias about reproductive health problems related to endocrine disruptors and improving protective behaviors against endocrine disruptors. A quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent comparison group was used with a pretest and double posttest. With a convenience sample of 140 women, 60-minute online education sessions and a 30-minute booster session were provided to seven small groups, while the comparison group received a leaflet. Data were collected at baseline and 4 and 12 weeks post-intervention. Descriptive statistics, repeated-measures ANOVA, and the McNemar test were conducted. A significant difference was found in protective behaviors between the groups (F = 81.21, p < .001). The effects remained consistent over time (F = 59.96, p < .001) and there was an interaction effect of group and time (F = 41.26, p < .001). The proportion of women with optimistic bias about reproductive health problems related to endocrine disruptors was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the comparison group only at 12 weeks post-intervention (χ2 = 33.56, p = .031). Accurate knowledge and information should be provided to women to build realistic awareness of the lifestyle-related health problems caused by endocrine disruptors.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Premenstrual Syndrome in Female College Students in East Asia: A Multi-Country Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and to examine associated factors with PMS among East Asian female college students with regard to endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional design. An online survey was completed by 520 female college students in Hong Kong and Korea. The structured questionnaire included items measuring knowledge of EDCs, actions taken and willingness to minimize exposure to EDCs, interest in EDCs, prior education on EDCs, life stress, severity of PMS, and general and health-related characteristics. Multiple logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe PMS among the participants was 54.6%. Factors associated with severe PMS included a self-reported heavy menstrual flow, underweight, obesity, interpersonal relationship stress, actions taken to minimize exposure to EDCs, and interest in EDCs. CONCLUSION: This study provided the evidence of a negative association between severe PMS and the actions taken to minimize exposure to EDCs. To alleviate symptoms of PMS among young female adults, practical interventions, such as education to overcome barriers to preventing exposure to EDCs, are suggested.

Differences in metabolic syndrome indicators by body mass index of women with endometriosis.

AIM: The study aimed to identify the relationships between metabolic syndrome indicators and BMI in women with endometriosis. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study design was utilized to analyse secondary data from a longitudinal dataset. METHODS: A total of 281,810 women diagnosed with endometriosis and aged 15 through 49 were drawn from the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort data of the Republic of Korea from the year 2009 to 2016. Body mass index (BMI) and five indicators of metabolic syndrome were extracted. Descriptive statistics, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test, chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage test were used. RESULTS: Yearly changes in abnormal waist circumference, elevated fasting blood sugar and abnormally low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were statistically significant. The risk groups of these indicators all showed statistically significant differences according to BMI. The proportions of women with abnormal findings for all indicators significantly increased as BMI increased.

Effects of a dietary modification intervention on menstrual pain and urinary BPA levels: a single group clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) occurs mainly through dietary intake. Due to current lifestyle trends, young people tend to consume fast food, to use disposable products, and to utilize convenient household items, all of which are major sources of EDCs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary modification intervention on menstrual pain and urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels throughout three menstrual cycles in female college students who experienced severe menstrual pain. We also analyzed participants' adherence to the intervention and examined whether their level of adherence was associated with differences in the effects of the intervention. METHODS: A single-group pretest and repeated posttest experimental design was employed. Thirty female college students with a score of 5 or higher on a menstrual pain scale were recruited through convenience sampling. During three menstrual cycles, menstrual pain was scored on a 10-point scale after each cycle, and urinary BPA levels were measured from the first morning urine collected after each cycle. The intervention involved three components: small-group education, follow-up monitoring, and peer support via social network communication. Statistical analyses were conducted using Friedman one-way repeated-measure analysis of variance by ranks, non-parametric two-way analysis of variance, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test as a post-hoc test. RESULTS: The dietary modification intervention had significant effects on menstrual pain at all three time points of menstrual cycles (χ2 = 119.64, p = 0.000) and on urinary BPA levels until the 2nd menstrual cycle (χ2 = 205.42, p = 0.000). Slightly fewer than half (43.3%) of the participants were highly adherent. Menstrual pain differed according to adherence level (F = 4.67, p = 0.032) and decreased over time through the third cycle post-intervention (F = 18.30, p = 0.000). Urinary BPA levels also decreased significantly (F = 7.94, p = 0.000), but did not differ according to adherence level. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary modification intervention was effective and sustainable for reducing menstrual pain and urinary BPA levels. Detailed information about EDCs and dietary experiences seemed to encourage the young women to become more concerned about EDCs and to perform self-protective actions. Further experimental research is suggested to examine the relationships of EDCs with various health indicators in women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0005472 at 2020-9-24 retrospectively registered.

Determinants of Protective Behaviors Against Endocrine Disruptors in Young Korean Women.

PURPOSE: A convenience-oriented lifestyle in young people is accompanied by greater consumption of and exposure to endocrine disruptors, which can affect reproductive health, especially in women. We aimed to identify factors that influence protective behaviors against endocrine disruptors among female college students in South Korea. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey design, we recruited 199 female college students. A self-administered questionnaire was used, and data were collected at the site. RESULTS: A healthy lifestyle, information utilization, receiving peer advice on avoiding exposure to endocrine disruptors, and a history of environmental illnesses were found to be significant factors, explaining 42.0% of the variance in protective behaviors against endocrine disruptors. CONCLUSION: Health consequences of environmental hazards and importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle need to be emphasized in young women's healthcare. Health professionals should advocate for and empower women to protect themselves against endocrine disruptors.

[Prevalence of Menstrual Disorders according to Body Mass Index and Lifestyle Factors: The National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort in Korea, 2009~2016].

PURPOSE: This study was performed to identify the prevalence of menstrual disorders in Korean women based on body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle factors, by utilizing the Korean National Health Insurance Database. METHODS: A retrospective observational study design was used for the secondary data analysis. Data of women aged 15 to 49 years who were diagnosed with menstrual disorders were extracted from The National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort in Korea from 2009 to 2016. The age-standardized prevalence rate of menstrual disorders was calculated using SAS version 9.4, and a Chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage test were performed. RESULTS: In total, 2,219,445 cases were extracted from the database. The prevalence of menstrual disorders significantly increased from 8.6% to 11.6% (Z=135.16, p for trend <.001) over the past eight years. In particular, it was higher in underweight women than in women with normal weight across all years (Z=-4.18~-14.72, p<.001). Moreover, statistically significant differences in the prevalence of menstrual disorders were found to be associated with drinking and smoking in all years and with physical activity levels in part (p<.05~.001). CONCLUSION: These findings present compelling evidence on the prevalence of menstrual disorders based on a national database. Since the prevalence of menstrual disorders has steadily increased and differs based on BMI and lifestyle factors, educational and clinical interventions are necessary to promote risk awareness and appropriate behavioral changes among Korean women.

[Effects of exposure to endocrine disruptors, burnout, and social support from peers on premenstrual syndrome in nurses]. / 간호사의 내분비계 교란 물질 ë ¸ì¶œ, ê°ì • ë ¸ë™, 동료 지지가 월경 ì „ 증후군에 미치는 영향.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to endocrine disruptors, burnout, and social support from peers on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in nurses. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted among 122 nurses under the age of 49 working at a university hospital. The participants answered self-report questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression in SPSS version 23.0. Results: The mean age of the nurses was 28.9 years. Of these nurses, 49.2% were working in a general ward, 24.6% in the intensive care unit, 14.8% in the emergency room, and 11.4% in an outpatient department. The explanatory power of the model was 38.3%, and it was statistically significant (F=11.74, p≤.001). Exposure to endocrine disruptors (ß=0.32, p<.001) was the most powerful variable affecting PMS, followed by burnout (ß=0.27, p=.001), working in the intensive care unit or emergency room (ß=0.22, p=.003), family history of PMS (ß=0.19, p=.009), and support from coworkers (ß=-0.15, p=.043). Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is necessary to develop an intervention program to reduce the symptoms of PMS. Additionally, further studies are needed to develop and evaluate measures to minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors and burnout in order to alleviate PMS among nurses.