26
|
Kim KH, Susaya JP, Park CG, Uhm JH, Hur J. Comprehensive monitoring of drinking well water quality in Seoul metropolitan city, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:6353-6378. [PMID: 23307049 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-012-3030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this research, the quality of drinking well waters from 14 districts around Seoul metropolitan city, Korea was assessed by measuring a number of parameters with established guideline (e.g., arsenic, fluoride, nitrate nitrogen, benzene, 1,2-dichloroethene, dichloromethane, copper, and lead) and without such criteria (e.g., hardness, chloride ion, sulfate ion, ammonia nitrogen, aluminum, iron, manganese, and zinc). Physical parameters such as evaporation residue (or total dissolved solids) and turbidity were also measured. The importance of each parameter in well waters was examined in terms of the magnitude and exceedance frequency of guideline values established by international (and national) health agencies. The results of this study indicate that among the eight parameters with well-established guidelines (e.g., WHO), arsenic and lead (guideline value of 0.01 mg L(-1) for both) recorded the highest exceedance frequency of 18 and 16 well samples ranging in 0.06-136 and 2-9 mg L(-1), respectively. As such, a number of water quality parameters measured from many well waters in this urban area were in critical levels which require immediate attention for treatment and continuous monitoring.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kim KH, Anthwal A, Park CG, Job SJ, Chae YZ, Park JA, Jung JH, Sohn JR, Oh JM. Monitoring of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds in two major traffic tunnels in Seoul, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2012; 33:1963-1976. [PMID: 23240189 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2012.655316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
To describe the fundamental aspects of air quality in tunnel environments, field campaigns were conducted to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some criteria pollutants from two tunnel sites of Nam San (NS) and Hong Ji (HJ) gates in Seoul, Korea. The total PAH values (ngm(-3)) for the NS tunnel (137.8 +/- 10.9) were notably higher than the HJ counterpart (91.3 +/- 7.82), while the total VOC exhibited a reversed pattern with a notable enhancement in the HJ tunnel (178.5 +/- 174.7 ppbC) relative to the NS tunnel (112.5 +/- 64.1 ppbC). A line of evidence, including the molecular diagnostic ratios of PAHs, indicates the relative dominance of diesel vehicles in the NS tunnel compared to the HJ site. The PAHs with high ring numbers (n > 6, such as benzo(g, h, i)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene) were preferentially enriched in the particle phase, whereas their low ring number counterparts (n = 2-3) were in the gas phase. The results of our study suggest the possibility that the relative source processes for each tunnel site are characterized by the relative dominance of either diesel (NS) or gasoline-powered vehicles (HJ).
Collapse
|
28
|
Kim KH, Ho DX, Park CG, Ma CJ, Pandey SK, Lee SC, Jeong HJ, Lee SH. Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air at Four Residential Locations in Seoul, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE 2012; 29:875-889. [PMID: 22969269 PMCID: PMC3430000 DOI: 10.1089/ees.2011.0280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the environmental behavior of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban areas, their concentrations were measured at four urban monitoring sites (namely, N, S, E, and W) in Seoul, Korea (February to December 2009). A total of 27 compounds were quantified that consist of four chemical groups: aromatic (AR), halogenated aromatic, halogenated paraffin, and halogenated olefin. Results were evaluated by focusing on these four functional groups just mentioned and their summation term as total VOC (TVOC) along with several individual species (mainly AR species, that is, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene). The highest concentration of chemical groups was found from AR (71.1±42.1 ppbC), while that for individual species confirmed the dominance of toluene (7.48±3.88 ppb). The analysis of spatial distribution indicated that high TVOC levels were recorded at sites N and W, while it was not so significant such as S and E in terms of TVOC budget. Seasonal variation of these VOCs was characterized by the peak values in December to reflect the combined effects of pronounced source activities and meteorological conditions. Analysis of spatial variations in VOC levels between the four urban sites indicated that their distributions are tightly affected by local source processes in each area.
Collapse
|
29
|
Araya AX, Norr KF, Pérez CM, Levy JA, Park CG, Kim MJ. HIV-related symptoms and patient clusters among Chileans living with HIV. AIDS Care 2012; 25:488-95. [PMID: 22909386 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2012.714457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Identifying both Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related and co-morbid symptoms experienced by people living with HIV (PLWH) who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment is a major challenge for healthcare providers globally. Yet, little research to date has examined the symptoms of illness experienced by PLWH including patients living in Central and South American. To address this gap, this study was designed to identify symptoms of HIV by socio-demographic and/or clinical characteristics among Chilean patients living with the virus. A convenience sample of 209 Chilean PLWH was recruited from an outpatient clinic in Santiago, Chile. A structured interview was used to elicit socio-demographic information and HIV symptoms status. Additional clinical information was obtained through a review of the participants' medical records. Results show that patients' most commonly reported HIV-related symptoms were fear/worries (66%), anxiety (52%), gas/bloating (50%), and thirst (50%). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive association between the number of reported HIV-related symptoms and number of years living with HIV. Having completed college was negatively associated with number of symptoms. Latent class analysis indicated that PLWH in the sample who had completed college were two times more likely to experience a mild intensity of HIV-related symptoms than their lesser educated counterparts. Similarly, logistic regression revealed that college-educated PLWH were twice as likely to be classified in the subgroup reporting mild intensity of symptoms than those who lacked a college degree. Overall, the study's results reveal that many Chilean PLWH, even those with high CD4 counts and low or undetectable viral loads, are not symptom free. The findings point to the need for clinicians to tailor a plan of care for individuals living with HIV that is based on their symptomatology.
Collapse
|
30
|
Kim KH, Ho DX, Brown RJC, Oh JM, Park CG, Ryu IC. Some insights into the relationship between urban air pollution and noise levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 424:271-9. [PMID: 22444065 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between noise and air pollution was investigated in eight different districts across Seoul, Korea, between September and November 2010. The noise levels in each district were measured at both roadside and non-roadside locations. It was found that the maximum levels of noise were generally at frequencies of around 1000 Hz. The equivalent noise levels (L(eq)), over all districts, averaged 61.4 ± 7.36 dB which is slightly lower than the noise guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 70 dB for industrial, commercial, traffic, and outdoor areas. Comparison of L(eq) levels in each district consistently indicates that noise levels are higher at roadside sites than non-roadside sites. In addition the relative dominance of noise during daytime as compared to nighttime was also apparent. Moreover, the results of an analysis relating sound levels with air pollutant levels indicate strongly that the correlation between these two parameters is the strongest at roadside sites (relative to non-roadside sites) and during nighttime (relative to daytime). The results of our data analysis point to a positive, but complex, correlation between noise levels and air pollution.
Collapse
|
31
|
Kim YK, Seo HS, Lee EM, Na JO, Choi CU, Lim HE, Kim EJ, Rha SW, Park CG, Oh DJ. Association of hypertension with small, dense low-density lipoprotein in patients without metabolic syndrome. J Hum Hypertens 2011; 26:670-6. [PMID: 21975689 DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2011.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A higher proportion of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) is known to be associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in association with metabolic syndrome (MS). Hypertension (HTN) is one of the known risk factors for MS. However, whether HTN is associated with sdLDL in patients without MS is not yet clear. The lipid profiles, including low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions, of 383 consecutive subjects were evaluated. The patients without MS consisted of 198 hypertensive patients (non-MS/HTN group) and 108 normotensive subjects (non-MS/non-HTN group). The peak and mean particle diameter of LDL were measured by gradient gel electrophoresis. Plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), HDL cholesterol/Apo A1, LDL-C/ApoB and Apo(A1, B, CII and E) levels did not differ between the non-MS/non-HTN and non-MS/HTN groups. When analyzing LDL subfraction, the absolute amount of patterns A and B was not different between the non-MS/non-HTN and non-MS/HTN groups. Compared with the non-MS/non-HTN groups, the proportion of sdLDL was higher in the non-MS/HTN group (37.7% versus 39.9%, P=0.046), but not significant after adjustment of waist circumference, serum TG, age and statin usage. The proportion of sdLDL to total LDL was higher in hypertensive subjects, even those without MS, than in normotensive subjects. However, this difference of LDL subfraction in hypertensive patients is associated with higher waist circumference, higher serum TG, older age and more statin usage. This result suggests that HTN may contribute to atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction with associated risk factors that influence LDL size.
Collapse
|
32
|
Kim HR, Lee SA, Kim HJ, Kong MH, Kim YR, Kang SH, Lee KH, Leng L, Lee BJ, Park CG, Kook YH, Kim BJ, Bucala R. Elevated levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in women with metabolic syndrome. Horm Metab Res 2011; 43:642-5. [PMID: 21823060 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a complex clinical disorder characterized by obesity, a disturbance of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced both by innate immune cells and by adipocytes, and it plays an important role in inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression of circulating MIF in patients with metabolic syndrome. A study was conducted involving 172 persons who attended the Jeju National University Hospital Health Promotion Center. Among the 172 subjects, 88 patients with metabolic syndrome and 84 healthy control subjects were included. Serum MIF levels were considerably higher in patients with metabolic syndrome than in healthy subjects (mean±SEM, 1413.0-pg/ml±102.6 vs. 1077.0-pg/ml±-91.3, p=0.016). Among the metabolic syndrome patients, MIF levels were significantly increased in women (1403.0-pg/ml±114.2 vs. 921.3 pg/ml±117.3, p=0.005), but not in men. Even after further linear regression adjustment for age and body mass index, the expression of MIF for women with metabolic syndrome was still clearly elevated when compared to healthy subjects (p=0.011). Circulating MIF concentrations showed a gender disparity between healthy and metabolic syndrome subjects. An elevation of systemic MIF in women with metabolic syndrome may contribute to pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome or to the development of metabolic syndrome-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tomlinson B, Dalal JJ, Huang J, Low LP, Park CG, Rahman AR, Reyes EB, Soenarta AA, Heagerty A, Follath F. The role of β-blockers in the management of hypertension: an Asian perspective. Curr Med Res Opin 2011; 27:1021-33. [PMID: 21410302 DOI: 10.1185/03007995.2011.562884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Following publication of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines in 2006, the use of β-blockers as first-line therapy in hypertension has been somewhat controversial. However, a recent reappraisal of the European Society of Hypertension guidelines highlights that these agents exhibit similar BP lowering efficacy to other classes of agents, prompting a re-examination of the utility of these agents in various patient populations. The authors felt that it is important to address this controversy and provide an Asian perspective on the place of β-blockers in current clinical practice and the benefits of β-blockade in selected patient populations. In addition to their use as a potential first-line therapy in uncomplicated hypertension, β-blockers have a particular role in patients with hypertension and comorbidities such as heart failure or coronary artery disease, including those who had a myocardial infarction. One advantage which β-blockers offer is the additional protective effects in patients with prior cardiovascular events. Some of the disadvantages attributed to β-blockers appear more related to the older drugs in this class and further appraisal of the efficacy and safety profile of newer β-blockers will lend support to the current guideline recommendations in Asian countries and encourage increased appropriate use of β-blockade in current clinical practice within Asia.
Collapse
|
34
|
Park SY, Jeong KJ, Panupinthu N, Yu S, Lee J, Han JW, Kim JM, Lee JS, Kang J, Park CG, Mills GB, Lee HY. Lysophosphatidic acid augments human hepatocellular carcinoma cell invasion through LPA1 receptor and MMP-9 expression. Oncogene 2010; 30:1351-9. [PMID: 21102517 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), produced extracellularly by autotaxin (ATX), has diverse biological activities implicated in tumor initiation and progression, including increasing cell survival, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. ATX, LPA and the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 have all been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and metastasis. We, thus sought to determine whether ATX with subsequent LPA production and action, including induction of MMP-9 could provide a unifying mechanism. ATX transcripts and LPA receptor type 1 (LPA1) protein are elevated in HCC compared with normal tissues. Silencing or pharmacological inhibition of LPA1 significantly attenuated LPA-induced MMP-9 expression and HCC cell invasion. Further, reducing MMP-9 activity or expression significantly inhibits LPA-induced HCC cell invasion, demonstrating that MMP-9 is downstream of LPA1. Inhibition of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling or dominant-negative mutants of protein kinase Cδ and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) abrogated LPA-induced MMP-9 expression and subsequent invasion. We thus demonstrate a mechanistic cascade of ATX-producing LPA with LPA activating LPA1 and inducing MMP-9 through coordinate activation of the PI3K and the p38 MPAK signaling cascades, providing novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
Collapse
|
35
|
Nguyen HT, Park CG, Kim JA, Lee JS, Lee JH, Kim KH. Concentrations of TSP-bound metals in four urban residential locations in Seoul, Korea. ScientificWorldJournal 2010; 10:742-59. [PMID: 20454755 PMCID: PMC5763843 DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2010.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Concentrations of 17 trace metals bound in total suspended particulate (TSP) were measured at four urban residential locations (Jong Ro [JR], Gwang Jin [GJ], Gang Seo [GS], and Yang Jae [YJ]) in Seoul, Korea from February to July 2009. The maximum concentrations of metals were recorded by Fe in the range of 2599 (JR) to 2914 ng m-3 (GJ), while the least values were observed from Ag or Co with a few ng m-3. The relative ordering of the mean concentration (ng m-3) at these sites is generally found on the order of Fe > Zn > Ba > Mn > Pb > Cu > B > Cr > Ni > Sr >V > As > Li > Cd > Mo > Co > Ag or with a few exceptions (e.g., a reversal between Ba and Mn or between Ni and Sr). Calculation of the enrichment factor suggests the significant role of man-made processes on such metals as Cd, Zn, and Pb. Inspection of the temporal patterns indicates the peak occurrence of most metals during the spring season due in part to the Asian Dust (AD) event. However, according to the factor analysis, sources of these metals were dominated by both resuspended soil/road dust and the combustion of fossil fuels. The overall results of our study suggest that the interaction between the environmental conditions and roadside traffic activities are paramount in explaining the metal pollution in these urban residential areas.
Collapse
|
36
|
Park JH, Park CG, Lee JW, Ko KB. Degradation of diethyl phthalate in treated effluents from an MBR via advanced oxidation processes: effects of nitrate on oxidation and a pilot-scale AOP operation. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2010; 31:15-27. [PMID: 20232675 DOI: 10.1080/09593330903289697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The major objective of this study was to delineate the oxidation of diethyl phthalate (DEP) in water, using bench-scale UV/H2O2 and O3/H2O2 processes, and to determine the effects of nitrate (NO(3-)-N, 5 mg L(-1)) on this oxidation. The oxidation of DEP was also investigated through a pilot-scale advanced oxidation process (AOP), into which a portion of the effluent from a pilot-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant was pumped. The bench-scale operation showed that DEP could be oxidized via solely UV oxidation or O3 oxidation. The adverse effect of nitrate on the DEP oxidation was remarkable in the UV/H2O2 process, and the nitrate clearly reduced its oxidation. The adverse effect of nitrate on O3 oxidation was also observed. It was noted, however, that the nitrate clearly enhanced the DEP oxidation in the O3/H2O2 process. A series of pilot-scale AOP operations indicated that the addition of H2O2 enhanced DEP oxidation in both the UV/H2O2 and O3/H2O2 processes. No noticeable adverse effect of nitrate was observed in the NO(3-)-N concentration of about 6.0 mg L(-1), which was naturally contained in the treatment stream. About 52% and 61% of the DEP were oxidized by each of these two oxidation processes in this pilot-scale operation. Both the UV/H2O2 and O3/H2O2 processes appeared to be desirable alternatives for DEP oxidation in treatment effluent streams.
Collapse
|
37
|
Kim EJ, Yong HS, Seo HS, Na JO, Choi CU, Kim JW, Lim HE, Rha SW, Park JH, Park CG, Oh DJ. Abstract: 1038 VASCULAR CALCIFICATION, BONE DENSITY, AND CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: SIMULTANEOUS ASSESSMENT BY CARDIAC CT ANGIOGRAPHY. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(09)70392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
38
|
Chen KY, Rha SW, Li YJ, Poddar KL, Jin Z, Minami Y, Saito S, Park JH, Na JO, Choi CU, Lim HE, Kim JW, Kim EJ, Park CG, Seo HS, Oh DJ. Impact of hypertension on coronary artery spasm as assessed with intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test. J Hum Hypertens 2009; 24:77-85. [PMID: 19458625 PMCID: PMC3011093 DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2009.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Both hypertension and coronary artery spasm (CAS) are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Thus, a higher incidence of CAS is expected in hypertensive patients. We evaluated the impact of hypertension on CAS with intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) provocation test. A total of 986 patients (685 hypertensive patients vs 301 normotensive patients) who underwent coronary angiography with ACh provocation test were enrolled. ACh was injected into the left coronary artery in incremental doses of 20, 50 and 100 microg min(-1). Significant CAS was defined as a transient >70% luminal narrowing with concurrent chest pain and/or ST-segment changes. Although the incidences of significant ACh-induced CAS were similar between hypertensive and normotensive patients (35.8 vs 39.2%, P=0.303), multivariate logistic analysis showed that hypertension was negatively associated with ACh-induced CAS (odds ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.94, P=0.020). The angiographic characteristics of ACh-induced CAS were similar between these two groups. Subgroup analysis regarding the impact of the status of blood pressure control on CAS showed that hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure had a significantly higher incidence of CAS than those with uncontrolled blood pressure (45.2 vs 27.9%, P<0.001), and that uncontrolled blood pressure was negatively associated with ACh-induced CAS (odds ratio: 0.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.79, P=0.001). In conclusion, despite the expected endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and uncontrolled blood pressure are negatively associated with CAS, suggesting that the mechanisms and risk factors of CAS may be significantly different from those of coronary artery disease.
Collapse
|
39
|
Park CG, Choi CU. Probability of stroke in Korean hypertensive patients visiting community-based hospitals: using a risk profile from the Framingham study. J Hum Hypertens 2008; 23:252-8. [DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2008.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
40
|
Chung N, Baek S, Chen MF, Liau CS, Park CG, Park J, Saruta T, Shimamoto K, Wu Z, Zhu J, Fujita T. Expert recommendations on the challenges of hypertension in Asia. Int J Clin Pract 2008; 62:1306-12. [PMID: 18643931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01838.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A consensus meeting of leading Asian hypertension experts was held in January 2007 in Seoul, Korea, to discuss how to address the growing challenge of hypertension management in the region. This report summarises key recommendations from the group, including: raising public awareness about the impact of hypertension; improving physician education and training; increasing early detection, for example through routine blood pressure measurement; and development and adoption of pan-Asian treatment guidelines, which would greatly facilitate research into hypertension and its management. The group conclude that these challenges can only be met through a collaborative effort of government, healthcare professionals, food and healthcare industries, and patients and the public. Food and healthcare industries need to develop healthy foods and support healthy living programmes, while increasing research into antihypertensive medications in Asia. Government officials and policy makers need to be made aware of the value of investing in hypertension awareness, prevention and management programmes.
Collapse
|
41
|
Yang YS, Bae JG, Park CG. Measurement of residual stress by using focused ion beam and digital image correlation method in thin-sized wires used for steel cords. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/100/1/012018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
42
|
Choi KM, Lee JS, Kim EJ, Baik SH, Seo HS, Choi DS, Oh DJ, Park CG. Implication of lipocalin-2 and visfatin levels in patients with coronary heart disease. Eur J Endocrinol 2008; 158:203-7. [PMID: 18230827 DOI: 10.1530/eje-07-0633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Visfatin and lipocalin-2 are novel adipokines associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity-related metabolic disorders. We compared lipocalin-2 and visfatin concentrations between patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and control subjects and evaluated their association with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS We examined serum visfatin, lipocalin-2 levels, and cardiovascular risk factors in 91 subjects (49 patients with angiographically confirmed CHD versus 42 age- and gender-matched control participants). RESULTS Circulating lipocalin-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with CHD compared with the control subjects (82.6+/-38.7 ng/ml versus 43.8+/-27.8 ng/ml; P<0.001). However, visfatin levels were not significantly different between patients with CHD and control subjects. Serum lipocalin-2 levels were positively associated with weight (r=0.26; P=0.036), fasting insulin (r=0.36; P=0.003), and IR (r=0.33; P=0.007), whereas these levels showed a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r=-0.30; P=0.016) after adjustment for gender and body mass index. However, visfatin levels were not associated with any variables of the metabolic syndrome. The multiple regression analysis showed that lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with HDL cholesterol and IR (R2=0.199). Furthermore, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, IR, and lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with CHD. CONCLUSIONS Serum lipocalin-2 levels were significantly elevated in patients with CHD and were independently associated with CHD. The present findings suggest that the measurement of serum lipocalin-2 levels may be useful for assessing CHD risk.
Collapse
|
43
|
Kim N, Lee SW, Cho SI, Park CG, Yang CH, Kim HS, Rew JS, Moon JS, Kim S, Park SH, Jung HC, Chung IS. The prevalence of and risk factors for erosive oesophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease: a nationwide multicentre prospective study in Korea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2008; 27:173-85. [PMID: 17973646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospective nationwide multicentre studies that have evaluated endoscopic findings and reflux symptoms using a well-designed questionnaire are very rare. AIM To compare the prevalence rates of and risk factors for erosive oesophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) in the Korean population. METHODS A gastroscopic examination was performed on 25 536 subjects who visited 40 Healthcare Centers for a health check-up. A gastro-oesophageal reflux questionnaire and multivariate analysis were used to determine the risk factors for erosive oesophagitis and NERD. RESULTS 2019 (8%) and 996 subjects (4%) had erosive oesophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease, respectively; only 58% of subjects with erosive oesophagitis had reflux symptoms. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for erosive oesophagitis and NERD differed, i.e. those of erosive oesophagitis were male, a Helicobacter pylori eradication history, alcohol, body mass index > or =25 and hiatal hernia. In contrast, the risk factors for NERD were female, age <40 and > or =60 vs. 40-59 years, body mass index <23 and a monthly income <$1000, glucose > or =126 mg/dL, smoking, a stooping posture at work and antibiotic usage. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rates of erosive oesophagitis and NERD were 8% and 4%, respectively, in Korean health check-up subjects. The risk factors for erosive oesophagitis and NERD were found to differ, which indicates that their underlying pathogeneses are distinct.
Collapse
|
44
|
Ko KB, Park CG, Moon TH, Ahn YH, Lee JK, Ahn KH, Park JH, Yeom IT. Advanced H2O2 oxidation for diethyl phthalate degradation in treated effluents: effect of nitrate on oxidation and a pilot-scale AOP operation. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2008; 58:1031-1037. [PMID: 18824801 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2008.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
One of the objectives of this study was to delineate the effect of nitrate on diethyl phthalate (DEP) oxidation by conducting a bench-scale ultraviolet (UV)/H2O2 and O3/H2O2 operations as suggested in a previous study. We also aim to investigate DEP oxidation at various UV doses and H2O2 concentrations by performing a pilot-scale advanced oxidation processes (AOP) system, into which a portion of the effluent from a pilot-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant was pumped. In the bench-scale AOP operation, the O3 oxidation alone as well as the UV irradiation without H2O2 addition could be among the desirable alternatives for the efficient removal of DEP dissolved in aqueous solutions at a low DEP concentration range of 85+/-15 microg/L. The adverse effect in the UV/H2O2 process was significantly greater than that in the UV oxidation alone, and its oxidation was almost halved by the nitrate. However, the nitrate clearly enhanced the DEP oxidation in the O3 oxidation and O3/H2O2 process. Especially, the addition of nitrate almost doubled the DEP oxidation efficiency in the O3/H2O2 process. The series of pilot-scale AOP operations confirmed that about 30-50% of DEP dissolved in the treated MBR effluent streams was, at least, oxidized by the O3 oxidation alone as well as the UV irradiation without H2O2 addition. The UV photolysis of H2O2 was most effective for DEP degradation with an H2O2 concentration of 40 mg/L at a UV dose of 500 mJ/cm2.
Collapse
|
45
|
Kim JW, Seo HS, Na JO, Suh SY, Choi CU, Kim EJ, Rha SW, Park CG, Oh DJ. Myocardial bridging is related to endothelial dysfunction but not to plaque as assessed by intracoronary ultrasound. Heart 2007; 94:765-9. [PMID: 17881476 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2007.115980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial bridge (MB) is characterised by focal compression of a coronary artery in systole by an overlying band of myocardium. Chronic compression and relaxation of the MB may produce endothelial dysfunction by direct stress. OBJECTIVE To determine whether MB alters endothelial function, thus influencing the plaque formation. METHODS 128 patients (mean (SD) age 54.7 (10.9) years, 56 men) with typical angiographic systolic milking effects and >30% reduction in diameter of the coronary artery during systole after intracoronary nitrate (glyceryl trinitrate, 200 mug) infusion were studied. 231 control patients (mean (SD) age 52.9 (12.1) years, 111 men) without overt coronary artery disease including MB were also studied. Endothelial function was estimated by incremental acetylcholine (Ach) infusion into the left coronary ostium. Intracoronary ultrasound assessments were obtained in 74/128 patients with MB and 81/231 controls. RESULTS The mean (SD) vasoconstrictive response to maximal Ach was more pronounced at the bridging segments than at matched segments in controls (-71.9 (14.9) vs -30.3 (22.6), p = 0.009). Coronary vasoconstriction (>50%) to Ach was seen more often in the MB group than in controls (114/128 (89.1%) vs 81/231 (35.1%), p = 0.007). No significant correlation was found between the severity of MB and vasoconstriction in response to Ach. A typical half-moon phenomenon was seen in 71/74 (95.9%) cases of the MB group, but not in controls (p<0.001). Plaques at the bridging segments were absent in 67/74 (90.5%) and mild in 7/74 (9.5%) cases, as compared with those of matched segments of the left anterior descending coronary artery in controls (plaque burden 5.91 (1.37)% vs 24.71 (24.21)%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Despite the prominent relationship between MB and endothelial dysfunction, bridging segments are spared from atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Collapse
|
46
|
Kim EJ, Park CG, Park JS, Suh SY, Choi CU, Kim JW, Kim SH, Lim HE, Rha SW, Seo HS, Oh DJ. Relationship between blood pressure parameters and pulse wave velocity in normotensive and hypertensive subjects: invasive study. J Hum Hypertens 2006; 21:141-8. [PMID: 17136108 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1002120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important contributing factors to pulse wave velocity (PWV), a classic measure of arterial stiffness. Although there have been many non-invasive studies to show the relation between arterial stiffness and BP, the results are controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of BP as an influencing factor on PWV using invasive method. We observed 174 normotensive and untreated hypertensive subjects using coronary angiography. Arterial stiffness was assessed through aorto-femoral PWV by foot-to-foot velocity method using fluid-filled system. And BP was measured by pressure wave at the right common femoral artery. From univariate analysis, age, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, waist, waist-to-hip ratio, total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, systolic BP (SBP), pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) showed significant association with PWV. To avoid multiple colinearity among SBP, PP and MAP, we performed multiple regression analysis predicting PWV thrice. Age, DM and each BP were significantly and consistently correlated to PWV. In the first and third modules, compared to age, SBP and MAP were less strong predictors, respectively. However, PP was the stronger predictor than age and DM in the second module. Lastly, we simultaneously forced MAP and PP with other variables in the fourth multivariate analysis. Age, DM and PP remained significantly correlated with PWV, but the significance of MAP was lost. This is the first invasive study to suggest that PP has the strongest correlation with PWV among a variety of BP parameters.
Collapse
|
47
|
Rha SW, Yong HS, Park CG. Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery in an elderly patient visualised by three dimensional multidetector CT coronary angiography. Heart 2005; 91:947. [PMID: 15958368 PMCID: PMC1768987 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2004.051292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
48
|
Kim JW, Park CG, Seo HS, Oh DJ. Delayed severe multivessel spasm and aborted sudden death after Taxus stent implantation. Heart 2005; 91:e15. [PMID: 15657205 PMCID: PMC1768681 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2004.049932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac arrest associated with major spasm of three coronary arteries was observed about 10 hours after Taxus stent insertion in a three vessel lesion and was successfully treated by intracoronary glyceryl trinitrate infusion. This case illustrates a potential risk associated with drug eluting stent and alerts clinicians to the life threatening risk of spasm when stenting multiple vessels with drug eluting stent (especially the Taxus stent).
Collapse
|
49
|
Choi KM, Lee KW, Kim SG, Kim NH, Park CG, Seo HS, Oh DJ, Choi DS, Baik SH. Inflammation, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance in acute myocardial infarction patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005; 90:175-80. [PMID: 15509644 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2004-1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined the prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism and its association with inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes. This prospective study enrolled 52 AMI patients, and 75-g oral glucose tolerance testing was performed on 30 patients at discharge and again 3 months later. We also measured serum adiponectin, high sensitive C-reactive protein, and IL-6 on both occasions. Data were compared with those of 30 type 2 diabetic patients without a history of AMI. Forty percent and 36.7% of AMI patients had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) at discharge and at 3 months, respectively. The corresponding proportions for newly diagnosed diabetes are 33.0% and 30.0%. At discharge, AMI patients with IGT or diabetes showed higher high sensitive C-reactive protein and IL-6 levels compared with AMI patients with normal glucose tolerance or control type 2 diabetic patients. Furthermore, AMI patients with IGT or diabetes exhibited higher IR and lower serum adiponectin levels than AMI patients with normal glucose tolerance at 3 months after discharge. Previously undiagnosed diabetes and IGT are common in Korean patients with AMI. These glycometabolic abnormalities are associated with inflammation, IR, and serum adiponectin levels.
Collapse
|
50
|
Ko SH, Kwon HS, Suh SH, Yang JH, Kim SR, Ahn YB, Song KH, Yoo SJ, Son HS, Cha BY, Lee KW, Son HY, Kang SK, Park CG, Park JK, Yoon KH. Dexamethasone suppresses the expansion and transdifferentiation of transplanted porcine neonatal pancreas cell clusters (NPCCs) into beta-cells in normal nude mice. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2004; 66 Suppl 1:S97-S101. [PMID: 15563989 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2003.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2003] [Revised: 11/06/2003] [Accepted: 12/04/2003] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was performed to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on the expansion and transdifferentiation of transplanted neonatal pancreas cell clusters (NPCCs) in vivo. METHODS Porcine NPCCs were generated from 1 to 3-day-old neonatal pigs. After transplantation (Tx) of 4000 islet equivalents (IEqs) of NPCCs beneath the renal subcapsular space of normoglycemic nude mice, dexamethasone (Dx, 1 mg/kg) or vehicles were injected daily. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing (ip-GTT) was performed at 4 weeks (n = 4) and 10 weeks (n = 7) after Tx. After harvesting the grafts, total graft and beta-cell graft mass were determined by morphometric analysis. RESULTS Although the mean value of AUCg was elevated in the Dx-treated group at 10 weeks after Tx, the glucose levels of all the animals by ip-GTT were within the normal range. At 10 weeks after Tx, the relative volume, absolute mass of beta-cells in the graft, and total graft mass were significantly lower in the Dx-treated group (relative volume of beta-cells: 22.0% versus 35.3%, P < 0.05; beta-cells mass: 1.0 +/- 1.2 mg versus 2.2 +/- 5.6 mg, P < 0.05, total graft mass: 4.4 +/- 5.4 mg versus 6.3 +/- 1.3 mg, P < 0.05, Dx-treated versus control), but there was no difference at 4 weeks. Morphologically prominent cystic structures were observed in the Dx group at 10 weeks. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that dexamethasone suppresses the expansion and transdifferentiation of transplanted porcine NPCCs into beta-cells in normal nude mice.
Collapse
|