Consumption of poly-γ-glutamate-vitamin B6 supplement and urinary microbiota profiles in Korean healthy adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled intervention study.

Background/objectives: Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a natural polymer found in fermented soybean products, has been reported to play a prebiotic role in the gut. This intervention study investigated the effects of γ-PGA-containing supplement consumption on urinary microbiota in healthy adults because of limited data on such investigation.

Subjects/methods: A 4-week parallel trial including 39 male and female Korean adults, who were free of chronic diseases and infection, was designed as a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Associations of Serum Vitamin A and E Concentrations with Pulmonary Function Parameters and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background/objectives: Oxidative stress, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, is known to affect pulmonary function (PF), thereby leading to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, data on the associations of serum vitamin A and E concentrations with PF parameters and COPD are inconsistent. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate these associations, considering inflammatory status.

Gender-specific associations among neck circumference, the rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism, and the 14-year risk of metabolic syndrome in the Korean adult population.

Objectives: Limited data exist on the relation between neck circumference (NC) and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MS). This study investigated gender-specific associations between NC and the 14-year risk of MS and explored the impact of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on these associations.

Methods: This population-based prospective cohort study involved 2,666 participants (1,301 men and 1,365 women), who were free of MS at baseline (2005-2006).

Interactions between physical activity and psychological factors in the association with the risk of lean type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The extent to which physical activity and psychological factors may affect the risk of diabetes mellitus among lean individuals remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations of total physical activity (TPA) and psychological factors with lean type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. A prospective cohort study.

Association of insomnia and daytime napping with metabolic syndrome and its components in a Korean population: an analysis of data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

Objectives: We investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the coexistence of insomnia and daytime napping, because limited data have been reported regarding this association.

Methods: The study population was 8,440 participants aged 40-65 years, who were from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Self-reported information on insomnia symptoms and nap duration was used to define exposure variables.

Associations of Serum Vitamin D Concentration with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and the Healthy Lifestyle Score.

Vitamin D status is reportedly associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), although conflicting data have been generated. The healthy lifestyle score (HLS) was formulated as a primary approach toward preventing CVD; however, data on the association between the HLS and vitamin D status remain insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the associations of CVD risk factors and the HLS with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in adults who participated in a national survey.

Associations of dietary vitamin A and C intake with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic respiratory diseases.

Background/objectives: Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are closely related and considered as allergic respiratory diseases (ARD), and their prevalence has recently increased. Data on the association of dietary antioxidant vitamin intake with asthma and AR in adults are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the associations of vitamin A and C intake with asthma, AR, and all cases of both diseases in young adults who participated in a cross-sectional national survey, with the use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level as an effect modifier.

Oral Administration of Human-Gut-Derived Improves Sleep Architecture in Rats.

(1) Background: The human gut microbiome may regulate sleep through the gut-brain axis. However, the sleep-promoting effects of gut microbiota remain unclear. (2) Methods: We obtained sleep-wake profiles from 25 rats receiving ( group), 5 rats receiving ( group), 4 rats not receiving bacteria (No administration group), and 8 rats receiving extracellular vesicles (EV) (EV group) during the baseline, administration, and withdrawal periods.

Association of blood pressure measurements in sitting, supine, and standing positions with the 10-year risk of mortality in Korean adults.

Objectives: This prospective cohort study investigated the association between blood pressure (BP) as measured in different body postures and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality risk.

Methods: This population-based investigation included 8,901 Korean adults in 2001 and 2002. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured sequentially in the sitting, supine, and standing positions and classified into 4 categories: 1) normal, SBP <120 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg; 2) high normal/prehypertension, SBP 120-129 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg/SBP 130-139 mmHg or DBP 80-89 mmHg; 3) grade 1 hypertension (HTN), with SBP 140-159 mmHg or DBP 90-99 mmHg; and 4) grade 2 HTN, SBP ≥160 mmHg or DBP ≥100 mmHg.

Bacterial Extracellular Vesicle Composition in Human Urine and the 10-Year Risk of Abdominal Obesity.

We aimed to evaluate a causal relationship between commensal bacteria and abdominal obesity. A prospective study, including 2222 adults who provided urine samples at baseline, was performed. These samples were used for assays of genomic DNA from bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Associations of green tea, coffee, and soft drink consumption with longitudinal changes in leukocyte telomere length.

Whether beverage consumption is associated with longitudinal observation of telomere length remains unclear. We evaluated the association of green tea, coffee, and soft drink consumption with 6-year changes in leukocyte telomere length (LTL). The study included 1952 participants who provided whole blood samples for LTL assays during the baseline (year 2011-2012) and follow-up (year 2017-2018) periods and reported baseline information on consumption of green tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

Potential Antiaging and Hepatoprotective Effects of Extracts in Adult Rat Models.

Data regarding plant extracts with antiaging properties, particularly through the biological process involving telomeres and telomerase, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of extract (ASE) supplementation on leukocyte telomere length (LTL), telomerase, and inflammatory and metabolic markers in adult animal models. A freeze-dried product of ethanol extracts was prepared using a mixture product of stem and root ASE.

Association between body temperature and leukocyte telomere length in Korean middle-aged and older adults.

Objectives: Data on associations between body temperature (BT) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL), which has been widely used as a biomarker of cellular senescence in recent epidemiological studies, are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the associations between a normal BT range (35.0-37.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antithrombotic Effects of Ginsenoside Compound K Enriched Extract Derived from Ginseng Sprouts.

Partially purified ginsenoside extract (PGE) and compound K enriched extract (CKE) were prepared from ginseng sprouts, and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects were investigated. Compared to the 6-year-old ginseng roots, ginseng sprouts were found to have a higher content of phenolic compounds, saponin and protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside by about 56%, 36% and 43%, respectively. PGE was prepared using a macroporous adsorption resin, and compound K(CK) was converted and enriched from the PGE by enzymatic hydrolysis with a conversion rate of 75%.

Effects of poly-gamma-glutamic acid and vitamin B supplements on sleep status: a randomized intervention study.

Backgroud/objectives: Data regarding the effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) on sleep status are limited. This study aimed to test whether γ-PGA and vitamin B (VitB6) supplements improve sleep duration and quality.

Subjects/methods: A factorial randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study included 47 adults (25 men and 22 women) who were free of chronic disease.

Region-specific COVID-19 risk scores and nutritional status of a high-risk population based on individual vulnerability assessment in the national survey data.

Background & Aims: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic outbreak leading to more than 1 million deaths worldwide as reported in 2020. Several risk assessment tools, including individual vulnerability to COVID-19, have been developed. The present study aimed to characterize a high-risk population using such a tool and examine risk factors and nutritional status in the national survey data and estimate the region-specific population size.

Associations of alcohol consumption and physical activity with lean type 2 diabetes mellitus among Korean adults: A prospective cohort study.

Data on the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have accumulated, but little has been reported about this association in terms of lean T2DM. The present study analyzed 10-year longitudinal data to investigate the association between alcohol consumption and T2DM risk among lean individuals. This prospective study included 2,366 male and female Koreans aged 40-69 years who were free of DM and had a body mass index (BMI) <23 kg/m2 during the baseline period between 2001 and 2012.

Dietary and modifiable factors contributing to hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia prevalence in nationwide time series data and the implications for primary prevention strategies.

Background/objectives: A number of studies examined secular trends in blood lipid profiles using time series data of national surveys whereas few studies investigated individual-level factors contributing to such trends. The present study aimed to examine secular trends in dietary and modifiable factors and hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia (HC) prevalence and evaluate their associations using time series data of nationwide surveys.

Subjects/methods: The study included 41,073 Korean adults aged ≥ 30 years from the 2005, 2007-2009, 2010-2012, 2013-2015, and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Projection of Diabetes Prevalence in Korean Adults for the Year 2030 Using Risk Factors Identified from National Data.

Background: A number of studies have reported future prevalence estimates for diabetes mellitus (DM), but these studies have been limited for the Korean population. The present study aimed to construct a forecasting model that includes risk factors for type 2 DM using individual- and national-level data for Korean adults to produce prevalence estimates for the year 2030.

Methods: Time series data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and national statistics from 2005 to 2013 were used.

Obstructive sleep apnea, low transferrin saturation levels, and male-pattern baldness.

Background: There are limited data on the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is characterized by intermittent hypoxia, and male-pattern baldness (MPB). Low blood iron levels are reportedly associated with hypoxia and hair loss. This study explored a possible link among OSA, iron status, and MPB.

Forecasting obesity prevalence in Korean adults for the years 2020 and 2030 by the analysis of contributing factors.

Background/objectives: There are few studies that forecast the future prevalence of obesity based on the predicted prevalence model including contributing factors. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with obesity and construct forecasting models including significant contributing factors to estimate the 2020 and 2030 prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity.

Subjects/methods: Panel data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and national statistics from the Korean Statistical Information Service were used for the analysis.

Eating patterns of children's favorite foods and its related factors among elementary, middle, and high school students in Korea.

Background/objectives: There are limited studies investigating the eating patterns of children's favorite foods. The present study aimed to evaluate a wide range of children's favorite foods, derive its eating patterns, and identify factors related to the patterns.

Subjects/methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study included 5,458 students in elementary, middle, and high schools.

Associations of alcohol consumption and alcohol flush reaction with leukocyte telomere length in Korean adults.

Background/objectives: Telomere length is a useful biomarker for determining general aging status. Some studies have reported an association between alcohol consumption and telomere length in a general population; however, it is unclear whether the alcohol flush reaction, which is an alcohol-related trait predominantly due to acetaldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, is associated with telomere length. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations of alcohol consumption and alcohol flush reaction with leukocyte telomere length (LTL).

The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism is associated with short leukocyte telomere length in nonobese individuals.

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism have been associated with the increased metabolic risk and mortality, irrespective of obesity. The mechanism underlying this association is not known. We aimed to evaluate whether the FTO rs9939609 risk variant is independently associated with metabolic risk factors and/or leukocyte telomere length (LTL).