Publications by authors named "Myeung Su Lee"

Background/aims: To compare the effects of abatacept and conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) on the progression and development of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

Methods: This multi-center retrospective study included RA patients receiving abatacept or csDMARDs who underwent at least two pulmonary function tests and/or chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). We compared the following outcomes between the groups: progression of RA-ILD, development of new ILD in RA patients without ILD at baseline, 28-joint Disease Activity Score with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), and safety.

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  • - Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss, can significantly impact the elderly, especially those with metabolic and inflammatory diseases; Vigeo, a plant extract, shows promise in counteracting muscle atrophy caused by dexamethasone (Dex). - In studies, Vigeo treatment was effective in reversing muscle loss in Dex-induced atrophy models, showing increases in calf muscle volume, weight, and cellular structure, along with protection against protein degradation linked to muscle wasting. - Vigeo also encourages muscle cell differentiation and activates important biochemical pathways for muscle maintenance and growth, indicating its potential role as a supplement or treatment to combat sarcopenia.
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  • The study explores how SCE, a traditional herbal extract, can enhance myoblast differentiation by activating mitochondrial biogenesis and protein synthesis pathways.* -
  • SCE was tested on murine C2C12 myoblast cells, showing no negative effects on cell viability while promoting myotube formation and increasing key muscle-specific proteins.* -
  • Findings indicate that SCE enhances expressions of important markers for muscle differentiation and growth, suggesting it could be a potential treatment for muscle loss and disorders.*
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  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease leading to joint inflammation and destruction of cartilage and bone.
  • A study explored the effects of Vigeo, a fermented mixture, on RA symptoms using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, where mice showed typical RA symptoms after treatment.
  • Results indicated that Vigeo significantly reduced joint inflammation and cartilage damage while lowering levels of inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the serum, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for RA.
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  • Excessive activity of osteoclasts during bone remodeling is linked to bone diseases like osteoporosis, making their inhibition a key therapeutic target.
  • Gryllus biomaculatus (GB) is an environmentally sustainable food source with known health benefits but its effects on osteoclast function were previously unexplored.
  • This study demonstrated that GB extract inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption by affecting various signaling pathways, providing a potential new treatment strategy for bone diseases.
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Objectives: Patients with incurable diseases experience difficulty carrying out activities of daily living and rely on caregivers. Caregivers of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) are unable to understand the extent of the patients' suffering because the pain sites are invisible. To address this problem, this study will apply an integrative healthcare service model to a single FM case to manage pain and enhance the quality of life and, subsequently, gather feedback from different sources regarding the treatment.

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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes local bone erosion and systemic osteoporosis. Harpagoside (HAR), an iridoid glycoside, has various pharmacological effects on pain, arthritis, and inflammation. Our previous study suggests that HAR is more deeply involved in the mechanism of bone loss caused by inflammatory stimuli than hormonal changes.

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Background: The purpose of this article was to present a valid and reliable theoretical framework and method for the development of an integrated medical service model for the four major diseases.

Methods: Methodologies for each process were presented based on three theoretical frameworks. The three theories were the double diamond process model, the Donabedian model, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model.

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  • Vigeo is a fermented mixture made using traditional Korean methods, combining three extracts known for their bioactive properties, though its own pharmacological effects were previously unproven.
  • A study examined Vigeo’s ability to prevent inflammation-related bone loss and the formation of osteoclasts, showing it protected against bone loss in a mouse model and effectively inhibited osteoclast activity in lab settings.
  • Vigeo was found to suppress important signaling pathways and gene expressions related to osteoclast formation, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option for inflammatory bone diseases like osteoporosis.
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Excessive osteoclast activity, along with relatively weak osteoblast function, is strongly associated with bone disease. Therefore, studies to identify novel anti-osteoporosis candidates with dual actions of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and increasing osteoblastogenesis may provide an ideal approach for treating osteoporosis. Pitavastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3 methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, has demonstrated various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, bone anabolic effects, vasodilation, and inhibition of revascularization; however, the precise effects and mechanisms of pitavastatin on the regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast activity need to be comprehensively elucidated.

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  • Osteoporosis is a bone disorder caused by an imbalance between osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells) and osteoblasts (bone-forming cells), leading to excessive bone loss.
  • β-boswellic acid (βBA), a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, was studied for its effects on osteoclast formation.
  • The results showed that βBA significantly inhibits the formation and activity of osteoclasts without being toxic, suggesting it could be a potential treatment for osteoporosis and similar bone diseases.
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Background: There is increasing interest in the quality of health care and considerable efforts are being made to improve it. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that can result in favorable outcomes when appropriate diagnosis and treatment are provided. However, several studies have shown that RA is often managed inappropriately.

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Objectives: The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is often delayed, which affects various clinical outcomes. This study examined the real-world situation of patients with AS during diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: Data were obtained from 26 tertiary care hospitals in Korea using a self-report questionnaire.

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  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that negatively affects quality of life, and this study aimed to assess the impact of adalimumab on HRQOL in Korean patients with active RA.
  • The study included 91 patients with moderate to severe RA who were not responding to traditional treatments; they received adalimumab injections every two weeks for 24 weeks, with changes in health status measured at multiple points.
  • Results showed significant improvements in patient-reported health measures (HAQ-DI, EQ-5D-3L, SF-36) at both 12 and 24 weeks after starting treatment with adalimumab, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing HRQOL for these patients.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused more than 100 million infections and 2 million deaths worldwide. In up to 20% of cases, COVID-19 infection can take a severe, life-threatening course. Therefore, preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing are important.

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Dietary procyanidin has been shown to be an important bioactive component that regulates various pharmacological activities to maintain metabolic homeostasis. In particular, grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a commercially available medicine for the treatment of venous and lymphatic dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate whether GSPE protects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss in vivo and the related mechanism of action in vitro.

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Patients with systemic rheumatic diseases (SRD) are vulnerable for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Korean College of Rheumatology recognized the urgent need to develop recommendations for rheumatologists and other physicians to manage patients with SRD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The working group was organized and was responsible for selecting key health questions, searching and reviewing the available literature, and formulating statements.

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Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) induces generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which act as second messengers in RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Dual oxidase maturation factor 1 (Duoxa1) has been associated with the maturation of ROS-generating enzymes including dual oxidases (Duox1 and Duox2). In the progression of osteoclast differentiation, we identified that only Duoxa1 showed an effective change upon RANKL stimulation, but not Duox1, Duox2, and Duoxa2.

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Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare, chronic, auto-inflammatory disorder of unknown origin. Mucocutaneous lesions and pan-uveitis constitute the hallmark of BD. Additionally, vessels of all sizes and types are affected.

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Objectives: Celecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor that is commonly used to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CELBESTA® is a generic equivalent to CELEBREX®, a celecoxib preparation. This study compared the efficacy and safety of CELBESTA® and CELEBREX® in patients with RA.

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Securinine (Sec) is a naturally derived compound separated from the roots of Securinega suffruticosa, which has long been used as a herbal medicine. Sec is widely known as a GABA receptor antagonist, it is also known as an innate immune cell agonist and has been reported to increase macrophage activity and promote monocyte maturation. On the basis of these studies, we investigated the effect of Sec on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorbing function.

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