A disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain (ADAM) 12, ADAM 17 mRNA and ADAM10 protein hold potential as biomarkers for detection of early gastric cancer.

No biomarker can effectively screen for early gastric cancer (EGC). Players in the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor axis may have a role for that. As a proof-of-concept pilot study, the expression of ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM10, ADAM12, ADAM17, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related sequence A (MICA), a ligand for NKG2D, in gastric cancer was investigated in silico using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Traditional Korean diet high in one-carbon nutrients increases global DNA methylation: implication for epigenetic diet.

Purpose: DNA methylation is a major epigenetic phenomenon through which diet affects health and disease. This study aimed to determine the epigenetic influence of the traditional Korean diet (K-diet) on global DNA methylation via one-carbon metabolism.

Methods: A crossover study was conducted on 52 women.

Modulation of DNA methylation by one-carbon metabolism: a milestone for healthy aging.

Healthy aging can be defined as an extended lifespan and health span. Nutrition has been regarded as an important factor in healthy aging, because nutrients, bioactive food components, and diets have demonstrated beneficial effects on aging hallmarks such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, apoptosis and autophagy, genomic stability, and immune function. Nutrition also plays a role in epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and DNA methylation is the most extensively investigated epigenetic phenomenon in aging.

Interaction between the Gene and Nutritional Factors on NAFLD Development: The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

Genetic and nutritional factors contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, gene-diet interactions in NAFLD development are poorly understood. In this case-control study, a large dataset from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study cohort ( = 72,299) comprising genomic data, medical records, social history, and dietary data was used. We investigated the interactions between the rs738409 genotype and nutritional factors and their possible effect on the risk of NAFLD development in 2950 patients with NAFLD and 12,907 controls.

Lung- and liver-dominant phenotypes of Korean eight constitution medicine have different profiles of genotype associated with each organ function.

Eight Constitution Medicine (ECM), a ramification of traditional Korean medicine, has categorized people into eight constitutions. The main criteria of classification are inherited differences or predominance in the functions of organs, such as the liver or lung, diagnosed through ECM-specific pulse patterns. This study investigated the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and ECM phenotypes and explored candidate genetic makeups responsible for each constitution using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Associations of body mass index and weight change with circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, proinflammatory cytokines, and adiponectin among breast cancer survivors.

Aim: This study examined the associations of body mass index (BMI) and weight change with inflammatory markers among breast cancer survivors in Korea.

Methods: A total of 495 women were included who had been diagnosed with primary breast cancer and survived for at least 6 months since the surgery. Information on the body weight and height of the participants was collected both at the study enrollment and diagnosis.

Alleviation of Dyslipidemia via a Traditional Balanced Korean Diet Represented by a Low Glycemic and Low Cholesterol Diet in Obese Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

A traditional balanced Korean diet (K-diet) may improve energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism. To evaluate this, we conducted a randomized crossover clinical trial, involving participants aged 30-40 years, who were randomly assigned to two groups-a K-diet or westernized Korean control diet daily, with an estimated energy requirement (EER) of 1900 kcal. After a 4-week washout period, they switched the diet and followed it for 4 weeks.

Dietary modulation of gut microbiota for the relief of irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in the stool form or frequency without any structural changes and overt inflammation. It is not a life-threatening condition but causes a considerable level of discomfort and distress. Among the many pathophysiologic factors, such as altered GI motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and low-grade mucosal inflammation, as well as other immunologic, psychologic, and genetic factors, gut microbiota imbalance (dysbiosis), which is frequently found in IBS, has been highlighted as an etiology of IBS.

Urine organic acids may be useful biomarkers for metabolic syndrome and its components in Korean adults.

Objectives: Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components are defined clinically, those with MetS may have various derangements in metabolic pathways. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the traits of urine organic acid metabolites indicating the metabolic intermediates of the pathways in the subjects with MetS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 246 men and 283 women in a hospital health check-up setting.

Vitamin D and Exercise Are Major Determinants of Natural Killer Cell Activity, Which Is Age- and Gender-Specific.

Background: The coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic reminds us of the importance of immune function, even in immunologically normal individuals. Multiple lifestyle factors are known to influence the immune function.

Objective: The aim was to investigate the association between NK cell activity (NKA) and multiple factors including vitamin D, physical exercise, age, and gender.

Elevated levels of urine isocitrate, hydroxymethylglutarate, and formiminoglutamate are associated with arterial stiffness in Korean adults.

Recent evidence suggests that cellular perturbations play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we analyzed the association between the levels of urinary metabolites and arterial stiffness. Our cross-sectional study included 330 Korean men and women.

Trace Elements Status and Metallothioneins DNA Methylation Influence Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Survival Rate.

Background: Mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development are largely unknown. The role of trace elements and proteins regulating metal ions homeostasis, i.e.

The Relationship of Dietary Pattern and Genetic Risk Score with the Incidence Dyslipidemia: 14-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study.

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between dietary pattern and genetic risk score (GRS) for dyslipidemia risk among Korean adults. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia defined as total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL and triglyceride ≥200 mg/dL or use dyslipidemia medication. The GRS was calculated by summing the risk alleles of the selected seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to dyslipidemia.

A Traditional Korean Diet Alters the Expression of Circulating MicroRNAs Linked to Diabetes Mellitus in a Pilot Trial.

The traditional Korean diet (K-diet) is considered to be healthy and circulating microRNAs (miRs) have been proposed as useful markers or targets in diet therapy. We, therefore, investigated the metabolic influence of the K-diet by evaluating the expression of plasma and salivary miRs. Ten women aged 50 to 60 years were divided into either a K-diet or control diet (a Westernized Korean diet) group.

A Traditional Korean Diet with a Low Dietary Inflammatory Index Increases Anti-Inflammatory IL-10 and Decreases Pro-Inflammatory NF-κB in a Small Dietary Intervention Study.

Chronic low-grade inflammation may increase the risk of chronic disease, while diets rich in anti-inflammatory components may reduce it. To determine the anti-inflammatory properties of the traditional Korean diet (K-diet) that comprises high amounts of vegetables, fiber and phytochemicals, moderate amounts of legumes, and low amounts of animal fat, ten obese women aged 50-60 years were randomly assigned to the K-diet or control diet group. The control diet was a Westernized Korean diet commonly consumed in Korea, which is high in animal fat and protein.

High-Fat Diet and Antibiotics Cooperatively Impair Mitochondrial Bioenergetics to Trigger Dysbiosis that Exacerbates Pre-inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The clinical spectra of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) intersect to form a scantily defined overlap syndrome, termed pre-IBD. We show that increased Enterobacteriaceae and reduced Clostridia abundance distinguish the fecal microbiota of pre-IBD patients from IBS patients. A history of antibiotics in individuals consuming a high-fat diet was associated with the greatest risk for pre-IBD.

Natural Killer Cell Therapy: A New Treatment Paradigm for Solid Tumors.

In treatments of solid tumors, adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded natural killer (NK) cells has dawned as a new paradigm. Compared with cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cells take a unique position targeting tumor cells that evade the host immune surveillance by down-regulating self-antigen presentation. Recent findings highlighted that NK cells can even target cancer stem cells.

Maternal and Cord Blood Folate Concentrations Are Inversely Associated with Fetal DNA Hydroxymethylation, but Not DNA Methylation, in a Cohort of Pregnant Canadian Women.

Background: Aberrancies in fetal DNA methylation programming may modify disease susceptibility of the offspring. Maternal folate status has potential to alter fetal DNA methylation.

Objectives: We examined the association of maternal and cord blood concentrations of folate and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA), vitamin B-12, vitamin B-6, and choline with fetal DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation and assessed potential modifying effects of 38 fetal genetic variants in 22 genes.

β-Carotene 15,15'-oxygenase inhibits cancer cell stemness and metastasis by regulating differentiation-related miRNAs in human neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common pediatric malignancy and is considered to possess cancer stem cells (CSCs) properties which can drive tumor initiation and metastasis. β-carotene 15,15'-oxygenase (BCO1) is the main enzyme that catalyzes the first step in vitamin A biosynthesis from pro-vitamin A carotenoids. Retinoids (vitamin A) play a critical role in NB differentiation.

Walnut phenolic extracts reduce telomere length and telomerase activity in a colon cancer stem cell model.

Background/objectives: Telomeres are located at the chromosomal ends and progressively shortened during each cell cycle. Telomerase, which is regulated by and -, maintains telomeric DNA sequences. Especially, telomerase is active in cancer and stem cells to maintain telomere length for replicative immortality.

Association between Egg Consumption and Metabolic Disease.

The effect of high egg intake on metabolic syndrome (MetS), a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), has not been clearly elucidated. This study was conducted to review the literature related to egg consumption and the risk of metabolic disease as well as to examine the association between high egg intake and MetS in Korean adults. A literature review was conducted using published papers in PubMed and EMBASE through December 2017.

Walnut phenolic extract inhibits nuclear factor kappaB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells, and ameliorates experimental colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer in mice.

Purpose: Walnuts (Juglans regia) are known to have anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects. However, little information is available on the effects of walnut phenolic extract (WPE) on intestinal inflammation and colitis-associated colon cancer.

Methods: COLO205 cells were pretreated with WPE and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α.

Metabolic influence of walnut phenolic extract on mitochondria in a colon cancer stem cell model.

Purpose: Walnut phenolic extract (WPE) reduces proliferation and enhances differentiation of colon cancer stem cells (CSCs). The present study investigated the metabolic influence of WPE on the mitochondrial function of colon CSCs to determine its underlying mechanism.

Methods: CD133CD44 HCT116 colon cancer cells were selected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and were treated with or without 40 µg/mL WPE.

DNA Methylation and Hydroxymethylation in Primary Colon Cancer and Synchronous Hepatic Metastasis.

Colon cancer is one of the most frequent solid tumor and simultaneous diagnosis of primary colon cancer and liver metastases occurs in about one fourth of cases. The current knowledge on epigenetic signatures, especially those related to hydroxymethylation in primary cancer tissue, synchronous metastasis, and blood circulating cells is lacking. This study aimed to investigate both methylcytosine (mCyt) and hydroxymethylcytosine (hmCyt) status in the DNA of individual patients from colon cancer tissue, synchronous liver metastases, and in cancer-free colon and liver tissues and leukocytes.