• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.114-118
• /
• 2021

Background: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) emitted from vehicle exhaust might disrupt systemic function and elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examined the changes of cardiometabolic biomarkers among vehicle inspectors exposed daily to PM0.25 and components. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two vehicle inspection centers, Pulogadung and Ujung Menteng, located in East Jakarta, Indonesia. The exposed respondents were 43 workers from vehicle inspection centers, and the unexposed group consisted of 22 staff officers working in the same locations. Vehicle exhaust particulate matter was measured for eight hours using a Leland Legacy personal pump attached to a Sioutas Cascade Impactor. The used filters were 25 and 37-mm quartz filters. The particulate matter concentration was analyzed using a gravimetric method, whereas trace elements were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. An EEL Smoke Stain Reflectometer analyzed black carbon. Results: The personal exposure concentrations of PM0.25 were 10.4-fold higher than those in unexposed groups. Calcium and sulfur were the major components in the obtained dust, and their levels were 3.3- and 7.2-fold higher, respectively, in the exposed group. Based on an independent-samples t-test, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, HbA1c, total immunoglobulin E, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nitric oxide levels were significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: In summary, it was suggested that PM0.25 exposure from vehicle exhaust might affect cardiometabolic biomarkers change.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.50 no.6
• /
• pp.565-577
• /
• 2017

Purpose: There have been limited studies investigating the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), metabolic diseases, and dietary factors in Korean adults. Here, we examined the association between nutrient intake and serum hsCRP among Korean adults. Methods: Using data on 2,624 healthy Korean adults (1,537 women and 1,087 men) from the 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary factors were analyzed once the subjects were grouped into either sex, age, or BMI. Nutrient intake was evaluated using the dietary data obtained by one-day 24-hour recall. Based on the guidelines of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association, hsCRP level was classified as HCRPG (High CRP Group, hsCRP > 1 mg/L) and LCRPG (Low CRP Group, hsCRP ${\leq}1mg/L$). Proc surveyreg procedure was performed to examine the associations between nutrient intake and hsCRP after adjustment for potential confounding variables. Results: The average hsCRP level of healthy Korean adults was $0.95{\pm}0.03mg/L$ ($0.97{\pm}0.04mg/L$ in men, $0.92{\pm}0.05mg/L$ in women). Obese subjects had significantly higher hsCRP than non-obese subjects in both sexes. The hsCRP level was positively associated with current smoking, physical inactivity, BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure and inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol. LCRPG had significantly higher intake of dietary fiber compared to HCRPG in women. High hsCRP level was associated with more dietary cholesterol intake but less omega-3 fatty acid intake among subjects aged ${\geq}50y$. HCRPG of obese subjects had higher intakes of fat and saturated fatty acid than LCRPG. Conclusion: The hsCRP level is closely associated with several lifestyle variables and nutrient intake in healthy Korean adults. Individuals with high hsCRP level show low intakes of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids but high intakes of dietary fat and cholesterol. Our findings suggest that a potential anti-inflammatory role for nutrients and lifestyle in the Korean adult population.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.321-326
• /
• 2016

This study aimed to analyze the changes of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measured in acute infection within four weeks post artificial joint surgery to predict potential infection in early stages, provide rapid treatment, and prevent the abuse of antibiotics. This study included 50 patients with acute infection and 50 patients without any symptoms of infection, among patients who received artificial joint replacement surgery on the lower limbs in a four-week period. CRP was the highest two-to-three days after surgery. with $5.77{\pm}3.69$ and $5.17{\pm}3.48$, respectively, in those with infection and without infection. Thereafter, the value rapidly reduced in those without infection. However, it increased again to $3.16{\pm}2.87$ in the group with infection according to the bimodal curve (p<0.001). ESR was the highest two-to-three days after surgery, with $58.8{\pm}24.63$ and $44.08{\pm}21.48$, respectively. Thereafter, the value slowly reduced in those without infection. However, it was increased again to $47.62{\pm}26.26$ in those with infection according to the bimodal curve p<0.001). As this study shows, if there is an increasing trend for CRP and ESR after artificial joint replacement surgery, it may be possible to question whether patients are acutely infected post surgery. In particular, this result is expected and regarded as a useful factor for diagnosing infection due to the high level of sensitivity and uniqueness for CRP.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.116-125
• /
• 2017

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension in postmenopausal women. Methods : The study was a multi-center, four-arm, non-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The experimental groups received 10 acupuncture sessions over 4 weeks(Group A, n=20) or 20 sessions over 8 weeks(Group B, n=20) along with usual care. The acupoints were GB20, LI11, ST36, and SP6, bilaterally. The acupuncture groups were followed-up for an additional 12 weeks after acupuncture treatment. The control groups received usual care for 16 weeks(Group C, n=10) or 20 weeks(Group D, n=10). The outcomes were blood pressure, blood pressure control rates, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP). Results : After 4 weeks, DBP in the acupuncture groups(A+B) showed no significant decrease compared to the control group(C+D). However, after 8 weeks of acupuncture treatment, group B showed a significant decrease in DBP after acupuncture treatment and follow-up period compared to control group. Although there was no difference between the acupuncture and control groups in SBP after acupuncture treatment, group B showed a significant decrease in SBP compared to control group after follow-up period. Lipid profiles and hs-CRP did not differ significantly between acupuncture and control groups. Conclusions : Acupuncture treatment for 8 weeks showed the effect on prehypertension and mild hypertension. To verify the effect of acupuncture on blood pressure, rigorous trials including more participants are required.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.66 no.1
• /
• pp.13-19
• /
• 2009

Background: The interferon-gamma assay is reported to have high sensitivity and specificity for making the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. The clinical usefulness of this essay for detecting active tuberculosis has not fully defined. We evaluated the diagnostic value of the commercial interferon-gamma assay kit (QuantiFERONTB GOLD) for patients with suspected tuberculosis. Methods: From January to August 2007, we recruited 52 patients with suspected tuberculosis infection. We performed chest X-ray, sputum smear, culture, PCR and the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test. Pleural fluid analysis and pleural biopsy were also done for the patients with pleural effusion. Results: Of the 52 patients we studied, 30 patients had a positive QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test result. 35 patients were finally diagnosed with active tuberculosis: twenty-five with a positive QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test and 10 with a negative QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test. The sensitivity of the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test was 71.4% and the specificity was 64.7%. The positive predictive value was 0.83 and the negative predictive value was 0.50. There was no significant difference of any of the clinical and laboratory characteristics between the two groups of patients except the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The CRP level was 29.2${\pm}$27.3 mg/dL in the pulmonary tuberculosis patients with a positive QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test and 72.9${\pm}$67.9 mg/dL in the patients with a negative QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test (p<0.05). Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test were inadequate for making the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. We suggest that the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test should not be used by itself to exclude the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. The relationship of the QuantiFERON-TB GOLD test and the CRP level in patients with TB would be further investigated.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.226-238
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Although several reports have described the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, information about the association between periodontal disease and the progression of degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) is lacking. Therefore, we performed a retrospective, single-center, pilot study to provide insight into this potential association. Methods: Data from 45 consecutive patients (19 men; median age, 83 years) with mild or moderate degenerative aortic stenosis were analyzed for a mean observation period of 3.3±1.9 years. The total amount of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and titers of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) against periodontal bacteria and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were evaluated. Aortic valve area (AVA), maximal velocity (Vmax), mean pressure gradient (mean PG), and the Doppler velocity index (DVI) were evaluated. The change in each parameter per year ([Parameter_LATEST-Parameter_BASELINE]/Follow-up Years) was calculated from the retrospective follow-up echocardiographic data (baseline vs. the most recently collected data [latest]). Results: No correlation was found between the concentration of periodontopathic bacteria in the saliva and AS status/progression. The anti-P. gingivalis antibody titer in the serum showed a significant positive correlation with AVA and DVI. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and mean PG. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG. Meanwhile, a negative correlation was observed between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and ΔAVA/year and Δmean PG/year. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG, and it was significantly higher in patients with rapid aortic stenosis progression (ΔAVA/year <-0.1) than in their counterparts. Conclusions: Our results suggest that periodontopathic bacteria such as A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis are not directly related to the status/progression of degenerative AS. However, inflammation and a lower immune response may be associated with disease progression.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.53 no.2
• /
• pp.222-227
• /
• 2010

Purpose : To evaluate the significance of clinical signs and laboratory findings as predictors of renal parenchymal lesions and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in childhood urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods : From July 2005 to July 2008, 180 patients admitted with a first febrile UTI at the Pediatric Department of Konkuk University Hospital were included in this study. The following were the clinical variables: leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), positive urine nitrite, positive urine culture, and fever duration both before and after treatment. We evaluated the relationships between clinical variables and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) results. Results : VCUG was performed in 148 patients; of them, 37 (25.0%) had VUR: 18 (12.2%) had low-grade (I-II) VUR, and 19 (10.5%) had high-grade (III-V) VUR. Of the 95 patients who underwent DMSA scanning, 29 (30.5%) had cortical defects, of which 21 (63.6%) had VUR: 10 (30.3%), low-grade (I-II) VUR; and 11 (33.3%), high-grade VUR. Of the 57 patients who were normal on DMSA scan, 8 (14.0%) had low-grade VUR and 6 (10.5%) had high-grade VUR. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the DMSA scan in predicting high-grade VUR were 64.7%, 69.9%, 33.3%, and 89.5%, respectively. Leukocytosis, elevated CRP, and prolonged fever ($36{\geq}$ hours) after treatment were significantly correlated with the cortical defects on DMSA scans and high-grade VUR. Conclusion : Clinical signs, including prolonged fever after treatment, elevated CRP, and leukocytosis, are positive predictors of acute pyelonephritis and high-grade VUR.

• Neonatal Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.16-22
• /
• 2018

Purpose: This study investigated predictive factors for severe neonatal thrombocytopenia, which greatly increases the need for intensive care and is associated with a high mortality rate in premature infants. Factors adopted for prompt identification of at-risk newborns include blood test results and birth history. This study analyzed the relationship between the presence of severe neonatal thrombocytopenia and the mortality rate. The causes of thrombocytopenia in premature infants were also examined. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 625 premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Chung-Ang University Medical Center. The neonates were classified into 3 groups according to the severity of thrombocytopenia: mild ($100{\times}10^9/L{\leq}platelet<150{\times}10^9/L$), moderate ($50{\times}10^9/L{\leq}platelet<100{\times}10^9/L$), or severe (platelet<$50{\times}10^9/L$). Analysis of blood samples obtained at the onset of thrombocytopenia included platelet count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, absolute neutrophil count, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level. Results: Of the 625 premature infants admitted to our NICU, 214 were detected with thrombocytopenia. The mortality rate in thrombocytopenic neonates was 18.2% (39/214), whereas a mortality rate of only 1.0% was observed in non-thrombocytopenic neonates. The major causes of thrombocytopenia were perinatal insufficiency and sepsis in premature infants. Severe thrombocytopenia was noted more frequently in premature infants with higher WBC counts and in those with a younger gestational age. Conclusion: Platelet count, WBC count, and gestational age are reliable predictors for severe neonatal thrombocytopenia. The major causes of thrombocytopenia were perinatal insufficiency and sepsis in premature infants.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.59 no.4
• /
• pp.178-182
• /
• 2016

Purpose: Medium-dose (1 g/kg) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is effective in the majority of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) but some patients who do not respond to medium-dose IVIG are at high risk for the development of coronary artery lesions (CALs). The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical predictors associated with unresponsiveness to medium-dose IVIG and the development of CALs. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 91 children with KD who were treated with mediumdose IVIG at our institution from January 2004 to December 2013. We classified the patients into responders (group 1; n=68) and nonresponders (group 2; n=23). We compared demographic, laboratory, and echocardiographic data between the 2 groups. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 6 variables as predictors for resistance to medium-dose IVIG. We generated a predictive scoring system assigning 1 point each for percentage of neutrophils ${\geq}65%$, C-reactive protein ${\geq}100mg/L$, aspartate aminotransferase ${\geq}100IU/L$, and alanine aminotransferase ${\geq}100IU/L$, as well as 2 points for less than 5 days of illness, and serum sodium level ${\leq}136mmol/L$. Using a cutoff point of ${\geq}4$ with this scoring system, we could predict nonresponsiveness to medium-dose IVIG with 74% sensitivity and 71% specificity. Conclusion: If a patient has a low-risk score in this system, medium-dose IVIG can be recommended as the initial treatment. Through this process, we can minimize the adverse effects of high-dose IVIG and incidence of CALs.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.41 no.8
• /
• pp.733-741
• /
• 2008

In the present study, we comprehensively examined the associations of plasma levels of total adiponectin and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin with the features of cardiometabolic risks including body fat distribution, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in a cross-sectional study of 110 treated hypertensive patients. Blood lipid profiles, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA- IR) derived from fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were determined. Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were analyzed using ELISA. The results showed that plasma levels of HMW-adiponectin were negatively associated with body mass index (BMI, r = - 0.203, p < 0.05) and waist circumference (r = -0.307, p < 0.01), which was not shown in total adiponectin. Plasma levels of HMW-adiponectin were negatively associated with triglyceride (r = -0.223, p < 0.05) and positively associated with HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.228, p < 0.05). Plasma levels of adiponectin were positively associated with HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.224, p < 0.05). Plasma levels of HMW-adiponectin were negatively associated with hsCRP (r = -0.276, p < 0.01) and IL-6 (r = -0.272, p < 0.01). In addition, there were weak associations between plasma levels of HMWadiponectin and TNF-${\alpha}$ (r = -0.163, p = 0.07) and ICAM-1 (r = -0.158, p = 0.09). However, there were no significant associations of total adiponectin with inflammatory markers except hsCRP (r = -0.203, p < 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that only plasma levels of HMW-adiponectin was an independent factor influencing serum levels of hsCRP, a marker of systemic low grade inflammation, after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, waist circumference, alcohol intake, smoking status, blood lipids, total adiponectin and drug use (p < 0.01). These results suggest that HMW-adiponectin, rather than total adiponectin, is likely to be closely associated with the features of cardiometabolic risks in treated hypertensive patients and might be effective biomarker for the prediction of cardiovascular disease.