Hyang-Im Baek

Hypoxia decreases Runx2/Cbfa1 expression in human osteoblast-like cells.

To elucidate the molecular mechanism in relation to vascular supply and osteoporosis, we investigated the effect of hypoxia on Runx2 expression in MG63 cells. Also investigated was expression of type I collagen and osteocalcin, which are regulated by Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) to see if they are affected by hypoxia. Quiescent cultures of MG63 cells were exposed to hypoxia (2% O(2)) and normoxia (18% O(2)) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. In cells exposed to hypoxia, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that mRNA expression of Runx2, type I collagen, osteocalcin, and ALPase were decreased in a time dependent manner to 96 h. Activity of ALPase was also reduced in the same manner. Western blotting showed a marked decrease in Runx2 protein at 96 h in cells under hypoxia compared to normoxia. These data indicate that Runx2 expression in osteoblasts is reduced by hypoxia, and may be a mechanism of osteoporosis by decreased vascular supply.

The effect of α‐lipoic acid on symptoms and skin blood flow in diabetic neuropathy

Aims  Multiple pathogenic pathways are involved in diabetic neuropathy and diverse treatments have been tried without success. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of α‐lipoic acid on skin blood flow in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Prevalence of and risk factors for extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis in Korean Type 2 diabetic patients

Aims  The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis in Type 2 diabetic patients.

Morphological comparison of small nerve fibres in gastric mucosa in non-diabetic and Type 2 diabetic subjects.

Aim  To determine changes in small nerve fibres in gastric mucosa in patients with Type 2 diabetes by morphological observation.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ficus carica paste for the management of functional constipation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Constipation affects up to 20% of the worlds population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether supplementation with Ficus carica paste could be used to treat constipation in Korean subjects with functional constipation. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects with functional constipation were orally supplemented with either F. carica paste (n=40) or placebo (n=40) for 8 weeks. We measured the efficacy and safety of F. carica paste. Primary outcomes (colon transit time) and secondary outcomes (questionnaire related to defecation) were compared before and after the 8-week intervention period. RESULTS F. carica paste supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in colon transit time and a significant improvement in stool type and abdominal discomfort compared with the placebo. Blood parameters and clinical findings for organ toxicity remained within normal ranges. CONCLUSION These results suggest that F. carica paste may have beneficial effects in subjects suffering from constipation.

Effect of Liver Transplantation on Glucose Levels in Patients with Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) may induce the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. It can be speculated, however, that the LT may have a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism. We therefore conducted a study to examine the changing trends in blood glucose levels before and after LT in patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this observational study, we enrolled 47 patients (38 prediabetes and 9 diabetes) who underwent LT. We compared the blood glucose levels between the pre-transplantation (24 months) and the post-transplantation (36 months) periods and analyzed the diverse factors affecting glucose levels. RESULTS The glucose regulation worsened and insulin dose increased in patients with diabetes, which was notably seen during the steroid maintenance period. Following steroid withdrawal, however, there was a decrease in the insulin dose in 55.6% of the patients, and 33.3% of the patients converted from insulin to oral agents. Of the patients with prediabetes, 55.3% developed new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT). However, 18.4% achieved a recovery of glucose levels to normal range. Of the 21 NODAT patients, 52.4% achieved a recovery of glucose level to the prediabetes range after steroid withdrawal. There was a significant correlation between the old age and the persistence of NODAT (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS LT may have a diverse effect on glycemia, which may lead to changes in glucose control methods. Therefore, glucose metabolism after LT may need to be differentiated by the underlying glucose disturbance status and the time after LT with or without steroid maintenance period.