Endocrinology and Metabolism

Original Articles

Miscellaneous
Development of a Long-Acting Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Using Serum Albumin Fab-Associated Technology for Female Infertility: Daham Kim, Yoon Hee Cho, Min Jeong Kang, So Jeong Lee, Soohyun Lee, Bo Hyon Yun, Hyunjin Chi, Jeongsuk An, Kyungsun Lee, Jaekyu Han, Susan Chi, Moo Young Song, Sang-Hoon Cha, Eun Jig Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):146-155. Published online December 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2090; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare

859 View
60 Download

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) is commonly used to treat female infertility, but its short half-life necessitates multiple doses. Even corifollitropin alfa, with an extended half-life, requires supplementary injections of rhFSH after 7 days. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a long-acting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) formulation using anti-serum albumin Fab-associated (SAFA) technology to avoid additional injections and enhance ovarian function.
Methods
SAFA-FSH was synthesized using a Chinese hamster ovary expression system. Its biological efficacy was confirmed through assays measuring its ability to stimulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, estradiol synthesis, and the expression of human cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (hCYP19α1) and human steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (hSTAR) in human ovarian granulosa (KGN) cells. To evaluate the effects of SAFA-FSH, we compared its impact on serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight increase with that of rhFSH in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using the modified Steelman-Pohley test.
Results
The results indicated that SAFA-FSH induces cAMP synthesis in KGN cells and upregulates the expression of hCYP19α1 and hSTAR in a dose-dependent manner. Female SD rats, aged 21 days, receiving daily subcutaneous human chorionic gonadotropin injections for 5 days exhibited a significant increase in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight when administered SAFA-FSH on the first day or when given nine injections of rhFSH over 5 days. Notably, the group receiving SAFA-FSH on the first and third days demonstrated an even greater rise in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that SAFA-FSH presents a promising alternative to current rhFSH treatments for female infertility. However, further research is essential to thoroughly assess its safety and efficacy in clinical contexts.

Thyroid
Triiodothyronine Is Associated with Incidence/Resolution of Steatotic Liver Disease: Longitudinal Study in Euthyroid Korean: Hye In Kim, Jun Young Kim, Jung Hwan Cho, Ji Min Han, Sunghwan Suh, Ji Cheol Bae, Tae Hyuk Kim, Sun Wook Kim, Jong Ryeal Hahm, Jae Hoon Chung; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):135-145. Published online December 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2040; Funded: Gyeongsang National University

698 View
46 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The positive relationship between triiodothyronine (T3) and steatotic liver disease (SLD) demonstrated only in crosssectional study. We aimed to evaluated whether total T3 (TT3) is associated with the development/resolution of SLD in longitudinal design.
Methods
This retrospective, longitudinal, population-based cohort study included 1,665 South Korean euthyroid adults with ≥4 thyroid function test. We explored the impact of mean TT3 during follow-up on development/resolution of either SLD (diagnosed by ultrasound) or modified metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) using Cox proportional hazards regression models.
Results
During about median 5 years follow-up, 807/1,216 (66.3%) participants among participants without SLD at baseline developed SLD, and 253/318 (79.5%) participants among participants with SLD at baseline SLD resolved fatty liver. Mean TT3 rather than thyroid stimulating hormone or mean free thyroxine was significantly related with development (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00 to 1.02; P=0.002) and resolution (adjusted HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.99; P=0.005) of SLD. Compared with low mean TT3 group, high mean TT3 group was positively associated with development of SLD (adjusted HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.38; P=0.008) and inversely associated with resolution of SLD (adjusted HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.85; P=0.001). The statistical significance remained for development (adjusted HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.51; P=0.001) and resolution (adjusted HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.94; P=0.018) of modified MASLD.
Conclusion
In Korean euthyroid adults, TT3 level was associated with development and resolution of either SLD or modified MASLD.

Thyroid Big Data Articles (National Health Insurance Service Database)
Unveiling Risk Factors for Treatment Failure in Patients with Graves’ Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea: Jung A Kim, Kyeong Jin Kim, Jimi Choi, Kyoung Jin Kim, Eyun Song, Ji Hee Yu, Nam Hoon Kim, Hye Jin Yoo, Ji A Seo, Nan Hee Kim, Kyung Mook Choi, Sei Hyun Baik, Sin Gon Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):125-134. Published online January 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2093; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare

730 View
61 Download
1 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background
Antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment is the preferred initial treatment for Graves’ disease (GD) in South Korea, despite higher treatment failure rates than radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy or thyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of treatment failure associated with the primary modalities for GD treatment in real-world practice.
Methods
We included 452,001 patients diagnosed with GD between 2004 and 2020 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database. Treatment failure was defined as switching from ATD, RAI, or thyroidectomy treatments, and for ATD specifically, inability to discontinue medication for over 2 years.
Results
Mean age was 46.2 years, with females constituting 70.8%. Initial treatments for GD included ATDs (98.0%), thyroidectomy (1.3%), and RAI (0.7%), with a noted increment in ATD application from 96.2% in 2004 to 98.8% in 2020. During a median follow- up of 8.5 years, the treatment failure rates were 58.5% for ATDs, 21.3% for RAI, and 2.1% for thyroidectomy. Multivariate analysis indicated that the hazard ratio for treatment failure with ATD was 2.81 times higher than RAI. RAI treatments ≥10 mCi had 37% lower failure rates than doses <10 mCi.
Conclusion
ATDs are the most commonly used for GD in South Korea, followed by thyroidectomy and RAI. Although the risk of treatment failure for ATD is higher than that of RAI therapy, initial RAI treatment in South Korea is relatively limited compared to that in Western countries. Further studies are required to evaluate the cause of low initial RAI treatment rates in South Korea.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Treatment of Graves’ Disease: Faster Remission or Longer but Safe, That Is the Question
Chan-Hee Jung
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2025; 40(1): 70. CrossRef

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism Big Data Articles (National Health Insurance Service Database)
Risk of Diabetes Mellitus in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Nationwide Cohort Study: Hye Yeon Koo, In Young Cho, Yoo Jin Um, Yong-Moon Mark Park, Kyung Mee Kim, Chung Eun Lee, Kyungdo Han; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):103-111. Published online November 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2126; Funded: Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation of Korea, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health

720 View
41 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Intellectual disability (ID) may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, evidence from longitudinal studies is scarce, particularly in Asian populations.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study used representative linked data from the Korea National Disability Registration System and the National Health Insurance Service database. Adults (≥20 years) who received a national health examination in 2009 (3,385 individuals with ID and 3,463,604 individuals without ID) were included and followed until 2020. ID was identified using legal registration information. Incident DM was defined by prescription records with relevant diagnostic codes. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for DM risks in individuals with ID compared to those without ID.
Results
Over a mean follow-up of 9.8 years, incident DM occurred in 302 (8.9%) individuals with ID and 299,156 (8.4%) individuals without ID. Having ID was associated with increased DM risk (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.55). Sensitivity analysis confirmed a higher DM risk in individuals with ID (aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.56) than those with other disabilities (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.13) or no disability (reference). Stratified analysis showed higher DM risk in non-hypertensive subjects (aHR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.43 to 1.86) compared to hypertensive subjects (aHR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.26; P for interaction <0.001).
Conclusion
Adults with ID have an increased risk of developing DM, highlighting the need for targeted public health strategies to promote DM prevention in this population.

Calcium & bone metabolism
Carnitine Metabolite as a Potential Circulating Biomarker for Sarcopenia in Men: Je Hyun Seo, Jung-Min Koh, Han Jin Cho, Hanjun Kim, Young‑Sun Lee, Su Jung Kim, Pil Whan Yoon, Won Kim, Sung Jin Bae, Hong-Kyu Kim, Hyun Ju Yoo, Seung Hun Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):93-102. Published online November 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2117; Funded: Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Foundation of Korea

961 View
63 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Sarcopenia, a multifactorial disorder involving metabolic disturbance, suggests potential for metabolite biomarkers. Carnitine (CN), essential for skeletal muscle energy metabolism, may be a candidate biomarker. We investigated whether CN metabolites are biomarkers for sarcopenia.
Methods
Associations between the CN metabolites identified from an animal model of sarcopenia and muscle cells and sarcopenia status were evaluated in men from an age-matched discovery (72 cases, 72 controls) and a validation (21 cases, 47 controls) cohort.
Results
An association between CN metabolites and sarcopenia showed in mouse and cell studies. In the discovery cohort, plasma C5-CN levels were lower in sarcopenic men (P=0.005). C5-CN levels in men tended to be associated with handgrip strength (HGS) (P=0.098) and were significantly associated with skeletal muscle mass (P=0.003). Each standard deviation increase in C5-CN levels reduced the odds of low muscle mass (odd ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 0.89). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of CN score using a regression equation of C5-CN levels, for sarcopenia was 0.635 (95% CI, 0.544 to 0.726). In the discovery cohort, addition of CN score to HGS significantly improved AUROC from 0.646 (95% CI, 0.575 to 0.717; HGS only) to 0.727 (95% CI, 0.643 to 0.810; P=0.006; HGS+CN score). The improvement was confirmed in the validation cohort (AUROC=0.563; 95% CI, 0.470 to 0.656 for HGS; and AUROC=0.712; 95% CI, 0.569 to 0.855 for HGS+CN score; P=0.027).
Conclusion
C5-CN, indicative of low muscle mass, is a potential circulating biomarker for sarcopenia in men. Further studies are required to confirm these results and explore sarcopenia-related metabolomic changes.

Calcium & bone metabolism Big Data Articles (National Health Insurance Service Database)
Elevated Fracture Risks in Patients Using Inhaled Corticosteroids: A Korean Nationwide Study: Sung Hye Kong, Ae Jeong Jo, Chan Mi Park, Kyun Ik Park, Ji Eun Yun, Jung Hee Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):82-92. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1990; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency

1,393 View
63 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
In this comprehensive retrospective nationwide cohort study, we examined the relationships between various asthma medications and bone health, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea.
Methods
From 2015 to 2019, the relevant dataset included 168,611 individuals aged 66 years, among whom 8,747 were diagnosed with asthma. We focused on a subset of 6,173 patients, all 66-year-old women. Participants were categorized into four groups: nonusers of asthma medication (n=2,868), leukotriene antagonist users (n=2,281), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) users (n=517), and those using a combination of ICS and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS+LABA) medication (n=507). The primary outcomes measured were the incidences of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures during the follow-up period.
Results
Over 2.7 years of follow-up, 615 cases of major osteoporotic fractures and 96 cases of hip fractures were recorded. ICS users exhibited a heightened risk of both injuries, with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.63; P<0.001) for major osteoporotic fractures and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.83; P<0.001) for hip fractures. Similarly elevated risks were observed in the ICS+LABA group. Notably, the risk associated with ICS was particularly pronounced among patients with osteopenia for both fracture types. Overall, the use of ICS, alone or in combination with LABA, in patients with asthma is associated with significantly increased risks of osteoporotic fractures, especially among those with osteopenia.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of considering bone health when managing asthma, especially in older patients and those with existing bone density issues.

Calcium & bone metabolism
Elevated Circulating Sclerostin Levels in Frail Older Adults: Implications beyond Bone Health: Ji Yeon Baek, Seong Hee Ahn, Il-Young Jang, Hee-Won Jung, Eunhye Ji, So Jeong Park, Yunju Jo, Eunju Lee, Dongryeol Ryu, Seongbin Hong, Beom-Jun Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):73-81. Published online October 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2100; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seokchunnanum Foundation

985 View
44 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Sclerostin, initially recognized for its pivotal role in bone metabolism, has gained attention for its multifaceted impact on overall human health. However, its influence on frailty—a condition that best reflects biological age—has not been thoroughly investigated.
Methods
We collected blood samples from 244 older adults who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessments. Sclerostin levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Frailty was assessed using two validated approaches: the phenotypic model by Fried and the deficit accumulation frailty index (FI) by Rockwood.
Results
After controlling for sex, age, and body mass index, we found that serum sclerostin levels were significantly elevated in frail individuals compared to their robust counterparts (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum sclerostin concentrations and the FI (P<0.001). Each standard deviation increase in serum sclerostin was associated with an odds ratio of 1.87 for frailty (P=0.003). Moreover, participants in the highest quartile of sclerostin levels had a significantly higher FI and a 9.91-fold increased odds of frailty compared to those in the lowest quartile (P=0.003 and P=0.039, respectively).
Conclusion
These findings, which for the first time explore the association between circulating sclerostin levels and frailty, have significant clinical implications, positioning sclerostin as one of potential blood-based biomarkers for frailty that captures the comprehensive physical, mental, and social aspects of the elderly, extending beyond its traditional role in bone metabolism.

Review Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Evolving Characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in East Asia: Joonyub Lee, Kun-Ho Yoon; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):57-63. Published online January 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2193; Funded: Catholic University of Korea, Catholic Medical Center, Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation, Ministry of Science and ICT, Patient-Centered Clinical Research Coordinating Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Foundation of Korea, Korea Health Industry Development Institute

1,095 View
76 Download

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: In East Asians, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is primarily characterized by significant defects in insulin secretion and comparatively low insulin resistance. Recently, the prevalence of T2DM has rapidly increased in East Asian countries, including Korea, occurring concurrently with rising obesity rates. This trend has led to an increase in the average body mass index among East Asian T2DM patients, highlighting the influence of insulin resistance in the development of T2DM within this group. Currently, the incidence of T2DM in Korea is declining, which may indicate potential adaptive changes in insulin secretory capacity. This review focuses on the changing epidemiology of T2DM in East Asia, with a particular emphasis on the characteristics of peak functional β-cell mass.

Calcium & bone metabolism
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Denosumab: Insights beyond 10 Years of Use: Jeonghoon Ha, Youn-Ju Lee, Jinyoung Kim, Chaiho Jeong, Yejee Lim, Jeongmin Lee, Ki-Hyun Baek, on Behalf of the Catholic Medical Center Bone Research Group; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):47-56. Published online January 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2125; Funded: Catholic Medical Center, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT

2,205 View
266 Download

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Osteoporosis management in post-menopausal women focuses on fracture prevention, with denosumab as a key therapeutic option. Despite its proven efficacy in reducing fracture risk and increasing bone mineral density (BMD) over 10 years, its long-term impact remains uncertain. We evaluated the literature on its efficacy and safety beyond the initial decade. Clinical trials and real-world studies confirm denosumab’s sustained efficacy, especially in lumbar spine BMD, with hip BMD stabilizing. Concerns about adverse events (AEs) like hypocalcemia and osteonecrosis of the jaw necessitate vigilant monitoring. Risks of atypical femoral fractures and malignancies also require attention, despite unclear links to treatment duration. Clinical guidelines for denosumab beyond 10 years are limited, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring. In certain scenarios, such as advanced chronic kidney disease, prolonged denosumab may be required to balance AE risks with fracture prevention benefits. Denosumab shows potential for long-term efficacy in augmenting BMD; however, monitoring for AEs is crucial to guide clinical decision-making effectively.

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Medical Treatment of Cushing’s Syndrome: Laurence Guignat, Jerome Bertherat; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):26-38. Published online January 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.501; Funded: Novartis, HRA Pharma, Recordati RD

931 View
157 Download

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) refers to the manifestations of chronic cortisol excess. This rare disease is associated with multiple comorbidities, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality. The management of CS remains challenging. Regardless of the underlying cause, surgical resection of the tumor is typically the first-line and preferred treatment. However, when surgery is not feasible or has been unsuccessful, medical therapies may be employed to control CS. The therapeutic strategy should be individualized based on the recommendations of a multidisciplinary team of experts and the patient’s preferences, informed by detailed information on the available options. All medications require careful monitoring, along with adequate instructions for patients and caregivers. The aim of this mini-review is to provide an overview of the main medical therapies currently used to treat CS, including their efficacy, safety, and management. Despite the availability of new drugs in recent years, the need remains for more effective specific targeted pharmacological therapies.

Songwon Lecture 2024

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Mechanisms Underlying Maternal and Fetal Complications: Jooyeop Lee, Na Keum Lee, Joon Ho Moon; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(1):10-25. Published online January 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2264; Funded: Korean Endocrine Society, National Research Foundation of Korea, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Seoul National University Hospital

1,415 View
129 Download
1 Crossref

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects over 10% of all pregnancies, both in Korea and worldwide. GDM not only increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and shoulder dystocia, but it also significantly increases the risk of developing postpartum type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease in the mother. Additionally, GDM is linked to a higher risk of childhood obesity and diabetes in offspring, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders, including autistic spectrum disorder. This review offers a comprehensive summary of clinical epidemiological studies concerning maternal and fetal complications and explores mechanistic investigations that reveal the underlying pathophysiology.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Unveiling Gestational Diabetes: An Overview of Pathophysiology and Management
Rahul Mittal, Karan Prasad, Joana R. N. Lemos, Giuliana Arevalo, Khemraj Hirani
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2025; 26(5): 2320. CrossRef

Original Articles

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Genetic Landscape and Clinical Manifestations of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 in a Korean Cohort: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis: Boram Kim, Seung Hun Lee, Chang Ho Ahn, Han Na Jang, Sung Im Cho, Jee-Soo Lee, Yu-Mi Lee, Su-Jin Kim, Tae-Yon Sung, Kyu Eun Lee, Woochang Lee, Jung-Min Koh, Moon-Woo Seong, Jung Hee Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):956-964. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2008; Funded: Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning

1,122 View
52 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by tumors in multiple endocrine organs, caused by variants in the MEN1 gene. This study analyzed the clinical and genetic features of MEN1 in a Korean cohort, identifying prevalent manifestations and genetic variants, including novel variants.
Methods
This multicenter retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 117 MEN1 patients treated at three tertiary centers in Korea between January 2012 and September 2022. Patient demographics, tumor manifestations, outcomes, and MEN1 genetic testing results were collected. Variants were classified using American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and French Oncogenetics Network of Neuroendocrine Tumors propositions (TENGEN) guidelines.
Results
A total of 117 patients were enrolled, including 55 familial cases, with a mean age at diagnosis of 37.4±15.3 years. Primary hyperparathyroidism was identified as the most common presentation (84.6%). The prevalence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) was 77.8% (n=91) and 56.4% (n=66), respectively. Genetic testing revealed 61 distinct MEN1 variants in 101 patients, with 18 being novel. Four variants were reclassified according to the TENGEN guidelines. Patients with truncating variants (n=72) exhibited a higher prevalence of PitNETs compared to those with non-truncating variants (n=25) (59.7% vs. 36.0%, P=0.040).
Conclusion
The association between truncating variants and an increased prevalence of PitNETs in MEN1 underscores the importance of genetic characterization in guiding the clinical management of this disease. Our study sheds light on the clinical and genetic characteristics of MEN1 among the Korean population.

Calcium & bone metabolism
Association of Delayed Denosumab Dosing with Increased Risk of Fractures: A Population-Based Retrospective Study: Kyoung Min Kim, Seol A Jang, Nam Ki Hong, Chul Sik Kim, Yumie Rhee, Seok Won Park, Steven R. Cummings, Gi Hyeon Seo; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):946-955. Published online November 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2047; Funded: Yonsei University College of Medicine

1,693 View
102 Download
1 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background
Inhibitory effects of denosumab on bone remodeling are reversible and disappear once treatment is discontinued. Herein, we examined whether and to what extent delayed denosumab administration is also associated with fracture risk using nation-wide data.
Methods
The study cohort included women aged 45 to 89 years who were started on denosumab for osteoporosis between October 2017 and December 2019 using data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment service. Participants were stratified according to the time of their subsequent denosumab administration from the last denosumab administration, including those with within 30 days early dosing (ED30), within the planned time of 180–210 days (referent), within 30–90 days of delayed dosing (DD90), within 90–180 days of delayed dosing (DD180), and longer than 181 days of delayed dosing (DD181+). The primary outcome was the incidence of all clinical fractures.
Results
A total of 149,199 participants included and 2,323 all clinical fractures (including 1,223 vertebral fractures) occurred. The incidence of all fractures was significantly higher in the DD90 compared to reference group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 1.4). The risk of all fracture was even higher in the longer delayed DD180 group (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.3) and DD181+ group (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.2). Increased risks of fractures with delayed dosing were consistently observed for vertebral fractures.
Conclusion
Delayed denosumab dosing, even by 1 to 3 months, was significantly associated with increased fracture risk. Maintaining the correct dosing schedule should be emphasized when starting denosumab.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Medication related osteonecrosis (MRONJ) in the management of CTIBL in breast and prostate cancer patients. Joint report by SIPMO AND SIOMMMS
Francesco Bertoldo, Cristina Eller-Vainicher, Vittorio Fusco, Rodolfo Mauceri, Jessica Pepe, Alberto Bedogni, Andrea Palermo, Umberto Romeo, Giuseppe Guglielmi, Giuseppina Campisi
Journal of Bone Oncology.2025; 50: 100656. CrossRef

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Alterations in Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 Deficient Mice: Eun-Ok Lee, Hao Jin, Sungmin Kim, Hee Kyoung Joo, Yu Ran Lee, Soo Yeon An, Shuyu Piao, Kwon Ho Lee, Byeong Hwa Jeon; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):932-945. Published online November 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2061; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education

772 View
51 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) in adipose tissue remains poorly understood. This study investigates adipose tissue dysfunction in heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 deficiency (APE1/Ref-1^+/-) mice, focusing on changes in adipocyte physiology, oxidative stress, adipokine regulation, and adipose tissue distribution.
Methods
APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) were measured in APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice, compared to their wild-type (APE1/Ref-1+/+) controls. Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to observe adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration of WAT. Adipokine expression was measured, and micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify abdominal fat volumes.
Results
APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice exhibited significant reductions in APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in WAT and liver tissue. These mice also showed elevated ROS levels, suggesting a regulatory role for APE1/Ref-1 in oxidative stress in WAT and liver. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed hypertrophic adipocytes and macrophage infiltration in WAT, while Oil Red O staining demonstrated enhanced ectopic fat deposition in the liver of APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice. These mice also displayed altered adipokine expression, with decreased adiponectin and increased leptin levels in the WAT, along with corresponding alterations in plasma levels. Despite no significant changes in overall body weight, microMRI assessments demonstrated a significant increase in visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat volumes in APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice.
Conclusion
APE1/Ref-1 is crucial in adipokine regulation and mitigating oxidative stress. These findings suggest its involvement in adipose tissue dysfunction, highlighting its potential impact on abdominal fat distribution and its implications for obesity and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Comparison of Population Attributable Fractions of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Linked to Excess Body Weight in Korea from 2015 to 2030: Youjin Hong, Jihye An, Jeehi Jung, Hyeon Sook Lee, Soseul Sung, Sungji Moon, Inah Kim, Jung Eun Lee, Aesun Shin, Sun Ha Jee, Sun-Seog Kweon, Min-Ho Shin, Sangmin Park, Seung-Ho Ryu, Sun Young Yang, Seung Ho Choi, Jeongseon Kim, Sang-Wook Yi, Yoon-Jung Choi, Sangjun Lee, Woojin Lim, Kyungsik Kim, Sohee Park, Jeong-Soo Im, Hong Gwan Seo, Kwang-Pil Ko, Sue K. Park; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):921-931. Published online November 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2071; Funded: Korean Foundation for Cancer Research

1,095 View
52 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The increasing rate of excess body weight (EBW) in the global population has led to growing health concerns, including cancer-related EBW. We aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer incidence and deaths linked to EBW in Korean individuals from 2015 to 2030 and to compare its value with various body mass index cutoffs.
Methods
Levin’s formula was used to calculate the PAF; the prevalence rates were computed using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, while the relative risks of specific cancers related to EBW were estimated based on the results of Korean cohort studies. To account for the 15-year latency period when estimating the PAF in 2020, the prevalence rates from 2015 and attributable cases or deaths from 2020 were used.
Results
The PAF attributed to EBW was similar for both cancer incidence and deaths using either the World Health Organization (WHO) Asian-Pacific region standard or a modified Asian standard, with the WHO standard yielding the lowest values. In the Korean population, the PAFs of EBW for cancer incidence were 2.96% in men and 3.61% in women, while those for cancer deaths were 0.67% in men and 3.06% in women in 2020. Additionally, PAFs showed a gradual increase in both sexes until 2030.
Conclusion
The EBW continues to have a significant impact on cancer incidence and deaths in Korea. Effective prevention strategies targeting the reduction of this modifiable risk factor can substantially decrease the cancer burden.

First
Prev
Page of 21
Next
Last

Funded articles