Biomedical subjects

Jin Ho Kang

Publications and source records attributed to Jin Ho Kang.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Relationship of cardiovascular risk factors and serum ferritin with C-reactive protein.

BACKGROUND: Serum iron plays an important role in the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, it induces inflammatory reactions and it is positively related to coronary heart disease. An increase of the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), is a risk factor for future cardiac events. Hence, we examined the association of the cardiovascular disease risk factors and serum ferritin with CRP. METHODS: This study was performed on 808 subjects (465 males and 343 females). CRP levels >3.0 mg/L, serum ferritin levels >200 ng/mL, total cholesterol levels >200 mg/dL and LDL-cholesterol levels >160 mg/dL were all considered as elevated. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels <40 mg/dL were considered as low. RESULTS: In the group with low LDL-cholesterol, no correlation was detected between serum ferritin and hsCRP [odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.81-3.48, p = 0.144]. However, a correlation was detected in the group with elevated LDL-cholesterol (OR = 11.21, 95% CI = 1.14-110.27, p = 0.032). In addition, when the interaction term was added to the assessment of the correlation between the elevated hsCRP and LDL-cholesterol, the strong correlation of hsCRP and serum ferritin was confirmed (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidation of LDL-cholesterol by serum ferritin may play a role in the inflammatory reaction and for the increased hsCRP. Future prospective studies may be required to assess whether reducing the serum ferritin and CRP levels via medical intervention and life style modification would be helpful for preventing cardiovascular disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Enhanced electrical percolation due to interconnection of three-dimensional pentacene islands in thin films on low surface energy polyimide gate dielectrics.

The role of lateral interconnections between three-dimensional pentacene islands on low surface energy polyimide gate dielectrics was investigated by the measurement of the surface coverage dependence of the charge mobility and the use of conducting-probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). From the correlation between the electrical characteristics and the morphological evolution of the three-dimensionally grown pentacene films-based field-effect transistors, we found that during film growth, the formation of interconnections between the three-dimensional pentacene islands that are isolated at the early stage contributes significantly to the enhancement process of charge mobility. The CP-AFM current mapping images of the pentacene films also indicate that the lateral interconnections play an important role in the formation of good electrical percolation pathways between the three-dimensional pentacene islands.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Assessment of factors affecting plasma BNP levels in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular systolic function.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are increased in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing plasma BNP levels in patients with chronic AF and preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function. METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 104 patients (48 men, 56 women; mean age, 63.9+/-10.7 years) with chronic AF. At the same time, plasma BNP levels were measured with a Triage kit (Biosite, San Diego, CA). RESULTS: Women, long duration of AF, and hypertension were more prevalent in the highest quartile group of BNP levels than in the lowest quartile of BNP. Significant correlations were observed between plasma BNP levels and the following: mitral E velocity (r=0.343), mitral annular E' velocity (r=-0.402), ratio of mitral E velocity and mitral annular E' velocity (r=0.487), left atrial(LA) size (r=0.653), LA volume index (r=0.775), right atrial (RA) volume index (r=0.563), maximal velocity (V(max)) of mitral regurgitation (MR) (r=0.448), tricuspid regurgitation (TR) V(max) (r=0.532) and LV mass index (r=0.581). In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, LA volume index (beta=0.326, p<0.001), LV mass index (beta=0.395, p<0.001) and duration of AF (beta=0.492, p<0.001) independently predicted plasma BNP levels in the study subjects. The patients with increased LA volume index exhibited a longer duration of AF, larger RA volume index and LV mass index, higher MR V(max), TR V(max) and plasma BNP level. CONCLUSIONS: LA volume index, LV mass index and duration of AF are independent predictors of plasma BNP levels in patients with chronic AF and preserved LV systolic function.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

PubMed2006

Presence and severity of coronary artery disease and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with a normal systolic function.

B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels increase during myocardial ischemia. Here, the authors undertook to evaluate the correlation between changes in plasma BNP levels during exercise and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). The study subjects consisted of 159 hospitalized patients with a normal systolic function. Patients were allocated to a control group (N = 101, comprising patients with coronary artery stenosis of < 50%) or to a CAD group (N = 58, comprising patients with stenosis of > or = 50% or a greater coronary artery lesion). In addition, the CAD group was further subdivided into a single-vessel disease (VD) subgroup (N = 31) and a multi-VD subgroup (N = 27). All 159 study subjects underwent coronary angiography (CAG), and plasma BNP levels were measured before and immediately after exercise. A comparative study of BNP levels in the control and CAD groups before and after exercise revealed that BNP levels in the CAD group were significantly higher [22.4 (5.0-28.5) vs. 54.3 (13.1-74.6), P = 0.000; 35.0 (6.2-37.6) vs. 82.5 (23.2-102.8) pg/mL, P = 0.002, respectively]. Changes in BNP levels during exercise in the CAD group tended to be greater than in the control group, but without significance [12.6 (0-13.6) vs. 28.3 (2.8-25.5) pg/mL; P = 0.083]. Subgroup analysis showed that BNP levels tended to be positively related to the proportion of disease vessels, but statistical significance was only found between the control and multi-VD subgroup. Summarizing, this study shows that BNP level changes caused by exercise are closely related with the presence of CAD in patients with a normal systolic function. However, the relationship between these level changes and CAD severity requires further evaluation.

Coronary Angiography↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of the relationships between serum apolipoprotein B and serum lipid distributions.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein B (apo B) has been reported to be a better predictor of coronary artery disease than cholesterol indices. The objectives of this study were to evaluate concordances/discordances between cholesterol indices and apo B and to assess the factors that influence them. METHODS: For this study, 11 816 individuals (6965 males, 4851 females), none of whom had a past history of coronary artery disease, were selected from among visitors to the health promotion center at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital between January and December 2002. We assessed concordances between the biochemical indices of atherogenicity and evaluated factors associated with discordances. RESULTS: Apo B and various cholesterol indices were correlated, although concordance fell within the range 47%-56%. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed an increasing risk of a disproportionately higher apo B than LDL-cholesterol in males, the elderly, smokers, individuals with metabolic syndrome, in those with high HDL-cholesterol or triglyceride (TG) concentrations or larger waist circumferences, and in those with low total cholesterol (TC). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of apo B to standard lipid profile testing could improve the evaluation of risk factors of coronary artery disease and aid more accurate assessment of the effects of cholesterol-lowering therapy, particularly in males, the elderly, smokers, or in individuals with metabolic syndrome, high HDL-cholesterol, high TGs, larger waist circumferences, or low TC.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Situational syncope induced by belching.

We describe a case of situational syncope induced by belching. The patient showed severe syncope with a high-degree atrioventricular block just after belching, but has not experienced syncope or dizziness over a 3-month follow-up after permanent pacemaker implantation.

Eructation↗

PubMed2005

Relationship between serum uric acid concentration and insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Associations between hyperuricemia, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes have been reported, but few of the studies have been conducted in the Korean population. The present study examined a Korean adult population with respect to the relationships between serum uric acid concentrations and hypertension, insulin resistance, and the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 53,477 subjects were divided into 4 groups according to serum uric acid quartiles. The incidence of hypertension in all subjects was higher in the first quartile than in the third plus fourth quartile (odds ratio (OR) 1.192, p < 0.001). Homeostasis model assessment index was found to be associated with serum uric acid concentration in all subjects (OR 1.193, p < 0.001), and the serum uric acid concentration was positively correlated with the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. In addition, the number of metabolic syndrome variables increased as serum uric acid concentration increased. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid concentration was found to be independently correlated with hypertension, insulin resistance and the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. In addition, even those with a serum uric acid concentration in the normal range showed an increased risk of metabolic syndrome as serum uric acid concentration increased.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

In normoglycemic Koreans, insulin resistance and adipocity are independently correlated with high blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: There is some controversy about the role of insulin resistance (IR) in the regulation of blood pressure (BP). Moreover, a large study of the association between BP and IR has not been conducted in normal glucose tolerance Asians. The present study investigated the relationships between IR, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and BP in normoglycemic Koreans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Anthropometric indices of adiposity, metabolic variables (fasting serum insulin and a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index of insulin sensitivity), BP and several cardiovascular risk factors were measured during a cross-sectional survey of 49,076 normoglycemic Korean subjects. A high BP was defined as a systolic BP >/=140 mmHg or a diastolic BP >/=90 mmHg. The prevalence of high BP by HOMA grading was 0.985 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.857-1.132, p=0.835), 1.180 (95% CI 1.032-1.350, p=0.016), 1.289 (95% CI 1.129-1.472, p<0.001), and 1.540 (95% CI 1.341-1.768, p<0.001) times higher in subjects in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles, respectively, compared with those in the first quintile. In addition, age, sex, waist circumference and BMI were found to be significantly associated with a high BP. CONCLUSION: IR, BMI and waist circumference are independently correlated with high BP in normoglycemic Koreans.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Relationship between peripheral leukocyte count and the severity of stable angina determined by coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation has been demonstrated to be an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relationship of the peripheral leukocyte count to the severity of stable angina remains to be clarified. The present study analyzed the relationship of the peripheral leukocyte count to the severity of stable angina determined by coronary angiography. METHODS: The data from 108 patients with stable angina, and 92 subjects with normal coronary angiograms were reviewed, and the role of the peripheral leukocyte count as a risk factor for stable angina evaluated. In addition, the correlation of the peripheral leukocyte count and the severity of stable angina, as assessed by the Gensini's score in the stable angina group, were analyzed. RESULTS: Age, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, and the fasting blood sugar were significantly higher, and the HDL was lower in the stable angina than the control group. A multivariate analysis showed that a peripheral leukocyte count over 6,800/mm3 was an independent variable, but with no statistical significance (p=0.067), and diabetes (OR=3.02, 95% CI: 1.29-7.02) and old age (OR=3.62, 95% CI: 1.3-9.87) were independent risk factors for stable angina. A positive correlation between peripheral leukocyte count and Gensini's score was noted in the stable angina group even after adjusting for age, fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid profiles (R2=0.198, p=0.015). CONCLUSION: An increased peripheral leukocyte count is considered not so much an indicator of the pathogenesis of stable angina, but as a predictor for disease progression. Furthermore, it is considered that the above correlation will be helpful in screening high-risk groups that require relatively active interventional therapy.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

High sensitivity C-reactive protein as an independent risk factor for essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP), one of the hepatic acute phase reactants, has been associated with decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation, a potential risk factor for hypertension. However, the relationship between CRP and hypertension has not been well elucidated. The aim of this study is to assess whether circulating levels of CRP are independently related to essential hypertension. METHODS: We evaluated the relationship between high sensitivity CRP with blood pressure (BP) and several cardiovascular risk factors in a cross-sectional survey of 8347 apparently healthy Korean persons. The CRP was measured by nephelometry. RESULTS: The subjects consisted of 4813 men and 3534 women, aged >/=20 years. Mean (SD) age and CRP level of the population were 47.1 (11.5) years and 1.12 (1.72) mg/L. Overall hypertension prevalence was 34%. There was a significant positive association between BP and the CRP level (P <.0001). After adjustment for age, sex, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, high-density lipoprotein, the prevalence of hypertension by CRP was 1.267 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.079-1.487, P =.004), 1.253 (95% CI 1.062-1.477, P =.007), and 1.451 (95% CI 1.231-1.711, P <.001) times higher in subjects in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of CRP, as compared to subjects in the first quartile. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the CRP level may be an independent risk factor for the development of hypertension in Korean persons. However, because of the cross-sectional nature of our study, this finding should be confirmed in prospective cohort studies, aimed at elucidating the role of CRP in the prediction, diagnosis, and management of hypertension.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Thyroid dysfunction and their relation to cardiovascular risk factors such as lipid profile, hsCRP, and waist hip ratio in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid abnormalities affect a considerable portion of the population, and overt hypothyroidism is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and adverse changes in blood lipids. Subclinical hypothyroidism is also associated with an increase risk of cardiovascular disease. So, we undertook this study to investigate the prevalence of overt and subclinical thyroid disorders and their associations with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: This study involved 66,260 subjects (43,588 men, 22,672 women; between 20-80 years of age, mean age 41.5 +/- 9.6). Serum free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by RIA using commercial kits. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were determined by nephelometry. RESULTS: The prevalences of overt thyrotoxicosis, subclinical thyrotoxicosis, overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism were 5/1000 (334 subjects), 6.4/1000 (426 subjects), 1.6/1000 (108 subjects), and 6.4/1000 (375 subjects). Mean plasma total cholesterol and LDL-C were elevated in overt hypothyroidism than in normal controls (202.1 mg/dL and 121.8 mg/dL versus 197.1 mg/dL and 120.1 mg/dL, respectively) (p < 0.05). In subclinical hypothyroidism, mean total cholesterol and LDL-C levels were also elevated (201.9 mg/dL and 123.7 mg/dL) (p = 0.015, p = 0.047). Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was lower in overt thyrotoxicosis and higher in hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Korea is not significantly different from that reported by other countries. It was also age dependent and higher in women, but this elevation in women was lower than expected. Patients with hypothyroidism exhibited higher waist-to-hip ratios, an index of obesity. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism exhibited elevated atherogenic parameters (Total cholesterol, LDL-C). Therefore screening and treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism may be warranted due to its adverse effects on lipid metabolism.

Adult↗