Two Different Renal Cell Carcinomas and Multiple Angiomyolipomas in a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis

We report a case of tuberous sclerosis associated with two histologically different renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and multiple angiomyolipomas (AMLs) in the same kidney. A 43-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with left flank pain and a huge palpable mass in the left flank area. Abdominal computed tomography revealed two concurrent RCCs and multiple AMLs in the left kidney. Because of the clinical suspicion of RCC, the patient underwent left radical nephrectomy. On gross examination, the total size of the resected left kidney was 30.5×17×8 cm. Microscopically, the upper pole tumor features were consistent with chromophobe RCC and the midpole tumor was a clear-cell RCC. The multifocal masses in the remaining remnant parenchyma were AMLs. Six months after surgery, the patient is healthy without signs of tumor recurrence

Analysis of Exercise Intensity Based on Cardiorespiratory Response in a Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program for Firefighter Physical Fitness Enhancement

OBJECTIVES Current regulations for Korean firefighters primarily emphasize exercise during working hours without specifying particular exercise methods. This study aims to evaluate the exercise intensity of the stepwise Korean Firefighter Fitness Program (KFFP) using Kinect-based mixed reality device (Virtual mate, VM), considering the demanding 24-hour shift work and high physical strength requirements. The objective is to assess its potential as one of the exercise methods and provide valuable insights. METHODS CResearchers recruited 30 participants to evaluate the exercise intensity based on the cardiopulmonary responses induced by the Stepwise Korean Firefighter Fitness Program (KFFP) using Virtual Mate (VM). Initially, the participants' resting heart rate, maximum heart rate (HRmax), and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) were measured. Subsequently, researchers monitored the participants' cardiopulmonary responses by employing portable gas analyzers and wireless heart rate monitors while implementing the Stepwise KFFP with VM. Exercise intensity related to cardiopulmonary responses was recorded using both absolute parameters (VO2, HR) and relative parameters (%VO2max, %HRR, %HR). Researchers utilized repeated measures analysis of variance for statistical analysis. RESULTS The analysis of the stepwise KFFP using VM showed significant increases all parameters as the program advanced(p<.001). VO2 increased from around 19.4 ml/kg/min in Step 1 to approximately 22.8 ml/kg/min in Step 3. Similarly, %HRR rose from roughly 40.6% in Step 1 to about 53.9% in Step 3. CONCLUSIONS Upon evaluating the stepwise KFFP based on the exercise intensity levels recommended by ACSM, it is confirmed that the stepwise KFFP using VM comprises both moderate-intensity and highintensity exercises. This approach is deemed effective and can serve as a fitness management method for firefighters working in 24-hour shift patterns that demand high fitness levels

Comparative Analysis Of Energy Expenditure Assessments From The Graded Exercise Test Vs. Galaxy Watch And Apple Watch In Korean College Students During A 30-minute Workout: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES In the modern era, there is heightened interest in understanding energy expenditure during exercise. Consequently, wearable devices such as the Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch have emerged as pivotal tools for daily health monitoring, given their convenience and increasing popularity. This study aimed to compare the calculated energy expenditure derived from the graded exercise test with readings from Galaxy and Apple Watches during a 30-min exercise session among Korean university students. Through this, we anticipate offering both motivation and clear insights into energy expenditure, thereby potentially aiding in weight management strategies for contemporary individuals. METHODS This study involved 27 college students from Korea National University of Transportation in Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea. We utilized COSMED's exercise load respiratory gas analysis system (Quark-CPET, COSMED, Rome, Italy), along with the Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch 5, Samsung, Seoul, Korea) and the Apple Watch (Apple watch series 5, Apple, Cupertino, USA) for measurements. Energy expenditure was monitored in real-time every 5 min throughout the 30-min exercise session. For statistical evaluations, we employed a one-way analysis of variance. Subsequent post-tests utilized the Tukey post-hoc test and Pearson correlation, with a significance level set at p0.05). Conversely, a notable difference was observed when comparing energy expenditure data from the graded exercise test to that of the Apple Watch for time intervals of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min (p>0.05), although the 5-min interval did not exhibit a significant difference (p>0.05). Furthermore, a robust positive correlation was evident between the energy expenditure values derived from the graded exercise test and those from both the Galaxy Watch (r=0.952, p<0.001) and the Apple Watch (r=0.917, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Both devices demonstrated high reliability in calculating energy expenditure. Notably, the Galaxy Watch exhibited a more precise calculation compared to the Apple Watch, with a relative reliability margin of 3.5% higher. For individuals, especially those struggling with obesity, precise wearable devices that accurately reflect energy consumption can significantly boost motivation for exercise. Consequently, this study lays a foundation for future advancements in energy expenditure measurement tools, emphasizing enhanced convenience, reliability, and mobility

Mitigative Effects of PFF-A Isolated from Ecklonia cava on Pigmentation in a Zebrafish Model and Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells

Melanin synthesis is a defense mechanism that prevents skin damage, but excessive accumulation of melanin occurs in the skin in various reactions such as pigmentation, lentigines, and freckles. Although anti-melanogenic effects have been demonstrated for various naturally occurring marine products that inhibit and control tyrosinase activity, most studies have not been extended to in vivo applications. Phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF-A, 12.5&ndash;100 &micro;M) isolated from Ecklonia cava has previously been shown to have tyrosinase-mitigative effects in B16F10 cells, but it has not been evaluated in an in vivo model, and its underlying mechanism for anti-melanogenic effects has not been studied. In the present study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of PFF-A for anti-melanogenic effects in an in vivo model. We selected low doses of PFF-A (1.5&ndash;15 nM) and investigated their mitigative effects on pigmentation stimulated by &alpha;-MSH in vivo and their related-mechanism in an in vitro model. The findings suggest that low-dose PFF-A derived from E. cava suppresses pigmentation in vivo and melanogenesis in vitro. Therefore, this study presents the possibility that PFF-A could be utilized as a new anti-melanogenic agent in the cosmeceutical industries

Ishophloroglucin A Ameliorates VEGF-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via VEGFR2 Pathway Inhibition in Microgravity-Stimulated Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Microgravity stimulation is associated with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that transition to mesenchymal cells (EMT), and these pathological changes cause visual impairment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced from the RPE and contributes to photoreceptor survival. However, changes in VEGF production and function under microgravity stimulation are unknown. In this study, we verified that microgravity stimulation changed the morphological characteristics of human RPE cells (ARPE19 cells) and the expression of actin cytoskeleton regulators, which are related to excessive VEGF expression. Interestingly, microgravity stimulation increased not only the production of VEGF but also the expression of EMT markers. Previously, we studied the potential of ishophloroglucin A (IPA), a phlorotannin, as an antioxidant. In silico results confirmed that IPA could structurally bind to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) among VEGFRs and inhibit the VEGF pathway. IPA significantly decreased VEGF production and EMT marker expression in microgravity-stimulated cells. It also significantly reduced excessive cell migration in VEGF-induced EMT. Overall, our findings suggested that IPA treatment decreased VEGF production and EMT marker expression in microgravity-stimulated or VEGF-treated ARPE19 cells, and this decrease in EMT could restore excessive cell migration by inhibiting the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway. Therefore, it is a potential therapeutic candidate for angiogenesis-related eye diseases

Mitigative Effects of PFF-A Isolated from <i>Ecklonia cava</i> on Pigmentation in a Zebrafish Model and Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells

Melanin synthesis is a defense mechanism that prevents skin damage, but excessive accumulation of melanin occurs in the skin in various reactions such as pigmentation, lentigines, and freckles. Although anti-melanogenic effects have been demonstrated for various naturally occurring marine products that inhibit and control tyrosinase activity, most studies have not been extended to in vivo applications. Phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF-A, 12.5–100 µM) isolated from Ecklonia cava has previously been shown to have tyrosinase-mitigative effects in B16F10 cells, but it has not been evaluated in an in vivo model, and its underlying mechanism for anti-melanogenic effects has not been studied. In the present study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of PFF-A for anti-melanogenic effects in an in vivo model. We selected low doses of PFF-A (1.5–15 nM) and investigated their mitigative effects on pigmentation stimulated by α-MSH in vivo and their related-mechanism in an in vitro model. The findings suggest that low-dose PFF-A derived from E. cava suppresses pigmentation in vivo and melanogenesis in vitro. Therefore, this study presents the possibility that PFF-A could be utilized as a new anti-melanogenic agent in the cosmeceutical industries

Dieckol, an Algae-Derived Phenolic Compound, Suppresses UVB-Induced Skin Damage in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Its Underlying Mechanisms

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is considered to be the primary environmental factor that causes skin damage. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of dieckol (DK), a compound isolated from the brown seaweed Ecklonia cava, against UVB-induced skin damage in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF cells). The results indicated that DK effectively inhibited the activity of collagenase. DK remarkably reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species level and improved the viability of UVB-irradiated HDF cells. Besides, DK significantly and dose-dependently improved collagen synthesis and inhibited intracellular collagenase activity in UVB-irradiated HDF cells. In addition, DK markedly reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases. Further analyses revealed that these processes were mediated through the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B, activator protein 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the UVB-irradiated HDF cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that DK possesses strong in vitro photoprotective effects and therefore has the potential to be used as an ingredient in the cosmeceutical industry

Therapeutic Potential of Phlorotannin-Rich Ecklonia cava Extract on Methylglyoxal-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in In Vitro Model

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a vital role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Methylglyoxal (MGO), one of the major precursors of AGEs, is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of phlorotannin-rich Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) on MGO-induced diabetic nephropathy in in vitro models using mouse glomerular mesangial cells. ECE showed anti-glycation activity via breaking of AGEs-collagen cross-links and inhibition of AGEs formation and AGE-collagen cross-linking formation. The renoprotective effects were determined by assessing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MGO accumulation, cell apoptosis, and the Nrf-2/ARE signaling pathway. MGO-induced renal damage, intracellular ROS production level, and MGO-protein adduct accumulation were significantly decreased by pretreating ECE. Moreover, ECE pretreatment exhibited preventive properties against MGO-induced dicarbonyl stress via activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and reduction of RAGE protein expression in mouse glomerular mesangial cells. Collectively, these results indicated potential anti-glycation properties and prominent preventive effects of ECE against MGO-induced renal damage. Additionally, ECE may be utilized for the management of AGE-related diabetic nephropathy

Exploring the role of brown algae and algal polyphenols in muscle hypertrophy and strength enhancement in physically inactive adult mice

The prevalent sedentary lifestyle of adults has led to decreased physical activity and increased health risks. We aimed to investigate the effects of Ishige okamurae extract (IO) and its active compound diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) on muscle characteristics of physically inactive adult male mice. IO and DPHC supplementation did not lead to significant male hormonal imbalance in adult sedentary mice. However, they significantly increased muscle strength and hypertrophy in four major muscle groups. Furthermore, IO and DPHC treatment upregulated the expression of oxidative phosphorylation chain enzyme complexes in the muscle tissue, indicating enhanced mitochondrial activity. Thus, IO and DPHC exert positive effects on muscle health and function by improving mitochondrial function in physically inactive adult mice. Algal consumption can improve muscle-related indicators and prevent muscle deterioration in sedentary individuals. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects could provide valuable insights for developing interventions to enhance muscle health in individuals with limited physical activity