Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disability caused by a decrease of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Although the etiology of PD is not clear, oxidative stress is believed to lead to PD. Catalase is antioxidant enzyme which plays an active role in cells as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Thus, we investigated whether PEP-1-Catalase protects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) induced SH-SY5Y neuronal cell death and in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-trtrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced PD animal model. PEP-1-Catalase transduced into SH-SY5Y cells significantly protecting them against MPP+-induced death by decreasing ROS and regulating cellular survival signals including Akt, Bax, Bcl-2, and p38. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that transduced PEP-1-Catalase markedly protected against neuronal cell death in the SN in the PD animal model. Our results indicate that PEP-1-Catalase may have potential as a therapeutic agent for PD and other oxidative stress related diseases. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(7): 395-400]

This article analyses the effect of household characteristics on the demand for insurance using consumer survey data in Korea. Using Tobit analysis, we have found that the selfemployed have a stronger demand for insurance than salaried workers, and that residents of small cities and rural areas purchase more protection-type insurance than metropolitan residents. Demand for insurance can differ depending on employment type and residential area, which has not been examined in previous studies. We have also found that there is a curvilinear relationship between age and demand for insurance. Results suggest that households with different demographic characteristics choose different risk-reducing instruments.

Antioxidant 1 (ATOX1) functions as an antioxidant against hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, and therefore may play a significant role in many human diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM). In the present study, we examined the protective effects of Tat-ATOX1 protein on streptozotocin (STZ)-exposed pancreatic insulinoma cells (RINm5F) and in a mouse model of STZ-induced diabetes using western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining and MTT assay, as well as histological and biochemical analysis. Purified Tat-ATOX1 protein was efficiently transduced into RINm5F cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, Tat-ATOX1 protein markedly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage and the activation of Akt and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in STZ-exposed RINm5F cells. In addition, Tat-ATOX1 protein transduced into mice pancreatic tissues and significantly decreased blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels as well as the body weight changes in a model of STZ-induced diabetes. These results indicate that transduced Tat-ATOX1 protein protects pancreatic β-cells by inhibiting STZ-induced cellular toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Based on these findings, we suggest that Tat-ATOX1 protein has potential applications as a therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-induced diseases including DM.

Purpose Mobile applications are widely used in the healthcare market. This study aimed to determine whether exercise using a machine learning-based motion-detecting mobile exercise coaching application (MDMECA) is superior to video streaming-based exercise for improving quality of life and decreasing lower back pain. Materials and Methods The same 14-day daily workout program consisting of five exercises was performed by 104 participants using the MDMECA and another 72 participants using video streaming. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and lower back pain scores were assess as pre- and post-workout measurements. Scores for the treatment-satisfaction subscale of the visual analog scale (TS-VAS), intention to use a disease-oriented exercise program, intention to recommend the program to others, and available expenses for a disease-oriented exercise program were determined after the workout. Results The MDMECA group showed a higher increase in SF-36 score (MDMECA, 9.10; control, 1.09; p <0.01) and a greater reduction in lower back pain score (MDMECA, -0.96; control, -0.26; p <0.01). Scores for TS-VAS, intention to use a disease-oriented exercise program, and intention to recommend the program to others were all higher ( p <0.01) in the MDMECA group. However, the available expenses for a disease-oriented program were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion The MDMECA is more effective than video streaming-based exercise in increasing exercise adherence, improving QoL, and reducing lower back pain. MDMECAs could be promising tools of use to achieve better medical outcomes and higher treatment satisfaction.