Endocrinology and Metabolism

Brief Reports

Thyroid
Treatment Patterns and Preferences for Graves’ Disease in Korea: Insights from a Nationwide Cohort Study: Kyeong Jin Kim, Jimi Choi, Soo Myoung Shin, Jung A Kim, Kyoung Jin Kim, Sin Gon Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(4):659-663. Published online August 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2042; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Treatment patterns and preferences for patients with Graves’ disease (GD) vary across countries. In this study, we assessed the initial therapies and subsequent treatment modalities employed for GD in real-world clinical practice in Korea. We analyzed 452,001 patients with GD from 2004 to 2020, obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Initial treatments included antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy (98% of cases), thyroidectomy (1.3%), and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy (0.7%). The rates of initial treatment failure were 58.5% for ATDs, 21.3% for RAI, and 2.1% for thyroidectomy. Even among cases of ATD treatment failure or recurrence, the rates of RAI therapy remained low. Regarding initial treatment, the 5-year remission rate was 46.8% among patients administered ATDs versus 91.0% among recipients of RAI therapy; at 10 years, these rates were 59.2% and 94.0%, respectively. Our findings highlight a marked disparity in the use of RAI therapy in Korea compared to Western countries. Further research is required to understand the reasons for these differences in treatment patterns.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Ketonuria as an Indicator of Improvement of Renal Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Receiving SGLT2 Inhibitor Treatment: Hyun Ah Kim, Han Na Jang, Sung Hye Kong, Young Lee, Sung Hee Choi, Young Min Cho, Hak Chul Jang, Tae Jung Oh; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(4):653-658. Published online May 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1919; Funded: Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

We investigated the potential association between ketonuria during treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and its renoprotective effect in patients with type 2 diabetes. We included 192 patients who had received SGLT2 inhibitors for more than 6 months. After propensity score matching, 52 patients each were allocated into groups with or without ketonuria, respectively. The estimated glomerular filtration rate exhibited a significant improvement only in subjects with ketonuria (without ketonuria: mean difference, –0.02 mL/min/1.73 m² [95% confidence interval (CI), –3.87 to 3.83 mL/min/1.73 m²] vs. with ketonuria: mean difference, 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m² [95% CI, 3.16 to 10.46 mL/min/1.73 m²]; P<0.001). Improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 6 months was associated with female sex and lower baseline body weight, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels in patients with ketonuria. In conclusion, the presence of ketonuria was associated with the renoprotective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors, and female sex and the absence of metabolic syndrome components may serve as additional indicators of these medications’ substantial renoprotective effects in individuals with ketonuria.

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Trigger Warning: How Modern Diet, Lifestyle, and Environment Pull the Trigger on Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Progression
Melina Messing, Jacob A. Torres, Nickolas Holznecht, Thomas Weimbs
Nutrients.2024; 16(19): 3281. CrossRef

Original Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Financial Benefits of Renal Dose-Adjusted Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: Hun Jee Choe, Yeh-Hee Ko, Sun Joon Moon, Chang Ho Ahn, Kyoung Hwa Ha, Hyeongsuk Lee, Jae Hyun Bae, Hyung Joon Joo, Hyejin Lee, Jang Wook Son, Dae Jung Kim, Sin Gon Kim, Kwangsoo Kim, Young Min Cho; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(4):622-631. Published online August 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1965; Funded: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors are frequently prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes; however, their cost can pose a significant barrier for those with impaired kidney function. This study aimed to estimate the economic benefits of substituting non-renal dose-adjusted (NRDA) DPP4 inhibitors with renal dose-adjusted (RDA) DPP4 inhibitors in patients with both impaired kidney function and type 2 diabetes.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018, using data obtained from common data models of five medical centers in Korea. Model 1 applied the prescription pattern of participants with preserved kidney function to those with impaired kidney function. In contrast, model 2 replaced all NRDA DPP4 inhibitors with RDA DPP4 inhibitors, adjusting the doses of RDA DPP4 inhibitors based on individual kidney function. The primary outcome was the cost difference between the two models.
Results
In total, 67,964,996 prescription records were analyzed. NRDA DPP4 inhibitors were more frequently prescribed to patients with impaired kidney function than in those with preserved kidney function (25.7%, 51.3%, 64.3%, and 71.6% in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates [eGFRs] of ≥60, <60, <45, and <30 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively). When model 1 was applied, the cost savings per year were 7.6% for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² and 30.4% for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m². According to model 2, 15.4% to 51.2% per year could be saved depending on kidney impairment severity.
Conclusion
Adjusting the doses of RDA DPP4 inhibitors based on individual kidney function could alleviate the economic burden associated with medical expenses.

Thyroid
Dynamic Risk Model for the Medical Treatment of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism according to Treatment Duration: Meihua Jin, Chae A Kim, Min Ji Jeon, Won Bae Kim, Tae Yong Kim, Won Gu Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(4):579-589. Published online May 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1918; Funded: Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Changes in thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) levels are associated with the clinical outcomes of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. However, the effects of the patterns of TRAb changes on patient prognosis according to the treatment duration of antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are not well established.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, 1,235 patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism who were treated with ATDs for more than 12 months were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment duration: group 1 (12–24 months) and group 2 (>24 months). Risk prediction models comprising age, sex, and either TRAb levels at ATD withdrawal (model A) or patterns of TRAb changes (model B) were compared.
Results
The median treatment duration in groups 1 (n=667, 54%) and 2 (n=568, 46%) was 17.3 and 37.1 months, respectively. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in group 2 (47.9%) than in group 1 (41.4%, P=0.025). Group 2 had significantly more goiter, thyroid eye disease, and fluctuating and smoldering type of TRAb pattern compared with group 1 (all P<0.001). The patterns of TRAb changes were an independent risk factor for recurrence after adjusting for other confounding factors in all patients, except in group 1. Integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement analyses showed that model B performed better than model A in all patients, except in group 1.
Conclusion
The dynamic risk model, including the patterns of TRAb changes, was more suitable for predicting prognosis in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism who underwent longer ATD treatment duration.

Editorial

Thyroid
Levothyroxine Dosing for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Suppression in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer after Total Thyroidectomy: Mijin Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(4):576-578. Published online August 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.401; Funded: Pusan National University Hospital

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Review Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Regulation of Energy and Glucose Homeostasis by the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract and the Area Postrema: Kyla Bruce, Ameth N. Garrido, Song-Yang Zhang, Tony K.T. Lam; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(4):559-568. Published online August 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2025; Funded: Banting and Best Diabetes Center Graduate Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, University of Toronto, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: The central nervous system regulates feeding, weight and glucose homeostasis in rodents and humans, but the site-specific mechanisms remain unclear. The dorsal vagal complex in the brainstem that contains the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and area postrema (AP) emerges as a regulatory center that impacts energy and glucose balance by monitoring hormonal and nutrient changes. However, the specific mechanistic metabolic roles of the NTS and AP remain elusive. This mini-review highlights methods to study their distinct roles and recent findings on their metabolic differences and similarities of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) action and glucose sensing in the NTS and AP. In summary, future research aims to characterize hormonal and glucose sensing mechanisms in the AP and/or NTS carries potential to unveil novel targets that lower weight and glucose levels in obesity and diabetes.

Calcium & bone metabolism
Parathyroid Gland Generation from Pluripotent Stem Cells: Mayuko Kano; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(4):552-558. Published online June 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1989; Funded: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Medical Women’s Association, Yamaguchi Endocrine Research Foundation, Uehara Memorial Foundation

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism require lifelong treatment. Current replacement therapies sometimes have adverse effects (e.g., hypercalciuria and chronic kidney disease). Generating parathyroid glands (PTGs) from the patient’s own induced pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), with transplantation of these PTGs, would be an effective treatment option. Multiple methods for generating PTGs from PSCs have been reported. One major trend is in vitro differentiation of PSCs into PTGs. Another is in vivo generation of PSC-derived PTGs by injecting PSCs into PTG-deficient embryos. This review discusses current achievements and challenges in present and future PTG regenerative medicine.

Original Articles

Miscellaneous
Differences in Type 2 Fiber Composition in the Vastus Lateralis and Gluteus Maximus of Patients with Hip Fractures: Jingwen Tian, Minchul Song, Kyu Jeong Cho, Ho Yeop Lee, Sang Hyeon Ju, Jung Ryul Lim, Ha Thi Nga, Thi Linh Nguyen, Ji Sun Moon, Hyo Ju Jang, Jung-Mo Hwang, Hyon-Seung Yi; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):521-530. Published online June 11, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1935; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Chungnam National University Hospital

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Aging leads to sarcopenia, which is characterized by reduced muscle mass and strength. Many factors, including altered muscle protein turnover, diminished neuromuscular function, hormonal changes, systemic inflammation, and the structure and composition of muscle fibers, play a crucial role in age-related muscle decline. This study explored differences in muscle fiber types contributing to overall muscle function decline in aging, focusing on individuals with hip fractures from falls.
Methods
A pilot study at Chungnam National University Hospital collected muscle biopsies from hip fracture patients aged 20 to 80 undergoing surgical treatment. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis and gluteus maximus were obtained during hip arthroplasty or internal fixation. Handgrip strength, calf and thigh circumference, and bone mineral density were evaluated in individuals with hip fractures from falls. We analyzed the relationships between each clinical characteristic and muscle fiber type.
Results
In total, 26 participants (mean age 67.9 years, 69.2% male) were included in this study. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 53.8%, and that of femoral and lumbar osteoporosis was 19.2% and 11.5%, respectively. Vastus lateralis analysis revealed an age-related decrease in type IIx fibers, a higher proportion of type IIa fibers in women, and an association between handgrip strength and type IIx fibers in men. The gluteus maximus showed no significant correlations with clinical parameters.
Conclusion
This study identified complex associations between age, sex, handgrip strength, and muscle fiber composition in hip fracture patients, offering insights crucial for targeted interventions combating age-related muscle decline and improving musculoskeletal health.

Miscellaneous
Lipid Variability Induces Endothelial Dysfunction by Increasing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Marie Rhee, Joonyub Lee, Eun Young Lee, Kun-Ho Yoon, Seung-Hwan Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):511-520. Published online May 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2023.1915; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Education, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Catholic University of Korea

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Background
This study investigates the impact of fluctuating lipid levels on endothelial dysfunction.
Methods
Human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured under varying palmitic acid (PA) concentrations: 0, 50, and 100 μM, and in a variability group alternating between 0 and 100 μM PA every 8 hours for 48 hours. In the lipid variability group, cells were exposed to 100 μM PA during the final 8 hours before analysis. We assessed inflammation using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels with dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay; mitochondrial function through oxygen consumption rates via XF24 flux analyzer; and endothelial cell functionality via wound healing and cell adhesion assays. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay.
Results
Variable PA levels significantly upregulated inflammatory genes and adhesion molecules (Il6, Mcp1, Icam, Vcam, E-selectin, iNos) at both transcriptomic and protein levels in human endothelial cells. Oscillating lipid levels reduced basal respiration, adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and maximal respiration, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. This lipid variability also elevated ROS levels, contributing to a chronic inflammatory state. Functionally, these changes impaired cell migration and increased monocyte adhesion, and induced endothelial apoptosis, evidenced by reduced cell viability, increased BAX, and decreased BCL2 expression.
Conclusion
Lipid variability induce endothelial dysfunction by elevating inflammation and oxidative stress, providing mechanistic insights into how lipid variability increases cardiovascular risk.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Can Daily Dietary Choices Have a Cardioprotective Effect? Food Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiometabolic Diseases
Elżbieta Szczepańska, Barbara Janota, Marika Wlazło, Magdalena Gacal
Metabolites.2024; 14(6): 296. CrossRef
Lipid Swings Provoke Vascular Inflammation
Jae-Han Jeon
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2024; 39(3): 448. CrossRef
Relationship between Oral Lichen Planus and Cardiovascular Disease of Atherosclerotic Origin: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Beatriz Gonzalez Navarro, Sonia Egido Moreno, Carlos Omaña Cepeda, Albert Estrugo Devesa, Enric Jane Salas, Jose Lopez Lopez
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(16): 4630. CrossRef

Calcium & bone metabolism
End-to-End Semi-Supervised Opportunistic Osteoporosis Screening Using Computed Tomography: Jieun Oh, Boah Kim, Gyutaek Oh, Yul Hwangbo, Jong Chul Ye; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):500-510. Published online May 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2023.1860; Funded: KAIST, National Cancer Center

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease and can cause fragility fractures. Despite this, screening utilization rates for osteoporosis remain low among populations at risk. Automated bone mineral density (BMD) estimation using computed tomography (CT) can help bridge this gap and serve as an alternative screening method to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Methods
The feasibility of an opportunistic and population agnostic screening method for osteoporosis using abdominal CT scans without bone densitometry phantom-based calibration was investigated in this retrospective study. A total of 268 abdominal CT-DXA pairs and 99 abdominal CT studies without DXA scores were obtained from an oncology specialty clinic in the Republic of Korea. The center axial CT slices from the L1, L2, L3, and L4 lumbar vertebrae were annotated with the CT slice level and spine segmentation labels for each subject. Deep learning models were trained to localize the center axial slice from the CT scan of the torso, segment the vertebral bone, and estimate BMD for the top four lumbar vertebrae.
Results
Automated vertebra-level DXA measurements showed a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.079, Pearson’s r of 0.852 (P<0.001), and R² of 0.714. Subject-level predictions on the held-out test set had a MAE of 0.066, Pearson’s r of 0.907 (P<0.001), and R² of 0.781.
Conclusion
CT scans collected during routine examinations without bone densitometry calibration can be used to generate DXA BMD predictions.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Reference Standards for C-Peptide in Korean Population: A Korean Endocrine Hormone Reference Standard Data Center Study: Jooyoung Cho, Ho-Chan Cho, Ohk-Hyun Ryu, Hyo-Jeong Kim, Chang Geun Kim, Young Ran Yun, Choon Hee Chung, on Behalf of the Task Force Team for Korean Hormone Reference Standards; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):489-499. Published online May 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2023.1888; Funded: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The Korean Endocrine Hormone Reference Standard Data Center (KEHRS DC) has created reference standards (RSs) for endocrine hormones since 2020. This study is the first of its kind, wherein the KEHRS DC established RSs for serum Cpeptide levels in a healthy Korean population.
Methods
Healthy Korean adults were recruited from May 2021 to September 2023. After excluding participants according to our criteria, serum samples were collected; each participant could then choose between fasting glucose only or fasting glucose plus an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If their sample showed high glucose (≥100 mg/dL) or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (≥5.70%), their C-peptide levels were excluded from analyzing the RSs.
Results
A total of 1,532 participants were recruited; however, only the data of 1,050 participants were analyzed after excluding those whose samples showed hyperglycemia or high HbA1c. Post-30-minute OGTT data from 342 subjects and post-120-minute OGTT data from 351 subjects were used. The means±2 standard deviations and expanded uncertainties of fasting, post-30-minute and 120-minute OGTT C-peptide levels were 1.26±0.82 and 0.34–3.18, 4.74±3.57 and 1.14–8.33, and 4.85±3.58 and 1.25–8.34 ng/mL, respectively. Serum C-peptide levels correlated with obesity, serum glucose levels, and HbA1c levels.
Conclusion
The RSs for serum C-peptide levels established in this study are expected to be useful in both clinical and related fields.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Impact of Antidiabetic Drugs on Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19: A Nationwide Population-Based Study: Han Na Jang, Sun Joon Moon, Jin Hyung Jung, Kyung-Do Han, Eun-Jung Rhee, Won-Young Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):479-488. Published online January 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2023.1857; Funded: ENM

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Inconsistent results have been reported regarding the association between the use of antidiabetic drugs and the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the effect of antidiabetic drugs on COVID-19 outcomes in patients with diabetes using data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in South Korea.
Methods
We analyzed the NHIS data of patients aged ≥20 years who tested positive for COVID-19 and were taking antidiabetic drugs between December 2019 and June 2020. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 based on the use of antidiabetic drugs.
Results
A total of 556 patients taking antidiabetic drugs tested positive for COVID-19, including 271 male (48.7%), most of whom were in their sixties. Of all patients, 433 (77.9%) were hospitalized, 119 (21.4%) received oxygen treatment, 87 (15.6%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, 31 (5.6%) required mechanical ventilation, and 61 (11.0%) died. Metformin was significantly associated with the lower risks of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 0.281; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.109 to 0.720; P=0.008), and death (OR, 0.395; 95% CI, 0.182 to 0.854; P=0.018). Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) were significantly associated with the lower risks of oxygen treatment (OR, 0.565; 95% CI, 0.356 to 0.895; P=0.015) and death (OR, 0.454; 95% CI, 0.217 to 0.949; P=0.036). Sulfonylurea was significantly associated with the higher risk of mechanical ventilation (OR, 2.579; 95% CI, 1.004 to 6.626; P=0.049).
Conclusion
In patients with diabetes and COVID-19, metformin exhibited reduced risks of mechanical ventilation and death, DPP- 4i was linked with lower risks of oxygen treatment and death, while sulfonylurea was related to the increased risk of mechanical ventilation.

Thyroid
Utilizing Immunoglobulin G4 Immunohistochemistry for Risk Stratification in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Associated with Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Faridul Haq, Gyeongsin Park, Sora Jeon, Mitsuyoshi Hirokawa, Chan Kwon Jung; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):468-478. Published online May 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1923; Funded: Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is suspected to correlate with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) development. While some HT cases exhibit histologic features of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease, the relationship of HT with PTC progression remains unestablished.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 426 adult patients with PTC (≥1 cm) undergoing thyroidectomy at an academic thyroid center. HT was identified based on its typical histologic features. IgG4 and IgG immunohistochemistry were performed. Wholeslide images of immunostained slides were digitalized. Positive plasma cells per 2 mm² were counted using QuPath and a pre-trained deep learning model. The primary outcome was tumor structural recurrence post-surgery.
Results
Among the 426 PTC patients, 79 were diagnosed with HT. With a 40% IgG4 positive/IgG plasma cell ratio as the threshold for diagnosing IgG4-related disease, a cutoff value of >150 IgG4 positive plasma cells per 2 mm² was established. According to this criterion, 53% (43/79) of HT patients were classified as IgG4-related. The IgG4-related HT subgroup presented a more advanced cancer stage than the IgG4-non-related HT group (P=0.038). The median observation period was 109 months (range, 6 to 142). Initial assessment revealed 43 recurrence cases. Recurrence-free survival periods showed significant (P=0.023) differences, with patients with IgG4 non-related HT showing the longest period, followed by patients without HT and those with IgG4-related HT.
Conclusion
This study effectively stratified recurrence risk in PTC patients based on HT status and IgG4-related subtypes. These findings may contribute to better-informed treatment decisions and patient care strategies.

Thyroid
Diagnostic Accuracy of Preoperative Radiologic Findings in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Discrepancies with the Postoperative Pathologic Diagnosis and Implications for Clinical Outcomes: Ying Li, Seul Ki Kwon, Hoonsung Choi, Yoo Hyung Kim, Sunyoung Kang, Kyeong Cheon Jung, Jae-Kyung Won, Do Joon Park, Young Joo Park, Sun Wook Cho; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):450-460. Published online May 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2023.1872; Funded: Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education, Patient-Centered Clinical Research Coordinating Center

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The diagnostic accuracy of preoperative radiologic findings in predicting the tumor characteristics and clinical outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) was evaluated across all risk groups.
Methods
In total, 939 PTMC patients, comprising both low-risk and non-low-risk groups, who underwent surgery were enrolled. The preoperative tumor size and lymph node metastasis (LNM) were evaluated by ultrasonography within 6 months before surgery and compared with the postoperative pathologic findings. Discrepancies between the preoperative and postoperative tumor sizes were analyzed, and clinical outcomes were assessed.
Results
The agreement rate between radiological and pathological tumor size was approximately 60%. Significant discrepancies were noted, including an increase in tumor size in 24.3% of cases. Notably, in 10.8% of patients, the postoperative tumor size exceeded 1 cm, despite being initially classified as 0.5 to 1.0 cm based on preoperative imaging. A postoperative tumor size >1 cm was associated with aggressive pathologic factors such as multiplicity, microscopic extrathyroidal extension, and LNM, as well as a higher risk of distant metastasis. In 30.1% of patients, LNM was diagnosed after surgery despite not being suspected before the procedure. This group was characterized by smaller metastatic foci and lower risks of distant metastasis or recurrence than patients with LNM detected both before and after surgery.
Conclusion
Among all risk groups of PTMCs, a subset showed an increase in tumor size, reaching 1 cm after surgery. These cases require special consideration due to their association with adverse clinical outcomes, including an elevated risk of distant metastasis.

Review Article

Thyroid
Metabolic Reprogramming in Thyroid Cancer: Sang-Hyeon Ju, Minchul Song, Joung Youl Lim, Yea Eun Kang, Hyon-Seung Yi, Minho Shong; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(3):425-444. Published online June 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2023.1802; Funded: Chungnam National University

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine malignancy with increasing incidence globally. Although most cases can be treated effectively, some cases are more aggressive and have a higher risk of mortality. Inhibiting RET and BRAF kinases has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of thyroid cancer, particularly in cases of advanced or aggressive disease. However, the development of resistance mechanisms may limit the efficacy of these kinase inhibitors. Therefore, developing precise strategies to target thyroid cancer cell metabolism and overcome resistance is a critical area of research for advancing thyroid cancer treatment. In the field of cancer therapeutics, researchers have explored combinatorial strategies involving dual metabolic inhibition and metabolic inhibitors in combination with targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to overcome the challenge of metabolic plasticity. This review highlights the need for new therapeutic approaches for thyroid cancer and discusses promising metabolic inhibitors targeting thyroid cancer. It also discusses the challenges posed by metabolic plasticity in the development of effective strategies for targeting cancer cell metabolism and explores the potential advantages of combined metabolic targeting.

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