Endocrinology and Metabolism

Original Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Discrepancies in Dapagliflozin Response in Terms of Glycemic Control and Body Weight Reduction: Ji Eun Jun, Kyoung-Ah Kim, Nan-Hee Kim, Kwan-Woo Lee, In-Kyung Jeong, on Behalf of the BEYOND Investigators; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):278-288. Published online March 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2142; Funded: AstraZeneca Korea

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, reduces hyperglycemia and obesity by inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption. This post hoc study evaluated clinical factors influencing patient response to dapagliflozin.
Methods
The analysis focused on patients treated with dapagliflozin (10 mg/day for 52 weeks) within the randomized, double-blind, parallel-group BEYOND trial. Adequate glycemic control (GC) was defined as a reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of ≥ 1.0% or the achievement of an HbA1c level <7.0% at week 52. Significant weight loss (WL) referred to a reduction in body weight of ≥3.0% at week 52. Participants were classified into four groups based on their GC and WL responses: GC+/WL+, GC+/WL−, GC−/WL+, and GC−/WL−.
Results
Among dapagliflozin recipients (n=56), at 52 weeks, HbA1c had decreased by 1.0%±0.8% from baseline, while body weight had declined by 2.4±3.1 kg. Overall, 69.6% of participants achieved GC+, and 57.1% achieved WL+. Male sex and shorter diabetes duration were significantly associated with achieving GC+. Conversely, higher estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly linked to WL+. The only factor significantly associated with both GC+ and WL+ was shorter diabetes duration (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.68 to 0.97; P=0.023). The GC+ and WL+ groups exhibited favorable responses beginning soon after dapagliflozin therapy was initiated. Furthermore, HbA1c decline was more strongly associated with reduction in visceral fat than with WL.
Conclusion
A short duration of diabetes and early response to treatment appear to represent key factors in maximizing the benefits of dapagliflozin for blood glucose and weight management.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Plasma C-Peptide Levels and the Continuous Glucose Monitoring-Defined Coefficient of Variation in Risk Prediction for Hypoglycemia in Korean People with Diabetes Having Normal and Impaired Kidney Function: So Yoon Kwon, Jiyun Park, So Hee Park, You-Bin Lee, Gyuri Kim, Kyu Yeon Hur, Jae Hyeon Kim, Sang-Man Jin; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):268-277. Published online February 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2083; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT

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Background
We aimed to investigate the predictive values of plasma C-peptide levels and the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-defined coefficient of variation (CV) in risk prediction for hypoglycemia in Korean people with diabetes with normal and impaired kidney function.
Methods
We analyzed data from 1,185 participants diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who underwent blinded professional CGM between January 2009 and May 2021 at outpatient clinics. We explored correlations among CGM-defined CV, plasma C-peptide levels, and time below range at <70 and 54 mg/dL across different kidney function categories.
Results
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1–2 (n=934), 89.3% who had a random plasma C-peptide level higher than 600 pmol/L exhibited a CV of ≤36%. Among those in CKD stage 3 (n=161) with a random plasma C-peptide level exceeding 600 pmol/L, 66.7% showed a CV of ≤36%. In stages 4–5 of CKD (n=90), the correlation between random C-peptide levels and CV was not significant (r=–0.05, P=0.640), including cases with a CV greater than 36% despite very high random plasma C-peptide levels. Random plasma C-peptide levels and CGM-assessed CV significantly predicted hypoglycemia in CKD stages 1–2 and 1–5, respectively.
Conclusion
The established C-peptide criteria in Western populations are applicable to Korean people with diabetes for hypoglycemic risk prediction, unless kidney function is impaired equivalent to CKD stage 3–5. The CGM-defined CV is informative for hypoglycemic risk prediction regardless of kidney function.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Plasma C-Peptide Level and Continuous Glucose Monitoring-Derived Coefficient of Variation as a Predictable Risk Factor for Hypoglycemia in Koreans with Diabetes
Seung-Hyun Ko
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2025; 40(2): 198. CrossRef
Beneficial Role of Increased Glucose Infusion in Decompensated Type 2 Diabetes Patient
Marie Ticha, Ondrej Sobotka, Pavel Skorepa, Lubos Sobotka
Diabetology.2025; 6(6): 47. CrossRef

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Metabolic Phenotypes of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Affect the Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Joon Ho Moon, Sookyung Won, Hojeong Won, Heejun Son, Tae Jung Oh, Soo Heon Kwak, Sung Hee Choi, Hak Chul Jang; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):247-257. Published online November 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2089; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Korea Health Industry Development Institute

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Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects women with diverse pathological phenotypes, but little is known about the effects of this variation on perinatal outcomes. We explored the metabolic phenotypes of GDM and their impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Methods
Women diagnosed with gestational glucose intolerance or GDM were categorized into subgroups according to their prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the median values of the gestational Matsuda and Stumvoll indices. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as large-for-gestational age (LGA), small-for-gestational age, preterm birth, low Apgar score, and cesarean section.
Results
A total of 309 women were included, with a median age of 31 years and a median BMI of 22.3 kg/m². Women with a higher pre-pregnancy BMI had a higher risk of LGA newborns (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m² compared to 20–23 kg/m², 4.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.99 to 9.12; P<0.001; P for trend=0.001), but the risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes did not differ according to pre-pregnancy BMI. Women with insulin resistance had a higher risk of LGA (aOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.02 to 3.47; P=0.043) and cesarean section (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.50; P=0.003) than women in the insulin-sensitive group. In contrast, defective β-cell function did not affect adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion
Different metabolic phenotypes of GDM were associated with heterogeneous pregnancy outcomes. Women with obesity and those with insulin resistance are at greater risk of adverse outcomes and might need strict glycemic management during pregnancy.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Mechanisms Underlying Maternal and Fetal Complications
Jooyeop Lee, Na Keum Lee, Joon Ho Moon
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2025; 40(1): 10. CrossRef

Thyroid
Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP): Jae Hoon Moon, Eun Kyung Lee, Wonjae Cha, Young Jun Chai, Sun Wook Cho, June Young Choi, Sung Yong Choi, A Jung Chu, Eun-Jae Chung, Yul Hwangbo, Woo-Jin Jeong, Yuh-Seog Jung, Kyungsik Kim, Min Joo Kim, Su-jin Kim, Woochul Kim, Yoo Hyung Kim, Chang Yoon Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Kyu Eun Lee, Young Ki Lee, Hunjong Lim, Do Joon Park, Sue K. Park, Chang Hwan Ryu, Junsun Ryu, Jungirl Seok, Young Shin Song, Ka Hee Yi, Hyeong Won Yu, Eleanor White, Katerina Mastrocostas, Roderick J. Clifton-Bligh, Anthony Glover, Matti L. Gild, Ji-hoon Kim, Young Joo Park; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):236-246. Published online February 18, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2136; Funded: Ministry of Health and Welfare

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

Thyroid Big Data Articles (National Health Insurance Service Database)
Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures among Patients with Thyroid Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study: Eu Jeong Ku, Won Sang Yoo, Yu Been Hwang, Subin Jang, Jooyoung Lee, Shinje Moon, Eun Kyung Lee, Hwa Young Ahn; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):225-235. Published online January 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2101; Funded: Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Cancer Center

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The associations between thyroid cancer and skeletal outcomes have not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to investigate the risk of osteoporotic fractures in patients with thyroid cancer compared to that in a matched control group.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 2,514 patients with thyroid cancer and 75,420 matched controls from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC, 2006–2019). The rates of osteoporotic fractures were analyzed, and associations with the levothyroxine dose were evaluated.
Results
Patients with thyroid cancer had a significantly lower risk of fracture than did the control group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69 to 0.94; P=0.006). Patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer after the age of 50 years (older cancer group) had a significantly lower risk of fracture than did those in the control group (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.85; P<0.001), especially those diagnosed with spinal fractures (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.85; P=0.001). Patients in the older cancer group started osteoporosis treatment earlier than did those in the control group (65.5±7.5 years vs. 67.3±7.6 years, P<0.001). Additionally, a lower dose of levothyroxine was associated with a reduced risk of fractures.
Conclusion
In the clinical setting, the risk of fracture in women diagnosed with thyroid cancer after the age of 50 years was lower than that in the control group, which was caused by more proactive osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal women with thyroid cancer.

Thyroid
Deep Learning Technology for Classification of Thyroid Nodules Using Multi-View Ultrasound Images: Potential Benefits and Challenges in Clinical Application: Jinyoung Kim, Min-Hee Kim, Dong-Jun Lim, Hankyeol Lee, Jae Jun Lee, Hyuk-Sang Kwon, Mee Kyoung Kim, Ki-Ho Song, Tae-Jung Kim, So Lyung Jung, Yong Oh Lee, Ki-Hyun Baek; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):216-224. Published online January 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2058; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of deep learning technology to thyroid ultrasound images for classification of thyroid nodules.
Methods
This retrospective analysis included ultrasound images of patients with thyroid nodules investigated by fine-needle aspiration at the thyroid clinic of a single center from April 2010 to September 2012. Thyroid nodules with cytopathologic results of Bethesda category V (suspicious for malignancy) or VI (malignant) were defined as thyroid cancer. Multiple deep learning algorithms based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) —ResNet, DenseNet, and EfficientNet—were utilized, and Siamese neural networks facilitated multi-view analysis of paired transverse and longitudinal ultrasound images.
Results
Among 1,048 analyzed thyroid nodules from 943 patients, 306 (29%) were identified as thyroid cancer. In a subgroup analysis of transverse and longitudinal images, longitudinal images showed superior prediction ability. Multi-view modeling, based on paired transverse and longitudinal images, significantly improved the model performance; with an accuracy of 0.82 (95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.80 to 0.86) with ResNet50, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.88) with DenseNet201, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.84) with EfficientNetv2_ s. Training with high-resolution images obtained using the latest equipment tended to improve model performance in association with increased sensitivity.
Conclusion
CNN algorithms applied to ultrasound images demonstrated substantial accuracy in thyroid nodule classification, indicating their potential as valuable tools for diagnosing thyroid cancer. However, in real-world clinical settings, it is important to aware that model performance may vary depending on the quality of images acquired by different physicians and imaging devices.

Thyroid
Prognostic Indicators and Comparative Treatment Outcomes in High-Risk Thyroid Cancer with Laryngotracheal Invasion: Eman A. Toraih, Jessan A. Jishu, Mohammad H. Hussein, Aly A. M. Shaalan, Manal S. Fawzy, Emad Kandil; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):201-215. Published online January 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2033; Funded: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Inc., American Thyroid Association, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Cancer Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Center

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Laryngotracheal invasion occurs in a subset of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) and is associated with a poor prognosis. We aimed to analyze patterns and predictors/outcomes related to this high-risk manifestation.
Methods
This population-based analysis utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry (2000 to 2015) to identify WDTC patients. Temporal trends and geographic variation in invasion rates were assessed. Logistic regression and propensity score matching were employed to identify predictors of secondary malignancy, mortality, and treatment impact on overall and thyroid cancer (TC)-specific survival.
Results
Of 131,721 WDTC patients, 1,662 (1.3%) had tracheal invasion and 976 (0.7%) had laryngeal invasion at diagnosis. Tracheal and laryngeal invasion rates declined from 3.7%–0.7% and 1.5%–0.6%, respectively, from 2000 to 2015. Compared to 98,835 noninvasive cases, patients with laryngotracheal invasion were older and more often male, Asian, and Hispanic (all P<0.001). This group had larger tumors with higher rates of nodal (N1: 61.8% vs. 15.1%) and distant metastases (M1: 9.3% vs. 0.4%). Age ≥55 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; P=0.004) and metastases (HR, 1.75; P<0.001) increased TC-specific mortality, whereas the converse pattern was found for Asian race (HR, 0.63; P=0.002) and surgery (HR, 0.35; P<0.001). In rigorously matched groups to control confounding, adding radioactive iodine to surgery reduced mortality by 30% (P<0.001). However, external beam radiation and systemic therapy did not improve survival over surgery alone.
Conclusion
Laryngotracheal invasion is present in 0.7% to 1.3% of cases, conferring over double the mortality risk. Radioactive iodine with surgery improves outcomes in this aggressive WDTC subset.

Review Articles

Thyroid
Ultrasound Imaging Criteria and Protocols for Active Surveillance of Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer: A Review of International Consensus Guidelines: Ji Ye Lee, Dong Gyu Na; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):185-194. Published online March 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2319; Funded: Korean Society of Radiology, Korean Society of Thyroid Radiolog, Ministry of Health and Welfare

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Given the indolent nature and favorable outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), active surveillance (AS) has been adopted as an alternative management option to immediate surgery. However, the meticulous selection of patients based on individual and tumor-specific characteristics, as well as ultrasound (US) findings, is crucial in AS. Regular US monitoring is performed during AS to detect indicators of tumor progression, such as growth, the emergence of new US features suggestive of gross extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis. Thus, imaging-based evaluations play a pivotal role in guiding the decision to continue AS or proceed with surgical intervention. This review introduces the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) guideline for the standardized US imaging of patients with low-risk PTMC under AS, which provide practical recommendations for tumor assessment during the initiation and follow-up phases of AS. This review compared the key features of the KSThR guideline with those of major international guidelines and identified the similarities and differences in imaging methodologies and follow-up strategies. The primary objective of this review is to support the broader implementation of AS and improve outcomes for patients with low-risk PTMC by emphasizing imaging protocols.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Advances in Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Clinical Applications: So Yoon Kwon, Jun Sung Moon; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):161-173. Published online April 8, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2025.2370; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare

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Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized diabetes management, significantly enhancing glycemic control across diverse patient populations. Recent evidence supports its effectiveness in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes management, with benefits extending beyond traditional glucose monitoring approaches. CGM has demonstrated substantial improvements in glycemic control across multiple metrics. Studies report consistent glycosylated hemoglobin reductions of 0.25%–3.0% and notable time in range improvements of 15%–34%. CGM effectively reduces hypoglycemic events, with studies reporting significant reductions in time spent in hypoglycemia. CGM also serves as an educational tool for lifestyle modification, providing real-time feedback that helps patients understand how diet and physical activity affect glucose levels. While skin-related complications remain a concern, technological advancements have addressed many initial concerns. High satisfaction rates and long-term use suggest that device-related issues are manageable with proper education and support. Despite high initial costs, CGM’s prevention of complications and hospitalizations ultimately reduces healthcare expenditures. With appropriate training and support, CGM represents a transformative technology for comprehensive diabetes care.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Associations of time in tight range, time in range, and glycated hemoglobin with albuminuria in type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Ji Yoon Kim, Seohyun Kim, Sang Ho Park, Jin Ah Lee, So Hyun Cho, Rosa Oh, Myunghwa Jang, You-Bin Lee, Gyuri Kim, Kyu Yeon Hur, Jae Hyeon Kim, Sang-Man Jin
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.2025; : 112325. CrossRef

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Mineral, Bone & Muscle
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

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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.

Mineral, Bone & Muscle 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

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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.

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