Transcriptional intermediary factor 1 gamma prevents lung inflammation and fibrosis via alveolar type 2 cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages.

Transcriptional intermediary factor 1 gamma (TIF1γ) inhibits transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling, the main pathway involved in fibrosis. We previously showed that TIF1γ regulated anti fibrotic processes in the liver. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of TIF1γ in pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

BACES score: a predictor of health-related quality of life and associated factors in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.

The evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is gaining importance among patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). We assessed whether the BACES score reflects HRQOL and associated factors in these patients. Data were collected from the nationwide NTM-KOREA prospective cohort of patients with NTM-PD who started antibiotic treatment and included symptoms, Quality of Life-Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) questionnaire, nutritional status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), physical activity, body composition, spirometry, handgrip strength, and 6-min walking distance.

Optimal dosing and duration of linezolid for the treatment of multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

Background: The optimal dosing strategy of linezolid for treating multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis remains unclear. We conducted an individual patient data meta-analysis to determine the optimal linezolid dosing strategy.

Methods: We searched for randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies on short-course all‑oral regimens containing linezolid for treating multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in PubMed, Embase and Scopus up to 31 August 2023.

Secreted chorismate mutase: A novel prognostic factor in Mycobacterium intracellulare pulmonary disease.

Objectives: Secreted chorismate mutase (S-CM) is known to act as a virulence factor in mycobacterial infections by inhibiting macrophage apoptosis. This study aims to investigate genetic variations in S-CM among Mycobacterium intracellulare strains and evaluate their influence on the clinical progression of M. intracellulare-pulmonary disease (PD).

Development and Validation of a Clinical Scoring System Predicting 30-Day Mortality in Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Background And Objectives: Acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a frequent and fatal complication of IPF, with highly variable individual outcomes that are challenging to predict.

Methods: This study included patients (≥ 19 years) who met the diagnostic criteria for AE-IPF. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality following hospital admission.

Cytomegalovirus reactivation in the lower respiratory tract as an independent risk factor for mortality in critically Ill patients.

Background: The clinical significance of cytomegalovirus reactivation in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) of critically ill patients remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between cytomegalovirus reactivation detected in LRT and intensive care unit (ICU) prognosis.

Methods: This study included critically ill patients admitted to a medical ICU at a tertiary referral center in South Korea between January 2021 and June 2023.

Effect of Individual Agents on Time to Culture Conversion in Complex Pulmonary Disease.

In a cohort of 534 patients treated for complex pulmonary disease, those who failed to achieve culture conversion were older, had higher proportions of males and cavity presence, were more likely to receive clofazimine and aminoglycosides, but less likely to receive rifampicin, and had a shorter overall treatment duration. Time-varying analysis of individual drug effects on time to culture conversion identified rifampicin as being associated with a reduced culture conversion rate (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.959; 95% confidence interval, .

Connective tissue disease is associated with the risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following lung transplantation in Korea.

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare complication of lung transplantation with poorly understood risk factors and clinical characteristics. This study aimed to examine the occurrence, risk factors, and clinical data of patients who developed PRES following lung transplantation.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 147 patients who underwent lung transplantation between February 2013 and December 2023.

Clinically significant hemoptysis and all-cause mortality in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.

Background: Hemoptysis is one of the major symptoms in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, its prevalence, incidence, and impact on long-term prognosis remain uncertain. We evaluated the incidence of clinically significant hemoptysis, and determined its association with mortality in patients with NTM-PD.

Fecal and Sputum Microbiota and Treatment Response in Patients With Mycobacterium abscessus Pulmonary Disease.

Background: The microbiota may provide biomarkers for clinical outcomes in chronic respiratory conditions, though its role in Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary disease (PD) remains largely unknown. We aimed to identify microbial signatures in fecal and sputum microbiotas associated with treatment response in M abscessus PD.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing antibiotic therapy, collecting fecal and sputum samples at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 months.

Relationship Between Clarithromycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations and Treatment Responses in Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) is a chronic lung condition with rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Macrolides like azithromycin and clarithromycin are the backbone of long-term antibiotic therapy for progressive MAC-PD. The impact of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), especially within the susceptible range, for macrolides on treatment responses remains unclear.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Adults in South Korea.

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is characterized by immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens without clinical symptoms or evidence of active tuberculosis. Effective LTBI management is crucial for tuberculosis elimination, requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment. In South Korea, LTBI guidelines have been updated periodically, the latest being in 2024.

Change of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as prognostic biomarker for complex pulmonary disease through anti-mycobacterial treatment.

Background: It remains unclear whether erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) accurately predicts prognosis during treatment and how ESR changes.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the predictive values of ESR as a prognostic factor of complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) while on anti-mycobacterial treatment and its changes according to the treatment responses.

Design: This study is a retrospective cohort study.

Safety and risk factors for bleeding complications of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy.

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (radial EBUS) is widely used to diagnose pulmonary lesions; however, the diagnostic value of radial EBUS-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) varies, and its complications (especially the risk of bleeding) are not properly understood.

Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance and rate of complication of this procedure, and investigated the risk factors associated with the procedure-related bleeding events.

Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Immunologic features of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease based on spatially resolved whole transcriptomics.

Background: The immunologic features of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are largely unclear. This study investigated the immunologic features of NTM-PD using digital spatial profiling techniques.

Methods: Lung tissues obtained from six patients with NTM-PD between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2020, at Seoul National University Hospital were subjected to RNA sequencing.

Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life Following Antibiotic Treatment in Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: Initial Analysis of the NTM-KOREA Cohort.

Background: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has emerged as a priority in the management of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). We aimed to evaluate HRQOL and its changes after 6 months' treatment in patients with NTM-PD.

Methods: The NTM-KOREA is a nationwide prospective cohort enrolling patients initiating treatment for NTM-PD in 8 institutions across South Korea.

Rates and Risk Factors of Progression in Patients With Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The clinical course of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is varied, and a watchful waiting management strategy is appropriate for a subset of patients. Understanding disease progression and risk factors for progression is essential for deciding on an appropriate follow-up strategy.

Research Question: What is the rate of NTM-PD progression, and what are the predictors of progression?

Study Design And Methods: Patients with NTM-PD who were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study between July 1, 2011, and December 31, 2022, were included in this analysis.

Clinical course of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: The impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) has not been well established. In this study, we investigated the clinical course of NTM-PD in patients with RA and the impact of RA on the prognosis of NTM-PD.

Methods: We analyzed patients who developed NTM-PD after being diagnosed with RA from January 2004 to August 2023 at a tertiary referral hospital in South Korea.

Metabolomic Characteristics of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease.

Background: The therapeutic challenges posed by nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) contribute to an unmet medical need. In this study, we aimed to investigate NTM-PD-specific metabolic pathways using serum metabolomics to understand disease pathogenesis.

Methods: Mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomic profiling of serum from patients with NTM-PD (n = 50), patients with bronchiectasis (n = 50), and healthy controls (n = 60) was performed.

Treatment Outcomes of Clofazimine-Containing Regimens in Severe Complex Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Clofazimine is suggested as a promising drug for the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease. However, the role of clofazimine in severe complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the treatment outcomes of patients with severe MAC-PD treated with regimens containing clofazimine.