Search

High blood pressure (BP) is a significant risk factor for heart and brain diseases. Previous studies have suggested that heavy metals including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) contribute to hypertension. This study examined the combined effects of heavy metals on blood pressure, considering sex differences. A health impact survey was conducted among 561 residents living near waste incineration facilities in Cheongju, Korea. Blood samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations and blood pressure was measured. Multiple linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) methods were used to evaluate the relationship between heavy metal exposure and BP. Men had higher blood Hg and Pb concentrations, whereas women had higher Cd levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant association between heavy metals and systolic blood pressure. However, Cd was significantly associated with increased diastolic blood pressure for the total group and women, whereas Pb was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure in men. In the BKMR analysis, the joint effect of the three metals was significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure for individuals below the 45th percentile and above the 55th percentile in men. These findings underscore the importance of considering sex differences in environmental health studies and public health strategies.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been reported to cause oxidative stress in metabolic processes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between exposure to PAHs, including benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), in the atmosphere and oxidative stress levels in the human body. This study included 44 Korean adults who lived in Cheongju, Republic of Korea. Atmospheric BaP and 1-NP concentrations and urinary 6-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene (6-OHNP), N-acetyl-1-aminopyrene (1-NAAP), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentrations were measured. The oxidative stress level was assessed by measuring urinary thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations. Urinary TBARS and 6-OHNP concentrations significantly differed between winter and summer. BaP exposure was significantly associated with urinary 8-OHdG concentrations in summer. However, atmospheric 1-NP did not show a significant correlation with oxidative stress marker concentrations. Urinary 1-NAAP concentration was a significant determinant for urinary 8-OHdG concentration in summer. Oxidative stress in the body increases in proportion to inhalation exposure to BaP, and more 8-OHdG is produced in the body as the amount of 1-NP, which is metabolized to 1-AP or 1-NAAP, increases.

Nitropyrene (1-NP) is a specific indicator of exposure to diesel exhaust and is partly metabolized to 1-aminopyrene (1-AP) and N-acetyl-1-aminopyrene (1-NAAP), which are excreted in urine. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gene polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes for 1-NP on the urinary concentrations of 1-AP and 1-NAAP. The study participants were 70 South Koreans who were occupationally or environmentally exposed to diesel exhaust. To evaluate 1-NP exposure levels, we sampled airborne particulate matters with a personal air sampler and measured urinary 1-AP and 1-NAAP concentrations. The genetic polymorphisms of the 1-NP metabolic enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, EPHX1, NQO1, and NAT2) were determined by direct sequencing. The mean 1-NP exposure level was 20.40 pg/m3, and the mean urinary concentrations of 1-AP and 1-NAAP were 0.074 nM and 0.213 nM, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the 1-NP exposure level and urinary 1-AP concentrations was 0.0138 and that between the 1-NP exposure level and urinary 1-NAAP concentrations was 0.1493, and neither correlation coefficient was statistically significant. The correlation coefficient between the 1-NP exposure level and urinary 1-AP concentrations showed statistically significant differences according to the CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 genotypes, and that between the 1-NP exposure level and urinary 1-NAAP concentrations was significantly different according to the CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and NAT2 genotypes. The urinary concentration of 1-NAAP is a better biomarker for exposure to 1-NP or DEPs because the former is higher, easier to measure, and more strongly correlated with 1-NP exposure levels than that of 1-AP. The relationship between 1-NP exposure and urinary 1-AP or 1-NAAP concentration depends on the single nucleotide polymorphism types of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, NQO1, and NAT2.

Abstract Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is a minimally invasive lateral lumbar fusion technique and patients are discharged 1–2 days after surgery. Because OLIF utilizes a retroperitoneal approach close to the superior hypogastric plexus, postoperative urinary retention (POUR) may not be an uncommon problem. The purpose of this study was to present the incidence and outcomes of POUR with a systematic care protocol. The records of 102 consecutive patients (M:F = 34:68; mean age, 68.0 ± 8.4 years) were retrospectively reviewed. After OLIF, the indwelling urinary catheter was immediately removed, and every patient was encouraged to void within 6 h. The POUR care protocol, following a clinical pathway, was based on residual urine (RU), which was monitored with an ultrasound bladder scan after each voiding or every 6 h for 48 h. The incidence rate of POUR was 44% (45/102) at 24 h, 17% (17/102) at 48 h, and 2% (2/102) at 1 month. Preoperative urological symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 3.2) and violation of the protocol (OR 28.3) were risk factors at 24 h. At 48 h, violation of the protocol was the only risk factor (OR 9.6). Identifying risk factors and a preemptive care protocol may reduce permanent POUR.

Preventing disease and maintaining the health of the elderly are crucial goals for an aging population, with obesity and immune function restoration being of paramount importance. Obesity, particularly visceral obesity characterized by excessive fat accumulation around the abdominal organs, is linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction. Globally, obesity is considered a disease, prompting significant research interest in its treatment. Therefore, it is essential to explore potential therapeutic and preventive strategies to address obesity and the decline in immune function brought about by aging. Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML), commonly known as ‘mealworms,’ are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, and essential amino acids, such as isoleucine and tyrosine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the consumption of TML oil and mealworm fermented extract (MWF-1) on obesity and immunological changes in aged obese mice. Our data showed reduced body fat in 23-week-old C57BL/6 mice fed processed TML products for 6 weeks. Additionally, the characteristically high levels of serum triglycerides decreased by treating with TML oil. The immune responsiveness results confirmed an increase in B cells by treating with MWF-1, while cytokine levels (interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2, and −6) were restored to levels similar to young mice. These results suggest that TML oil and MWF-1 are promising dietary supplements for addressing obesity and restoring immune function.

Breast manifestations of autoimmune diseases are rare but may present as localized disease or as part of a systemic disease. The most common clinical presentations of autoimmune mastitis are palpable masses and mastalgia, but patients can also be asymptomatic. Its radiological features are nonspecific and varied; it usually appears as an irregular hypoechoic mass or ill-defined hypoechoic nonmass lesion that mimics malignancy, with or without duct ectasia on breast ultrasonography. On breast MRI, segmental or regional nonmass enhancement is observed. However, due to its nonspecific and rapid changes in its clinical and radiological features, its diagnosis is often challenging and delayed. Herein, we present a rare case of mastitis with mammary duct ectasia in a patient with Behcet’s syndrome and its rapid changes in imaging features on serial radiologic studies. Furthermore, we review the literature focusing on the radiologic and histopathologic characteristics of autoimmune mastitis.

Abstract We investigated the regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) by miR-2861 in the osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and miR-2861 binding site by CRISPR activation (CRISPRa). Transfection of miR-2861 into human MSCs was performed and the effect on osteoblast differentiation was analyzed. Using catalytically inactive Cas12a, the CRISPRa system induced targeted overexpression of endogenous miRNA and repressed the luciferase activities of reporters that contained functional miRNA target sites. The delivery of miR-2861 into MSCs enhanced osteoblast differentiation by decreased expressions of the HDAC1, 4 and 5 genes. The mechanism of HDAC5 repression by miR-2861 in humans has not been fully elucidated. To this end, the HDAC5 mRNA sequence was analyzed and a putative primate-specific miR-2861 binding site was identified in the 3’ untranslated region (3’-UTR). CRISPRa was applied to validate the putative binding site and an increase in endogenous miR-2861 was found to repress the expression of a reporter that contained the novel miR-2861 binding site. The delivery of miR-2861 to human MSCs enhanced osteoblast differentiation. In the 3’-UTR, the HDAC5 repression was mediated by the miR-2861 binding site, and miR-2861 promoted osteoblast differentiation via the inhibition of HDAC5 through a primate-specific miRNA binding site. Therefore, miRNAmiR-2861 with the CRISPRa methods might be a good biomaterial for osteogenesis augmentation.

Abstract Although several studies reported genetic polymorphisms in protein kinase AMP‐activated alpha 1 catalytic subunit (PRKAA1) and their associations with gastric cancer risk, few have evaluated associations between Helicobacter pylori infection and PRKAA1 gene‐environment interactions. Here, we evaluated the effects of interactions between H. pylori infection and PRKAA1 polymorphisms on gastric cancer risk in Koreans. In this hospital‐based case–control study, PRKAA1 genotypes were analyzed and H. pylori infection and CagA status were examined using a serologic method in 846 pairs of gastric cancer patients and controls matched for age and sex. H. pylori seropositivity was associated with a 1.43‐fold [95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.81] increase in the risk of gastric cancer, and CagA low‐positive titers during H. pylori infection increased the risk by 1.85‐fold (95% confidence interval, 1.38–2.48). Significant positive interaction between the PRKAA1 rs13361707 genotype and H. pylori infection was verified on an additive scale [relative excess risk due to interaction, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–1.04; P = 0.030], and the gene‐environment interaction between PRKAA1 rs13361707 and CagA status was also statistically significant (relative excess risk due to interaction, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.30–0.70; P

Several epidemiological studies have reported an association between environmental pollution and various health conditions in individuals residing in industrial complexes. To evaluate the effects of pollution from industrial complex on human health, we performed a pooled analysis of environmental epidemiologic monitoring data for residents living near national industrial complexes in Korea. The respiratory and allergic symptoms and the prevalence of acute and chronic diseases, including cancer, were used as the outcome variables for health effects. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between exposure to pollution from industrial complexes and health conditions. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, occupational exposure, level of education, and body mass index, the residents near the industrial complexes were found to have more respiratory symptoms, such as cough (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.31) and sputum production (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24), and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.20). Among residents of the industrial complexes, the prevalence of acute eye disorders was approximately 40% higher (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.84) and the prevalence of lung and uterine cancer was 3.45 times and 1.88 times higher, respectively, than those among residents of the control area. This study showed that residents living in the vicinity of industrial complexes have a high risk of acute and chronic diseases including respiratory and allergic conditions. These results can be used as basic objective data for developing health management measures for individuals residing near industrial complexes.

This data article provides a comparison data for nano-cement based concrete (NCC) and ordinary Portland cement based concrete (OPCC). Concrete samples (OPCC) were fabricated using ten different mix design and their characterization data is provided here. Optimization of curing time using the Weibull distribution model was done by analyzing the rate of change of compressive strength of the OPCC. Initially, the compressive strength of the OPCC samples was measured after completion of four desired curing times. Thereafter, the required curing time to achieve a particular rate of change of the compressive strength has been predicted utilizing the equation derived from the variation of the rate of change of compressive strength with the curing time, prior to the optimization of the curing time (at the 99.99% confidence level) using the Weibull distribution model. This data article complements the research article entitled “Prediction of the curing time to achieve maturity of the nano-cement based concrete using the Weibull distribution model” [1].

PurposeHouse dust mite (HDM) has been suggested to be the most important aeroallergen responsible for atopic asthma in Korea. We aimed to investigate that specific IgE antibodies to HDM and other common indoor aeroallergens contribute differently to total serum IgE and show different relationships with longitudinal fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements in Korean atopic asthmatic patients.MethodsA total of 193 children aged 8 to 16 years with intermittent or mild persistent atopic asthma were recruited. Sera were assayed for total IgE and specific IgE antibodies to HDM and other common indoor allergens. FeNO was serially measured 10 times or more over 2 years when subjects were not receiving controller medications.ResultsIn 152 children who completed the study, IgE antibodies to specific HDM were more prevalent than those to other common indoor aeroallergens. In addition, IgE antibody titers to HDM were the strongest contributor to total IgE increases. Furthermore, only HDM-specific IgE antibody titer significantly correlated with maximum FeNO (r=0.21, P=0.029) and the rate of FeNO higher than 21 parts per billion (ppb) (r=0.30, P=0.002). Eight patients (5%) were found to have maximum FeNO of 21 ppb or less, suggesting the presence of a low FeNO phenotype among atopic asthmatic patients.ConclusionThe quantity of HDM-specific IgE antibody provides a possible explanation for increases of total IgE and significantly correlates with the amount and frequency of FeNO increases in Korean atopic asthmatic patients.

PurposeThe progressivity of central precocious puberty (CPP) seems to depend on the age at presentation. We evaluated the clinical courses of CPP girls according to their age at initiation of treatment.MethodsOne hundred thirty five girls with CPP diagnosed between Jan. 2003 and Dec. 2009 and regularly followed for more than one year were included. They were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) every four weeks. Subjects were divided into two groups based on whether they were treated before (Group I, N=20) or after seven years of age (Group II, N=115). We compared the anthropometric parameters, the predicted adult height (PAH), predicted treatment periods, and the laboratory findings of the two groups every six months.ResultsOut of 135 CPP patients, 123 were idiopathic and twelve had neurogenic problems. At the baseline, patients' average bone age (BA) was significantly older than chronologic age (CA) and PAH was significantly shorter than target height (TH). BA and CA were significantly older in group II, but the BA/CA ratio was significantly greater in group I. The average treatment period required to overcome the CA-BA difference was 4.64 yr (group I vs II; 7.98 yr vs 4.24 yr, P < 0.01), and the period needed to overcome PAH-TH difference was 2.49 yr (group I vs II; 4.37 yr vs 2.32 yr, P < 0.01).ConclusionAmong the girls with CPP, the younger age group had more advanced BA than CA, and needed significantly longer treatment periods to overcome the BA-CA gap and PAH-TH gaps.

Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound exerting antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects on various tissues, including muscles. Nevertheless, its clinical usage has been limited because of its poor bioavailability. Thus, highly bioavailable curcumin, such as Theracurmin (CR-033P) composed of 36% crystalline curcumin, has been developed. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and muscle-protective effect of Theracurmin Super (TS-P1), a new formulation with 36% amorphous curcumin. TS-P1 and CR-033P demonstrated antioxidant activity in vitro. Compared with pure curcumin, orally administered TS-P1 or CR-033P (16.7 or 50 mg per kg of body weight) at one-third dose inhibited the elevation of plasma lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels in a mouse downhill running model, indicating superior muscle-protective effect. Particularly, TS-P1 showed better or equivalent effectiveness in restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and in suppressing inflammatory responses. Therefore, formulation with amorphous curcumin is a promising strategy for curcumin-based supplements.

PurposeFractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) are not included in routine monitoring of asthma control. We observed changes in FeNO level and FEF25-75 after FeNO-based treatment with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in children with controlled asthma (CA).MethodsWe recruited 148 children with asthma (age, 8 to 16 years) who had maintained asthma control and normal forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) without control medication for ≥3 months. Patients with FeNO levels >25 ppb were allocated to the ICS-treated (FeNO-based management) or untreated group (guideline-based management). Changes in spirometric values and FeNO levels from baseline were evaluated after 6 weeks.ResultsNinety-three patients had FeNO levels >25 ppb. These patients had lower FEF25-75% predicted values than those with FeNO levels ≤25 ppb (P25 ppb.

Few studies in epidemiology have evaluated the effects of gene-environment interaction on oxidative stress, even though this interaction is an important etiologic factor in lung carcinogenesis. We investigated the effects of the genetic polymorphisms of paraoxonase 1 (PON1), smoking, and the interaction between the two on lung cancer risk and oxidative stress.This study's subjects consisted of 416 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients and an equal number of matched controls. The GoldenGate assay was used for genotypic analyses of the PON1 gene. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were measured as indicators of oxidative stress.The PON1 rs662 AA genotype showed a significantly lower risk of lung cancer than the GG genotype (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-0.99). The protective effect of the PON1 rs662 AA genotype on lung cancer risk was limited to non-smokers. Lung cancer patients who had the rs662 A allele showed a dose-dependent association between smoking status and oxidative stress markers. Among non-smoking lung cancer patients, urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly lower in individuals with the rs662 GA and AA genotypes than in those with the GG genotype. Furthermore, we found a significant interaction effect between PON1 rs662 and smoking status on urinary 8-OHdG levels in lung cancer patients.Our results suggest that the protective effect of PON1 rs662 SNP against lung carcinogenesis and the induction of oxidative stress might be modulated by the interaction between PON1 genetic polymorphisms and tobacco smoking.

There is an increasing demand for low-maintenance public garden models, and environmental stress on plants due to climate change is growing. As a result, the demand for developing new plant varieties based on native species for use in gardens in response to climate change has increased significantly. Many plants in the Poaceae family are applied for various purposes, including food crops, fodder grasses, ornamental plants, and medicinal plants. Additionally, native plants provide economic and ecological benefits, making them advantageous for use in gardens. However, there are some difficulties in Poaceae breeding studies and the utilization of wild native plants for breeding. Model plants can be utilized in breeding studies of Poaceae plant species. In this study, to identify Korean native Poaceae species with the potential for use not only as garden materials but also as model plants for breeding research in response to climate change, candidate species were selected from the Korean Plant Names Index (KPNI). A total of three Korean native plants in the Poaceae family, including Brachypodium sylvaticum, Setaria viridis, and Zoysia japonica, were selected, and their properties and genome information were compared with the existing representative model plants, Arabidopsis thaliana and Brachypodium distachyon. The current research status of B. sylvaticum, S. viridis, and Z. japonica has been summarized, and the genome size and other characteristics of these model plants have been compared and discussed. As a result, both A. thaliana (2n = 2x = 10) and B. distachyon (2n = 2x = 10) are annual C3 plants, but B. sylvaticum (2n = 2x = 18) is a perennial C3 plant, and S. viridis (2n = 2x = 18) is an annual C4 plant. Thus, B. sylvaticum and S. viridis can be utilized as model plants for perennial C3 plants and annual C4 plants, respectively. Z. japonica (2n = 4x = 40) is a perennial C4 plant, but it can be unsuitable as a model plant because it is an allotetraploid. The application of these newly selected candidate plants in breeding research can build a foundation for breeding native Poaceae plants in Korea in the new climate regime.

Introduction: There is lack of information on the impact of acidity correctives (lime and silicate) and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers on the fertility, carbon stocks, carbon stratification, and carbon sequestration potential of paddy soils. To fill this knowledge gap and contribute to knowledge on how the treatments impact the soil ecosystem functions and services, a longterm field experiment was established in 1954 with four treatments and five replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Methods: Four treatments with five replicates per treatment were laid out in a randomized complete block design. The treatments included control/untreated (CT), only NPK, silicate-fortified NPK (NPKSi), and lime-fortified NPK (NPKLi). The treatments were applied to paddy soils classified as Fluvaquentic Eutrudepts. Results and discussion: Application of the treatments led to significant increases in soil pH by 0.9, 1.12, and 1.5 pH units in the NPK, NPKLi, and NPKSi-treated soils in 2021, respectively, compared to the initial soil pH. The increase in pH subsequently led to significant reductions in C stratification and C stocks, with reduced rates of C sequestration observed to be more pronounced in the soils treated with lime and silicate-fortified NPK fertilizers (NKPSi and NPKLi). Both NPKSi and NPKLi moderately increased soil fertility. The highest increase in soil fertility was observed in the NPKSi treatment, with an annual growth rate of 0.0160 and a relative change ratio of 128.2% relative to the initial soil fertility index recorded in 1970. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed that soil pH, exchangeable calcium, and available silicate were the soil properties that significantly contributed to the increase in the soil fertility of the treated soils in the rice paddy agroecosystem. Significance: Conclusively, the inclusion of silicate in long-term fertilization is an effective strategy to mitigate soil acidity and increase soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of long-term chronic periodontal conditions on the risk of lung cancer could not be accurately evaluated. Our aim was to provide more evidence on the connection between chronic periodontitis (CP) and lung cancer using a nationwide dataset. Methods: This study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort. We enrolled 72,658 individuals with CP (CP cohort) between 2005 and 2019 and 1:1 age- and sex-matched controls without CP (non-CP cohort). Results: During the median follow-up period of 5.1 (interquartile range, 2.8-8.0) years, 0.56% (n = 405/72,658) of the CP cohort and 0.29% (n = 212/72,658) of the matched non-CP cohort developed lung cancer, with incidence rates of 8.3 and 4.5 per 10,000 person-years. The risk of incident lung cancer was significantly higher in the CP cohort than in the matched non-CP cohort (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.27, 95% confidence interval = 1.94-2.65). The risk of incident lung cancer was 2.45-fold and 2.10-fold higher in mild and moderate-to-severe CP cohorts than in the matched non-CP control. The risk of incident lung cancer was especially higher in the 40-59 age group, females, and never-smokers than their counterparts. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the risk of incident lung cancer is higher in individuals with CP than in those without. The risk of lung cancer was especially high in individuals with more severe CP, females, never-smokers, and obese populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate how a family history of prostate cancer influences the progression of the disease in individuals with prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance. Materials and Methods: We conducted a thorough literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to June 2023. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023441853). The study evaluated the effects of family history of prostate cancer (intervention) on disease progression (outcome) in prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance (population) and compared them to those without a family history (comparators). For time to disease progression outcomes, the extracted data were synthesized using the inverse variance method on the log hazard ratios scale. Results: A total of eight studies were incorporated into this systematic review and meta-analysis. The combined hazard ratio for unadjusted disease progression was 1.06 (95% confidential interval [CI] 0.66-1.69; p=0.82). The combined hazard ratio for adjusted disease progression was 1.31 (95% CI 1.16-1.48; p<0.0001). All the enlisted studies demonstrated high quality based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The certainty of evidence for univariate and multivariate analysis of disease progression was very low and low, respectively. Publication bias for all studies was not significant. Conclusions: For individuals with prostate cancer opting for active surveillance, a family history of prostate cancer may serve as an independent risk factor associated with an elevated risk of disease progression. Clinicians should be counseled about the increased risk of disease progression in patients with a family history of prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate urine microbiome differences among healthy women, women with recurrent uncomplicated cystitis (rUC), and those with sporadic/single uncomplicated cystitis (sUC) to challenge traditional beliefs about origins of these infections. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent both conventional urine culture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of urine were retrospectively reviewed. Symptom-free women with normal urinalysis results as a control group were also studied. Samples were collected via transurethral catheterization. Results: In the control group, urine microbiome was detected on NGS in 83.3%, with Lactobacillus and Prevotella being the most abundant genera. The sensitivity of urine NGS was significantly higher than that of conventional urine culture in both the sUC group (91.2% vs. 32.4%) and the rUC group (82.4% vs. 16.4%). In urine NGS results, Enterobacterales, Prevotella, and Escherichia/ Shigella were additionally found in the sUC group, while the recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI)/rUC group exhibited the presence of Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Enterobacterales, Escherichia/Shigella, and Propionibacterium. Moreover, distinct patterns of urine NGS were observed based on menopausal status and ingestion of antibiotics or probiotics prior to NGS test sampling. Conclusions: Urine microbiomes in control, sUC, and rUTI/rUC groups exhibited distinct characteristics. Notably, sUC and rUC might represent entirely separate pathological processes, given their distinct urine microbiomes. Consequently, the use of urine NGS might be essential to enhancing sensitivity compared to conventional urine culture in both sUC and rUTI/rUC groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]