• Development and Reproduction
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.297-306
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• 2010

Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, has been reported to decrease testicular function by causing apoptosis in the testis, but this mechanism is not fully understood. Thus, in this study we examined whether TBT induces adipogenesis of the Leydig cells to find out the correlation between adipogenesis and apoptosis in the testis. Three week old SD male rats were orally administrated with sesame oil, 1 mg/kg of TBT, or 10 mg/kg of TBT daily for 1 week and weighed after administration. The testes obtained on day 8 were weighed and stained with BODIPY and TUNEL kit. Using total RNA extracted from the isolated Leydig cells, adipogenesis and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time PCR. The testicular weights of the rats treated with 10 mg/kg TBT were significantly decreased compared to those in the control rats treated with sesame oil. As a result of BODIPY staining, the number of Leydig cells stained with BODIPY was increased in the rats treated with 10 mg/kg TBT compared with the control rats. Similar to BODIPY staining results, the TUNEL assay showed that the apoptosis of Leydig cells was increased in TBT treated rats. The results of the gene expression analysis in the Leydig cells showed that the expression of adipogenesis-related genes (PPAR${\gamma}$, aP2, Perilipin, CD36) and apoptosis-related genes (TNFRSF1A, TNFSF10) was increased after TBT administration. The present study demonstrates that TBT induces the expression of adipogenesis-related and apoptosis-related genes in the Leydig cells leading to adipogenesis and apoptosis in the testes. These results suggest that the dysfunction of Leydig cells by TBT exposure may cause a loss in testicular function.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.701-705
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• 2005

Purpose : Parents' genetic information plays an important role in their children's genetic expression. Human chromosome has 23-paternal chromosomes and 23-maternal chromosomes. Parental chromosomal translocation can induce clinical problems in their children because of imbalance in genetic information. We intent to analyze the cytogenentic and clinical features about children with maternal balanced translocation between chromosome 15 and 18. Methods : We detected by one family's FISH study of chromosome 15. We have evaluated children born to clinically normal parents about peripheral bood analysis, endocrine, metabolic, radiologic study, electroencephalogram and social & intelligence scale. and We analysis their clinical manifestation by hospital records. Results : Patient's father and elder sister are normal clinically and genetically. Her mother's chromosome show balanced translocation, 46, XX, t(15;18)(p11.2;p11.3). One child has 46, XX, der(18) t(15;18)(p11.2;p11.3), mental retardation, growth retardation, speech & social developmental delay, recurrent infection and mild mitochondria dysfunction. Her young brother has 46, XY, der(15) t(15;18) (p11.2;p11.3), mental retardation, aggressive behavior, obesity and speech developmental delay. Conclusion : In this study we observed the children with developmental delay, dysmorphic facial features, mental retardation, growth retardation associated with growth hormone deficiency and aggressive behavior due to unbalanced translocation between chromosome 15 and 18.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.277-283
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• 2003

Purpose : Craniopharyngiomas are often accompanied by severe endocrine disorders. Although there is universal growth hormone deficiency(GHD), the resulting growth pattern is very heterogeneous. We report the growth and endocrine outcome of 44 children with craniopharyngioma, with emphasis on initial symptoms, growth before and during growth hormone(GH) treatment and spontaneous growth in spite of GHD. Methods : We performed a retrospective study of 44 children treated at our centre between 1984 and 2002. Results : About 30% of patients had symptoms suggesting endocrine disorder at diagnosis. After surgery, multiple endocrinopathies were almost universal. Before GH therapy, height velocity was $8.00{\pm}2.71cm/yr$ in the normal growth group(n=11) and $1.79{\pm}1.10cm/yr$ in the subnormal growth group(n=7) during the first year and during the second year, $6.76{\pm}2.49cm/yr$ and $2.29{\pm}1.33cm/yr$, respectively. There was no difference of body mass index(BMI) change between before and after surgery in the two groups. Height standard deviation score(SDS) was $-1.46{\pm}0.74$ in the normal growth group and $-0.43{\pm}0.97$ in the subnormal growth group. Before GH treatment height SDS was $-1.31{\pm}1.25$ and BMI was $20.46{\pm}3.60$. During GH treatment, height SDS increased to $-0.60{\pm}1.37$ in the first, and to $-0.41{\pm}1.54$ in the second year(P<0.05), but BMI did not change significantly. Conclusion : The endocrine morbidity could develop in most children with craniopharyngioma before and after the operation and should be managed properly. Although all treated patients benefit from GH therapy, further studies are necessary to find out the possible mechanism of growth regulation in normally growing children, despite GH deficient.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.292-297
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• 2006

Purpose : In medulloblastoma, craniospinal radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy improves the prognosis of tumors but results in significant endocrine morbidities. We studied the endocrine morbidity, especially growth pattern changes. Methods : The medical records of 37 patients with medulloblastoma were reviewed retrospectively for evaluation of endocrine function and growth. We performed the growth hormone stimulation test in 16 patients whose growth velocity was lower than 4 cm/yr. Results : The height loss was progressive in most patients. The height standard deviation score (SDS) decreased from $-0.1{\pm}1.3$ initially to $-0.6{\pm}1.0$ after 1 year(P<0.01). Growth hormone deficiency(GHD) developed in 14 patients. During the 2 years of growth hormone(GH) treatment, the improvements of height gain or progressions of height loss were not observed. Twelve patients(32.4 percent) revealed primary hypothyroidism. One of six patients diagnosed with compensated hypothyroidism progressed to primary hypothyroidism. Primary and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism were observed in two and one patients respectively. There was no proven case of central adrenal insufficiency. Conclusion : Growth impairment developed frequently, irrespective of the presence of GHD in childhood survivors of medulloblastoma. GH treatment may prevent further loss of height. The impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal axis is less common, while central adrenal insufficiency was not observed.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.9
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• pp.944-949
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• 2008

Purpose : As modern society has became more open, interest in healthy internal and external growth has increased, including that pertaining to penile length in children. A micropenis is defined as one where penile length is more than 2 SD (standard deviation) below the mean, and it can be traced back to chromosome and endocrine disorders. The authors executed this study to suggest guidelines for the study of the micropenis and standard information for penile length in Korean newborns. Methods : The subjects of this study were 168 male infants between 37 and 42 weeks of gestational age, none of whom had any complications during pregnancy or birth; each had been born in Daegu Fatima Hospital between February and June 2007. Penile length was measured using conventional stretched penile length measurement (CPLM) and syringe methods. Results : Penile length was $3.02{\pm}0.25cm$ (F=36.467, $R^2=0.180$, P<0.001) when measured with CPLM, and $3.29{\pm}0.26cm$ (F=9.149, $R^2=0.052$, P<0.001) with the syringe method. There was no statistically significant difference in the penile length of newborn infants as a result of taking measurements with the two methods, and both methods showed significance at 0.631 in terms of Pearson's correlation coefficient, at the level of P=0.01. Conclusion : In this study, penile length tended to be longer when gestational age was longer, and a micropenis can be assumed to be one less than 2.5 cm using CPLM and less than 2.8 cm using the syringe method. In the case of a concealed penis, the syringe method is helpful. When a micropenis is assumed, close observation by outpatient department personnel, and additional endocrine and chromosome studies should be undertaken after sufficiently consulting the parents.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.111-121
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• 1988

This study was attempted to investigate the regional distribution and shapes of pancreatic endocrifle cells in the hedgehog, Erinaceus koneanus by the immunocytochemical PAP methods (Nalane, 1968; Stemberger, 1979). The tissue specimen taken from the splenic and duodenal regions of pancreas(proximai, middle and distal portions, respectively) were fixed with Bouin solution and the sections(5$\mu$ m) were followed by simple and double staining with 2 substrates, DAB and 4-CI-1-naphthol. The results were as following: Glucagon(A) cells, 13 $\mu$ m x 9.5 $\mu$ m in size, were found in the islets periphery and among the exocrine parenchyma. A cells were abundant in all the portions of splenic region and distal portion of duodenal region in contrast to a few in the proximal and middle portion of duodenal region. The shapes of the A cells were round, oval and pyramidal types. Insulin(B) cells, 11.6$\mu$m x 9.4$\mu$m in sise, were round or oval in shape and located throughout the islets. B cells were the most numerous cell types in all portions of splenic region and distal protion of duodenal region as compared with the other portions. Somatostatin(D) cells, 12.6$\mu$m x 9.1 $\mu$m in size, were round or oval in shape and found in the islets periphery and scattered in the exocrine parenchyma. These cells were rare in all the portions of splenic and duodenal region. Pancreatic polypeptide(PP) cells of various type, 12.8$\mu$ m x 8.5 $\mu$ m in size, were found in the islets periphery and among the exocrine parenchyma. PP cells were numerous in the proximal and middle portion of duodenal region, but rarely scattered in the other portions.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.35-42
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• 2018

Purpose: To follow up Korean patients with metabolic and endocrine disorders ascertained by Korea Genetics Research Center, and assess the long-term effectiveness of extended newborn screening program in Korea. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2017, tandem mass spectrometry and fluoroimmunoassay were employed in extended newborn screening (NBS). The NBS program obtained dried blood spots from 283,626 babies, 48 hours after birth, and screened for galactosemia, congenital hypothyroidism (CH), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and 50 preventable inborn errors of amino acid, fatty acid, and organic acid metabolism. Results: 28 cases of amino acid disorders, 75 cases of organic acid disorders, 27 cases of fatty acid disorders, 51 cases of urea cycle disorders, 127 cases of CH, 14 cases of CAH, and 15 cases of galactosemia were ascertained through NBS and subsequent confirmatory laboratory tests. Patients with amino acid metabolic disorders, galactosemia, CH, or CAH were more likely to have a better long-term outcome if detected early. Early management of MSUD led to much better outcome in over 90%. Despite early intervention, 32% of other organic acidemia cases still resulted in developmental delay and neurological problems. Fatty acid disorders showed varied results; those with EMA and MCAD had a good outcome, but those with VLCAD had serious neurological problems and considerably higher mortality. 75% with UCD experienced serious neurological complications and higher mortality. Conclusion: The nation-wide NBS program must be accompanied by comprehensive long-term management and physician and family education of inborn errors of metabolism for a better outcome.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.243-247
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• 2002

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of induced molting on the relative weight and hormone levels of thyroid, ovary, and adrenal glands in spent laying hens. Three hundred sixty 77-wk-old, Babcock White hens were divided into 36 experimental units of 10 hens each and induced to molt for seven weeks. A diet containing 16% CP and 2,800 kcal ME/kg was fed ad libitum from 84 to 126 weeks of age. Thirty-six birds were randomly selected for blood collection and slaughtered at Pre-molt, 5% egg Production, Peak, and end Phase of the egg Production. Weights of the thyroid, ovary, adrenal glands, and plasma T3, T4, cortisol, and estradiol contents were measured at each stage. Weight of the thyroid reached its highest level at 5% e99 Production stage. The ovary weight was greatly reduced during molting, but started to increase after induced molting until the end of the egg Production Phase (P<0.05). Plasma T3,T4 and cortisol were found to be the highest at the start of the Post-molt Production stage, but reached their minimum at the end Phase of e99 Production. Plasma estradiol was the lowest at the 5% egg Production stage. The Present study demonstrated that molting is a complex Process that require the involvement of endocrine glands to trigger their specific hormones, which play a key role in molt induction.

• Bulletin of Food Technology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.178-187
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• 2013

분자단계에서 천연소재 유래 다당체는 면역 세포 표면(예, 대식세포)에 있는 한가지 또는 여러가지 수용체(${\beta}$-glucan 수용체, mannose 수용체, complement 수용체 3, Toll-like 수용체, scavenger 수용체)와 면역 반응을 시작하기 위하여 결합할 수 있고, 그 후에 신호전달을 위하여 cytokine과 second messenger($Ca^{2+}$, cAMP, cGMP, NO 등등)들을 생성한다. 그 결과로 선천면역과 적응면역을 유도하여 다양한 질환에 영향을 미친다. 추가적으로 다당체들의 면역조절은 신경내분비 체계의 조절과도 연관되어 있다. 최근 수많은 천연소재유래 다당체의 생리활성에 관한 연구가 진행되고 있다. 다양한 연구를 통해 정확한 약효, 낮은 독성과 부작용을 가진 일단의 다당체가 발견되어 현재 임상에서 암 치료에도 사용되고 있다. 이러한 사실들은 면역증진 다당체들이 항 종양치료를 위한 새로운 치료제로서 큰 시장을 개척할 수 있다는 가능성을 보여주고 있다. 이러한 사실에도 불구하고 현재 다당체에 대한 연구는 다음과 같은 취약점을 내포하고 있다. 첫째 다당체의 생리활성에 대한 정해진 비교기준이 없다. 특별히 임상 환경에서는 이러한 연구들이 중국, 일본, 한국과 일부 다른 동양국가들에 국한되어 있어 유럽이나 미국에서의 연구 자료가 결여되어있다. 둘째 현재 연구에 사용되고 있는 대다수의 천연소재 유래 다당체는 순수한 다당체가 아닌 천연 그대로의 것을 사용하고 있어 소재로부터 유래하는 다른 활성성분에 의해 쉽게 영향을 받을 수 있어 순수 다당체가 면역체계에 어떠한 역할을 수행하는지 진단하는데 어려움이 있다. 셋째 면역조절 경로에서 다당체의 정확한 신호전달 경로가 아직 정확하게 밝혀지지 않았고, 또한 동물과 임상실험에서 다당체가 작용하는 수용체 및 신호전달 경로에 대한 상반되는 결과가 발표되고 있기도 하다. 따라서 다당체의 면역조절활성에 대한 연구에 있어 다음과 같은 점들에 주목해야 할 필요가 있다. 첫째 다당체의 구조와 활성간의 상관관계를 밝혀야 할 것이다. 특히 다당체의 세부 구조 및 활성 부위를 밝혀낸다면 분자수준의 면역조절 기작을 명확히 하는데 도움을 줄 수 있을 것이다. 이러한 정보를 확보할 수 있다면 다당체의 구조를 변형시켜 활성을 증진시킬 수 있을 것이며, 또한 활성이 증가된 다당체를 합성하는 일도 가능해 질 것으로 예상된다. 마지막으로 ${\beta}$-glucan과 lentinan과 같은 정제된 다당체의 연구를 지속적으로 수행하여 효과적인 동물실험 및 임상실험 protocol을 확보하고 연구결과들에 대한 database를 구축해야 할 필요가 있다. 이러한 노력들이 성공적으로 수행된다면 천연소재유래 다당체들이 가까운 장래에 암 치료를 포함한 다양한 질병에 적용 가능한 새로운 면역조절제로 사용될 수 있을 것이다.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2011

The abnormalities in Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis are associated with many psychiatric symptoms including depression. We present a report of a 71 year old man who was admitted to the psychiatric department presenting symptoms of headache, avolition, loss of energy, psychomotor retardation, poor appetite, insomnia, anxiety resulting from adrenal insufficiency and hypopituitarism. Hypothyroidism and electrolyte disturbance were managed and headache, insomnia, anxiety, GI symptoms were improved. But he remained in anergic state. After discharge, he was readmitted to infection department with high fever and drowsy mentality. Adrenal insufficiency was recognized and he was treated with corticosteroid replacement therapy. Finally his diagnosis was made as panhypopituitarism and overall symptoms were resolved. In this case, we showed how the atypical symptoms resulting from hypopituitarism develop and progress. Hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and growth hormone deficiency resulting secondarily from panhypopituitarism were associated with various nonspecific symptoms such as loss of energy, fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, decreased appetite etc. In clinical situation, differential diagnosis with depression is needed when clinicians were met a patient with these nonspecific symptoms. It is important that laboratory tests and differential diagnosis with endocrine diseases should be conducted, especially in geriatric patients with nonspecific symptoms like anergia, fatigue, poor appetite and so on.