• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2009

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of ICSI with sperm retrieved from testicular tissue in patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) or hypospermatogenesis (HS). Methods: From January 2003 through December 2006, 155 patients with OA (241 cycles) and 28 patients with HS (34 cycles) were included in this study. We compared clinical outcomes of ICSI with testicular sperm such as fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and delivery rate. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test and ${\chi}^2$-test. Results: Testicular spermatozoa could not be retrieved in 1 out of the 21 cycles where fresh testicular sperm extraction in HS patients. Fertilization rate (FR) was significantly higher in OA than HS (75.6 % vs. 62.6%, p<0.001). Cleavage rate (CR) per fertilized zygote was also significantly higher in OA than that in HS (66.8% vs. 54.8% p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in good embryo rate (GER), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR) and delivery rate (DR). Conclusion: Our results show that testicular sperm of HS does not affect CPR, IR, and DR although it has shown reduced FR and CR.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.175-180
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• 2001

The ectopic expression of gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH and luteinizing hormone(LH) in several tissues is a quite intriguing phenomenon. Recently, the presence of GnRH and its receptor has been clearly demonstrated in rodents and human mammary gland. In this context, one can postulate that the presence of local circuit composed of GnRH and LH in the gland. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether there is a correlation between the LH expression in rat mammary gland and physiological status during the process of mammary differentiation. LH contents in mammary gland from cycling to weaning rats were measured by radioimmunoassay(RIA). In cycling rats, changes of the LH level in both serum and mammary gland showed similar pattern as the highest level in proestrus and the lowest level in diestrus II stage. While the serum LH levels were fluctuated from pregnant through involution stage, a sharp decline of mammary LH contents was observed in the lactating rats. This decrement was recovered in involuting rats to the level of proestrus stage. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot analyses demonstrated that the transcriptional activities of the mammary LH and GnRH were increased from diestrus I stage to estrus stage, and the increased levels were maintained in pregnant, lactation and involution stages. To test the hypothesis that the alteration in mammary LH expression might be steroid-dependant, ovariectomy(OVX) and steroid supplement model was employed. As expected, supplement of estradiol(E$_2$) after OVX remarkably decreased serum LH level compared to that in serum from vehicle-only treated rats. Likewise, administration of E$_2$ significantly reduced the mammary LH content. The present study demonstrated that (i) the LH expression in mammary gland could be altered by some physiological parameters such as estrous cycle, pregnancy, lactation and involution, and (ii) ovarian steroid especially estrogen seems to be one of major endocrine factors which are responsible for regulation of mammary LH expression.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.153-158
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• 2010

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes between oral micronized progesterone and dydrogesterone as a luteal phase support in stimulated intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 183 IUI cycles during January 2007 to August 2009. Superovulation was achieved by using gonadotropins combined with or without clomiphene citrate. The luteal phase was supported by oral micronized progesterone 300 mg/day (n=136 cycles) or dydrogesterone 20 mg/day (n=47 cycles) from day of insemination. Results: There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics such as age of female, infertility factors, number of mature follicles ($\geq$16 mm), total motile sperm counts, and endometrial thickness on triggering day between the two groups. The clinical pregnancy rates per cycle were similar between the two groups (21.3% in the micronized progesterone group vs. 19.1% in the dydrogesterone group, p=0.92). The clinical miscarriage rate tended to be 3-fold higher in the micronized progesterone group (34.5% vs. 11.1%, p=0.36). Conclusion: Supplementation of oral dydrogesterone as a luteal support has similar clinical outcomes compared with oral micronized progesterone. Large-scaled randomized study would be required to confirm our findings.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.301-310
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• 2009

Objective: To compare the embryonic development and pregnancy results using sperms retrieved from fresh and frozen-thawed testicular tissue in patients with obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods: A total two hundred twenty-two cycles of TESE-ICSI were performed in OA and NOA. Sperms were retrieved from fresh and frozen-thawed testicular tissue. ICSI was performed patient's own sperm. Fertilization was assessed 16~18 hrs after ICSI. Embryo development and pregnancy rates were analysed. Results: The fertilization rates were significantly different between OA and NOA patients (75.2% vs. 56.7%, p<0.05), however, embryo development did not differ between the groups (96.9% vs. 98.0%). Likewise, OA and NOA groups had no differences in their clinical pregnancy and delivery rates, 33.9% vs. 36.0% and 28.1% vs. 28.0%, respectively. With regard to sperm retrieved from fresh testicular tissue, fertilization rates were significantly different between the OA and NOA groups (76.4% vs. 52.9%, p<0.05); however, embryo development, clinical pregnancy and delivery rates were not different. For sperm retrieved from thawed testicular tissue, the fertilization rates were significantly different between the two groups (74.7% OA group vs. 65.6% NOA group, p<0.05); however, embryo development, clinical pregnancy and delivery rates were not different. Conclusions: Embryo development and clinical pregnancy did not differ in patients with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia, whether sperm retrieved from fresh and thawed testicular tissue were used, although the fertilization rates were different. Therefore, ICSI with sperm retrieved from fresh and thawed testicular tissue could achieve relevant clinical pregnancy results in patients with azoospermia.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.111-119
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• 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole combined with gonadotropins for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in patients with CC-induced thin endometrium Methods: Fifty-one intrauterine insemination cycles performed in patients who previously had a thin endometrium (<8 mm) to ovulation induction using CC were included in this study. A CC 100 mg/day (CC+gonadotropin group, n=26) or letrozole 2.5 or 5 mg/day (letrozole+gonadotropin group, n=25) was administered on day 3~7 of the menstrual cycle, combined with gonadotropins at dose 75~150 IU every other day starting on day 5~7. We compared total dose of gonadotropin used, endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, number of follicles ${\geq}14\;mm$ on hCG day, pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the two groups, which were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test, where appropriate. Results: There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics such as age, duration of infertility, number of previous IUI cycles, basal serum hormone levels and cause of infertility between the two groups. In both groups, the endometrium was significantly thicker than that of previous ovulation induction cycles using CC. No significant differences were found in the total dose of gonadotropin used, day of hCG administration, the rate of triple endometrium and pregnancy rate. The number of follicles ${\geq}14\;mm$ was significantly lower ($3.7{\pm}1.7$ vs. $2.8{\pm}1.7$, p=0.03) and the endometrium on hCG day was significantly thicker ($7.7{\pm}1.5$ vs. $9.1{\pm}1.7$, p=0.001) in letrozole+gonadotropin group compared to CC+gonadotropin group. Conclusion: The clomiphene citrate and letrozole combined with gonadotropins appear to avoid the undesirable effects on the endometrium frequently seen with CC for ovulation induction. However, in terms of adequate endometrial development or optimal follicular growth, letrozole may be more beneficial than CC for gonadotropin-combined COS in patients with CC-induced thin endometrium. Further prospective randomized controlled studies in a larger scale will be necessary to confirm our findings.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2004

Data from five Hanwoo breeding farms were collected to analyze the effects of parity, season, nutrition and reproduction on body conditions of heifers and cows and to analyze the relationships of body conditions with reproductive performances and body growth. Analytic models included farms and parity which were run through SAS to estimate least squares means and correlation coeflicients between traits body condition scores(BCS) of I(very emaciated) through 9(very obese) scale at service and at calving. calving interval, days to rebreeding, gestation length. number of services per conception. Overall averages were 4.55 for BCS at service, 5.42 for BCS at calving. 406.7days of calving interval, 287.7days of gestation length, 66.2days from calving 10 first service and 1.78 times of services per conception. Number of services per conception was 1.50${\sim}$1.74 times for the cows of BCS 5 or under and 2.00${\sim}$3.00 for those of BCS 6 or higher. Body weight of calves from cows observed averaged 23.3kg at birth and 70.7kg at weaning. 57 percent of cows showed BCS 4${\sim}$5 at service while 46 percent of those showed 5${\sim}$6 at calving. Estimated phenotypic correlation coefficients of BCS at service with BCS at calving, calving interval, gestation length, number of services per conception were low but positive: 0.16, 0.26. 0.08 and 0.06. respectively. Phenotypic correlations of BCS at calving with calving interval, gestation length and number of services per conception were estimated to be also low and positive: 0.10, 0.13 and 0.10. respectively. However, phenotypic correlations between calving interval and gestation length, and between gestation length and number of services per conception were negative but low as - 0.11 and- 0.13 each.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.110-118
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• 2002

This study was conducted to investigate the physiology of optimal reproductive age in Hanwoo for protection to decrease of reproductivity and improvement of production of offspring. Thirty two cows were devided into 4 groups of treatments : T1(12 months of age and 0.5kg daily gain), T2(12 months of age and 0.8kg daily gain), T3(15 months of age and 0.5kg daily gain) and T4(18 months of age and 0.5kg daily gain). The days of the first heat of treated cows were 263.3±6.4 days and average weight was 181.1±11.3kg. The conception rates of first insemination were 25%(T1) and 75%(T4), and the number of insemination of T3 and T4(both 1.5) was lower than those of T1 and T2(2.3 and 2.4), respectively. With regard to estrus return after the first parturition, T1, T2, T3 and T4 showed 66.2,76.7, 62.4 and 68.5 days, respectively, indicating the average days of estrus return was 65.7. Plasma progesterone(P4) concentration was nearly the same during the observation periods of treated cows and P4 began to be detected after 12months. Only 5(15.6%) out of 32cows showed normal estrus cycle and ovulation before 12 months. During the peri-parturition period, P4 concentration was rapidly decreased and there was no detection of P4 from parturition to 40 days after milking. P4 would be released again on 45 day after parturition. The results imply that the optimal reproductive age of Hanwoo heifers would be around at the 14 months of age, 110cm height and 265kg weight.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.205-215
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• 2009

The purpose of this study is to investigate alterations of pregnant gait by means of 3 different treads of stairs. 9 subjects(body masses; $59.41{\pm}7.49$, $64.03{\pm}6.65$, $67.26{\pm}7.58$, heights; $160.50{\pm}6.35$ ages; $31.22{\pm}2.99$; parity; $1.67{\pm}0.71$) participated in three experiments that were divided by physiological symptoms(the early(0-15 weeks), middle(16-27 weeks) and last(18-39 weeks), and walked at self-selected pace on 4 staircases 3 trials. As extending the pregnancy period, cadence was shorter but cycle time was longer more and more and the difference of maximum and minmum moments between right and left knee joint moment was smaller. With the treads of stair decent lengthening, speed and stride lengths were increased. As extending the treads of stair decent, joint moments of both feet were particular traits, hip joint was asymmetric but joint moments of knee and ankle were symmetric. These findings may account for relation between the treads of stair and moments and suggest that women may adapt their gait to maximize stability and to control gait motion for themselves in pregnant women.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess appropriate time to convert intramuscular progesterone support to oral administration for luteal phase support in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Seventy-six cycles of IVF in which fetal heart beat was identified after treatment were included. Patients underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH agonist long protocol (n=7) or GnRH antagonist protocol (n=66). Cryopreserved embryo transfer was performed in three cycles. Luteal support was initiated by daily intramuscular injection of progesterone, and after confirmation of fetal heart beat, converted to oral micronized progesterone (Utrogestan, Laboratoires Besins International, France) 300 mg daily before or after 8 gestational weeks. The oral progesterone was continued for 11 weeks. Results: Overall clinical abortion rate was 3.9% (3/76) and mean time to conversion was $8^{+4}$ gestational weeks ($46{\pm}5.8$ days after oocytes retrieval). The abortion rate was 5.6% (1/17) and 3.4% (2/59) in patients with conversion before 7 weeks and after 8 weeks, respectively, which were not statistically significant (p=0.678). The miscarriages were occurred at $9^{+4}$ weeks, $11^{+3}$ weeks and $11^{+4}$ weeks. Conclusion: Sequential luteal support using intramuscular and oral progesterone yields a relatively low clinical abortion rate. If fetal heart beat confirmed, sequential regimen appears to be safe and convenient method to reduce patients' discomfort induced by multiple injections.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.143-153
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• 2008

Objective: To investigate the effects of aromatase inhibitor on reproductive hormone profiles and evaluate it's ovulation inducing capability in anovulatory infertile women. Methods: We quantified the blood levels of reproductive hormones from 30 healthy normal cycling women in natural cycle (control) and letrozole medicated cycle (study). LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone, DHEA-S were quantified on third, 11th, 21th day in both cycles, and on 21th day, progesterone was added. Sixth anovulatory infertile women received either letrozole or clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction (n=30 in each groups). We compared the clinical parameters such as ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, the day of LH surge, number of follicles and endometrial thickness, cervical mucus amount, spinnbarkeit, mean diameter of follicles on the day of LH surge. Results: Letrozole had no effect on the LH, FSH, estradiol, DHEA-S secretion but there were significant increase in testosterone level on day 11 and progesterone level on day 21 in letrozole medicated cycle compared than control cycle ($0.40{\pm}0.16$ vs $0.28{\pm}0.11\;ng/ml$, p=0.002, $18.18{\pm}13.07$ vs $8.38{\pm}7.64\;ng/ml$, p=0.001, respectively). In comparison between letrozole and clomiphene groups, there were no significant difference in ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, number of mature follicle, mean diameter of follicles, but showed earlier LH surge, thicker endometrium, more cervical mucus, and higher spinnbarkeit in letrozole group ($12.12{\pm}2.46$ vs $14.52{\pm}3.18$ days, p=0.006, $10.48{\pm}1.23$ vs $8.52{\pm}0.93\;mm$, p=0.000, $2.04{\pm}0.61$ vs $1.57{\pm}0.59$, p=0.012, $6.00{\pm}1.12$ vs $4.95{\pm}1.61\;cm$, p=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Letrozole may augment folliculogenesis and improve the endometrial condition for implantation in normal cycling women. Ovulation efficacy of letrozole in anovulatory women was comparable to clomiphene citrate and letrozole may be more physiological in ovulation induction.