• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.301-308
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• 2010

Objectives: In most DEHP exposure assessment studies, single spot urine sample was used. It could not compare the exposure level among studies. Therefore, we are going to represent the necessity of selection of proper sampling time of spot urine for assessing the environmental DEHP exposure, and the association urinary DEHP metabolites with steroid hormones. Methods: We collected urine and plasma from 25 men. The urine sampling times were at the end of the shift (post-shift) and the next morning before the beginning of the shift (pre-shift). Three metabolites of DEHP {mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [MEHP], mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate [MEHHP], and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate [MEOHP]} in urine were analyzed by HPLC/MS/MS. Plasma luteinzing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, and $17{\beta}$- estradiol were measured at pre-shift using a ELISA kit. A log-transformed creatinine-adjusted urinary MEHP, MEHHP, and MEOHP concentration were compared between the post- and pre-shift. The Pearson’s correlation was calculated to assess the relationships between log-transformed urinary MEHP concentrations in pre-shift urine and hormone levels. Results: The three urinary metabolite concentrations at post-shift were significantly higher than the concentrations in the pre-shift (p<0.0001). The plasma hormones were not significantly correlated with log-transformed creatinine - adjusted DEHP metabolites. Conclusions: To assess the environmental DEHP exposure, it is necessary to select the urine sampling time according to the study object. There were no correlation between the concentration of urinary DEHP metabolites and serum hormone levels.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.917-924
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• 2003

This research aims to test a new drug candidate based on a traditional medicinal herb, F1, an herbal extract obtained from Astragalus membranaceus and its main ingredient, 1-monolinolein that may have fewer side effects and less uterine hypertrophy. In vitro experiments, human osteoblast-like cell lines, MG-63 and Saos-2, were analyzed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays. Mouse osteoclasts were induced through a calcium-deficient diet and inhibition effects were measured. In vivo experiments were done using ovariectomized (OVX) rats for 9 weeks. At necropsy, uterus weights were measured, trabecular bone area (TBA) of tibia and lumbar vertebra were measured bone histomorphology. In results, cell proliferation and ALP activity in Saos-2 by ether F1 or 1-monolinolein did not increased significantly compared to the control. The F1 inhibited osteoclast development ($IC_{25}=3.37{\times}10^{-5}$mg/mL) less than 17$\beta$-estradiol. The OVX rats administered F1 (2 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day) showed an increase in TBA of the tibia significantly (136.3${\pm}4.2% and 138.5{\pm}$10.3% of control). In conclusions, the herbal extract, F1 inhibited tibia and lumbar bone loss and did not cause uterine hypertrophy. However, 1-monolinolein, the main ingredient of the herbal extract, did not inhibit bone loss.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2017

Nesfatin-1/NUCB2 is known to take part in the control of the appetite and energy metabolism. Recently, many reports have shown nesfatin-1/NUCB2 expression and function in various organs. We previously demonstrated that nesfatin-1/NUCB2 expression level is higher in the pituitary gland compared to other organs and its expression is regulated by $17{\beta}-estradiol$ and progesterone secreted from the ovary. However, currently no data exist on the expression of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 and its regulation mechanism in the pituitary of male mouse. Therefore, we examined whether nesfatin-1/NUCB2 is expressed in the male mouse pituitary and if its expression is regulated by testosterone. As a result of PCR and western blotting, we found that a large amount of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 was expressed in the pituitary and hypothalamus. The NUCB2 mRNA expression level in the pituitary was decreased after castration, but not in the hypothalamus. In addition, its mRNA expression level in the pituitary was increased after testosterone treatment in the castrated mice, whereas, the expression level in the hypothalamus was significantly decreased after the treatment with testosterone. The in vitro experiment to elucidate the direct effect of testosterone on NUCB2 mRNA expression showed that NUCB2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased with testosterone in cultured hypothalamus tissue, but increased with testosterone in cultured pituitary gland. The present study demonstrated that nesfatin-1/NUCB2 was highly expressed in the male mouse pituitary and was regulated by testosterone. This data suggests that reproductive-endocrine regulation through hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis may contribute to NUCB2 mRNA expression in the mouse hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.169-174
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• 2010

A meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the results of studies which have described the profiles of hormones during the oestrous cycle in buffalo using a fixed effect model and a random effect model. Plasma progesterone concentrations were lowest (0.30${\pm}$0.06 ng/ml) during the peri-oestrous phase and increased (p = 0.067) through the early luteal phase to a maximum concentration (1.94${\pm}$0.03 ng/ml) during the mid-luteal phase. Circulating plasma inhibin and estradiol concentrations were lowest (0.31${\pm}$0.01 and 11.04${\pm}$0.13 ng/ml) during the mid-luteal phase, increased through the late luteal phase to maximum concentrations (0.44${\pm}$0.02 and 22.48${\pm}$0.32 ng/ml) during the peri-oestrous phase. Plasma FSH concentrations were lowest during the early luteal phase and increased through the mid-luteal phase to a maximum concentration during the peri-oestrous phase. Peripheral prolactin concentrations were lowest during the late luteal phase and increased to a maximum concentration during the peri-oestrous phase which then declined (p = 0.716) during the early luteal phase. Peripheral plasma cortisol concentrations decreased from 2.68${\pm}$0.14 ng/ml during the early luteal phase to 1.43${\pm}$0.27 ng/ml during the mid-luteal phase (p<0.001) which then increased to 2.06${\pm}$0.17 ng/ml during the late luteal phase. Plasma $T_{5}$ concentrations decreased from the late luteal phase to the peri-oestrous phase (p<0.001) which then increased during the early luteal phase. $T_{4}$ concentrations increased from the late luteal phase to the peri-oestrous phase which then decreased during the early luteal phase.

• CELLMED
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.7.1-7.7
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• 2016

In view of greater attention given to the incidence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in women of reproductive age, particularly in urban and semi-urban population in India, research works in both the regimens of orthodox and complementary and alternative medicines have been rejuvenated in recent years. We report here relative efficacy of two potentized homeopathic remedies, Calcarea carbonica (Calc) and Lycopodium clavatum (Lyco) used traditionally for the removal of ovarian cysts. These drugs are most frequently used based on guiding symptoms of individual patients. Effects of either of these remedies on its ability of removing cysts, along with amelioration of certain other hormones and hormone-related parameters of PCOS, such as follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, Estradiol, Testosterone (Free/Total), Dehydroepiandosterone, Prolactine, Progesterone (17- Hydroxyprogesterone), TSH including T₃, T₄, and Insulin were studied. The Insulin-related parameters like changes in fasting or postprandial glucose levels were also studied. The mentioned hormones play some- direct or indirect roles in causing irregular menstrual cycle and PCOS. The data collected at three fixation time points, namely, at 6, 12, and 18 months were considered. Results showed that out of 40 patients initially having PCOS, cysts were totally removed in 21 patients along with amelioration of other relevant symptoms. Both Calc and Lyco had amelioration of similar nature. Results of this study therefore validate safe and effective use of both Calc and Lyco in homeopathy, to patients with basic guiding symptoms for either drug, and can be recommended for patients with PCOS as they do not have any reported side-effects.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.649-658
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• 2010

Myogenic satellite cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that activate and differentiate into myotubes. These stem cells are multipotent as they transdifferentiate into adipocyte-like cells, nerve cells and osteocytes. The effects of steroid hormones ($E_2$ and testosterone) were studied as a further step toward understanding the mechanism of MSCs proliferation and differentiation. In this study, MSCs were grown continuously for 87 days, implying that there may be a group of MSCs that continue to proliferate rather than undergoing differentiation. Isolated MSCs were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium supplemented with adult male, female or castrated bovine serum to observe the effect of steroid hormones on MSC proliferation. Cell proliferation was the highest in cultures supplemented with male serum followed by female and castrated serum. The positive effect of male hormone on MSC proliferation was confirmed by the observation of testosterone-mediated increased proliferation of cells cultured in medium supplemented with castrated serum. Furthermore, steroid hormone treatment of MSCs increased lipid accumulation in myotubes. Oil-Red-O staining showed that 17${\beta}$-estradiol ($E_2$) treatment avidly increased lipid accumulation, followed by $E_2$+testosterone and testosterone alone. To our knowledge, this is the first report of lipid accumulation in myotubes due to steroids in the absence of an adipogenic environment, and the effect of steroid hormones on cell proliferation using different types of adult bovine serum, a natural hormonal system. In conclusion, we found that sex steroids affect MSCs proliferation and differentiation, and lipid accumulation in myotubes.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.403-412
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• 2009

Purpose: We analyzed climacteric symptoms, bone mineral density (BMD), serum estradiol ($E_2$) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to identify the health benefits of meridian massage in perimenopausal women. Methods: There were 16 women in the experimental group and 17 people in the control group. Meridian massage was performed for 4 weeks, 3 times a week for 20 minutes each session. The data were collected pre-treatment, posttreatment and 4 weeks after treatment. SPSS/WIN 11.5 was used for data analysis. Results: After meridian massage, there were significant differences in climacteric symptoms (U = 65.50, p = .011) and BMD (U = 65.50, p = .011) between the two groups. The E2 level showed a significant difference between the two groups pre- and posttreatment (U = 75.00, p = .028). FSH showed a significant increase when measured at 4 weeks after the treatment as compared with the amount when measured post-treatment within the control group (z = -2.249, p = .025), experimental group showed a stable change in FSH. but there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: In this study, we confirmed the effects of Meridian massage in decreasing climacteric symptoms, inhibiting the decrease of BMD and stabilizing serum hormone in perimenopausal women. Therefore, it can be considered for use as a nursing intervention for health management in perimenopausal women.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.235-244
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• 2002

This study was carried out to determine the blood and milk progesterone by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) in cows. MUN and protein concentration were determined using automated infared procedures. The optimum conditions of ELISA system was investigated including the first and second antibody titres, bound percent, and enzyme conjugate and also the factors on MUN and protein concentration by sampling procedures and addition of preservatives. Progesterone antibodies did not react to pregnenlone, testosterone, estrone, estradiol-l7$\beta$, aldosterone, cortisol, corticosterone and 11$\alpha$-dehydroxycortisone (DOC), but reacted with only progesterone. The intra and inter-assay coefficient of variation 4.5%, 6.1~9.4% when used of bovine serum. The morning, MUN concentration (17.6$\pm$2.8 mg/100 ml) in the 13 herds was similar to that of evening MUN concentration of the lactating cows from the same herd. A significant relationship between morning and evening milk samples of upper parameters was found r=0.93. Difference in MUN concentration with sampling procedures and using of preservatives were investigated.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.305-314
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• 2016

The marine medaka, Oryzias dancena is a suitable sample as a laboratory animal because it has a small size and clearly distinguishes between female and male. Data on the growth and maturity of the diploid and triploid sea cucurbit species suitable for laboratory animals are very useful for studying other species. Triploidy was induced in the marine medaka by cold shock treatment ($0^{\circ}C$) of fertilized eggs for 45 min, applied two minutes after fertilization. The diploid and triploid male fish were larger than their female counterparts (P<0.05), and the concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) were higher in the induced triploids over 1 year (P<0.05). In both the diploid and tri-ploid groups the concentrations of TSH and T4 were higher in the male fish than in the females (P<0.05), while the testo-sterone and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentrations in the induced triploids were lower than in the diploids (P<0.05). The gonadosomatic index (GSI) of the triploid fish was lower than that for the diploids, and the GSI for females in each ploidy group were higher than that for the males. For both groups the GSI was highest at 4 months of age, and decreased thereafter to 12 months. Analysis of the gonads of one-year-old triploid fish suggested that the induction of triploidy probably causes sterility in this species; this effect was more apparent in females than in males.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.161-172
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• 1991

This study was conducted to research the endocrine mechanisms of postpartum anestrus and determine if the morphology of the CL could be related to function in Korean native goats. At parturition 48 goats were assigned to a nonsuckled group and a suckled group. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone(LH), follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), prolactin(PRL), estradiol-17$\beta$(E2) and cortisol were measured at various times after parturitionin the goats. The corpora lutea of pregnancy were examined by a light microscope on the 6th hour and the first, 3rd, 10th, 11th, and 21st days after parturition. The results were summarized as follows : Mean serum LH concentrations were lower after parturition in all treatments and increased gradually with the intervals after parturition(P<0.01). These values did not differ between groups. The levels of serum FSH were lower after parturition and tended to increase gradually between 2 and 21 days. The levels of serum FSH are not significantly different between the groups of goats. Two days after kidding mean levels of serum PRL began to fall in nonsuckling goats but increased in suckling goats. During 3 weeks serum PRL concentrations were different between nonsuckling and suckling goats(P<0.01). Three days after parturition the levels of serum E2 decreased in all treatments. From parturition to day 21 serum E2 concentrations were greater in nonsuckling than in suckling goats(P<0.01). At the sixth hour after parturition the structure of the CL was well preserved. At days 1 and 3 the blood vessels were sparcely distributed, whereas, at days 1 and 3 the blood vessels were sparcely distributed, whereas, at days 10, 11 and 21 tortuous larger vessels with thick walls were observed on the luteal tissue. At days 1, 3, 10, 11 and 21 after parturition the CL of pregnancy showed degeneration and the proportion of tissue occupied by intercelluar substances increased at days 21 postpartum. In conclusion, the present study has shown that regression of the CL of pregnancy is accelerated in the period after parturition and effectively completed within three weeks postpartum.