• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.271-277
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• 2006

Transforming growth $factor-{\beta}\;(TGF-{\beta})$ has been shown to have a positive effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and has been reported to stimulate meiosis at follicular level in variety of species. The study was designed to determine the expression patterns of $TGF-{\beta}1,\;TGF-{\beta}$ receptors type I, II and Smads gene in bovine oocytes and embryos. $TGF-{\beta}1$ and their receptors were observed in the unfertilized oocytes. $TGF-{\beta}1$ and type II receptor were not expressed at the blastocyst stage, however, only type I receptor was exclusively observed at the same stage. The blastocyst stage, in particular, showed high levels of mRNA expression patterns containing a $TGF-{\beta}1$ type I receptor. The mRNA expression pattern of Smad 2 at all stages of embryonic development was similar in all respect with $TGF-{\beta}1$ type I receptor. On the contrary, Smad 3 and 4 were expressed with high and low level mRNA at the blastocyst stage. In conclusion. it is suggested that $TGF-{\beta}1$ signaling may be regarded as an important entity during the preimplantation embryo development.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.83-88
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• 2015

The present study was devised to determine the effects of vitamin E and selenium (Selevit) on body weight, organ weight, hematological values and biochemical parameters in the orchidectomized (Orch) rats. Intact group (n=15) received no treatment and operation. Orch+Selevit received operation and Selevit. The body weights of each group increased, but that of the Orch＋Selevit group were significantly lower than those of all the other groups. There were significantly different decreased (p<0.001) of body weights between Orch＋Selevit group and all the other groups. Also, organ weights such as heart, liver, spleen, kidney, lung and skeletal muscle were measured. The heart and liver weights in the Orch＋Selevit group were significantly different decreased (p<0.001) in comparison with those in the Intact and Sham groups. The kidney weights in the Orch＋Selevit group were significantly different decreased (p<0.01, p<0.001) in comparison with those in all the other groups. The number of white blood cell (WBC) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the Orch＋Selevit group than in all the other groups. The hematological values of 12 parameters were not significantly different in any of the groups. The concentrations of serum total protein, albumin and alkaline phosphatase only increased significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01) in the Orch＋Selevit group as compared to that in the Orch group. We conclude that Selevit was significantly decreased the body weight in the Orch rats. Our findings suggest that Selevit may influence the process of lipid packaging and absorption in the Orch rats.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.264-270
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• 2017

Brassinosteroid (BR), a plant steroid hormone, plays a critical role in the growth and developmental processes through its canonical signaling and crosstalk with various internal and external signaling pathways. Recent studies have revealed the essential interplay mechanisms between BR and ABA during seed germination and early seedling establishment. However, molecular mechanisms for this important signaling crosstalk are largely unknown. To understand the crosstalk between BR-mediated signaling pathways and ABA functions during early seedling development, we carried out a comparative genome-wide transcriptome analysis with an Agilent Arabidopsis $4{\times}44K$ oligo chip. We selected and compared the expression patterns of ABA response genes in ABA-insensitive bes1-D mutant with wild type seedlings on which ABA was exogenously applied. As a result, we identified 2,353 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ABA-treated bes1-D and wild type seedlings. GO enrichment analysis revealed that ABA signaling, response, and metabolism were critically down-regulated by BR-activated signaling pathways. In addition, the genome-wide transcriptome analysis data revealed that BR-regulated signaling pathways were tightly connected to diverse signal cues including abiotic/biotic stress, auxin, ROS etc. In this study, we newly identified the molecular mechanisms of BR-mediated repression of ABA signaling outputs. Also, our data suggest that interplay among diverse signaling pathways is critical for the adaptive response of the plant to various environmental factors.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.2 s.46
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• pp.175-185
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• 1994

In order to anticipate disease pattern and health problems of Koreans in the 1st part of 21st century (by the year 2020), transition of population characteristics, mortality and morbidity data during the last 30 years Koreans have experienced were reviewed. On the actual basis of epidemiologic transition process that has undergone during last 30 years since 1960 along with socioeconomic development and successful implementation of selective national health policies (family planning, medical insurance and etc.), following changes can be expected in the 21st century in Korea, under the assumption that the current rate of progress is maintained. The population of South Korea alone will be doubled the population of 1960 by the year 2013 : aged Population older than 65 years will be increased from 3.3% in 1960 to 11.4% in 2020 with increased average age of the population from 23.6 year in 1970 to 39.2 year in 2020; urban population from 28% in 1960 to 83% in 2005. GNP/capita has increased tremendously from U.S. $120 in 1970 to $6,749 in 1992, and the government estimated it would be 519,350 in 2010 and $29,460 in 2020. Growth and developmental indices of children, educational achievement and social status of women also showed a remarkable improvement and anticipated to make futher progress. Leading causes of mortality and morbidity have shown a striking change during the last 30 years, from infectious diseases to chronic degenerative diseases and man-made injuries. Occurrence of communicable diseases may become minimal although viral hepatitis, venereal diseases Including AIDS, and well adapted herpes virus infections will maintain their endemic level. Newly evolving infectious agents, however, should be carefully monitored because of rapidly changing environments and human behaviours. Tuberculosis may increase up to the epidemic level when AIDS prevails. Ischemic heart diseases may increase steadily with increasing occurrence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus whereas cerebrovascular diseases may be decreased slowly. Musculaskeletal diseases which contribute a lot to the disability of aged people may be a major health problems due to increased aged population. Mental diseases, particularly that caused by alcohol and drug abuse, and senile dementia may become a prominent health problem. On the other hand injuries caused by traffic and industrial accidents that have shown most striking increase till now may be decreased considerably by intensive intervention. The health policies in the 21st century will be oriented to the health promotion for good quality life rather than life-savings.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.197-212
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• 2014

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant primary bone tumors and NF-${\kappa}B$ appears to play a causative role, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. OS is one of the pleomorphic, highly metastasized and invasive neoplasm which is capable to generate osteoid, osteoclast and osteoblast matrix. Its high incidence has been reported in adolescent and children. Cell signal cascade is the pivotal functional mechanism acquired during the differentiation, proliferation, growth and survival of the cells in neoplasm including OS. The major limitation to the success of chemotherapy in OS is the development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Answers to all such queries might come from the knock-in experiments in which the combined approach of miRNAs with NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway is put into use. Abnormal miRNAs can modulate several epigenetical switching as a hallmark of number of diseases via different cell signaling. Studies on miRNAs have opened up the new avenues for both the diagnosis and treatment of cancers including OS. Collectively, through the present study an attempt has been made to establish a new systematic approach for the investigation of microRNAs, bio-physiological factors and their target pairs with NF-${\kappa}B$ to ameliorate oncogenesis with the "bridge between miRNAs and NF-${\kappa}B$". The application of NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitors in combination with miRNAs is expected to result in a more efficient killing of the cancer stem cells and a slower or less likely recurrence of cancer.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.205-217
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• 2007

As an initial step toward better understanding of the molecular mechanism of estrogen-dependent growth in myoma, an optimal primary cell culture condition has been developed and examined by this study. Myoma and myometrium were cultured by two different methods. Culture stability and $E_2$-responsiveness in stable culture were studied. The culture of digested tissue pieces(Method 2) was found to be a stable culture method for the myoma and myometrium showing a favorable response to estrogen. mRNA expression of PR, IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor genes was enhanced by $E_2$. The gene responses to $E_2$ were higher in myoma compared with myometrium. Moreover, these responses were more expressive in tissues than in the surrounding cells in primary culture of normal myometrium and myoma, implying a vital role of cell communication through the extracellular matrix in maintaining the estrogen-responsiveness. The development of an improved cell culture system for myoma provides an in vitro tool to further investigate the basis of the tumor formation.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2010

Melatonin is induced by light information through the retina and leads to growth factor activation. Thus, we investigated the effects of melatonin by controlling the photoperiod of growing young rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6; 4 weeks old) were divided into two experimental groups: the L/D group (normal photoperiod; light/dark: 12/12 h; lights on at 9:00 a.m.) and the L/L group (light/light: 24 h). Rat body weight and food consumption were measured daily for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the rats were anesthetized with a mixture of ketamine (50 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg) and sacrificed. Tissue was then collected for RNA isolation (from brain, heart, liver, kidney, adrenal gland, testis, tibia, hind limb muscles). Also, serum was isolated from blood using a centrifugal separation. The L/L group had significantly lower body weight than the L/D group from 4 to 6 weeks (p<0.05). The L/D group had increased tissue mass, compared with the L/L group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The L/D group had a significantly higher melatonin concentration than the L/L group between the hours of midnight and 2:00 a.m (p<0.01). These results indicate that photoperiod length may affect the secretion of melatonin from the pineal gland. Also, the reduction of nocturnal melatonin secretion may retard the development of growing young rats. In future studies, we plan to compare exogenous melatonin administration with endogenous melatonin concentration induced by photoperiod control. Moreover, we will confirm whether the effects seen in pathological animal models can be reversed by controlling the photoperiod.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.849-856
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• 2017

The ${\beta}$-D-fructofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.26) is an important enzyme from a historical point of view, discovered by French biologist Berthelot in 1860 and was first used to study enzymology. ${\beta}$-D-fructosfuranosidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into D-glucose and D-fructose. Four biochemical subgroups of ${\beta}$-D-fructofuranosidase have been investigated in plants. There are vacuolar (soluble acid), cytoplasmic (soluble alkaline), membrane-bound (insoluble alkaline), and cell wall-bound (insoluble acid) ${\beta}$-D-fructofuranosidase by purification. Their biochemical characteristics are distinct. It suggested that those enzymes might be different gene products. The contribution of each of these enzymes to sucrose management in the plant is likely to be correlated with their localization. Common localization in developing cells in tissues from a range of developmental stages and plant parts suggests that all of the isoforms may be closely involved in nutrient transport. The ${\beta}$-D-fructofuranosidases were most commonly found associated with maturing tissues in developing fruits, leaves, and roots. The ${\beta}$-D-fructofuranosidase activity varies in the relationship between growth and expansion through cell division, development of storage organs and tissues, and the relationship of plant defense responses. It is necessary to summarize more researches in order to know the definite physiological function.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.270-277
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• 2002

Since founded in 1959, it's well known that the KAPD has pioneered in the researches and clinical aspects of pediatric dentistry in Korea. It's official journal, the Journal of the KAPD, was first published in 1974 and has pressed total 956 articles up to now(March, 2001). In this study, all the articles pressed in this journal have been surveyed, focussing in their main theme, their chronological and thematic distribution. The thematic classification was made with the reference of the previous studies and renowned textbooks in pediatric dentistry. And we obtained the results as follows: 1. The researches on dental materials and dental equipments have shown continuous increase throughout the period. 2. The researches on dental caries, caries prevention and systemic disorders have occupied relatively high proportion consistently. 3. The researches on malocclusions and cysts/minor surgery have shown increasing tendency in the second period, but are decreasing in the third period. 4. The researches on craniofacial growth/development, tooth development/eruption, developmental disorders of teeth, management of eruption space have shown decreasing tendency. 5. The researches on behavioral research, oral habits, occlusion of primary-mixed dentition have shown very low proportion, reaching no more than 1% throughout the period.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.162-168
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• 2007

Impaction of the maxillary central incisor may cause social, esthetic, and functional problems in children. There are various means of treatment for the inverted maxillary central incisor, such as extraction, surgical opening followed by orthodontic traction surgical repositioning or intra-alveolar autotransplantation prior to extraction. In this case, we surgically repositioned the inverted maxillary central incisor to normal semi-erupted position in a 5-year-old boy The developmental stage of the inverted tooth was Nolla's 6.5, which indicates formation of less than one third of the root. After surgical reposition, we did follow-up for 21 months, expecting spontaneous growth Unfortunately, poor prognosis was noted further root was not observed. Such failure seems to originate from possible injury on Hertwig's epithelial root sheath by surgical trauma. We performed surgical repositioning to retain the tooth instead of extraction. However, arrest of root development occurred which is one of the critical complications. In order to increase the success rate of the surgical reposition procedure, minimal surgical trauma is required as well as selection of adequate indication and decision of proper time of treatment considering the stage of root development.