• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.303-310
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• 2021

Decorin (DCN) is a proteoglycan belonging to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family. It is composed of a protein core containing leucine repeats with a glycosaminoglycan chain consisting of either chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate. DCN is a structural component of connective tissues that can bind to type I collagen. It plays a role in the assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and it is related to fibrillogenesis. It can interact with fibronectin, thrombospondin, complement component C1, transforming growth factor (TGF), and epidermal growth factor receptor. Normal DCN expression regulates a wide range of cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and autophagy, through interactions with various molecules. However, its aberrant expression is associated with oocyte maturation, oocyte quality, and poor extravillous trophoblast invasion of the uterus, which underlies the occurrence of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Spatiotemporal hormonal control of successful pregnancy should regulate the concentration and activity of specific proteins such as proteoglycan participating in the ECM remodeling of trophoblastic and uterine cells in fetal membranes and uterus. At the human feto-maternal interface, TGF-β and DCN play crucial roles in the regulation of trophoblast invasion of the uterus. This review summarizes the role of the proteoglycan DCN as an important and multifunctional molecule in the physiological regulation of oocyte maturation and trophoblast migration. This review also shows that recombinant DCN proteins might be useful for substantiating diverse functions in both animal and in vitro models of oogenesis and implantation.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.351-359
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• 2017

Implantation is a highly organized process that involves an interaction between a receptive uterus and a competent blastocyst. In humans, natural fecundity suggests that the chance of conception per cycle is relatively low (~30%) and two-third of lost pregnancies occur because of implantation failure. Defective implantation leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes including infertility, spontaneous miscarriage, intrauterine fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. With use of advanced scientific technologies, gene expression analysis and genetically-engineered animal models have revealed critical cellular networks and molecular pathways. But, because of ethical restrictions and the lack of a mechanistic experiment, comprehensive steps in human implantation have still not been completely understood. This review primarily focuses on the recent advances in mechanisms of implantation. Because infertility is an emerging issue these days, gaining an understanding the molecular and hormonal signaling pathway will improve the outcome of natural pregnancy and assisted reproductive technology.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.85-93
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• 2003

Objective : To evaluate the safety and efficacy of selective fetal reduction (SFR) and compare the outcome of twin pregnancy after SFR in multiple pregnancy induced by assisted reproductive technology (ART) with that of natural twin pregnancy. Methods : From September 1995 to March 2002 in Ajou University Hospital, SFR was performed in 79 patients whose gestational sacs were more than 3. Of these 79 patients, 47 patents resulted in twin pregnancy after SFR. SFR was performed using transvaginal intracardiac KCl injection at gestational age of $6{\sim}9$ weeks. Control group was composed of 264 patients with natural twin pregnancy, who delivered after intrauterine pregnancy at 24 weeks, from June 1994 through December 2002. We compared Obstetric and perinatal outcomes between SFR group and natural twin group. Results: Among 47 patients with twin pregnancy after SFR, 2 spontaneous abortion were occurred at intrauterine pregnancy at 8 and 19 weeks. Obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were available in 43 patients. Single intrauterine fetal death was occurred in 1 of 43 (2.3%) patients in SFR group. Incidence of preterm labor, premature rupture of membrane, preeclampsia and placenta previa were similar, but gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was occurred more frequently in SFR group (3 (7.0%) vs 4 (1.5%), p=0.02). Mean gestational age, mean birth weight, incidence of discordancy, use of intubation and ventilation, incidence of fetal anomaly, low (<7) Apgar score and intrauterine growth restriction were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Twin pregnancy after SFR has the increased incidence for GDM but other obstetric and perinatal outcome was similar compared with natural twin pregnancy. So SFR is a safe and effective procedure, so we suggest SFR is needed in multifetal pregnancy more than triplet.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.15-18
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• 2019

SHORT syndrome is an extremely rare congenital condition due to a chromosomal mutation of the PIK3R1 gene found at 5q13.1. SHORT is a mnemonic representing six manifestations of the syndrome: (S) short stature, (H) hyperextensibility of joints and/or inguinal hernia, (O) ocular depression, (R) Rieger anomaly, and (T) teething delay. Other key aspects of this syndrome not found in the mnemonic include lipodystrophy, triangular face with dimpled chin (progeroid facies, commonly referred to as facial gestalt), hearing loss, vision loss, insulin resistance, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). 3q duplication syndrome is rare syndrome that occurs due to a gain of function mutation found at 3q25.31-33 that presents with a wide array of manifestations including internal organ defects, genitourinary malformations, hand and foot deformities, and mental disability. We present a case of a 2 year and 3 month old male with SHORT syndrome and concurrent 3q duplication syndrome. The patient presented at birth with many of the common manifestations of SHORT syndrome such as bossing of frontal bone of skull, triangular shaped face, lipodystrophy, micrognathia, sunken eyes, and thin, wrinkled skin (progeroid appearance). Additionally, he presented with findings associated with 3q duplication syndrome such as cleft palate and cryptorchidism. Although there is no specific treatment for these conditions, pediatricians should focus on referring patients to various specialists in order to treat each individual manifestation.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.93-100
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• 2001

태아가 모체의 면역 거부 반응으로부터 회피될 수 있는 기전에 관한 연구는 반세기를 지내왔지만 아직까지 규명되지 못하고 있다. 태아모체간 계면에서의 면역학적 기전이상은 자연 유산 및 습관성 유산, 태아발육제한, 임신성 고혈압 질환, 보조 생식술 후 착상실패, 태아 사망 등 각종 임신 합병증들의 병인으로 작용하므로 이 기전 규명은 매우 중요하다. 본 종설에서는 현재까지 이 면역학적 기전에 관해 밝혀진 내용들이 그 중요성의 정도순으로 기술되었다. 그 기전 이해에 관해서는 1) 융모외 세포영양모세포(extravillous cytotrophoblasts)가 표현하는 인백혈구 항원(HLA-C, E, G)과 자연살세포 수용체(NK cell receptor)들과 상호 관계가 그 핵심으로 2) 면역 조정(immunomodulation)과 3) 선천면역(innate immunity)이 주된 기전이고 4) 보체(complement) 등 인백혈구 항원계(HLA system)이외의 인자들이 관여함 등으로 요약될 수 있고 이러한 무수한 기전들의 종합적인 면역 조정 결과가 해당 임신의 예후를 결정하게 될 것이다. 향후, 각 기전에 대한 연구들, 특히 융모외 세포영양모세포(extravillous cytotrophoblasts)의 인백혈구 항원(HLA antigens)과 그 수용체(receptor)들의 조절기전, 사이토카인(cytokine), 보체(complement) 등의 역할에 관한 더욱 많은 연구가 진척되어야할 것이다.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.34-38
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to determine whether routine second trimester complete blood cell (CBC) count parameters, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), could predict obstetric outcomes. Methods: We included singleton pregnancies for which the 50-g oral glucose tolerance test and CBC were routinely performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in our outpatient clinic from January 2015 to December 2017. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their pregnancy outcomes as follows: group 1, spontaneous preterm births, including preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes; group 2, indicated preterm birth due to maternal, fetal, or placental causes (hypertensive disorder, fetal growth restriction, or placental abruption); and group 3, term deliveries, regardless of the indication of delivery. We compared the CBC parameters using a bivariate correlation test. Results: The study included 356 pregnancies. Twenty-eight subjects were in group 1, 20 in group 2, and 308 in group 3. There were no significant differences between the three groups in neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts. Although there was no significant difference in NLR, LMR, and PLR between the three groups, LMR showed a negative correlation with gestational age at delivery (r =-0.126, p =0.016). Conclusion: We found that a higher LMR in the second trimester was associated with decreased gestational age at delivery. CBC parameters in the second trimester of pregnancy could be used to predict adverse obstetric outcomes.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제61권4호
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• pp.114-120
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• 2018

Purpose: Routine screening for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (TORCH) in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) neonates has become a common practice. However, the incidence of TORCH varies across countries, and the cost of TORCH testing may be disadvantageous compared to disease-specific screening. To evaluate the efficacy of TORCH screening, the medical charts of IUGR or SGA neonates born in a single institution in Bucheon, Korea from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Methods: The clinical data of the 126 IUGR or SGA neonates were gathered, including gestational age, Apgar scores, neonatal sonographic findings, chromosome study, morbidities, developmental follow-up, and growth catch-up. Maternal factors including underlying maternal disease and fetal sonography were collected, and placental findings were recorded when available. TORCH screening was done using serum IgM, CMV urine culture, quantification of CMV DNA with real-time polymerase chain reaction, and rapid plasma reagin qualitative test for syphilis. Tests were repeated only for those with positive results. Results: Of the 119 TORCH screenings, only one was positive for toxoplasmosis IgM. This result was deemed false positive due to negative IgM on repeated testing and the absence of clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Considering the incidence and risk of TORCH in Korea, the financial burden of TORCH screening, and the single positive TORCH finding in our study, we suggest disease-specific screening based on maternal history and the clinical symptoms of the neonate. Regarding CMV, which may present asymptomatically, universal screening may be appropriate upon cost-benefit analysis.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.161-169
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• 2018

Purpose: We assessed the influence of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) on the inhospital outcomes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) infants. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with singletons born at $23^{+0}$ to $33^{+6}weeks$ of gestation at Seoul National University Hospital from 2007 to 2014. We compared clinical outcomes between infants who received ACS 2 to 7 days before birth (complete ACS), at <2 or >7 days (incomplete ACS), and those who did not receive ACS in IUGR and AGA infants. Multivariate logistic regression using Firth's penalized likelihood was performed. Results: 304 neonates with 91 IUGR neonates were eligible. Among AGA neonates, mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02 to 0.78), hypotension within 7 postnatal days (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.64), and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death (aOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.77) were lower in complete ACS group after adjusting for pregnancy induced hypertension and uncontrolled preterm labor. Mortality (aOR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.78), hypotension (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.70), and severe BPD or death (aOR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.92) were also lower in the incomplete ACS group. Among IUGR infants, after adjusting for birth weight and 5-minute Apgar score, inhaled nitric oxide use within 14 postnatal days was lower in both complete ACS (aOR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.67) and incomplete ACS (aOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.37) groups. Conclusion: ACS was not effective in reducing morbidities in IUGR preterm infants.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.67-74
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• 2008

목 적 : 융모막의 종류에 따른 주산기에 미치는 영향과 쌍태아간 수혈 증후군이나 선택적 태아 발육부전이 있는 단일 융모막의 주산기 영향을 평가하였다. 방 법 : 2002년 1월부터 2007년 12월까지 일신기독병원에서 재태 연령 12주에서부터 분만과정까지 산전 진찰을 받고 분만을 한 단일 융모막 산모 99명, 이 융모막 산모 206명, 그리고 이들에게서 태어난 188명의 단일 융모막 쌍생아와 411명의 이 융모막 쌍생아를 대상으로 외래 및 입원 병력 기록지를 후향적으로 조사하였다. 쌍태아간 수혈 증후군과 선택적 태아 발육부전의 빈도 및 융모막 종류에 따른 주산기 영향 및 신생아 이환을 평가하였다. 결 과 : 단일 융모막군은 이 융모막군보다 재태 연령이 작고(35.7 vs 36.6, P=0.03) 태아 사망이 많았다(10% vs 1.5%, P<0.001). 그리고 단일 융모막군의 선택적 발육부전이 이 융모막의 선택적 발육부전보다 태아 사망이 높았다(19% vs 2.5%, P=0.025). 신생아 집중 치료실에 입원한 쌍생아는 단일 융모막 쌍생아가 이 융모막 쌍생아보다(31% vs 16%, P=0.042) 빈도가 높았다. 그리고 단일 융모막 쌍생아가 뇌실 주변 백색 연화증(7% vs 0%; P=0.031), Surfactant를 투여한 신생아호흡곤란 증후군(27% vs 11%; P=0.049)의 빈도가 높았다. 단일 융모막군에서 선택적 자궁 내 발육지연의 빈도는 21%였고 태아 간 수혈 증후군의 빈도는 9%이었다. 일측성 태아 사망은 쌍태아간 수혈 증후군에서는 9명중 6명(67%)이고 선택적 태아 발육부전군에서는 21명중에 4명(19%)으로 단순 단일 융모막군보다 유의하게 높았다(P<0.001). 신생아실에 입원한 빈도는 쌍태아 간 수혈증후군에서 92%, 선택적 태 아발육부전에서 42%로 단순 단일 융모막군의 22%보다 유의하게 높았으며(P=0.001) 입원기간 또한 유의하게 길었다(P=0.033). 그리고 뇌실 주변 백색 연화증 및 뇌실 내 출혈빈도인 경우에도 쌍태아간 수혈 증후군과 선택적 태아 발육부전군이 단순 단일 융모막군보다 유의하게 많았다(각각 P=0.011, P=0.007). 결 론 : 쌍태아 간 수혈 증후군이나 선택적 태아 발육부전이 있는 단일 융모막 쌍생아에서 신생아의 합병증이 높다.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.80-83
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• 2007

고리염색체(Ring chromosome)는 매우 낮은 빈도로 발견되는 염색체 이상으로 모든 번호에서 보고되고 있으며 특히 끝곁 매듭 염색체(acrocentric chromosome)에서 빈번하게 관찰 된다. 본 증례는 ring chromosome(고리염색체)11의 산전진단에 관한 것이다. 산모는 36세의 여성으로 모체혈청검사에서 에드워드 증후군의 표시인자가 증가되어, 태아의 염색체 검사를 위해 임신 19.5주에 양수천자술을 시행하였다. 결과는 46,XX,r(11)[65]/45,XX,-11[16]/46,XX[34]로 고리염색체(ring chromosome) 11이 mosaic으로 관찰되었다. 혈액을 이용한 부모 염색체 검사는 모두 정상이었다. 임신 20주에 실시된 정밀초음파 검사에서는 자궁내성장장애(IUGR) 소견을 보였다. 모자익시즘의 확인을 위해 임신 22주에 재대 혈액을 이용한 두번째 염색체 검사 결과는 46,XX,r(11)(p15.5q24.2)[229]/45,XX,-11 [15]이었으며 첫번째 검사에서 관찰되지 않았던 다양한 형태의 고리염색체(ring chromosome)가 소수의 세포에서 관찰되었다. 고리염색체(ring chromosome)11에 대한 FISH 검사에서는 11 염색체의 장완과 11 염색체의 단완의 subtelomeric 부위가 결실되어 있었다.