• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.353-362
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• 2009

GnRH and its receptor are known to express locally in the ovary and to regulate the ovarian function by affecting on granulosa and lutein cells. It has been reported that GnRH directly causes apoptosis in the granulosa and lutein cells of the ovary. However, whether the apoptosis of the cells by GnRH is recovered by FSH as an anti-apoptotic factor is not yet known. In this study, we evaluated the apoptosis and the production of progesterone $(P_4)$ and estradiol $(E_2)$ after treatment with 5, 50, and 100 ng/$m\ell$ GnRH and 1 IU/ml FSH in the granulosa-lutein cells that are obtained during oocyte-retrieval for IVF-ET. Results of DNA fragment analysis and TUNEL assay demonstrated that DNA fragmentation and the rate of apoptotic cells were increased in a dose-dependent manner showing a significant increase in the cells treated with 100 ng/$m\ell$ GnRH. In addition, we found that FSH suppresses the apoptosis of the cells induced by GnRH. In the results of chemiluminescence assay for $P_4$ and $E_2$, $P_4$ production was decreased by GnRH treatment, whereas $E_2$ production was not changed. We also demonstrated that FSH inhibits the suppressive effect of GnRH on $P_4$ production as the result of apoptosis. The present results suggest that GnRH agonist using in ovarian hyperstimulation protocol might induce the dysfunction of the ovary, but its function could be recovered by FSH. These results also will be expected to use as the basic data to elucidate the physiological role of GnRH and to develop new ovarian hyperstimulation protocols for IVF-ET.

• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.126-130
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• 2013

In this study, a shape-stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) was prepared by octadecane and exfoliated graphite nanoplate (xGnP) in a vacuum, to improve thermal storage performance. The octadecane as an organic phase change material (PCM) is very stable against phase separation of PCM, and has the proper temperature range for thermal comfort in the building; and the xGnP is a porous carbon nano-material. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transformation infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) were used to confirm the chemical and physical stability of the Ocatadecane/xGnP SSPCM. In addition, thermal properties were determined by Deferential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The specific heat of Octadecane/xGnP SSPCM was $14.1J/g{\cdot}K$ at $31.3^{\circ}C$. The melting temperature ranges of melting and freezing were found to be $26{\sim}35^{\circ}C$ and $26{\sim}19^{\circ}C$, respectively. At this time, the latent heats of melting and freezing were 110.9 J/g and 104.5 J/g, respectively. The Octadecane was impregnated into xGnP by as much as about 56.0% of the Octadecane/xGnP SSPCM's mass fraction.

• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.206-211
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• 2015

For the hydrogen production, Gas Lab and Gnc make alkaline watrer electrolyzer and found optimized condition of experimental parameters of cell material and operating procedures. For the commercial production, we saved electric power consumption and caloric based efficiency with over 70%. Used cell pressures are 10 bar, 30 bar and consumed electricity is $4,000A/m^2$, 4.19 kW ($T=100^{\circ}C$) at 10 bar. Another data is $2,000A/m^2$, 3.92 kW ($T=95^{\circ}C$) at 30 bar. Applied voltage is 1.75 V ($100^{\circ}C$, 10 bar), 1.64 V ($95^{\circ}C$, 10 bar), 1.81 V ($85^{\circ}C$, 30 bar), 1.76 V ($95^{\circ}C$, 30 bar). As cell temperature increase, applied voltage has been decreased and current has been increased. The concentration of KOH solution is 30 weight %.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.300-305
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• 2020

Objective: The feasibility of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger in normal responders is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the number of mature oocytes, the number of good-quality embryos, and the live birth rate in normal responders triggered by GnRHa alone, GnRHa and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; a dual trigger), and hCG alone. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the infertility clinic of a university hospital. Data from 200 normal responders who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection with a GnRH antagonist protocol between January 2016 and January 2017 were reviewed. The first study group consisted of patients with cycles triggered by GnRHa alone. The second study group consisted of patients with cycles triggered by both GnRHa and low-dose hCG (a dual trigger). The control group consisted of patients with cycles triggered by hCG alone. Results: The groups were comparable in terms of demographics and cycle characteristics. The numbers of total oocytes retrieved and metaphase II oocytes were similar between the groups. The total numbers of top-quality embryos were 3.2±2.9 in the GnRHa group, 4.4±3.2 in the dual-trigger group, and 2.9±2.1 in the hCG group (p=0.014). The live birth rates were 21.4%, 30.5%, and 28.2% in those groups, respectively (p=0.126). Conclusion: In normal responders, a dual-trigger approach appears superior to an hCG trigger alone with regard to the number of top-quality embryos produced. However, no clinical benefit was apparent in terms of live birth rates.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.198-204
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• 2007

Purpose : The hope that arresting pubertal developement might increase final adult height has led to an attempt to use GnRH agonist (GnRHa) in children with early puberty and poor growth prognosis. We investigated the growth-promoting effect of GnRH agonists with or without growth hormone (GH) in girls with early puberty and decreased predicted adult height (PAH). Methods : Thirty five girls with advanced bone age and early pubertal signs were randomized for treatment for about 1 year with monthly GnRHa in group 1 (n=18), or with a combination of GH and GnRHa in group 2 (n=17). The following growth parameters were compared between groups, and the difference ($\Delta$) before and after treatment : chronological age (CA), bone age (BA), $\Delta$(BA-CA), height (HT), target height (TH), predicted adult height (PAH), $\Delta$ (TH-PAH), serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3). Results : Before treatment, BA, TH, PAH Standard deviation scores (SDS), $\Delta$(TH-PAH) were not different between the two groups, but CA was higher in group 2 and $\Delta$(BA-CA) were higher in group 1 (P<0.05). After $1.06{\pm}0.93$ year of treatment, $\Delta$ (BA-CA) decreased and there were significant changes in PAH and $\Delta$ (TH-PAH), especially in group 2 (P<0.05 in group 1, and P<0.001 in group 2). In both groups, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were not different before and after treatment, but after treatment, IGF-1 level in group 2 was marginally higher than IGF-1 in group 1 (P<0.1). Conclusion : Compromised predicted adult height in girls with early puberty and advanced bone age was significantly improved with GnRH with/without GH treatment in the short-term period. The addition of GH to GnRHa results in a significant increase in PAH compared to GnRHa alone because GnRHa suppressed growth hormone-IGF-1 axis. For comparison of final adult height, further longitudinal follow-up will be needed.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.125-125
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• 2003

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of GnRH or estradiol in a CIDR-based timed Al (TAI) protocol on follicular turnover, synchronized ovulation and pregnancy rates in Holstein cows. Cows were treated at random stages of the estrus cycle with an insertion of an intravigal progesterone (1.9 g) device (CIDR, Day 0) and either no other treatment (control group; n=10), injection of 100 ug fertirelin acetate (GnRH group; n=10) or 4 mg estradiol benzoate (estradiol group; n=10). Seven days later devices were removed and an injection of 25 mg $PGF_{2$\alpha$}$ was administered. On Day 9, 100 ug GnRH was administered. Cows received a fixed-time insemination 16 h after injection of the GnRH. (중략)

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.552-557
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• 2006

Purpose : The recent results observed in precocious puberty and the hope that interrupting puberty might increase adult height have led to an attempt to use GnRH agonist(GnRHa) in children with premature puberty and a poor growth prognosis. We aimed to analyze the growth promoting effect of GnRHa in girls with early puberty and low predicted adult height(PAH). Methods : Thirty six girls were recruited. They were grouped according to the GnRHa treatment period(group 1>6 mo, n=18; group 2<6 mo, n=18). The following variables were analyzed before and after GnRHa treatment : chronological age(CA), bone age(BA), ${\Delta}age$(CA-BA), height, target height (TH), PAH, serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3. Results : Duration of the GnRHa treatment was $0.89{\pm}0.81yr$($1.37{\pm}0.92yr$ in group 1, and $0.41{\pm}0.08yr$ in group 2). Before treatment, none of the variables were different between the two groups. There were no differences in the following variables the between two groups at the end of treatment : CA, BA, ${\Delta}age$, PAH, serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3. But, growth velocity(GV) and PAH increment during treatment were significantly reduced in group 1. Compared with initial PAH, PAH at the end of treatment was significantly increased($3.7{\pm}3.2cm$). The last serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were lower than those before treatment. Conclusion : Even though last PAH didn't approach TH, short term GnRHa administration in early puberty with low predicted PAH was somewhat effective. But, GnRHa administration suppressed the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis. Therefore, it is recommended that growth hormone(GH) should be used in combination with GnRHa.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 2003

There have been reports that administrated high-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone-agonist(GnRH-Ag) suppresses endogenous gonadotropin production and inhibits function of ovary. In human IVF-ET program, however, GnRH-Ag is employed in large amounts during superovulation induction resulting to luteal phase defects which must be supported with progesterone. To elucidate the reason of luteal phase defects by GnRH-Ag, the aim of this study was to investigate the apoptosis changes in the ovary and the hormonal changes in the serum after GnRH-Ag and PMSG administration in adult mice in a method similar to human superovualtion induction. GnRH-Ag(10 ${\mu}$g) or saline was injected every 12h beginning 48h prior to PMSG injection until 48h at)or PMSG injection when blood sampling and ovary collection was performed. In results, the ovary weight in the GnRH-Ag only injection group was significantly lower when compared with the other two groups, PMSG only or PMSC + GnRH-Ag injection. The ratio of preantral follicles in the ovary are increased in the GnRH-Ag only group, while the ratio of antral follicles are decreased and the corpus luteum ratio is increased in the PMSG + GnRH-Ag group. The proportion of all follicles showing apoptosis in the GnRH-Ag only in.iection group was seen to be more than twice the proportion seen in the PMSC only injection group, and such increased apoptosis is decreased after addition of PMSC. The serum levels of both estradiol and progesterone were significantly lower in the CnRH-hg only group compared to those in the other two groups. When the administration of GnRH-Ag were followed by PMSG in;ection, however, estradiol concentration was completely recovered compared to the serum level of PMSG group, but not progesterone level. In conclusion the use of GnRH-Ag in human IVF-ET program may induce the apoptosis and the suppression of hormone production by ovary leading to luteal phase defects, thus adequate progesterone support seems to be necessary against them.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.389-398
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• 1999

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of endogenous LH surge, GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as ovulation trigger on pregnancy rate by intrauterine insemination (IUI). Method: Patients received daily 100 mg of clomiphene citrate (CC) for 5 days starting on the third day of the menstrual cycle followed by human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) for ovulation induction. Follicles larger than >16 mm in diameter were present in the ovary, frequent LH tests in urine were introduced to detect an endogenous LH surge. Final follicular maturation and ovulation were induced by GnRH-a 0.1 mg (s.c.) or hCG $5,000{\sim}10,000$ IU (i.m.) administration except natural ovulation. Pregnancy was classified as clinical if a gestational sac or fetal cardiac activity was seen on ultrasound. Results: There were no differences in age, duration of infertility and follicle size, but more ampules of hMG were used in GnRH-a group compared to hCG 10,000 IU treated group (p<0.05). Lower level of estradiol ($E_2$) on the day of hCG or GnRH-a injection was observed in hCG 10,000 IU group than other treatment groups (p<0.01). The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 19.8% per cycle (32/162) and 22.2% per patient (32/144). Pregnancy rate was higher in natural-endogenous LH surge group (37.5%, 9/24) than GnRH-a (18.8%) or hCG treated group (20.9% & 13.9%), but this difference was not statistically significant. No patient developed ovarian hyperstimulation. Abortion rate was 22.2% (2/9) in hCG 5,000 IU group. Delivery or ongoing pregnancy rate was 37.5% (9/24), 18.8% (3/16), 16.3% (7/43) and 13.9% (11/79) in endogenous LH surge, GnRH-a, hCG 5,000 IU and hCG 10,000 IU treatment groups, respectively. Conclusion: These results support the concept that use of natural-endogenous LH surge in stimulated cycles may be more effective to obtain pregnancies by IUI than GnRH-a or hCG administration.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.175-179
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• 1992

The factors involved in the initial neoplastic transformation and subsquent growth of uterine fibroid are poorly understood. The reduction in uterine fibroid volume associated with the chronic administration of the mechanisms mediating the decrease in fibroid volume in GnRH-a treated patients are poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) in fibroid from-women pretreated with GnRH analogue(GnRH-a) compared with controls. Tissue was obtained from 16 premenopausal women with uterine fibroid who received GnRH-a(D-Trp6-GnRH) intramusculary every 28 days for four injections. The mean proliferating index(PI) in patients with uterine fibroids was $2.25{\pm}0.9$, and in controls was $8.82{\pm}1.8$(P<0.001). The proliferating index was not corrleated with the reduction of fibroid volume. In this clinical study, although hypoestrogenism may be the main factor that reduce the volume of fibroid, other factors are also considered to be involved in that process. And the regrowth of uterine fibroid may be affected by increased production of PCNA after stopping GnRH-a.