• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.194-206
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate microRNAs (miRNAs) related to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) responsiveness using miRNA microarrays and to identify their target genes to determine the molecular regulatory pathways involved in FSH signaling in KGN cells. Methods: To change the cellular responsiveness to FSH, KGN cells were treated with FSH receptor (FSHR)-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by FSH. miRNA expression profiles were determined through miRNA microarray analysis. Potential target genes of selected miRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics tools, and their regulatory function was confirmed in KGN cells. Results: We found that six miRNAs (miR-1261, miR-130a-3p, miR-329-3p, miR-185-5p, miR-144-5p and miR-4463) were differentially expressed after FSHR siRNA treatment in KGN cells. Through a bioinformatics analysis, we showed that these miRNAs were predicted to regulate a large number of genes, which we narrowed down to cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) as the main targets for miR-4463. Functional analysis revealed that miR-4463 is a regulatory factor for aromatase expression and function in KGN cells. Conclusion: In this study, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs related to FSH responsiveness. In particular, upregulation of miR-4463 expression by FSHR deficiency in human granulosa cells impaired 17β-estradiol synthesis by targeting CYP19A1 and ESR1. Therefore, our data might provide novel candidates for molecular biomarkers for use in research into poor responders.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2005

The inhibitory activity against bisphenol-A (BPA), one of well-known endocrine disrupters was examined with the water extracts prepared from the Stem Bark of Syringa velutina (SBS). In this study, we have investigated the effect of SBS on the toxicity caused by BPA in human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 cells and immature Sprague-Dawley rats. In the estrogen receptor-mediated proliferation assay using MCF-7 cells, BPA (16 ng/ml) induced the cell proliferation, but the water extract of SBS inhibited BPA-induced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. These results are associated with PARP degradation and specific cleavage of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 of apoptotic regulatory factors. Additionally, the BPA (400 mg/100 g) significantly induced the increase of the uterine and virginal weights, while SBS (50 mg/100 g) showed the inhibitory action against BPA, i.e. caused the increase of estrogen-related organ weights in immature rat uterotrophic assay. Taken together, the present data suggest that SBS may have anti-toxicity activities against BPA in vitro and in vivo systems. SBS may be capable of inhibiting adverse effects of BPA such as reproductive disorder.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2013

Purpose: Maxilla and mandible have different patterns of cortical and trabecular bone and different bone mineral densities, even though both are components of the jaw bone. However, cellular differences between maxilla- and mandible derived osteoblasts (OBs) have rarely been studied. We hypothesize that maxilla- and mandible-derived OBs show different responses to $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2), which is one of the critical factors for bone formation. This study compares skeletal site-specific cell responses between maxilla- and mandible-derived human OBs to E2. Methods: Maxilla- and mandible-derived OBs derived from an identical donor were separately isolated from a total of five normal healthy subjects aged 18~44 years old, cultured with a treatment of 100 nM estrogen. The responses between maxilla- and mandible-derived OBs to E2 were evaluated and compared using cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and gene expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), ALP, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and estrogen receptor ${\alpha}$ ($ER{\alpha}$). Results: E2 did not have any distinct effects on the proliferation of both types of OBs. Mandible-derived OBs exhibited higher ALP activity than maxilla-derived OBs in the non-treated condition, which was common in all tested individuals. ALP activities of both types of OBs showed a minor increasing tendency with the treatment of E2, even though there was no statistical significance in some specimens. The gene expression of OB by E2 was diverse, depending on the individuals. There was increased expression of OPG, IGF-1, or $ER{\alpha}$ gene in the part of subjects, which was more repeated in maxilla-derived OBs. In particular, OPG or ALP induction by E appeared less frequently in mandible-derived OBs. Conclusion: Current results revealed that E2 affects maxilla- and mandible-derived OBs into facilitating the osteogenic process despite individual differences. Mandible-derived OBs are less sensitive to bone-forming gene expression by E2.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.277-284
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• 2019

ARID1A and PGR plays an important role in embryo implantation and decidualization during early pregnancy. Uterine specific Arid1a knockout ($Pgr^{cre/+}Arid1a^{f/f}$) mice exhibit in non-receptive endometrium at day 3.5 of gestation (GD 3.5). In previous studies, using transcriptomic analysis in the uterus of $Pgr^{cre/+}Arid1a^{f/f}$ mice, we identified proline-rich acidic protein 1 (PRAP1) as one of the down-regulated genes by ARID1A in the uterus. In the present study, we performed RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis to investigate the regulation of PRAP1 by ARID1A and determine expression patterns of PRAP1 in the uterus during early pregnancy. During early pregnancy, PRAP1 expression was strong at day 0.5 of gestation (GD 0.5) and then decreased at GD 3.5 in the epithelium and stroma. After implantation, PRAP1 expression was remarkably reduced in the uterus. However, the expression of PRAP1 at GD 3.5 was remarkably increased in the $Pgr^{cre/+}Arid1a^{f/f}$ mice. To determine the ovarian steroid hormone regulation of PRAP1, we examined the expression of PRAP1 in ovariectomized control, $Pgr^{cre/+}Arid1a^{f/f}$, and progesterone receptor knock-out (PRKO) mice treated with progesterone. While PRAP1 proteins were strongly expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelium of control mice treated with vehicle, progesterone treatment suppressed the expression of PRAP1. However, PRAP1 was not suppressed in both the $Pgr^{cre/+}Arid1a^{f/f}$ and PRKO mice compared to controls. Our results identified PRAP1 as a novel target of ARID1A and PGR in the murine uterus.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1197-1201
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• 2012

Objective: To study the relationship between clinical pathologic characteristics, treatment modalities and prognostic factors in HER-2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor-2) overexpressed breast carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Major clinico-pathological factors including therapeutic modalities and survival status of 371 breast cancer patients with HER2 over-expression, teated at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from March of 2002 to December of 2010 were retrospectively studied, with special attention focused on survival-related factors. Results: The median age of the total 371 patients in this study was 48 years at time of diagnosis, among which, the leading pathological type was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (92.5%); 62.8% presented with a primary tomor larger than 2 cm in diameter at diagnosis, 51.0% had axillary lymph node (ALN) metastases; ER (Estrogen receptor)/PR (Progesterone receptor) double negative occured in 52.8% of cases, and PCNA (proliferation cell nuclear antigen) (+++) was found in 55.1%. HER-2 overexpressed patients were usually in advanced stage when the diagnosis was made (72.8% at stages IIA~IIIC). The prognosis and survival were assessed in 259 patients with complete follow-up data. 5-year DFS (disease-free survival) and OS (overall survival) rate was 68.0% and 78.0% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, tumor size, ALN metastases, LVSI (lymph-vascular space involvement), PCNA status, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy cycles, and HER-2 overexpression, correlated closely with the prognosis. ALN metastases, LVSI, PCNA status and chemotherapy cycles were independent predictors of survival. Conclusions: HER-2 overexpressed breast cancer has special clinical and pathological characteristics, with advanced clinical stages and high rate of ER/PR double negative. Lymph node metastases, LVSI, PCNA and chemotherapy cycles are independent predictors of prognosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.3207-3210
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• 2014

Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer characterized by rapidly progressive breast erythema, pain and tenderness, oedema and paeu d'orange appearance. It accounts for 1-3% of all newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer in the west. Data on IBC from India are lacking. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical-pathological parameters and outcome of IBC at, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a large tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: We screened 3,650 breast cancer cases registered from January 2004 to December 2012 and found 41 cases of IBC. Data included demographics as well as clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics, and were collected from clinical case records using the International Classification of Diseases code (C-50). Patients who presented with IBC as a recurrence, or who had a neglected and advanced breast cancer that simulated an IBC were excluded from this study. Results: The median age was 45 years (range 23-66). The median duration of symptoms was 5 months. The American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (AJCC) distribution was Stage III - 26 and IV - 15 patients. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) positivity and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) positivity were 50%, 46% and 60%, respectively. Triple negativity was found in 15% of the cases. All the non metastatic IBC patients received anthracycline and/ or taxane based chemotherapy followed by modified radical mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy as indicated. Pathological complete remission rate was 15%. At a median follow-up of 30 months, the 3 year relapse free survival and overall survival were 30% and 40%respectively. Conclusion: IBC constituted 1.1% of all breast cancer patients at our centre. One third of these had metastatic disease at presentation. Hormone positivity and Her2 neu positivity were found in 50% and 60% of the cases, respectively.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10577-10583
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• 2015

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by the lack of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, is typically associated with a poor prognosis. The majority of TNBCs show the expression of basal markers on gene expression profiling and most authors accept TNBC as basal-like (BL) breast cancer. However, a smaller fraction lacks a BL phenotype despite being TNBC. The literature is silent on non-basal-like (NBL) type of TNBC. The present study was aimed at defining behavioral differences between BL and NBL phenotypes. Objectives: i) Identify the TNBCs and categorize them into BL and NBL breast cancer. ii) Examine the behavioral differences between two subtypes. iii) Observe the pattern of treatment failure among TNBCs. Materials and Methods: All TNBC cases during January 2009-December 2010 were retrieved. The subjects fitting the inclusion criteria of study were differentiated into BL and NBL phenotypes using surrogate immunohistochemistry with three basal markers $34{\beta}E12$, c-Kit and EGFR as per the algorithm defined by Nielsen et al. The detailed data of subjects were collated from clinical records. The comparison of clinicopathological features between two subgroups was done using statistical analyses. The pattern of treatment failure along with its association with prognostic factors was assessed. Results: TNBC constituted 18% of breast cancer cases considered in the study. The BL and NBL subtypes accounted for 81% and 19% respectively of the TNBC group. No statistically significant association was seen between prognostic parameters and two phenotypes. Among patients with treatment failure, 19% were with BL and 15% were with NBL phenotype. The mean disease free survival (DFS) in groups BL and NBL was 30.0 and 37.9 months respectively, while mean overall survival (OS) was 31.93 and 38.5 months respectively. Treatment failure was significantly associated with stage (p=.023) among prognostic factors. Conclusions: Disease stage at presentation is an important prognostic factor influencing the treatment failure and survival among TNBCs. Increasing tumor size is related to lymph node positivity. BL tumors have a more aggressive clinical course than that of NBL as shown by shorter DFS and OS, despite having no statistically significant difference between prognostic parameters. New therapeutic alternatives should be explored for patients with this subtype of breast cancer.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.217-223
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• 2004

Objective: To evaluate the effects of recombinant FSH (rFSH) and urinary FSH (uFSH) on the gene expressions of human endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Methods: Endometrial tissue was obtained from a pre-menopausal women undergoing hysterectomy. Primary endometrial stromal cells were isolated and in vitro cultured with FBS-free DMEM/F-12 containing 0, 10, 100, and 1, 000 mIU/ml of rFSH and uFSH for 48 hours, respectively. Total RNA was extracted from the cultured cells and subjected to real time RT-PCR for the quantitative analysis of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor $\alpha/\beta$ (ER-$\alpha/\beta$), cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), homeobox A10-1 and -2 (HoxA10-1/-2). Results: Both hormone treatments slightly increased (< 3 folds) the expressions of PR, ER-$\beta$ and HoxA10-1/-2 gene. However, ER-$\alpha$ expression was increased up to five folds by treatments of both FSH for 48 hours. The LIF expression by the 10 mIU/ml of uFSH for 12 hours was significantly higher than that of rFSH (p<0.01). After 24 hours treatment of two kinds of hormones, the expression patterns of LIF were similar. The 100 and 1, 000 mIU/ml of rFSH induced significantly higher amount of Cox-2 expression than those of uFSH, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study represents no adversely effect of exogeneous gonadotropins, rFSH and uFSH, on the expression of implantation related genes. We suggest that rFSH is applicable for the assisted reproductive technology without any concern on the endometrial receptivity.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2006

The use of underarm and body care cosmetics with oestrogenic chemical excipients (particularly the parabens) and the hypothesized association with breast cancer incidence, particularly in women. It is noted that the type of cosmetic product is irrelevant (e.g. antiperspirant/deodorant versus body lotion, moisturizers or sprays versus creams) and attention must focus on issues of actual exposure to chemicals through continued dermal application of body care products and the endocrine/hormonal activity and toxicity of the chemicals in the formulations. To evaluate the estrogenic activities of parabens such as ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and isopropylparaben, we used recombinant yeasts containing the human estrogen receptor [Saccharomyces cerevisiae ER+LYS 8127], human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines and human estrogen receptor ${\alpha}\;and\;{\beta}$. In E-screen assays, isopropylparaben is the most estrogenic paraben, and in ER competition assay, isobutylparaben is the most estrogenic paraben. We evaluated isopropylparaben was most active in the recombinant yeast assay, followed by propylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Results from this study demonstrate that parabens are observed in human endocrine system. Therefore, we have shown that the parabens is induced the estrogenic activities similar to $17{\beta}$-estradiol and Bisphenol-A.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.255-261
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• 2006

Although some phytoes rogens might have beneficiary rather than adverse effects, most endocrine disrupting compounds(EDCs) are considered to be harmful to human and wildlife health through interfering the endocrine system. Previously we found that prepubertal exposure to genistein(GS), a well-known isoflavone phytoestrogen, could activate the reproductive system of immature female rats resulting precocious puberty. Interestingly, di(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate(DEHP) exposure brought inverse result, a delayed puberty, in the same experimental regimen. In this study, we examined whether prepubertal exposure to GS or DEHP affect the gene expressions of estrogen receptors($ER\;{\alpha}$ and $ER\;{\beta}$) and LH receptor(LHR) which represent the maturational status of ovary and uterus in immature rats. GS (100 mg/kg/day) was administered daily from postnatal day 25 to the day when the first vaginal opening(VO) was observed, and the animals were sacrificed on the next day(day 32). Similarly, DEHP(l00 mg/kg/day) was administered daily from postnatal day 25 through the day when the first V.O. in control group was observed, and the animals were sacrificed on the next day(day 36). To determine the transcriptional changes in the hormone receptors, total RNAs were extracted from ovary and uterus and were applied to semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). In the GS group, the transcriptional activities of $ER\;{\alpha}$, $ER\;{\beta}$ and LHR in uterus and LHR in ovary were significantly increased when compared to those of control group. In the DEHP group, the transcriptional activities of all the hormone receptors measured were significantly lowered when compared to those of control group. These alteration of the reproductive hormone receptor expressions in ovary and uterus might be represent the phenotypic aspects(secondary sexual characteristics) such as tissue weights and reproductive hormone levels during perinatal period in immature female rats.