• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.199-199
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• 2017

This study investigated the aspects of damage due to low temperature treatment in order to establish the damage criterion according to low temperature invasion during regeneration period in wheat after regeneration period in the early spring. We cultivated wheat cultivar 'Geumgang' in Wagner pots and treated them with three types of low temperature, and the gradual temperature change program was set in a low temperature incubator for 12.5 h per day for 5 days during the night time when the length of young spikes was about 1 mm. All treatments except for the control were treated in 5 steps for each temperature. Treatment 1 was treated at the lowest temperature $-5^{\circ}C$ for 5 h, treatment 2 for 7 h at $-5^{\circ}C$, and treatment 3 for 9 h at $-5^{\circ}C$. The most common type of damage was partial infertility, and there were some discolored spikes. The damage rate of wheat spikes treated at $-5^{\circ}C$ for 9 h was the highest, while the damage rates of wheat sprouts treated at 5h and 7h were not different from each other. It was found that the damage of wheat spikes exposed to low temperatures for a long time was large. It is necessary to investigate the aspects of spike damage by duration days of low temperature.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2018

Objective: Placental oxidative stress is known to be a factor that contributes to pregnancy failure. The aim of this study was to determine whether selenium could induce antioxidant gene expression and regulate invasive activity and mitochondrial activity in trophoblasts, which are a major cell type of the placenta. Methods: To understand the effects of selenium on trophoblast cells exposed to hypoxia, the viability and invasive activity of trophoblasts were analyzed. The expression of antioxidant enzymes was assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the effects of selenium treatment on mitochondrial activity were evaluated in terms of adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species levels. Results: Selenium showed positive effects on the viability and migration activity of trophoblast cells when exposed to hypoxia. Interestingly, the increased heme oxygenase 1 expression under hypoxic conditions was decreased by selenium treatment, whereas superoxide dismutase expression was increased in trophoblast cells by selenium treatment for 72 hours, regardless of hypoxia. Selenium-treated trophoblast cells showed increased mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased reactive oxygen species levels under hypoxic conditions for 72 hours. Conclusion: These results will be used as basic data for understanding the mechanism of how trophoblast cells respond to oxidative stress and how selenium promotes the upregulation of related genes and improves the survival rate and invasive ability of trophoblasts through regulating mitochondrial activity. These results suggest that selenium may be used in reproductive medicine for purposes including infertility treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.112-118
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• 2019

Objective: Oxidative stress contributes to male infertility, and antioxidants have been recommended for treating idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). There is, however, a lack of agreement on the type, dosing, and use of individual antioxidants or combinations thereof. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two doses of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic OAT. Methods: In this prospective study, patients with idiopathic OAT received 200 mg/day (n = 35) or 400 mg/day (n = 30) of CoQ10 orally for 3 months. All patients underwent semen analysis according to the fifth editions of the World Health Organization criteria. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) activity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured both before and after treatment. Results: Treatment with CoQ10 (200 mg/day or 400 mg/day) resulted in a significant increase in sperm concentration from baseline ($8.22{\pm}6.88$ to $12.53{\pm}8.11million/mL$, p= 0.019; $7.58{\pm}5.41$ to $12.33{\pm}6.1million/mL$, p= 0.002, respectively), progressive motility ($16.54%{\pm}9.26%$ to $22.58%{\pm}10.15%$, p=0.011; $14.22%{\pm}12.85%$ to $26.1%{\pm}14.52%$, p= 0.001, respectively), and total motility ($25.68%{\pm}6.41%$ to $29.96%{\pm}8.09%$, p= 0.016; $23.46%{\pm}12.59%$ to $34.82%{\pm}14.17%$, p= 0.001, respectively). CoQ10 therapy also increased TAC (p= 0.009, p= 0.001, respectively), SOD activity (p= 0.004, p= 0.001, respectively), and CAT activity (p= 0.039, p= 0.024, respectively). Furthermore, antioxidant measures correlated significantly with seminal fluid parameters (r = 0.36-0.76). Conclusion: CoQ10 supplementation improved semen parameters and antioxidant status in men with idiopathic OAT, with a greater improvement shown in men who took 400 mg/day than in those who took 200 mg/day.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2023

Objective: Human exposure to multiple xenobiotics, over various developmental windows, results in adverse health effects arising from these concomitant exposures. Humans are widely exposed to bisphenol A, and acetaminophen is the most commonly used over-the-counter drug worldwide. Bisphenol A is a well-recognized male reproductive toxicant, and increasing evidence suggests that acetaminophen is also detrimental to the male reproductive system. The recent recognition of male reproductive system dysfunction in conditions of suboptimal reproductive outcomes makes it crucial to investigate the contributions of toxicant exposures to infertility and sub-fertility. We aimed to identify toxicity in the male reproductive system at the mitochondrial level in response to co-exposure to bisphenol A and acetaminophen, and we investigated whether melatonin ameliorated this toxicity. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=10 each): a control group and groups that received melatonin, bisphenol A, acetaminophen, bisphenol A and acetaminophen, and bisphenol A and acetaminophen with melatonin treatment. Results: Significantly higher lipid peroxidation was observed in the testicular mitochondria and sperm in the treatment groups than in the control group. Levels of glutathione and the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and manganese superoxide dismutase decreased significantly in response to the toxicant treatments. Likewise, the toxicant treatments significantly decreased the sperm count and motility, while significantly increasing sperm mortality. Melatonin mitigated the adverse effects of bisphenol A and acetaminophen. Conclusion: Co-exposure to bisphenol A and acetaminophen elevated oxidative stress in the testicular mitochondria, and this effect was alleviated by melatonin.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.325-331
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• 2003

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) inhibits electron transport in mitochondria, leading to a metabolic failure. In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying this toxicity, we examined a few biochemical changes possibly involved in the process, such as metabolic inhibition, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA strand breakage, and activation of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Exposure of SK-N-BE(2)C neuroblastoma cells to 3-NP for 48 h caused actual cell death, while inhibition of mitochondrial function was readily observed when exposed for 24 h to low concentrations (0.2${\sim}$2 mM) of 3-NP. The earliest biochemical change detected with low concentration of 3-NP was an accumulation of ROS (4 h after 3-NP exposure) followed by degradation of DNA. PARP activation by damaged DNA was also detectable, but at a later time. The accumulation of ROS and DNA strand breakage were suppressed by the addition of glutathione or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), which also partially restored mitochondrial function and cell viability. In addition, inhibition of PARP also reduced the 3-NP-induced DNA strand breakage and cytotoxicity. These results suggest that oxidative stress and activation of PARP are the major factors in 3-NP-induced cytotoxicity, and that the inhibition of these factors may be useful in protecting neuroblastoma cells from 3-NP-induced toxicity.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2006

Reactive oxygen species(ROS) generated in cellular metabolism have an effect on cell maturation and development. In human reproductive tract, oxidative injury by ROS may induce female infertility. Also, oxidative injury may be responsible for developmental retardation and arrest of mammalian preimplantation embryos. Activating transcription factor 4(ATF4) is a member of the cyclic-AMP response element-binding(CREB) familiy of basic region- leucine zipper(bZip). ATF4 is known to regulate stress response to protect cell from various stress factors and inducer of apoptisis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ATF4 is involved in the defensive mechanism in oxidative stress condition during the development of mouse preimplantation embryos. To verify the expression of ATF4 in oxidative stress condition, 2-cell stage embryos were cultured in HTF media containing 0.1mM, 0.5mM or 1mM hydrogen peroxide($H_2O_2$) for 1hr(2-cell), 8hr(4-cell), 17hr(8-cell), 24hr(morula), 48hr(early blastocyst) or 64hr(late blastocyst). The developmental rate decreased in the 0.1mM $H_2O_2$ treated group compared with control group. In embryos treated with 0.5mM and 1mM $H_2O_2$ showed 2-cell block. As a results of the semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of SOD1, ATF4 and Bax gene expression, SOD1, ATF4 and Bax genes were increased in 0.1mM, 0.5mM, 1mM $H_2O_2$ treated groups compared with control group. In 2-cell embryos, expression of SOD1, ATF4 and Bax genes were notably increased in 0.1mM, 0.5mM, 1mM $H_2O_2$ treated groups compared with control group. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that ATF4 protein was localized at the cytoplasm of preimplantation embryos. The increase in ATF4 immunoreactivety was observed in the 0.1mM, 0.5mM, 1mM $H_2O_2$ treated groups compared with control group. It suggests that oxidative stress by $H_2O_2$ induces expression of ATF4 and may be involved in protection mechanism in preimplantation embryos from oxidative injury.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.261-269
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• 2021

Because sows are industrially vital for swine production, monitoring for their health or disorder status is important to ensure high reproductive performance. Especially, ambient temperature changes in different season, especially during summer, are directly influenced to the reproductive performance of sows. Although the serum biochemical parameters are widely applied in the veterinary medicine with wide ranges for the physiological process, the values are also influenced by several factors such as age, breed, gender, and stress. In addition, domestic sows in Korea-specific reference interval (RI) for serum biochemistry has not been established yet. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate seasonal variation of RIs in the serum biochemistry in domestic sows in Korea at different seasons and to establish normal RIs using a RI finding program (Reference Value Advisor). Significant difference (p < 0.05) on the different seasons were identified in several serum biochemical parameters including BUN, CRE, GGT, GLU, ALB, TP, LDH and Na in sows. Therefore, we further established RIs, specific in domestic sows in Korea regardless of season. The established RIs based on the serum biochemical values provide a baseline for interpreting biochemical results in the domestic sows in Korea, regardless of seasonal effect. It may contribute to develop a strategy for better reproductive performance by improving breeding management practice and evaluating health of pig herds, which facilitate to avert the economic loss in summer infertility in sows.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.230-243
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• 2023

Objective: High temperatures can trigger cellular oxidative stress and disrupt spermatogenesis, potentially leading to male infertility. We investigated the effects of retinoic acid (RA), chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs), and retinoic acid loaded with chitosan nanoparticles (RACHNPs) on spermatogenesis in mice induced by scrotal hyperthermia (Hyp). Methods: Thirty mice (weighing 25 to 30 g) were divided into five experimental groups of six mice each. The groups were as follows: control, Hyp induced by a water bath (43 ℃C for 30 minutes/day for 5 weeks), Hyp+RA (2 mg/kg/day), Hyp+CHNPs (2 mg/kg/72 hours), and Hyp+RACHNPs (4 mg/kg/72 hours). The mice were treated for 35 days. After the experimental treatments, the animals were euthanized. Sperm samples were collected for analysis of sperm parameters, and blood serum was isolated for testosterone measurement. Testis samples were also collected for histopathology assessment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) evaluation, and RNA extraction, which was done to compare the expression levels of the bax, bcl2, p53, Fas, and FasL genes among groups. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining was performed. Results: Treatment with RACHNPs significantly increased stereological parameters such as testicular volume, seminiferous tubule length, and testicular cell count. Additionally, it increased testosterone concentration and improved sperm parameters. We observed significant decreases in ROS production and caspase-3 immunostaining in the RACHNP group. Moreover, the expression levels of bax, p53, Fas, and FasL significantly decreased in the groups treated with RACHNPs and RA. Conclusion: RACHNPs can be considered a potent antioxidative and antiapoptotic agent for therapeutic strategies in reproductive and regenerative medicine.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.1-9
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• 2016

Objectives : Gamisoyosan (GMS) is a useful prescription for treating insomnia, dysmenorrhea and infertility induced by a stress. Also, GMS has been used traditionally to improve systemic circulation and biological energy production. The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects of Gamisoyosan Formulation (Soft extract, GMS-SE). Methods : The biological activities such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were measured through cell line-based in vitro assay. We investigated the anti-oxidant properties of GMS-SE on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, contents of total flavonoid and polyphenol. GMS-SE compared to butyl hydroxy anizole (BHA). Furthermore, based on this result the anti-inflammatory effects of GMS-SE have verified by mechanism from LPS- treated Raw264.7 macrophages. Results : The anti-oxidant activities of GMS-SE increased markedly, in a dose-dependent manner. The GMS-SE showed significant scavenging activity (GMS-SE $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ : $32.77{\pm}1.65%$, GMS-SE $1000{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ : $45.06{\pm}1.04%$ and BHA $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ : $39.25{\pm}2.41%$ for DPPH assay). and, The total phenolic compound and flavonoids contents of GMS-SE were $73.93{\pm}6.87{\mu}g/mg$ and $698.75{\pm}6.78{\mu}g/mg$. GMS-SE which is LPS has diminished in the LPS-induced release of inflammatory mediators (NO, iNOS, COX2 and PGE2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$) from the RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, GMS-SE inhibited the activation of phosphorylation of p38 and ERK MAPKs by induced LPS. Conclusion : The present results indicate that GMS-SE has an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, therefore may be beneficial in diseases which related to oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory disorders.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.159-166
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• 2007

Objective: To investigate whether semen parameters in infertile couples who undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI) change in the subsequent IUI cycle and the subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Methods: Fifty-three infertile couples who had failed to become pregnant after the first IUI cycle with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) were included. After the first IUI, thirty-eight couples underwent the second IUI (Group 1), and fifteen underwent IVF-ET procedure (Group 2). All semen parameters including semen volume, concentration, motility and total motile sperm count were analyzed in the second IUI or IVF-ET procedure for comparison with the result of first IUI. Results: There were no significant differences in husband age, interval between the first and second procedure and cause of infertility. In Group 1, only sperm motility at the time of the latter IUI was significantly decreased when compared to the former IUI irrespective of the first semen parameters. In Group 2, sperm concentration, motility and total motile sperm count at the time of subsequent IVF were lower than the former IUI. By sub-analyses of Group 2, in the group of optimal semen parameter at IUI cycle, sperm concentration and total motile sperm count at the time of subsequent IVF were lower than the former IUI, while in the group of suboptimal semen parameter at IUI cycle, only sperm motility at the time of subsequent IVF were lower than the former IUI. Conclusion: The semen parameters in couples converted to IVF cycle were more adversely affected than those remained in IUI cycle. Further study on psychological stress should be necessary to explain the reason.