• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2004

Objectives: To investigate the effect of LH receptor in folliculogenesis, we confirm the expression level of LH receptor (LH-R) mRNA in human granulosa cells (GCs) and its expression levels were analyzed by comparison to embryo developmental rate and pregnancy rate. Materials and Methods: GCs were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval from the patients undergoing IVF-ET program. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n=20) is poor responder (retrieved oocyte(s)$\leq$3ea), Group II (n=80) is normal responder (retrieved oocytes>3ea). After the extraction of total RNA, semiquantitative RT-PCR was performed and the expression level of LH-R mRNA was normalized by $\beta$-actin. Statistical analysis was performed by using $X^2$ test, Student's t-test and Pearson correlation. Results: In Group II, the relative values of LH-R mRNA (0.680 vs. 0.463, p<0.005) and pregnancy rate (54.7% vs. 23.1%, p<0.05) were significantly higher than in Group I. Number of retrieved oocyte(s) was gradually increased when the expression of LH-R mRNA was increased (p<0.05). But the quality of retrieved oocyte and transferred embryo were not related with the expression of LH-R mRNA. When the pregnancy rate was compared with FSH only group and FSH combined with hMG group in the ovarian stimulation protocol, FSH combined with hMG group was significantly higher than FSH only group in Group I (37.5% vs. 0%), and the expression of LH-R mRNA was significantly higher in hMG combined group than FSH only group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Expression level of LH-R mRNA has important role in ovarian function related with the response to gonadotrophin in human folliculogenesis. Furthermore these data might provide the evidence that additional use of hMG is helpful to poor responders.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.170-176
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• 1997

Twenty two hypertensive and thirty normotensive in-patients were participated in this study to investigate the relationship between plasma renin activity and metabolism of Ca and Na, Prior to pharmacological treatments, renin activity, aldosterone and parathyroid hormone(PTH) levels were measured from the fasting blood samles. Twenty four hour urine samples were collected to analyze urinary levels of creatinine, Ca, Na and K. Habitual intake of Na and Ca were also measured for hypertensive and normotensive patients. Hypertensive subjects were classified into higher reinin hypertensive (HH), medium renin hypertensive(MH) and low renin hypertensive (LH) group according to their renin activities. PTH level of LH group was the highest among three hypertensive groups. It appeared that aldosterone levels of HH group were significantly higher than LH or MH groups(p<0.05). However there were no significan시 differences in aldosterone level between LH group and normotensive group. Habitual intake of Na and Ca were highest in LH group but lowest in HH group, however, they were not statistically different. Positive correlations of systolic blood pressure with PTH(r=0.2597) and aldosterone(r=0.26480existed(p<0.05). Urinary Ca level was positively correlated with urinary Na(r=0.5619), K(r=0.4533) and habitual Na intake(r=0.3253). Above results suggested the possible relationships among renin activity, habitual Ca intake and Na intake and suggested a further study on the interrelationship between the hormonal control of Ca and Na metabolism and blood pressure in hypertension.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.559-571
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• 2022

Galectins, a family of ß-galactoside-binding lectins, have emerged as soluble mediators in infected cells and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) responsible for evoking and regulating innate immunity. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of galectin-1 in the host immune response of redlip mullet (Liza haematocheilia). We established a cDNA database for redlip mullet, and the cDNA sequence of galectin-1 (LhGal-1) was characterized. In silico analysis was performed, and the spatial and temporal expression patterns in gills and blood in response to lipopolysaccharide polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, and Lactococcus garvieae were estimated via quantitative real-time PCR. Functional assays were conducted using recombinant protein to investigate carbohydrate binding, bacterial binding, and bacterial agglutination activity. LhGal-1 was composed of 135 amino acids. Conserved motifs (H-NPR, -N- and -W-E-R) within the carbohydrate recognition domain were found in LhGal-1. The tissue distribution revealed that the healthy stomach expressed high levels of LhGal-1. The temporal monitoring of LhGal-1 mRNA expression in the gill and blood showed its significant upregulation in response to immune challenges with different stimulants. rLhGal-1 exhibited binding activity in response to carbohydrates and bacteria. Moreover, the agglutination of rLhGal-1 against Escherichia coli was observed. Collectively, our findings suggest that LhGal-1 may function as a PRR in redlip mullet. Furthermore, LhGal-1 can be considered a significant gene to play a protective role in redlip mullet immune system.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2017

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is a unique molecule that elicits the response characteristics of both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in other species. Previous studies from this laboratory had demonstrated that recombinant eCG (rec-eCG) from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells exhibited both FSH- and LH-like activity in rat granulosa and Leydig cells. In this study, we analyzed receptor internalization through rec-eCGs, wild type eCG ($eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$) and mutant eCG ($eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}{\Delta}56$) with an N-linked oligosaccharide at $Asn^{56}$ of the ${\alpha}-subunit$. Both the rec-eCGs were obtained from CHO-K1 cells. The agonist activation of receptors was analyzed by measuring stimulation time and concentrations of rec-eCGs. Internalization values in the stably selected rat follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (rFSHR) and rat luteinizing/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (rLH/CGR) were highest at 50 min after stimulation with 10 ng of $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$. The dose-dependent response was highest when 10 ng of $rec-eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}$ was used. The deglycosylated $eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}{\Delta}56$ mutant did not enhance the agonist-stimulated internalization. We concluded that the state of activation of rFSHR and rLH/CGR could be modulated through agonist-stimulated internalization. Our results suggested that the eLH/CGRs are mostly internalized within 60 min by agonist-stimulation by rec-eCG. We also suggested that the lack of responsiveness of the deglycosylated $eCG{\beta}/{\alpha}{\Delta}56$ was likely because the site of glycosylation played a pivotal role in agonist-stimulated internalization in cells expressing rFSHR and rLH/CGR.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.154-159
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• 2007

Manchurian trout (Brachymystax lenok) is an endangered fish species in East Asia including the Korean peninsula. To establish a method for artificial propagation and to improve our understanding of the reproduction in the species, we have produced recombinant gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (r-mtFSH) and luteinizing hormone (r-mtLH), which may play central roles in reproductive activities. In the present study, the biological activities of the recombinant hormones were analyzed by gonadosomatic index (GSI), ovarian follicle diameter, and sex steroid levels in mature rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In the 6th day post-injection, FSH-injected fish were slightly decreased in the GSI value, although there were no significant differences among those of control, r-mtFSH, and r-mtLH treatments. Injection of the r-mtFSH increased follicle diameters significantly as compared with those of control- and r-mtLH-injected fish. The plasma steroid levels showed wide differences in the groups at 1, 3, or 6th day post-injection. Despite the variable steroid levels, three individuals receiving either r-mtFSH or r-mtLH showed a great increase in a maturation-inducing steroid, $17{\alpha},20{beta}$-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, at 3 and 6 days. Taken together, these results suggest that biological efficacies of the recombinant FSH and LH should be further studied in the Manchurian trout.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.624-643
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between Ryodoraku and two pattern-identification questionnaires in patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Methods: The study participants were 30 patients with BMS who visited the Oral Diseases Clinic of Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Hospital from June to November, 2019. The Ryodoraku test and two pattern-identification questionnaires were administered to all patients. Measurements included the average Ryodoraku score, which is called the Total Average (TA), and each score on the Ryodoraku point scale. The degree of Yin-deficiency, Qi-stagnation, and pain were assessed with the Yin-deficiency Questionnaire (YDQ), Qi-stagnation Questionnaire (QSQ), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. Results: The average TA score was 29.90. The LF5 (p=0.013) and RF5 (p=0.016) scores were lower than the TA scores, and the RH5 (p=0.020) and RH6 (p=0.006) scores were higher than the TA scores. A negative correlation was detected between the YDQ scores and the LH1 (r=-0.366, p=0.046), LH2 (r=-0.507, p=0.004), LH3 (r=-0.374, p=0.042), RH1 (r=-0.361, p=0.050), RH2 (r=-0.403, p=0.027) points. The LF5 (p=0.050) and RF2 (p=0.048) scores were lower in the patients with Qi-stagnation patients than without Qi-stagnation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that low TA and Ryodoraku scores on LF5 and RF5 and high Ryodoraku scores on RH5 and RH6 could be quantitative indicators for the diagnosis of BMS. The LH1, LH2, LH3, RH1, RH2, LF5, and RF2 scores could also be an indicators for diagnosis of Yin-deficiency and Qi-stagnation in patients with BMS.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.671-680
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• 1999

In order to investigate the relationship between plasma renin activity and metabolism of Ca and Na in blood pressure, the habitual dietary intakes of Na and Ca urinary excretion of Ca, Na and K, and plasma level of renin activity, aldosterone, and indices of Ca metabolism were measured in 27 untreated hypertensive women and 30 age-matched normal women on a free diet. Hypertensive subjects were classified into high renin hypertensive (HH), medium renin hypertensive(HM) and low renin showed no significant difference among normotensive, LH, MH and HM groups. It appeared that 25-(OH) Vit D3 level of HH group was significantly higher than LH group(p<0.05). There was significant difference in habitual intake of Ca between normotensive and LH groups. However, habitual intake of Na showed no significant difference among normotensive, LH, MH and HH group. Positive correlation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with PTH(r=0.324, r=0.375) and urinary Ca(r=0.496, r=0.278) and a negative correlation of systolic blood pressure with habitual Ca intake(r=-0.371) existed(p<0.05). A relative magnitude of factors affecting hypertension was analyzed by multiple regression analysis. Overall results about relative influence of independent variables to dependent variable (systolic blood pressure) indicated that urinary Ca was the higher correlation in all subjects(p<0.0001), followed by age and aldosterone. PTH showed a significant correlation for relative influence on diastolic blood pressure in all subjects. The above results indicated that renin-aldosterone system and Ca regulating hormone had a mutual relationship in hypertension.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.261-266
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• 2008

In the present study, we investigated in vivo effects of Manchurian trout recombinant gonadotrophin hormone (mt-rGTH) on the induction of maturation in female eel, Anguilla japonica. The brood stock, female eel (450$\pm$50 g) were weekly injected intramuscularly with different doses of 0.1, 1, 10 ${\mu}g\m{\ell}$/fish (mt-rFSH or mt-rLH) for 10 week. The effects of r-mtGTH were analyzed by gonadosomatic index (GSI), ovarian follicle diameter and sex steroid levels. All groups did not exhibit significant differences in the GSI values. Whereas plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol-17$\beta$ (E2) levels did not change significantly in control group, plasma levels of T and E2 by injection of the r-mtFSH or r-mtLH were increased at 2 or 4 week after injection. In addition, injection of the mt-rFSH (1, 10 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$/fish) or mt-rLH (0.1, 1, 10 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$/fish) significantly increased follicle diameters comparing to the control group. These results demonstrate that the recombinant hormone may affect early ovary development and maturation in female eel. Taken together, these results suggest that the recombinant Manchurian trout FSH and LH are effective for reproductive activities in female eel.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.86-91
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• 2014

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between ovarian follicle count and volume on ultrasonography and serum hormone levels including the levels of the anti-$M\ddot{u}llerian$ hormone (AMH) and gonadotropin in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 118 Korean women aged 18-35 years who were newly diagnosed with PCOS at a university hospital were included in this study. Serum LH, FSH, and AMH levels were measured in the early follicular phase, and the total antral follicle count (TFC) and the total ovarian volume (TOV) were assessed by ultrasonography. The correlations between serum hormonal parameters and ultrasonography characteristics in women with PCOS were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients and a linear regression analysis. Results: Serum AMH levels were significantly correlated with serum LH levels and LH/FSH ratios, and TFC and TOV were significantly correlated with each other on ultrasonography. Serum AMH and LH levels and the LH/FSH ratio were significantly correlated with TFC. Statistically significant correlations between TOV and the LH level (r=0.208, p=0.024) and the LH/FSH ratio (r=0.237, p=0.010) were observed. However, the serum AMH level was not significantly correlated with the ovarian volume, and this result did not change after adjusting for age and body mass index. Conclusion: Serum AMH is not related to the ovarian volume in women with PCOS. My results suggest that serum LH level and the LH/FSH ratio may be more useful than the serum AMH level for representing the status of the ovarian volume in women with PCOS.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.383-387
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• 1999

Objective: There is increasing evidence for the expression of rat in gene in several extrapituitary sites including testis and ovary. We also have demonstrated that the local LH expression in the rat epididymis and uterus, the major accessory sex organs in male and female reproductive system, respectively. Design: The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether the gene for LH receptor is expressed in rat uterus and whether the expressions of uterine LH and its receptor are differentially regulated during estrous cycle. Presence of the transcripts for rat LH receptor in the rat uterine tissue were confirmed by touchdown reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In $LH{\beta}$ semi-quantitative RT-PCR, the highest expression level was shown in estrus stage. The level of ill receptor transcripts was also fluctuated during estrous cycle. In ovariectomized rats (OVX + Oil), the expressions of both uterine LH and LH-R were markedly reduced when compared to those from normal rats. Supplement with estradiol $17{\beta}$ to the ovariectomized rats (OVX + $E_2$) restored the expression levels of LH and its receptor to the levels in uteri from normal rats. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that 1) LH and its receptor gene are expressed in the rat uterus from cycling rats, 2) the expression of uterine LH and its receptor is mainly, if not all, under the control of ovarian sex steroid(s). These results suggested that the uterine LH may act as a local regulator with auto and/or paracrine manner, though the posibility that the pituitary LH may act directly on the regulation of uterine functions could not be discarded.