• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2433-2437
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• 2013

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent regulator of angiogenesis and thereby involved in the development and progression of solid tumours. Associations between three VEGF gene polymorphisms (-634 G/C, +936 C/T, and +1612 G/A) and breast cancer risk have been extensively studied, but the currently available results are inconclusive. Our aim was to investigate associations between three VEGF gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk in Chinese Han patients. We performed a hospital-based case-control study including 680 female incident breast cancer patients and 680 female age-matched healthy control subjects. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was performed to detect the three VEGF gene polymorphisms. We observed that women carriers of +936 TT genotypes [odds ratio (OR) =0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28, 0.76; P=0.002] or 936 T-allele (OR=0.81, 95% CI= 0.68, 0.98; P=0.03) had a protective effect concerning the disease. Our study suggested that the +1612G/A polymorphism was unlikely to be associated with breast cancer risk. The -634CC genotype was significantly associated with high tumor aggressiveness [large tumor size (OR=2.63, 95% CI=1.15, 6.02; P=0.02) and high histologic grade (OR=1.47, 95% CI= 1.06, 2.03; P=0.02)]. The genotypes were not related with other tumor characteristics such as regional or distant metastasis, stage at diagnosis, or estrogen or progesterone receptor status. Our study revealed that the VEGF -634 G/C and +936 C/T gene polymorphisms may be associated with breast cancer in Chinese Han patients.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.1-17
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Melandrii Herba (MH), Akebia Quinata Decaisne (AQ), and Tetrapanax Papyriferus (TP) on milk secretion and aquaporin (AQP) expression in lactating mice. Methods: For the experiment, the mice were divided into three groups, which were orally administered MH (2,720 mg/kg), TP (400 mg/kg) and AQ (2,800 mg/kg) extracts respectively for 3 weeks from Day 1 after the birth, compared with the control group (C group), which was administered distilled water. A group consisted of six infantile mice per postpartum mouse. For comparison with the C group, non-pregnant SKH-1 mice were used as the virgin group. Results: 1. When it comes to the immunohistochemical staining for prolactin receptors in the mammary glands, the AQ and MH groups showed a strong immune response to the secretory epithelial cells constituting the mammary alveoli, while the TP group represented a weaker immune response. 2. In the immunohistochemical staining for AQP in the mammary glands, AQP1 showed a strong immune response in the walls of capillaries and venules around the mammary alveoli, and AQP3 in the epithelial cells constituting the mammary alveoli, and AQP5 in some tissues between the mammary alveoli. AQP1 was expressed in the order of TP group>AQ group=C group>MH group, and AQP3 was MH group and AQ group>TP group=C group, and AQP5 was MH group>C group>AQ group and TP group. 3. In the Western blot, AQP1 was expressed in the order of TP group>AQ group>C group>MH group, and AQP3 was MH group>AQ group>C group>TP roup, and AQP5 was MH group>TP Group>C group>AQ group. All of AQP1, 3, 5 expression were significantly higher in the C group than in the Virgin group. Conclusions: The administration of Akebia Quinata Decaisne, Tetrapanax Papyriferus and Melandrii Herba have the effect of improving prolactin levels in postpartum mice and increasing the expression of prolactin receptor and AQPs in the mammary glands, suggesting that lactation might be enhanced by the development of the mammary glands.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.175-180
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• 2001

The ectopic expression of gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH and luteinizing hormone(LH) in several tissues is a quite intriguing phenomenon. Recently, the presence of GnRH and its receptor has been clearly demonstrated in rodents and human mammary gland. In this context, one can postulate that the presence of local circuit composed of GnRH and LH in the gland. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether there is a correlation between the LH expression in rat mammary gland and physiological status during the process of mammary differentiation. LH contents in mammary gland from cycling to weaning rats were measured by radioimmunoassay(RIA). In cycling rats, changes of the LH level in both serum and mammary gland showed similar pattern as the highest level in proestrus and the lowest level in diestrus II stage. While the serum LH levels were fluctuated from pregnant through involution stage, a sharp decline of mammary LH contents was observed in the lactating rats. This decrement was recovered in involuting rats to the level of proestrus stage. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot analyses demonstrated that the transcriptional activities of the mammary LH and GnRH were increased from diestrus I stage to estrus stage, and the increased levels were maintained in pregnant, lactation and involution stages. To test the hypothesis that the alteration in mammary LH expression might be steroid-dependant, ovariectomy(OVX) and steroid supplement model was employed. As expected, supplement of estradiol(E$_2$) after OVX remarkably decreased serum LH level compared to that in serum from vehicle-only treated rats. Likewise, administration of E$_2$ significantly reduced the mammary LH content. The present study demonstrated that (i) the LH expression in mammary gland could be altered by some physiological parameters such as estrous cycle, pregnancy, lactation and involution, and (ii) ovarian steroid especially estrogen seems to be one of major endocrine factors which are responsible for regulation of mammary LH expression.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.53-59
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• 2002

This study was conducted to examine the effects of dietary sources of fatty acids and protein on serum protein profiles, hepatic functional enzyme activities, mammary tumor incidence and tumor weight in 7, 12-dimethylbenz($\alpha$)anthracene (DMBA)-treated rats. The sources of dietary fatty acids were 18n6 (rich in linoleic acid), 18n3 (rich in linolenic acid) and 22n3 (rich in DHA) : sources of dietary protein were casein (C) and soy protein isolate (S). mammary tumors (MTs) were chemically induced by DMBA (9 mg/100 g body weight) which was gastrically intubated at 7 weeks of age. Each experimental diet was given for the following 25 weeks. Casein-fed rats (group C) exhibited significantly higher levels of weight gain and FER (food efficiency ratio) than did group S. Group C showed higher levels of serum protein and globulin, and higher albumin/globulin (A/G) ratios than group S. Liver functional enzyme activities (GOT, GPT, ALP, LDH, $\gamma$-GT) and LDH/GOT ratios were not influenced by dietary protein. GPT activity was lower in the group given 18n3, and ALP activity was lower in the group given 18n6. The incidence and total number of MTs appeared to be lower in the group given 22n3 than in the group given 18n3 or 18n6, even though the average weight of MTs was highest in the group given 22n3, The average weight of MTs was higher in the C group than in the S group. MT incidence had a positive correlation with LDH activity and LDH/GOT ratio. The average weight of MTs had a negative correlation with serum albumin levels and A/G ratios, and a positive correlation with ALP activity. This research suggests that the measurement of serum protein profiles and liver functional enzyme activities may be utilized to monitor the development of mammary tumors.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.395-399
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• 2016

In the present case, the effect and toxicity of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy combined with surgery of mammary tumors in a dog were examined. An 8-year old spayed female Beagle presented with a mammary tumor. Physical examination, radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and laboratory examination were performed. Metastasis of the mammary tumor was confirmed by CT scan. Chemotherapy using a combination of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide was initiated following surgery. The first cycle of chemotherapy was planned to last for 6 weeks; it was planned that carboplatin would be intravenously administered for the first week (1 day) and cyclophosphamide would be intravenously administered for the next 3 weeks (22 days). Between the end of cycle 1 and the beginning of cycle 2, based on CT, it was confirmed that the number and size of tumors were unchanged and the tumors had not spread to other organs. However, at the end of cycle 2 and the beginning of cycle 3, CT revealed an increase in the number and size of mass in the lung. Chemotherapy was associated with adverse effects such as lethargy, anorexia, leukopenia, and hair loss. In conclusion, this case showed that a combination of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide suppressed the development of new neoplasms as well as metastasis for a certain period of time but did not improve the survival time. Although more cases are required, this chemotherapeutic procedure remains challenging.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.246-251
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• 2010

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that develops as a response to pathogenic microorganisms. Somatic cell count (SCC) and bacteriological analysis are the most accepted tools to determine udder health. This study evaluated the effects of intra-mammary gland infusion of silver ion against clinical mastitis in Holstein cows. Silver ion (20 ${\mu}g$/ml) was infused through the intra-mammary gland in quarters having clinical mastitis and milk was collected to determine SCC, and levels of lactoferrin and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Silver ion infusion decreased udder inflammation, firmness and swelling, and reduced clots, BSA, lactoferrin and SCC in milk. However, milk yield and circulating blood cells remained unchanged. The silver ion-mediated reductions of BSA and SCC indicate reduced inflammation and bacterial activity in silver ion-treated mammary glands in Holsteins with mastitis, which may be exploited in a curative strategy.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2004.10a
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• pp.64-64
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• 2004

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1471-1476
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• 2012

Background and Aim: Currently available systemic therapies for malignant melanoma produce low response rates in patients, and more effective treatment modalities are clearly needed. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand has a significant impact on therapy for patients with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein-downregulation malignant melanoma. The primary objective of this study was to assess its therapeutic potential. Materials and Methods: We employed a conditionally replicating oncolytic adenoviral vector, named CRAd5.TRAIL/siXIAP, with the characteristics of over-expression of the therapeutic gene TRAIL and downregulation of XIAP in one vector. B16F10-luc cells were employed to detect anti-tumor activity of CRAd5.TRAIL/siXIAP in vitro and in vivo. Results: CRAd5.TRAIL/siXIAP enhanced caspase-8 activation and caspase-3 maturation in B16F10 cells in vitro. Furthermore, it more effectively infected and killed melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo than other adenoviruses. Conclusion: Taken together, the combination of upregulation of TRAIL and downregulation of siXIAP with one oncolytic adenoviral vector holds promise for development of an effective therapy for melanomas and other common cancers.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.1364-1370
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• 2002

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of compensatory growth nutritional regimen on mammary gland growth and lactation. One hundred twenty-two Sprague Dawley female rats (35 days of age) were randomly assigned to either a control or a stair-step compensatory nutrition (SSCN) feeding regimen or an alternating 2-2-3-3-week schedule beginning with 40% energy restriction for 2 weeks followed by re-alimentation (control diet) for 2 weeks. Pup weight gain and milk yield were improved 8% and 8 to 15%, respectively, by the SSCN regimen. The gene expression of $\beta$-casein was 2.3-fold greater in the SSCN group than in the control group during early lactation, but they were greater at all stages of the second lactation. The gene expression of insulin-like growth factor-I was 40% lower in the SSCN group than in the control group during early lactation of the second lactation, but during late lactation it was 80% greater than in the control group. The concentration of serum corticosterone tended to be higher in the SSCN group during the late stage of the first lactation. These results suggest that the stair-step compensatory nutrition regimen improves lactation performance and persistency by modulation of cell differentiation and apoptotic cell death.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.309-315
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• 2013

MicroRNAs are a class of endogenous small RNAs that play important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation by directing degradation of mRNAs or facilitating repression of target gene translation. In this study, three small RNA cDNA libraries from the mammary gland tissues of Laoshan dairy goats (Capra hircus) were constructed and sequenced, individually. Through Solexa high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, we obtained 50 presumptive novel miRNAs candidates, and 55,448 putative target genes were predicted. GO annotations and KEGG pathway analyses showed the majority of target genes were involved in various biological processes and metabolic pathways. Our results discovered more information about the regulation network between miRNAs and mRNAs and paved a foundation for the molecular genetics of mammary gland development in goats.