• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 2011

Measurement of estrogen concentration in bio-samples are very important for differential diagnosis of various disease or evaluation of health status. However, it is difficult to collect immediate data of estrogen concentration because they are measured by radioimmunoassay or chromatography which need time- and cost-consuming sample pre-treatment. This study was performed for development of new estrogen biosensor employing taste principles, and for evaluation of cross reactivity between various steroid hormones. Gene sequence of ligand binding domain of ${\alpha}$-human estrogen receptor (amino acid 302-553; hER-LBD) was cloned from human breast cancer cell line. The proteins of hER-LBD were produced by T7-E.coli expression system, and isolated by chromatography. hER-LBD were coated on the gold plated quartz crystal (AT-cut 9MHz), and resonance frequencies were measured by universal frequency counter. Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and aldosterone were used for cross reactivity of the hER-LBD. We also monitored influences of pH change in resonance frequency. The resonance frequencies of hER-LBD coated quartz crystal were decreased during increase of estrogen concentration from $15 \;{\mu}g/mL$ to $50\;{\mu}g/mL$. However, similar steroid hormones, progesterone and aldosterone, did not elicit the change in resonance frequency. Testosterone evoke weak change in resonance frequency. The new estrogen biosensor was more sensitive in pH 7.2 than in pH 7.6. These results suggest that hER-LBD coated quartz crystal biosensor is a probable estrogen biosensor.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.1-16
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• 2005

Purpose : This study is to examine what are the effects of the Guisinhwan(GSH) on the ovulation and ovary in rats. Methods : 4weeks Female Sprague-Dawley 12 rats of weighting 160-l80g, were divided into three groups including the GSH oral administration(4ml/kg) groups(4heads) and GSH oral administration(8ml/kg)　groups(4heads). Then we observed changes in the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and estradiol($E_2$) and the histological changes of ovary and the immunohistochemical staining for progesterone receptor in ovary of rats. Results : 1. GSH didn't make a difference as compared with control group in serum FSH level. 2. GSH didn't make a difference as compared with control group in serum LH level. 3. GSH significantly increased serum $E_2$ level. 4. GSH significantly increased ovulation in histological observations of ovary. 5. GSH tended to decrease immunohistochemical staining score (ISS) of atretic follicles in immunohistochemical staining for progesterone receptor in ovary. Conclusion : GSH influences ovary to increase the ovulation of rats.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.21-32
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• 2006

Purpose : Bee Venom Acupuncture(BVA) is known to affect inflammation and immune system. This study examined the macroscopic, hormonal and immunological effects of BVA on rats with surgically induced endometriosis. Methods : Endometrial tissue was implanted in the serosal wall of the small intestine in rats. The rats were divided randomly into an experimental and control group. The experimental group was treated with BVA injection on kwanwon(CV4) three times per week, and the control group was given an oral dose of normal saline every day. 6 weeks later, the size of the ectopic uterine tissue was estimated, and the serum progesterone, estradiol and cytokine($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-l0) concentrations were analyzed. Results : The size of the ectopic uterine implants in the experimental group was much smaller than that in the control group. The estradiol, IL-2 concentrations were significantly lower and the IL-6, IL-I0 concentrations were significantly higher in the serum of the experimental group than in the control group, there was no significant difference in the concentration of the other cytokine. Conclusion : These results suggest that BVA is an effective treatment for endometriosis.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.69-82
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• 2006

Purpose : Taraxaci Herba is a herb with an effect on extravasated blood and is widely used in gynecology. This study examined the effects of Taraxaci Herba on endometriosis. Methods : Rats with surgically induced endometriosis were given an oral dose of Taraxaci Herba for 40 days. The size of the ectopic uterine implants at the serosal wall and the concentration of progesterone, estradiol, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$(TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin(IL)-2, 4, 6, and 10 in the blood were examined and compared with the control group. Results : The size of the ectopic uterine implants in the treated group was much smaller than that in the control group. The estradiol concentration was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The IL-10 level was higher and the TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-2 and IL-4 concentration were lower in the experimental group than in the control group and there was statistically significant difference. There was no significant difference in the IL-6 level between the experomental and the control group. Conclusion : These results indicate that Taraxaci Herba reduces the size of ectopic uterine implants at the serosal wall and inhibits the growth of ectopic uterine implants. This suggests that Taraxaci Herba is an effective treatment for endometriosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.857-860
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• 2012

Serum tumor marker CA15-3 is widely used in follow-up for assessment of breast cancer prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels among healthy females and patients, to assess differences with tumor stage and grade, and to determine the relationship with estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. One hundred and thirty six Jordanian females were enrolled in this study: Forty-five were healthy females; seventy-two were diagnosed with breast cancer and nineteen diagnosed with benign breast lesions. Elevated serum CA15-3 level was significantly observed among breast cancer patients ($37.95{\pm}6.65$) compared to both healthy ($14.97{\pm}0.8$) and benign females ($12.30{\pm}1.55$), but no significant association was detected between serum CA15-3 level and age of cancer onset, menarche age, menopause age, parity and BMI. Decreased CA15-3 level was significantly associated with hormone therapy and oral contraceptive consumption among breast cancer patients. Significantly elevated CA15-3 serum levels were found among grade II, III and stage II and III breast cancer females compared to normal healthy females. Elevated CA15-3 serum levels were also found among ER+/PR+($54.242{\pm}7.89$) and ER+/PR-($37.08{\pm}8.22$) compared to healthy control females.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.57-68
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• 1989

Some infertile patients who need IVF-ET for conception have small ovarian cysts diagnosed in pelvic ultrasonography. It is well known that it is impossible or very difficult to perform controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH) for such patients because of the poor ovarian response or the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS). To remove or to decrease the size of ovarian cysts, estrogen and progesterone (E-P) therapy with oral contraceptives for 2 cycles and transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts using transvaginal ultrasonography were performed in 36 IVF-cancelled infertile patients with ovarian cysts from February to October, 1988 at Seoul National University Hospital. Thirty-nine ovarian cysts($32.8{\pm}9.6$mm in mean diameter) were treated with E-P therapy, and their size decreased to $28.2{\pm}11.0mm$ after 1 cycle and significantly to $24.8{\pm}14.7mm$ after 2 cycles. After E-P therapy for 2 cycles, 7(17.9%) ovarian cysts disappeared in ultrasonography, 9(23.1%) decreased in size significantly, 18(46.2%) had no change in size and 5(12.8%) increased in size. Thirty-two ovarian cysts($30.2{\pm}9.7mm$) in 30 patients were aspirated transvaginally, and there was no significant decrease in size after follow-up transvaginal ultrasonography($27.8{\pm}12.5mm$). After transvaginal aspiration, 3(9.4%) ovarian cysts disappeared and 28(87.5%) had no change in size. The mean amount of the transvaginally aspirated cystic fluids was $19.6{\pm}13.2ml$, and there was no malignant cells in aspiration cytology. Four endometrioid cysts, one dermoid cyst and one mucinous cyst could be diagnosed in consideration of the findings of transvaginal ultrasonography and the characteristics and cytology of aspirated fluids. Therefore E-P therapy and transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts had made it possible to restart IVF program earlier in the IVF-cancelled patients with ovarian cysts.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.95-103
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• 2003

Objective : To assess and compare the clinical outcomes between GnRH agonist long protocol and GnRH antagonist short protocol in oocyte donation program. Materials and Methods: Of total 18 oocyte donation cycles, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) were performed with GnRH agonist long protocol and GnRH antagonist short protocol in initial 9 cycles and later 9 cycles, respectively. Oral estradiol valerate and progesterone in oil we re administrated to all recipients for endometrial preparation. Oral estradiol administration was started from donor cycle day 1 after full shut down of gonadal axis with GnRH agonist in patients with ovarian function. Progesterone was injected from oocyte retrieval day of donor initially, then continuously till pregnancy 12 weeks if pregnancy was ongoing. We compared the parameters of clinical outcomes, such as number of the retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high grade embryo production rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, COH duration, total gonadotropin dose for COH between GnRH agonist long protocol group and GnRH antagonist group. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test, p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high grade embryo production rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate were $14.89{\pm}7.83$, 81%, 64%, 78%, 31%, 78%, respectively in GnRHa long protocol group and $11.22{\pm}8.50$, 79%, 64%, 67%, 34%, 56%, respectively in GnRH antagonist group. There was no significant differences in parameters of clinical outcomes between 2 groups (all p value >0.05). Duration and total gonadotropin dose for COH were $10.94{\pm}1.70$ days and $43.78{\pm}6.8$ vials in 18 cycles, $12.00{\pm}1.73$ days and $48.00{\pm}6.93$ vials in agonist group, $9.88{\pm}0.78$ days and $39.55{\pm}3.13$ vials in antagonist group, respectively. In GnRH agonist long protocol group, significantly longer duration and higher gonadotropin dose for COH were needed (p=0.012). Conclusion: In oocyte donation program, clinical outcomes from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonist were comparable to those from GnRH agonist long protocol group, so controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonist may be effective as GnRH agonist long protocol. At least there may not be harmful effects of GnRH antagonist on oocyte development and quality.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2010

Sex and its tropic hormones influence the lacrimal system, corneal anatomy and disease, aqueous humor dynamics and glaucoma, crystalline lens and cataract, and retinal disease. Dry eye occurs especially frequently during pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and after menopause, during which androgen levels decrease. Androgen control development, differentiation, and lipid production of sebaceous glands throughout the body, and androgen deficiency also leads to meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye. On the other hand, estrogen causes a reduction in size, activity, and lipid production of sebaceous glands. Sex and its tropic hormones also influence the corneal anatomy and disease, and corneal thickening occurred on the second day of the menstrual cycle and around the time of ovulation and appeared to be related to estrogen levels. Fuchs' dystrophy is more commonly seen in postmenopausal women than men and may be linked to hormonal changes that occur with aging. In addition, overexpression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the conjunctiva of vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients. Serum progesterone levels also may be associated with intraocular pressure especially in pregnant women, and for the women. For women with cataracts, hormone levels were typical of menopause, and there was a significant negative correlation between estradiol and follicular stimulating hormone levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels are associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. Although the role of sex hormones on the eye is largely unknown, and the results should be interpreted with caution until replicated, the functions of sex hormones in ocular disease remains to be investigated, because they may be involved in structure and function of the ocular components, which are important in the pathogenesis of ocular disease.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.160-174
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate about missed abortion pathophysiology, diagnosis, medical treatment and to research the trend of the study related to missed abortion. Methods: We referred a PubMed site by using search word of "missed abortion"(Limits: 3 Year, only items with abstracts, Human). Results: 37 journals with 49 papers were searched. Conclusion: 1. The study of missed abortion pathophysiology was the following. The first was that important pathologies such as molar pregnancy and placental trophoblastic disease can be diagnosed by routine histopathologic analysis of product of conception following first-trimester spontaneous miscarriages. The second was that coelomic fluid leptin concentration in missed abortion is higher than in normal. The third was that adenosine deaminae activity in serum and placenta of patients with anembryonic pregnancies and missed abortions was low. The forth was that Leptotrichia amnionii sp. nov. was the etiopathogenetic factor in missed abortion. 2. Transvaginal ultrasound assessment of irregular vaginal bleeding is effective in diagonosis of missed abortion. 3. There were medical therapy with misoprostol, mifepristone or anti progesterone for missed abortion. Misoprostol was administrated oral(sublingual) and vaginal.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.163-169
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• 2018

Objective: Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin with potent estrogenic effects. Saffron is an herbal product that has antioxidant activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective role of saffron against reproductive toxicity induced by ZEA in female mice. Methods: Ninety 8-week-old female mice were randomly allocated into three treatment groups. The first group received an intraperitoneal injection of ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days. The second group received ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days plus oral saffron daily (50 mg/kg). The third group was treated with a vehicle of 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on alternate days, as a control. Ten mice were euthanized from each group at 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol ($E_2$), and progesterone (P) were assessed. The uterus and ovaries were examined for changes in size or morphology. Results: Serum levels of LH, FSH, $E_2$, and P in the female mice treated with ZEA plus saffron were significantly higher than in those treated with ZEA alone, and were not significantly different from those treated with 1% DMSO. The female mice treated with ZEA alone showed a reduction in size of the uterus and abnormal architecture of the ovaries. Conclusion: The administration of saffron to female mice resulted in a significant reduction in ZEA-induced alterations in reproductive hormone levels, the size of the uterus, and the morphology of the ovaries.