• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.321-325
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• 2014

The present study was performed on farm animals to test the effectiveness of progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (Cue-Mate$^{(R)}$ 1.56 g) and injection of prostaglandin $F_{2{\alpha}}$ ($PGF_{2{\alpha}}$) for synchronization estrus in Hanwoo cattle. The cattle were at random stage of the estrus cycle. The cows were artificially inseminated at day 7 after Cue-Mate withdrawal, using commercial semen from Korean native bulls. There was a season effect on the estrus synchronization rate. It was higher in spring (94.3%) followed by winter (93.3%), autumn (90.4%) and summer (67.2%). In summary, The results of this study revealed that season has influences on estrus behavior of cattle with no significant effect on pregnancy rate. In summary, we suggest summer reproductive management to alleviate the effects of heat stress. It should be based on intensive cooling combined with hormonal treatment. Given that different subgroups of cows benefit differently from the treatments, selective hormonal administration should be considered.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.157-162
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• 2009

This study was performed to comprehend the developmental characteristics of cloned embryos knocked out (KO) of $\alpha$-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GalT) gene. Immature oocytes were collected and cultured for 40 hrs (1-step) or 20hrs (with hormone) + 20hrs (without hormone) (2-step). The embryos transferred with miniature pig ear fibroblast cell were used as control. The reconstructed embryos were cultured in PZM-3 with 5% $CO_2$ in air at $38.5^{\circ}C$ for 6 days. To determine the quality of the blstocysts, TUNEL and quantitative realtime RT-PCR were performed. The embryos were transferred to a surrogate (Landrace) at an earlier stage of the estrus cycle. The maturation rate was significantly higher in 2-step method than that of 1-step (p<0.05). The blastocyst development of GalT KO embryos was significantly lower than that of normal cloned embryos (p<0.05). The total and apoptotic cell number of GalT KO blastocysts was not different statistically from control. The relative abundance of Bax-$\alpha$/Bcl-xl ratio was significantly higher in both cloned blastocysts than that of in vivo blastocysts (p<0.05). Taken together, it can be postulated that the lower developmental potential and higher expression of apoptosis related genes in GalT KO SCNT embryos might be a cause of a low efficiency of GalT KO cloned miniature pig production.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.34-40
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• 2003

Aspergillus nidulans, a homothalic ascomycete, has a complete sexual reproductive cycle as well as an asexual one. Both sexual and asexual development are known to be genetically programmed, but are also strongly affected by environmental factors including nutrients, light, temperature and osmolarity. We have examined these factors to define favored conditions for fruiting body (cleistothecium) formation. In general, fruiting body formation was enhanced where carbon and nitrogen sources were sufficient. Limitation of C-source caused predominant asexual development while inhibiting sexual development. When higher concentrations of glucose were supplied, more cleistothecia were formed. Other carbon sources including lactose, galactose and glycerol made the fungus develop cleistothecia very well, whereas acetate caused asexual sporulation only. Organic nitrogen sources like casein hydrolysate and glycine, and an increase in nitrate or ammonium concentration also enhanced sexual development. In addition to nutrient effects, low levels of aerobic respiration, caused either by platesealing or treatment with various chemicals, favored sexual development. Carbon limitation, light exposure and a high concentration of salts promoted asexual development preferentially, suggesting that stress conditions may drive the cell to develop asexual sporulation while comfortable and wellnourished growth conditions favored sexual development.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.35-47
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• 2006

2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are well known as the most toxic environmental compound in these days. Many researches are reported that dioxin produces multiple toxic effects, such as endocrine toxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and cancer. In this study, we carried to discover novel evidence for previously unknown gene expression patterns in human exposed to dioxin by using radioactive cDNA microarray. 548 workers who were divided into experimental and control groups according to their urinary Naphthol levels were enrolled in our study. Blood mRNA in human was isolated, and the gene expression profiles were analyzed by cDNA microarray. Gene expression analysis identified 52 genes which exhibited a significant change. In our study, most notably, genes involved in cell cycle, cell proliferation, signal transduction and apoptosis in human exposed to dioxin, such as CCND3, TSHR, and EFRN5, were up-regulated. In the current study, we observed gene expression of people that are exposed to dioxin using radioactive cDNA microarray. Through these results, we suggest when objects are exposed to toxic compounds, such as dioxin, the radioactive cDNA microarray may be using in sensitively detecting of cancerous change.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제65권4호
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• pp.759-766
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• 2023

Visual estrus observation can only be confirmed at a rate of 50%-60%, which is lower than that obtained using a biosensor. Thus, the use of biosensors provides more opportunities for artificial insemination because it is easier to confirm estrus than by visual observation. This study determines the accuracy of estrus prediction using a ruminoreticular biosensor by analyzing ruminoreticular temperature during the estrus cycle and measuring changes in body activity. One hundred and twenty-five Hanwoo cows (64 with a ruminal biosensor in the test group and 61 without biosensors in the control group) were studied. Ruminoreticular temperatures and body activities were measured every 10 min. The first service of artificial insemination used gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based fixed-time artificial insemination protocol in the control and test groups. The test group received artificial insemination based on the estrus prediction made by the biosensor, and the control group received artificial insemination according to visual estrus observation. Before artificial insemination, the ruminoreticular temperature was maintained at an average of 38.95 ± 0.05℃ for 13 h (-21 to -9 h), 0.73℃ higher than the average temperature observed at -48 h (38.22 ± 0.06℃). The body activity, measured using an indwelling 3-axis accelerometer, averaged 1502.57 ± 27.35 for approximately 21 h from -4 to -24 h before artificial insemination, showing 203 indexes higher body activity than -48 hours (1299 ± 9.72). Therefore, using an information and communication techonology (ICT)-based biosensor is highly effective because it can reduce the reproductive cost of a farm by accurately detecting estrus and increasing the rate of estrus confirmation in cattle.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.254-262
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• 2023

Background: Water deer and sika deer, which breed in the wild environment, are known to have similar reproductive physiology mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the differences in uterine development between water deer and sika deer during estrus. Methods: MMPs and uterine development-related factors were analyzed and morphological differences were compared in the uterus of sika deer captured near Russia near Korea and water deer captured in the wild in Korea. Results: In terms of morphological differences in the uterus, the glands that form villus within the endometrium of the water deer were newly developed, and the formation of small glands was high, but the villus and glands of the sika deer were expanded, and the stroma zone in the myometrium was higher than that of the water deer. Development has increased. Additionally, the expression of PAPP-A and VEGF factors was increased in the endometrium of water deer than in sika deer, but the actions of MMPs were increased in sika deer. Conclusions: As a result of this study, there is a significant difference in the development of glands in the endometrium of water deer and sika deer during estrus, and it is believed that there is a significant difference in the development of the uterus due to the physiological effects of estrus between water deer and sika deer. Additionally, it is believed that there will be differences in the timing at which pregnancy can be decided.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.27-32
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• 2005

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitor (AI) for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with thin endometrium, hyper-responsiveness after clomiphene citrate (CC) treatment. Material and Methods: A prospective study was performed in 43 PCOS patients (50 cycles) with ovulatory dysfunction between March 2004 and September 2004. AI group (total 36 cycles) included the patients 1) with thin endometrium below 6 mm on hCG day after CC (n=17), 2) with more than 5 ovulatory follicles after 50mg of CC (n=4), 3) who do not want multiple pregnancy (n=14). Patients were treated with Letrozole 2.5mg for days 3 to 7 of the menstrual cycle. CC group (total 14 cycles) were treated with CC 50~100 mg. Results: In PCOS patients, ovulation was occurred 97.2% after AI use. Between AI group and CC group, there was no significant difference in the mean age, duration of infertility, interval of menstruation, basal FSH, prior treatment cycles, and the day of hCG administration. But, the number of mature follicles (${\geq}15mm$) was lower in the AI group ($1.08{\pm}0.45$ vs. $1.64{\pm}0.75$) (p=0.018), and the thickness of endometrium (mm) was significantly thicker in the AI group ($10.35{\pm}1.74$ vs. $9.23{\pm}1.61$) (p=0.044), and E2 (pg/ml) concentration on hCG day was lower in the AI group ($116.9{\pm}75.8$ vs. $479.5{\pm}300.8$) (p=0.001). Among the AI group, patients with prior thin endometrium (below 6 mm) during CC treatment showed $10.6{\pm}1.6mm$ in the endometrial thickness and $106.6{\pm}66.8pg/ml$ in $E_2$ concentration. Patients with more than 5 ovulatory follicles after CC showed decreased follicle number ($1.25{\pm}0.5$) compared to prior CC cycle. Conclusions: In PCOS patients, AI group showed significantly thicker endometrium, lesser number of mature follicles, and lower E2 concentration on hCG day than CC group. AI might be useful alternative treatment for ovulation induction in PCOS patients with thin endometrium and hyper-responsiveness after CC treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.315-324
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• 2005

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol (MDP) with that of GnRH agonist long protocol (LP) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization in patients with high basal FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level or old age, a retrospective analysis was done. Methods: Two hundred ninety four infertile women (328 cycles) who were older than 41 years of age or had elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL) were enrolled in this study. The patients had undergone IVF-ET after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol (n=108, 118 cycles) or GnRH agonist long protocol (n=186, 210 cycles). The main outcome measurements were cycle cancellation rate, consumption of gonadotropins, the number of follicles recruited and total oocytes retrieved. The number of fertilized oocytes and transferred embryos, the clinical pregnancy rates, and the implantation rates were also reviewed. And enrolled patients were divided into three groups according to their age and basal FSH levels; Group A - those who were older than 41 years of age, Group B - those with elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL) and Group C - those who were older than 41 years of age and with elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL). Poor responders were classified as patients who had less than 4 retrieved oocytes, or those with $E_2$ level <500 pg/mL on the day of hCG injection or those who required more than 45 ampules of exogenous gonadotropin for stimulation. Results: The cancellation rate was lower in the GnRH antagonist group than in GnRH agonist group, but not statistically significant (6.8% vs. 9.5%, p=NS). The amount of used gonadotropins was significantly lower in GnRH antagonist group than in agonist group ($34.8{\pm}11.3$ ampules vs. $44.1{\pm}13.4$ ampules, p<0.001). The number of follicles > 14 mm in diameter was significantly higher in agonist group than in antagonist group ($6.7{\pm}4.6$ vs. $5.0{\pm}3.4$, p<0.01). But, there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (24.5% in antagonist group vs. 27.4% in agonist group, p=NS) and implantation rate (11.4% in antagonist group vs. 12.0% in agonist group, p=NS) between two groups. Mean number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in GnRH agonist LP group than in GnRH antagonist MDP group ($5.4{\pm}3.5$ vs. $6.6{\pm}5.0$, p<0.0001). But, the number of mature and fertilized oocytes, and the number of good quality (grade I and II) and transferred embryos were not different between two groups. In each group A, B, and C, the rate of poor response did not differ according to stimulation protocols. Conclusions: In conclusion, for infertile women expected poor ovarian response such as who are old age or has elevated basal FSH level, a protocol including a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH antagonist appears at least as effective as that using a GnRH agonist, and may offer the advantage of reducing gonadotropin consumption and treatment period. However, much work remains to be done in optimizing the GnRH antagonist protocols and individualizing these to different cycle characteristics.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.285-291
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• 2008

목 적: 미성숙 난자의 체외성숙에 있어 난구세포의 양상 및 미성숙 난자의 크기가 영향 인자로 작용하는지를 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법: 체외수정을 위한 과배란유도 후 난자채취를 시행한 21명의 환자로부터 41개의 난포 단계의 난자를 얻었다. Denudation 이전의 난구세포의 모양에 따라 dispersed 난구세포와 compacted 난구세포로 나누었다. Denudation 이후 투명대를 포함하는 난자외직경 (outer oocyte diameter)과 투명대를 포함하지 않는 난자내직경 (inner oocyte diameter)을 측정하고 체외성숙 배양액에서 체외성숙을 시도하였다. 난자의 성숙은 제1극체가 나온 경우로 정하였다. 성숙이 확인된 난자는 ICSI 방법을 이용하여 수정시키고 다음날 두 개의 전핵이 뚜렷이 보이는 경우에 수정된 것으로 간주하였다. 결 과: 전체적인 체외성숙률은 56.1%, 수정률은 73.9%이었다. Dispersed 난구세포 난자 중에서 성숙된 난자 비율 (91.3%)은 비성숙 난자 비율 (55.6%)보다 유의하게 높았다 (p=0.023). 성숙 또는 비성숙 난자에서 난자외경($155.7{\mu}m$ vs. $152.4{\mu}m$, NS)과 내경 ($114.3{\mu}m$ vs. $113.4{\mu}m$, NS) 및 투명대 두께 ($41.3{\mu}m$ vs. $39.1{\mu}m$, NS)는 차이가 없었다. 체외성숙률은 dispersed 난구세포 난자에서 compacted 난구세포 난자보다 의미있게 높았으나 (67.7% vs. 20.0%, p=0.044), 수정률에 있어 두 군간의 유의미한 차이는 없었다. 난자의 외경, 내경 및 투명대 두께에 따른 체외성숙률 및 수정률의 차이가 없었다. 결 론: Dispersed 난구세포를 가진 미성숙 난자가 compacted 난구세포를 가졌던 난자에 비하여 더 높은 체외수정능을 가진다는 결과는 dispersed 난구세포가 미성숙 난자의 체외성숙 예측을 위한 하나의 지표로 사용될 수 있음을 시사한다.

• 한국패류학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.41-51
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• 2003

바지락, Ruditapes philippinarum의 생식기구를 밝히기 위한 연구의 일환으로서 생식주기는 조직학적 관찰에 의해 조사되었고, 폐각근 조직 및 내장낭 조직 내의 생화학 성분들은 생화학적 분석방법에 의해 조사되었다. 바지락의 생식소 발달에 따른 생식주기는 초기활성기 (1-3월), 후기활성기 (2-5월), 완숙기 (4-8월), 부분산란기 (5-10월), 퇴화/비활성기 (8-2월)의 연속적인 단계로 구분할 수 있었다. 폐각근 조직내 총단백질 함량 (%) 변화는 초기 및 후기 활성기인 2월에 최대에 이른다음 완숙기 및 부분활성기인 5월에 최소값을 나타내었다. 반면, 내장낭 조직 내 총단백질 함량 변화는 완숙 및 부분산란기인 6월에 최대에 이른 후 부분산란기인 6월부터 10월까지 점차 감소되는 경향을 보였다. 전반적으로 폐각근 조직과 내장낭 조직 내의 총단백질 함량 변화 사이에는 음 (-) 의 상관관계를 나타내었다 (r = -0.292, P < 0.05). 폐각근 조직 내 총지질 함량 (%) 변화는 비활성기 및 초기활성기인 1월에 최대에 이른 후, 2월에 급격히 감소되었다. 반면, 내장낭 조직 내 총지질 함량 변화는 후기활성기 및 완숙기인 4월에 최대를 나타내었고, 부분산란기인 5-10 월 사이에 점차 감소되는 경향을 보였다. 전반적으로 폐각근 조직과 내장낭 조직 내의 총지질 함량 변화 사이에는 음 (-) 의 상관관계를 보였다 (r = -0.699, p < 0.05). 폐각근 조직내 글리코겐 함량 (%) 변화는 후기활성기 및 완숙기인 5월에 최대에 이른 다음, 부분산란기인 5월부터 10월까지 급격히 감소되었다. 반면, 내장낭 조직 내 글리코겐 함량 변화는 초기 및 후기활성기인 2월에 최대에 이른 다음, 후기활성기인 3월에 급격히 감소되었으며, 그 후 완숙 및 부분산란기인 4월에서 7월까지 점차 증가되는 경향을 보였다. 전반적으로 폐각근 조직과 내장낭 조직 내의 글리코겐 함량 변화 사이에는 상관관계가 없는 것으로 나타났다(r = 0.062, p > 0.05). 상기 언급된 결과들은 바지락의 폐각근 조직 및 내장낭 조직들이 중요한 에너지 저장소이며, 영양 공급 기관임을 알 수 있었으며, 폐각근 조직과 내장낭 조직들의 영양물질 함량 변화는 생식소의 에너지 요구에 따라 변하고 있음을 알 수 있었다.