• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.796-808
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• 2018

The intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis is widespread in arthropods. Recently, possibilities of novel Wolbachia-mediated hosts, their distribution, and natural rate have been anticipated, and the coconut leaf beetle Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which has garnered attention as a serious pest of palms, was subjected to this interrogation. By adopting Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) and multilocus sequence type (MLST) genotypic systems, we determined the Wolbachia infection density within host developmental stages, body parts, and tissues, and the results revealed that all the tested samples of B. longissima were infected with the same Wolbachia strain (wLog), suggesting complete vertical transmission. The MLST profile elucidated two new alleles (ftsZ-234 and coxA-266) that define a new sequence type (ST-483), which indicates the particular genotypic association of B. longissima and Wolbachia. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed a higher infection density in the eggs and adult stage, followed by the abdomen and reproductive tissues, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in the infection density between sexes. Moreover, the wsp and concatenated MLST alignment analysis of this study with other known Wolbachia-mediated arthropods revealed similar clustering with distinct monophyletic supergroup B. This is the first comprehensive report on the prevalence, infection dynamics, and phylogeny of the Wolbachia endosymbiont in B. longissima, which demonstrated that Wolbachia is ubiquitous across all developmental stages and distributed in the entire body of B. longissima. Understanding the Wolbachia infection dynamics would provide useful insight to build a framework for future investigations, understand its impacts on host physiology, and exploit it as a potential biocontrol agent.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.627-636
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• 2018

Endometriosis (EM) is one of the most common gynaecological disorder affecting women in their reproductive age. Mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of EM remains poorly understood, however inflammatory responses have been reported to be significantly involved. The efficacy of 6-shogaol on proliferation of endometriotic lesions and inflammatory pathways in experimentally-induced EM model was explored in this study. EM was stimulated in Sprague-Dawley rats by implantation of autologous endometrium onto the peritoneum abdominal wall. Separate groups were treated with 6-shogaol (50, 100 or 150 mg/kg b.wt/day) via oral gavage for one month period. Gestrinone (GTN) group received GTN (0.5 mg/kg/day) as positive control. Five weeks after implantation, the spherical volume of ecto-uterine tissues was determined. Treatment with 6-shogaol significantly reduced the implant size. Histological analysis reported atrophy and regression of the lesions. 6-shogaol administration effectively down-regulated $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling, VEGF and VEGFR-2 (Flk-1) expression in the endometriotic lesions. Excess production of $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 (pro-inflammatory cytokines), PGE2 and nitric oxide (NO) were reduced. Overall, the results of the study reveal the efficacy of 6-shogaol against endometriosis via effectively suppressing proliferation of the lesions and modulating angiogenesis and $COX-2/NF-{\kappa}B$-mediated inflammatory cascades.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1361-1366
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• 2007

In this project, ovarian size and activity during the peak (November-April) and the low (May-October) breeding seasons in young and adult camels were studied. Ovaries of 92 camels (Camelus dromedarius), with clinically normal reproductive tracts, aged 3-15 years and slaughtered at Faisalabad or Lahore abattoirs over a period of 24 months, were collected. Jugular blood was collected from each animal before slaughter; the serum was separated and analyzed for oestradiol concentration. The size (length, width and thickness) and weight of each ovary were measured. Grossly observable Graafian follicles were counted and their diameter was measured using Vernier Calipers. The camels having ovaries presenting follicles more than 5 mm in diameter were taken as having active ovaries. The results showed that ovarian length, width and weight were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak than the low breeding season. The percentage of active ovaries was also significantly higher (p<0.01) during the peak than the low breeding season. However, the effect of season on ovarian thickness was non-significant. Similarly, the ovarian length, width, thickness, weight and activity did not vary significantly between young (3-7 years old) and adult (8-15 years old) animals. Serum oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak ($67.70{\pm}1.36$ pg/ml) than the low breeding season ($15.25{\pm}1.54$ pg/ml). It was concluded that in Pakistani camels ovarian size and activity were higher during the peak than the low breeding season. However, age of the camel (from 3 to 15 years) had no effect on these parameters.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.163-174
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• 2007

Folate has received international attention regarding its role in the risk-reduction of birth defects, specifically neural tube defects (NTDs). In 1998 health officials in Canada, like the United States, mandated the addition of folic acid to white flour and select grain product's to increase the folate intake of reproductive-aged women. Subsequent to this initiative there has been an increase in blood folate concentrations in Canada and a 50% reduction in NTDs. Many countries, including Korea, have not mandated folic acid fortification of their food supply. Reasons vary but often include concern over the masking of vitamin $B_{12}$ deficiency, a belief that folate intakes among womenare adequate, low priority relative to other domestic issues, and the philosophy that individuals have the right not to consume supplemental folic acid if they so choose. Prior to folic acid fortification of the food supply in Canada, the folate intakes of women were low, and their blood folate concentrations while not sufficiently low to produce overt signs of folate deficiency (eg. anemia) were inconsistent with a level known to reduce the risk of an NTD-affected pregnancy. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of folate during the periconceptional period, pregnancy, and during lactation. The rationale for, and history of recommending folic acid-containing supplements during the periconceptional period and pregnancy is described as is folic acid fortification of the food supply. The impact of folic acid fortification in Canada is discussed, and unresolved issues associated with this policy described. While the incidence of NTDs in Canada pre-folic acid fortification were seemingly higherthan that of Korea today, blood folate levels of Korean women are strikingly similar. We will briefly explore these parallels in an attempt to understand whether folic acid fortification of the food supply in Korean might be worth consideration.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.207-213
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• 2007

This study was carried out to examine gene expression altered in endometrium of Korean cattle (Hanwoo) with endometritis using microarray. In this study, 4,560 diferentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the endometrium of Hanwoo. Of 4,560 DEGs, 2,026 genes were up-regulated, while 2,536 genes were down-regulated in endometritis. Of them, top 10 regulated genes were listed. Filamin A, pancreatic anionic trypsinogen, Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor alpha, collagen type VI alpha 1, butyrate response factor 2, aggrecanses-2, annexin 14, aminopeptidease A, orphan transporter v7-3, and epithelial stromal interaction 1 were up-regulated, while MHC class II antigen, integrin-binding sialoprotein, uterine milk protein precursor, down-regulated in colon cancer 1, glycoprotein 330, dickkopf-1, cfh protein, $Ca^{2+}-dependent$ secretion activator, UL16 binding protein 3, and proenkephalin were down-regulated in the endometritis. Our results suggest that these genes could be useful biomarkers for diagnosis Hanwoo's endometritis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.25-39
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• 1997

The morphology of the ductuli efferentes of the Korean native pheasants were observed in order to obtain a basic data for further studying reproductive physiology and other male genital organs. The mature (14-16 months after hatching) male pheasants were used in this study. The specimens from pheasants were collected on a monthly basis. The general morphological changes of the ductuli efferentes were observed with hematoxylineosin stain, and semithin section by light microscope. The ultrastructural changes of the ductuli efferentes were investigated with ultrathin section by transmission electron microscope. The results obtained are summarized as follows : 1. During the breeding season, the average height of ductuli efferentes epithelium was $23.45{\pm}2.34{\mu}m$ and was largely decreased by $17.85{\pm}2.01{\mu}m$ during the non-breeding season. The thickeness of interstitial tissue was comparatively increased during the non-breeding season. 2. During the breeding season, the epithelial cells of ductuli efferentes were well developed. During the non-breeding season, epithelial layer and lumen of ductuli efferentes, were markedley reduced compared with those of breeding season. 3. Morphological changes of the ductuli efferentes underwent periodic changes paralleling to the spermatogenic cycle. 4. At least two different cell types were identified in the epithelium of ductuli efferentes, namely non-ciliated and ciliated cells. 5. The ciliated cells possess many vesicles, slightly smaller than those of the non-ciliated cells. 6. The ciliated cells contained numerous mitochondria, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, lysosome, and oval nuclei. The non-ciliated cells had a irregular nuclei and a cytoplasm containing few organelles. 7. During the breeding season, a number of vesicles, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, and mitochondria were distinctively showed in the epithelial cells but in the non-breeding season only a few observed.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.250-255
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• 2011

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Nerve growth factor (NGF) may be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. In this study, we investigated the effect of Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) on the ovarian morphology and NGF expression in an estradiol valerate (EV)-induced rat model. Polycystic ovaries were induced by a single intramuscular injection of estadiol valerate (4 mg, dissolved in sesame oil) in adult cycling rats. KRGE was administered orally (200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 60 consecutive days, beginning 60 days after the induction. Ovarian morphology was almost normalized and NGF was normalized in the EV+KRGE group. KRGE lowered the high numbers of antral follicles and increased the number of corpora lutea in the polycystic ovaries. The results are consistent with a beneficial effect of KRGE in the treatment of PCOS.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.441-448
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• 2017

Bisphenol-A(BPA) is a member of alkylphenol family, and shows adverse effects including reduced fertility, reproductive tract abnormalities, metabolic disorder, cancer induction, neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity. In the present study, we conducted Hershberger assay to evaluate whether the two candidates to replace BPA have androgenic or antiandrogenic activity. The assay was carried out using immature castrated Sprague-Dawley male rats. After 7 days of the surgery, testosterone propionate (TP, 0.4 mg/kg/day) and test materials (low dose, 40 mg/kg/day; high dose, 400 mg/kg/day) were administered for 10 consecutive days by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection and oral gavage, respectively. Test materials were BPA, isosorbide (ISO) and cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The rats were necropsied, and then the weights of five androgen-dependent tissues [ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, levator ani-bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle, paired Cowper's glands, and glans penis] and three androgen-insensitive tissues (kidney, spleen and liver) were measured. All test materials including BPA did not exhibit any androgenic activity in the assay. On the contrary, antiandrogen-like activities were found in all test groups, and the order of the intensity was CHDM > BPA > ISO in the five androgen-sensitive tissues. There was no statistical difference between low dose treatment and high dose treatment of BPA group as well as ISO group. In CHDM group, high dose treatment exhibited most severe weight reduction in all measured tissues. There was no statistical difference in androgen-insensitive tissue measurements, except BPA groups. Since the effects of ISO treatment on the accessory sex organs were much less or not present at all when compared to those of BPA, ISO could be a strong candidate to replace BPA. CHDM treatment brought most severe weight reduction in all of androgen-sensitive tissues, so this material should be excluded for further screening of BPA substitute selection.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.469-476
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• 2012

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) is an environmental toxicant with a polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbon structure and is one of the most toxic man-made chemicals. Exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD induces reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. In this study, we evaluated how 2,3,7,8-TCDD-induced hepatotoxicity affect the expression of heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in rat. 2,3,7,8-TCDD increased heat shock protein (Hsp27, ${\alpha}$-B-crystallin, Mortalin, Hsp105, and Hsp90s) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD-3, GST and catalase) expression after a 1 day exposure in livers of rats, whereas heat shock protein (${\alpha}$-B-crystallin, Hsp90, and GRP78) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD-1, SOD-3, catalase, GST, and GPXs) expression decreased on day 2 and then slowly recovered back to control levels on day 8. These results suggest that heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes were induced as protective mechanisms against 2,3,7,8-TCDD induced hepatotoxicity, and that prolonged exposure depressed their levels, which recovered to control levels due to reduced 2,3,7,8-TCDD induced hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.375-379
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• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of black raspberry wine, administered per os on testosterone levels in rabbits. Black raspberry wine containing 13% alcohol(v/v) was prepared from ripe fruits of Rubus coreanus fermented with Saccharomyces cervisiae. Experimental rats were divided into 2 groups(A and B) with 2 animals group: Group A received black raspberry wine. Group B received 13% concentrated alcohol('Soju') over a period of 6 weeks. all animals were monitored weekly for testosterone levels by radioimmunoassay using $^{125}I$ labeled anti-testosterone monospecific antibody. There was a significant(1.7-2.33 fold) increase in testosterone levels in Group A with a peak at 1 week post administration of black raspberry wine. There was no significant change in testosterone levels of rabbits in Group B. These data point to yet uncharacterized phytotestronegenic mechanisms of black raspberry wine that appear to be independent of ethyl alcohol. Further investigation of the mechanism of action of this fruit is warranted. These observations have potential implications for human reproductive health.