• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.213-224
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• 2024

Objective: Some age-related testicular changes, such as Sertoli cell vacuolization and blood-testis barrier breakdown, reduce total sperm production and male fertility. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of vitamin E on restoring testicular function in aged mice. Sperm cryo-resistance was also assessed. Methods: Twenty-eight 48-week-old male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were divided into four groups for a daily gavage of vitamin E: the control group received distilled water, while the three treatment groups were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, for 4 weeks. Subsequently, semen analyses, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and protamine deficiency tests were conducted. Testicular histology, tissue antioxidant enzyme activity, and gene expression levels were also assessed. Results: The two higher dosages of vitamin E were associated with a higher sperm count, greater progressive motility, and improved sperm morphology (p<0.05). These benefits were also evident after sperm freezing (p<0.05). Although chromatin abnormalities increased following vitrification, the treatment groups showed better outcomes (p<0.05). The tubular diameter, epithelium height, and luminal diameters remained unchanged with age. The tissue antioxidant capacity was greater in the groups receiving the high doses of vitamin E. Additionally, significant increases in inhibitor of DNA binding protein-4 (Id4) and GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (Gfra1) expression were observed in the higher vitamin E dosage groups, and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (Plzf) expression was notably present in the 400 mg/kg treatment group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Antioxidant supplementation might enhance reproductive outcomes in aging males. The observed effects included improved sperm cryo-resistance, which is advantageous for future applications such as sperm freezing or fertility preservation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.247-259
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• 2024

Objective: Bis-[4-chlorophenyl]-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), one of the most widely used synthetic pesticides, is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with the potential to interfere with the human reproductive system. The effects of DDT and one of its metabolites, p,p'-DDT, on human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and health outcomes remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether p,p'-DDT induces an imbalance in cell proliferation and apoptosis in human ESCs via oxidative stress. Methods: We assessed apoptosis in ESCs by quantifying the expression of markers associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Additionally, we measured levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activity, and estrogen receptors (ERs). We also examined changes in signaling involving nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Results: Following treatment with 1,000 pg/mL of p,p'-DDT, we observed an increase in Bax expression, a decrease in Bcl-2 expression, and increases in the expression of caspases 3, 6, and 8. We also noted a rise in the generation of ROS and a reduction in glutathione peroxidase expression after treatment with p,p'-DDT. Additionally, p,p'-DDT treatment led to changes in ER expression and increases in the protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-protein kinase B (phospho-AKT), and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (phospho-ERK). Conclusion: p,p'-DDT was found to induce apoptosis in human ESCs through oxidative stress and an ER-mediated pathway. The activation of the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways could represent potential mechanisms by which p,p'-DDT prompts apoptosis in human ESCs and may be linked to endometrial pathologies.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.268-275
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• 2002

Seasonal variation in reproductive condition of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas was investigated from a suspended cultured oyster population in Gosung Bay, South Korea using histological techniques, Gametogenesis of oysters initiated in February when water temperature reached 11 to $13^\circ{C}$. Increase in oocyte size and the number resulting in follicle expansion was observed from March to May First spawning of oysters observed in mid Jun when the surface water temperature reached 22 to $25^\circ{C}$. Spawning activity of oysters extended from mid June to late September with two marked spawning peaks in June and August. Most oysters collected from October to December exhibited few residual eggs in packed follicles exhibiting a typical spent condition. No gametes were observed from December to February from oysters collected in the Bay. Gonadal development of oysters in the Bay seemed to follow a seasonal fluctuation in environmental conditions such as water temperature and food availability in the water column. Spawning of oysters in late June was in part associated with sudden drop in salinity due to vast amount of freshwater input in the Bay after the summer flooding. Sex ratio of oysters was 59.5% male and 39.8% female. Less than 1 percent (0.6%) of the oysters examined were hermaphrodite; few eggs were observed in testis.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.41-52
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• 2014

Embryonic genome activation (EGA) is a highly complex phenomenon that is controlled at various levels. New studies have ascertained some molecular mechanisms that control EGA in several species; it is apparent that these same mechanisms regulate EGA in all species. Protein phosphorylation, DNA methylation and histone modification regulate transcriptional activities, and mechanisms such as ubiquitination, SUMOylation and microRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate development. Each of these regulations is highly dynamic in the early embryo. A better understanding of these regulatory strategies can provide the possibility to improve the reproductive properties in mammals such as pigs, to develop methods of generating high-quality embryos in vitro, and to find markers for selecting developmentally competent embryos.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2001

Objective: To evaluate the abnormality of protein S in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion due to antiphospholipid syndrome. Material and Method: Antigen and activity of protein S were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay and clotting method, respectively. Results: Of 18 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, 4 patients were found to have no abnormality of protein S. There were 14 cases of protein S abnormality. Among them, there were 8 cases of type 1, 1 case of type 2, and 5 cases of type 3 protein S deficiency. Conclusion: So in the workup of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion due to antiphospholipid syndrome, the evaluation for protein S is required.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.301-305
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• 2001

Objective : To analyze the antithrombin II deficiency in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Material and Method: The blood samples were tested by chromogenic assay to evaluate the activity of antithrombin III. Results: There was only one case of antithrombin III deficiency. This patient experienced one neonatal death after delivery and one FDIU (fetal death in utero). And also this patient showed a lupus anticoagulant and the prolongation of PTT. Conclusions: Women with recurrent miscarriage who have no obvious identified cause should consider hematologic screening. Antithrombin III deficiency could be a cause of recurrent spontaneous abortion. But the incidence is very rare in Korean patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.189-196
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• 1991

Long-term administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone(LHRH) agonists, through a process of pituitary desensitization and down-regulation of receptors, inhibits the secretion of gonadotropin and sex-steroids and induces a reversible suppression of gonadal activity. This approach can be used as an effective endocrine therapy for some hormone-dependent tumors. We have used D-Trp6-LHRH, a long acting LHRH agonist, for the treatment of eleven patients with uterine leiomyomas, thereafter myomectomy was performed in seven cases and observed the ultrastructural changes of leiomyoma with an electron microscope. The use of LHRH agonist may be effective in reducing the size of a myoma considerably by primarily inducing medical hypophysectomy and would allow easier surgical removal. Electron microscopic findings of myoma cells after the use of LHRH agonist included the following: loss of cristae and swelling nuclear chromatin, perinuclear vacuolation in cytoplasm. Bone mineral density was slightly decreased, however, the difference was not statistically significant.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.5077-5083
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• 2013

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women globally and represents the second leading cause of cancer death among women (after lung cancer). India is going through epidemiologic transition. It is reported that the incidence of breast cancer is rising rapidly as a result of changes in reproductive risk factors, dietary habits and increasing life expectancy, acting in concert with genetic factors. Materials and Methods: In order to understand the existing epidemiological correlates of breast cancer in South India, a systematic review of evidence available on epidemiologic correlates of breast cancer addressing incidence, prevalence, and associated factors like age, reproductive factors, cultural and religious factors was performed with specific focus on screening procedures in southern India. Results: An increase in breast cancer incidence due to various modifiable risk factors was noted, especially in women over 40 years of age, with late stage of presentation, lack of awareness about screening, costs, fear and stigma associated with the disease serving as major barriers for early presentation. Conclusions: Educational strategies should be aimed at modifying the life style, early planning of pregnancy, promoting breast feeding and physical activity. It is very important to obtain reliable data for planning policies, decision-making and setting up the priorities.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.581-585
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• 1985

This study was carried out with blue mussels at Otsuchi Bay in Japan from August 1981 to May 1982, in order to investigate the effect of the parasitic pea crab (Pinnotheres pholadis) on the reproductive capacity of host blue mussels (Mytilus edulis galloprovincialis). The results show that pea crabs delay gonad development of host mussels about one month and lower their fatness rate by intercepting nutrients. The parasitization with pea crabs is thought not to prevent spawning activity itself, but to reduce the number of germ cell resulting in the reduced space of gonads.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.417-424
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• 2011

Ketoconazole (KET) is an antifungal drug with a broad spectrum of activity that also induces reproductive toxicity in humans and animals. KET inhibits C17-20 lyase which blocks the conversion of 17 ${\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone to androstenedione. The effect of Cuscutae semen(CS) extract against KET-induced testicular damage was evaluated in male rats. CS extract was administered orally (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 26 days. Three weeks after CS extract administration, KET was CS-administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg once a day for 5 days. KET-induced reproductive toxicity was associated with clear reductions of the weights of testes and epididymides, sperm indices and serum testosterone levels. In addition, marked oxidative damage to testicular lipids and alterations of natural antioxidant enzymes were reported in association with KET toxicity. Most of the KET-induced effects were greatly decreased with the concomitant application of CS extract. This study suggests a protective role of Cuscutae semen extract that could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.