• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.457-461
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• 2011

JAZF1 (Juxtaposed with Another Zinc Finger gene 1) transcription factor are Zn-finger proteins that bind to the nuclear orphan receptor TAK/TR4 (Nakajima et al., 2004). The nuclear orphan receptor TAK1/TR4 functions as a positive as well as a negative regulator of transcription. It was recently reported that congenital cardiovascular malformations are significantly more frequent in Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) patients with microdeletion syndrome than in those with classical NF1. JAZF1 was expressed in adult heart of patients with microdeletion syndrome. JAZF1 is highly conserved among various species include zebrafish. We hypothesized that the expression of zebrafish Jazf1 may lead to severe forms of congenital heart disease that allow the survival of newborns and adults. In this study, we created Jazf1 transgenic zebrafish which over-express zebrafish Jazf1 cDNA under control of the CMV promoter. Our results suggested that Jazf1 expression may play an important role in zebrafish cardiac development.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.499-502
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• 2011

Aurora A kinase is a mitotic serine/threonine kinase whose proposed functions include the maturation of centrosomes, G2/M transition, alignment of chromosomes at metaphase, and cytokinesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of MLN8237, an aurora A kinase inhibitor, on the postovulatory aging of oocytes based on the frequency of oocyte fragmentation, cdk1 kinase activity, and cyclin B degradation. The fragmentation of ovulated oocytes during prolonged culture was inhibited by treatment with MLN8237 in a concentration-dependent manner. The frequency of fragmented oocytes was significantly lower in oocytes treated with 2 ${\mu}M$ MLN8237 (13%) than in control oocytes (64%) after two days of culture. Most of the control (non-fragmented) oocytes (91%) were activated after two days of culture. In comparison, only 22% of the MLN8237-treated oocytes were activated; the rest of the oocytes (78%) were still in metaphase with an abnormal spindle and dispersed chromosomes. Next, cdk1 activity and the level of cyclin B were examined. The level of cyclin B and cdk1 activity in MLN8237-treated oocytes were nearly equal to those in control oocytes. Our results indicate that MLN8237 inhibited the fragmentation of ovulated oocytes during prolonged culture, although it blocked the spontaneous decrease in activity of cdk1 and degradation of cyclin B. This mechanism of inhibition is different from that in oocytes treated with nocodazole, which have high levels of cdk1 activity and cyclin B.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.22-29
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• 1999

To evaluate the effect of Choakwiyeum water extract on the male reproductive functions, experiments were performed on male rats. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Intromission frequency was increased significantly after the administration of Choakwiyeum water extract in male rats. 2. Intromission latency was increased significantly after the administration of Choakwiyeum water extract and ketoconazole in male rats. 3. Mount frequency was increased significantly after the administration of Cboakwiyeum water extract and TCDD in male rats. 4. Serum testosterone concentration was increased significantly after the administration of Choakwiyeum water extract in male rats. 5. Serum testosterone concentration was increased significantly after the administration of Choakwiyeum water extract and ketoconazole in male rats.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.86-95
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• 2006

The ethanol extract of the Crotalaria juncea seeds, which showed promising antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities in albino mice, was taken up further for the isolation of the active fractions present in it. Two fractions that were obtained from thin layer chromatography were subjected for testing to know their antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities. After preliminary trials the fraction I showed maximum antifertility activity at the dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight when administered orally to the rats for 50 days. The fraction I was found to affect spermatogenesis as well as the endocrine functions of the testis as indicated by gravimetric, histopathological and biochemical changes. Further this fraction has caused degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells of the testis. The accessory reproductive organs like epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, prostrate, Cowper's gland and Levator Ani muscle showed significant malfunction. Cauda epididymal sperm count and sperm motility were reduced significantly. The treatment has also resulted in increase in the cholesterol level and alkaline phosphatase activity, and decrease in protein, glycogen, sialic acid contents and acid phosphatase activity in testis. It is noteworthy that RIA studies have shown significant reduction in serum FSH, LH and testosterone. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed abnormalities in sperm structure.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.326-329
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• 1999

폐림프관평활근종증은 드물게 발생하는 질환으로 거의 대부분 가임기의 여성에서 발생하며 매우 빠르게 호흡부전이 발생하여 평균 10년이내에 사망하게 되는 질환이다. 이 질환은 폐의 림프관, 혈관, 그리고 기도에 비정형적인 평활근이 점진적으로 증식하여 유발되며 결국 원위부의 낭성 변화를 초래하여 자주 재발성 기흉을 일으키게 된다. 저자들은 양측의 재발성 기흉의 병력을 가진 30세 여자환자에서 폐림프관평활근종증을 치험하였다. 환자는 우측 개흉술을 통해 폐생검을 시행하였으며 폐림프관평활근종증으로 진단되었다. 이에 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.121-125
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• 2019

Chronic exposure to atrazine (ATR) raises concerns about adverse effects on reproductive functions. We tested our previously validated filtering device, the OBP-based filter, onto a biological model constituted of cultured swine granulosa cells treated for 48 h with media conditioned with 0.1 or $10{\mu}M$ ATR evaluating cell viability and steroidogenesis. The tested atrazine concentrations did not change granulosa cell viability and no filtering effects was observed following treatments with media prepared with differently filtered water. As for steroidogenesis, treatment of water with OBP-based filter containing $10{\mu}M$ atrazine completely suppressed the stimulatory effect of $10{\mu}M$ atrazine on progesterone production as well as the inhibitory effect of $0.1{\mu}M$ ATR on estradiol-$17{\beta}$ production by granulosa cells. Our data demonstrate that the impairment of steroidogenesis induced by ATR is effectively removed after water filtration in the experimental device thus suggesting potential use in biotechnological applications on living cells and/or organisms.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.40.1-40.8
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• 2022

The concepts of phylogeny and floral genetics play a crucial role in understanding the origin and diversification of flowers in angiosperms. Angiosperms evolved a great diversity of ways to display their flowers for reproductive success with variations in floral color, size, shape, scent, arrangements, and flowering time. The various innovations in floral forms and the aggregation of flowers into different kinds of inflorescences have driven new ecological adaptations, speciation, and angiosperm diversification. Evolutionary developmental biology seeks to uncover the developmental and genetic basis underlying morphological diversification. Advances in the developmental genetics of floral display have provided a foundation for insights into the genetic basis of floral and inflorescence evolution. A number of regulatory genes controlling floral and inflorescence development have been identified in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Antirrhinum majus using forward genetics, and conserved functions of many of these genes across diverse non-model species have been revealed by reverse genetics. Transcription factors are vital elements in systems that play crucial roles in linked gene expression in the evolution and development of flowers. Therefore, we review the sex-linked genes, mostly transcription factors, associated with the complex and dynamic event of floral development and briefly discuss the sex-linked genes that have been characterized through next-generation sequencing.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.106-115
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• 2021

Sperm cryopreservation is an important method of assisted reproductive techniques and storing genetic resources. It plays a vital role in genetic improvement, livestock industrial preservation of endangered species, and clinical practice. Consequently, the cryopreservation technique is well organized through various studies, especially on Korean native cattle (Hanwoo). However, the cryopreservation technique of Korean native brindled cattle, which is one of the native cattle species in Korea, is not well organized. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a Supplementary Table technique for the cryopreservation of Korean native brindled cattle. For this purpose, it is important to first evaluate the quality of the currently produced cryopreserved sperm of Korean native brindled cattle. In this study, we randomly selected 72 individual Korean native brindled cattle semen samples collected from 8 different region research centers and used them to evaluate sperm functions. We focused on the quality evaluation of cryopreserved Korean native brindled cattle semen following the measurement of motion kinematics, capacitation status, intracellular ATP level, sperm motility, and cell viability. Then, the values of each of the eight groups were derived from various sperm parameters of nine individual samples, including sperm motility, kinematics, cellular motility, and intracellular ATP levels, which were used to compare and evaluate sperm function. Overall, differences in various sperm parameters were observed between most of the research centers. Particularly, the deviations of motility and motion kinematics were high according to the sample. Therefore, we suggest that it is necessary to develop a standard method for the cryopreservation of Korean native brindled cattle semen. We also suggest the need for sperm quality evaluation of the cryopreserved semen of Korean native brindled cattle before using artificial insemination to attain a high fertility rate.

• 한국작물학회지
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.241-247
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• 2001

우리나라 벼 수량의 기상반응을 종합적으로 검토하여 벼 수량예측모델을 구축하고자 1985년부터 1999년까지 15년간 수행한 20개 지역의 벼 지역적응시험 자료를 이용하여 기상에 대한 수량반응의 최대경계선(boundary line)분석을 하였으며, 이에 근거하여 수량예측모형을 설정하였다. 1. 벼의 생육기간을 영양생장기, 생식생장기, 등숙기로 구분하고 각 발육단계를 15-20일 간으로 구분하여 각 시기의 기상요소에 대한 수량반응의 최대경계선은 평균기온( $T_{a}$ )과 일조시수( $S_{h}$)에 대해서는 지수함수 f( $T_{a}$ )=$\beta$$_{0}$(1-exp(-$\beta$$_1$/$\times$ $T_{a}$ ), f( $S_{h}$)=$\beta$$_{0}$(1-exp(-$\beta$$_1$$\times$ $T_{h}$)로 나타났으며 일교차(Tr)는 2차함수 f( $T_{r}$)=$\beta$0(1-( $T_{r}$-$\beta$$_1$)$^2$)로, 이 식에서 상수항 $\beta$$_{0}$를 제거하여 수량에 대한 각 기상요소의 영향도를 0-1로 나타내는 기상지수로 나타내었다. 2. 각 생육시기의 평균기온, 일조시간 및 일교차에 대한 수량반응의 최대경계선이외에 불임에 의한 등숙률 저하와 그에 따른 수량감소를 고려하기 위하여 Uchijima(1976)가 제안한 냉각도일수(cooling degree day)를 출수전 30일간의 생식생장기에 계산하여 이에 대한 수량과 등숙률 반응의 최대경계선을 계산하였는데 냉각도일수가 증가하면 수량이 감소하는 지수함수로 잘 표현되어 기존의 연구들과 같은 결과였다. 3. 기상지수는 벼의 생육기간을 영양생장기, 생식생장기 및 등숙기로 구별하고 각 시기별로 수량 기상지수를 각 기상요소 기상지수를 기하평균하여 산출하였는데 각 시기별 수량기상지수의 수량변이 설명도는 각각 0.383-0.430, 0.460-0.534, 0.4603-0.587로 결정계수는 영양생장기＜생식생장기＜등숙기의 순으로 컸다. 4. 최대경계선 분석방법을 통하여 얻어진 각 생육시기별 수량기상지수를 기하평균하여 구한 종합수량기상지수와 수량과의 직선회귀식을 구하여 수량예측모형(Model I, II, III)을 작성하였다. Model I, II, III)은 각각 결정계수가 0.6512, 0.6703, 0.6129로 모든 생육단계에 걸쳐서 기간을 15-20일 단위로 세분하여 모든 기간의 수량에 대한 기상지수를 고려하여 전 생육기간의 종합수량기상지수를 산출한 Model II가 기상변화에 따른 수량변이의 설명도가 가장 높았다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.330-336
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like environmental endocrine disrupter, on the placental function and reproduction in rats. The mRNA levels of the placental prolactin-growth hormone(PRL-GH) gene family, placental trophoblast cell frequency and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats ($160g{\pm}20g$) were detected by the presence of the copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which marked Day 0 of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with a sesame oil vehicle. The two remaining groups were injected with 50 or 500 mg/kg B.W/day of BPA, resuspended in sesame oil, on either days 7 to 11 or 16 to 20 of pregnancy, with the rats sacrificed on either day 11 or 20, respectively. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The hormone concentrations were analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the frequency of the placental trophoblast cells observed by a histochemical study. Reproductive data, such as the placental weight and litter size, were surveyed on day 20. The fetal weight was surveyed for 4 weeks after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH gene family, such as placental lactogen I, Iv and II, prolactin like protein A, C and Cv, and decidual prolactin-related protein were significantly reduced due to BPA exposure. The mRNA levels of the Pit-1a and b isotype genes, which induce the expression of the PRL-GH gene family in the rat placenta, were also reduced due to BPA exposure. The PL-Iv and PL-II concentrations were reduced in the BPA exposed group. During the middle to last stage of pregnancy (Days 11-20), a high dose of BPA exposure reduced the frequency of spongiotrophoblast cells, which are responsible for the secretion of the PRL-GH hormones. Reproductive data, such as the placental and fetal weights and the litter size, were reduced, but that of the pregnancy period was extended in the BPA exposed compared to the control group. Conclusions : BPA disrupts the placental functions in rats, which leads to reproductive disorders.