• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.273-282
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• 2021

Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly, resulting in a pandemic. The virus enters host cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2). These enzymes are widely expressed in reproductive organs; hence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could also impact human reproduction. Current evidence suggests that sperm cells may provide an inadequate environment for the virus to penetrate and spread. Oocytes within antral follicles are surrounded by cumulus cells, which rarely express ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Thus, the possibility of transmission of the virus through sexual intercourse and assisted reproductive techniques seems unlikely. Early human embryos express coronavirus entry receptors and proteases, implying that human embryos are potentially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of development. Data on the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the human endometrium are sparse. Moreover, it remains unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 directly affects the embryo and its implantation. A study of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy showed an increase in preterm delivery. Thus, vertical transmission of the virus from mother to fetus in the third trimester is possible, and further data on human reproduction are required to establish this possibility. Based on analyses of existing data, major organizations in this field have published guidelines on the treatment of infertility. Regarding these guidelines, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, reproductive treatment is crucial for the well-being of society and must be continued under suitable regulations and good standard laboratory practice protocols.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.898-908
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• 1998

The aim of this experiments were to assess the time-interval change of motional characteristics in frozen-thawed semen of Korean native cattle (KNC) by using computer aided semen analysis (CASA) technology. Twenty-six KNC frozen semen straws were obtained from Korean KNC improvement department, livestock improvement main division, national livestock cooperatives federation in Korea. Specimens were allowed to thaw at $37^{\circ}C$ for 30 sec in water bath. Semen analysis was performed on semen image analysis system (SIAS, Medical supply, Korea) adjusted to the gate settings and used the semen droplet ($5{\mu}l$) placed on Makler counting chamber (Sefi medical instrument, Israel) prewarmed at $37^{\circ}C$. The same person used the same micropipette to fill the Makler counting chamber. A total of 150 or more of sperms were analysed in each specimen by a single trained person by scanning at least 5 to 10 fields. The measurement parameters in SIAS were as follows ; frame rate = 30 frames per sec, image capture = 1 sec, minimum motile speed = $10{\mu}m/s$, maximum countable sperm number = 400. Statistical analysis was done by Student t-test with use of the Sigma plot program on a IBM personal computer. The dancemean(DNM) and hyperactivated sperm(HYP) of frozen-thawed KNC semen kinematics were significantly decreased(p < 0.05) after 10 min of incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ water bath. But, wobble(WOB) of same sample semen was significantly increased(p < 0.05) after 10 min of incubation and significantly decrease(p < 0.05) after 60 min of same incubation. And, after 30 mim of incubation, significantly differences were found most of motion kinematics, motifity(MOT), curvilinear velocity(VCL), straight line velocity(VSL), average path velocity(VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement(ALH), beat cross frequency(BCF), mean angular displacement(MAD), dance(DNC), on same sample semen. The DNM of KNC semen sample was variable kinematics after 30 min of incubation. Also, the linearity(LIN) and straightness(STR) was significantly decreased(p < 0.05) from 60 min of incubation. In conclusion, the AI within 30 min after thawing of frozen semen can be an effective method for obtaining high fertility rate in KNC reproductive program.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.125-134
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• 2019

Background: Excessive stress causes varied physiological and psychological disorders including male reproductive problems. Here, we attempted to investigate the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer; KRG) against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats. Methods: Male rats (age, 4 wk; weight, 60-70 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each group): normal control group, immobilization control group, immobilization group treated with 100 mg/kg of KRG daily, and immobilization group treated with 200 mg/kg of KRG daily. Normal control and immobilization control groups received vehicle only. KRG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) was mixed in the standard diet powder and fed daily for 6 mo. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinematic values, and expression levels of testicular-related molecules were measured using commercially available kits, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data revealed that KRG restored the altered testis and epididymis weight in immobilization stress-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05). Further, KRG ameliorated the altered blood chemistry and sperm kinematic values when compared with the immobilization control group and attenuated the altered expression levels of spermatogenesis-related proteins (nectin-2, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1, and inhibin-${\alpha}$), sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), and antioxidant-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase m5, peroxiredoxin-4, and glutathione peroxidase 4) significantly in the testes of immobilization stress-induced rats. Conclusion: KRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.219-224
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• 2009

목 적: 저성선자극호르몬 성선저하증은 남성불임의 흔치 않은 원인이다. 저자들은 성선자극호르몬 특히 인간융 모성선자극호르몬 (Human chorioinc gonadotropin: hCG)/인간폐경성선자극호르몬 (Human menopausal gonadotropin: hMG) 치료가 정자형성 및 임신에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보았다. 연구방법: 2001년 11월부터 2007년 3월까지 불임을 주소로 내원하여 저성선자극호르몬 성선저하증으로 진단되어 성선자극호르몬 (hCG/hMG) 치료를 받은 10명의 진료 기록을 후향적으로 분석하였다. 치료 후 임신 여부를 알아보았으며, 치료 전 고환의 용적에 따라 10 cc 미만인 군 (n=4)과 10 cc 이상인 군 (n=6)으로 나누어 치료 전후의 정액지표와 혈중 FSH, LH 및 testosterone 등의 호르몬 검사를 시행하여 비교하였다. 결 과: 10명의 환자 중 7명 (70%)에서 임신에 성공하였으며 치료 후 혈중 FSH, testosterone 수치가 의미있게 증가하였다. 고환 용적이 큰 군에서 치료 후 정액량, 정자수, 운동성 및 testosterone이 유의하게 증가하였다. 결 론: 불임을 주소로 온 환자에게 흔치는 않지만 면밀한 검사를 통해 저성선자극호르몬 성선저하증을 진단할 수 있어야 하며, hCG/hMG 병합요법은 자연임신 뿐만 아니라 최근의 보조생식술과 연계하여 충분히 성공적인 치료에 도달할 수 있다.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.141-150
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• 2019

Despite the development of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) including in vitro fertilization (IVF), the poor ovarian response and endometrial receptivity remains clinically a major unmet need. Although these problems are difficulties to solve in infertility treatment, there are no good therapeutic option yet. Traditional herbal remedies and acupuncture, therefore are being proposed as alternative treatment. Our group found that traditional herbal medicines such as Paeonia lactiflora L.(PL, 芍藥), Cyperus rotundus L.(CR, 香附子), and Perilla frutescens (PF, 紫蘇葉) could improve endometrial receptivity. In this study, we found out Yeosin-san (如神散) as an optimal herbal formula via combination of the previously established herbal medicines. Yeosin-san is a traditional Korean medical formula which was established by Ziming Jin (陳自明) and recorded in Furendaiquanliangfang (婦人大全良方) at first. The formula traditionally used for treating abnormal uterine bleeding and leukorrhea. It showed a highest effect on leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression and on the adhesion between trophoblastic cells and endometrial cells. In addition, it has been shown that the Yeosin-san not only increases the endometrial receptivity to improve the embryo implantation but also enhances the ovary function by expressing the angiogenesis-related genes. Here we suggest that Yeosin-san could be a novel and effective candidate for treating female infertility.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제31권5호
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• pp.658-671
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• 2018

Objective: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is an anabolic-androgenic steroid frequently used for clinical treatment. However, the inappropriate use of ND results in the reduction of serum testosterone level and sperm production. The suppressive effect of ND on testosterone production has not been investigated in detail. The present study was designed to examine the effect of ND on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the rat testis. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats at 50 days of age were subcutaneously administrated with either 2 or 10 mg of ND/kg body weight/week for 2 or 12 weeks. The changes of transcript and protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes in the testis were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analyses, respectively. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis was employed to determine the changes of immunostaining intensity of these enzymes. The steroidogenic enzymes investigated were steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, $17{\alpha}-hydroxylase$, $3{\beta}-hydroxysteroid$ dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450 aromatase. Results: The treatment of ND resulted in depletion of Leydig cells and sloughing of germ cells in the testis. The ND treatment caused significant expressional decreases of steroidogenic enzymes at transcript and protein levels, and the destructive effects of ND on the testis were more apparent with a higher dose and a longer period of the treatment. Evident reduction of immunostaining intensity present in Leydig cells was clearly detected by the ND treatment. Conclusion: The exposure to ND in young male results not only in histological changes of the testis but also in aberrant gene expression of testicular steroidogenic enzymes, consequently leading into the reduction of testosterone production in the testis and thus likely disruption of spermatogenesis.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.45-56
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• 2008

본 연구는 생후 발달 과정 동안 monocarboxylate transporter(MCT) isoform과 MCT의 발현 조절 단백질로 알려진 basigin(Bsg)과 embigin의 mRNA 발현을 흰쥐의 부정소에서 부위별로 real-time PCR 방법을 사용하여 알아보았으며, 에스트로젠과 에스트로젠 수용체 α의 작용에 의해 MCT1 발현이 조절되는지를 알아보기 위해 estrogen receptor α knockout(αERKO) 마우스를 이용하여 immunohistochemistry 방법을 통해 탐구하였다. 본 연구 결과는 다양한 MCT isoform(MCT1, 2, 3, 4와 8), Bsg과 embigin의 mRNA 발현이 부정소의 부위별로 연령에 따라 다르게 나타나며, 부정소에서 MCT1 단백질 발현은 corpus와 caudal 부위에서 apical 지역에 한정되어 나타나는 것을 보여 주었다. 또한 부정소에서 MCT1 단백질 발현은 에스트로젠 수용체 α의 존재 여부와 상관 없음이 보여졌다. 따라서, 본 연구는 MCT가 남성 생식기관인 부정소에서 정자 성숙과 저장을 위한 적절한 환경을 형성함으로써 남성 생식력의 유지에 관여 할 수 있음을 시사한다. (색인어 : Epididymis, Monocarboxylate transporter, Basigin, Embigin)

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.185-188
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• 2003

Objective: To report tow cases of successful pregnancies following long term cryopreserved spermatozoa prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Materials and Methods: Case report. Results: With the first case, after cryopreservation of semen from 25 year-old man with CML prior to BMT, his wife is being pregnant by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using thawed spermatozoa. With the second case, 28 year-old man with SAA became father by ICSI using banked spermatozoa before BMT. Conclusion: These cases support that men with malignancy have the chance of fathering their own genetic children. It is important therefore, to increase the awareness of clinicians especially oncologists and patients themselves to the new developments in preserving fertility for cancer patients.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제24권10호
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• pp.1348-1357
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Pentoxifylline (PTX) and ${\alpha}$-tocopherol (Vit E) on semen quality parameters of Karan Fries bulls. The fortification of extender by various semen additives improves motility as well as fertility of spermatozoa. Split samples of 24 ejaculates of four Karan Fries bulls were extended in extender with or without various additives such as BHT, PTX and Vit E, and performance was evaluated at an interval of 0, 24, 48 and 72 h at refrigerated temperature (4-$7^{\circ}C$). Results of the present study revealed that addition of BHT, PTX and Vit E in extender improved sperm cell function, such as motility, viability, HOST, and acrosome integrity, as compared to the control during liquid storage up to 48 h of preservation at refrigerated temperature. There was no significant (p<0.05) difference between any of the additives up to 48 h of preservation. Overall, the results showed a significant (p<0.05) deterioration in motility after each storage interval. The results showed a significant deterioration in the acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity up to 48 h; subsequently, there was not much degradation of both the semen quality parameters. There was a significant increase in spermatozoal tail and total abnormality after each storage interval at refrigerator temperature (4 to $7^{\circ}C$); however, the head and mid-piece abnormalities were almost unaffected. Tail and total abnormality were least in extender fortified with BHT, PTX and Vit E at different hours of incubation as compared to the control. The addition of 1.5 mM BHT, 3.6 mM PTX and 1 mg/ml Vit E in the semen extender has more beneficial effect in terms of semen quality and preservability of spermatozoa.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.15-21
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• 2017

Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate whether fertilization could induce the resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes arrested at metaphase I (MI) after in vitro maturation (IVM), and to investigate the effect of $Ca^{2+}$ chelator treatment at the time of fertilization on the transition from MI to metaphase II (MII). Methods: MII-stage and arrested MI-stage mouse oocytes after IVM were fertilized, and then embryonic development was monitored. Blastocysts from each group were transferred into 2.5 days post-coitum pseudo-pregnant ICR mice. MI oocytes after IVM were treated with a $Ca^{2+}$ chelator to investigate the effect of $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations on their maturation. Results: As insemination time increased, the number of oocytes in the MI group that reached the MII stage also increased. The blastocyst rates and total cell numbers in the MII group were significantly higher than in the MI group. No pregnancy occurred in the MI group, but 10 pregnancies were achieved (10 of 12) in the MII group. The proportion of MI oocytes that matured to MII oocytes after fertilization was significantly higher in the non-treated group than in the $Ca^{2+}$ chelator-treated group. Conclusion: The findings that a higher proportion of MI-arrested oocytes progressed to MII after fertilization and that the MI-to-MII transition was blocked by $Ca^{2+}$ chelator treatments before fertilization indicate that the maturation of MI oocytes to MII oocytes is associated with intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations driven by fertilization.