• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.39-44
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• 1999

성선자극호르몬으로 자극된 난소로부터 회수된 사람의 성숙난자의 전핵형성과 초기발생에 정자의 운동성과 성숙도가 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 세포질내정자주입 (ICSI)은 HEPES-buffer mTCM-199 배양액에서 실시하였다. 체내에서 성숙된 난구세포부착난자를 ICS에 의하여 사정된 운동성 정자 또는 비운동성 정자로 수정하였을 때 운동성 정자로 수정된 난자가 비운동성 정자로 수정된 난자보다 전핵형성율이 높았다 (79.8% vs 51.7% ; p<0.002)). 그러나 체내에서 성숙된 난구세포부착난자를 ICS에 의해 정소 내 운동성 정자 또는 비운동성 정자로 수정하였을 때 운동성 정자와 비운동성 정자 사이의 전핵형성율은 차이가 없었다. 10.0 mM lactate, 0.5 mM pyruvate, 0.2 mM taurine, 1.0 mM glutamine, 2.22 mM MEM amino acids, vitamin 그리고 10% 사람 난포액이 포함된 수정 Tyrode 배지에서 전핵이 형성된 수정란의 초기 발생은 정자의 채취원과 운동성에 관계없이 9∼16세포기로 발생하였다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.101-109
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• 1997

This study was carried to determine the possibility of finding motile spermatozoa and fertilization, pregnancy rate after testicular sperm extraction(TESE) with ICSI in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermic patients. In 154 cases(132 patients), obstructive azoospermia was 77 cases and non-obstructive azoospermia was 77 cases. In obstructive azoospermia, patients generally showed normal spermatogenesis and included vas agenesis(n=8), multiple vas obstruction(n=7), epididymal obstruction (n=54). Total of 982 retrieved oocytes were obtained and 84.4% were injected. The fertilization rates with 2 PN and cleavage rate were 72.5% and 62.3%, respectively. 30 pregnancies(38.9%) were achieved and the ongoing pregnancies were 22 cases (28.6%). In non-obstructive azoospermia, patients showed hypospermatogenesis(n=49), maturation arrest(n=4), Sertoli cell only syndrome (n=24). The various stages of spermatogenic cell could be retrieved by TESE and could be reached normal fertilization and embryo development with ICSI. Total of 1072 retrieved oocytes obtained and 80.2% were injected. The fertilization rates with 2 PN and cleavage rate were 52.8% and 68.9%, respectively. 22 pregnancies(30.1%) were achieved and the ongoing pregnancies were 19 cases(26.0%). Conclusively, the combination of TESE with ICSI using testicular spermatozoa can achieve normal fertilization and pregnancy rate and effective method in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermic patients.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.49-61
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• 2006

Purpose : This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of the different administration duration of Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution on the spermatogenic abilities. Methods : We used the 2-month-old mice and administered Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution 0.3mg/g/day for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The control group was administered the normal saline in the same way. We examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase. Also we observed changes of isolated testis before and after administration of Ginseng Radix Alba extract solutions in the mice. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results : The significant differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm and normality of spermatozoa of the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups compared to the control group in 60, 90 and 120days groups. The significant differences were observed the motility of the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups compared to the control group in 90 days group respectively. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. but the activity of hyaluronidase was not significantly increased in the Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution administered groups Conclusion : This study shows that Ginseng Radix Alba has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm especially in 90 days administration group. We can suggest that Ginseng Radix Alba extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.61-67
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• 2020

Objective: In this study, specimens from testicular biopsies of men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) were used to investigate whether RNF8 gene could serve as a biomarker to predict the presence of sperm in these patients. Methods: Testicular biopsy specimens from 47 patients were classified according to the presence of sperm (positive vs. negative groups) and investigated for the expression of RNF8. The level of RNF8 gene expression in the testes was compared between these groups using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The expression level of RNF8 was significantly higher in testicular samples from the positive group than in those from the negative group. Moreover, the area under the curve of RNF8 expression for the entire study population was 0.84, showing the discriminatory power of RNF8 expression in differentiating between the positive and negative groups of men with NOA. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that RNF8 expression had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 84%, with a cutoff level of 1.76. Conclusion: This study points out a significant association between the expression of RNF8 and the presence of sperm in NOA patients, which suggests that quantified RNF8 expression in testicular biopsy samples may be a valuable biomarker for predicting the presence of spermatozoa in biopsy samples.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.142-155
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• 2005

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the dose dependent effects of Epimedii Herba extract solution on the spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis, and the activities of spermhyaluronidase and antioxidants. Materials and Method: We choose the 2-month-old mice, and administered the extract powder of Epimedii Herba in the different concentration once in a day for 60 days. The control group was administerde to normal water in the isolated testis tissue. Also we observed changes of isolated testis at the before and after administration of Epimedii Herba extracts in the mice. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results: The significant dose dependent differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm, the motility and normality of spermatozoa of the Epimedii Herba extract administered groups compared than that of control group, respectively. In the histological analysis of the testicular lobes were observed in the Epimedii Herbaextract administered groups than control group, respectively. Also, the activity hyluronidase was significantly increased in the Epimedii Herba extract administered groups than that of the control group. In case of antioxidant activity analysis, the activity of peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased in the Epimedii Herba extract administered groups than that of control group, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that Epimedii Herba can effect the count and motility of sperm, the important ractor in male fertility and also promote the activity of antioxidants, catalase and peroxidase, which is the important factor in spermatogenesis.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.935-944
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• 2021

It has been suggested that bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, interferes with the endocrine system, causing reproductive dysfunction. Recently, BPA has been found in waste water due to incomplete sewage purification, possibly threatening health through its ingestion via tap water. In this study, young male mice (6 - 7 weeks old) were administered water containing BPA (50 mg·kg^-1) for four weeks, while control mice consumed water without BPA. Serum, epididymal spermatozoa and testicular sections were assessed after sacrificing the mice on day 28. No significant differences were obtained between the groups in the body, testis and seminal vesicle weights. However, the epididymal sperm motility and count levels were significantly reduced in BPA-fed mice. Significantly higher hepatotoxicity levels were also observed in mice ingesting BPA as compared to the control mice. The level of serum testosterone was reduced, and testicular sections revealed incomplete and irregular spermatogenesis in BPA-ingested mice. The sperm proteasomal-proteolytic activity level has been implicated in sperm function and is measured in motile spermatozoa using fluorometric substrates. High ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase activity levels were observed in the control mice without BPA. During a mating trial, a low pregnancy rate (71.4%) was observed in females mated with males who had consumed BPA (100% in the control mice). Overall, BPA adversely affected spermatogenesis and quality, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, concentration and serum testosterone levels, resulting in reduced fertility competence.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제27권11호
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• pp.1554-1561
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• 2014

Present study analyzed the changes in peripheral blood testosterone concentrations and testicular cytogram in relation to age and semen quality in crossbred males. Three different age groups of crossbred males viz. bull calves (6 months, n = 5), young bulls (15 months, n = 5) and adult bulls (4 to 6 years, n = 8) were utilized for the study. Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology technique was used to quantify testicular cytology and their indices. Peripheral blood testosterone concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Semen samples collected from adult bulls were microscopically evaluated for quality parameters. Mean peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves, young bulls and adult bulls were $2.28{\pm}0.09ng/mL$, $1.42{\pm}0.22ng/mL$ and $5.66{\pm}1.08ng/mL$ respectively, and that in adult bulls were significantly different (p<0.01) from young bulls and bull calves. There was no significant difference between the proportion of different testicular cells in bull calves and young bulls. Between young and adult bulls, significant differences (p<0.01) were observed in the proportion of spermatocytes, spermatozoa, and sperm: Sertoli cell ratio. The proportions of Sertoli cells showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between the three age groups. The number of primary spermatocytes had a positive correlation with peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves (r = 0.719, p<0.01). Number of Sertoli cells per 100 germ cells was negatively correlated with blood testosterone concentration in young bulls (r = -0.713, p<0.01). Among different semen parameters in adult bulls, ejaculate volume (r = 0.790, p<0.05) had positive relationship, and sperm motility had significant negative correlation (r = -0.711, p<0.05) with testosterone concentrations. The number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index had a positive correlation with various semen quality parameters (p<0.001). Results of the present study conclude that number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index are good indicators of semen quality, but peripheral blood testosterone concentrations may not have a direct relationship with various seminal attributes in crossbred bulls.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.117-125
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• 2015

Iron is required for cell viability but is toxic in excess. While the iron-mediated malfunction of testicular cells is well appreciated, the underlying mechanism(s) of this effect and its relationship with fertility are poorly understood. Ferritin is a ubiquitous intracellular protein that controls iron storage, ferroxidase activity, immune response, and stress response in cells. Ferritin light chain protein (FTL) is the light subunit of the Ferritin. Previously, we had identified the FTL in bovine spermatozoa following capacitation. In present study, to investigate the role of Ferritin in sperm function, mice spermatozoa were incubated with multiple doses (1, 10 and $100{\mu}M$) of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an iron donor. SNP was increased Ferritin levels in a dose-dependent manner. The Ferritin was detected on the acrosome in spermatozoa by immunocytochemistry. Short-term exposure of spermatozoa to SNP increased tyrosine phosphorylation and the acrosome reaction (AR). Finally, SNP affected a significant decrease in the rate of fertilization as well as blastocyst formation during early embryonic development. On the basis of these results, we propose that the effects of Ferritin on the AR may reduce overall sperm function leads to poor fertility in males and compromised embryonic development.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.55-61
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• 2009

목 적: 폐쇄성 무정자증 (obstructive azoospermia) 환자와 정자형성저하증 (hypospermatogenesis) 환자의 고환 정자를 이용한 체외수정 및 배아이식술의 결과를 비교, 분석하고자 하였다. 연구방법: 2003년 1월부터 2006년 12월까지 체외수정 및 배아이식술을 위해 고환조직 정자채취술을 시행한 폐쇄성 무정자증 환자 155명 (241주기)과 정자형성저하증 환자 28명 (34주기)을 대상으로 하였다. 고환조직 정자채취술과 세포질내 정자주입술을 실시한 후 수정률, 착상률, 임신율, 출산율을 비교하였으며, 통계적 분석은 t-test와 ${\chi}^2$-test를 사용하였다. 결 과: 정자형성저하증 환자의 고환정자 회수 결과, 신선고환을 사용한 21주기 중 1주기에서는 정자를 회수하지 못하였으나, 정자를 확인하고 고환조직 동결보존 후 융해한 13주기에서 모두 정자를 회수할 수 있었다. 수정률은 정자형성저하증 환자보다 폐쇄성 무정자증 환자에서 통계적으로 유의하게 높았다 (75.6 % vs. 62.6%, p<0.001). 난할 배아 발생률도 정자형성저하증 환자보다 폐쇄성 무정자증 환자에서 통계적으로 유의하게 높았다 (66.8% vs. 54.8% p<0.001). 그러나 우수배아 형성률, 임상적 임신율, 착상률, 출산율에는 차이가 없었다. 결 론: 정자형성저하증 환자의 고환정자를 사용하여 세포질내 정자주입술을 실시할 경우 수정률과 초기 난할율은 폐쇄성 무정자증 환자보다 낮지만, 정상적으로 발달한 배아를 이식할 경우 임신율, 착상률, 그리고 출산율에는 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 사료된다.

• The World Journal of Men's Health
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.215-226
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• 2023

Purpose To clarify (phospho-) glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) isoform variants in the germline and soma of human testes and spermatozoa. Materials and Methods GSK3 isoform variants in normospermatogenic and Sertoli cell-only (SCO) testicular biopsies and spermatozoa were examined. In normospermatogenic testes, GSK3α and GSK3β variants 1 and 2 different in low complexity region (LCR) were expressed and their levels were decreased in SCO testes. GSK3β variant 3 was only expressed in SCO testes. GSK3β as well as GSK3α, the dominant isoforms in testes were decreased in SCO testes. In normospermatogenic testes, GSK3β were found in spermatogonia and markedly decreased in meiotic germ cells in which GSK3α was dominant. p-GSK3α/β were marginal in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes. In SCO testes, GSK3α/β immunoreactivity in seminiferous epithelia was weaker than those of normospermatogenic testes whereas p-GSK3α/β(Ser) immunoreactivity was visibly increased in Sertoli cells. GSK3α was dominant in ejaculated spermatozoa in which GSK3α and p-GSK3α(Ser) were found in the head, midpiece, and tail. In acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, GSK3α was found in the equatorial region of head, midpiece, and tail, and p-GSK3α(Ser) was only found in midpiece. During sperm capacitation, p-GSK3α(Ser) was significantly increased together with phosphotyrosine proteins and motility. In human male germ cells, GSK3 isoforms different in LCRs switch from GSK3β to GSK3α during meiotic entry, suggesting the isoform-specific roles of GSK3α and GSK3β in meiosis and stemness or proliferation of spermatogonia, respectively. In dormant Sertoli cells of SCO testes kinase activity of GSK3 might be downregulated via inhibitory phosphorylation. In spermatozoa, inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3α might be coupled with activation of motility during capacitation.