• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.45-56
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• 2002

Objectives: Recently, recombinant FSH (rFSH) has been manufactured using a Chinese hamster ovary cell line transfected with the gene encoding human FSH. Both rFSH and urinary gonadotropin (uFSH) could be used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). However, uFSH implies a number of disadvantages, such as batch-to-batch inconsistency, no absolute source control, dependence on large amounts of urine, low specific activity, and low purity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rFSH in human IVF-ET program. Materials and Methods: A total of 508 infertile women was enrolled in this study. They are classified into rFSH group (n=177) or uFSH group (n=331), and all of them were matched by age and cause of infertility in same period. The $Puregon^{(R)}$ (Organon, Holland) was used as rFSH, and the Metrodin-$HP^{(R)}$ (Serono, Switzeland) and $Humegon^{(R)}$ (Organon, Holland) was used as uFSH. We subdivided the patients into three age groups. The outcomes of IVF-ET program were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results: There was no significant differences in the level of estradiol on hCG injection day, the numbers of retrieved oocytes, matured oocytes, fertilized oocytes, transferred embryos, frozen embryos between the two groups. The total dose (IU) of gonadotropin for COH was significantly lower in the rFSH group compared to uFSH group ($1339{\pm}5491.1$ vs $2527.8{\pm}1075.2$ IU, p<0.001). Clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer in the rFSH group showed increasing tendency, compared to the uFSH group, but there was no statistical significance (35.2% vs 29.3%). Our results demonstrated that the relative efficiency of rFSH compared with uFSH is higher in older patients. Conclusions: The ovarian stimulatory effect and clinical outcome of recombinant FSH was similar to that of the urinary gonadotropin. The IVF-ET cycles with significantly lower dose of gonadotropin in rFSH group showed comparable results. Therefore, we suggest that recombinant FSH is more potent and effective than urinary gonadotropin.

• 대한생식의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한불임학회 제1차 연수강좌
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• pp.7-19
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• 2000

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.217-223
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• 2004

Objective: To evaluate the effects of recombinant FSH (rFSH) and urinary FSH (uFSH) on the gene expressions of human endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Methods: Endometrial tissue was obtained from a pre-menopausal women undergoing hysterectomy. Primary endometrial stromal cells were isolated and in vitro cultured with FBS-free DMEM/F-12 containing 0, 10, 100, and 1, 000 mIU/ml of rFSH and uFSH for 48 hours, respectively. Total RNA was extracted from the cultured cells and subjected to real time RT-PCR for the quantitative analysis of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor $\alpha/\beta$ (ER-$\alpha/\beta$), cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), homeobox A10-1 and -2 (HoxA10-1/-2). Results: Both hormone treatments slightly increased (< 3 folds) the expressions of PR, ER-$\beta$ and HoxA10-1/-2 gene. However, ER-$\alpha$ expression was increased up to five folds by treatments of both FSH for 48 hours. The LIF expression by the 10 mIU/ml of uFSH for 12 hours was significantly higher than that of rFSH (p<0.01). After 24 hours treatment of two kinds of hormones, the expression patterns of LIF were similar. The 100 and 1, 000 mIU/ml of rFSH induced significantly higher amount of Cox-2 expression than those of uFSH, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study represents no adversely effect of exogeneous gonadotropins, rFSH and uFSH, on the expression of implantation related genes. We suggest that rFSH is applicable for the assisted reproductive technology without any concern on the endometrial receptivity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.215-222
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• 1991

Treatment with low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone and laparoscopic laser vaporization is associated with a high rate of ovulation in anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but it is not clear which is better. We undertook a randomized controlled study to compare the effects of urinary FSH and hMG using a low dose regimen and laparoscopic laser vaporization of ovaries in sixty women with PCOS. Ovulation occured in 65% subjects and in 71.1% of cycles induced with FSH and in 70% of women and 76% of cycles of those treated with hMG and in 80% of women in laparoscopic laser vaporization of ovaries. A single dominant follicle developed in 62.2% (FSH) and 60% (hMG) of cycles, respectively. Eight singleton pregnancies occured in FSH, hMG group and 12 singleton pregnancies occured in laparoscopic laser vaporization. This study shows that selected patients with PCOS and by induced to ovulate and subsequently conceive by laparoscopically partially vaporizing their ovaries with laser energy.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.109-122
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• 2002

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of the Nuegra on enhancement of the masculine and physical activities in general through measuring changes of the testosterone, FSH and subjective symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, urinary stream, muscular weakness, libido and erectile dysfunction. Total 168 male subjects were enrolled from 12 urology, internal medicine clinics and general practitioner, During the 6-week investigational period, 2 capsules of Nuegra were given to the subjects right after meal for 4 weeks, and 1 capsule of Nuegra was added each time in subjects with no or minimal effect. Testoster-one and FSH levels were measured at first visit and last visit, for evaluating masculine activities. To avoid bias and standardize the test results, only one clinic was assigned as a central lab, and all blood samples were transferred. General information and subjective symptoms were evaluated at first visit and at 2 weeks interval, week 2, 4 and 6 using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The mean age of the subjects were 51.8${\pm}$8.2 years old (range: 36.1-82.1). Based on the subjects who were tested on testosterone and FSH levels at day l and week 6, the means were 4.4${\pm}$1.4 nmol/L (range: 2.6-7.7), 8.6${\pm}$9.6 mIU/mL (range: 0.3-40.4), respectively at day 1. At week 6, the results were 4.9 ${\pm}$1.6 (2.6-8.9 range), 9.4${\pm}$13.1 (1.0-53.9 range), respectively. Marginally significant difference between pre-dose and post-dose was present. Statistically significant differences were revealed in general assessment for subjective symptoms, fatigue, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, etc. In fatigue, response rates were 39.6, 65.4 and 76.4% at week 2, 4 and 6, respectively (P < 0.0001). Response vates for erectile dysfunction were 13.4, 41.2 and 72.7% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively, Response rates for libido were 13.6, 51.6 and 73.5% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. For urinary stream response rates were 26.9, 44.7 and 66.8% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. VAS for muscular weakness did not show significant results that response rates were 40, 60 and 80% at week 2, 4, and 6 from 8.2 (P ＝ 0.24), respectively. Response rates for insomnia were 50, 60, 100% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The results shows that Nuegra tends to enhance masculine activities including libido, erectile dysfunction and urinary stream and also effective for improving general conditions especially insomnia, muscular weakness and fatigue. In conclusion, this investigation has demonstrated that Nuegra does not only have tendency to increase masculine activities through increased secretion of the testosterone and FSH but also improve general conditions such as erectile dysfunction, libido, fatigue and muscular power.

• 동국한의학연구소논문집
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.55-71
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• 1993

In order to investigate the effect of Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture on the hypogonadism in male rats, hydrocortisone acetate was adminsterd per mouse to induce hypogonadism and a series of Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture and normal saline aqua-acupuncture treatments were done into the loci corresponding to Shinsu($BL_{23}$) for 10 days. The level of urinary 17-ketosteroids. serum FSH, prolactin, LH, testosterone and body weight were measured. The obtained results are summarized as follows. 1. The level of urinary 17-ketosteroids was increased by Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture with the statistical significance as compared with the control group. 2. The level of serum FSH was increased by Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture with the statistical significance as compared with the control group. 3. The level of serum prolactin was increased by Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture with the statistical significance as compared with the control group. 4. The level of serum LH was increased by Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture with the statistical significance as compared with the control group. 5. The level of serum testosterone was decreased by Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture with the statistical significance as compared with the control group. 6. Body weight change was increased by 3rd, 6th and 9th day after the Cervus elaphus aqua-acupuncture and 3rd,6th day after normal saline aqua-acupuncture with the statistical significance as compared with the control group.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.154-166
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• 2003

To investigate the effects of isoflavone supplementation on both bone mineral density and hormone variation in premenopausal women who had decreased bone mass, the 24 subjects were divided into two groups: one was the underweight group, consisting of 13 subjects, and the other was the normal weight group consisting of 11 subjects. For each group, we investigated the effects of isoflavone supplementation of 90 mg/day on both bone mineral density and hormone variation during 3 menstrual cycles. Anthropometric measurements, dietary recall, and analyses of blood and urine were assessed from baseline to post-treatment. The results were as follows: The average age of the underweight group was 21.8 years old and that of the normal weight group was 23.2 years old. The comparative results for the two groups at baseline were as follows: Onset of menarche, menstrual cycle, and menstrual length were not significantly different between the groups. Serum protein, total, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, Ca, P, Mg, Cu, and Zn level were not significantly different between the groups. Serum estradiol, SHBG, LH, and FSH level were also not significantly different between the groups. Lumbar spine BMD by T scores of the underweight group was significantly lower than that of the normal weight group. Serum osteocalcin, urinary DPD, and urinary pH were not significantly different between the groups. The comparative results for the two groups at post-treatment were as follows: From baseline to post-treatment, the intake of energy, nutrients and isoflavone in food did not significantly change in either group. Serum protein, total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels did not significantly change in either group. Serum Ca, Cu, and Zn levels were significantly lower in both groups and serum Mg level significantly decreased only in the underweight group. Serum estradiol levels were significantly lower in both groups, but serum SHBG, LH, and FSH levels did not significantly change in either group. Lumbar spine BMD by T score of the underweight group significantly increased to 15%, but that of the normal weight group did not significantly change. Serum osteocalcin of the underweight group significantly increased to 28%, while that of the normal weight group significantly increased to 40%. Urinary DPD of the normal weight group significantly increased to 12%. The results show that the BMD of the underweight group was lower than that of the normal weight group. Therefore, the underweight group had a disadvantage in obtaining maximum bone mineral density. The results also show that isoflavone supplementation during 3 menstrual cycles was effective in increasing the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and affected bone metabolism markers in premenopausal underweight women. Therefore, it can be concluded that sufficient intake of isoflavone could be helpful in preventing decreases in bone mass among premenopausal women, especially underweight women.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• 제4권3호
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• pp.230-234
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• 2008

Epidemiological studies demonstrate an adverse effect of several environmental and occupational exposures on male sex hormone. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a weak estrogen and a widely used industrial chemical. Epoxy resin painters may be continuously exposed to BPA at high concentrations. The effect of occupational exposure of BPA on male reproduction was examined by measuring the urinary BPA, testosterone and gonadotropic hormones of epoxy resin painters in the shipyard. The painters had significantly higher concentrations of urinary BPA (2.61${\pm}$1.08 ${\mu}g$/g creatinine) than controls (1.38${\pm}$0.5 9 ${\mu}g$/g creatinine). In serum, the testosterone level of painters was significantly decreased but the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of painters were significantly higher than controls. Occupational exposure to BPA influences testosterone and gonadotropic hormones in male workers.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.331-336
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• 2005

Objective: To investigate the effects of female age on in vitro maturation and fertilization of immature oocytes from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in human IVF-ET program. Method: A total of 96 immature oocytes (GV & metaphase I) obtained from 40 cycles of IVF-ET (29 patients). The mean age of female patients was $31.8{\pm}3.1years$. Ovulation was triggered by urinary or recombinant hCG. Immature oocytes were cultured with YS medium containing 30% of patients' human follicular fluids, LH (1 IU/mL), FSH (1 IU/mL) and EGF (10 ng/mL), and then matured oocytes were fertilized by ICSI. In vitro maturation and fertilization of immature oocytes were analyzed according to age of female (< 34 or ${\geq}34years$). Results: The maturation rate was similar between two groups (68% vs 64%). The fertilization rate of in?vitro-matured oocytes was higher in patients < 34 years old, but there was no statistical significance (64% vs 50%, p=0.347). The fertilization rate of in-vitro-matured oocytes was significantly lower compared with those of in-vivo-matured oocytes in both age groups (64% vs 79%, p=0.035, 50% vs 86%, p=0.007). Conclusion: In older female group, fertilization rate of in-vitro-matured oocytes seems to be decreased. Further investigations should be warranted to increase fertilization potential of in-vitro-matured oocytes.