• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 2006

This study was conducted to examine the effects of hormone and sodium pyruvate on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes. Canine oocytes were collected from the ovaries of dogs and cultured in NCSU-37 medium with hormones and sodium pyruvate for 72 hr. Oocytes matured to the metaphase II (MII) stage were observed only from estradiol $17{\beta}\;(E_2)$, and the presence of gonadotropin did not improve the nuclear maturation. No oocytes were developed to the MII stage when $E_2$ was added to medium during the first 6 and 24 hrs of culture period. The presence of $E_2$ during the whole culture period enhanced the nuclear maturation to the MII stage (6.0%, P<0.05). High concentration of sodium pyruvate (2.5 mM) slightly enhanced the nuclear maturation to the metapahse I (HMI) stage, but not the MII stage. the result of the present study shows that the presence of $ E_2$ during the whole culture period of 72 hr enhances the maturation of canine oocytes to the M stage, but sodium pyruvate does not affect the nuclear maturation of the canine oocytes.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.353-361
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• 2008

We aimed to investigate whether the extracts of Lycii fructus, Lycii folium, and estradiol can attenuate on the level of cholesterol on serum and ultrastructure alteration of hepatocytes isolated from ovariectomized rats. Experimental groups are divided into five: Sham (sham-operated), OVX (ovariectomized animal), LCF (OVX, Lycii fructus), LCL (OVX, Lycii folium), and $E_2$ (OVX, estradiol). The body weights of OVX group showed increase compared with Sham, LCF, and LCL groups. The levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly decreased in the LCF and LCL groups compared with those of OVX group. Moreover, the High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was increased in the LCL group. As the results of electron microscopical observation, lipid droplets in the OVX group showed increase compared with Sham group. But in the LCF group not showed lipid droplets. In conclusion, administration of Lycii fructus or Lycii folium lowers the serum cholesterol content of the ovariectomized rats and also the damage of the hepatocytes and formation of lipid droplets.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.284-294
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• 2018

Purpose: Epithelial barrier dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of periodontitis and oral lichen planus. Estrogens have been shown to enhance the physical barrier function of intestinal and esophageal epithelia, and we aimed to investigate the effect of estradiol (E2) on the regulation of physical barrier and tight junction (TJ) proteins in human oral epithelial cell monolayers. Methods: HOK-16B cell monolayers cultured on transwells were treated with E2, an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (ICI 182,780), tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF{\alpha}$), or dexamethasone (Dexa), and the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) was then measured. Cell proliferation was measured by the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. The levels of TJ proteins and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$ were examined by confocal microscopy. Results: E2 treatment increased the TER and the levels of junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-A and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting cell proliferation during barrier formation. Treatment of the tight-junctioned cell monolayers with $TNF{\alpha}$ induced decreases in the TER and the levels of ZO-1 and nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$. These $TNF{\alpha}-induced$ changes were inhibited by E2, and this effect was completely reversed by co-treatment with ICI 182,780. Furthermore, E2 and Dexa presented an additive effect on the epithelial barrier function. Conclusions: E2 reinforces the physical barrier of oral epithelial cells through the nuclear ER-dependent upregulation of TJ proteins. The protective effect of E2 on the $TNF{\alpha}-induced$ impairment of the epithelial barrier and its additive effect with Dexa suggest its potential use to treat oral inflammatory diseases involving epithelial barrier dysfunction.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2002

We have previously demonstrated that phytoestrogens isolated from safflower seeds significantly attenuated bone loss in ovariectomized rats, and directly stimulated proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblastic cells. In an attempt to elucidate underlying cellular mechanisms, in the present study we investigated effects of $17{\beta}-estradiol\;(E_2)$ and phytoestrogens such as matairesinol and acacetin, a type of lignan and flavonoid, respectively, on activation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2, in cultured osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells. Western blot analysis with anti-MAP kinase antibody showed that a wide range concentrations $(10^{-14}\;to\;10^{-6}\;M)\;of\;E_2$ as well as both phytoestrogens induced rapid and transient activation of ERK1/2 through phosphorylation within minutes. Maximum activation of MAP kinases by $E_2$ and phytoestrogens were observed at 10 and 15 min, respectively. $E_2-induced$ phosphorylation of ERK1/2 returned to the control level at 30 min, whereas phytoestrogen-induced phosphorylation was maintained at high level until 30 min. PD-98059, a highly selective inhibitor of MAP kinase, prevented phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the cells treated either with $E_2$ or phytoestrogens. To examine a possible involvement of estrogen receptor in the activation process of MAP kinase, Western blot analysis was performed in the presence and absence of the estrogen receptor antagonists, ICI 182,780 and tamoxifen. These antagonists blocked MAP kinase phosphorylation induced not only by $E_2,$ but also by the phytoestrogens. To the best our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that phytoestrogens such as flavonoid and lignan extracted from safflower seeds produce a rapid activation of MAP kinase, at least partially via membrane estrogen receptor of the cultured osteoblastic cells.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.3-5
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• 2003

여성호르몬으로 잘 알려진 estrogen은 난소의 granulosa 세포와 정소의 Sertoli 세포에서 주로 생성되는 것으로 알려져 있으며 최근엔 사람의 지방, 근육, 뇌, 뼈세포 등에서의 합성 가능성과 각 조직에서 생성되는 estrogen 의 생리학적인 기능에 관해 많은 관심이 모여져 왔다. 다른 steroid처럼 지방친화적인 (lipophilic) estrogen은 세포막과 핵막을 쉽게 통과하여 목표세포 (target cell)의 핵에 존재하는 estrogen receptor (ER)에 결합하여 특정 유전자를 발현에 관여하는 것으로 알려져 있다. Cytochrome P450 Aromatase (간략히, aromatase)는 steroid hormone을 합성하는 마지막 단계에서 androgens을 estrogens으로 전환시키는데 관여하는 효소이다. Aromatase의 substrate (기질)로 사용되는 androgen에는 androstenedione과 testosterone 등이 있으며, 최종 산물로써 estrone(E1)이나 17$\beta$-estradiol(E2) 등의 estrogen이 생성된다. Aromatase는 steroidogenic tissues의 세포내 골지체에 존재하는 것으로 알려져 있으며, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase와 함께 복합체로써 존재한다. NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase는 다른 steroid hormone에 관여하는 효소들과도 복합체를 형성하여 다른 steroid hormone을 합성할 수 있으므로, 어떤 조직에서 여성호르몬이 만들어질 수 있느냐 하는 것은 그 조직에서 aromatase 단백질이 만들어지느냐에 따라서 결정된다.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.293-298
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• 2008

Cirsium japonicum water extracts has been used to treat vascular related diseases. We have previously reported that Cirsium japonicum extracts activated estrogen receptors. It is widely known that estrogen increases the high density lipoprotein cholesterol and decrease the low density lipoprotein cholesterol on the lipid profile. But effects of Cirsium japonicum on lipid profile are not reported yet. Therefore, we have studied the effects of Cirsium japonicum on the lipid content in ovariectomized rats. Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of $210{\pm}20\;g$ were studied for 10 weeks. The rats were divided into five groups; (I) sham, no ovariectomized rats plus olive oil, (II) ovariectomized rats plus olive oil, (III) ovariectomized rats plus 0.5 mg/kg $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2) in olive oil, (IV) ovariectomized rats plus 0.5 mg/kg Cirsium japonicum in olive oil, and (V) ovariectomized rats plus 5 mg/kg Cirsium japonicum in olive oil. Treatment with Cirsium japonicum or E2 induced significant reduction in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol, total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to control group as well as increase in uterine weight. However, changes in triglycerides levels were different. Our results suggest that Cirsium japonicum is functionally similar to E2 in vivo as well as in vitro.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.355-361
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• 2011

Effects of aluminum (Al) on plasma vitellogenin (VTG), alkaline-labile phosphorus (ALPP), calcium (Ca), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), the hepatosomatic index (HSI), and hepatic Al concentration were examined in estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$)-administered immature rockfish Sebastes schlegeli. Fish were injected intraperitoneally with $E_2$ (5 mg/kg body weight [BW]) and/or Al (0, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg BW) and plasma and liver samples were extracted 7 days later. After sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the relative amount of VTG was determined by integrated optical density. VTG accounted for 23.6% of the total proteins in the control group, but this value decreased with increasing Al administration. Al reduced the concentrations of ALPP and Ca in a concentration-dependent manner and significant reduction occurred at Al concentrations greater than 5 mg/kg. The concentration of GPT increased in a concentration-dependent manner in all Al-administered rockfish. The concentrations of Al in the liver also increased, and HSI was decreased, in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that Al inhibits $E_2$-induced VTG production by being toxic to hepatocytes in marine fish.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.526-533
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• 1992

포유류 배아의 착상기작을 규명하고자 본 연구에서는 착상시기에 수정된 배아가 착상부위를 어떻게 인식하는 지 그리고 착상부위의 분화유발요인이 무엇인지를 조사하였다. 착상시기(임신 제6일)와 착상후 초기배아 발생기간(임신 제9일)중 혈청내 estradiol (E2)과 Progesterone(P4)의 농도를 측정하였으며, 자궁내막 조직을 착상부위 (antimesome trium)와 비 착상부위(mesometrium)로 분리하여 P4의 수용체 농도를 측정하였다. 혈청내 E2의 농도는 임신 제6일군에서 E2처리군에서 가장 높았으며, 임신 제9일에서는 intact 대조군에서 가장 높고 제9일의 모든 실험군의 농도는 임신 제6일군보다 높았다. 혈청내 P4 농도는 임신 제6일과 9일에서 다같이 대조군에서 가장 높으며 처리군 중에서는 P4처리군에서 높아지고 있다. P4 농도 역시 임신 제9일의 모든 실험군에서 제6일의 실험군보다 높았다. P4수용체 농도는 착상부위가 비 착상부위보다 높으며, 대조군(P < 0.01)과 P처리 군(P < 0.05)에서는 유의한 차이로 비 착상부위보다 높았다. 자궁내막조직 착상을 위한 분화에는 P4의 영향이 크며 P4의 혈청내 농도와 핵의 수용체 농도는 모든 실험군에서 상응하는 관계를 나타내었다. 이 결과는 앞서 일차적으로 발표한 알카리성 phosphatase (ALPase) 활성과도 상응하는 것이다.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1486-1491
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• 2004

The estrogenicities of six heavy metal compounds, which contaminate frequently in foods, were assayed using a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays. The assays were 1) estrogen receptor dependent transcriptional expression assay, 2) E-screen assay and, 3) the uterotropic assay in mice. The chemicals studied were 17$\beta$ -estradiol, diethylstilbestrol (DES), arsenic oxide, bis(tri-n-butyltin), cadmium chloride, chromium chloride, lead acetate, and mercuric chloride. Using the estrogen receptor dependent transcriptional expression assay, the following estrogenicity ranking was measured: bis(tri-n-butyltin) > cadmium chloride > chromium chloride >> mercuric chloride >lead acetate = arsenic oxide. Using E-screen test, the following estrogenicity ranking was measured: bis(tri-n-butyltin) > cadmium chloride > chromium chloride >> mercuric chloride > lead acetate = arsenic oxide. Results from the uterotropic assay showed that bis(tri-n-butyltin), cadmium chloride, chromium chloride caused an increase in uterine wet weight, while lead acetate, mercuric chloride, and arsenic oxide failed to do so. Bis(tri-n-butyltin), cadmium chloride and chromium chloride showed the highest estrogenicity in three assay systems. Recent studies suggesting that bis(tri-n-butyltin), cadmium chloride have estrogenicities are compatible with the present finding. Furthermore, our study is suggesting that chromium chloride may be estrogenic. The results demonstrate that this three level-assay combination (transcriptional activation, cell proliferation, and an in vivo effect in an estrogen-responsive tissue) could serve as a useful method to assess the estrogenicity of heavy metals.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.293-298
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• 2005

We examined the effects of GnRHa on expression of the gonadotropin subunit gene in the pituitary and on syn-thesis of the plasma sex steroids (testosterone and 17$\beta$-estradiol) in protandrous black porgy. Fish were injected intraperitoneally with 0.2g GnRHa/g and then both the pituitary and the plasma were sampled 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after injection. The mRNA level of the FSH subunit increased at 6 hours post-injection, while the LH mRNA levels expressed are same with or without GnRHa treatment. Also, GnRHa stimulation caused a significant increase of the plasma testosterone (T) and 17$\beta$-estradiol ($E_2$) after 24 hours. The homologies of black porgy FSH to red seabream, Pagrus majoy FSH, snakehead fish, Channa maculata FSH and striped bass, Morone saxatilis FSH were $83.3\%,\;79.2\%$ and $76.0\%$ respectively. Amino acid homology analysis using the GenBank and EMBL general searches indicated that black porgy FSH has a high homology with yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus latus LH ($97.7\%$ identity) and red seabream LH ($83.3\%$ identity).