• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.279-288
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• 1998

This study explored the effect of calcium levels and/or ovariectomy on bone metabolism using female Sprague-Dawley weanling rats as a model . Rats received a low (0.1%) calcium diet for 8 weeks. The rats were then divided into three subgroups that were fed 0.1% ,0.5% and 1.5% calcium diets for 8 weeks after operation. The results of this experiment indicate that body weight gin was higher in ovariectomy groups than in sham groups regardless of calcium level and food intake. Serum Ca and P concentrations were of normal level regardless of calcium level and ovariectomy. Estrogen concentration was low in the ovariectomized group. Serum alkaline phophatase activity and urinary hydroxyproline have been used as markers of bone formation and resorption. These values were increased in ovariectomized groups. The weight, length and breaking force of femur were not significantly different between the groups. Ash, Ca, P and total lipid contents in femur and lumbar were decreased in the groups fed low calcium . Mg content was decreased in the ovariectomy and total protein content was not affected by calcium level and ovariectomy. The effect groups of ovarectomy on calcium contents of bone was more prominent in lumbar than in femur. In conclusion, though low calcium intakes during growth period may retard the attainment of peak bone mass, calcium supplementation after this period increased bone growth and mineral contents, but not significant effect in three calcium levels. Furthermore, calcium intake was shown to have a greater influence on the mineral contents of femur than of lumbar, and removal of endogenous estrogen production by ovariectomy was shown to be more deleterious on the ash and calcium contents of the lumbar than of femur.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1309-1313
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• 2016

Metabolic signals and the state of energy reserves have been shown to play a crucial role in the regulation of reproductive function. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary glucose levels on puberty onset in gilts. Weight-matched, landrace gilts (n = 36) $162{\pm}3days$ old, weighing about $71.05{\pm}4.53kg$, were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatment groups of 12 gilts each. The trial lasted until the onset of puberty. Gilts in each group were supplied with diets containing different levels of glucose as follows: i) starch group (SG) was free of glucose, contained 64% corn derived starch; ii) low-dose group (LDG) contained 19.2% glucose and 44.8% corn derived starch; iii) high-dose group (HDG) contained 30% glucose and 30% corn derived starch. Results indicated: i) The growth performance of gilts were not affected by the addition of glucose, but the age of puberty onset was advanced significantly (p<0.05); ii) Compared with the SG, the concentration of insulin significantly increased before puberty in HDG (p<0.05); iii) There was no difference in serum progesterone (P) levels amongst the different feed groups, however, levels of estradiol ($E_2$), luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were significantly higher at puberty onset in HDG (p<0.05). Overall, our findings indicate that glucose supplementation significantly advances puberty onset, which can have practical purposes for commercial breeding.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.324-330
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Porphyra tenera (PT) extracts on formation of collagen cross-link in ovariectomized rats. From day 3 until 42 after the ovariectomy, Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly assigned to the following groups : sham-operated rats (Sham), ovariectomized control rats (OVX-control), ovariectomized rats supplemented with PT at 50 mg/kg bw/day (OVX-PT5O), 200 mg/kgbw/day (OVX-PT200). The PT ethanol extracts were orally administrated 1 mL per day. Body weight gain, food intake and food efficiency ratio were significantly different among the groups. The change of collagen content was studied in lung, bone, cartilage and skin of ovariectomized rats. The effects of PT extracts on the amount of collagen were examined by measuring the hydroxyproline, which is a specific amino acid existing in collagen. Pyridinoline is pyridinium cross-link formed in the mature form of collagen from lysine and hydroxylysine residues. Pyridinoline content was analyzed by HPLC. Pyridinoline content in bone collagen was decreased by ovariectomy but supplementation with the PT extracts was similarly increased to Sham. These results suggest that the PT supplementation could decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.2 s.69
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• pp.242-247
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• 2005

The aim of this study was evaluated the effect of biological activity of Hijikia fusiforme (HF). To investigate the effects of biological activity of HF ethanol extracts, Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: sham-operated rats (Sham), ovariectomized control rats (OVX-control), ovariectomized rats supplemented ethanol extracts of HF at 50 mg/kg bw/day (OVX-HF50), ovariectomized rats supplemented ethanol extracts of HF at 200 mg/kg bw/day (OVX-HF200). HF ethanol extracts were orally supplemented at the level of 1 mL per day. The body weight gain, food intake and food efficiency ratio were not significantly different between groups. Although total-cholesterol and triglyceride were increased in the ovariectomized control, supplementation with the HF extracts decreased the levels. And HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly increased after supplementation with the HF extracts $(p<0.05)$. According to these results, we could known the effects biological activity of Hijikia fusiforme. Consequently, we expect the effects of Hijikia fusiforme extract on cardiovascular diseases aging coming from postmenopausal.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.425-431
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• 2015

Estrogen deficiency is associated with increased body weight and fat mass, resulting in obesity-associated complications such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of black rice (Oryza sativa L.) extracts (BRE) on body weight and fat mass in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomized (or sham-operated) rats were randomly blocked into three groups (n=8~10 per group): sham operated group (S), ovariectomized control group (OVX), and ovariectomized group with BRE 30 mg/kg B.W. (BRE). High fat diet (fat calories 45%) was fed to all experimental rats for 12 weeks. Final body weight, weight gain, and body fat weight showed significant increases in the OVX group, whereas they were reduced by BRE supplementation. Serum TAG, T-chol level, and adipocyte size were not significantly different among the three groups. However, ovariectomy-induced hepatic steatosis was improved in BRE-treated group. Moreover, in the BRE group, serum leptin levels was significantly lower and fecal total lipid concentrations was significantly higher compared to the OVX group. The gathered data suggest that BRE is a potentially useful ingredient to protect against estrogen deficiency-related obesity and its related diseases.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.434-437
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• 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Monascus-fermented soybean extracts (MFSE) containing natural estrogen-like compounds such as isoflavones and mevinolins has potential effects on human osteoblast-like SaOS2 cells using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and alkaline phophatase (ALP) assaies. MFSE exerted biphasic dose-dependent effect; stimulating osteoblastic activity at low concentrations and inhibiting SaOS2 cells viability at high concentrations. At $10^{-8}-10^{-4}\;mg/mL$, MFSE is not only non-cytotoxic but also induced comparatively high ALP activity on SaOS2 cells. ALP activity (%) significantly increased (220.1%, p<0.05) when SaOS2 cells were treated with MFSE at a concentration of $10^{-5}\;mg/mL$, whereas slowly increased (185.6%, p<0.05) in unfermented soybean extracts (UFSE) at $10^{-3}\;mg/mL$. The potentially greater ALP activity of MFSE compared to the UFSE might partially be caused by its mevinolin, which was derived from the soybean during Monascus-fermentation. Our findings indicate that supplementation of MFSE may accelerate the speed of intracellular ALP synthesis by the bone cells when provided at optimal dosages.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.72-76
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• 2015

$17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase are enzymes encoded by the CYP17A1 gene and are required for the synthesis of sex steroids and cortisol. In $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase deficiency, there are low blood levels of estrogens, androgens, and cortisol, and resultant compensatory increases in adrenocorticotrophic hormone that stimulate the production of 11-deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone. In turn, the excessive levels of mineralocorticoids lead to volume expansion and hypertension. Females with $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase deficiency are characterized by primary amenorrhea and delayed puberty, with accompanying hypertension. Affected males usually have female external genitalia, a blind vagina, and intra-abdominal testes. The treatment of this disorder is centered on glucocorticoid and sex steroid replacement. In patients with $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase deficiency who are being raised as females, estrogen should be supplemented, while genetically female patients with a uterus should also receive progesterone supplementation. Here, we report a case of a 21-year-old female with $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase deficiency who had received inadequate treatment for a prolonged period of time. We also include a brief review of the recent literature on this disorder.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.108-114
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• 2014

Male factors account for 20%-50% of cases of infertility and in 25% of cases, the etiology of male infertility is unknown. Effective treatments are well-established for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, male accessory gland infection, retrograde ejaculation, and positive antisperm antibody. However, the appropriate treatment for idiopathic male infertility is unclear. Empirical medical treatment (EMT) has been used in men with idiopathic infertility and can be divided into two categories based on the mode of action: hormonal treatment and antioxidant supplementation. Hormonal medications consist of gonadotropins, androgens, estrogen receptor blockers, and aromatase inhibitors. Antioxidants such as vitamins, zinc, and carnitines have also been widely used to reduce oxidative stress-induced spermatozoa damage. Although scientifically acceptable evidence of EMT is limited because of the lack of large, randomized, controlled studies, recent systematic reviews with meta-analyses have shown that the administration of gonadotropins, anti-estrogens, and oral antioxidants results in a significant increase in the live birth rate compared with control treatments. Therefore, all physicians who treat infertility should bear in mind that EMT can improve semen parameters and subsequent fertility potential through natural intercourse.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.320-326
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• 2007

An important related question is whether arginine has influence bone metabolism. The effect of arginine supplements on bone markers and related hormones were studied in young female Sprague-Dawley rats fed either an arginine supplemented diet or control diet. Twenty four rats (body weight 83${\pm}$5 g) were randomly assigned to one of two groups, consuming casein or casein with supplemented arginine diet. All rats were fed on experimental diet and deionized water ad libitum for 9 weeks. Bone formation was measured by serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations. And bone resorption rate was measured by deoxypyridinoline (DPD) crosslinks immunoassay and corrected for creatinine. Serum osteocalcin, growth hormone, estrogen, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin were analyzed using radioimmunoassay kits. The weight gain and mean food intake were not affected regardless of diets. The rats fed arginine-supplemented diet had not significantly different in ALP, osteocalcin, crosslinks value, PTH, estradiol, and IGF-1 compared to those fed casein diet group. The arginine-supplemented group had significantly higher growth hormone and calcitonin than casein group. This study suggests that arginine is beneficial for bone formation in growing female rats. Therefore exposure to diet which rich in arginine early in life may have benefits for bone formation and osteoporosis prevention.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.603-612
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• 2003

Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. This is due to primarily dyslipidemia accompanying the loss of estrogen secretion. Soy isoflavones are known to have weak estrogenic effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether isoflavone supplement improves the risk of cardiovascular disease in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Subjects consisted of 39 Korean postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol $\geq$ 200 mg/㎗ or LDL cholesterol $\geq$ 130 mg/㎗). Subjects were divided into 2 groups; placebo group (PG), isoflavone supplement group (IG). During 12 weeks, subjects were given placebo and 80mg isoflavone daily. Anthropometric measurement, blood sample analysis and dietary intake measurement were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, systolic blood pressure was decreased significantly (p ＜ 0.01) and plasma HDL cholesterol level was increased significantly (p ＜ 0.05) in IG. But there were no significant changes in plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels after isoflavone supplementation. There was a negative correlation between initial plasma HDL cholesterol level and the extent of plasma HDL cholesterol reduction in IG (r＝-0.572, p＝0.012). Atherogenic index (AI), total-/LDL- cholesterol ratio and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio were improved significantly after isoflavone supplementation. In subjects whose initial plasma LDL cholesterol level were above 160 mg/㎗, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level were decreased and total antioxidant status (TAS) were increased significantly after isoflavone supplement (p ＜ 0.05). However there were no significant changes in flow-mediated dilator (FMD), the marker of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and nitroglycerine-mediated dilator (NMD), the marker of endothelium-independent vasodilation and the extent of DNA damage after isoflavone supplement. In conclusion, these results indicate that isoflavone supplement may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease via improving blood pressure, HDL cholesterol level and AI in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Futhermore, in case of subjects with elevated LDL cholesterol level, isoflavone supplementation may have more antiatherogenic effects via improving antioxidant status.