• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.154-159
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• 2007

Manchurian trout (Brachymystax lenok) is an endangered fish species in East Asia including the Korean peninsula. To establish a method for artificial propagation and to improve our understanding of the reproduction in the species, we have produced recombinant gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (r-mtFSH) and luteinizing hormone (r-mtLH), which may play central roles in reproductive activities. In the present study, the biological activities of the recombinant hormones were analyzed by gonadosomatic index (GSI), ovarian follicle diameter, and sex steroid levels in mature rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In the 6th day post-injection, FSH-injected fish were slightly decreased in the GSI value, although there were no significant differences among those of control, r-mtFSH, and r-mtLH treatments. Injection of the r-mtFSH increased follicle diameters significantly as compared with those of control- and r-mtLH-injected fish. The plasma steroid levels showed wide differences in the groups at 1, 3, or 6th day post-injection. Despite the variable steroid levels, three individuals receiving either r-mtFSH or r-mtLH showed a great increase in a maturation-inducing steroid, $17{\alpha},20{beta}$-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, at 3 and 6 days. Taken together, these results suggest that biological efficacies of the recombinant FSH and LH should be further studied in the Manchurian trout.

• BMB Reports
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• v.46 no.9
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• pp.460-464
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• 2013

The progression of androgenetic alopecia is closely related to androgen-inducible transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$ secretion by hair follicle dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in bald scalp. Physiological levels of androgen exposure were reported to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In this study, rat vibrissae dermal papilla cells (DP-6) transfected with androgen receptor showed increased ROS production following androgen treatment. We confirmed that TGF-${\beta}1$ secretion is increased by androgen treatment in DP-6, whereas androgen-inducible TGF-${\beta}1$ was significantly suppressed by the ROSscavenger, N-acetyl cysteine. Therefore, we suggest that induction of TGF-${\beta}1$ by androgen is mediated by ROS in hair follicle DPCs.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.572-580
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• 2016

3-Deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC) has been reported to possess anti-allergic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 3-DSC on the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) and mouse hair growth in vivo. A real-time cell analyzer system, luciferase assay, Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were employed to measure the biochemical changes occurring in HDPCs in response to 3-DSC treatment. The effect of 3-DSC on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice was also examined. 3-DSC promoted the proliferation of HDPCs, similar to Tofacitinib, an inhibitor of janus-activated kinase (JAK). 3-DSC promoted phosphorylation of ${\beta}$-catenin and transcriptional activation of the T-cell factor. In addition, 3-DSC potentiated interleukin-6 (IL-6)-induced phosphorylation and subsequent transactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), thereby increasing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (Cdk4), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). On the contrary, 3-DSC attenuated STAT6 mRNA expression and IL4-induced STAT6 phosphorylation in HDPCs. Finally, we observed that topical application of 3-DSC promoted the anagen phase of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. 3-DSC stimulates hair growth possibly by inducing proliferation of follicular dermal papilla cells via modulation of $WNT/{\beta}$-catenin and STAT signaling.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1065-1074
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• 2016

Growth factors play an important role during early ovarian development and folliculogenesis, since they regulate the migration of germ cells to the gonadal ridge. They also act on follicle recruitment, proliferation/atresia of granulosa cells and theca, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, ovulation and luteinization. Among the growth factors, the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and the bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-${\beta}$) superfamily, have been implicated as essential for follicular development. The GDF9 and BMP15 participate in the evolution of the primordial follicle to primary follicle and play an important role in the later stages of follicular development and maturation, increasing the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression, plasminogen activator and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). These factors are also involved in the interconnections between the oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells, where they regulate absorption of amino acids, glycolysis and biosynthesis of cholesterol cumulus cells. Even though the mode of action has not been fully established, in vitro observations indicate that the factors GDF9 and BMP15 stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles and proliferation of cumulus cells through the induction of mitosis in cells and granulosa and theca expression of genes linked to follicular maturation. Thus, seeking greater understanding of the action of these growth factors on the development of oocytes, the role of GDF9 and BMP15 in ovarian function is summarized in this brief review.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1711-1715
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• 2006

To predict the number of preantral (primordial, primary and secondary) follicles retrieved from bovine ovaries, we examined the relationship between morphological parameters of ovaries and number of preantral follicles retrieved mechanically. The preantral follicles were retrieved mechanically by slicing ovarian tissue and the influences of size of the ovaries, number of antral follicles, and presence of cystic follicle and corpus luteum on the retrieval were evaluated. Total 77 ovaries were used and significant (p<0.05) relationship was detected between the number of antral follicles and the presence of cystic follicles, and the retrieval number. More preantral follicles were retrieved from the ovaries having more than 20 antral follicles than those having less than 20 antral follicles (17,760${\pm}$5,637 vs. 3,689${\pm}$537) in the ovarian cortex. The retrieval number was significantly reduced in cystic ovaries compared with non-cystic ovaries (5,167${\pm}$825 vs. 20,631${\pm}$6,507). However, neither ovary size (<3.5, 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5 and >4.5 cm) nor the presence of corpus luteum affected the follicle retrieval. In conclusion, the number of preantral follicles retrieved from the ovaries can simply be predicted by the number of antral follicles and the presence of cystic follicles in the ovarian cortex.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.287-292
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• 2014

Purpose: To describe the features of impacted upper canines and their relationship with adjacent structures through three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: Using the CBCT scans of 79 upper impacted canines, we evaluated the following parameters: gender, unilateral/bilateral occurrence, location, presence and degree of root resorption of adjacent teeth (mild, moderate, or severe), root dilaceration, dental follicle width, and presence of other associated local conditions. Results: Most of the impacted canines were observed in females (56 cases), unilaterally (51 cases), and at a palatine location (53 cases). Root resorption in adjacent teeth and root dilaceration were observed in 55 and 47 impacted canines, respectively. In most of the cases, the width of the dental follicle of the canine was normal; it was abnormally wide in 20 cases. A statistically significant association was observed for all variables, except for root dilaceration (p=0.115) and the side of impaction (p=0.260). Conclusion: Root resorption of adjacent teeth was present in most cases of canine impaction, mostly affecting adjacent lateral incisors to a mild degree. A wide dental follicle of impacted canines was not associated with a higher incidence of external root resorption of adjacent teeth.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.16-21
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• 2014

Micro needle roller therapy has been used for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing skin winkles and improving elasticity of skin. It is claimed that micro needle roller therapy has potentials for connective tissue regeneration by facilitating collagen synthesis. Therefore, there seems to be a possibility that connective tissue regenerating potential of micro needle roller therapy could influence the hair growth cycle. This study, we investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of micro needle roller therapy. C57BL/6 mice were devided into three groups as follows: normal saline-treated, minoxidil-treated, and micro needle roller therapy-received group. Hair growth activity was evaluated by handscopic and microscopic observations. Sections of dorsal skin were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Expression of BrdU, FGF, and VEGF was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Micro needle roller therapy enhanced the development of hair follicle during anagen. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that micro neeld roller therapy incresed the expression of BrdU and FGF in the hair follicles of C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, micro needle roller therapy upregulated mRNA expression of VEGFR-2, FGF-2, EGF - growth factors that play a central role in hair follicle development during anagen. These results suggest that Micro needle roller therapy can potentially be used for the treatment of alopecia.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.207-214
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• 2016

Objective: This study aimed to determine the threshold of $anti-M{\ddot{u}}llerian$ hormone (AMH) as predictor of follicular growth failure in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients treated with clomiphene citrate (CC). Methods: Fifty female subjects with PCOS were recruited and divided into two groups based on successful and unsuccessful follicular growth. Related variables such as age, infertility duration, cigarette smoking, use of Moslem hijab, sunlight exposure, fiber intake, body mass index, waist circumference, AMH level, 25-hydroxy vitamin D level, and growth of dominant follicles were obtained, assessed, and statistically analyzed. Results: The AMH levels of patients with successful follicular growth were significantly lower (p= 0.001) than those with unsuccessful follicular growth ($6.10{\pm}3.52$ vs. $10.43{\pm}4.78ng/mL$). A higher volume of fiber intake was also observed in the successful follicular growth group compared to unsuccessful follicular growth group (p= 0.001). Our study found the probability of successful follicle growth was a function of AMH level and the amount of fiber intake, expressed as Y =-2.35+($-0.312{\times}AMH\;level$)+($0.464{\times}fiber\;intake$) (area under the curve, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.98; p< 0.001). Conclusion: The optimal threshold of AMH level in predicting the failure of follicle growth in patients with PCOS treated with CC was 8.58 ng/mL.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2014

Objective: To investigate the association of individual follicular fluid (FF) leptin and adiponectin levels with the quality of the corresponding oocyte and embryo. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 67 women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with 89 FF samples. FF and the corresponding oocyte was obtained from a single dominant preovulatory follicle at the time of oocyte retrieval. Concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in an individual follicle. The oocyte quality, fertilization rate, and corresponding embryo development were assessed. Results: The FF level of leptin was significantly associated with body mass index (r=0.334, p<0.01). The FF adiponectin level was significantly higher in the normal fertilization group than the abnormal fertilization group (p=0.009) in the non-obese women. A lower FF leptin level was associated with a trend toward mature oocytes, normal fertilization, and good embryo quality, although these relationships were not statistically significant. The leptin:adiponectin ratio of FF did not differ significantly according to oocyte and embryo quality. The quality of the oocyte and embryo was not associated with the FF leptin level tertile. However, the normal fertilization rate was positively associated with FF adiponectin level tertile. There was a trend towards improved oocytes and normal fertilization rates with the lowest tertile of the FF leptin:adiponectin ratio, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a high FF adiponectin concentration could be a predictor of normal fertilization. However, the FF leptin concentration and leptin:adiponectin ratio is not significantly related to oocyte maturity and corresponding embryo development.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2011

Objective: Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) play an important role in regulating cellular differentiation and proliferation in several types of mammalian cells. This report examined the expression of Prx isotype I in the rat ovary after hormone treatment. Methods: Immature rats were injected with 10 IU of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) to induce the growth of multiple preovulatory follicles and 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation. Immature rats were also treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES), an estrogen analogue, to induce the growth of multiple immature follicles. Northern blot analysis was performed to detect gene expression. Cell-type specific localization of Prx I mRNA were detected by in situ hybridization analysis. Results: During follicle development, ovarian Prx I gene expression was detected in 3-day-old rats and had increased in 21-day-old rats. The levels of Prx I mRNA slightly declined one to two days following treatment with DES. A gradual increase in Prx I gene expression was observed in ovaries obtained from PMSG-treated immature rats. Furthermore, hCG treatment of PMSG-primed rats resulted in a gradual stimulation of Prx I mRNA levels by 24 hours (2.1-fold increase) following treatment, which remained high until 72 hours following treatment. In situ hybridization analysis revealed the expression of the Prx I gene in the granulosa cells of PMSG-primed ovaries and in the corpora lutea of ovaries stimulated with hCG for 72 hours. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the gonadotropin and granulosa cell-specific stimulation of Prx I gene expression, suggesting its role as a local regulator of follicle development.