• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.265-270
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• 2012

In canine, oocytes are ovulated at the GV (germinal vesicle) stage and they have to fulfill maturation phase before reaching metaphase II stage. The efficiency of in vitro maturation is still very low. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in vitro maturation on nuclear changes of immature canine oocytes recovered from different reproductive stages ovaries and different culture conditions. The oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 with supplement at 5% $CO_2$ and $38.5^{\circ}C$ for 72 h. The nuclear maturation of canine oocytes was evaluated with Hoechst 33342 stain under fluorescence microscope (Fig. 1). The results of this study detected differences in in vitro maturation rate between oocytes recovered from follicle status and non-follicle status ovaries. However, these differences were not significant as indicated in Table 1 and Fig. 2. In regard to the effect of culture condition with supplements, we did not found significant differences compared with control group (Table 2, Table 3). One of the reasons for this data could be the conditions that ovaries were exposed during slaughtering process or the long distant transportation of the ovaries. Although these data have not shown clearly significant differences results compared with control, furthermore the different reproductive status ovaries was beneficial for maturation of oocytes in vitro and can be a basic part of knowledge to improve in vitro maturation of canine oocytes.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 1993

In 27 patients with the past history of poor response to the gonadotropin superovulation induction due to poor follicular growth or permature surge of endogenous luteinizing hormone, the effectiveness of pituitary supperssion with the gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist(GnRH-a) in in vitro fertilization(IVF) program was evaluated in 43 cycles using a combination regimen of D-Trp-6 LHRH(Decapeptyl, Ferring)and FSH/hMG from June, 1989 to August, 1990 at Korea University Hospital IVF Clinic. At midluteal phase of menstrual cycle, Decapeptyl-CR was administered by long-term protocol to minimize initial agonistic effect of endogenous gonadotropins. After the confirmation of pituitary suppression, about 2-3 weeks after GNRH-a administration, ovarian follicle growth was stimulated with FSH/hMG and followed by transvaginal ultrasonic measurement of follicle size and by monitoring of serm E2 and LH if necessary. When compared with the control group stimulated with gonadotropin regimen only, the cancellation rate and occurrence rate of premature LH surge during gonadotropin treatment were significantly lower in study group(11.6% and 2.4%, respectively). There is no significant differences in the mean number of aspirated oocytes, fertilization/cleavage rate, embryo transfer(ET) rate, and mean number of embryos transferred between the two groups. The pregnancy rate per treatment cycle, 16.3%, and per ET cycle, 23.3%, were significantly higher in the study group compared with those of control group. These data suggest that GnRH-a therapy is effective for previous poor responder In gonadotropin superovulation induction for IVF.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.203-209
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• 2006

Azoles are widely used antifungal agents, which inhibit the biosynthesis of fungal cell-membrane ergosterol. In this study, using an amphibian follicle culture system, the effects of azoles on follicular steroidogenesis in frogs were examined. Itraconazole (ICZ), clotrimazole (CTZ) and ketoconazole (KCZ) suppressed pregnenolone ($P_5$) production by the follicles ($ED_{50};\;0.04_{\mu}M,\;0.33_{\mu} M,\;and\;0.91_{\mu}M$, respectively) in response to frog pituitary homogenates (FPH). However, fluconazole (FCZ), miconazole (MCZ) and econazole (ECZ) were not effective in the suppression of $P_5$ production. Not all the azoles examined suppressed the conversion of exogenous $P_5$ to progesterone ($P_4$) (by $3{\beta}$- HSD) or $P_4$ to $17{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone ($17{\alpha}$-OHP) (by $17{\alpha}$-hydroxylase), or androstenedione (AD) to testosterone (T) (by $17{\beta}$-HSD). In contrast, CTZ, MCZ and ECZ in medium partially suppressed the conversion of $17{\alpha}$-OHP to AD (by C17-20 lyase) ($ED_{50};\;0.25{\mu} M,\;4.5{\mu}M,\;and\;0.7{mu}M$, respectively) and CTZ, KCZ, ECZ and MCZ strongly suppressed the conversion of exogenous T to estradiol ($E_2$) (by aromatase) ($ED_{50};\;0.02{\mu}M,\;8{\mu}M,\;0.07{\mu}M,\;0.8{\mu}M$, respectively). These results demonstrated that some azole agents strongly suppress amphibian follicular steroidogenesis and particularly, P450scc and aromatase are more sensitive to azoles than other steroidogenic enzymes.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.34-41
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• 2009

Gonadal development and reproductive cycle of the granular ark Tegillarca granosa were investigated by histological observations. Samples were collected monthly from January to Decemberry 2002 in the Yeoja Bay of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, Korea. T. granosa was dioecious. The gonads consist of a number of oogenic follicle and acinus. Monthly changes in the gonad index reached a maximum in June and a minimum in August. Monthly changes in the condition index reached a maximum in July and a minimum in September. The reproductive cycle of this species can be divided into five successive stages: early active stage (March to May), late active stage (April to June), ripe stage (May to July), spent stage (July to August) and recovery and resting stage (September to March). The spawning of T. granosa occurred in July and August in Yeoja Bay. The sex ratio of female to male was not significantly different from 1:1.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.177-184
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• 2010

The structure of the ovary, ultrastructure of oocytes and morphological characteristics of vitellogenesis during oogenesis in female Gomphina veneriformis were investigated in clams collected from coastal waters of Samchok, Gangwon-do, Kore. In the previtellogenic oocytes, the Golgi complex was involved in the formation of a number of vacuoles. In the early vitellogenic oocytes, lipid droplets appeared among the Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in the cytoplasm of the oocyte were involved in the formation of lipid droplets. Coated vesicles, resulting from endocytosis appeared at the basal region of the early vitellogenic oocyte. The uptake of nutritive materials in the coated vesicles formed by receptor-mediated endocytosis appeared through the formation of coated endocytotic pits on the oolemma. In the late vitellogenic oocytes, large yolk granules were formed by a combination of small yolk granules. In the mature oocyte, a mature yolk granule in composed of three components: crystaline core, electron lucent cortex, and a limiting membrane. According to cytological and histological observations, vitellogenesis occurred by way of endogenous autosynthesis and exogenous heterosynthesis. Autosynthesis involved the conbined activities of the Golgi complex, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, whereas heterosynthesis involved endocytotic incorporation of extraovarian precursors at the basal region of the early vitellogenic oocyte. The follicle cells which was attached to oocytes, were involved in the development of the previtellogenic and early vitellogenic oocytes as a kind of nutritive cells containing a number of glycogen particles and lipid droplets in the cytoplasm.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.122-137
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• 2018

Objectives: This study is to review the effect of Korean medicinal herbs on treatment of polycystic ovary induced rat models reported in domestic & foreign journals. Methods: 7 electronic databases (Pubmed, CNKI, EMBASE, Oasis, RISS, CENTRAL, Koreankt) were searched with term as polycystic ovary, and study reports on polycystic ovary impairment with Korean medicinal herbs. After selecting several studies, the analysis was focused on items reflected in the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome such as hyperandrogenism (HA), ovarian weight, the number of follicle cysts, estrous cycles, and etc. Results: 15 studies were reviewed. As a polycystic ovary induction material, estradiol valerate (EV) was used in 9 studies, testosterone propionate (TP) in 2 studies and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Poretsky's method and letrozole (LE) was used in rest 4 studies, respectively. Tribulus terrestris (TT), Nardostachys jatamansi (NJ), Lycii cortex (LC), Cinnamomum cassia kees (CCK) and Atractylodis macrocephalae koidz (AMK) produced statistically significant results related to hyperandrogenism. In ovarian weight, Silybum marianum (SM), AMK and Alllium sativum (AS) were statistically significant. In the the number of follicle cysts, SM and TT were statistically significant. In estrous cycles, AMK, NJ, TT and Coix lacryma-jobi (CL) were statistically significant. Conclusions: Based on the diagnosis criteria of Rotterdam, TT, NJ, AMK, SM, AS, and CL produced statistically significant results in rat model.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.91-98
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• 2014

Primary gastric lymphoma (PGL) is derived from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and it differs from nodal lymphoma in histologic features and biologic behavior. Recent studies have showed that Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori ) infection is closely related to the development of low grade gastric lymphoma, and eradication of the infection induces regression of the tumor. H. pylori infection is known to be important to the development of gastric MALT lymphoma. The aim of this study was to elucidate the histopathological behavior of PGL according to the concept of MALT and to compare the predictive value of tests frequently used for diagnosis of H. pylori. The histological features of gastric lymphoma arising from MALT are the replacement of glands by uniform dense infiltration of centrocyte-like cells in the lamina propria and lymphoidepithelial lesion. H. pylori-associated histologic changes of neutrophilic infiltration, lymphoid follicle or aggregates formation and intestinal metaplasia, and H. pylori immunoreactivity were analyzed. Detection of H. pylori in chronic active gastritis and peptic ulcer suggests a possible role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis. Giemsa, Toluidine blue and Long H&E stains were used in H. pylori detection. Histopathological examination of gastric biopsy specimens revealed lymphoepithelial lesions pathognomonic of MALT lymphoma, and immunohistochemical staining for CD20 was diffusely positive. CD3 was positive in reactive T cells. PAX-5 was negative except the follicle. Bcl-2, cytokeratin, Ki-67, and c-myc were positive. The findings may indicate a predictable transition of low grade to high grade, and c-myc may be used as a valuable marker before molecular pathology diagnosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.126-131
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• 2017

Objective: Oocyte degeneration often occurs after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the risk factor is low-quality oocytes. The follicular fluid (FF) provides a crucial microenvironment for oocyte development. We investigated the relationships between the FF volume aspirated from individual follicles and oocyte retrieval, oocyte maturity, oolemma stretchability, fertilization, and development. Methods: This retrospective study included data obtained from 229 ICSI cycles. Ovarian stimulation was performed according to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol. Each follicle was individually aspirated and divided into six groups according to FF volume ( < 1.0, 1.0 to < 2.0, 2.0 to < 3.0, 3.0 to < 4.0, 4.0 to < 5.0, and ${\geq}5.0mL$). Oolemma stretchability during ICSI was evaluated using a mechanical stimulus for oolemma penetration, that is, the stretchability was assessed by oolemma penetration with aspiration (high stretchability) or without aspiration (low stretchability). Results: Oocyte retrieval rates were significantly lower in the < 1.0 mL group than in the ${\geq}1.0mL$ groups (46.0% [86/187] vs. 67.5%-74.3% [172/255 to 124/167], respectively; p< 0.01). Low oolemma stretchability was significantly more common in the < 1.0 mL group than in the ${\geq}1.0mL$ groups during ICSI (22.0% [13/59] vs. 5.8%-9.4% [6/104 to 13/139], respectively; p= 0.018). There was a relationship between FF volume and oolemma stretchability. However, there were no significant differences in the rates of fertilization, cleavage, ${\geq}7$ cells at day 3, and blastocyst development among all groups. Conclusion: FF volume is potentially associated with the stretchability of metaphase II oolemma during ICSI. Regarding oolemma stretchability, ensuring a uniform follicular size during ovarian stimulation is crucial to obtain good-quality oocytes.

• The Korean journal of sports medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.214-220
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study changes in pituitary hormone in anterior lobe and thyroid hormone before, after, and during recovery time in severe 100 km ultramarathon. Methods: Healthy middle-aged runners (age, $52.0{\pm}4.8$ years) participated in the test. Grade exercise test is done, and then blood is taken from those participants before and after completing 100 km ultramarathon at the intervals of 24 hours (1 day), 72 hours (3 days), and 120 hours (5 days) to analyze their luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and free thyroxine (Free T4). Results: For LH, it decreased more significantly at 100 km than pre-race. However, after 1 day result increased more than that of 100 km. At 3 days, it was significantly higher than pre-race and 100 km, recovering at 5 days. In terms of FSH, it decreased at 100 km, 1 day, and 3 days more than pre-race but recovered at 5 days. TSH was higher at 1 day and 5 days compared to pre-race. T3 was only higher at 100 km than pre-race. T4 was higher till 5 days at 100 km than pre-race. Free T4 increased more significantly at 100 km than pre-race. Conclusion: In terms of severe long distance running, LH and FSH which belong to hormone from anterior lobe as well as T3, T4, and Free T4 which belong to thyroid hormone showed their variation within the standard range. However, TSH showed abnormal increase from enhanced concentration of blood after marathon becoming hyper-activation even during the recovery period.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.69-79
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• 2021

Objective: Poor ovarian response (POR) refers to a subnormal follicular response that leads to a decrease in the quality and quantity of the eggs retrieved after ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive treatment (ART). The present study investigated the associations of multiple variants of the estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes with POR in infertile Jordanian women undergoing ART. Methods: Four polymorphisms, namely ESR2 rs1256049, ESR2 rs4986938, FSHR rs6165, and FSHR rs6166, were investigated in 60 infertile Jordanian women undergoing ART (the case group) and 60 age-matched fertile women (the control group), with a mean age of 33.60±6.34 years. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism and then validated using Sanger sequencing. Results: The p-value of the difference between the case and control groups regarding FSHR rs6166 was very close to 0.05 (p=0.054). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the other three SNPs, namely ESR2 rs1256049, ESR2 rs4986938, and FSHR rs6165 (p=0.561, p=0.433, and p=0.696, respectively). Conclusion: The association between FSHR rs6166 and POR was not statistically meaningful in the present study, but the near-significant result of this experiment suggests that statistical significance might be found in a future study with a larger number of patients.