• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.50-60
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• 2024

Objective: Testicular fat deposition has been reported to affect animal reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study explored whether sperm meiosis and testosterone synthesis contribute to mouse testicular fat deposition-induced reproductive performance. Methods: High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity CD1 mice (DIO) were used as a testicular fat deposition model. The serum hormone test was performed by agent kit. The quality of sperm was assessed using a Sperm Class Analyzer. Testicular tissue morphology was analyzed by histochemical methods. The expression of spermatocyte marker molecules was monitored by an immuno-fluorescence microscope during meiosis. Analysis of the synthesis of testosterone was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and reagent kit. Results: It was found that there was a significant increase in body weight among DIO mice, however, the food intake showed no difference compared to control mice fed a normal diet (CTR). The number of offspring in DIO mice decreased, but there was no significant difference from the CTR group. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone were lower in DIO mice and their luteinizing hormone levels were similar. The results showed a remarkable decrease in sperm density and motility among DIO mice. We also found that fat accumulation affected the meiosis process, mainly reflected in the cross-exchange of homologous chromosomes. In addition, overweight increased fat deposition in the testis and reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis-related enzymes, thereby affecting the synthesis and secretion of testosterone by testicular Leydig cells. Conclusion: Fat accumulation in the testes causes testicular cell dysfunction, which affects testosterone hormone synthesis and ultimately affects sperm formation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1467-1474
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• 2023

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.142-150
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• 2024

Objective: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a disorder characterized by impaired ovarian function. Sleep disorders are disruptions of the circadian rhythm, which appears to be closely linked to reproductive systems. This study aimed to investigate the impact of poor sleep quality on the ovarian reserve of childbearing-age women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in China from June 2021 to March 2023. In total, 102 participants diagnosed with chronic insomnia disorder were included in the study. Questionnaires were administered to assess participants' menstrual patterns, insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression. The anti-Müllerian hormone level and the basal antral follicle count were measured for ovarian reserve evaluation. Correlation analysis and ordinal logistic regression analysis were conducted. Results: The women with insomnia presented high percentages of hypomenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea (78.4%, 74.5%, and 46.1%, respectively). Severe sleep disorder in the past month was identified as an independent risk factor for hypomenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 2.64 and OR, 2.688; p<0.05). The prevalence of DOR among women with insomnia (33.3%) was significantly higher than the average reported in previous studies for young women. Insomnia duration exceeding 1 year was determined to be an independent risk factor for DOR in women aged 36 to 40 years (OR, 4.5; p=0.033). Conclusion: This study highlights the association between sleep disorders and menstrual problems. Prolonged poor sleep quality in women aged 36 to 40 years was identified as a significant risk factor for DOR. We should pay more attention to improving sleep quality in order to maintain normal ovarian function.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.151-157
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• 2024

Objective: People vaccinated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) mRNA vaccine have reported experiencing various adverse effects. For instance, reproductive-age women have presented with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding or menstrual cycle changes. We speculated that differences in basal sex hormone levels before and after vaccination may be present in women who experienced irregular bleeding or menstrual cycle changes; thus, this study aimed to investigate the differences in basal sex hormone levels of women before and after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who received SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines between January 2021 and February 2022 at a single center. In an outpatient setting, patients were queried regarding their menstrual cycle, the date of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, vaccination type, and vaccination side effects. Differences in basal hormone levels (menstrual cycle days 2-3, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and estradiol) before and after vaccination were compared. Results: Among the 326 patients, patients with no laboratory records of the hormones were excluded. The median time interval between SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination and the laboratory test day was 79 days (interquartile range, 44 to 127). A comparative analysis of these hormones before and after vaccination revealed no significant differences. Subgroup analyses based on age and reported adverse events also found no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: This study showed no significant differences in basal hormone levels (FSH, LH, and estradiol) before and after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.671-680
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• 2017

This study was conducted to examine the effects and potential mechanisms of action of black soybean extracts and fermented black soybean extracts by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animals subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC). We examined changes in pH, total polyphenol, sugar, and reducing sugar contents according to fermentation period of black soybean extracts. Assay using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide was performed to determine cell toxicity levels of the four black soybean extracts [black soybean water extract (BWE), black soybean ethanol extract (BEE), fermented BWE (F-BEW), and fermented BEE (F-BEE)]. Changes in mRNA expression levels of hair growth promoting factors and hair growth inhibiting factors by the four black soybean extracts were measured by real-time PCR. In addition, phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase family proteins were measured by western blot analysis. As a result, fermentation of black soybeans significantly reduced pH, total polyphenols, and sugar/reducing sugar contents. All four black soybean extracts showed no cellular toxicity in HFDPC. In fact, BEE significantly enhanced cell viability of HFDPC at $100{\mu}g/mL$ compared to control. BWE, BEE, and BWE-F significantly increased mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, and all four extracts increased mRNA expression of fibroblast growth factor. However, mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes were not affected by black soybean extracts in HFDPC. Furthermore, BWE, BEE, and BWE-F significantly increased phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase compared to control. Taken together, we demonstrated that black soybean extracts enhanced proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla cells partially via activation of hair growth promoting factors, although no particular significant effects on proliferation were observed by fermentation of black soybeans.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 1997

This study was designed to investigate the number of the growing and mature follicles following gonadotrophin treatments for superovulation in mature rats. Eighteen mature rats (Sprague-Duwely, initially 190~230gm) were randomly alloted into 3 groups. One group was control group, another FSH-treated group was injected intramuscularly with 0.5 units of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) / rat, and third PMS and HCG-treated group was intramuscularly injected with 20~25IU of pregnant mare serum (PMS) / rat and then at the 48 hrs later, with 20~25IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) / rat. The uteri and ovaries of rats were collected and then were observed grossly and serial sections of paraffin embedding ovaries were stained with H-E. Number of ovarian follicles by following 3 grades of large, middle and small follicles from secondary and tertiary follicles were investigated by LM photography of preparations. Small follicles were classified as secondary follicles of preantral follicles with more than 2 layers of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte and middle follicles were classified as secondary follicles with early signs of antral cavity or with more than one small cavity on either side of the oocytes and large follicles were classified as tertiary follicles with a single medium sized antral cavity or large well-formed antral cavity. In gross findings, the uteri were slightly swelling in FSH-treated group and markedly swelling or filled with fluid in the uterine lumen in PMS and HCG-treated group. In histological findings, the shape and size of the follicles were diverse in middle and large follicles of FSH-treated group and PMS and HCG-treated group, and proportion of atretic follicles was increased in FSH-treated group and PMS and HCG-treated group than those in control group. The uteri of FSH-treated group and PMS and HCG-treated group were hypertropied or filled with fluid in the lumens and walls of uteri. The wall tissue layers were flattened and their blood and lymph vessels were dilated. The mean number of follicle per ovary in control group were appeared to be $17.1{\pm}5.6$($14.0%{\pm}4.6%$), $37.8{\pm}9.1$($30.9{\pm}7.4%$) and $67.6{\pm}30.1$($55.2{\pm}24.6%$) respectively at large, middle and small follicles and total number of these 3 grade follicles were appeared to be $122.5{\pm}40.0$. The mean number of follicle per ovary in FSH-treated group were appeared to be $22.8{\pm}7.0$($17.4%{\pm}5.3%$), $43.4{\pm}6.6$($33.2{\pm}5.1%$) and $64.5{\pm}13.0$($49.3{\pm}9.9%$) respectively at large, middle and small follicles and total number of these 3 grade follicles were appeared to be $130.7{\pm}16.6$. The mean number of follicle per ovary in PMS and HCG-treated group were appeared to be $29.7{\pm}11.0$($16.3%{\pm}6.0%$), $61.9{\pm}17.2$($33.9{\pm}9.4%$) and $91.1{\pm}28.2$($49.9{\pm}15.4%$) respectively at large, middle and small follicles and total number of these 3 grade follicles were appeared to be $182.6{\pm}32.7$. The above findings reveal that large follicles were increased 29.8% in FSH-treated group and 73.7% in PMS and HCG-treated group than those in control group and in histologic findings, proportion of atretic follicles were more increased in ovaries with more number of more developing follicles.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.95-113
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• 2009

Objectives : Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) is a hair care product which is composed of ten plant extracts used in oriental medicine. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) on hair regrowth and cytokine changes in a shaving model of C57BL/6 mice. Materials and Methods : Five-week-old mice were acclimated for 1 week at a temperature between $21-23^{\circ}C$, 40-60% relative humidity, and 12h of a light/dark cycle before beginning of the experiment. There were three experimental groups including 50% ethanol (EtOH, control), a positive control of 3% Minoxidil, and 30% Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) in 50% ethanol in 18 female mice. The test compounds were topically treated once a day over 12 days. The hair regrowth was photographically and histologically determined during the experimental period of 12 days. Revelation of EGF, $TGF-{\beta}1$ and IL-6 in hair follicle were also determined using immunohistochemistry. In addition to that, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in skin tissue were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results : Hair regrowth in 3% Minoxidil and Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) groups was promoted earlier and faster than the control group. Concentrations of hairs and thick-hair ratio in 3% Minoxidil and Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) groups were promoted than the control group. EGF was moderately positive in hair follicle of 3% Minoxidil and Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) groups, but negative in the control group. $TGF-{\beta}1$ was not significantly difference between the groups. IL-6 in hair follicle of Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) group was negative, but weakly positive in 3% Minoxidil and control group. IL-6 and $IL-1{\beta}$ in skin tissue were significantly decreased in Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) group, but there was not significantly decreased in 3% Minoxidil and control group. $TNF-{\alpha}$ in skin tissue was significantly decreased in 3% Minoxidil and Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) groups. Conclusions : These results suggest that Saengbal-eum-II($Sh{\bar{e}}ngf{\grave{a}}-y{\breve{i}}n-ll$) has hair growth promoting activity and it can be used for treatment of alopecia. And these effects relate to EGF revelation of hair follicle and a decrease IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in skin tissue.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2022

Regulation of the hair follicle cycle in association with dermal papilla cells is one of the most interesting targets for promoting hair regrowth. In this study, we examined whether steam-dried Betula platyphylla extracts (BPE) promote hair growth by upregulating in vitro and in vivo responses of dermal papilla cells. The data showed that BPE3 contained high amounts of phenolic compounds with higher antioxidant effects and increased hair growth-related genes, including fibroblast growth factor7 and Wnt7b, in dermal papilla cells. Notably, BPE3 effectively enhanced the formation of hair follicles by increasing FGF7, Wnt7b, and vascular endothelial growth factor in C57BL/6N dorsal skins. Additionally, BPE3 significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory repertoires, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase 2. Several small molecules, such as betulin and unsaturated fatty acids, support the pharmacological activity of BPE3. In conclusion, BPE3 effectively promoted hair growth by activating dermal papilla cells and enhancing hair follicle cycles by attenuating the inflammatory environment in the scalp.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 1975

In summary, progesterone is probably the only naturallly occurring progestational agent of any significance. Small amounts may be synthesized by the cells of the follicle in the provulatory swelling phase; however, the major production is by the corpus luteum cells of the ovary during the luteal phase of the cycle. It is constantly produced in small amounts by the adrenal gland and by the testis in the male. In the adrenal and the testis, it probably serves as the precursor for corticoids and androgens. It is transported in the blood by a specific binding protein and metabolized and conjugated in the liver into sodium pregnanediol glucuronide which also circulates in the blood. Approximately 20% is excreted in the urine as sodium pregnanediol glucronide; pregnanolone represents a minor metabolic product. The pregnanediol which is excreted in the bile is enzymically hydrolyzed by the gut so that the pregnanediol recovered in the feces is in the free form.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.143-147
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• 1988

In order to investigate the mechanism of regulation of progesterone production, quail were hypophysectomized at various times during the ovulation cycle, and granulose cells were isolated from follicles 4 hr after the operation. They were incubated in vitro at $40^{\circ}C$ with or without LH or dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and the amounts of progesterone produced during 3 hr of incubation were measured by radioimmunoassay. Hypophysectomy at 8 hr or 20 hr before the predicted time of ovulation caused a reduced responsiveness of F1 granulosa cells to exogenous LH or dibutyrul cyclic AMP. Although hypophysectomy at 24 hr before ovulation caused a slight reduction of responsiveness of F1 granulosa cells, the reduction of the progesterone production during the incubation without any stimuli was prominent by the sham operation. These results suggest that the presence of pituitary gland influences the ability of the granulose cells to produce progesterone in response to LH or dibutyryl cyclic AMP.