• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2017

This study investigated the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on pig growth, carcass quality, and sensory perceptions of pork meat by Thai consumers. Male crossbred pigs (n = 30) were separated into three groups of 10 pigs each: boars, immunocastrated pigs, and surgically castrated pigs. The immunocastrated group was immunized at 13 and 19 weeks of age with GnRH vaccine ($400{\mu}g/dose$). All pigs were slaughtered at 24 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected and testes size determined. Testes weight and back fat thickness were recorded at the time of slaughter, and meat samples were collected for sensory assessment by Thai consumers. Testosterone and progesterone concentration levels decreased significantly two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05), and the GnRH antibody titer of the immunocastrated pigs was significantly high two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05). GnRH vaccine significantly reduced the weight and size of testes. Thai consumers reported no significant differences in odor or flavor among meat samples from the three groups. In conclusion, immunocastration improved growth performance, removed the need for castration surgery, and avoided "boar taint" in the meat. It has also no distinct trace of the boar taint same as pork that is currently produced from physically castrated pig which is making it acceptable to consumers.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.154-162
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• 2018

Objective: The fallopian tubes play a critical role in the early events of fertilization. The rapid innate immune defense is an important part of the fallopian tubes. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), as a part of the innate immune system, plays an important role in detecting viral infections. In this basic and experimental study, the effect of sex hormones on the function of TLR3 in the OE-E6/E7 cell line was investigated. Methods: The functionality of TLR3 in this cell line was evaluated by cytokine measurements (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-1b) and the effects of sex hormones on TLR3 were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Additionally, TLR3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and a TLR3 function-blocking antibody were used to confirm our findings. Results: The production of IL-6 significantly increased in the presence of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) as the TLR3 ligand. Using a TLR3-siRNA-ransfected OE-E6/E7 cell line and function-blocking antibody confirmed that cytokine production was due to TLR3. In addition, 17-${\beta}$ estradiol and progesterone suppressed the production of IL-6 in the presence and absence of poly(I:C). Conclusion: These results imply that sex hormones exerted a suppressive effect on the function of TLR3 in the fallopian tube cell line when different concentrations of sex hormones were present. The current results also suggest that estrogen receptor beta and nuclear progesterone receptor B are likely to mediate the hormonal regulation of TLR3, as these two receptors are the main estrogen and progesterone receptors in OEE6/E7 cell line.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.34-44
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• 2019

[Purpose] The composition of protein supplements, the consumption timing immediately before and after resistance exercise training (RET), and the quantity of protein supplementation may be important factors for the im-provement of muscle mass and function. Although these factors should be considered comprehensively for effective improvement of muscular function in protein supplementation, relatively few studies have focused on this area. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether a protein blend supplement before and after resistance exercise for 12 weeks would be effective in increasing muscular function. [Methods] In total, 18 participants were randomly assigned to a placebo (PLA) or protein blend supplement (PRO) group. All subjects followed the same training routine 3 times per week for 12 weeks, taking placebo or protein supplements immediately before and after each exercise session. The protein supplement consisted of 40 g of blend protein, including hydrolyzed whey protein. The RET consisted of lower body (barbell squat, dead lift, seated leg extension, and lying leg curl) and upper body (bench press, barbell rowing, preacher bench biceps curl, and dumbbell shoulder press) exercises. A repetition was defined as three sets of 10-12 times with 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM). [Results] Although the PRO group had a lower protein intake in terms of total food intake than the PLA group, the mean changes in muscle circumference, strength, and exercise volume increased, especially at week 12, compared to the PLA group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the composition and timing of protein intake are more important than the total amount.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.281-290
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• 2008

In plant, Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are protein family, though its function is not yet understood, consisted of a predicted signal sequence, single transmembrane region, and cytoplasmic kinase domain. RLKs are involved in hormonal response pathways, cell differentiation, plant growth and development, self-incompatibility, and symbiont and pathogen recognition. In this study, expression levels of RLG1, RLG5, RLG6, RLG#6, RLG8, RLG10, RLG17, RLG18 and RLG20 were analyzed by Real-time PCR, when rice (Oryzae sativa) was treated abiotic stress. The expression levels of all RLGs were compared each other by analyzed value of threshold cycles ($C_T$). Consequently, RLGs were suppressed by NaCl as salinity stress, and expression of each RLK genes were showed difference treated salicylic acid and wound, respectively. However, All RLGs were induced under low temperature condition. Therefore, our results indicate protection-function of RLK genes to be an early response of rice against cold weather.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.61-71
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• 2000

By screening a cDNA library of auxin-treated mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) hypocotyls, we have isolated two full-length cDNA clones, pVR-ACS6 and pVR-ACS7, for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway. While PVR-ACS6 corresponds to the previously identified PCR fragment pMBA1, pVR-ACS7 is a new cDNA clone. A comparison of deduced amino acid sequences among auxin-induced ACC synthases reveal that these enzymes share a high degree of homology (65-75%) to VR-ACS6 and VR-ACS7 polypeptides, but only about 50% to VR-ACS1 polypeptide. ACS6 and ACS7 are specifically induced by auxin, while ACS1 is induced by cycloheximide, and to lesser extent by excision and auxin treatment. Results from nuclear run-on transcription assay and RNA gel blot studies revealed that all three genes were transcriptionally active displaying unique patterns of induction by IAA and various hormones in etiolated hypocotyls. Particularly, 24-epibrassinolide (BR), an active brassinosteroid, specifically enhanced the expression of VR-ACS7 by distinct temporal induction mechanism compared to that of IAA. In addition, BR synergistically increased the IAA-induced VR-ACS6 and VR-ACS7 transcript levels, while it effectively abolished both the IAA- and kinetin-induced accumulation of VR-ACS1 mRNA. In light-grown plants, VR-ACS1 was induced by IAA in roots, whereas W-ACS6 in epicotyls. IAA- and BR-treatments were not able to increase the VR-ACS7 transcript in the light-grown tissues. These results indicate that the expression of ACC synthase multigene family is regulated by complex hormonal and developmental networks in a gene- and tissue-specific manner in mung bean plants. The VR-ACS7 gene was isolated, and chimeric fusion between the 2.4 kb 5'-upstream region and the $\beta$-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene was constructed and introduced into Nicotiana tobacum. Analysis of transgenic tobacco plants revealed the VR-ACS7 promoter-driven GUS activity at a highly localized region of the hypocotyl-root junction of control seedlings, while a marked induction of GUS activity was detected only in the hypocotyl region of the IAA-treated transgenic seedlings where rapid cell elongation occurs. Although there was a modest synergistic effect of BR on the IAA-induced GUS activity, BR alone failed to increase the GUS activity, suggesting that induction of VR-ACS7 occurs via separate signaling pathways in response to IAA and BR.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1132-1139
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• 2018

The stability of diverse cellular proteins in eukaryotes is regulated via ubiquitination. Moreover, E3 ligase plays a crucial role in determining substrate specificity and transfers ubiquitins into the substrates during the ubiquitination process. As a type of multi-subunit E3 ligase, cullin4 (CUL4)-based E3 ligase (CRL4) complex is involved in a variety of cellular processes, such as hormonal and stress responses in plants. In spite of several reports on the versatile roles of CRL4 in various signalings in Arabidopsis, CRL4's function in rice has been poorly known. To learn about CRL4-mediated cellular processes in rice in more detail, OsCUL4 that exhibits the highest homology with Arabidopsis CUL4 was isolated, and its expression patterns in various tissues and in response to plant hormones and abiotic stresses were monitored. Exogenous application of ABA or cytokinin increased the transcript levels of the OsCUL4 gene. Moreover, OsCUL4 was significantly upregulated in response to drought and salt stresses. These findings imply that OsCUL4 may be functionally related to ABA- and/or cytokinin-mediated cellular responses. OsCUL4 directly interacted with OsDDB1, an adaptor protein of CRL4, indicating that OsCUL4 can act as a scaffold protein of CRL4. An expression study on the OsCUL4 gene from this report could be used as a starting point to elucidate cellular responses in which a CRL4-mediated ubiquitination process is involved in rice.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.115-124
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• 2003

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of four different estrus induction methods in anestrus cows on the estrus induction and pregnancy following artificial insemination (AI). Sixty-five cows (3∼4 years old) were selected and divided into four different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1, 12 cows were treated by Ovsynch program combined with GnRH and PGF$_2$a. Group 2, 12 cows were treated by "Tow plus Two" program with GnRH and PGF$_2$a. Group 3, 20 cows were treated by "Tow plus Two" program following intravaginal progesterone implantation (CIDR). Twenty one cows in Group 4 were treated by "Tow plus Two" program following follicular rupture and intravaginal progesterone implantation. Cows were then observed estrus induction and inseminated artificially at 12 h and 24 h after standing estrus. The rates of estrus induction in Group 4 (18/21, 86%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in groups 1, 2 and 3 (8/12, 67%; 9/12, 75%; 14/20, 70%). In the mean time of onset of estrus after final administration of GnRH in different hormone-treated cows, the cows in Group 3 (24.2$\pm$2.2) and Group 4 (23.4$\pm$2.0) were significantly (P<0.05) shorter than that in Group 1 (28.5$\pm$4.6) and Group 2 (26.4$\pm$3.3). The rates of pregnancy diagnosed on Day 28 were significantly different between treatment groups. Significantly (P<0.05) higher rate of pregnancy was observed in Group 4 (17/20, 85.0%) than those in Groups 1, 2 and 3 (7/11, 63.6%; 8/12, 66.7%; 15/20, 75.0%, respectetively). The rate of abortion diagnosed on 49 days of gestation was significantly (P<0/05) lower in Group 4 (1/17, 5.9%) than those in Groups 1, 2 and 3 (2/7, 28.7%; 2/8, 25% and 3/15, 20%, respectively). In conclusion, combined treatments with GnRH and PGF$_2$a following follicular rupture and progesterone implant in anestrus cows was considered to be most effective in estrus induction and maintenance of pregnancy. Further studies are needed to verify the functional mechanisms of residual follicles in anestrus ovaries on retarding the response of hormonal treatments.sponse of hormonal treatments.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.353-357
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• 2000

Objective: Extrauterine formation of decidua of stromal cells has been well described, particularly in the cervix and ovary. The apparent hormonal mechanisn of this phenomenon suggestes a relationship to endometriosis. Whether formation of ectopic decidua represents a marked progestational response of endometriosis or an independent peritoneal-stromal reaction to pregnancy is unclear. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of deciduosis in the patients whose fertility were proven. Design: Prospective study of patients who had undergone cesarean delivery without history of endometriosis. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in 179 full tenn pregnant women. During the cesarean section, the pelvic organs were thoroughly investigated and the biopsies were collected at the lesions suspicious endometriosis. And then microscopic examination of removed tissues were done. Results: Of the 179 patients who underwent cesarean delivery, 48 women (26.8%) had the lesions suspicious endometriosis such as adhesion, pigmented spots. The ovary was the most frequently ocurred site (79.2%). Microscopically, decidual cells were observed in 34 cases (70.8%) of 48 biopsed patients. Conclusion: Endometriosis has been known to be associated with subfertility. Our observations found the prevalence of deciduosis was 19.0% (34/179) in tenn pregnant women whose fertilites were proven. We suggests that the deciduosis maya manifestation of endometriosis during pregnancy. However, further follow up study should be done to confirm this clinicopathologic process.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.225-234
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• 2004

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of GnRH antagonist cetrorelix in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to determine changes in serum hormone concentrations during cetrorelix administration. Methods: We performed a clinical trial on 30 patients undergoing COH with highly purified follicular stimulating hormone (HP-FSH) and gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant), cetrorelix. FSH was administrated from day 2 or 3 of cycle with fixed dose and adjusted according to individual response. 0.25 mg of cetrorelix was injected daily subcutaneously from stimulation day 5 until the day of hCG administration. Daily ultrasound monitoring was performed for growing follicles and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol ($E_2$) and progesterone were measured daily during cetrorelix administration. Up to 4 embryos were transferred. Results: Mean age of enrolled patients was $32.0{\pm}3.4$ years (mean $\pm$ S.D.). All of 30 patients underwent oocyte pick-up, and embryo transfer was done in 28 patients. The total and mean numbers of received oocytes were 196 and $6.5{\pm}4.7$, the number of fertilized eggs was 111, and the fertilization rate was 56.6%. Total duration of FSH administration was $9.2{\pm}2.2$ days and mean of $24.3{\pm}7.7$ ampules of HP-FSH was administered. Total duration of cetrorelix administration was $5.7{\pm}1.9$ days. Serum LH and progesterone levels were maintained in the range of $1.4{\sim}2.9\;mIU/mL$ and $0.3{\sim}0.6\;ng/mL$, which respectively reflected effective prevention of premature LH surge. Clinical pregnancies were achieved in 9 patients, and overall clinical pregnancy rate was 30.0% per oocyte retrieval, and 32.1% per embryo transfer. Conclusion: GnRH antagonist is safe and convenient for COH for IVF-ET and effective with optimal pregnancy rate.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.379-384
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• 1997

Superovulation with exogenous gonadotropins creates a spectrum of pre or periovulatory hormonal changes with subsequent detrimental effects on oocyte quality, fertilization, embryo development, implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. Our recent study determined potential roles for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in uterine environment regulation and preimplant tation in the rat. The evidence indicates that IGF-l may play an important role in the main tenance of a receptive uterine environment for embryonic development and the regulation of decidualization. Embryonic loss and failure of implantations following superovulation may be partially attributed to disturbances in uterine IGF-l action as observed in this study. We investigated the effects of superovulatory doses of gonadotropins on frequency of chromosomal a abnormalities of mouse embryos. Chromosome a analysis of mouse zygotes and 8- to 16-cell stage embryos from spontaneously ovulated, 5, 10, and l 15 lU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) superovulated mice was carried out. Aneuploidy, polyploidy and structural chrom- osomal abnormalities were detected among the four groups. However, only polyploidy was correlated with superovulation. In 10 and 15 IV PMSG treated groups, the rate of polypoidy was 2.9% and 10.5%, respectively. Furthermore, there was a dose reponse relationship between the PMSG dose and the incidence of embryonic p polyploidy (P