• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.611-621
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• 2001

Objective : We analyzed the clinical and endocrinological results of the transsphenoidal microsurgery for ACTH secreting pituitary adenomas. Marerials and Methods : From October 1995 to August 2000, 18 patients underwent transsphenoidal microsurgery for Cushing's disease. We analyzed the surgical results of 17 patients, one patient who was previously operated from other hospital was excluded. Age of the patients were 18 to 61 years old(mean 37.7), male to female ratio was 1 : 3.3, and follow-up period was 3 to 50 months(mean 20.3). The selection of candidates for transsphenoidal exploration was based on endocrinologic criteria. Magnetic resonance imaging was the preferred radiologic test. Selective inferior petrosal sinus sampling of adrenocorticotropic hormone futher refined the diagnosis when endocrinologic and radiologic procedures were not definitive. Results : Results of the preoperative endocrinological test were : level of serum ACTH 29.4 to $225{\mu}g/dL$(mean $93.88{\mu}g/dL$) ; serum cortisol 11.9 to $47.5{\mu}g/dL$(mean $27.49{\mu}g/dL$) ; 24-hour urine free cortisol 235 to $1019{\mu}g/day$(mean $571.0{\mu}g/day$). Inferior petrosal sinus sampling for ACTH was performed in 11 patients and all were confirmed by Cushing's disease and we could predict the laterality of the tumor in 9 of 11 patients. We performed transsphenoidal selective adenomectomy in 5 patients, adenomectomy and subtotal hypophysectomy in 2 patients, adenomectomy and partial hypophysectomy in 9 patients, and in the remaining one patient, hemihypophysectomy followed by total hypophysectomy due to remission failure. Fifteen of 17 patients(88.2%) showed endocrinological remission. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy was performed in all the patients who showed remission for 1 to 24 months(mean 5.9 months), and 6 patients received steroid over 6 months. Conclusion : We conclude that the direct demonstration of a tumor in the pituitary gland by MRI is the most important and definitive diagnostic tool and the location of a mass should be confirmed with increased level of ACTH by the inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Transsphenoidal microsurgery is effective treatment modality for Cushing's disease and the immediate postoperative evaluation of the surgical resection of the tumor is very important. The patients should show hypocortisolism, decreased, subnormal serum ACTH and cortisol levels and 24-hours urine free cortisol. We performed 18 transsphenoidal microsurgery for Cushing's disease in 17 patients and 15 patients(88.2%) showed endocrinological remission.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.179-185
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• 2011

Some phytoestrogens in soy and red wine, for example, might have beneficiary rather than adverse effects. In particular, dietary soy intake seems to be highly correlated with protection of breast cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disorders. However, questions persist on the potential adverse effects of the main soy constituent genistein (GS) on female reproductive physiology. Previously we found that prepubertal exposure to GS could activate the reproductive system of immature female rats leading to precocious puberty onset, and intracerebroventricularly (ICV) injected GS could directly activate hypothalamic kisspeptin-GnRH neuronal circuits in adult female rats. The present study was performed to examine the hypothalamus-specific GS effects in prepubertal female rats and which subtype of estrogen receptor is mediated in this GS effect. Prepubertal female rats (PND 30) were anaesthetized, treated with single dose of GS (3.4 ${\mu}g$/animal), and sacrificed at 2 hrs post-injection. To determine the transcriptional changes of reproductive hormone-related genes in hypothalamus, total RNAs were extracted and applied to the semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ICV infusion of GS significantly lowered the transcriptional activities of mTOR (1:$0.361{\pm}0.058$ AU, p<0.001) but increased that of GAD67 (1:$1.285{\pm}0.099$ AU, p<0.05), which are known to act as an upstream modulator of kisspeptin and GnRH neuronal activities in the hypothalamus, respectively. GS administration enhanced significantly the mRNA levels of KiSS-1(1:$1.458{\pm}0.078$ AU, p<0.001), and exerted no effect on the mRNA level of kisspeptin receptor GPR-54 (1:$1.29{\pm}0.08$ AU). GnRH gene expression was significantly decreased in GS-treated group compared to control group (1:$0.379{\pm}0.196$ AU, p<0.05). There was no difference in the mRNA level of $ER{\alpha}$ in the GS-treated group compare to control group (1:$1.180{\pm}0.390$ AU, Fig. 3A). However, icv infusion of GS significantly increased the transcriptional activities of $ER{\beta}$ (1:$4.209{\pm}0.796$ AU, p<0.01, Fig. 3B). Taken together, the present study indicated that the acute exposure to GS could directly alter the hypothalamic GnRH modulating system in prepubertal female rats. Our study strongly suggested the involvement of $ER{\beta}$ pathway in GS's hypothalamus-specific action, and this idea is consistent with the GS's well-known $ER{\beta}$-mediated protective action in breast cancer.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.315-324
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• 2005

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol (MDP) with that of GnRH agonist long protocol (LP) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization in patients with high basal FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level or old age, a retrospective analysis was done. Methods: Two hundred ninety four infertile women (328 cycles) who were older than 41 years of age or had elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL) were enrolled in this study. The patients had undergone IVF-ET after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol (n=108, 118 cycles) or GnRH agonist long protocol (n=186, 210 cycles). The main outcome measurements were cycle cancellation rate, consumption of gonadotropins, the number of follicles recruited and total oocytes retrieved. The number of fertilized oocytes and transferred embryos, the clinical pregnancy rates, and the implantation rates were also reviewed. And enrolled patients were divided into three groups according to their age and basal FSH levels; Group A - those who were older than 41 years of age, Group B - those with elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL) and Group C - those who were older than 41 years of age and with elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL). Poor responders were classified as patients who had less than 4 retrieved oocytes, or those with $E_2$ level <500 pg/mL on the day of hCG injection or those who required more than 45 ampules of exogenous gonadotropin for stimulation. Results: The cancellation rate was lower in the GnRH antagonist group than in GnRH agonist group, but not statistically significant (6.8% vs. 9.5%, p=NS). The amount of used gonadotropins was significantly lower in GnRH antagonist group than in agonist group ($34.8{\pm}11.3$ ampules vs. $44.1{\pm}13.4$ ampules, p<0.001). The number of follicles > 14 mm in diameter was significantly higher in agonist group than in antagonist group ($6.7{\pm}4.6$ vs. $5.0{\pm}3.4$, p<0.01). But, there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (24.5% in antagonist group vs. 27.4% in agonist group, p=NS) and implantation rate (11.4% in antagonist group vs. 12.0% in agonist group, p=NS) between two groups. Mean number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in GnRH agonist LP group than in GnRH antagonist MDP group ($5.4{\pm}3.5$ vs. $6.6{\pm}5.0$, p<0.0001). But, the number of mature and fertilized oocytes, and the number of good quality (grade I and II) and transferred embryos were not different between two groups. In each group A, B, and C, the rate of poor response did not differ according to stimulation protocols. Conclusions: In conclusion, for infertile women expected poor ovarian response such as who are old age or has elevated basal FSH level, a protocol including a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH antagonist appears at least as effective as that using a GnRH agonist, and may offer the advantage of reducing gonadotropin consumption and treatment period. However, much work remains to be done in optimizing the GnRH antagonist protocols and individualizing these to different cycle characteristics.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.295-305
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• 2001

Protein kinase C (PKC) is known to play a pivotal role in neoplastic transformation cells and its high expression is often found in a variety of types of tumors including oral cancer. While PKC is associated with the altered signal transduction pathway of the tumor cells, it is still unclear which isoform is involved in the carcinogenesis process. Since the cellular distributions and the roles of PKC are isoform-specific, it is very important to identify the specific target molecules to improve our understanding of the carcinogenesis processes. Thus, the present study attempted to perform chemical carcinogen-induced neoplastic transformation of human epithelial cells and analyze the specific isoform of PKCs involved in the cellular transformation. The study analyzed overall PKC responses upon MNNG(N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso guanidine) exposure with [$^3H$] PDBu binding assay. PKC translocation was observed at high doses of MNNG treatment in the presence of extracellular calcium. Such effects were not observed in the absence of extracellular calcium. Translocational effects with exposure of MNNG was further enhanced in the presence of hydrocortisone. The result suggests that the type of PKC involved may be $Ca^{2+}$-dependent classical isoform and steroid hormone enhances PKC activation. Among cPKC isoforms examined, only $PKC-{\alpha}$ and r showed significant translocation of protein levels from cytosolic fraction to membrane fraction, as analyzed by immunoblot. $PKC-{\varepsilon}$ in nPKC class showed an inch·eased translocation, but other forms in this class did not show the effect. None of isoforms in aPKC class was affected by MNNG treatment. The study demonstrated that there was a certain specificity in the patterns of isoform induction follwong chemical carcinogen exposure and helped identify all the types of PKC isoforms expressed in human epithelial cells. It was revealed that PKC isoforms were activated in an early resonse to chemical carcinogen, suggesting that PKC be associated with carcinogenesis process from an early stage in this particular cell system. The study will contribute to improving our understanding of chemical-induced carcinogenesis in human cells and may provide a scientific basis to introduce the specific PKC inhibitors as an anticancer drug of epithelial cell-origin cancers including oral cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.182-187
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• 2013

This study was conducted to examine the effect of calcium extracted from salted anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) on the calcium metabolism of rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed low-calcium diets (0.15%) for 2 weeks after the adjustment period. Rats were divided into five groups and were fed experimental diet for four weeks. Experimental diets were low calcium (LC, 0.15% $CaCO_3$), 0.5% $CaCO_3$ (CC), seaweed calcium (SC), calcium lactate (LC), anchovy calcium (AC). The low-calcium diet group (LC) showed the lowest weight gain and had no differences among the groups with adequate calcium intake. Calcium retention was lowest in the LC group and higher in the CL, SC, AC groups than in SC groups. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level was highest in LC group, and significantly low in the CC and AC groups (p<0.05). Parathyroid hormone and osteocalcin levels showed no differences among experimental groups. The urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) level was lower in AC and CC groups compared to the LC group (p<0.05). The dry weight of the femur showed no significant differences among normal calcium groups. The bone mineral density of the femur in AC and CC group were significantly higher than the LC group (p<0.05). From these results, calcium extracted from salted anchovy can be useful as a calcium supplement comparable with calcium carbonate.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2006

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary safflower seed (SFS) powder and chitosan on hatching egg production and eggshell qualify in aged egg-type breeder hens. A total of four hundred 54-week-old Hy-Line Brown breeder hens were divided into five the groups and fed experimental diets either with addition of 0.25 and 0.50% SFS powder or 0.10 and 0.20% chitosan or devoid of all for 6 weeks. There were no significant differences in feed intake and laying performances among the groups. The rate of sellable egg in the groups fed diets containing SFS powder or chitosan was significantly increased compared to that of control (P<0.05), irrespective of dose-dependent manner. The addition of SFS powder or chitosan significantly improved the eggshell strength (P<0.01). Eggshell thickness was also significantly increased in the groups 134 diets containing chitosan as compared with that of control (P<0.01). Fertility and hatchability of egg set were significantly improved by dietary chitosan that those of control (P<0.05). ike contents of tibial Ca and P were significantly increased in the groups fed diets containing 0.5% SFS powder, 0.1 and 0.2% chitosan as compared with those of control. The levels of blood estrogen, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone were not affected by the dietary treatments. The overall results indicated that the proper use of some feed additives such as safflower seed powder and chitosan might provide means of improving eggshell quality and reproductive performances in aged egg-type breeder hens.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.151-156
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• 2007

The Function of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is to control calcium levels by altering PTH (parathyroid hormone) secretion and renal calcium resorption. The influence of calcium on the basal and stimulated release of several hormones from chicken pituitary glands has been determined in vitro. The objective of this study was to identify SNP in chicken CaSR gene and to investigate the effect of the SNP on economic traits. The sequencing analysis method was used to identify nucleotide polymorphisms within chicken CaSR gene. This study identified SNP at position 1949 bp(Genebank accession No : XM_416491) in the exon 1. The SNP changed the amino acid to alanine(GCC) from serine(TCC). This SNP showed three genotypes, AA, AS and SS by digestion with the restriction enzyme NcoⅠ using the PCR-RFLP method. The A963S showed significant effect only on the first lay day (P<0.05) in Leghorn population. Leghorn with the genotype AA had significantly faster the first lay day(137.6) than the genotype AS(143.0, P<0.05). Also, the A963S showed significant effect only on the first lay day(P<0.05) and mean of egg weight(P<0.05) in KNC population. KNC with the genotypes AA ans AS had significantly faster the first lay day (151.0 and 152.6, respectively) than the genotype SS(159.4, P<0.05). And the genotypes SS had significantly heavier the mean of egg weight(50.4 kg, P<0.05) than the genotype AA ans AS (47.5 and 47.8 kg, respectively). According to result of this study, an a allele of the A963S was found to have a significant effect on the first lay day. It will be possible to use this SNP marker on selecting chicken to improve the first lay day.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.428-436
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• 2008

This study was carried out to compare the effects of whey protein concentrate, its hydrolysates and macropeptide fractions obtained from papain treatment of whey protein on lipid levels and appetite-related hormones in obesity model rats induced by high fat diet. Four week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed high fat (18% w/w) and low protein (10% w/w) diet for 4 weeks and then divided into four groups (n=8/group). Rats were fed high fat diets containing various nitrogen sources; 10% whey protein concentrate (10WPC), 25% whey protein concentrate (25WPC), 25% whey protein hydrolysates (25WH), and 25% whey macropeptide fractions (25WP, MW$\geq$10,000), respectively for 6 weeks. There were no significant differences in body weight gain and food intake among groups. A significant decrease of total lipid, triglyceride in serum was observed in 25WH and 25WP groups. Total lipid and triglyceride contents of the liver were significantly decreased in 25WPC, 25WH and 25WP groups compared with 10WPC group. However, in the liver, there were no differences in the contents of total lipid and triglyceride among 25WPC, 25WH and 25WP groups. The daily amounts of feces were significantly increased in 25WH and 25WP groups and the excretion of total lipid and triglyceride were significantly increased in 25WH group. Serum glucose and insulin concentration were significantly decreased in 25WH group. The concentration of serum ghrelin was significantly decreased in the 25WPC, 25WH and 25WP groups compared with 10WPC group. However, there was no significant difference in the concentration of serum leptin among groups. These results suggest that whey protein hydrolysates and macropeptide fractions may show beneficial effects on the lipid profile in serum and liver, appetite regulation and insulin resistance in obesity model rats induced by high fat diet.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.573-582
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• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate effects of the brown seaweed waste(BSW) supplementation on milk production and related endocrine response in serum in Holstein dairy cows. A total of 14 Holstein dairy cows(initial mean live weight 625kg, average lactation days 225, Reproduction 2.4) were randomly allocated into control(basal diet) and treatment groups (4% BSW/basal diet) with 7 replications for 90 days. Dry matter intake was not affected by brown seaweed waste supplementation, but daily milk yield(kg) at the last experiment significantly increased (6.25kg) in treatment group compared with control group(p<0.05) at the last experiment. The plasma insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-1, triiodothyronine($T_3$) and thyroxine($T_4$) levels were significantly increased in treatment group compared with control group(p<0.05), although the concentration of plasma growth hormone(GH) was not significantly different. Milk composition was not significantly different between groups. The somatic cell count(SCC) in milk were significantly reduced in treatment group compared with control group(p<0.05), but antibodies(total IgG, G1, G2) were not significantly different between groups. Therefore we strongly believe that the increased milk yield is related to metabolic hormones as IGF-1, $T_3$ and $T_4$ and the mechanism of reducing SCC in milk must do more study related nonspecific immunsystem in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.254-268
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• 2011

Fenoxycarb, pyriproxyfen and methoprene are juvenile hormone mimic insecticide. These insecticides have been widely used for mosquito, fly, scale insects, and Lepidoptera. The purpose of this study was to develop a simultaneous determination procedure of fenoxycarb, pyriproxyfen and methoprene residues in crops using HPLC-UVD/MS. These insecticide residues were extracted with acetone from representative samples of four raw products which comprised brown rice, apple, green pepper, and Chinese cabbage. The extract was diluted with saline water, and then n-hexane/dichloromethane partition was followed to recover these insecticides from the aqueous phase. Florisil column chromatography was additionally employed for final clean up of the extract. The analytes were quantitated by HPLC-UVD/MS, using a $C_{18}$ column. The crops were fortified with each insecticide at 3 levels per crop. Mean recovery ratios were ranged from 80.0 to 104.3% in four representative agricultural commodities. The coefficients of variation were less than 4.8%. Quantitative limit of fenoxycarb, pyriproxyfen, and methoprene was 0.04 mg/kg in crop samples. A HPLC-UVD/MS with selected-ion monitoring was also provided to confirm the suspected residues. The proposed simultaneous analysis method was reproducible and sensitive enough to determine the residues of fenoxycarb, pyriproxyfen and methoprene in the agricultural commodities.