• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.376-383
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• 2003

To establish the differential diagnosis and treatment method in bovine ovarian cysts, specially ovarian cysts with corpus luteum, serum progesterone concentration, rectal palpation and ultrasonography for measuring the cystic wall thickness and diameter of cyst and corpus luteum were investigated from 1,188 dairy cows with ovarian cysts. The plasma progesterone concentrations were 0.3$\pm$0.4 (mean$\pm$SD) ng/ml in 629 cows with follicular cysts, 3.7$\pm$1.1 ng/ml in 431 cows with luteal cysts, and 3.8$\pm$1.2 ng/ml in 128 cows with coexist of ovarian cysts and corpus luteum, respectively. The cystic wall thickness by ultrasonography were 1.6$\pm$0.4 mm in 629 cows with follicular cysts, 4.2$\pm$1.5 mm in 431 cows with luteal cysts, and 1.6$\pm$0.6 mm in 128 cows with coexist of ovarian cysts and corpus luteum, respectively. The days from initial treatment to insemination in follicular cysts were 28.1$\pm$6.9 days in treatment of GnRH alone, 15.9$\pm$2.9 days in combination of GnRH and dinoprost, and 15.1$\pm$3.1 days in combination of GnRH and cloprostenol. The percentages of cows conceived within 100 days after initial treatment were 61 %, 68% and 73% in treatment of GnRH alone, combination of GnRH and dinoprost, and combination of GnRH and cloprostenol, respectively. The days from initial treatment to insemination in luteal cysts were 3.8$\pm$0.6 days in treatment of dinoprost alone and 3.8$\pm$0.7 in cloprostenol alone. The percentages of cows conceived within 100 days after initial treatment were 69.5% and 68.5% in treatment of dinoprost and cloprostenol, respectively. The days from initial treatment to insemination in coexist of cysts and corpus luteum were 3.7$\pm$0.7 days in treatment of dinoprost alone and 3.8$\pm$0.6 in cloprostenol alone. The percentages of cows conceived within 100 days after initial treatment were 87% and 84% in treatment of dinoprost and cloprostenol, respectively. These results suggest that the best choice for treatment agents in ovarian cysts were combination of GnRH and PGF$_2$$\alpha$ in follicular cysts, and the PGF$_2$$\alpha$ in luteal cysts and in coexist of cysts and corpus luteum, respectively. In conclusion, it is suggest that ultrasonography is useful diagnostic tool for diagnosis and selection of treatment remedy in cystic ovaries of bovine.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.315-318
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• 2013

This study was conducted to investigate the changes of hormone levels of serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ (E2) in sows of Landrace (L), Yorkshire (Y) and F1 (L ${\times}$ Y) (respectively n=3) with excellent ability, and to provide a baseline data for improving reproductive performance. In this experiment, the sows at the age of 12 months or more were used. The sows were fed by two way methods, one is conventional methods and the other is 3 days-flushing feed before estrus. Each pig's blood was collected in 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days after the estrus for the analyses of P4 and E2. Serum was separated by centrifugation for 15 min. with 3,000 rpm. Progesterone and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ were measured by immunochemical assay (ELIZA test). In conventional feeding, serum progesterone levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher in F1 than in L and Y. No significant differences in P4 concentrations were seen between the L and Y of sows. Serum E2 levels were similar the serum progesterone levels. In the case of flushing feed, the tendency of hormonal changes were similar to conventional methods. But almost of hormonal levels were a little higher than that of conventional methods. P4 level of L and Y in flushing feed were significantly different (p<0.01). Serum E2 level of Y in flushing feed was significantly different among the breeds (p<0.01). These results were similar to the tendency of hormonal changes in general sows and moreover, flushing feed is known to develop the swine production, these results proved the fact of the methods. And these results suggested that more studies about hormonal changes in sows according to seasonal and nutritional factors should be needed.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2010

A neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been widely used to create animal model for Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study was undertaken to examine whether depletion of brain dopamine (DA) stores with 6-OHDA can make alteration in the activities of the testicular steroidogenesis in adult rats. Young adult male rats (3 months old) were received a single dose of 6-OHDA (200 ${\mu}g$ in 10 ${\mu}{\ell}$/animal) by intracerebroventricular (icv) injection, and sacrificed after two weeks. The mRNA levels of steroidogenesis-related enzymes were measured by qRT-PCRs. Serum testosterone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Single icv infusion of 6-OHDA significantly decreased the mRNA levels of CYP11A1 (control:6-OHDA group=$1:0.68{\pm}0.14$ AU, p<0.05), CYP17 (control:6-OHDA group=$1:0.72{\pm}0.13$ AU, p<0.05). There were no changes in the mRNA levels of $3{\beta}$-HSD (control:6-OHDA group=$1:0.84{\pm}0.08$ AU) and $17{\beta}$-HSD (control: 6-OHDA group=$1:0.63{\pm}0.20$ AU), though the levels tended to be decreased in the 6-OHDA treated group. Administration of 6-OHDA decreased significantly the mRNA level of StAR when compared to the level of saline-injected control animals (control:6-OHDA group=$1:0.72{\pm}0.08$ AU, p<0.05). Treatment with single dose of 6-OHDA remarkably lowered serum testosterone levels compared to the levels of control group (control:6-OHDA group=$0.72{\pm}0.24:0.13{\pm}0.03ng/m{\ell}$, p<0.05). Taken together with our previous study, the present study demonstrated that the activities of hypothalamus-pituitary-testis hormonal axis could be negatively affected by blockade of brain DA biosynthesis, and suggested the reduced reproductive potential might be resulted in the animals. More precise information on the testicular steroidogenic activities in PD patients and PD-like animals should be required prior to the generalization of the sex steroid hormone therapy to meet the highest standards for safety and efficacy.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.188-197
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• 2003

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can alter hormone regulation that control reproductive system in animals. The effects of endosulfan, molinate, and alachlor that suspected to have examined disruption EDCs effect on a fish species of interest, Xiphophorus helleri (swordtail fish), were studied using vitellogenin (Vtg) and aromatase as diagnostic biomarkers. Induction of Vtg proteins was detected by RT-PCR in male fish treated with alachlor, and mixture of endosulfan and molinate in dose response manner. Also, induction of aromatase was detected by RT-PCR in male fish treated with alachlor, endosulfan, and mixture of endosulfan and molinate in sinlilar manner. In this study, swordtail fish exposed to endosulfan or molinate individually did not show any adverse effects. However, Vtg and aromatase expressions and apoptosis were detected in swordtail. fish exposed to the mixture of endosulfan and molinate. These results suggested that low concentrations of mixture of molinate and endosulfan individually do not affect swordtail fish, but may influence genital system, and induce apoptosis.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the current characteristics and prescriptions of outpatients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Methods: We searched medical records from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and found out 31 patients who first visited with PCOS. Results: The average age of PCOS patients was $26.48{\pm}5.15years$ old, average height was $162.16{\pm}5.56cm$, average weight was $55.27{\pm}9.34kg$, and average BMI was $21.01{\pm}3.48kg/m^2$ A total of 24 patients who had received western treatment for PCOS in the past, 13 people received oral contraceptions, 4 hormones, 2 metformin, one hormone and metformin, also 4 people were treated for assisted reproductive technologies due to infertility. There were only two patients who combined Korean and Western treatments. The most common menstrual-related symptoms of PCOS patients were oligomenorrhea (48.4%) and dysmenorrhea (22.6%). Other symptoms were the highest in the cold symptoms (54.8%), followed by infertility (9.7%). The average number of patients visiting the hospital was $6.26{\pm}7.2$, with 22 (71.0%) coming from 1 to 5. The average treatment period for patients was $10.1{\pm}10.8weeks$, with 41.9% the largest for 1 to 4 weeks. Acupuncture (93.5%), moxibustion (96.8%) herbmed (96.8%) was treated to most PCOS patients. The most commonly used herbal medicines were Ongyeong-tang (35.5%), Ijin-tang-gami (19.4%), Dodam-tang-gami (12.9%), and Jogyeongjongok-tang-gami (12.9%). Conclusions: These results could be helpful to treat PCOS patients in Korean gynecologic clinical fields.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1850-1859
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• 2022

Objective: The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the most accurate and reliable technique for analysis of gene expression. Endogenous reference genes (RGs) have been used to normalize qPCR data, although their expression may vary in different tissues and experimental conditions. Verification of the stability of RGs in selected samples is a prerequisite for reliable results. Therefore, we attempted to identify the most stable RGs in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in sows. Methods: The cycle threshold values of nine commonly used RGs (18S, HPRT1, GAPDH, RPL4, PPIA, B2M, YWHAZ, ACTB, and SDHA) from HPG axis-related tissues in the domestic sows in the different stages of estrus cycle were analyzed using two RG-finding programs, geNorm and Normfinder, to rank the stability of the pool of RGs. In addition, the effect of the most and least stable RGs was examined by normalization of the target gene, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), in the hypothalamus. Results: PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ were the most stable RGs in the HPG axis-related tissues in sows regardless of the stages of estrus cycle. In contrast, traditional RGs, including 18S and ACTB, were found to be the least stable under these experimental conditions. In particular, in the normalization of GnRH expression in the hypothalamus against several stable RGs, PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ, could generate significant (p<0.05) elevation of GnRH in the preovulatory phase compared to the luteal phase, but the traditional RGs with the least stability (18S and ACTB) did not show a significant difference between groups. Conclusion: These results indicate the importance of verifying RG stability prior to commencing research and may contribute to experimental design in the field of animal reproductive physiology as reference data.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.371-381
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• 2023

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), used in a variety of products in modern society, are hormone-like substances that cause various diseases. Humans are exposed to EDCs through their inclusion in pesticides, plastics, cosmetics, detergents, and drugs. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the representative endocrine disruptors, is an estrogen-like substance that has been widely used commercially in plastic and epoxy resins. BPA is a chemical that can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to reduced reproductive function, obesity, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Since the adverse health effects of BPA began to be reported the use of BPA has been regulated worldwide. Various alternatives to BPA have been widely used worldwide; representatively, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) are the most commonly used in commercial contexts. BPS and BPF may cause endocrine-disrupting effects like those of BPA due to their similar chemical structures. Recent studies have reported that BPS and BPF disrupt the neurodevelopmental process and cause neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, future studies will be required for safety verification of BPA alternatives and the development of new alternatives to BPA for brain health. In this review, we reviewed the effects of BPA and the alternatives, BPS and BPF, on the nervous system.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 1986

Studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between hormone leveles and nutritional levels for improving performance of Cheju native cattle. In June 1984 a trial was initiated using 8 Cheju native calves after weaning, fed at two su, pp.ementary feeding levels (NRC 100% and 70%). The body weight, breedng performence, change in progesterone level during pregnancy and estrus cycle were evaluated. Mean body weight at 6 months of age was 155kg when fed 100% NRC ration but it was only 137kg when heifers received the 70% NRC ration. At 10, 15 and 20 months of age the body weight was 66, 160 and 115kg, respectively, showing that heifers fed the standard ration gained weight rapidly (P<0.01). Average size of the lefe ovary in the standard group was 2.1${\times}$1.6cm and right ovary was 2.6${\times}$1.8cm. However in the restricted feeding group the ovaries were found to be smaller. Diameter of graffian follicles showed a similar tendency to ovarian size in the two groups. The first oestrus in the standard feeding group a, pp.ared at 14.6 months when body weight was 265kg. Age at first calving was on average 28.9 months at a body weight of 436kg. On the other hand when heifers were fed the restricted ration the first oestrus a, pp.ared at 23.0 months at a body weight of 250kg. Average age at first calving was 38.9 months which was 10 months later than the average in the standard feeding group (P<0.01). In standard feeding group the progesterone level was 2.0ng/ml at two weeks after pregnancy and gradully increased up to 4 weeks and peaked at 18 weeks. This peak (6.4-6.5ng/ml) was maintained up to 24 weeks when progesterone level decreased until it reached 2.1ng/ml at the end of pregnancy. In the restricted group progesterone level up to 16 weeks followed a similar pattern to the standard group but there was a tendency in the restricted group to have lower progesterone levels(P<0.01). The standard and srstricted groups showed similar patterns of progesterone concentration during the oestrus cylce. There were no statistically significant differences in progesterone levels between standard and restricted groups but there was variation between induvidual animals.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.689-696
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• 2024

Objective: Our study examined the impact of propriety blends of Bacillus strain probiotics on the performance, egg quality, and faecal microflora of laying hens. Methods: A total of 183 Institut de selection Animale (ISA) brown laying hens aged 23 weeks with an average body weight of 1,894±72 g were randomly allocated into 3 groups as control (corn-soybean meal based diet, CON), 0.5 g/kg Enterosure probiotics (ET1, 3×10⁸ colony-forming unit [CFU]/kg feed), and 5 g/kg Enterosure probiotics (ET2, 3×10⁹ CFU/kg feed) administered in mashed form. At the completion of each phase hen day egg production (HDEP), average egg weight (AEW), feed intake, and faecal microbiota were evaluated. Results: HDEP and AEW were higher (p<0.05) in the ET2-supplemented diet in phase 3 (week 9 to 12) compared with CON. Egg mass (EM) was higher (p<0.05) in phase 2 at ET2, and also higher (p<0.05) in phase 3 at the ET1 and ET2-supplemented diets compared with CON. Feed conversion ratio was lower (p<0.05) in phase 3 at the ET1 and ET2-supplemented diets, with ET2 being the lowest compared with ET1 and CON. Yolk colour was higher (p<0.05) in the ET-supplemented diets at phase 3 compared with CON. Bifidobacterium spp. was higher (p<0.05) in the ET2- supplemented diet compared with CON in phase 2, while in In phase 3, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were higher (p<0.05) in the ET-supplemented diets compared with CON. Coliforms were lower (p<0.05) in the ET-supplemented diets compared with CON in phase 3. Conclusion: The propriety blends of Bacillus strain probiotics supplements at 0.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg could improve the production and quality of eggs with more significance at 5 g/kg for HDEP, AEW and EM, which was achieved via the increase of beneficial microbiomes such as Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and the decrease of pathogenic microbiomes like Escherichia coli and Coliforms which was speculated to improve gut barrier function and the reproductive hormone.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1566-1573
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• 2006

The study was conducted on 30 true acyclic Sahiwal cows (15 cows, ${\geq}90$ days postpartum; 15 postpubertal heifers, ${\geq}30$ months of age) and a similar 20 untreated controls (10 cows, 10 heifers). An 'Eazi' breed Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) device (containing 1.38 g progesterone) was inserted intravaginally for 7 days (days 0 to 7) followed by 500 IU eCG i.m. at CIDR removal in all the treated animals. Heifers also received 5 mg oestradiol valerate i.m at CIDR insertion. The reproductive performance of these animals was recorded in terms of oestrus induction response, conception and pregnancy rates. Plasma progesterone ($P_4$) and oestradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) profiles of 4 representative animals from each treatment group before, during and after CIDR treatment were also monitored. An oestrus induction response of 100% was observed in treated cows and heifers. The majority of cows (53.3%) and heifers (60%) were induced to oestrus within 24-36 and 36-48 h, respectively after CIDR withdrawal; with mean intervals of $44{\pm}3.18$ and $48{\pm}2.35h$, respectively. The conception rate at induced oestrus was higher in cows (40%) than heifers (20%). The final pregnancy rates after 2 subsequent oestruses were 80 and 60% in cows and heifers, respectively (overall 70% for all treated animals). In comparison, only 10% of control animals (2 cows only, 2/20) showed oestrus and become pregnant (10%) during theentire study period. The pretreatment (day 0) mean plasma P4 levels were statistically (p>0.05) similar in cows and heifers ($0.40{\pm}0.04$ and $0.49{\pm}0.11ng/ml$, respectively). The peak $P_4$ levels were observed on day 1 in cows ($13.94{\pm}1.41ng/ml$) and day 2 in heifers ($19.15{\pm}3.30ng/ml$) with a progressive decline up to the day of CIDR withdrawal ($3.35{\pm}0.92$ and $8.79{\pm}1.71ng/ml$, respectively). Mean $P_4$ levels on day 9 and 10 in cows and heifers did not differ significantly from their respective day 0 values and the lowest values were recorded on day 10 both in cows and heifers ($0.13{\pm}0.03$ and $0.14{\pm}0.02ng/ml$, respectively). Wide variations in individual pretreatment $E_2$ levels were observed both in the cows (range = 4-26, mean = $13.00{\pm}4.65pg/ml$) and heifers (range = 10-14, mean = $11.50{\pm}0.96pg/ml$). Thereafter also, $E_2$ levels in cows showed variation and reached a peak level ($53.50{\pm}2.99pg/ml$) on day 8. In heifers, peak mean $E_2$ level ($111.25{\pm}39.81pg/ml$) was recorded on day 1, followed by a non-significant decline on day 2, a significant fall on day 6 and a non-significant increase on day 9 and 10. However, mean $E_2$ levels on days 7 (p<0.05), 8 and 9 (p<0.01) were significantly higher in cows compared to heifers. The post-CIDR withdrawal mean highest $P_4$ and lowest $E_2$ levels coincided with the period when the majority of animals were induced to oestrus. CIDR and eCG treatment resulted in effective induction of oestrus with satisfactory pregnancy rates in true acyclic Sahiwal cows and heifers.