• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.626-630
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• 2011

In October 2008, a pair of Crested ibis Nipponia nippon, an endangered avian species in the world, was donated to Korea from China. They have since been the subject of a successful program to incubate chicks for the first time in South Korea. This study was carried out to determine the sex of chicks from the Crested ibis through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the sex-related gene and the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein (CHD) gene. The result of the CHD gene, which was used with a single set of primers and a restriction enzyme treatment after the PCR process, was more accurate in identifying the gender of the Crested ibis. In addition, we compared the CHD gene sequences with the previously reported sequences and found 1~2 different bases between females (CI2, CI4, CI5, and CI6) than in studies previously reporting female sequences.

• BMB Reports
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.501-510
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• 2007

Sex-related genes expressed in vitellogenic ovaries of the giant tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, were identified by an EST approach. A total of 1051 clones were unidirectionally sequenced from the 5 terminus. Nucleotide sequences of 743 EST (70.7%) significantly matched known genes previously deposited in the GenBank (E-value <$10^{-4}$) whereas 308 ESTs (29.3%) were regarded as newly unidentified transcripts (E-value >$10^{-4}$). A total of 559 transcripts (87 contigs and 472 singletons) were obtained. Thrombospondin (TSP) and peritrophin (79 and 87 clones accounting for 7.5 and 8.3% of clones sequenced, respectively) predominated among characterized transcripts. everal full length transcripts (e.g. cyclophilin, profillin and thioredoxin peroxidase) were also isolated. A gene homologue encoding chromobox protein (PMCBX, ORF of 567 nucleotides encoding a protein of 188 amino acids) which is recognized as a new member of the HP1 family was identified. Expression patterns of 14 of 25 sex-related gene homologues in ovaries and testes of P. monodon broodstock were examined by RT-PCR. Female sterile and ovarian lipoprotein receptor homologues were only expressed in ovaries whereas the remaining transcripts except disulfide isomerase related P5 precursor and adenine nucleotide translocator 2 were higher expressed in ovaries than testes of P. monodon broodstock. A homologue of ubiquitin specific proteinase 9, X chromosome (Usp9X) revealed a preferential expression level in ovaries than testes of broodstock-sized P. monodon (N = 13 and 11, P<0.05) but was only expressed in ovaries of 4-month-old shrimp (N = 5 for each sex).

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.199-203
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• 2013

This experiment was conducted to investigate the genetic effects of candidate genes on the growth of spleen and liver tissues using dietary Curcuma longa (C. longa) supplementation. Expression analyses of candidate genes regarding animal growth was performed in order to determine the factors affecting the growth related to immune components of Curucumin, Turmerone, and Zingiberene as the bile secretion Paratolyl methyl carbinol (PTMC). The animals were divided into four groups of five chicks supplied with experimental diets of C. longa at 0.25, 0.5 and 1% and controls. The 19 growth-related genes were known to cell maturation, differentiation significant expression patterns in this analysis. Expression of growth response-related genes in chicks supplemented with 1% of C. longa showed better growth performance than chicks with 0.25 and 0.5% in spleen (p<0.05). The IGF1, MSTN, POU1F1, ADCYAP1 gene were known to central roles in mediating gonadotropin function, regulating steroidogenesis and promoting oocyte growth and maturation. Sex steroids, androgen and estrogen can affect sex differentiation and also can affect muscle development. On the other hand, GHSR and FABP3 gene showed significant expression patterns in this analysis. The results would be used as basic information for the variation of growth-related genes expression on the cell growth, sex cell growth, and sex hormones according to dietary supplementation with C. longa in chickens.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.78-88
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• 2016

Purpose: To identify the clinical characteristics of SRY-negative male patients and genes related to male sex reversal, we performed a retrospective study using cases of 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development with a review of the literature. Materials and Methods:SRY-negative cases of 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development referred for cytogenetic analysis from 1983 to 2013 were examined using clinical findings, seminal analyses, basal hormone profiles, conventional cytogenetic analysis and polymerase chain reaction. Results: Chromosome analysis of cultured peripheral blood cells of 8,386 individuals found 19 cases (0.23%) with 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development. The SRY gene was confirmed to be absent in three of these 19 cases (15.8%). Conclusion: We report three rare cases of SRY-negative 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development. Genes on autosomes and the X chromosome that may have a role in sex determination were deduced through a literature review. These genes, through differences in gene dosage variation, may have a role in sex reversal in the absence of SRY.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.179-185
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• 2009

In our previous report, we showed that $PPAR{\gamma}$ does not influence adipogenesis in females with functioning ovaries, indicating that $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity on adipogenesis is associated with sex-related factors. Among the sex-related factors, estrogen has been recognized as a major factor in inhibiting adiposgenesis in females. Thus, we hypothensized that $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E) inhibits 3T3-L1 cell adipogenesis by preventing $PPAR{\gamma}$ activity. E decreased triglyceirde accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells compared with control group. E also decreased the expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$ mRNA as well as $PPAR{\gamma}$ dependent adipocyte-specific genes, such as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and tumor necrosis factor $\alpha$. In addition, E not only decreased luciferase reporter activity by $PPAR{\gamma}$, but also transfection of estrogen receptor $\alpha$ ($ER{\alpha}$) or $ER{\beta}$ led to decreases in $PPAR{\gamma}$ reporter gene activation. Moreover, E-activated ERs significantly decreased the luciferase reporter gene activation induced by $PPAR{\gamma}$ transfection, suggesting that estrogen-activated ERs inhibit $PPAR{\gamma}$-dependent transactivation. Accordingly, our results demonstrate that E inhibits the action of $PPAR{\gamma}$ on adipogenesis through E activated ER, providing evidence that lack of estrogen may potentiate $PPAR{\gamma}$ action on adipogenesis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-12
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• 2005

Objective: With the onset of stroke, white blood cells release several proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. It has been proven in previous studies that the release of these cytokines is related to the extent of damage to the brain and to overall prognosis. However, no studies have yet been performed to determine the connection with IL-6 and IL-10. Thus, this study is performed to see whether polymorphisms of IL-6, IL-10, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes that show increased serum concentration with the onset of stroke are related to stroke attack in Koreans. Methods : Peripheral blood samples derived from patients with stroke (n=100) and healthy controls (n=100) were taken under informed consent. In subjects with stroke, blood samples were obtained within 24 hours of stroke onset. Genomic DNA was isolated using the Wizard DNA Purification Kit (Promega, Madison, WI). Results : 1. Subjects with Heterozygote (GA) and Homozygote (AA) $TNF-{\alpha}$ gene types showed 2.433 and 20.457 times higher risks of being attacked by stroke, respectively, compared to subjects with wild type (GG) $TNF-{\alpha}$ gene type. The data was still statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex, history of smoking, and history of alcohol drinking. 2. Subjects with Homozygote (CC) IL-6 gene type showed 182.033 times higher risk of being attacked by stroke, compared to subjects with wild type (GG) IL-6 genes. This data was statistically insignificant (p=0.700). The data was still statistically insignificant after adjusting for age, sex, history of smoking, and history of alcohol drinking. 3. Subjects with Heterozygote (GA) and Homozygote (GG) IL-10 gene types showed 8.785 and 3.303 times higher risks of being attacked by stroke, respectively, compared to subjects with wild type (AA) IL-10 genes. The data was still statistically insignificant after adjusting for age, sex, history of smoking, and history of alcohol drinking. Conclusion : Our results suggest that the investigated $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-10 gene polymorphisms play an important role in stroke attack, but IL-6 gene polymorphism has not been found to associated with stroke.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.569-576
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• 2007

receptor(MC4R) gene and carcass traits was examined in randomly selected commercial pigs. A porcine MC4R gene was genotyped for Asp298Asn(nt. 892G>A) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP). A total of three genotypes, A/A, A/G, and G/G, were found with 28.8, 22.8, and 48.4% frequencies, respectively. In the whole population, pigs containing 892A/- showed significantly higher marbling score than those of homozygotes G/G(P<0.05). Two homozygotes, A/A and G/G showed lower in meat color score but higher in water holding capacity than those of heterozygotes A/G(P<0.01). However, the carcass weight of the barrows containing wild type -/G was significantly higher(i.e. more than 2.5kg) than those of homozygotes A/A(P<0.05). The effects of each genotype on carcass traits in the gilts were similar to those of the whole population, but not in barrows, suggesting an unknown sex-related effect on carcass traits. This study suggested that the genotype MC4R A/- could improve the meat quality in the commercial pig production. However, since the genetic polymorphism of MC4R gene differentially affected the carcass traits in sex-related manner, therefore, both parameters, the sex and genotype, should be considered for marker-assisted selection in commercial pig production.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.792-799
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• 2022

Dopamine (DA) is known to be a key modulator of animal behaviors. Thus, the plasma concentration of DA might be used as a biomarker for the behavioral characteristics of horses. The behavioral characteristics of horses vary depending on the breed, age, and sex. Moreover, the DA receptor genotypes are also related to horse behaviors. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the DA concentration variations of horse plasma by breed, age, sex, or genotype of its receptor. The horses were divided by breed into Thoroughbred (n = 13), Pony (n = 9), Warmblood (n = 4), and Haflinger (n = 5). The age variable was divided into three different groups: post-pubertal (2-5 years, n = 6), adult (6-13 years, n = 19), and aged horses (15-24 years, n = 6). The sex variable was divided into geldings (n = 8) and mares (n = 23). Approximately 10 mL of blood was collected, and an ELISA kit was used to measure the plasma concentration of DA. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to identify the genetic variation in the DA D4 receptor gene (DRD4). SPSS statistical software was used for statistical analysis. The DA concentrations in geldings were significantly lower than those in mares. There was no significant difference in DA concentrations among breed and age groups. Horses with the GG and GA genotypes had significantly higher plasma concentrations of DA compared to horses with the AA genotype for the G292A gene. Briefly, the plasma concentration of DA varied depending on the sex and genotype of G292A. These factors should be considered when the concentration of DA is used as a biomarker for the behavioral characteristics of horses. In conclusion, the DA concentration or DRD4 genotype of horse plasma has the potential to be used as a biomarker that can predict the behavioral characteristics of horses.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.883-898
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Probiotics have been suggested as potent modulators of age-related disorders in immunological functions, yet little is known about sex-dependent effects of probiotic supplements. Therefore, we aimed to investigate sex-dependent effects of probiotics on profiles of the gut microbiota and peripheral immune cells in healthy older adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, healthy elderly individuals ≥ 65 yrs old were administered probiotic capsules (or placebo) for 12 wk. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Peripheral immune cells were profiled using flow cytometry for lymphocytes (natural killer, B, CD4⁺ T, and CD8⁺ T cells), dendritic cells, monocytes, and their subpopulations. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, phylum Firmicutes was significantly reduced in the probiotic group in women, but not in men. At the genus level, sex-specific responses included reductions in the relative abundances of pro-inflammatory gut microbes, including Catabacter and unclassified_Coriobacteriales, and Burkholderia and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, in men and women, respectively. Peripheral immune cell profiling analysis revealed that in men, probiotics significantly reduced the proportions of dendritic cells and CD14⁺ CD16^- monocytes; however, these effects were not observed in women. In contrast, the proportion of total CD4⁺ T cells was significantly reduced in women in the probiotic group. Additionally, serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels showed a decreasing tendency that were positively associated with changes in gut bacteria, including Catabacter (ρ = 0.678, P < 0.05) and Burkholderia (ρ = 0.673, P < 0.05) in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that probiotic supplementation may reduce the incidence of inflammation-related diseases by regulating the profiles of the gut microbiota and peripheral immune cells in healthy elders in a sex-specific manner.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.64-64
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• 2003

The sex differentiation of fishes occurs under the control of genetic and various environmental factors. DM-domain containing genes are novel zinc finger transcription factors and play key roles in sex determination. In order to isolate the wrasse DMRT (wDMRT) cDNA from the protogynous wrasse (Halichoeres tenuispinnis), the wrasse testis cDNA library was screened using the $^{32}$ P-labeled PCR products, which were amplified with the degenerate primers from conserved DM-domain regions of several DMRT genes. Among a few positives obtained through screening, the full length wDMRT cDNA of 2.9kb size encoding a predicted 300 amino acid residues was isolated. The sequence analysis exhibited 60%, 43% sequence identity with rainbow trout and tilapia DMRT1, respectively. RT-PCR assay showed that wDMRT was expressed specifically in male testis. Also, wDMRT gene was strongly expressed in May during reproductive season, when the reproductivity of wrasse is most active. This results suggested that wDMRT gene function in testis differentiation The conserved DM-domain regions were amplified using PCR from DMRT genes of several species among Labridae, and their sequences were determined. The sequence of DM-domain region of Halichoeres. tenuispinis was identical to those of Pseudolabrus japonicus, Pteragogus flagellifera, and showed 94% identity with that of Halichoeres poecioptrerus.