• Animal cells and systems
• /
• 제11권1호
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2007

Recently, we have shown that some endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, organotins and azoles suppressed steroidogenic enzymes such as P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and aromatase in bullfrog ovarian follicles. In the present study, by using an amphibian ovarian follicle culture system, we examined the effects of these endocrine disruptors on maturation and ovulation of oocytes from Rana dybowskii in vitro. Ovarian fragments or isolated follicles were cultured for 24 h in a medium containing frog pituitary homogenate (FPH) or progesterone ($P_{4}$) with or without endocrine disruptors, and oocyte maturation (germinal vesicle breakdown, GVBD) and ovulation were examined. Among the organotins, tributyltin (TBT) strongly inhibited both FPH-and $P_{4}-induced$ oocyte maturation ($ED_{50}$:0.6 and 0.7 ${\mu}M$, respectively); however, tetrabutyltin (TTBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) showed only partial suppression, while monobutyltin (MBT) showed no inhibitory effect. All of the organotins suppressed $P_{4}-induced$ oocyte ovulation very effectively at a low concentration, and TBT and DBT exerted an inhibitory effect on FPH-induced ovulation. Among the heavy metals, mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co) were very effective in inhibiting FPH-induced oocyte maturation and ovulation, while lead (Pb), arsenite (As) and zinc (Zn) were less effective. However, all of the heavy metals suppressed FPH-induced oocyte ovulation at a high dose ($100{\mu}M$). Among the azoles, itraconazole (ICZ), ketoconazole (KCZ) and clotrimazole (CTZ) effectively inhibited FPH-induced oocyte maturation and ovulation, while econazole (ECZ), miconazole (MCZ) and fluconazole (FCZ) were considerably less effective. These results demonstrated that the abovementioned endocrine disruptors exhibited differential effects on oocyte maturation and ovulation in amphibian follicles and that the frog ovarian culture system could be used as an effective experimental tool to screen and evaluate the toxicity of various endocrine disruptors in vitro.

• BMB Reports
• /
• 제52권7호
• /
• pp.445-450
• /
• 2019

TTYH2 is a calcium-activated, inwardly rectifying anion channel that has been shown to be related to renal cancer and colon cancer. Based on the topological prediction, TTYH2 protein has five transmembrane domains with the extracellular N-terminus and the cytoplasmic C-terminus. In the present study, we identified a vesicle transport protein, ${\beta}$-COP, as a novel specific binding partner of TTYH2 by yeast two-hybrid screening using a human brain cDNA library with the C-terminal region of TTYH2 (TTYH2-C) as a bait. Using in vitro and in vivo binding assays, we confirmed the protein-protein interactions between TTYH2 and ${\beta}$-COP. We also found that the surface expression and activity of TTYH2 were decreased by co-expression with ${\beta}$-COP in the heterologous expression system. In addition, ${\beta}$-COP associated with TTYH2 in a native condition at a human colon cancer cell line, LoVo cells. The over-expression of ${\beta}$-COP in the LoVo cells led to a dramatic decrease in the surface expression and activity of endogenous TTYH2. Collectively, these data suggested that ${\beta}$-COP plays a critical role in the trafficking of the TTYH2 channel to the plasma membrane.

• 대한의생명과학회지
• /
• 제25권2호
• /
• pp.177-184
• /
• 2019

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 contains a functional kinase and GTPase domains. A pathogenic G2019S mutation that is the most prevalent among the LRRK2 mutations and is also found in sporadic cases, increases its kinase activity. Therefore, identification of LRRK2 kinase substrates and the development of kinase inhibitors are under intensive investigation to find PD therapeutics. Several recent studies have suggested members of Rab proteins, a branch of the GTPase superfamily, as LRRK2 kinase substrates. Rab proteins are key regulators of cellular vesicle trafficking. Among more than 60 members of human Rab proteins, Rab3, Rab5, Rab8, Rab10, Rab12, Rab29, Rab35, and Rab43 have been identified as LRRK2 kinase substrates. However, most studies have used human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells overexpressing LRRK2/Rab proteins or murine embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells which are not relevant to PD, rather than neuronal cells. In this study, we tested whether Rab proteins are phosphorylated by LRRK2 in astroglia in addition to neurons. Among the various Rab substrates, we tested phosphorylation of Rab10, because of the commercial availability and credibility of the phospho-Rab10 (pRab10) antibody, in combination with a specific LRRK2 kinase inhibitor. Based on the results of specific LRRK2 kinase inhibitor treatment, we concluded that LRRK2 phosphorylates Rab10 in the tested brain cells such as primary neurons, astrocytes and BV2 microglial cells.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
• /
• 제33권4호
• /
• pp.287-296
• /
• 2018

Ganglioside GM3 is known as an inhibition factor of cell differentiation and proliferation via inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation. Our previous study showed that the exogenous ganglioside GM3 reduced the meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes and induced apoptosis at 44 h of in vitro maturation (IVM). However, the role of ganglioside GM3 in the relationship between EGFR signaling and apoptosis during porcine oocyte maturation has not yet been studied. First, porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in the NCSU-23 medium with exogenous ganglioside GM3 according to maturation periods (non-treated, only IVM I: 0 - 22 h, only IVM II: 22 - 44 h and IVM I & II: 0 - 44 h). We confirmed that the proportion of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) increased significantly in the IVM I treated group than in the control group. We also confirmed that the meiotic maturation until M II stage and polar body formation decreased significantly in the only IVM I treated group. Cumulus cell expansion and mRNA levels of the expansion-related factors (HAS2, TNFAIP6 and PTX3) decreased significantly in the IVM I treated group than in the control group. Protein levels of EGFR, p-EGFR, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 decreased significantly in the GM3-treated groups, during the IVM I period. In addition, cellular apoptosis, determined using TUNEL assay, and protein levels of Cleaved caspase 3, were increased significantly in the GM3-treated COCs during the IVM I period. Based on these results, ganglioside GM3 exposure of porcine COCs during the IVM I period reduced meiotic maturation and cumulus cell expansion via inhibition of EGFR activity in pigs.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
• /
• 제23권3호
• /
• pp.255-262
• /
• 2019

Previously, we reported negative effects of low-dose nonylphenol (NP) exposure on the reproductive organs of F1 male mice. In the present study was further investigated the endocrine disrupting effect of NP exposure to F2 generation male mice. Mice were divided into 2 groups; (1) CON, control animals and (2) NP-50 ($50{\mu}g/L$), animals were treated with NP via drinking water. NP exposures were continuously conducted from parental pre-mating period until the postnatal day (PND) 55 of F2 offsprings. Mice were sacrificed on PND 55 and the reproductive tissue weights were measured. The initial (at PND 21) and terminal (PND 55) body weights of the NP-50 group animals were not significantly different from those of control group animals. NP exposure fail to induce a significant weight change of the testes, seminal vesicle and prostate except absolute epididymal weight (p<0.05). However, pathohistological studies revealed that NP-treated F2 animals showed evident decrease in seminiferous tubule diameters, reduced luminal area and number of germ cells. Also, sloughing morphologies in the tubules were notable. In the caudal epididymis, fewer mature sperms and swollen epithelial cells were found in the NP-treated group. The present study demonstrated that the subchronic low-dose NP exposure induced pathohistological abnormalities in testis and epididymis of F2 mice, and we assumed that these 'qualitative' changes in reproductive tissues could be derived from the epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modification, altered DNA accessibility and chromatin structure. Further studies are needed to achieve a better understanding on the multi- or trans-generational effects of NP on the reproductive health and a human application.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• 제48권1호
• /
• pp.85-90
• /
• 2021

We present data from three Caucasian men with Zinner syndrome who attended our center for the treatment of primary couple's infertility. Each patient was scheduled for conventional testicular sperm extraction (cTESE) and cryopreservation. Sperm analysis confirmed absolute azoospermia. Patient 1 had right and left testis volumes of 24 mL and 23 mL, respectively; left seminal vesicle (SV) agenesis, severe right SV hypotrophy with right renal agenesis. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was 3.2 IU/L. Patient 2 exhibited right and left testis volumes of 18 mL and 16 mL, respectively; a left SV cyst of 32 × 28 mm, ipsilateral kidney absence, and right SV agenesis. FSH was 2.8 IU/L. Patient 3 showed a testicular volume of 10 mL bilaterally, a 65 × 46 mm left SV cyst, right SV enlargement, and left kidney agenesis. FSH was 32.0 IU/L. Sperm retrieval was successful in all patients. Nevertheless, cTESE should be performed on the day of oocyte retrieval.

• 대한화장품학회지
• /
• 제47권2호
• /
• pp.171-178
• /
• 2021

본 연구에서는 프로바이오틱스 유래 엑소좀 유사 나노베지클을 분리하고, 피부에 대한 여러 가지 생리활성을 평가했다. 프로바이오틱스의 한 종인 Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (LL)를 배양하고 고압균질기와 한외여과를 통해 70 ~ 200 nm 크기를 갖는 LL 유래 엑소좀 유사 나노베지클(LVs)을 분리했다. 나노입자추적분석 결과 1.81 × 10¹¹ particles/mL로 나타났다. LVs를 섬유아세포와 피부각질세포에 처리하여 피부 주름과 장벽 개선과 관련된 효능을 확인했다. 우선 섬유아세포에서 fibrillin (FBN1) 유전자 발현량이 23%, 피부각질세포에서 fibronectin (FN1)과 filaggrin (FGN) 유전자 발현량이 각각 65%, 400% 증가했다. 그리고 각질형성능은 대조군 대비 30% 증가함을 확인할 수 있었다. 또한, UV 조사한 피부각질세포에 LVs를 처리했을 때 collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)이 대조군 대비 약 83% 증가하는 결과를 보여주었다. 이로써 프로바이오틱스 유래 엑소좀 유사 나노베지클은 장벽 개선과 관련하여 화장품 및 의약품 소재로 이용할 수 있음을 확인했다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• 제49권2호
• /
• pp.149-158
• /
• 2022

Objective: Optimizing culture media for the incubation of immature oocytes is a vital strategy to increase the oocyte maturation rate during in vitro maturation (IVM) programs. This study evaluated the IVM and fertilization rates of human germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase I (MI) oocytes using two different maturation media (commercial and homemade) with or without growth differentiation factor 9-β (GDF9-β). supplementation. Methods: Immature oocytes from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were collected and assigned to one of two IVM culture media (commercial or homemade; cleavage-stage base). After maturation, MII oocytes were examined under an inverted microscope for the presence of the polar body, zona pellucida (ZP) birefringence, and meiotic spindle (MS) visualization after maturation in four conditions (commercial or homemade medium, with or without GDF9-β. ICSI was done for matured oocytes, and fertilization was confirmed by the visualization of two distinct pronuclei and two polar bodies. Results: No significant differences were found between the two culture media in terms of the time and rate of oocyte maturation or the rate of fertilization (p>0.05). Growth factor supplementation increased the 24-hour maturation rate for both GV and MI oocytes only in homemade medium. The maturation rate after 24 hours was higher for MI oocytes (p<0.05). Similar results were observed for MS visualization and ZP structure in both types of media (p>0.05). Conclusion: Higher rates of oocyte maturation and fertilization were observed after application of homemade medium supplemented with GDF9-β. Therefore, this combination may be recommended as an alternative for clinical IVM programs.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• 제60권5호
• /
• pp.309-315
• /
• 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent illness of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment of IBD traditionally involves the use of aminosalicylic acid and steroids, while these drugs has been associated with untoward effects and refractoriness. The absence of effective treatment regimen against IBD has led to the exploration of new targets. Parasites are promising as an alternative therapy for IBD. Recent studies have highlighted the use of parasite-derived substances, such as excretory secretory products, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and exosomes, for the treatment of IBD. In this report, we examined whether EVs secreted by Giardia lamblia could prevent colitis in a mouse model. G. lamblia EVs (GlEVs) were prepared from in vitro cultures of Giardia trophozoites. Clinical signs, microscopic colon tissue inflammation, and cytokine expression levels were detected to assess the effect of GlEV treatment on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental murine colitis. The administration of GlEVs prior to DSS challenge reduced the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interferon gamma. Our results indicate that GlEV can exert preventive effects and possess therapeutic properties against DSS-induced colitis.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
• /
• 제21권3호
• /
• pp.48.1-48.18
• /
• 2020

Background: Mature oocytes at the metaphase II status (MII-stage oocytes) played an important role in assisted reproductive technology in non-human primates. Objectives: In order to improve the proportion of MII-stage oocytes retrieval, three different superovulation protocols were performed on 24 female cynomolgus monkeys. Methods: All the monkeys received once-daily injection of follicle-stimulating hormone (25 international unit [IU]) on day 3 of the menstruation, 3-day intervals, twice daily for 8-12 days until the time of human chorionic gonadotropin (1,500 IU) injection, on the 14-17th day of menstruation collecting oocytes. The difference between protocol I and protocol II was that 0.1 mg the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was injected on day 1 of the menstruation, while the difference between personalized superovulation protocol and protocol II was that oocytes could be collected on the 14-17th day of menstrual cycle according to the length of each monkey. Results: The total number of oocytes harvested using the personalized superovulation protocol was much higher than that using protocol I (p < 0.05), and the proportion of MII-stage oocytes was significantly greater than that from either superovulation protocol I or II (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively), while the proportion of immature oocytes at the germinal vesicle was less than that from superovulation protocol I (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The personalized superovulation protocol could increase the rate of MII-stage oocytes acquired, and successfully develop into embryos after intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and eventually generated fetus.