• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.192-196
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• 2004

The in vitro effect of bisphenol A (BPA) on ovarian steroidogenesis of the longchin goby (Chasmichthys dolichognathus) was investigated. Oocytes taken during the maturing phase (vitellogenic, fully vitellogenic or germinal vesicle breakdown stage) were incubated with BPA (100 ng/mL) in the presence of exogenous precursor $^{3}H-17\alpha\;hydroxyprogesterone\;(^{3}H-17\alphaOHP).$ Steroids were extracted from the media and the isolated oocytes, and the extracts were separated and identified by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The identities of the major metabolites were progestogens $[17{\alpha}-hydroxy,20{\alpha}-dihydroprogesterone\;(17{\alpha}20{\alpha}OHP)\;and\;17{\alpha}-hydrxy,20{\beta}-dihydroprogesterone\;(17{\alpha}20{\beta}OHP),$ androgens [androstenedione (A4) and testosterone (T)] and estrogens [estrone $(E_1)\;and\;estradiol-17{\beta}(E_2)].$ BPA treatment inhibited production of estrogens in all the maturing phases and progestogens in the germinal vesicle migrating stage. Percentage yield of estrogens was decreased with increased yield of androgens. In conclusion, BPA had an inhibitory effect on the conversion of $^3H-17\alphaOHP$ to estrogens and progestogens. These results demonstrate that BPA can act either estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.147-153
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• 2013

Lipid metabolism in mature male mice may be different from immature male mice, but the relationship of lipid metabolism, especially n-6 fatty acid metabolism, and sexual maturation is not clearly established. This study was carried out to elucidate whether sexual maturation may affect the metabolism of functional n-6 fatty acids of lipid components by investigating the composition of fatty acids in the longissimus muscle tissues of mature and immature male mice with GC and analyzing the expression of genes and proteins for synthesis of n-6 fatty acids with real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Mature male mice showed significantly higher testosterone level in the sera. Similarly, n-6 fatty acids, levels of linoleic acid (LA 18:2n-6) and total n-6 PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids) were increased, but the levels of ${\gamma}$-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6), dihomo-${\gamma}$-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3n-6) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4 n-6) were decreased in the mature male mice. mRNA levels of ${\Delta}5$-desaturase (FASD1) and elongase (ELOVL5) genes related to n-6 fatty acid metabolism increased. However, the level of FADS1 protein only increased in mature male mice. In conclusion, this study suggested that sexual maturation of male mice affected n-6 fatty acid metabolism by stimulating the expression of enzyme FADS1 of n-6 PUFA metabolism.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Biology Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.33-37
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• 2002

The present was performed to identify the effects of tributyltin (TBT) in the immature mice testes. 3-week-old male ICR mice were orally administrated on one time basis of TBT dose of O (Vehicle control, VC), 25 (TBT 25 mg/kg, T$_{25}$ ), 50 (TBT 50 mg/kg, T$_{50}$ ), 100 (TBT 100 mg/kg, T$_{100}$ ) mg/kg per each one. After 3 days the time treated of TBT, mice were sacrified and wighted body, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, and prostate. As the result of weighing, wights of each oragan and gonad index were tendency decresed in comparing groups of TBT treated with that (C) of unteated (p <0.05). As the result of examination of steroid hormones in the immature male mice, The concentrations of serum and intratesticular testosterone were significatly increased rather than the control group. But concentrations of estradiol were decresed objectly. A group of the highest change of concentrations of steroid hormones is T$_{100}$ . The high dose group, T$_{100}$ , was decreased all of concentrations of steroid hormones rather than those of T$^{25}$ . The result of observation with histological changes in testis showed a tendency for innercellular wall to increase damage and extinction in seminiferous tubles. As the result of investigation apoptotic cell numbers in the testis using teminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase -mediated dUTP-digoxygenin nick end-labeling immunohistochemical straia, The ratio of Apoptic cells significantly was incensed in depending on treatment of TBT does. In conclusion, these results shows that TBT triggers apoptosis on reproductive cell in testis and changes level of concentrations of steroid hormones in the immature male mice , as endocrine disruptors (EDs).

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.189-196
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• 2011

We investigated the in vitro effects of nonylphenol (NP) and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) on steroidogenesis in redlip mullet, Chelon haematocheilus, oocytes. In experiment 1, we investigated the effects of NP and PCB126 on steroid production from exogenous steroid precursors. Vitellogenic oocytes (0.75 mm in diameter) were incubated with 10 and 100 ng/ml NP or PCB126 with $[^3H]17{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone as a precursor. The major metabolites produced were androstenedione, testosterone (T), estrone, and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$). Both NP and PCB126 increased T production and decreased $E_2$ production, except for 100 ng/ml PCB126. In experiment 2, oocytes (0.65-0.75 mm in diameter) were exposed to NP and PCB126 at different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL). After the incubation, T and $E_2$ production was measured by radioimmunoassay. NP inhibited $E_2$ production at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.1 ng/ml in 0.75-mm-diameter oocytes. NP at 1 and 100 ng/mL stimulated T production, but had no observable effect on $E_2$ production. PCB126 treatment did not affect $E_2$ production at any of the concentrations tested. NP alone at 0.1 ng/mL resulted in a significant decrease in $E_2$ production in 0.65-mm-diameter oocytes. PCB126 did not show any significant effects on either T or $E_2$ production at all concentrations tested. These results suggest that NP acts like an antiestrogen at lower concentrations (0.01-0.1 ng/ml) in vitellogenic oocytes of redlip mullet.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.60-66
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• 2013

Objective: Impairment of spermatogenesis has been identified as an inevitable side effect of cancer treatment. Although estrogen treatment stimulates spermatogenic recovery from the impaired spermatogenesis by suppressing the intra-testicular testosterone (ITT) level, side effects of estrogen are still major impediments to its clinical application in humans. Soybeans are rich in genistein, which is a phytoestrogen that binds to estrogen receptors and has an estrogenic effect. We investigated the effects of genistein administration on ITT levels, testis weight, and recovery of spermatogenesis in rats treated with a chemotherapeutic agent, busulfan. Methods: Busulfan was administered intraperitoneally to rats, and then a GnRH agonist was injected subcutaneously into the back, or genistein was administered orally. Results: The weight of the testes was significantly reduced by the treatment with busulfan. The testis weight was partially restored after busulfan treatment by additional treatment with either the GnRH agonist or genistein. Busulfan also induced atrophy of a high percentage of the seminiferous tubules, but this percentage was decreased by additional treatment with either the GnRH agonist or genistein. Treatment with genistein was effective at suppressing and maintaining ITT levels comparable to that in the GnRH agonist group. Conclusion: Genistein effectively suppressed ITT levels and stimulated the recovery of spermatogenesis in rats treated with a chemotherapeutic drug. This suggests that genistein may be a substitute for estrogens, for helping humans to recover fertility after cancer therapy without the risk of side effects.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.327-335
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• 2010

We reported previously that the administration of Korean red ginseng water extract (KRG-WE) protected the guinea pig testis against damage induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (a potent endocrine disruptor). We also found that crude saponin from ginseng was the active ingredient responsible for this protection. Here, we examined the biological role of KRG-WE in an animal model of age-induced dysfunction of spermatogenesis. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (six 2-month-old and eighteen 12-month-old) rats were used. The young and old control groups received only vehicle. The ginseng saponin (GS)- and KRG-WE-treated groups received GS (40 mg/kg body weight/day) and KRG-WE (200 mg/kg body weight/day), respectively, for 4 months. The number of cells, Sertoli cell index, Johnsen's score, and sex hormone levels decreased significantly with age. However, the administration of KRG-WE and GS markedly improved the number of germ cells, seminiferous tubular size, and Johnsen's score in the old rats. Ginseng produced a distinct testicular histological improvement in old rats. KRG-WE and GS elevated testosterone levels, while attenuating the aberrant increase in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Sperm kinematics evaluated by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer demonstrated improvement in the percentage of motile sperm, progressive sperm motility, and curvilinear velocity associated with sperm quality, supporting the beneficial role of red ginseng in senile spermatogenesis. Overall, the total water extract had a more potent effect than the corresponding saponin fraction. In conclusion, Korean red ginseng rejuvenated age-induced testicular dysfunction. Additionally, the total water extract was more potent than the corresponding saponin fraction.

• 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.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.21 no.3 s.54
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• pp.291-299
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• 2006

The experiments investigated whether early exposure to testosterone propionate (TP) during prepuberty alters testis development in Sprague-Dawley male rats. We performed Hershberger assay using the stimulated weanling male rats by OECD protocols, cDNA microarray, and Western blot. TP was subcutaneously injected to uncastrated Sprague-Dawley male rat of 22 days old for 10 consecutive days at doses of 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mg/kg per day. At necropsy, the following tissues were removed and weighed: combined testes, epididymides (Epi), Cowper's glands (COW), levator am, and bulbocavernosus muscles (LABC), seminal vesicles, together with coagulating gland (SV) and ventral prostate (VP). We found that TP increased the weights of Epi, VP, SV, COW, and LABC, while testis was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In cDNA microarray analysis of testis, there were significant reductions in the expression of cytochrome P450 11A (CYP11A), the rate-limiting enzyme of steroidogenesis. Taken together these results, TP exposure before puberty in male rats may produce the delay in testis development by inhibiting the CYP11A gene expression.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2004

Plasma steroid hormone levels in the viviparous rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) were examined in relation to gonadal histology under controlled photoperiods and water temperatures. To investigate those effects in S. schlegeli the photoperiod was maintained at 15L:9D in June and then it was gradually decreased to 9L: 15D in October. It was then gradually increased to 12L:12D in January, followed by 14L:I0D in February. The water temperature was $19-20^{\circ}C$ in July. From August to October, it was from $18^{\circ}C\;to\;12^{\circ}C$. Then, it was dropped to a low of $19-11^{\circ}C$ in November to December and then gradually increased to $14-15^{\circ}C$ in February. In females, both plasma $estradiol-l7\beta\;$ (E2) and testosterone (T) levels from August to February showed a similar pattern in both the treatment and the control groups. In the treatment group, the peaks of plasma E2 and T were observed in November, and the peaks were closely correlated to histological observations. Oocytes contained many yolk globules (final vitellogenic oocytes), and oocytes at the migratory nucleus stage increased in size. Plasma levels of progesterone did not change much throughout the experimental period. However, in the control group, the peaks of E2, T, and progesterone were observed in February. These results indicate that the controlled photoperiod and water temperature accelerated sexual maturity, corresponding to the advancement of plasma E2 and T peaks by approximately 3 months. In males, plasma T levels showed a similar pattern from August to October in the treatment and control groups, though levels in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group. From histological observations, the treatment group copulated one month earlier.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.134-142
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• 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Dictyota coriacea extract and its active components such as 1,9-dihydroxycrenulide and epiloliolide on the hair growth. Treatment with D. coriacea extract and the hexane and EtOAc fractions of D. coriacea extract significantly increased the proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs), a central regulator of the hair cycle. Especially, 1,9-dihydroxycrenulide and epiloliolide from D. coriacea extract, caused an increase in the DPC proliferation. When isolated rat vibrissa follicles were treated with 1,9-dihydroxycrenulide or epiloliolide for 21 d, the hair-fiber lengths for the vibrissa follicles increased. When examined the activity of 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a main cause of androgenetic alopecia, the several solvent fractions of D. coriacea extract significantly decreased the 5α-reductase activity while 1,9-dihydroxycrenulide and epiloliolide scarcely inhibited 5α-reductase activity. In addition, we found that the D. coriacea extract and several solvent fractions of D. coriacea extract could not act as a K_ATP channel opener, which could be a contributory factor in the effect on hair growth. These results suggest that D. coriacea extract and 1,9-dihydroxycrenulide and epiloliolide, principals of D. coriacea, have the potential to treat alopecia via the proliferation of DPCs.