• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.345-351
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• 2000

Objective: Hatching of the blastocyst from the zona pellucida (ZP) is a key event in mammalian implantation. In vivo, two factors have been identified as possible mediators of hatching: lysis of the ZP by substances elaborated either from the embryo or female reproductive tract and pressure exerted on the zona by expansion of the blastocyst. Two methods of zona manipulation were already in use to enhance the ability of embryos to hatch: mechanical PZD and chemical ZD by acidic Tyrode's solution. But several controversies of each method have been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pronase for mouse embryo hatching. Methods: Mouse embryos were obtained following ovulation induction of $F_1$ animals. Fresh and cryo-thawed morula embryos were exposed to 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 ${\mu}g/ml$ pronase in Ham's F10 for 72 hrs. Main outcome measures were the rates of partial hatching and completely hatched blastocysts, and cell number of it. Results: In fresh and cryo-thawed group, the rates of completely hatched blastocyst were significantly higher in 5 ${\mu}g/ml$ pronase treatment group than control group. There was no difference in completely hatched blastocyst total cell number between pronase treatment group and control group. This suggest that pronase treatment did not harmful in mouse embryo development. In pronase treatment group, zona pellucida were thinner than control group. Conclusion: The addition of pronase to culture media may accelerate the hatching of embryo. So, enzymatic treatment of the zona may provide a valuable and effective assisted hatching technique for human in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권11호
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• pp.4521-4524
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• 2015

Background: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the female genital tract and the fourth most common cancer in Iranian women after breast, colorectal and lung cancers. Various genetic alterations appear to be early events in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma and it seems that PTEN is the most commonly mutated gene in the endometrioid subtype. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between mutations in exon 7 of PTEN gene and endometrial carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients with endometrial carcinoma and 75 females whose underwent hysterectomy for non tumoral indication were selected for evaluation of PTEN mutations in exon 7 by PCR-SSCP and sequencing. Correlations between the frequency and type of mutation and the pathologic findings of the cancer (tumor subtype, stage and grade) were assessed. Results: All of the samples were obtained from Iranian patients. 60 % (45 cases) of the tumors were endometriod and 40% (30 cases) were of serous type. The grade distributions of the 75 cases according to the FIGO staging system were as follows: low grade, 20 cases; high grade 55 cases, low stage, 41 cases; high stage 34 cases. For exon 7 of the PTEN gene, the analysis showed that there were no mutations in our cases. Conclusions: Our findings in the present study suggest that exon 7 of PTEN does not play any significant role in the development of endometrial carcinoma in Iranian cases.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.40.1-40.19
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• 2024

Importance: The creation of robust maternal-embryonic interactions and implantation models is important for comprehending the early stages of embryonic development and reproductive disorders. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems often fail to accurately mimic the highly complex in vivo conditions. The employment of three-dimensional (3D) organoids has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations in recent years. The advancements in the field of organoid technology have opened new avenues for studying the physiology and diseases affecting female reproductive tract. Observations: This review summarizes the current strategies and advancements in the field of 3D organoids to establish maternal-embryonic interaction and implantation models for use in research and personalized medicine in assisted reproductive technology. The concepts of endometrial organoids, menstrual blood flow organoids, placental trophoblast organoids, stem cell-derived blastoids, and in vitro-generated embryo models are discussed in detail. We show the incorportaion of organoid systems and microfluidic technology to enhance tissue performance and precise management of the cellular surroundings. Conclusions and Relevance: This review provides insights into the future direction of modeling maternal-embryonic interaction research and its combination with other powerful technologies to interfere with this dialogue either by promoting or hindering it for improving fertility or methods for contraception, respectively. The merging of organoid systems with microfluidics facilitates the creation of sophisticated and functional organoid models, enhancing insights into organ development, disease mechanisms, and personalized medical investigations.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권9호
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• pp.5107-5110
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• 2013

Background: Among women with haematuria, defining individuals under high risk for bladder cancer based on reproductive factors prior to cystoscopy would be of great benefit in the management of this condition. The aim of this study was to compare age and reproductive factors such as menopausal status, parity, age at first delivery and age at the last delivery between women who have haematuria with or without bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 463 patients underwent diagnostic cystoscopy in D$\ddot{u}$zce University Faculty of Medicine between 1 June 2008 and 1 June 2013. Female patients who presented with persistent microscopic or macroscopic haematuria and underwent standard evaluation for haematuria including urinalysis, urine culture, urine cytology, urinary tract imaging with excretory urography or computerized tomography with contrast enhancement and endoscopic evaluation of the urethra and bladder were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were tobacco use and high risk occupations for bladder cancer such as textile, dry cleaning, painting and etc. Forteen women had hematuria due to benign conditions, and 18 due to bladder cancer. Data were retrospectively retrieved from the medical records of Duzce University Hospital. Results: Patients with haematuria due to benign reasons did not significantly differ from patients who were found to have bladder cancer in terms of age (p=0.28), menopausal status (p=0.29), mean parity (p=0.38), being nulliparous (p=0.57), parity ${\geq}3$ (p=0.22), age ${\leq}18$ years at first delivery (p=1.00), age ${\geq}30$ years at last delivery (p=0.26), age ${\geq}35$ years at last delivery (p=0.23) and percentage of the patients with advanced age (${\geq}65$ years) (p=0.18). Conclusions: It is difficult to predict a high risk for developing bladder cancer in women with haematuria based solely on reproductive factors.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.103-108
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• 2013

An uterus is female reproductive tract organ that affected estrus cycle. During a various changes occur at uterus in estrus cycle, one of them is body fluids secretion be called uterine fluid. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the changes of protein patterns using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in uterus fluids during the follicular and luteal phases in estrus cycle of pigs. In changes of protein spots were confirmed during the follicular and luteal phases. The 136 spots were expressed in follicular phase, the 57 spots of them showed reproducibility. On the other hand, the 140 spots were expressed in luteal phase, the 73 spots of them showed reproducibility. Also, spots expressed in follicular phase were number 69 and 94 spots and spots expressed in luteal phase only were number 156, 157, 184~187, 190 and 191 spots. The spots which of higher expression levels in the luteal phase than in follicular phase were number 76 and 79 spots. In conclusion, the spots expressed in follicular and luteal phases were confirmed with difference levels and these differences are function of RNA resolving, protein synthesis and cytoskeletal architecture.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.121-131
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• 2012

After spermatogenesis, spermatozoa come in contact with fluids in the epididymis where they mature. During ejaculation, spermatozoa are mixed with secretions from prostate gland, vesicular glands, and bulbourethral glands. During natural mating, seminal plasma is deposited in the female reproductive tract eliciting various physiological and immunological responses. With the advances in proteomics, the components of seminal plasma have been identified and the information may be valuable in identifying markers for fertility. Components of seminal plasma that affect fertility have been discovered and the mechanism of action of these factors has been determined. The objective of this study was to determine the specific seminal plasma proteins from Korean native cattle, Hanwoo, and Korean native brindle cattle (KNBC) with the long term goal of improving fertilization rate. After SDS-PAGE and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, proteins were identified by Q-ToF analysis. They include plasma serine protease inhibitor precursor and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase after SDS-PAGE. Number and density of the spots in 2-dimensional gels were higher in KNBC than Hanwoo. Proteins identified from the paired spots of both breeds include chain A, bull seminal plasma PDC-109 Fibronectin Type II module, BSP-30 kDa precursor, and Spermadhesin Z13 or its precursor. Interestingly, some proteins were identified from multiple spots. The functional differences of these diverse forms of the proteins may require further studies. With their previously reported roles in sperm capacitation by these proteins, the studies on the mechanism of action, ligand interaction and the variation in the genome may help improving fertility in cattle.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.163-170
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• 2021

Bacterial infections in the female reproductive tract negatively affect ovarian function, follicular development, and embryo development, leading to the eventual failure of fertilization. Moreover, bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can interfere with the immune system and reproductive system of the host animal. Therefore, this study examined the effect of LPS on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of pig oocytes. Oocytes were matured in TCM199 medium in the presence of varying concentrations of LPS (0 - 50 ㎍·mL^-1). The maturation rate, cortical granules (CGs) migration, and chromosome alignment were subsequently evaluated during the meiotic development of the oocytes. We observed a dose-dependent and significant decrease in the metaphase II (MII) rate with increasing concentrations of LPS (97.6% control [0 ㎍·mL^-1 LPS] vs. 10.4-74.9% LPS [1 - 50 ㎍·mL^-1], p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the control oocytes without LPS, higher levels of abnormal CGs distribution (18.1 - 50.0% LPS vs. 0% control), chromosome/spindle alignment (20.3 - 56.7% LPS vs. 0% control), and intracellular ROS generation were observed in oocytes matured with LPS (p < 0.05). Nitrite levels were also increased in the maturation medium derived from the oocytes matured with LPS (p < 0.05). These results indicate that LPS induces oxidative stress during IVM and affects oocyte maturation, including CGs migration and chromosome alignment of pig oocytes.

• 한국동물번식학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국동물번식학회 2004년도 춘계학술발표대회
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• pp.236-236
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• 2004

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most abundant glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the female reproductive tract such as uterine, oviductal and follicular fluids in mouse, pig, cattle and human. CD44 is the principal cell membrane receptor for HA, expressed from the 1-to 8-cell stage in human embryos, during post-implantation mouse and bovine embryogenesis and on the surface of differentiated embryonic stem cells. (omitted)

• 한국응용곤충학회지
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.225-231
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• 2004

내부기생봉의 일종인 프루텔고치별(Cotesia plutellae)이 배추좀나방(Plutellae xylostella)을 대상으로 생물적 방제제로 이용되고 있다. 이 기생봉은 생식기관에 폴리드나바이러스를 공생시키고, 이 바이러스의 존재는 기생봉의 성공적 기생에 필수적이다. 본 연구는 암컷 프루텔고치벌 성장에 따라 플리드나바이러스의 복제시기를 결정하였으며, 또한 교미나 기주 요인에 따른 암컷의 생식 능력을 분석하였다. 기생봉은 $25^{\circ}C$ 발육조건에서 용화 2일째 겹눈과 날개와 같은 성충조직을 발달시키기 시작했으며, 5일째에는 촉각을 포함한 모든 성충조직이 발달되어 우화 직전 단계의 모습을 보였다. 프루텔고치벌 폴리드나바이러스에 대한 다클론성항체에 의한 면역블로팅 분석은 용화 4일째에서 바이러스 복제를 확인할 수 있었다. 바이러스 입자들은 용화 5일째 산란관 내부에서 투과전자현미경으로 관찰되었다. 우화후 난소소관의 길이는 변하지 않았지만, 독샘과 난소받침의 크기는 증가했다. 교미한 암컷은 $25^{\circ}C$에서 약 8일관 생존하였으며, 초기 4일동안 집중된($60\%$ 이상) 산란을 보였다. 미교미 암컷은 교미한 암컷에 비해 낮은 산란을 보였으며, 이 미수정난은 모두 수컷으로 발육하였다. 프루텔고치벌은 배추좀나방과 미국흰불나방(Hyphantria cunea)모두를 기생시킬 수 있었다. 그러나 배추좀나방에서 더 빠르고, 높은 기생율을 보였다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.621-630
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• 2019

암컷의 자궁에서 일어나는 수정은 새로운 생명의 시작점이다. 암컷의 번식기관은 난소, 난관, 자궁, 자궁경부 및 질로 구성되어 있으며, 이들기관은 발정주기에 따라 생리학적인 역할이 조절된다. 자궁은 수정란의 발달과 착상이 이루어지는 곳이기 때문에, 수정란과 자궁 환경의 상호작용은 안정적인 임신을 위한 필수적인 조건으로 알려져있다. 자궁내막은 자궁의 한 부분으로써 이들의 형태학적인 특징은 호르몬에 의해 반복적으로 변화되며, 자궁내막으로부터 분비되는 자궁액 역시 그 특징이 변화하게 된다. 최근, 자궁내막 및 자궁액 내 포함된 대량의 단백질을 단백체학과 생물정보학의 발전에 따라 검출할 수 있게 되었으며, 이러한 기술에 의해 번식학 발전을 가속화하고 있다. 대량의 단백질 정보는 성호르몬 신호기전 및 혈관신생과 같은 이론 등을 깊게 연구할 수 있는 도구로써 이용되고 있다. 본 총설에서는 자궁내막의 재구성, 자궁선 및 자궁액에 대한 기초적인 생물학적인 지식을 바탕으로, 단백체학과 생물정보학을 활용한 자궁내막 및 자궁액 연구에 대해서 소개하고자 한다. 또한, 생물정보학 도구를 활용하여 단백체학에서 탐색된 자궁내막 및 자궁액 관련 단백질들의 상호작용 알아보는 방법에 대해서도 소개하였다. 따라서, 본 총설의 내용은 발정주기동안 자궁내막 안에서 일어나는 새로운 세포 신호기전을 탐색하는데 큰 도움이 될것이라 생각된다.