• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.44 no.10
• /
• pp.746-757
• /
• 2021

Plant somatic cells can be reprogrammed into a pluripotent cell mass, called callus, which can be subsequently used for de novo shoot regeneration through a two-step in vitro tissue culture method. MET1-dependent CG methylation has been implicated in plant regeneration in Arabidopsis, because the met1-3 mutant exhibits increased shoot regeneration compared with the wild-type. To understand the role of MET1 in de novo shoot regeneration, we compared the genome-wide DNA methylomes and transcriptomes of wildtype and met1-3 callus and leaf. The CG methylation patterns were largely unchanged during leaf-to-callus transition, suggesting that the altered regeneration phenotype of met1-3 was caused by the constitutively hypomethylated genes, independent of the tissue type. In particular, MET1-dependent CG methylation was observed at the blue light receptor genes, CRYPTOCHROME 1 (CRY1) and CRY2, which reduced their expression. Coexpression network analysis revealed that the CRY1 gene was closely linked to cytokinin signaling genes. Consistently, functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in met1-3 showed that gene ontology terms related to light and hormone signaling were overrepresented. Overall, our findings indicate that MET1-dependent repression of light and cytokinin signaling influences plant regeneration capacity and shoot identity establishment.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2022

Catfish is one of the most important freshwater fish farming commodities in Indonesia. Higher catfish production can be achieved by cultivating transgenic catfish carrying the growth hormone (GH) gene of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus GH, CgGH). This research focuses on analysis of the presence of the CgGH gene in transgenic G₁, G₂, and G₃ mutiara catfish broodstock, as an indication of stable CgGH inheritance. CgGH gene was isolated using the RNeasy mini kit and RT-PCR. RT-PCR revealed amplicons measuring approximately 600 bp in transgenic G₀, G₁, G₂, and G₃ mutiara catfish. The CgGH consensus sequence similarities ranged from 93.76% to 97.06%, with four functional domain sites (somatotropin-1, somatotropin-2, four α-helix, N-glycosylation, four cysteine residues) of fish GH proteins. The functional domains of fish GH proteins are conserved in G₁, G₂, and G₃ and indicate stable exogenous GH inheritance to produce transgenic catfish strains in each generation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.110-121
• /
• 2021

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of various types of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes (HF). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from 8 electronic databases, and the risk of bias was evaluated for the included studies. Pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed using Review Manager and R software for indirect comparison and ranking, respectively. In total, 23 RCTs (2,302 patients) were eligible for systematic review, of which 10 were included in network meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis showed manual acupuncture (MA) had the highest probability of reducing HF frequency and severity, followed by sham acupuncture (SA), electroacupuncture, usual care, or no treatment; furthermore, warm acupuncture significantly improved menopause-specific quality of life compared with MA or electroacupuncture. Compared with hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture had less efficacy in reducing HF frequency but enhanced menopause-specific quality of life. There was no significant difference between MA and SA in mitigating HF. The existing evidence showed that MA could be used for alleviating menopausal HF. However, it is recommended that more high-quality RCTs should be performed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.32-39
• /
• 2018

Objective: In this study, we investigated the adverse effects of dietary zearalenone (ZEA) (0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg diet) on the localization and expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) in the uteri of post-weaning gilts and explored alternative mechanism of the reproductive toxicity of ZEA on piglets. Methods: A total of forty healthy piglets (Duroc${\times}$Landrace${\times}$Large White) aged 28 d were selected for study. Piglets were transferred to single cages after 10 days' adaptation on an obstetric table. The animals were allocated to one of four treatments: a normal basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control), 0.5 (ZEA0.5), 1.0 (ZEA1.0), or 1.5 (ZEA1.5) mg/kg purified ZEA, and fed for 35 d after the 10-d adaptation. Analyzed ZEA concentrations in the diets were 0, $0.52{\pm}0.07$, $1.04{\pm}0.03$, and $1.51{\pm}0.13mg/kg$, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, piglets were euthanized after being fasted for 12 h. Two samples of uterine tissue from each pig were rapidly collected, one of which was stored at $-80^{\circ}C$ for analysis of the relative mRNA and protein expression of GHR, and the second was promptly fixed in Bouin's solution for immunohistochemical analysis. Results: The relative weight of the uteri and thickness of the myometrium and endometrium increased linearly (p<0.001) and quadratically (p<0.001) with an increasing level of ZEA. The results of immunohistochemical analysis indicated that GHR immunoreactive substance was mainly localizated in the cytoplasm of uterine smooth muscle, glandular epithelial, luminal epithelial, stromal, and vascular endothelial cells. In contrast, nuclear staining was rarely observed. The immunoreactive integrated optic density of GHR in the myometrium, luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, and whole uteri of weaning gilts increased linearly (p<0.001) and quadratically (p<0.05) with an increasing level of ZEA. The mRNA and protein expression of GHR in the uteri of weaning gilts increased linearly (p<0.001) and quadratically (p<0.05) with an increasing level of ZEA. Conclusion: In conclusion, ZEA at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg was sufficient to significantly thicken the myometrium and endometrium, and at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg induced a high level of GHR expression to promote growth and development of the uteri. This revealed an alternative molecular mechanism whereby ZEA induces growth and development of the uteri and provides a theoretical basis for the revision of Chinese feed hygiene standards.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.693-697
• /
• 2010

This study, conducted with four leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), used time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) to analyze estradiol and progesterone concentrations in fecal samples. We measured fecal samples taken during estrus period, diestrus period, pregnancy and non-pregnancy period. During estrus (February), the mean minimum estradiol concentration was $4.02{\pm}1.9$ng/g, and the mean maximum was $86.01{\pm}35.2$ng/g (dry fecal weight). During diestrus (November), the mean minimum estradiol concentration was $4.42{\pm}1.32$ng/g and mean maximum was $15.62{\pm}6.48$ng/g (dry fecal weight). Midgestation (April), the mean minimum progesterone concentration was $427{\pm}24.49$ng/g and the mean maximum was $1490{\pm}265.27$ng/g. During non-pregnancy (November), the mean minimum progesterone concentration was $71.25{\pm}29.61$ng/g and the mean maximum was $291.75{\pm}90.30$ng/g. These results suggest that steroid hormone analysis of feces using TR-FIA is a valid method for noninvasively determining ovarian activity associated with estrus and pregnancy in leopard cats. This study will contribute to building breeding management and reproductive plans for endangered species.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.9-13
• /
• 2010

Background and Objectives : Parathyroid adenoma is a rare disease in Korea, but the incidence of parathyroid adenoma has gradually increased due to generalized measurement of serum calcium and imaging study according to wide spread public health screening program. In previous researches, the analysis of clinical aspects were insufficient due to a few cases. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical analysis of surgically treated parathyroid adenoma with hyperparathyroidism. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of nineteen cases of parathyroid adenoma with hyperparathyroidism. Initial symptom to visit hospital, hypercalcemia associated medical symptom, surgical outcome and complication were investigated. Serum total calcium, parathyroid hormone, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase were checked before and after surgery. Imaging study was performed with combination of radionuclide parathyroid scan, ultrasonography and neck CT scan. Results : The initial symptoms were no symptom(6/19), pelvic pain(5/19), muscular weakness (3/19), bone pain(3/19) and palpable neck mass(2/19) in order of frequency. Serum total calcium, parathyroid hormone decreased and phosphate increased after surgery than before surgery statistically significantly. Sensitivities of parathyroid scan, neck ultrasonography and neck CT as preoperative localization test were 88.2%, 72.7%, 73.3% each. The most common postoperative complication was transient hypocalcemia(9/19). Conclusion : Similar to previous study, parathyroid adenomas have numerous clinical features and surgical treatment via unilateral approach with preoperatively localized single parathyroid adenoma was successful. In our study, parathyroid adenoma was predominantly detected by elevated serum calcium level with no clinical symptom so we need to evaluate parathyroid adenoma, if serum calcium elevated.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.315-323
• /
• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Available data suggest that seasonal changes may influence the nutritional status and overall health of elderly individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of seasonal changes and related factors on energy and nutrient intake of older adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Individuals aged 65 years or over were prospectively enrolled in this single-center study (male: 11, female: 20). Data were collected between May 2013 and February 2014 during winter, spring, summer and autumn. Food consumption and biochemical parameters were taken during each season to assess the seasonal nutrition status of the elderly. Upon analysis of biochemical parameters (retinol, vitamin D and vitamin C), an high-performance liquid chromatography device was utilized whereas an Immulite 2000 device was utilized during analysis of serum folic acid and parathyroid hormone. RESULTS: Fruit, fat, egg and bread consumption varied seasonally in males and females (P < 0.05). During winter, daily energy intake was found to be greater than in other seasons in males (557 kcal) and females (330 kcal) (P < 0.05). Additionally, carbohydrates, vegetable protein, n-3 fatty acid and sodium intake increased in winter, while the n-6/n-3 ratio increased in summer among males (P < 0.05). Dietary fiber and sodium intake in winter, vitamin C, iron and zinc intake in spring, and cholesterol, retinol, vitamin D and niacin intake in autumn were found to be higher in females when compared to other seasons (P < 0.05). Serum parathyroid hormone level was higher in winter, and vitamin D level was higher in autumn in both genders (P < 0.05). In males, blood folic acid level was higher in winter, while vitamin C level was higher in females, and there was no seasonal variation in retinol concentration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Food consumption and biochemical parameters showed significant seasonal variations in older adults. It is not clear if nutrition plans in older adults will benefit from consideration of seasonal changes in eating habits.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.111-118
• /
• 2008

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the hormonal regulation of RGS-2 in the rat ovary. Methods: Immature rats were injected with 10 IU of PMSG to induce multiple growth of preovulatory follicles and 10 IU of hCG to induce ovulation. Northern blot analysis performed for gene expression and in situ hybridization performed for mRNA localization. Results: Northern blot analysis revealed that pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) treatment did not affect RGS-2 mRNA levels. In contrast, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment of PMSG-primed rats resulted in an increase in RGS-2 expression within $1{\sim}3\;h$. The major cell-types expressing RGS-2 mRNA were oocytes regardless of follicle size. Interestingly, hCG treatment caused the stimulation of RGS-2 gene expression in granulosa cells of preovulatory and growing follicles. In contrast, cell types expressing RGS-2 protein were theca cells regardless of hCG treatment. Like in vivo, treatment of preovulatory granulosa cells with LH in vitro stimulated RGS-2 levels within 1 h. Interestingly, GnRH antagonist II enhanced the stimulatory action of LH. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the LH/hCG induction of RGS-2 in preovulatory granulosa cells and suggests a role of RGS-2 in Gq protein signaling pathway during ovulation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.136-153
• /
• 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out whether east asian herbal medicine (EAHM) treatment alone is effective in improving pregnancy-related indicators compared to conventional medicine in women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR). Methods: We searched eligible studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, CiNii, Korean Medical Database, Korean Studies Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, ScienceOn. GRADE pro was used to evaluate the current evidence of the study. Result: A total of 5 studies, 325 women with DOR were included. EAHM showed a significant effect on improvement of pregnancy rate (n=270, RR 2.13 [95% CI 1.44 to 3.15], Z=3.78, p=0.0002, I2=0%) and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) level (n=211, SMD 0.82 [95% CI 0.40 to 1.25], Z=3.80, p=0.0001) compared to conventional medicine. In ovulation rate (n=156, RR 0.86 [95% CI 0.70 to 1.06], Z=1.43, p=0.15, I2=0%), Antral Follicle Count (n=245, SMD 0.27 [95% CI -0.25 to 0.79], Z=1.01, p=0.31), and follicle stimulating hormone (n=245, SMD 0.29 [95% CI -0.13 to 0.70], Z=1.36, p=0.17) level, EAHM showed similar effects to conventional medicine. In this study, the most frequently used herbal medicines were Cuscutae Semen, Dipsaci Radix, and Angelicae Gigantis Radix. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that EAHM could improve pregnancy rates and AMH levels in women with DOR. However, more well-designed RCTs will have to be performed further in the future.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.615-634
• /
• 2024

Objectives: This study summarizes the current trends and results in clinical studies on herbal medicine treatments after thyroidectomy. Methods: Studies published between 2019 and 2024 were searched for on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, and Research Information Sharing Service (RISS). The studies were analyzed according to year, study design, characteristics of the patients, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention. A meta-analysis was conducted and classified according to the outcome measurements, such as the total effective rate (TER), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (FT4), self-rating depression scale (SDS), CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+. CD8+. Results: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 non-randomized controlled trials were reviewed. The most common herbal prescriptions were decoctions made from Yangyin Sanjie (Yangeumsangyeol-tang), Yiqi Sanjie (Ikgisangyeol-tang), Yiqi Yangyin Sanjie (Ikgiyangeumsangyeol-tang), Yiqi Yangyin (Ikgiyangeum-tang), and Huiyan Zhuyu (Hoeyeomchugeo-tang). The most frequently used herbs were Prunellae Spica, Scrophulariae Radix, and Astragali Radix. The meta-analysis found that the group using both herbal and Western medicine was benefited more than the group using Western medicine alone (RR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.20-1.37, P<0.00001). The experimental group had higher TSH, CD3+, and CD4+ levels, while FT4, SDS, and CD8++ were lower. However, due to high study heterogeneity, the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Complications after thyroidectomy include hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and psychological aftereffects. Herbal and conventional treatments showed potential in improving hormone levels, immune function, and depression, but statistical significance was limited due to study variability. These results should be interpreted cautiously given the risk of bias in the trials.