• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.207-213
• /
• 2013

This study was performed to investigate the effect of peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-${\gamma}$ (PPAR-${\gamma}$) ligand, pioglitazone, on production of regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in infertile patients with endometriosis. Sixty-four infertile patients with stage III or IV endometriosis undergoing IVF were randomly allocated to the study or the control group. The long protocol of GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) was used for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in all patients. Patients in the study group were treated with pioglitazone at a dose of 15 mg/day orally from the starting day of GnRH-a treatment to the day of hCG injection. Blood samples were drawn for serologic assay of RANTES on the first day of GnRH-a treatment and the day of hCG injection. There were no differences between the study and control groups in patient characteristics. There were also no differences between the two groups in COS duration, and the numbers of retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes and embryos transferred. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle was higher in the study group, but this difference was not statistically significant. However, embryo implantation rate was significantly higher in the study group of 12.5% compared with 8.6% in the control group (P<0.05). The serum RANTES levels after pioglitazone treatment were significantly lower than those before pioglitazone treatmen in the study group (P<0.05). Our data suggest that pioglitazone treatment can suppress RANTES production and improve the embryo implantation rate in patients with endometriosis undergoing IVF.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.5 no.6
• /
• pp.511-519
• /
• 2011

Dietary intake of whole grains reduces the incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In an earlier study, we showed that Panicum miliaceum L. extract (PME) exhibited the highest anti-lipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells among extracts of nine different cereal grains tested. In this study, we hypothesized that PME in the diet would lead to weight loss and augmentation of hyperlipidemia by regulating fatty acid metabolism. PME was fed to ob/ob mice at 0%, 0.5%, or 1% (w/w) for 4 weeks. After the experimental period, body weight changes, blood serum and lipid profiles, hepatic fatty acid metabolism-related gene expression, and white adipose tissue (WAT) fatty acid composition were determined. We found that the 1% PME diet, but not the 0.5%, effectively decreased body weight, liver weight, and blood triglyceride and total cholesterol levels (P < 0.05) compared to obese ob/ob mice on a normal diet. Hepatic lipogenic-related gene ($PPAR{\alpha}$, L-FABP, FAS, and SCD1) expression decreased, whereas lipolysis-related gene (CPT1) expression increased in animals fed the 1% PME diet (P < 0.05). Long chain fatty acid content and the ratio of C18:1/C18:0 fatty acids decreased significantly in adipose tissue of animals fed the 1% PME diet (P < 0.05). Serum inflammatory mediators also decreased significantly in animals fed the 1% PME diet compared to those of the ob/ob control group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that PME is useful in the chemoprevention or treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.28 no.1 s.49
• /
• pp.27-42
• /
• 1995

The in vivo and in vitro humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of lymphocytes of BALB/c mouse exposed to mercury chloride$(HgCl_2)$ were investigated. In vitro exposure of the splenocytes to mercury chloride produced overt cytotoxicity in 3 hours period. The $IC_{50}$(the concentration required to inhibit a splenocyte viability by 50%) for mercury chloride was >0.1mM for cytotoxicity. In vivo mercury chloride exposed mice were significantly depressed delayed type hypersensitivity(DTH) response to sheep red blood cells(SRBC) in a dose-dependent manner compared with control group. Mercury chloride inhibited the proliferative responses of splenocytes to lipopolysaccharide, pokeweed mitogen, concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin in a dose-dependent manner. Hemagglutinin response to SRBC in mercury chloride exposed mice was significantly depressed in a dose-dependent manner compared with control group. After 7 weeks of mercury chloride exposure in vivo, mercury chloride induced an increase of nonspecific serum $IgG_1$ and IgE levels in BALB/c mice.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.17 no.5
• /
• pp.953-958
• /
• 2008

The object of this study was to investigate the immune-enhancing effects of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) on a deteriorated immune function by a protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) diet. Unicellular algae, CV were used as a biological response modifier. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed for 15 days with standard diet or a PEM diet, which is associated with decreased host immune defense. After 8 days, mice in the PEM diet group were orally administered by 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 g/kg body weight of CV or distilled water. Nutritional parameters, and interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$ levels were significantly increased in the blood serum of the CV (0.15 g/kg)-treated group (29.6$\pm$2.8 pg/mL) compared to the non-treated PEM group (4.1$\pm$0.4 pg/mL, p<0.05). In addition, cell proliferation and production of cytokines were investigated via a CV (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL) treatment using a human T cell line MOLT-4 cell. The CV treatment (1 mg/mL) significantly increased the production of both IFN-$\gamma$ and interleukin (IL)-2 (51.3$\pm$3.4 and 285.9$\pm$18.8 pg/mL, respectively) compared to the control (51.3$\pm$3.4 and 442.6$\pm$14.3 pg/mL, respectively), but did not affect the production of IL-4. These results suggest that CV may be useful in improving the immune function.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.122-129
• /
• 2005

Objectives: Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, and its pathogenesis includes thyroid specific autoimmunity. Anti-thyroid drugs are widely used for regulating the thyroid function. However, in spite of long-term therapy with anti-thyroid drugs, about 40$\sim$$70\%$ of the treated patients have a relapse, and some suffer adverse effects. In this study, to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ahnjeonbaekho-tang(AJBHT) on Graves' disease patients, we performed the clinical study prospectively. Methods: Through the thyroid function test(TFT) of 54 patients diagnosed as Graves' disease in other hospitals, 21 patients were assigned into the study. After the withdrawal of anti-thyroid drugs, AJBHT was administerd to patients for 2 months. At the same time, TFT, TSH binding inhibiting immunoglobulin(TEII) level and visual analogue scales (VAS) about fatigue and palpitation were measured before and after administration. Thirteen patients have completed the entire follow-up of this study over two months. Results: Serum levels of T3 and FT4 were significantly improved by AJBHT(T3: 298.85$\pm$79.60 ng/dl 181.15$\pm$33.92 ng/dl p<0.0001, FT4: 2.78$\pm$1.06 ng/dl$\rightarrow$1.78$\pm$0.83 ng/dl p<0.05). However, there were no significant changes in TSH and TBII values. And the VAS scores of fatigue and palpitation also were significantly improved(5.80$\pm$3.01$\rightarrow$3.60$\pm$2.63, p<0.05; 6.19$\pm$2.09$\rightarrow$3.60$\pm$2.46, p<0.01). Patients' age was related to the post-treatment FT4 values(p<0.05). Conclusions: From these results, we suggest that AJBHT is effective on the TFT and the symptoms of Graves' disease, and is a safe alternative drug for Graves' disease patients.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.20 no.3 s.50
• /
• pp.195-203
• /
• 2005

Cytochrome P45O 17$\alpha$-hydroxylase (CYPI 7) and cytorhrome P45O aromata.ie (CYPI 9) are key steroidogenic enzymes in androgen and estrogen synthesis. ThiL study evaluated the effects of nonylphenol (NP) on CYP17 and CYP19 expression in the ovary of Sprague-Dawley rats. All female rats were administered orally with the vehicle (control, corn oil), diethylstilbestrol (DES, 5.0 $\mu$g/kg) and NP (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day), which was startinB when they were weaned at 21 days of age for 20 days. Twenty four hours after final dose, the animals were anelthetized with ether. Significant decreases in the uterus (wet weight) were observed with 5.0 $\mu$g/kg/day DES (78$\%$, of control) and 200 mg/kg/day NP (62$\%$ of control), respectively Additionally, ovarian weight was significantly decreased with 5.0 $\mu$g/kg/day DES (63$\%$ of control) and 200 mg/kg/day NP (72$\%$ of control). The serum estradiol levels were sligHtly lower in DES and high dose NP treatment groups, but the 74 levels were not affected by DES and NP. The expression of the ovarian CYP19 gene increased with low doses (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) of NP. while DES and high dose oi NP (200 mg/kg/day) did not affect on the CYP19 mRNA levels. In contrast to the CYP19 gene, the CYP17 gene expreLsion level was significantly down-regulated by the DES and 200 mg/ks/day NP. This result suggestE that NP inhibits ovarian estrogen synthelis by supprelsing CYP17 mRNA efprelsion, And different mechanisml might exist for the expression of Lteroidogenic CYP17 and CYP19 genes in the ovary of Sprague-Dawley rats in response to NP.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.128-136
• /
• 2003

Purpose : Hyper IgM syndrome(HIGM) is characterized by severe recurrent bacterial infections with decreased serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgE but elevated IgM levels. Recently, it has been classified into three groups; HIGM1, HIGM2 and a rare form of HIGM. HIGM1 is a X-linked form of HIGM and has now been identified as a T-cell deficiency in which mutations occur in the gene that encodes the CD40 ligand molecule. HIGM2 is an autosomal recessive form of HIGM. Molecular studies have shown that the mutation of HIGM2 is in the gene that encodes activation-induced cytidine deaminase(AID). Recently, another rare form of X-linked HIGM syndrome associated with hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia has been identified. We encountered a patient with a varient form of HIGM2. To clarify the cause of this form of HIGM, we evaluated the peripheral B cells of this patient. Methods : The lymphocytes of the patient were prepared from peripheral blood. B cells were immortalized with the infection of EBV. Cell cycle analysis was done with the immortalized B cells of the patient. Peripheral mononuclear cells were stained with monoclonal anti-CD40L antibody. Total RNA was extracted from the peripheral mononuclear cells. After RT-PCR, direct sequencing for CD40L gene and HuAID gene were done. Immunostainings of a lymph node for CD3, CD23, CD40, Fas-L, bcl-2, BAX were done. Results : The peripheral B cells of this patient showed normal expression of CD40L molecule and normal sequencing of CD40L gene, and also normal sequencing of AID gene. Interestingly, the peripheral B cells of this patient showed a decreased population of G2/mitosis phase in cell cycles which recovered to normal with the stimulation of IL-4. Conclusion : We suspect that the cause of increased serum IgM in this patient may be from a decrease of G2/mitosis phase of the peripheral B cells, which may be from the decreased production or secretion of IL-4. Therefore, this may be a new form of HIGM.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.228-240
• /
• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the dietary and other factors affecting bone mineral density (BMD) in older Korean women. A total of 340 women aged 65 to 74 were recruited from the Kugoksoondam area (Kurye, Goksung, Soonchang and Damyang counties), known as the longevity-belt region in Jeonla province, Korea. They were categorized into two groups according to bone status by T-score : a nonosteoporotic group and an osteoporotic group. Demographic characteristics were collected, as well as information on physical measurements, blood tests for biochemical indicators, health status health-related life style, dietary behavior, favorite food groups, nutrient intake and mini nutrition assessment (MNA). The results are as follows: The mean age of 185 nonosteoporotic women was 69.6 years and that of 155 osteoporotic women was 70.9 years (p<0.001). The mean T-score of the nonosteoporotic group was $-1.5mg/cm^3$ and that of theosteoporotic group was $-3.2mg/cm^3$ (p<0.001). Height and body weight in the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher than in the osteoporotic group (p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in BMI, although the BMI in the nonosteoporotic group was slightly higher. Waist and hip circumferences in the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher than in the osteoporotic group (p<0.01, respectively), and the mid upper arm and calf circumferences were also significantly higher than in the osteoporotic group (p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively). The 5 m walking ability was significantly superior compared to the osteoporotic group. Serum levels did not show any significant differences between the groups and were within normal range. The serum total protein, albumin and Insulin-like growth factor (IGFs) levels of the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher than those of the osteoporotic group (p<0.05, p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively). IGF was 104.7 ng/mL for the nonosteoporotic group and 88.1 ng/mL for the osteoporotic group. Physical activity and appetite in the nonosteoporotic group were significantly higher (p<0.01, p<0.05, respectively). The favorite food groups of the nonosteoporotic group comprised more meats and fish than those of the osteoporotic group (p<0.05, respectively). Nutrient intake was not significantly different, with the exception of niacin intake (p<0.05), but the nutrient intake of the nonosteoporotic group was slightly higher than that of the osteoporotic group. The niacin intake of the nonosteoporotic group and the osteoporotic group were 11.4 mgNE and 10.0 mgNE, corresponding to 103.6% and 90.9% of the Korean EAR, respectively. The MNA score of the nonosteoporotic group was significantly more favorable than for the osteoporotic group. In conclusion, it is necessary to maintain adequate body weight and muscle mass. Habitual physical activity may have a beneficial effect on BMD for older women. Dietary factors, such as meat and fish, higher intake of niacin rich foods and nutrient status for older women also appear to have favorable effects on bone mineral density.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.17-25
• /
• 2018

In this study, we examined the efficacy of the immune regulation of ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan and Lactobacillus plantarum LM1004 on atopic dermatitis models. The oral administration of ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 on mice significantly decreased the amount of scratching, leakage to evans blue, and concentrations of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine compared with the atopic dermatitis - induced group. When atopic dermatitis was induced, the transcription factors (GATA-3, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor ${\gamma}$ T [$ROR{\gamma}T$]) and cytokines (interleukin-4 [IL-4], IL-17) of Th2 and Th17 cells were overexpressed at the transcriptional level, and they significantly decreased with oral administration of ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004. In addition, ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 were shown to modulate the immune balance by increasing the expression of Th1 and Treg transcription (T-bet, forkhead box p3 [Foxp3]) and cytokines (interferon-${\gamma}$ [IFN-${\gamma}$], transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ [TGF-${\beta}$]). Galectin-9 and filaggrin were significantly lower in the atopic dermatitis - induced group and significantly higher in the ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan-treated group. In contrast, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) was highest in the atopic dermatitis-induced group, while mice that were orally administered ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 showed similar TSLP levels to the control group. These results indicate that ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 have immunomodulatory effects and atopic dermatitis improvement effects in an animal model of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, it is expected that ${\beta}$-1,3/1,6-glucan and L. plantarum LM1004 can be used as natural materials in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.85-98
• /
• 2000

Objective : There are four possible explanations for the sexual dysfunction of schizophrenics. The first is the possibility of a real structural aspect. The second possibility is that sexual function changes secondary to the illness. The third possibility is that there are medical and sociocultural barriers to sexual expression for chronic schizophrenics. The fourth possibility is that sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic medication. However, we didn't know the precise cause of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of illness itself and antipsychotics on sexual dysfunction in male schizophrenics. Methods : The serum prolactin(PRL), testosterone(TST), and the plasma serotonin(5-HT) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography method for 100 healthy male schizophrenics according to the DSM-IV. Concomitantly, the severity of psychotic symptoms using Clinical Global Impression(CGI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale(BPRS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS), and the severity of side effects for antipsychotics using Extrapyramidal Side Effects Scale(EPSE), Anticholinergic Side Effects Scale(ACSE), the cognitive function using PANSS-Cognitive Function(PANSS-CF), Mini Mental State Exam-Korean(MMSE-K), and the sexual dysfunction using Sexual Functioning Questionnaire(SFQ), Questionnaire for Sexual Dysfunction in Men were assessed. The PRL, TST, and 5-HT levels of 50 healthy male controls who had no medical, neurological, and psychiatric illnesses were evaluated. The sexual function using SFQ(items FGa, FNa) were also assessed. Furthermore, the correlation with age, education, religion, economic status, age at onset, duration of illnesses, duration of admission, levels of PRL, TST, 5-HT, antipsychotic dosages, potency, benztropine, total duration of medication, EPSE, ACSE, CGI, BPRS, PANSS, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K and sexual dysfunctions were identified in male schizophrenics. Results : 1) The frequencies of sexual dysfunctions for schizophrenics(80%) were significantly(p<0.001) higher than those for controls(42%). The sexual dysfunctions according to sexual response cycle were 'low sexual desire' 76%, 'impairment of achieving erection' 75%, 'impairment of maintaining erection' 75%, 'impairment of obtaining orgasm' 32%, 'impairment in the quality of orgasm' 61%, 'impairment in quantity of ejaculate' 44%, 'premature ejaculation' 15%, and 'delayed ejaculation' 50%. 2) The PRL, 5-HT levels of schizophrenics($28.5{\pm}20.6ng/ml$, $298.5{\pm}89.1ng/ml$) were significantly(p<0.001) higher than those of controls($10{\pm}5.6ng/ml$, $169.2{\pm}37.8ng/ml$), while the TST levels of schizophrenics($4.3{\pm}1.5ng/ml$) and controls($4.5{\pm}1.2ng/ml$) were not significantly different. The sexual dysfunctions of schizophrenics who had abnormal 5-HT levels($4.7{\pm}1.3$ scores) were significantly(p<0.05) higher than those of who had normal 5-HT levels($3.8{\pm}1.6$ scores) on item D7. 3) The sexual dysfunctions of unmarried schizophrenics were significantly(p<0.01 : p<0.05) higher than those of married schizophrenics($6.1{\pm}2.8$ scores, $4.7{\pm}1.3$ scores on item FGa : ${\beta}$=-0.211 on item FNa). The sexual dysfunctions were positively correlated with the rise of 5-HT levels(r=0.209, p<0.05 on item D4 and r=0.241, p<0.05 on item D7), the higher age at onset(r=0.275, p<0.01 on item FNa : r=-0.202, p<0.05 on item FDa), the longer duration of illnesses(r=0.237, p<0.05 on item D6), the longer duration of admission(r=0.234, p<0.05 on item D4 : r=0.328, p<0.05 on item D6), the longer total duration of medication(r=0.237, p<0.05 on item D6). However, age, education, religion, economic status, PRL, TST levels, antipsychotics dosage, potency, benztropine, ACSE, CGI, BPRS, PANSS, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K scores were not correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. Conclusions : Male schizophrenics have significantly more sexual dysfunction to compare with controls. The higher frequencies of sexual dysfunctions were low sexual desire and erectile disorder. The unmarried, higher age at onset, and longer duration of diseases were positively correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. Also high 5-HT levels were positively correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. This means that studies of plasma 5-HT levels, albeit questionable indicators of central 5-HT function, offer some additional support for the association of sexual dysfunction with excess 5-HT activity as primary pathology of schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that excess 5-HT activity seems to affect the patient's sexual function.