• 미생물학회지
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.151-158
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• 2007

유전자치료W터의 주입시 생식세포를 통한 다음 세대로의 전달 가능성은 안전성 측면에서 관심을 중대시키고 있다. 특히 전립선암이나 난소암의 치료시 바이러스를 생식기관에 인접한 부위에 주입하여야 하므로 그 가능성이 높다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 유전자치료에 많이 이용되는 아데노바이러스를 매개로하여 tumor suppressor 유전자인 p53을 발현하는 아데노바이러스 벡터를 제조하여 이를 투여시 생식장기를 포함한 주요장기조직에의 분포와 germ cell을 통한 차세대로의 전달 가능성 등의 생식독성을 조사하였다. In vivo biodistribution study를 위하여 $Ad-CMV-{\beta}-gal$흑은 Ad-CMV-p53를 마우스 암 수의 복강에 주사한 후 생식장기를 포함한 주요 장기에서 아데노바이러스 유래 DNA검출 및 RNA발현 여부를PCR과 RT-PCR로 각각 확인하였다. 그 결과 간 및 비장과 같은 일반 장기에서도 주입한 외부유전자의 DNA가 검출되거나RNA가 발현되었을 뿐만 아니라, 정낭, 전립선, 부고환, 난소 및 자궁 등의 생식장기에서도 주입한 외부유전자가 검출되거나 발현되는 것으로 나타났다. Real-time PCR을 이용하여 각 장기에서의 투여된 아데노바이러스 벡터는 시간 의존적으로 감소되는 것을 정량하였다. Ad-CMV-p53를 암 수 마우스의 난소와 고환에 각각 직접 주사하여 교배시킨 후 그 후세대의 DNA를 분리하여 주입한 아데노바이러스 유래의 DNA를 검색한 결과, 어떠한 차세대에서도 주입한 아데노바이러스 유래의 DNA가 검출되지 않았다. 한편 생식장기에서의 PCR및 RT-PCR signal유래 vector의 위치를 확인하기 위해 매우 감도가 높은 in-situ PCR로 조사한 결과 고환의 경우 간질조직으로의 전달은 일어나나 정세관 내에는 아데노바이러스 벡터가 전달되지 않으며, 난소에서도 아데노바이러스벡터는 난포내의 난자에 전달되지 않고 기질조직에 존재하는 것으로 확인되었다. 결론적으로 복제 능력 이 결여된 아데노바이러스를 매개로 한 유전자치료제는 생식 장기에서 검출되더라도 다음 세대로 전달될 가능성은 대단히 낮음을 제시한다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.387-396
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• 2005

The aims of the study were to establish a short-term screening test for detecting testicular toxicity of chemicals in rats and to determine whether a 2-week administration period is sufficient to detect testicular toxicity of 2-bromopropane (2-BP) as an example. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously administered with 1000 mg/kg/day of 2-BP or its vehicle for 2 weeks. Ten male rats each were sacrificed on days 3, 7 and 14 after the initiation of treatment. Parameters of testicular toxicity included genital organ weights, testicular sperm head counts, epididymal sperm counts, motility and morphology, and qualitative and quantitative histopathologic examinations. The early histopathological changes observed on day 3 of treatment included degeneration of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, multinuclear giant cells, mature spermatid retention, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, and decreased number of spermatogonia in stages II and V. On day 7 of treatment, atrophy of seminiferous tubules, exfoliation of germ cells, degeneration of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, multinuclear giant cells, mature spermatid retention, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, decreased number of spermatogonia in stages II and V, and decreased number of spermatocytes in stages VII and XII. On day 14 after treatment, a significant decrease in the weights of testes and seminal vesicles was found. Atrophy of seminiferous tubules, exfoliation of germ cells, degeneration of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, mature spermatid retention, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, decreased number of spermatogonia in stages II and V, and decreased number of spermatocytes in all spermatogenic stages were also observed. In addition, a slight non-significant decrease in testicular sperm head counts, daily sperm production rate and epididymal sperm counts was found. The results showed that 2 weeks of treatment is sufficient to detect the adverse effects of 2-BP on male reproductive organs. It is considered that the short-term testicular toxicity study established in this study can be a useful tool for screening the testicular toxic potential of new drug candidates in rats.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.102-113
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• 2006

Objectives & Methods : To obtain the 50% lethal dose(LD50), approximated lethal dose(ALD) and approximated target organs of 'Mahwangyounpae-tang' for further study into such things as repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, single dose toxicity was tested in male SD rats according to KFDA Guideline 1999-61[KFDA, 1999] at dosage levels of 2,000, 1,000, 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg/$10m{\ell}$. In this study, mortalities, clinical signs, body weight changes and body weight gains, gross findings and weight of principal organs were detected during and/or after 14 days of single dosing. Results & Conclusions : After 2 or 3 days of dosing, 1 or 2 animals in 2,000 mg/kg-dosing groups died. Excitation and leaping response were observed as test article-treatment related clinical signs. These abnormal signs were restricted to 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing groups and survivors recovered to normal within 3 or 4 days after dosing. Significant decrease in body weight were observed in some periods of observation in 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group, from 1 days after dosing compared to those of vehicle control group. Significantly diminished body weight gains were observed in observation periods in 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing group compared to those of vehicle control group. Hypertrophy and hemorrhage of heart and decoloration of kidney were observed as test article-treatment related gross findings. These abnormal findings were restricted to 2,000 and 1,000 mg/kg-dosing groups. A significant increase of absolute and relative heart and kidney weight were demonstrated in 2,000 mg/kg-dosing groups. The value for LD50 found in this study was 2,218.57 mg/kg. ALD in this study was 2,000 mg/kg, and the target organs are considered to be the heart and the kidney.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.157-164
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• 2017

This study was to evaluate the age-dependent effects of caffeine exposure on the long bones and reproductive organs using male rats. A total of 15 immature male rats and 15 young adult male rats were allocated randomly to three groups: a control group and two groups fed caffeine with 120 and 180 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Exposure to caffeine at either dose significantly reduced body weight gain; a proportional reduction in muscle and fat mass in immature animals, whereas a selective reduction in fat mass with relatively preserved muscle mass in young adult animals. The long bones of immature rats exposed to caffeine were significantly shorter and lighter than those of control animals along with decreased bone minerals. However, there was no difference in the length or weight of the long bones in young adult rats exposed to caffeine. Exposure to caffeine reduced the size and absolute weight of the testes significantly in immature animals in comparison to control animals, but not in young adult animals exposed to caffeine. In contrast, the adrenal glands were significantly heavier in caffeine-fed young adult rats in comparison to control animals, but not in caffeine-fed immature rats. Our results clearly show that the negative effects of caffeine on the long bones and testes in rats are different according to the age of the rat at the time of exposure, and might therefore be caused by changes to organ sensitivity and metabolic rate at different developmental stages. Although the long bones and testes are more susceptible to caffeine during puberty, caffeine has negative effects on body fat, bone minerals and the adrenal glands when exposure occurs during young adulthood. There is a need, therefore, to educate the public the potential dangers of caffeine consumption during puberty and young adulthood.

• Mycobiology
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.86-95
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• 2022

Inflammaging in male reproductive organs covers a wide variety of problems, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. In this study, the beneficial effects of cordycepin (COR), isolated from potential medicinal fungi Cordyceps militaris, in aging-associated testicular inflammation and serum biochemical changes in naturally aged rats were investigated. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into young control (YC), aged control (AC), and COR (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) treated aged rat groups. Aging-associated serum biochemical changes and inflammatory parameters were analyzed by biochemical assay kits, Western blotting, and real-time RT-PCR. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) alteration in the total blood cell count, lipid metabolism, and liver functional parameters in AC group when compared with YC group. However, COR-treated aged rats ameliorated the altered biochemical parameters significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Furthermore, the increase in the expression of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tissue necrosis factor-alpha) in aged rat testis was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with YC group. Treatment with COR at 20 mg/kg to aged rats attenuated the increased expression of inflammatory mediators significantly (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies revealed that the potential attenuating effects exhibited by COR in aged rats was mediated by regulation of NF-κB activation and MAPKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and p38) signaling. In conclusion, COR restored the altered serum biochemical parameters in aged rats and ameliorated the aging-associated testicular inflammation proving the therapeutic benefits of COR targeting inflammaging-associated male sexual dysfunctions.

• 한국식품위생안전성학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.113-118
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• 2016

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) 유전자는 주로 간에서 분비되며 저밀도지단백질 수용체(LDLR)와 결합체를 이루어 세포 내 저밀도지단백질 수용체를 약화시킴에 따라 저밀도지단백질(LDL) 흡수를 감소시킨다. PCSK9은 심혈관 질환 및 상염색체 우성 가족성 고콜레스테롤혈증과 깊은 연관성을 나타내며 발병 메커니즘을 조절하는 주요한 인자로서 치료제 개발을 위해 많은 연구가 진행 중에 있다. 하지만 생식계통 내에서 PCSK9의 발현 및 기능에 대한 연구가 미비한 현실이다. 이에 본 연구에서는 고 콜레스테롤 식이에 따라 수컷 랫드의 생식기관 (음경, 전립선, 정소) 내 Pcsk9의 발현 변화를 확인하고자 한다. 과도한 콜레스테롤의 축적으로 인한 이상지질혈증은 수컷 랫드의 생식기능장애와 내분비교란을 유발하지만 이를 일으키는 조절 인자와 메커니즘은 명확하게 밝혀지지 않았다. 본 연구진의 선행연구에서는 고 콜레스테롤 식이에 의해 혈중 총 콜레스테롤, 저밀도지단백질 콜레스테롤 레벨이 증가 및 고밀도지단백질(HDL) 콜레스테롤의 감소를 확인하였다. 이 후, Pcsk9의 mRNA 발현은 음경 조직 내에서 80% 감소하는 것으로 나타났고 그 발현은 주로 발기 조직인 음경해면체 및 요도해면체 내 요도상피세포에서 주를 이룸을 확인하였다. 또한 Pcsk9은 고콜레스테롤 식이에 의해 발생하는 전립선 비대증 조직 내에서 20% 감소하는 것으로 나타났다. 그리고 마지막으로 Pcsk9은 고 콜레스테롤 식이를 섭취한 랫드의 정소 조직내에서 정상 정소 조직에 비해 약 28% 감소하였으며 정자발생에 주요한 정세관 내 정원세포, 정모세포, 정세포에서 그 발현이 확인되었다. 본 연구결과를 통해 Pcsk9 유전자가 수컷 랫드 생식기관 (음경, 전립선, 정소)에서 고콜레스테롤 식이에 의해 발현이 감소하는 것을 확인하였으며, 이는 Pcsk9이 남성 생식기관의 성장 및 발달 메커니즘에 중요한 역할을 미칠 것으로 사료된다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.163-172
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• 2000

Recently, there is a worldwide concern that a great number of man-made chemicals have a hormone-like action both in humans and in animals. DECD is developing screening programs using validated test systems to determine whether certain substances may have an effect in humans. In the present study. the establishment oj repeated-dose toxicity test method was tried. Flutamide. an anti-androgenic agent. was administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days at dose levels of 0. 0.5. 3 and 18 mg/kg body weight (10-15 rats/sex/group) to examine the effects on general findings. especially reproductive and endocrine parameters. Clinical signs. body weights, food consumption, and sexual cycle were checked and measured. For the gross and microscopic examinations. 10 rats/sex/group were sacrificed at the end of dosing period and the remaining animals of control and high dose groups (5 each) were sacrificed after 14 days recovery. Examinations for hematology and clinical chemistry were carried out at necropsy. There were no treatment-related changes in clinical signs. body weights, food consumption. gross necropsy. hematology and clinical chemistry at all doses of both sexes. The period and regularity of sexual cycle were not adversely affected at all doses by the test agent. At 18 mg/kg. both decreased weights of prostate, seminal vesicle and epididymis in males and increased weights of spleen and thymus in females were observed. In addition, decreased number of spermatids and sperms. increased serum testosterone concentration and increased incidence (100%) of interstitial cell hyperplasia were seen in males. At 18 mg/kg of the recovery group. decreased prostate weight. reduced sperm count and increased incidence (20%) of interstitial cell hyperplasia in males and increased thymus weight in females were observed. At 3 mg/kg. reduced sperm count was found. There were no adverse effects on parameters examined at 0.5 mg/kg of both sexes. The results suggested that the potential target organs of flutamide may be accessory sexual glands including testes for males and spleen and thymus for females. Taken together. this test method was found to be a useful screening test system for endocrine disrupting chemicals.

• 한국발생생물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국발생생물학회 2003년도 제3회 국제심포지움 및 학술대회
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• pp.67-67
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• 2003

Tributyltin chloride (TBTCI) is an organotin compounds that have been widely used as antifouling agents and bioaccumulated in the food chain. TBTCI has been known to induce imposex in female gastropods. There are several reports that TBTCI increased testosterone level and inhibited the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme. In this studies, we investigated the effects of TBTCI on steroidogenesis in testes, We dosed to 4-week-old Spragus-Dawleys (SD) male rats with TSTCI (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20mg/kg/day) daily by gavage for 14 days. TBTCI significantly decreased the weights of seminal vesicle, prostate, cowper's gland and LABC at 10 and 20mg/kg/day but significantly Increased the weights of liver at 10 and 20mg/kg/day and adrenals at 20mg/kg/day. mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and P450 aromatase were decreased and mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 17$\alpha$-hydroxylase/$C_{17-20}$ lyase (P450c17) were increased by TBTCI. TBTCI significantly increased serum testosterone level in dose-dependent manner. From above results, we found that TBTCI altered mRNA levels of enzymes related steroidogenesis, weights of organs and serum testosterone levels. This suggests that change of hormone levels may be due to alteration of mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzyme in testes, but further studies are necessary to investigate hormone levels in testis organ in order to find a relation of enzyme related to steroidogenesis with hormone levels. This work was supported by the Korea FDA Grant KFDA-03131-EDS-010.

• 한국가금학회지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.107-116
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• 1997

In order to achieve optimal reproductive performance, reliable morphological and physiological basic data on the reproductive organs are desirable. Adult male Korean ring-necked pheasant in inactive(mid of January) and active state (end of April) were used in this study. In addition, five active state pheasants were received a single dose of 60Co-ray 500 rads each to damage the testes. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution pattern of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and ${\alpha}$-tubulin in the pheasant testes of the active, inactive and ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated active states. The results obtained were summarized as follows 1. The seminiferous tubules collected in inactive states( mid of Jan) showed narrow lumen, and the spermatogonia and the Sertoli cell were well preserved. The PGP 9.5 immunoreactivity of these tubules showed a positive reaction in paranucleus area of the spermatogonia, and a positive reaction in a small number of the Leydig cells in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules. 2. The seminiferous tubules were dilated in active state(end of April) as compared with the inactive state. The PGP 9.5 reactivity in these tubules showed a positive reaction in many Leydig cells in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules, and the testes of ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated group showed partially weak reaction in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules. 3. The ${\alpha}$-tubulin reactivity in the seminiferous tubules of the inactive testes was strongly positive in the cytoplasmic process of the Sertoli cell from the basal stem region to the apical ex-tension. From the broad part of the stem region to the luminal space, the active testes showed a strong positive reaction. The ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated groups showed diminished reaction in the basal region.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.133-143
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• 2009

Pivotal roles of steroid hormones in uterine endometrial function are well established from the mouse models carrying the null mutation of their receptors. Literally androgen belongs to male but interestingly it also detected in female. The fluctuations of androgen levels are observed during reproductive cycle and pregnancy, and the functional androgen receptor is expressed in reproductive organs including uterus. Using high throughput methodology, the downstream genes of androgen have been isolated and revealed correlations between other steroid hormones. In androgen-deficient mice, uterine responses to exogenous gonadotropins are impaired and the number of pups per litter is reduced dramatically. As expected androgen has important role in decidual differentiation through AR. It regulates specific gene network during those cellular responses. Recently we examined the effects of steroid hormonal complex containing high level of androgen. Interestingly, on the contrary to the androgen-alone administration, the hormonal complex did not disturb the decidual reaction and the pubs did not show any morphological abnormality. It is suspected that the complexity of communication between other steroid hormone and their receptors are the reasons. In summary, androgen exists in female blood and it suggests the importance of androgen in female reproduction. However, the complex interactions with other hormones are not fully understood compared with estrogen and progesterone. The further studies to evaluate the possible role of androgen are needed and important to provide the in vivo rational for the prevention of associated pregnancy complications and help human's health.