• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.178-185
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• 2013

This study evaluated the effects of milk yield on the postpartum health and reproductive performance of dairy cows. In total, data were collected from 1,060 cows on six dairy farms, including their milk production, body condition score (BCS), postpartum disorders, and reproductive performance. The lactation data were grouped based on the 305-day milk yield into control (< 10,000 kg, n = 445) and high milk yield (${\geq}$ 10,000 kg, n = 615) groups. The milk fat and protein, and BCS were lower during the first 5 months postpartum in the high milk yield group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Ovarian cysts were more frequent (p < 0.0001) in the high milk yield group (28.6%) than in the control group (15.3%), whereas endometritis tended to be less frequent in the high milk yield group (29.6%) than in the control group (35.1%, p = 0.06). A higher proportion of cows tended to receive reproductive hormones (p = 0.06) in the high milk yield group (62.4%) than in the control group (56.6%). The probability of a pregnancy after first insemination tended to be lower (odds ratio = 0.78, p = 0.07) in the high milk yield group (30.2%) than in the control group (35.2%). Furthermore, the hazard of pregnancy by 210 days in milk was lower in the high milk yield group (hazard ratio = 0.84, p = 0.04) than in the control group, which resulted in a 20-day increase in the median interval to pregnancy. In conclusion, high milk yield was related to lower milk fat and protein, lower BCS, an increased incidence of ovarian cysts, and increased use of reproductive hormones, which resulted in decreased reproductive performance of dairy cows.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.83-93
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• 1997

Although IVF-ET is widely applied in the treatment of couples with male factor infertility, it may fail in many infertile couples with normal semen parameters, and certain couples cannot be accepted for standard IVF-ET due to unfertilization or extremely low fertilization rate of oocytes. Recently, several procedures of microassisted fertilization (MAF) using micromanipulation have been introduced, and pregnancies and births have been obtained after partial zona dissection (PZD), subzonal insertion (SUZI), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This clinical study was performed to develop and establish ICSI as an effective procedure of MAF in infertile couples who could not undergo standard IVF-ET repetitively because of failure in fertilization or extremely low fertilization rate of oocytes with the conventional fertilization technique in the previous IVF-ET cycles. From March, 1995 to May, 1996, 27 cycles of IVF-ET with ICSI in 19 infertile patients were included in study group, and the outcomes of ICSI were analyzed according to fertilization rate, cumulative embryo score (CES), and pregnancy rate. The number of oocytes retrieved after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) was $10.50{\pm}6.13$ in 30 previous cycles, and $10.57{\pm}5.53$ in 27 ICSI cycles. In ICSI cycles, the number of oocytes optimal for ICSI procedure was $7.89{\pm}4.30$, and the fertilization rate of $67.9{\pm}20.2%$ could be obtained after ICSI. The number of embryos transferred was $1.43{\pm}2.40$ in previous cycles, and $4.36{\pm}1.77$ with the mean CES of $41.8{\pm}27.4$ in ICSI cycles. In ICSI cycles, the overall pregnancy rate was 29.6% (8/27) per cycle and 42.1% (8/19) per patient with the clinical pregnancy rate of 22.2% (6/27) per cycle and 31.6% (6/19) per patient. In conclusion, MAF of human oocytes with ICSI is a promising fertilization method for IVF-ET patients, especially with the past history of failure in fertilization or low fertilization rate of oocytes in the previous IVF-ET cycles, and ICSI using micromanipulation procedures applied to human oocytes will provide a range of novel techniques which may dramatically improve the pregnancy rate in IVF-ET program and contribute much to effective management of infertile couples.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.309-317
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• 2008

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) as a predictive marker for ovarian response and cycle outcome in IVF cycles. Methods: From Jan., to Aug., 2007, 111 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI stimulated by short or antagonist protocol were selected. On cycle day 3, basal serum AMH level and FSH level were measured. The correlation between basal serum AMH or FSH, and COH outcome was analyzed and IVF outcome was compared according to the AMH levels. To determine the threshold value of AMH for poor- and hyper-response, ROC curve was analyzed. Results: Serum AMH showed higher correlation coefficient (r=0.792, p<0.001) with the number of retrieved mature oocyte than serum FSH (r=-0.477, p<0.001). According to ovarian response, FSH and AMH leves showed significant differences among poor, normal, and hyperresponder. For predicting poor (${\leq}2$ oocytes) and hyperresponse (${\geq}17$ oocyets), AMH cut-off values were 0.5 ng/ml (the sensitivity 88.9% and the specificity 89.5%) and 2.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 87.0%), respectively. According to the AMH level, patients were divided into 3 groups: low (${\leq}0.60\;ng/ml$), normal ($0.60{\sim}2.60\;ng/ml$), and high AMH (${\geq}2.60\;ng/ml$). The number of retrieved mature oocytes was significantly higher ($2.7{\pm}2.2$, $8.1{\pm}4.8$, $16.5{\pm}5.7$) and total gonadotropin dose was lower ($3530.5{\pm}1251.0$, $2957.1{\pm}1057.6$, and $2219.2{\pm}751.9\;IU$) in high AMH group (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in fertilization rates and pregnancy rates (23.8%, 34.0%, 37.5%) among the groups. Conclusions: Basal serum AMH level correlated better with the number of retrieved mature oocytes than FSH level, suggesting its usefulness for predicting ovarian response. However, IVF outcome was not significantly different according to the AMH levels. Serum AMH level presented good cut-off value for poor- or hyper-responders, therefore it could be useful in prediction of cycle cancellation, gonadotropin dose, and OHSS risk in IVF cycles.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.41-49
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• 1984

It has been well known that ovarian steroids, estradiol and progesterone play an important role in the endometrial preparation for the implantation process. The present investigation was undertaken to correlate function of ovarian steroids with cAMP concentrations in uterine tissues of rat during the various stages of the preimplantation period. Rats ovariectomized on day 2 were treated with estradiol or/and progesterone on day 3 or on day 4 and cAMP concentrations in uterine tissues were determined by competitive protein - binding assay in control - and steroid treated - ovariectomized rats. The results obtained are as follows; 1. In control rats, cAMP concentrations in uterine tissues were decreased with preimplantation period proceeded whereas cAMP concentrations were increased and showed the highest levels on day 6 in ovariectomized rats. 2. In rats treated with progesterone only or progesterone with estradiol after ovariectomy, cAMP concentrations on day 6 were lower than those of ovariectomized control but higher than those of intact control rats while estradiol only treatment decreased cAMP concentrations on day 3 and day 6, compared with those from intact- and ovariectomized-controls. It is, therefore, concluded that the concentrations of cAMP in uterine tissues were lower in estrogen-treated rats than in ovariectomized rats, suggesting the involvement of cAMP in the regulation of uterine tissue differentiation.

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

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.228-233
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• 2011

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of GnRH antagonist multiple-dose protocol (MDP) with oral contraceptive pill (OCP) pretreatment in poor responders undergoing IVF/ICSI, compared with GnRH antagonist MDP without OCP pretreatment and GnRH agonist low-dose long protocol (LP). Methods: A total of 120 poor responders were randomized into three groups according to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) options; GnRH antagonist MDP after OCP pretreatment (group 1), GnRH antagonist MDP without OCP pretreatment (group 2) or GnRH agonist luteal low-dose LP without OCP pretreatment (group 3). Patients allocated in group 1 were pretreated with OCP for 21days in the cycle preceding COS, and ovarian stimulation using recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) was started 5 days after discontinuation of OCP. Results: There were no differences in patients' characteristics among three groups. Total dose and days of rhFSH used for COS were significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 or 2. The numbers of mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes and grade I, II embryos were significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 or 3. There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate among three groups. Conclusion: GnRH antagonist MDP with OCP pretreatment is at least as effective as GnRH agonist low-dose LP in poor responders and can benefit the poor responders by reducing the amount and duration of FSH required for follicular maturation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.137-147
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• 1994

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH) for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVFET) often results in the production of more embryos than can be efficaciously transferred at one time. However, embryo cryopreservation provides a mechanism by which additional embryos can be stored for later thawing and transfer. From November, 1990 to October, 1992, we completed 42 transfer cycles of cryopreserved pronucleus(PN) l-cell embryos using the fixed protocol of hormonal replacement therapy in a physiological manner regardless of individual ovarian function. Artificial endometrial stimulation was performed with only exogenous estradiol and progesterone(E-P) in 36 transfer cycles (Group I) and with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist(GnRHa) and exogenous estradiol and progesterone(GEEP) in 6 transfer cycles(Group II ). The results were as follows. 1. The Survival rate of total cryopreserved-thawed embryos was 64.9%(198/305): 64.9% (172/265) in Group I and 65.0% (26/40) in Group II. 2. Total 168 embryos were transferred with an average of 4.7 per ET in Group I and total 26 embryos were transferred with an average of 4.3 per ET in Group II. 3. The pregnancy rate(PR) per cryopreserved-thawed ET and the implantation rate was 33.3 %(14/42) and 6.7%(13/194), respectively. The PRs per cryopreserved-thawed ET were 30.6% (11/36) in Group I and 50.0% (3/6) in Group II without significant difference. 4. The take home baby rate was 11.1%(4/36) in Group I and 33.3% (2/6) in Group II.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2002

Ovaries from total 192 slaughtered cows, 154 Korean native cows and 38 dairy cows were collected during the slaughtering process in Kimhae, Changyoung and Yangsan abattoirs in Kyungnam province from January 2001 to January 2002. Rates of pregnant and non-pregnant and ovarian findings were invested. Rates of pregnant cows in 192 slaughtered cows were 12.5% (24 cows) and in difference of cow breeds, 11.0% (17 cows) in 154 Korean native cows and 18.4% (7 cows) in 38 dairy cows from total 192 cows, respectively. Ages of fetuses in pregnant Korean native cows were mostly less than 4 months and ages of fetuses in dairy cows were mostly about 7-8 months. Cows which each diameter of follicles and corpus luteums in same cow was more than 5-6 mm in diameter were 69.8% (134 cows) in total 192 slaughtered cows and in difference of cow breeds, 64.7% (11 cows) in 17 Korean native cows and 57.1% (4 cows) in 7 dairy cows. Mean diameter of foliicles and corpus luteums in Korean native cows are 13.7$\pm$5.6$\times$ 11.2$\pm$4.6mm and 17.5$\pm$4.6$\times$14.6$\pm$4.0 mm in non-pregnat cows, and are 11.0$\pm$4.8$\times$9.1 $\pm$ 2.6mm and 21.2$\pm$2.9$\times$18.3$\pm$ 2.7 mm in pregnant cows, respectively. Mean diameter of follicles and corpus luteums in dairy cows are 15.8$\pm$7.1 $\times$ 14.3$\pm$ 6.0 mm and 20.3$\pm$5.9$\times$16.9$\pm$ 5.8 mm in non-pregnant cows, and are 10.1 $\pm$ 3.0$\times$9.2$\pm$2.3 mm and 23.0$\pm$ 1.7$\times$20.1 $\pm$ 1.3 mm in pregnant cows, respectivley. The above findings indicate that the co-appearance rate of follicles and corpus luteums in same cows are higher in both pregnant and non-pregnant cows. Compared in pregnant and non-pregnant cow ovaries, mean size of follicles are smaller in pregnant cows but size of corpus luteums are more larger in pregnant cows than in non-pregnant cows. Correlation of the follicle size (Y) and corpus luteum size (X) in same cows developed each other in inversive size. Those correlative formulas appeared to be Y = -0.2022X+17.175 in Korean native cows and Y= -0.5754 X+24.153 in dairy cows.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.384-394
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• 2004

This study was carried out to monitor the response of ovaries and cyst according to treatment with GnRH or combination of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ in dairy cows with ovarian follicular cysts. Thirty cows were diagnosed as having follicular cysts by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone (P4) assays. Ten cows were treated with GnRH (control), and the other twenty were treated with $PGF_2{\alpha}$ at 10 days after GnRH treatment. All the animals were re-examined by ultrasonography and blood was collected for the measurement of plasma P4 concentration at day 0 (the day of treatment), day 7, day 10, day 13, day 24 and day 34, respectively. In 30 cows that were diagnosed with follicular cysts, mean plasma P 4 concentrations on day -II and day -I were 0.3 ng/ml and 0.4 ng/ml. On day 10 increased as 2.7$\pm$0.2 ng/ml. Mean cystic wall thickness by ultrasonography on day -11 and day -I were 2.1 mm and 2.2 mm. In 9 cows responded on luteinization of cystic wall, cystic wall thickness was 3.9$\pm$0.5 mm at day 10 after GnRH treatment. The responses of ovaries until day 10 after GnRH treatment included development of corpus luteum in the ovary bearing the cyst or in the contralateral ovary (12 cows), luteinization of cystic wall (6 cows) and clouding of the anechoic antrum of cysts (2 cows). The ovarian responses according to the combination of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ included regression of the corpus luteum (12 cows), increase (1 cow) and no change (1 cow) of cyst size until last examination, and complete disappearance on day 13 (6 cows), 23 (6 cows) and 34 (4 cows). Combination treatment group of GnRH and $PGF_2{\alpha}$ showed a higher pregnancy rate within 100 days after initial treatment (40.0 vs 65.0%) and shorter intervals from the treatment to conception (45.4$\pm$25.8 vs 53.5$\pm$31.4 days) compared with control. It was concluded that the administration of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ following GnRH treatment is effective in shortening the interval from treatment to conception in cows with follicular cyst. Also, this study suggested that the response of the cyst according to treatment revealed various types. Therefore, veterinarians should pay attention to monitor of the response of cystic ovaries after treatment, specially no change, slowly decrease or increasement of cyst size after treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.7-17
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• 1987

It appears that a major determinant of the success of in vitro fertilization is the selection of the optimal follicle containing an oocyte capable of being fertilized and producing a normal pregnancy. However, the hormonal basis of oocyte maturation is not well substantiated by the as yet available informations. It has been suggested that prolactin(PRL) may stimulate the formation of an oocyte maturation inhibitor and thus inhibit the maturation of oocyte. During the hyperstimulated menstrual cycles serum estradiol($E_2$) levels are markedly elevated, and it seems justified to assume that serum prolactin levels may be elevated since estrogens are potent stimulators of prolactin secretion. This study was carried out to ascertain the effect of the elevated serum estradiol levels on the serum prolactin levels in women undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation with either hMG and/or clomiphene citrate. Serum estradiol and prolactin profiles were measured from third menatrual cycle day to ovulation or ovum aspiration day in 11 normal menstruating women and 30 women who underwent an in vitro fertilization procedure with ovarian hyperstimulation by hMG, clomiphene citrate/hMG, clomiphene citrate. Ovum aspiration was performed 36 hours after hCG administration. The day of ovum aspiration or ovulation was designated Day 0. Serum estradiol levels increased progressively during the follicular phase and this rise peaked on Day-1 at a mean concentration of 1,204${\pm}$189.0pg/ml in Group II(hMG), 1,194${\pm}$167.9pg/ml in Group III(clomiphene citrate/hMG), 1,035${\pm}$195.1pg/ml in Group IV(clomiphene citrate) respectively and on Day -2 of 336${\pm}$34.5pg/ml in Group I(normal control). The elevated estradiol levels fen rapidly after ovulation or ovum aspiration. Serum estradiol values of hyperstimulated groups(Group II, III, IV) were significantly higher than that of control group(Group I) from Day -6 to Day +1, but there was no significant difference of estradiol values among the hyperstimulated groups. Serum prolactin levels increased and peaked on Day +1 at a mean concentration of 60.8${\pm}$14.4ng/ml in Group II, 34.2${\pm}$7.0ng/ml in Group III, 30.1${\pm}$5.7ng/ml in Group IV respectively, but no significant elevation was observed in Group I. Levels of estradiol and prolactin can be positively and significantly correlated in the hyperstimulated groups. However, the increase of serum prolactin levels in hMG group was significantly higher than those in clomiphene citrate/hMG or clomiphene citrate group.