• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.155-161
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• 1995

The present investigation has been undertaken to elucidate the differentiation mechanism the uterus which is the environment of the embryo development, by demonstrating the role of ovarian steroids hormone in the decidualization of the pseudopregnant rat uterus. To determine the effect of ovarine steroids and artificial stimulation (trauma) on the differenciation of the uterine endometrium and decidualization for implantation, attempt was made to measure concentrations of serum estradiol($E_2$), progesterone($P_4$) and nuclear $P_4$ receptor in the traumatized and non-traumatized uterine tissue of the pseudopregnant rat. The results obtained are as followings : The concentration of serum $E_2$ on day 9(implantation stage) was similar in both of intact pseudopregnant rat(47.63pg/ml) and normal pregnant rat(40.71pg/ml). And among the treated groups, $E_2$ concentration was highest in the $E_2$ treated group in comparision with intact control group(relative value; 73.27%). The concentration of serum $P_4$ was also highest in the $P_4$ treated group(23.12pg/ml). Relative value of $P_4$ treated group in comparision with intact group(24.88pg/ml) was 92.93%. The nuclear $P_4$ receptor levels in the artificial traumatized groups were higher compared with the non-traumatized control groups. This study, therefore, clearly demonstrates that the methods for inducing pseudopregnant (vagina tapping;120/min) and inducing decidualization(oil injection; 0.1ml/uterine horn) appear to be effective, $P_4$ appears to be effective in the differenciation of the uterine endometrial tissue for the implantation process. Concentration of serum $P_4$ seems to be well correlated with the level of the nuclear $P_4$ receptor during the early embryo development. These results seem to be well correlated with ALPase activities in the normal and pseudopregnant rat uterus shown in the previous study.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.263-275
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• 2019

Based on our preliminary results, we examined the possible role of low-dose and chronic-exposing of the chemicals those are known as endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), on the proliferation of uterine endometrium and the localization of steroid receptors. Immunohistochemical or immunofluorochemical methodology were employed to evaluate the localization of antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki 67 protein (MKI67), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), and progesterone receptor (PGR). In $133{\mu}g/L$ and $1,330{\mu}g/L$ di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and $50{\mu}g/L$ nonylphenol (NP) groups, the ratio of MKI67 positive stromal cells was significantly increased but not in $500{\mu}g/L$ NP group. The ratios of MKI67 positive glandular and luminal epithelial cells were also changed by the chronic administration of NP and DEHP in tissue with dose specific manner. ESR1 signals were localized in nucleus in glandular and luminal epithelia of control group but its localization was mainly in cytoplasm in DEHP and NP administered groups. On the other hand, it was decreased at nucleus of stromal cells in $1,330{\mu}g/L$ DEHP group. The colocalization patterns of these nuclear receptors were also modified by the administration of these chemicals. Such a tissue specific and dose specific localization of ESR2 and PGR were detected as ESR1 in all the uterine endometrial tissues. These results show that the chronic lows-dose exposing of NP or DEHP modify the localization and colocalization of ESRs and PGR, and of the proliferation patterns of the endometrial tissues.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.946-954
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings associated with resection margin status in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) who underwent breast-conserving surgery. Materials and Methods: One hundred and one patients with ILC who underwent preoperative MRI were included. MRI (tumor size, multifocality, type of enhancing lesion, distribution of non-mass enhancement [NME], and degree of background parenchymal enhancement) and clinicopathological features (age, pathologic tumor size, presence of ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS] or lobular carcinoma in situ, presence of lymph node metastases, and estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 status) were analyzed. A positive resection margin was defined as the presence of invasive cancer or DCIS at the inked surface. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine pre- and postoperative variables associated with positive resection margins. Results: Among the 101 patients, 21 (20.8%) showed positive resection margins. In the univariable analysis, NME, multifocality, axillary lymph node metastasis, and pathologic tumor size were associated with positive resection margins. With respect to preoperative MRI findings, multifocality (odds ratio [OR] = 3.977, p = 0.009) and NME (OR = 2.741, p = 0.063) were associated with positive resection margins in the multivariable analysis, although NME showed borderline significance. Conclusion: In patients with ILC, multifocality and the presence of NME on preoperative breast MRI were associated with positive resection margins.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.5.1-5.10
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• 2022

Background: Some epidemiological studies have estimated exposure among flight attendants with and without breast cancer. However, it is difficult to find a quantitative evaluation of occupational exposure factors related to cancer development individually in the case of breast cancer in flight attendants. That is, most, if not all, epidemiological studies of breast cancer in flight attendants with quantitative exposure estimates have estimated exposure in the absence of individual flight history data. Case presentation: A 41-year-old woman visited the hospital due to a left breast mass after a regular check-up. Breast cancer was suspected on ultrasonography. Following core biopsy, she underwent various imaging modalities. She was diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (estrogen receptor positive in 90%, progesterone receptor positive in 3%, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu equivocal) with histologic grade 3 and nuclear grade 3 in the left breast. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to reduce the tumor size before surgery. However, due to serious chemotherapy side effects, the patient opted for alternative and integrative therapies. She joined the airline in January, 1996. Out of all flights, international flights and night flights accounted for 94.9% and 26.2, respectively. Night flights were conducted at least four times per month. Moreover, based on the virtual computer program CARI-6M, the estimated dose of cosmic radiation exposure was 78.81 mSv. There were no other personal triggers or family history of breast cancer. Conclusions: This case report shows that the potentially causal relationship between occupational harmful factors and the incidence of breast cancer may become more pronounced when night shift workers who work continuously are exposed to cosmic ionizing radiation. Therefore, close attention and efforts are needed to adjust night shift work schedules and regulate cosmic ionizing radiation exposure.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2015

Luteolysis is a cyclical regression of the corpus luteum in many non-primate mammalian species. Prostaglandin $F_2{\alpha}$($PGF_2{\alpha}$) from the uterus and ovary induces functional and structural luteolysis in bovine. The action of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ is mediated by $PGF_2{\alpha}$ receptor located on the luteal steroidogenic and endothelial cell membranes. $PGF_2{\alpha}$ plays an important role in regulating nitric oxide production in endothelial cells of the bovine corpus luteum. Nitric oxide production and nitric oxide synthase activity are stimulated and induced by $PGF_2{\alpha}$ in luteal endothelial cells. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species inhibits progesterone secretion in bovine luteal cells and induces apoptosis. Thus, the interaction between $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and reactive oxygen species provides important aspects in physiology of the corpus luteum forfunctional and structural luteolysis.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 2011

This study was performed to the expressions of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD) in bovine corpus luteum during early pregnancy. To determine the function of PAPP-A gene during early pregnancy, we collected corpus luteum samples on 30, 60 and 90 days of pregnancy in bovine. The mRNA expression of PAPP-A, $20{\alpha}$-HSD, progesterone-receptor (PR) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein4 (IGFBP4) gene was conducted by Real-time PCR. In parallel with mRNA levels, The protein expressions of PAPP-A and $20{\alpha}$-HSD were detected by immunological analysis. The mRNA expressions $20{\alpha}$-HSD and PAPP-A significantly increased on day 90 in the corpus luteum during pregnancy. The mRNA expression of PR and JGFBP4 in the corpus luteum progressively was enhanced at 30 to 60 day, but decreased on 90 day of pregnancy in the corpus luteum. The expression patterns of these genes, PAPP-A and $20{\alpha}$-HSD were similar pattern in these tissues. In conclusion, PAPP-A and $20{\alpha}$-HSD activity in corpus luteum could be played a role for early pregnancy manifestation.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.259-265
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• 2002

Phthalate analogues are a plasticizer and solvent used in industry. Phthalates were reported to be a potential carcinogen classified in the category of suspected endocrine disruptors. Most common human exposure to these compounds may occur with contaminated food. They may migrate into food from plastic wrap or may enter food from general environmental contamination. Since these substances are not limited to the original products, and enter the environment, they have become widespread environmental pollutants, thus leading to a variety of phthalates that possibly threaten the public health. Concern about their use has been mounting. To screen and elucidate the endocrine disrupting activity and their mechanism of phthalate analogues, first of all, E-screen assay was performed in MCF7 human breast cancer cells with seven phthalate analogues. In this cell proliferation assay, only dibutyl phthalate (DBP) showed weak estrogenic activity. Also the yeast-based transcription assay to assess the interactions of DBP with the estrogen, androgen, and progesterone receptors was conducted. DBP in the concentration ranges from 10$^{-16}$ to 10$^{-11}$ M was active in the estrogen transcriptional assay, but it did not show the effect on $\beta$-galactosidase activity in the progesterone and androgen transcriptional assays. These data indicate that DBP shows estrogenic potential and can be classified as weak and/or suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2000

Objective: To elucidate the location of leptin and receptors of ovary specimens obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy by immunohistochemical staining and to determine the effect of leptin on the steroidogenesis of cultured granulosa cells. Method: In the culturing process of the granulosa cells, FSH (1 IU/ml)and leptin (50 ng/ml), IGF-I (50 ng/ml) was administered to each study group (Group I: FSH; Group II: FSH, leptin; Group III: FSH, IGF-I; Group IV: FSH, IGF-I, leptin), and the levels of estradiol, progesterone, androstenedione in the culture media was measured by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis was conducted by one-way ANOVA with Scheffe test. Results: The results showed that leptin and leptin receptors were both found to be strongly stained in granulosa and theca cells, and also in some interstitial cells. Leptin receptors were also observed in cultured granulosa cells. While there was no statistically significant difference in the androstnedione concentrations between the groups, estradiol concentrations was significantly decreased in Group IV ($2202.0{\pm}151.14$ pg/ml) compared to Group III ($2859.0{\pm}122.6$ pg/ml), and progesterone concentrations were also significantly decreased in Group II($4696.3{\pm}190.6$ ng/ml) and Group IV ($4517{\pm}206.78$ ng/ml) compared to Group III($5546.0{\pm}179.5$ ng/ml). Conclustion: The study result of this study suggest that leptin is directly involved in the regulation of ovarian functions, in particular steroidogenesis.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2003

This report aimed at investigating the differential gene expressions of the adhesion receptors between ovariectomized (OVX) and estrus stage rat uteri (OVX vs. estrus pair) using the cDNA expression away analysis. In addition, this report aimed at confirming of the differential gene expressions of the adhesion receptors between OVX and progesterone (P$_4$) injected OVX rat uteri (OVX vs. OVX+P$_4$ pair). RNA samples were extracted from the uterus and reverse-transcribed in the presence of [$\alpha$$^{32}$ P]-dATP. Membrane sets of Rat Atlas array 1.2 II (Clontech) were hybridized with CDNA probe sets. RT-PCR was employed to validate the relative gene expression patterns obtained by the cDNA array. The results were well consistent to cDNA array analysis data except the fold changes of gene expression. Among a total of 1176 cDNAs, 5 genes of adhesion receotor including embigin protein, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, afadin, neuroligin 2, semaphorin Z showed significant (more than 2-fold) changes in the OVX vs. late estrus pair. All of these genes were up regulated in estrus stage than OVX rat uterus. In the OVX vs. OVX+P$_4$ pair, 4 genes including osteonectin, afadin, neuroligin 2, semaphorin Z showed significant changes. All of these genes were also up regulated in OVX+P$_4$ injected rat uterus than OVX control. Three genes including afadin, neuroligin 2, semaphorin Z which were up regulated in estrus and OVX+P$_4$ injected rat uteri of both experimental pairs than OVX rat uteri. These genes seem to be under the control of P$_4$.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.18
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• pp.8397-8403
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common malignancy in Mexican women. A set of histopathological markers has been established to guide BCa diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Nevertheless, in only a few Mexican health services, such as that of the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA for its acronym in Spanish), are these markers commonly employed for assessing BCa. The aim of this study was to explore the association of Ki67, TP53, HER2/neu, estrogenic receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs) with BCa risk factors. Materials and Methods: Clinical histories provided background patient information. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was conducted on 48 tissue samples from women diagnosed with BCa and treated with radical mastectomy. The Chi square test or Fisher exact test together with the Pearson and Spearman correlation were applied. Results: On average, patients were $58{\pm}10.4$ years old. It was most common to find invasive ductal carcinoma (95.8%), histological grade 3 (45.8%), with a poor Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI; 80.4%). ERs and PRs were associated with smoking and alcohol consumption, metastasis at diagnosis and Ki67 expression (p<0.05). PR+ was also related to urea and ER+ (p<0.05). Ki67 was associated with TP53 and elevated triglycerides (p<0.05), and HER2/neu with ER+, the number of pregnancies and tumor size (p<0.05). TP53 was also associated with a poor NPI (p<0.05) and CD34 with smoking (p<0.05). The triple negative status (ER-/PR-/HER2/neu-) was related to smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to biomass, number of pregnancies, metastasis and a poor NPI (p<0.05). Moreover, the luminal B subty was associated with histological type (p=0.007), tumor size (p=0.03) and high cholesterol (p=0.02). Conclusions: Ki67, TP53, HER2/neu, ER and PR proved to be related to several clinical and pathological factors. Hence, it is crucial to determine this IHC profile in women at risk for BCa. Certain associations require further study to understand physiological/biochemical/molecular processes.