• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.291-299
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• 2006

The experiments investigated whether early exposure to testosterone propionate (TP) during prepuberty alters testis development in Sprague-Dawley male rats. We performed Hershberger assay using the stimulated weanling male rats by OECD protocols, cDNA microarray, and Western blot. TP was subcutaneously injected to uncastrated Sprague-Dawley male rat of 22 days old for 10 consecutive days at doses of 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mg/kg per day. At necropsy, the following tissues were removed and weighed: combined testes, epididymides (Epi), Cowper's glands (COW), levator am, and bulbocavernosus muscles (LABC), seminal vesicles, together with coagulating gland (SV) and ventral prostate (VP). We found that TP increased the weights of Epi, VP, SV, COW, and LABC, while testis was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In cDNA microarray analysis of testis, there were significant reductions in the expression of cytochrome P450 11A (CYP11A), the rate-limiting enzyme of steroidogenesis. Taken together these results, TP exposure before puberty in male rats may produce the delay in testis development by inhibiting the CYP11A gene expression.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제60권1호
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• pp.9-14
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• 2020

This study describes pathological, immunohistochemical, and bacteriological findings in adult dogs and fetuses naturally infected with Brucella (B.) canis. A total of 42 dogs including 40 dogs and 2 aborted fetuses were examined. The most common gross lesions in infected dogs were swelling of lymph nodes and spleen. The testes showed marked swelling with multifocal to diffuse reddish discoloration. The most significant histopathological lesions were observed in the placenta. Placental trophoblasts were markedly hypertrophied due to the accumulation of intra-cellular gram-negative bacteria. Lymphocytic inflammation of varying severity was observed in the reproductive organs such as male testis, epididymis, and prostate gland and female uterus. Strong immunolabelling was observed in the cytoplasm of most trophoblasts in the placental tissues using immunohistochemistry. However, immunohistochemical staining did not demonstrate any organisms in other organs of dogs and fetuses. B. canis isolates were most frequently obtained from the whole blood (82.5%) and superficial inguinal lymph node (77.5%) in both sexes. In addition, the isolation rate was higher in male genital organs than in those of females. Hence, management of male dogs is most important because infected dogs can play a role as carriers.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.255-262
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• 2019

Previously, we reported negative effects of low-dose nonylphenol (NP) exposure on the reproductive organs of F1 male mice. In the present study was further investigated the endocrine disrupting effect of NP exposure to F2 generation male mice. Mice were divided into 2 groups; (1) CON, control animals and (2) NP-50 ($50{\mu}g/L$), animals were treated with NP via drinking water. NP exposures were continuously conducted from parental pre-mating period until the postnatal day (PND) 55 of F2 offsprings. Mice were sacrificed on PND 55 and the reproductive tissue weights were measured. The initial (at PND 21) and terminal (PND 55) body weights of the NP-50 group animals were not significantly different from those of control group animals. NP exposure fail to induce a significant weight change of the testes, seminal vesicle and prostate except absolute epididymal weight (p<0.05). However, pathohistological studies revealed that NP-treated F2 animals showed evident decrease in seminiferous tubule diameters, reduced luminal area and number of germ cells. Also, sloughing morphologies in the tubules were notable. In the caudal epididymis, fewer mature sperms and swollen epithelial cells were found in the NP-treated group. The present study demonstrated that the subchronic low-dose NP exposure induced pathohistological abnormalities in testis and epididymis of F2 mice, and we assumed that these 'qualitative' changes in reproductive tissues could be derived from the epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modification, altered DNA accessibility and chromatin structure. Further studies are needed to achieve a better understanding on the multi- or trans-generational effects of NP on the reproductive health and a human application.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.139-146
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• 2019

Objective : Recently, hair has become one of the important aspects of beauty. So, there are many studies about prevention and treatment of alopecia. Finasteride and minoxidil have been known to drug for alopecia treatment. However, these agents have side effects such as irritation, pruritus, and erythema when they were used for a long time. So, we assessed hair growth effect on herbal mixture (RAA) include in Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Achyranthis Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex. Methods : 6 weeks aged C57BL/6 mice were divided three treatment groups. : CON group (vehicle solution), MNXD group (positive control, 3% minoxidil), RAA group (15% RAA solution). And we applied 200 ㎕ of three groups to shaved dorsal skin every day. Hair growth effects of treatment were determined through phototrichogram by folliscope and hair follicle morphometry by H&E staining. And we assessed hair growth-related gene (VEGF, IGF-1, TGF-β1) expressions by western blot and 5-α reductase II analysis of dermal (skin) or internal organ (prostate gland). Results : Hair density and hair follicle size in MNXD or RAA group was enhanced compared to those of CON group, respectively. Also, the protein expression levels in dermal of VEGF, IGF-1 increased but TGF-β1 decreased in RAA and MNXD group, compared to CON group, respectively. 5-α reductase II levels of tissues in MNXD or RAA group significantly decreased compared to those of CON group, respectively. Conclusion : These results suggest that RAA has the promoting effect on hair growth.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.180-188
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• 2016

Acuros XB advanced dose calculation algorithm (AXB, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) has been released recently and provided the advantages of speed and accuracy for dose calculation. For clinical use, it is important to investigate the dosimetric performance of AXB compared to the calculation algorithm of the previous version, Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Ten volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for each of the following cases were included: head and neck (H&N), prostate, spine, and lung. The spine and lung cases were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) technique. For all cases, the dose distributions were calculated using AAA and two dose reporting modes in AXB (dose-to-water, $AXB_w$, and dose-to-medium, $AXB_m$) with same plan parameters. For dosimetric evaluation, the dose-volumetric parameters were calculated for each planning target volume (PTV) and interested normal organs. The differences between AAA and AXB were statistically calculated with paired t-test. As a general trend, $AXB_w$ and $AXB_m$ showed dose underestimation as compared with AAA, which did not exceed within -3.5% and -4.5%, respectively. The maximum dose of PTV calculated by $AXB_w$ and $AXB_m$ was tended to be overestimated with the relative dose difference ranged from 1.6% to 4.6% for all cases. The absolute mean values of the relative dose differences were $1.1{\pm}1.2%$ and $2.0{\pm}1.2%$ when comparing between AAA and $AXB_w$, and AAA and $AXB_m$, respectively. For almost dose-volumetric parameters of PTV, the relative dose differences are statistically significant while there are no statistical significance for normal tissues. Both $AXB_w$ and $AXB_m$ was tended to underestimate dose for PTV and normal tissues compared to AAA. For analyzing two dose reporting modes in AXB, the dose distribution calculated by $AXB_w$ was similar to those of AAA when comparing the dose distributions between AAA and $AXB_m$.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.3734-3740
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• 2014

본 연구는 방사선치료를 시행한 환자를 대상으로 치료계획을 재수립한 다음, 세기조절 방사선치료를 이용하여 조사문수별 주변조직과 위치별 중성자 선량을 측정하여 차이를 비교하여 치료계획 수립에 있어 기초 자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 2013년 9월부터 2014년 1월까지 전립선암을 진단받아 방사선치료를 받은 20명의 환자를 대상으로 하였으며, 조사문수 변화에 따른 중성자의 선량 분포를 측정하기 위하여 각 연구대상자별 치료계획을 재수립하였다. 연구방법은 조사문수를 5문, 7문, 9문으로 구분하여 조사야 중심에서 20cm와 60cm 거리에 광자극 발광선량계를 위치시킨 다음, 15 MV 에너지로 220 cGy의 치료선량을 조사하여 중성자선량을 비교하였다. 연구 결과, 복부 위치에서 선량은 평균 $4.34{\pm}1.08$로 나타났고, 조사문수가 증가할수록 높은 경향을 보였으며, 통계적으로 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 갑상선위치의 평균 선량은 $2.71{\pm}.37$로 나타났으며, 조사문수에 따라 증가하는 경향을 보였으나, 통계적인 유의성은 없었다. 조사문수와 위치별 중성자선량 발생은 복부위치에서 매우 유의한 양의 상관관계를 보였다. 선형회귀분석 결과, 조사문수가 1단계 증가할 때마다 평균적으로 중성자량이 .416배로 유의하게 증가하였다. 결론적으로 조사문수별 주변 조직에 중성자선량의 차이가 발생하므로 치료계획 설계에 있어서 효율적인 조사문수의 선택이 필요하리라 사료된다.

• 대한방사선치료학회지
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• 제30권1_2호
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• pp.129-138
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• 2018

목 적 : 임상적으로 많이 시행하는 치료부위에 고차원 치료기법 적용 시 선형가속기에 장착된 다엽콜리메이터(Multi leaf collimator, MLC)의 형태가 치료계획에 미치는 영향을 연구해 보고자 한다. 대상 및 방법 : 본원에서 척추암, 폐암 정위적체부방사선치료(Stereotactic body radiation therapy, SBRT)를 받은 환자와 전립선암, 폐암, 두경부암, 전골반암, 유방암의 용적변조회전치료(Volumetric modulated arc therapy, VMAT)를 시행한 환자들을 부위별로 10명씩 총 70명 선정하였다. Truebeam STx(Varian Medical system, Palo Alto, CA)의 high definition MLC(HD MLC)와 Vitalbeam(Varian Medical system, Palo Alto, CA)에 장착된 millenium MLC(M MLC)를 사용하였고, 치료계획은 Eclipse(Version 13.7, Varian Palo Alto USA, CA)를 이용하여 동일한 조건으로 환자마다 각각 2개씩 수립하였다. MLC의 형태에 따른 치료계획을 평가하기 위해 PTV coverage, conformity index(CI), homogeneity index(HI)를 비교하였고, 정상조직은 각 부위별로 임상에서 사용하는 평가 지표를 분석하였으며, 정상조직에서 저 선량 영역을 비교하기 위하여 $V_{30%}$을 평가하였다. 추가적으로 각 부위별로 치료표적의 길이 및 체적을 조사하였다. 결 과 : PTV coverage는 HD MLC를 적용한 폐암 SBRT에서 평균선량이 0.52 %, 척추암 SBRT에서 평균 선량과 최대선량이 각각 0.68 %, 1.13 %로 M MLC에 비해 감소하였다. CI와 HI는 척추암 SBRT 치료계획에서 HD MLC가 1.144, 1.079로 M MLC의 1.160, 1.092 보다 낮은 수치를 나타냈다(p<0.05). 결정장기의 선량 평가는 폐암 SBRT 치료계획에서 치료받는 쪽 폐의 평균선량이 HD MLC에서 1.48 %로 낮아졌다. 전립선암 VMAT은 HD MLC를 적용한 치료계획에서 방광의 $V_{30}$과 평균선량이 0.53 %, 1.42 %, 직장의 $V_{25}$와 평균선량이 0.97 %, 0.69 %로 감소하였다(p<0.05). 유방암 VMAT은 오히려 HD MLC를 사용한 치료계획에서 심장의 평균선량이 0.83 %로 높아졌다. 다른 치료부위 평가지표들은 두 MLC를 적용한 치료계획 사이에 큰 차이를 보이지 않았다(p>0.05). 결 론 : 본 연구 결과 SBRT나 전립선암 VMAT과 같이 치료표적의 길이가 짧고 크기가 작은 경우 HD MLC를 사용하는 것이 PTV coverage 및 정상조직 보호 효과 면에서 다소 이점이 있는 것으로 나타났으나, 그 외 상대적으로 길고, 큰 폐암, 두경부암, 전골반암, 유방암 VMAT에서는 MLC의 형태가 치료계획에 미치는 영향은 크지 않았다.

• 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.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.227-233
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• 2012

Circadian timing system plays a major role in a wide range of reproductive function. However it is plausible idea that other environmental and/or internal cue might be simultaneously participated in the optimal regulation of reproductive system. In the present study we extended the reverse feeding (RF) time regimen up to 8 weeks, then measured the general and reproductive indices of the animals. The animals of ad libitum feeding group (Control, CON) have free access to food for 4, 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. The day feeding animals (reverse feeding, RF group) have restricted access to food during daytime (09:00-18:00) for 4, 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. When the feeding schedules were over, key indices were measured. After 4 weeks and 8 weeks of feeding, body weights of animals were not significantly different. However, body weights of 6 weeks RF animals were significantly smaller than those of control animals (CON : RF = $333.46{\pm}12.71$ g : $289.91{\pm}8.31$ g, p<0.01). The blood glucose levels of 4 weeks RF animals were significantly decreased compared to the levels of control animals (CON : RF = $161.4{\pm}2.7$ mg/dL : $176.7{\pm}5$ mg/dL, p<0.01) while the levels of 6 weeks RF and 8 weeks RF animals were not different form those of control animals. Reproductive and non-reproductive tissue weights from 6 weeks RF group were significantly lowered than those from CON group (testis, CON : RF = $1.4714{\pm}0.0174$ g : $1.3724{\pm}0.0168$ g, p<0.001; epididymis, CON : RF = $0.3574{\pm}0.0059$ g : $0.3243{\pm}0.0068$ g, p<0.001; seminal vesicle, CON : RF = $0.1655{\pm}0.0068$ g : $0.1328{\pm}0.0054$ g, p<0.001; prostate, CON : RF = $0.3350{\pm}0.0231$ g : $0.2528{\pm}0.0143$ g, p<0.01). After 4 weeks and 8 weeks of reverse feeding, sperm counts in RF animals were markedly reduced than those in control animals[CON 4W : RF 4W = $121.17{\pm}9.96\;({\times}10^6)$ : $50.86{\pm}9\;({\times}10^6)$, p<0.001; CON 8W : RF 8W= $138.69{\pm}9.8\;({\times}10^6)$ : $108.94{\pm}4.22\;({\times}10^6)$, p<0.001]. Present study indicates that RF may induce an adaptable metabolic stress and cause impairment of androgen-dependent reproductive tissues. On-going longitudinal studies will allow a better understanding of the how does mealtime shift affect the reproductive function and exact nature of adaptation.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.265-272
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• 2011

It is well known that adipose tissue or body fat has been proved as a crucial component of brain-peripheral axis which can modulate the activities of reproductive hormonal axis in female mammals including rodents and human. Concerning the male reproduction, however, the role of adipose tissue has not been thoroughly studied. The present study was carried out to elucidate the effect of a high-fat (HF) diet on the reproductive system of postpubertal male rats. The HF diet (45% energy from fat, HF group) was applied to male rats from week 8 after birth for 4 weeks. The blood glucose levels, body and tissue weights were measured. Histological studies were performed to assess the structural alterations in the reproductive tissues. To determine the transcriptional changes of reproductive hormone-related genes in hypothalamus and pituitary, total RNAs were extracted and applied to the semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Body weights (p<0.01) and blood glucose levels (p<0.01) of HF group were significantly higher than those of control animals. Similarly, the weights of epididymis (p<0.05), prostate (p<0.01), seminal vesicle (p<0.01) in HF group were higher than control levels. The weights of testis were not changed. The weights of kidney (p<0.001) and spleen (p<0.01) were significantly higher than control levels while the adrenal and pancreas weights were not changed. There were only slight alterations in the microstructures of accessory sex organs; the shape of luminal epithelial cells in epididymis from HF group were relatively thicker and bigger than those from control animals. In the semi-quantitative RT-PCR studies, the mRNA levels of hypothalamic GnRH (p<0.05) in HF group were significantly higher than those from the control animals. The mRNA levels of kisspeptin in HF group tend to be higher than control levels, the difference was not significant. Unlike the hypothalamic GnRH expression, the mRNA levels of pituitary $LH{\beta}$ and $FSH{\beta}$ were significantly decreased in HF group (p<0.05). The present study indicated that the 4-weeks feeding HF diet during the postpubertal period can alter the hypothalamus-pituitary (H-P) neuroendocrine reproductive system These results suggest that the increased body fat and the altered leptin input might disturb the H-P reproductive hormonal activities in male rats, and the changed activities seem to be responsible for the changes of tissue weights in accessory sex organs.