• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2019

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effect of Bombycis corpus on reproductive dysfunction caused by aging. Methods: The experimental group was divided into three groups: a control group consisting of 8-week-old male ICR mice without any treatment, An aging-elicited group (AE group) consisting of 50-week-old ICR male mice without any treatment, and a Bombycis corpus treatment group (BC group) consisting of 50-week-old ICR male mice with treatment Bombycis corpus extract (0.78 g/kg/day) for 6 months. After 6 months, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry of the testis were performed to investigate the effects of Bombycis corpus on the reproductive dysfunction caused by aging. Results: In the first step, Bombycis corpus increased spermatogenesis and distribution of sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubule, increased BrdU positive reaction in the spermatogonium at the basal part of the seminiferous tubule, and decreased the apoptosis of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubule. In addition, Bombycis corpus increased AR positive in Sertoli cells and $17{\beta}-HSD$ positive in leydig cells. Finally, Bombycis corpus decreased 8-OHdG positivite reaction in the spermatids of the seminiferous lumen, caspase-3 positivity in leydig cells, and HDAC1 positivite reaction in sertoli cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that Bombycis corpus increases spermatogenesis, decreases apoptosis of leydig cells and Sertoli cells, increases the production and action of testosterone in the testis, and inhibits DNA damages and DNA transcripts decrease in the testis, Thereby improving reproductive dysfunction caused by aging.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2023

In reproduction, mitochondria produce bioenergy, help to synthesize biomolecules, and support the ovaries, oogenesis, and preimplantation embryos, thereby facilitating healthy live births. However, the regulatory mechanism of mitochondria in oocytes and embryos during oogenesis and embryo development has not been clearly elucidated. The functional activity of mitochondria is crucial for determining the quality of oocytes and embryos; therefore, the underlying mechanism must be better understood. In this review, we summarize the specific role of mitochondria in reproduction in oocytes and embryos. We also briefly discuss the recovery of mitochondrial function in gametes and zygotes. First, we introduce the general characteristics of mitochondria in cells, including their roles in adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species production, calcium homeostasis, and programmed cell death. Second, we present the unique characteristics of mitochondria in female reproduction, covering the bottleneck theory, mitochondrial shape, and mitochondrial metabolic pathways during oogenesis and preimplantation embryo development. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with ovarian aging, a diminished ovarian reserve, a poor ovarian response, and several reproduction problems in gametes and zygotes, such as aneuploidy and genetic disorders. Finally, we briefly describe which factors are involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and how mitochondrial function can be recovered in reproduction. We hope to provide a new viewpoint regarding factors that can overcome mitochondrial dysfunction in the field of reproductive medicine.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.202-205
• /
• 2019

Hyperprolactinemia due to a pituitary adenoma is a rare cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). The prevalence of clinically apparent prolactinomas is reported to be from 6-10 to 50 per 100,000. A few reports have been published of prolactinoma presenting with ED. Here, we report a rare case of a young man who presented with ED as a chief complaint and who was diagnosed with a huge prolactinoma, and we discuss a related fertility issue.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.17.1-17.10
• /
• 2013

Reproductive dysfunction is a major health concern amongst the inhabitants of Tana River County. An ethno botanical study was conducted in Garsen, Itsowe and Ngao sub divisions of Tana River County to document the utilization of medicinal plants for the management of female reproductive ailments. The target population was practicing herbalists from Pokomo, Ormo and Giryama communities in the study area. Structured questionnaires and focussed group discussions were used to collect data. Forty eight plant species distributed in 40 genera and 29 families were documented as being important for the management of pregnancy related complications, menstrual disorders, infertility, fibroids and as contraceptives. The species most frequently cited by the herbalists were fourteen. Fifty two percent of the plant species were probably being mentioned for the first time as being useful in reproductive health management. In conclusion, Tana River has a pool of TMPs with a wealth of indigenous knowledge that needs to be exploited. The plants used to treat dysmenorrhea for example may be important analgesic agents that need further investigation while those with anti-fertility properties may contain steroidal phyto chemical compounds. Such species therefore need further investigation to establish their efficacy and mechanism of action.

• 대한생식의학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 2002.05a
• /
• pp.47-52
• /
• 2002

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2006

Herbal medicines are widely used for centuries to treat illness and improve health in Asia and the use of these remedies has become a worldwide form of alternative therapy. However, there is very limited evidence from randomized controlled trials to support the efficacy of the vast majority of herbal products. Of the commonly used herbal medicines, systemic clinical experiences and promising experiments in animals have found potential evidence of efficacy for six herbal medicines (Unkei-to, Hachimijio-gan, Keishi-bukuryo-gan, Toki-shakuyaku-san, Shakuyaku-kanzo-to, Sairei-to) in the treatment for female reproductive dysfunction. Because herbs may contain potent bioactive substances, the physician should have an opportunity to outline more stringent regulation, similar to over-the counter drug.

• 대한생식의학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 2002.05a
• /
• pp.95-95
• /
• 2002

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.273-286
• /
• 2013

Objectives: The present study was conducted in order to investigate the reproductive toxicity in rats exposed to 1,4-dichlorobutane. Methods: The test chemical was administered orally at 0, 8.3, 50 and 300 mg/kg/day. Males were administered daily for 10 weeks prior to the mating period. Females were administered from between two weeks before mating to the 21stday of lactation. Results: In both sexes, a decrease in body weight and an increase in the weights of the liver and kidneys were observed. In males, discoloration of the liver, hepatocyte hypertrophy and mineralization in the kidneys were observed. In females, animal deaths, dystocia and pup deaths due to maternal dysfunction were observed. In F1 animals of both sexes, a decrease in body weight was observed at 300 mg/kg/day. An increase in the weights of the liver in both sexes, mineralization in the kidneys of males, animal deaths, hepatocyte hypertrophy and pup deaths due to maternal dysfunction were observed at 50 mg/kg/day. Mineralization in the kidneys of males was observed at 8.3 mg/kg/day. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) of 1,4- dichlorobutane were considered to be under 8.3 mg/kg/day for males, 8.3 mg/kg/day for females, more than 300 mg/kg/day for fertility in both sexes, 8.3 mg/kg/day for maternal functions and 50 mg/kg/day for F1 offspring. The absolute toxic dose was believed to be 8.3 mg/kg/day for males, 50 mg/kg/day for females, 50 mg/kg/day for maternal functions and 300 mg/kg/day for F1 offspring. However NOAEL for fertility could not be determined since there were no treatment-related changes. Conclusions: Under the present experimental conditions, 1,4-dichlorobutane is a Category 1B Reproductive Toxicant (presumed human reproductive or developmental toxicant).

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.485-492
• /
• 2009

Estrogen has dramatic effects on the development and function of the reproductive tract in mammals. Although diethylstilbestrol (DES) triggers the development of reproductive organs in immature animals, continued exposure to DES induces dysfunction of the female reproductive tract in mice. To investigate the effects of neonatal estrogen exposure on the reproductive tract of female chickens, we implanted DES pellets into the abdominal region of immature female chicks and then examined the effects of DES on the oviducts of both immature chicks and sexually mature chickens (30 weeks old). DES induced mass growth and differentiation of the oviduct in immature chicks. The chick oviduct increased by 2.7- and 29-fold in length and weight, respectively, following primary DES stimulation. In secondary DES stimulation, the length and weight of the chick oviduct increased by 4.5- and 74-fold, respectively. Additionally, DES treatments caused abnormal development of the infundibulum and magnum in hen oviducts. Furthermore, infundibulum abnormality gave rise to unusual ovulation of follicles and resulted in infertility and dysfunction of the magnum, such as less production of egg white proteins. Our results indicate that DES exposure during early developmental stages in chickens has detrimental effects on the development and maintenance of the female reproductive tract after sexual maturation.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.55-67
• /
• 2023

Objectives : Contents on causes of male infertility, reproductive health improvement, sexual tips were studied in classical texts of Korean Medicine, followed by representative formulas for male infertility treatment. Methods : Related texts from the Qiusimen chapters of the Yixuerumen, Yixuexinwu, Donguibogam, Nukejinglun, Jiaozhufurenliangfang, Jiyingandmu were collected, and their medical meaning discussed. Results : As immoderate libido and excessive mental consumption leads to sexual dysfunction causing male infertility, 'moderating sexual desire and accumulating Jing' should be the principle for improving reproductive health. Also, sufficient foreplay is recommended. In terms of formula, the Wuziyanzongwan with sufficient therapeutic evidence in both classical texts and contemporary Korean Medicine can be applied in cases of male infertility. Conclusions : Excessive sensual stimulation and immoderate sexual desire consumes the mind and results in decline in male reproductive health. While moderating sexual desire and accumulating Jing through controlling desire, not overworking, moderating anger, drinking in moderation, balanced eating should be the principle for improving reproductive health, having sexual intercourse 2~3 times per week rather than long-term abstinence is recommended. To improve the success rate in pregnancy, sufficient foreplay and time should be done and taken for intercourse. Wuziyanzongwan should be taken for at least three months or longer.