• Title/Summary/Keyword: Reproductive function

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HPL Levels in Scrum During the First Half of Normal Pregnancy by Radioimmunoassay (임신(妊娠) 전반기(前半期)의 정상(正常) 임부(妊婦) 혈청중(血淸中) HPL의 동태(動態)에 대(對)한 방사면역측정(放射免疫測定)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究))

  • Oh, Bo-Hoon;Shin, Myon-Woo
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.5 no.1_2
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    • pp.1-7
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    • 1978
  • In order to estimate the human placental lactogen levels and its value as an indicator of placental function during the first half of normal pregnancy, we defermined HPL levels. in normal snbjects (No=40) from the 6th week to the 20th week of gestation For the determination of human placental lactogen in serum of normal pregnant women during the first half of prognancy, radioimmunoassay have been performed using Phadebas HPL Test kit. The range of 25ng to 800ng HPL/ml. were determined by the procedures using Phadbas HPL Test kit, which correspond to levels recorded throughout the first half of normal pregnancy. HPL was detected in the earliest pregnancy samples collected at 6 weeks but was generally present in minute amount during the first trimester of pregnancy, when the HPL level ranged from 25 ng/ml. to 0.86 ${\mu}g$/ml. The mean concentration of HPL increased gradually from only 0.03 ${\mu}g$/ml, at 6 weeks to 0.25 ${\mu}g$/ml, at 12 weeks of gestation, Subsequently the mean HPL value rose steeply from 0.25 ${\mu}g$/ml, at 12 weeks to 1.65 ${\mu}g$/ml, at 20 weeks of gestation.

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The Lack of a Direct Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Sperm Motility (Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha가 정자운동성에 미치는 직접 영향의 부족)

  • Song, Eun-Seop;Lim, Young-Ku;Song, Yun-Seob
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.26 no.1
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    • pp.97-101
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    • 1999
  • Male genital tract inflammatory conditions may be associated with unexplained infertility. The presence of cytokine such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) was reported in the semen of infertile men. However, the effect of these cytokines on human sperm function is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in-vitro effects of TNF-alpha on human sperm motility with computer assisted sperm analysis. Washed sperm from 16 normal men were incubated without and with TNF-${\alpha}$ (0.1, 10, 1000 ng/ml). The changes of parameters of sperm motility were recorded at different time intervals (0, 5, 24 hour). There was no significant change of parameters of sperm motility in the incubation with TNF-${\alpha}$. It is suggested that TNF-${\alpha}$ alone does not interfere with the sperm motility and more studies are needed.

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Expression of Luteinizing Hormone(LH) Gene in Human Uterus (인간의 자궁에서의 Luteinizing Hormone (LH) 유전자 발현)

  • Kim, Sung-Rye;Lee, Sung-Ho
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.26 no.3
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    • pp.377-381
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    • 1999
  • Objectives: Recent studies, including our own, demonstrated that the novel expression of LH gene in rat gonads and uterus, indicating that the local production and action of the LH-like molecule. In the present study, we investigated whether human uterus also expresses the LH gene. Design: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplified the cDNA fragments coding $LH_{\beta}$ polypeptide from human endometrium but not from myometrium. Presence of the transcripts for the ${\alpha}$-subunit in human endometrium was also confirmed by RT-PCR. Results: Transcripts for $LH_{\beta}$ subunit were detected in endometrial samples from women with endometriosis. The gene for LH/hCG receptor was expressed in both endometrium and myometrium, showing good agreement with previous studies. Increased level of $LH_{\beta}$ transcript was determined in the endometrium from follicular phase compared to that from luteal phase. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings demonstrated that 1) the genes for LH subunits and LH/hCG receptor are expressed in human uterus, 2) the uterine LH expression was changed during menstrual cycle, suggesting that the uterine LH may playa local role in the control of uterine physiology and function(s).

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Effects of Pioglitazone on Insulin Sensitivity, Ovarian Function and Intraovarian Stromal Blood Flow in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (다낭성난소증후군 환자에서 Pioglitazone이 인슐린 민감도, 난소 기능, 난소 기질 내 혈류에 미치는 영향)

  • Lee, Hyang-Ah;Kim, Chung-Hoon;Choi, Jeong-Won;Park, Sun-Jung;Lee, Soo-Jeong;Choi, Eun-Sun;Kim, Sung-Hoon;Chae, Hee-Dong;Son, Young-Soo;Kang, Byung-Moon
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.155-164
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    • 2005
  • Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effects of pioglitazone, an insulin sensitizing agent, on insulin resistance, ovarian function and intraovarian stromal blood flow in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Material and Methods: Thirty patients with PCOS, aged 18~34 years, were recruited. Criteria for diagnosis of PCOS were as defined in 2003 Rotterdam consensus. They were treated for 6 months with pioglitazone at a dose of 30 mg/day orally. The hormonal blood profile, fasting serum glucose levels, a glycemic response to 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and an ovarian stromal artery (OSA) blood flow were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Results: Eighteen (60.0%) of 30 patients treated with pioglitazone demonstrated a spontaneous ovulation After pioglitazone treatment, fasting insulin concentrations, serum glucose levels after 75 g OGTT significantly decreased (p=0.001, p=0.04, respectively), and fasting glucose to insulin (G/I) ratio significantly increased (p<0.001). The pioglitazone treatment induced a significant reduction in serum LH, testosterone (T) and free T levels (p<0.001, p=0.02, p=0.002, respectively). The resistance index (RI) values of OSA significantly increased after treatment (p<0.001). In analyzing pioglitazone-treated patients according to their body mass index (BMI), nonobese group as well as obese group showed a significant improvement in fasting G/I ratio (p<0.01). The pioglitazone treatment induced a significant reduction in serum LH and free T levels in nonobese group (p<0.001, p<0.05, respectively) as well as obese group (p=0.001, p<0.05, respectively). The RI values of OSA significantly increased in both nonobese and obese groups after pioglitazone treatment (p<0.001, p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions: Pioglitazone could ameliorate the glycoinsulinemic metabolism, and this beneficial effects of this drug could improve the endocrine-reproductive condition associated with the decrease of ovarian stromal artery blood flow, in both nonobese and obese patients with PCOS.

Changes in Leaf and Reproductive Traits of Mountain Ash (Sorbus alnifolia) as Urban Flourisher in the Seoul Metropolitan, South Korea (한국 서울 식생의 번성자로서 팥배나무의 형질 변화 양상)

  • Jung, Song-Hie;Cho, Yong-Chan;Lee, Chang-Seok
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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    • v.35 no.6
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    • pp.644-658
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    • 2021
  • Understanding the functional traits of dominant species in urban ecosystems provides insight into species' trait adaptation and ecosystem function in response to fragmented and isolated urban vegetation and reduced biological interactions. This study compared means and variances of environmental factors (geographic, meteorological, and soil attributes) and 4 leaf traits (leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry mass content, and leaf shape index) and 7 reproductive traits (fruit width, fruit length, fruit shape, fruit dry weight, fruit dry matter content, seed weight, and seed ratio) measured of 40 Sorbus alnifolia individuals in four mountainous areas south of Seoul downtown, South Korea. We then performed the multivariate analysis of trait combinations. While the measured environmental factors indicated the individuality of the survey sites, the urban vegetation was drier and had a longer growth period. The leaves of S. alnifolia in the urban areas were smaller and heavier, and the fruits produced longer and lighter seeds, showing the traits affected by long urbanization. The study confirmed changes in the growth and reproduction mechanism of the S. alnifolia population under the urban environment, indicating reduced biological interaction due to vegetation fragmentation and isolation. This study provides limited but distinct ecological information about the function and persistence of key species in cities with a reduced scale of biological interactions and many negative environmental factors such as air pollution.

Transduction of eGFP Gene to Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Their Characterization (인간 배아줄기세포로의 eGFP 유전자 도입 및 특성 분석)

  • Kim, Yoon-Young;Ku, Seung-Yup;Park, Yong-Bin;Oh, Sun-Kyung;Moon, Shin-Yong;Choi, Young-Min
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.36 no.4
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    • pp.283-292
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    • 2009
  • Objective: Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into all kinds of cell types in vitro. Therefore, hESCs can be used as a cell source for cell-based therapy. Transduction of foreign genes to hESCs could be useful for tracing differentiation processes of hESCs and elucidation of gene function. Thus, we tried to introduce enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene to hESCs, XX and XY cell lines in this study. Methods: Lentivirus containing eGFP was packaged in 293T cells and applied to hESCs to transduce eGFP. Expression of transduced eGFP was evaluated under the fluorescence microscope and eGFP positive population was analyzed by FACS. Expression of undifferentiation state markers such as Oct4, Nanog, SSEA4 and Tra-1-81 was examined by RT-PCR and/or immunofluorescence in eGFP-hESCs after transduction. In addition, the ability of eGFP-hESCs to form embryoid bodies (EBs) was tested. Results: eGFP was successfully transduced to hESCs by lentivirus. eGFP expression was stably maintained up to more than 40 passages. eGFP-hESCs retained expression patterns of undifferentiation state markers after transduction. Interestingly, disappearance of transduced eGFP was notably observed during spontaneous differentiation of eGFP-hESCs. Conclusion: We established eGFP expressing hESC lines using lentivirus and showed the maintenance of undifferentiation characteristics of these eGFP-hESCs. This reporter-containing hESCs could be useful for tracing the processes of differentiation of hESCs and other studies.

Effects of Endocrine Disruptors on Endocrine Function and Reproductive Function in Wildlife and Humans (내분비교란물질이 야생동물 및 인간의 내분비기능과 생식기능에 미치는 영향)

  • 류병호
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.28 no.5
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    • pp.1180-1186
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    • 1999
  • A wide ranges of chemicals released into the environment have potential to interfere with physiological and development process by disrupting endocrine pathways. Endocrine system embraces a multitude of mechanisms of action, including effect on growth, behavior, reproduction and immune function. These environmental endocrine disruptors are present in environment and pose potential health consequences to human and wildlife. The best known form in endocrine distruptors involves substances which mimic or block the action of natural hormone in the body. Endocrine disruptor have been variously defined as exogenous agents that interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding action or elimination of the natural hormones in the body which are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, reproduction developmental and/or behavior. Many compounds polluted into the environment by human activity are capable of disrupting the endocrine system of animals, including fish, wildlife, and humans. Among these chemicals are pesticides, industrial chemicals, and other anthropogenic products. It has been alleged that several adverse effects on human health are linked with exposure to chemicals which are claimed to be endocrine disrupters, that is, increased incidence of testicular, prostate and female breast cancer, time dependent reductions in sperm quality and quantity, increased incidence of cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) and hypospadias(malformation of the penis), altered physical and mental de velopment in children. This observation is currently the only example of chemically mediated endocrine disruption which has resulted in a clear effect at the population level.

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Extra-gonadal sites of estrogen biosynthesis and function

  • Barakat, Radwa;Oakley, Oliver;Kim, Heehyen;Jin, Jooyoung;Ko, CheMyong Jay
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.49 no.9
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    • pp.488-496
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    • 2016
  • Estrogens are the key hormones regulating the development and function of reproductive organs in all vertebrates. Recent evidence indicates that estrogens play important roles in the immune system, cancer development, and other critical biological processes related to human well-being. Obviously, the gonads (ovary and testis) are the primary sites of estrogen synthesis, but estrogens synthesized in extra- gonadal sites play an equally important role in controlling biological activities. Understanding non-gonadal sites of estrogen synthesis and function is crucial and will lead to therapeutic interventions targeting estrogen signaling in disease prevention and treatment. Developing a rationale targeting strategy remains challenging because knowledge of extra-gonadal biosynthesis of estrogens, and the mechanism by which estrogen activity is exerted, is very limited. In this review, we will summarize recent discoveries of extra-gonadal sites of estrogen biosynthesis and their local functions and discuss the significance of the most recent novel discovery of intestinal estrogen biosynthesis.

Effects of Panax ginseng, zearalenol, and estradiol on sperm function

  • Gray, Sandra L.;Lackey, Brett R.;Boone, William R.
    • Journal of Ginseng Research
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    • v.40 no.3
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    • pp.251-259
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    • 2016
  • Background: Estrogen signaling pathways are modulated by exogenous factors. Panax ginseng exerts multiple activities in biological systems and is classified as an adaptogen. Zearalenol is a potent mycoestrogen that may be present in herbs and crops arising from contamination or endophytic association. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of P. ginseng, zearalenol and estradiol in tests on spermatozoal function. Methods: The affinity of these compounds for estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and beta ($ER{\alpha}$ and $ER{\beta}$)-was assessed in receptor binding assays. Functional tests on boar spermatozoa motility, movement and kinematic parameters were conducted using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. Tests for capacitation, acrosome reaction (AR), and chromatin decondensation in spermatozoa were performed using microscopic analysis. Results: Zearalenol-but not estradiol ($E_2$)- or ginseng-treated spermatozoa-decreased the percentage of overall, progressive, and rapid motile cells. Zearalenol also decreased spontaneous AR and increased chromatin decondensation. Ginseng decreased chromatin decondensation in response to calcium ionophore and decreased AR in response to progesterone ($P_4$) and ionophore. Conclusion: Zearalenol has adverse effects on sperm motility and function by targeting multiple signaling cascades, including $P_4$, $E_2$, and calcium pathways. Ginseng protects against chromatin damage and thus may be beneficial to reproductive fitness.

Exposure of chlorpyrifos impairs the normal function of boar spermatozoa

  • Adikari Arachchige Dilki Indrachapa Adikari;Young-Joo Yi
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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    • v.49 no.2
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    • pp.307-316
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    • 2022
  • The misuse of pesticides has resulted in environmental pollution, which directly or indirectly affects all life on earth. Chlorpyrifos is a chlorinated organophosphorus pesticide that is commonly used in agriculture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chlorpyrifos on the fertilization function of boar spermatozoa. Sperm samples from boars were subjected to varying concentrations of chlorpyrifos from 10 to 200 µM for two incubation periods, 30 min or 2 hrs. The boar spermatozoa were then evaluated for motility, motion kinematics, viability, acrosome integrity, chromatin stability, and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). There was a significant percentage reduction in sperm motility and motion kinematic parameters after both incubation periods (p < 0.05). The proportion of viable spermatozoa decreased after incubation for 30 min and 2 hrs in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). A significantly lower percentage of normal acrosomes was observed in spermatozoa exposed to 200 µM chlorpyrifos over both incubation periods, compared to the controls. The damage to sperm DNA was significantly higher when the exposure time to chlorpyrifos was longer. There was a significant increase in the ROS levels in spermatozoa incubated with chlorpyrifos for 2 hrs (p < 0.05). From the results of the present study, it is concluded that direct exposure of boar spermatozoa to chlorpyrifos altered boar sperm characteristics, suggesting potential toxicity that may affect the male reproductive function.