• Development and Reproduction
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 2003

There have been reports that administrated high-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone-agonist(GnRH-Ag) suppresses endogenous gonadotropin production and inhibits function of ovary. In human IVF-ET program, however, GnRH-Ag is employed in large amounts during superovulation induction resulting to luteal phase defects which must be supported with progesterone. To elucidate the reason of luteal phase defects by GnRH-Ag, the aim of this study was to investigate the apoptosis changes in the ovary and the hormonal changes in the serum after GnRH-Ag and PMSG administration in adult mice in a method similar to human superovualtion induction. GnRH-Ag(10 ${\mu}$g) or saline was injected every 12h beginning 48h prior to PMSG injection until 48h at)or PMSG injection when blood sampling and ovary collection was performed. In results, the ovary weight in the GnRH-Ag only injection group was significantly lower when compared with the other two groups, PMSG only or PMSC + GnRH-Ag injection. The ratio of preantral follicles in the ovary are increased in the GnRH-Ag only group, while the ratio of antral follicles are decreased and the corpus luteum ratio is increased in the PMSG + GnRH-Ag group. The proportion of all follicles showing apoptosis in the GnRH-Ag only in.iection group was seen to be more than twice the proportion seen in the PMSC only injection group, and such increased apoptosis is decreased after addition of PMSC. The serum levels of both estradiol and progesterone were significantly lower in the CnRH-hg only group compared to those in the other two groups. When the administration of GnRH-Ag were followed by PMSG in;ection, however, estradiol concentration was completely recovered compared to the serum level of PMSG group, but not progesterone level. In conclusion the use of GnRH-Ag in human IVF-ET program may induce the apoptosis and the suppression of hormone production by ovary leading to luteal phase defects, thus adequate progesterone support seems to be necessary against them.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.95-103
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• 2003

Objective : To assess and compare the clinical outcomes between GnRH agonist long protocol and GnRH antagonist short protocol in oocyte donation program. Materials and Methods: Of total 18 oocyte donation cycles, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) were performed with GnRH agonist long protocol and GnRH antagonist short protocol in initial 9 cycles and later 9 cycles, respectively. Oral estradiol valerate and progesterone in oil we re administrated to all recipients for endometrial preparation. Oral estradiol administration was started from donor cycle day 1 after full shut down of gonadal axis with GnRH agonist in patients with ovarian function. Progesterone was injected from oocyte retrieval day of donor initially, then continuously till pregnancy 12 weeks if pregnancy was ongoing. We compared the parameters of clinical outcomes, such as number of the retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high grade embryo production rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, COH duration, total gonadotropin dose for COH between GnRH agonist long protocol group and GnRH antagonist group. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test, p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high grade embryo production rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate were $14.89{\pm}7.83$, 81%, 64%, 78%, 31%, 78%, respectively in GnRHa long protocol group and $11.22{\pm}8.50$, 79%, 64%, 67%, 34%, 56%, respectively in GnRH antagonist group. There was no significant differences in parameters of clinical outcomes between 2 groups (all p value >0.05). Duration and total gonadotropin dose for COH were $10.94{\pm}1.70$ days and $43.78{\pm}6.8$ vials in 18 cycles, $12.00{\pm}1.73$ days and $48.00{\pm}6.93$ vials in agonist group, $9.88{\pm}0.78$ days and $39.55{\pm}3.13$ vials in antagonist group, respectively. In GnRH agonist long protocol group, significantly longer duration and higher gonadotropin dose for COH were needed (p=0.012). Conclusion: In oocyte donation program, clinical outcomes from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonist were comparable to those from GnRH agonist long protocol group, so controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonist may be effective as GnRH agonist long protocol. At least there may not be harmful effects of GnRH antagonist on oocyte development and quality.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.276-286
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• 1999

In the present study, to understand how gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) affects ovarian functions in superovulated rats, we examined the effects of GnRH agonist on the ovulatory response, the morphological normality and nuclear maturation of ovulated oocytes, the ovarian weight, the ovarian histology, and the circulating steroid hormone ($17{\beta}$-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) levels in immature rats pretreated with 30IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and supplemented with 10IU human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG). GnRH agonist was intravenously injected via jugular vein catheter every 20min for 4hrs in early follicular phase (from 6hr after PMSG) of superovulated rats. In addition, GnRH antagonist, Antide, was intravenously injected in combination with GnRH agonist to verify the effects of GnRH agonist on ovarian functions. All animals were sacrificed at 72hr after PMSG administration. The administration with GnRH agonist in early follicular phase of superovulated rats caused inhibition of ovulatory response, increased the proportion of abnormal appearing oocytes(especially, in the rats of the group treated with 500ng GnRH agonist), decreased ovarian weight and promote follicular atresia, compared to those from the rats of control regimen that were not treated with GnRH agonist. In addition, the treatment with GnRH agonist in the superovulated rat distinctly decreased serum steroid hormone ($17{\beta}$-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) levels in preovulatory phase. On the other hand, the inhibitory effects of GnRH agonist treatment in superovulation-pretreated rats on ovarian functions were totally reversed by the combination with GnRH antagonist, Antide. The nuclear maturation of oocytes recovered from the oviducts in immature rats treated with GnRH agonist and/or GnRH antagonist was characterized by prematurity and asynchronization in early follicular phase, which was similar to control group. The overall results of this study indicate that GnRH agonist disturbs directly ovarian function in early follicular phase of superovulated immature rats in terms of ovulatory response and morphological normality of ovulated oocytes. This concept has been further evidenced by the findings of a great decrease in ovarian weight, a marked increase in follicular and a distinct decrease circulating steroid hormone ($17{\beta}$-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) levels in GnRH agonist treatment regimen in early follicular phase.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.239-244
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• 2010

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and GnRH antagonist protocols in poor responders. Methods: A total of 172 cycles in subjects with less than 5 oocytes retrieved treated with either GnRH agonist long protocols or antagonist protocols were included. The outcome variables such as numbers of growing follicles and retrieved oocytes, and the fertilization rate were evaluated as the main outcome measures. Results: There was no difference in regard to the numbers of growing follicles and oocytes, and fertilization rate between the two groups. $E_2$ level on Day 7/8, mean gonadotropin dose, and the days of stimulation were shown to be statistically different (p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Considering that similar results were observed with less time and gonadotropin dose, GnRH antagonist protocol may be considered as a preferable choice over GnRH agonist protocols in poor responders.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.672-678
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• 1998

Chitin was extracted from crab shell of Portuns triberculatus and deacethylated to yield chitosan with various molecular weights. The absorption and the fluorescence spectra of Rhodamine 6G(Rh 6G)-sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS) and Rh 6G-chitosan systems were obtained. From the spectra, we observed that the absorption and the fluorescence intensity of Rh 6G-SDS system decreased when S/D(the concentration of SDS to that of Rh 6G ratio) was below or at 32, while they increased when S/D was above 32. From the suspended solid(SS) removal rate and the transmittance of Rh 6G-SDS-chitosan system, we found that when S/D ratio was 32 its flocculating behaviour was much stronger than Rh 6G-SDS system. As the concentration and the molecular weight of chitosan increased, we also found that S/D range was extended from 32 to 100. With increasing the molecular weight of chitosan, the SS removal rate increased around pH 2~9 but decreased remarkably at pH>12.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.259-267
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• 2002

Objective: This study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of GnRH antagonist (Cetrorelix) single dose and multiple dose protocols for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH agonist long protocol. Materials and Method: From September 2001 to March 2002, 48 patients (55 cycles) were performed controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for ART using by either GnRH antagonist and GnRH agonist. Single dose of 3 mg GnRH antagonist was administered in 15 patients (17 cycles, single dose group) at MCD #8 and multiple dose of 0.25 mg of GnRH antagonist was administered in 15 patients (18 cycles, multiple dose group) from MCD #7 to hCG injection day. GnRH agonist was administered in 18 patients (20 cycles, control group) by conventional GnRH agonist long protocol. We compared the implantation rate, number of embryos, and clinical pregnancy rate among three groups. Student-t test and Chi-square were used to determine statistical significance. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in ampules of used gonadotropins, number of mature oocytes, obtained embryos between single and multiple dose group, but compared with control group, ampules of used gonadotropins, number of mature oocytes, obtained embryos were decreased significantly in both groups. Clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate were not different in three groups. There were no premature LH surge and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in three groups. Multiple pregnancy were occurred 1 case in multiple dose group and 2 case in control group. Conclusions: GnRH antagonist is a safe, effective, and alternative method in the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation compared with GnRH agonist. Clinical outcomes and efficacy of both single and multiple dose protocol are similar between two groups.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.251-258
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• 2002

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide) minimal stimulation protocol comparing with GnRH agonist combined long step down stimulation protocol in PCOS patients. Materials and Method: From Apr 2001 to May 2002, 22 patients (22 cycles) were performed in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using by GnRH antagonist and GnRH agonist for PCOS patients. GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide) combined minimal stimulation protocol was administered in 10 patients (10 cycles, Study Group) and GnRH agonist long step down stimulation protocol was administered in 12 patients (12 cycles, Control Group). We compared the pregnancy rate/cycle, total FSH (A)/cycle, Retrieved oocyte/cycle, the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancy rate between the two groups. Student-t test were used to determine statistical significance. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: Group of GnRH antagonist (Cetrorelix) minimal stimulation protocol produced fewer oocytes (6.4 versus 16.3 oocytes/cycle) using a lower dose of FSH (22.2 versus 36.1 Ample/cycle) and none developed OHSS and multiple pregnancy. Although the trends were in favour of the GnRH antagonist (Cetrorelix) protocol, the differences did not reach statistical significance. This was probably due to small sample size. Conclusion: The use of GnRH antagonist reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancy. We suggest that GnRH antagonist might be alternative controlled ovarian hyperstimulation method, especially in PCOS patients who will be ovarian high response.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.194-202
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• 2014

Background: Ginsenosides, the major ingredients of Panax ginseng, have been studied for many decades in Asian countries as a result of their wide range of pharmacological properties. The less polar ginsenosides, with one or two sugar residues, are not present in nature and are produced during manufacturing processes by methods such as heating, steaming, acid hydrolysis, and enzyme reactions. $^1H$-NMR and $^{13}C$-NMR spectroscopic data for the identification of the less polar ginsenosides are often unavailable or incomplete. Methods: We isolated 21 compounds, including 10 pairs of 20(S) and 20(R) less polar ginsenosides (1-20), and an oleanane-type triterpene (21) from a processed ginseng preparation and obtained complete $^1H$-NMR and $^{13}C$-NMR spectroscopic data for the following compounds, referred to as compounds 1-21 for rapid identification: 20(S)-ginsenosides Rh2 (1), 20(R)-Rh2 (2), 20(S)-Rg3 (3), 20(R)-Rg3 (4), 6'-O-acetyl-20(S)-Rh2 [20(S)-AcetylRh2] (5), 20(R)-AcetylRh2 (6), 25-hydroxy-20(S)-Rh2 (7), 25-hydroxy-20(S)-Rh2 (8), 20(S)-Rh1 (9), 20(R)-Rh1 (10), 20(S)-Rg2 (11), 20(R)-Rg2 (12), 25-hydroxy-20(S)-Rh1 (13), 25-hydroxy-20(R)-Rh1 (14), 20(S)-AcetylRg2 (15), 20(R)-AcetylRg2 (16), Rh4 (17), Rg5 (18), Rk1 (19), 25-hydroxy-Rh4 (20), and oleanolic acid 28-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (21).

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.263-266
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• 2018

This study was investigated the growth characteristics of 'Nongjingo' cultivar(Lentinula edodes) according to relative humidity(RH). The color difference of the pileus showed the highest L(Lightness, L) value in RH65 and the a(Redness, a) value in RH95. b(Yellowness, b) values were similar in all treatments. The hardness of pileus is highest at RH95. As the relative humidity increased, the length of pileus and stipe tended to increase. The diameter and thickness of pileus were high at RH95%. The diameter of stipe could not see the big difference in the three treatment groups. This study growth characteristics and yield were increased at higher relative humidity, but quality was decreased. Therefore, must adjust the relative humidity to produce high quality mushrooms.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.78-83
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• 1998

The objective of this study was to investigate the responsiveness of hypophysis and gonads to synthetic GnRH among prepubertal buffalo heifers at 12 months of age. Peripheral plasma FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone level were measured in blood samples collected at 1 hr before and up to 18 days subsequent to the administration of $200{\mu}g$ GnRH (n=6) or saline (n=6) in Murrah buffalo heifers. The pretreatment peripheral plasma FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone among GnRH treated heifers were $7.35{\pm}0.45ng/ml$, $1.08{\pm}0.3ng/ml$, $22.93{\pm}1.06pg/ml$ and $0.27{\pm}0.04ng/ml$ respectively. A quick elevation (p < 0.01) of FSH and LH within five min of GnRH administration was observed in all geifers. Although the peak FSH $(89.57{\pm}23.43ng/ml)$ and LH $(7.52{\pm}3.08ng/ml)$ reached by 10 min of GnRH administration, yet the animals differed both in terms of their amplitude response of FSH and LH release as well as in terms of time which animals took to exhiit maximum response to GnRH administration. The GnRH administration did not cause alteration in plasma estradiol and progesterone level. The present study suggests that the pituitary of 12 month buffalo heifers has capacity to synthesize and store of gonadotropin and have developed receptors for GnRH for a spike of gonadotropin release.