• Development and Reproduction
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.199-211
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• 2021

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), produced by the endometrial cups of the placenta after the first trimester, is a specific glycoprotein that displays dual luteinizing hormone (LH)-like and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-like effects in non-equid species. However, in equidaes, eCG exhibits only LH-like activity. To identify the specific biological functions of glycosylated sites in eCG, we constructed the following site mutants of N- and O-linked glycosylation: eCGβ/αΔ56, substitution of α-subunit⁵⁶ N-linked glycosylation site; eCGβ-D/α, deletion of the O-linked glycosylation sites at the β-subunit, and eCGβ-D/αΔ56, double mutant. We produced recombinant eCG (rec-eCG) proteins in Chinese hamster ovary suspension (CHO-S) cells. We examined the biological activity of rec-eCG proteins in CHO-K1 cells expressing the eLH/CG receptor and found that signal transduction activities of deglycosylated mutants remarkably decreased. The EC₅₀ levels of eCGβ/αΔ56, eCGβ-D/α, and eCGβ-D/αΔ56 mutants decreased by 2.1-, 5.6-, and 3.4-fold, respectively, compared to that of wild-type eCG. The Rmax values of the mutants were 56%-80% those of wild-type eCG (141.9 nmol/10⁴ cells). Our results indicate that the biological activity of eCG is greatly affected by the removal of N- and O-linked glycosylation sites in cells expressing eLH/CGR. These results provide important information on rec-eCG in the regulation of specific glycosylation sites and improve our understanding of the specific biological activity of rec-eCG glycosylation sites in equidaes.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.30-45
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• 2021

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of pregnancy-related four herbal medicines (Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, Chokyungjongok-tang and Moutan Radicis Cortex) on the endometrial and placental cells. Methods: In this study, we examined viability and decidualization of telomerase immortalized human endometrial stromal cell lines (T-HESCs) and viability and invasion ability of human first trimester trophoblast cell lines Sw.71 by four herbal medicines (Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, Chokyungjongok-tang and Moutan Radicis Cortex) Results: In the study, we showed that Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, Chokyungjongok-tang increased decidualization marker prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in T-HESCs. Moutan Radicis Cortex decreased the mRNA level of PRL and IGFBP1, and the protein level of PRL and IGFBP1 had no significant effect. Moreover, four herbal medicines reduced invasion ability of Sw.71 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, and Chokyungjongok-tang have beneficial effects on successful embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance by increasing decidualization markers such as PRL and IGFBP1. Moutan Radicis Cortex reduces the mRNA levels of PRL and IGFBP1, which may adversely affect pregnancy. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the significance of the decreased invasive ability of Sw.71 cells induced by four herbal medications.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2021

Objectives: Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the electrical, mechanical, medical, and food industries. Previous studies have suggested that BPA is an endocrine disruptor. Regulation of BPA has led to increased use of bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS). However, few studies have investigated the associations of BPF and BPS with thyroid dysfunction in children. Our study investigated the associations of prenatal BPA and early childhood BPA, BPF, and BPS exposure with thyroid function in 6-year-old children. Methods: Prenatal BPA concentrations were measured during the second trimester of pregnancy in an established prospective birth cohort. We measured urinary BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations and thyroid hormone levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone, total T3, and free T4) in 6-year-old children (n=574). We examined the associations between urinary bisphenol concentrations and percentage change of thyroid hormone concentrations using multivariate linear regression. We also compared thyroid hormone levels by dividing the cohort according to BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations. Results: The associations between prenatal BPA and total T3 levels were statistically significant in all models, except for girls when using a crude model. The associations between urinary BPA and BPS concentrations and levels of all thyroid hormones were not statistically significant. However, we observed that lower free T4 levels (-1.94%; 95% confidence interval, -3.82 to -0.03) were associated with higher urinary BPF concentrations in girls only. Conclusions: Our findings identified significant associations between prenatal BPA exposure and total T3 levels in all children and between BPF exposure and free T4 levels in girls only.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.155-161
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• 2022

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is known as an important biomarker for fetal abnormality during first trimester and has a pivotal role in follicle development and corpus luteum formation. And also, it is being revealed that an expression of PAPP-A in various cells and tissues such as cancer and lesion area. PAPP-A is the major IGF binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) protease. Cleavage of IGFBP-4 results in loss of binding affinity for IGF, causing increased IGF bioavailability for proliferation, survival, and migration. Additionally, PAPP-A can be used as a promising therapeutic target for healthy longevity. Despite growing interest, almost nothing is known about how PAPP-A expression is regulated in any tissue. This review will focus on what is currently known about the zinc metalloproteinase, PAPP-A, and its role in cells and tissues. PAPP-A is expressed in proliferating cells such as fetus in uterus, granulosa cells in follicle, dermis in wound, cancer cells, and Sertoli cells in testis. They have common characteristics of proliferation faster than normal cells with stimulating IGFs action and inhibiting IGFBPs. The PAPP-A functions and expression studies in livestock have not yet been conducted much. Further studies are needed to use PAPP-A as a marker for healthy longevity in animal science.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2022

Although translational research is referred to clinical chemistry measures, correct weighting factors for linear and quadratic calibration curves with least-squares regression algorithm have not been carefully considered in bioanalytical assays yet. The objective of this study was to identify steroidogenic roles in preeclampsia and verify accuracy of quantitative results by comparing two different linear regression models with weighting factor of 1 and 1/x². A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based adrenal steroid assay was conducted to reveal metabolic signatures of preeclampsia in both serum and placenta samples obtained 15 preeclamptic patients and 17 age-matched control pregnant women (33.9 ± 4.2 vs. 32.8 ± 5.6 yr, respectively) at 34~36 gestational weeks. Percent biases in the unweighted model (w_i = 1) were inversely proportional to concentrations (-739.4 ~ 852.9%) while those of weighted regression (w_i = 1/x²) were < 18% for all variables. The optimized LC-MS combined with the weighted linear regression resulted in significantly increased maternal serum levels of pregnenolone, 21-deoxycortisol, and tetrahydrocortisone (P < 0.05 for all) in preeclampsia. Serum metabolic ratio of (tetrahydrocortisol + allo-tetrahydrocortisol) / tetrahydrocortisone indicating 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 was decreased (P < 0.005) in patients. In placenta, local concentrations of androstenedione were changed while its metabolic ratio to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone responsible for 17,20-lyase activity was significantly decreased in patients (P = 0.002). The current bioanalytical LC-MS assay with corrected weighting factor of 1/x² may provide reliable and accurate quantitative outcomes, suggesting altered steroidogenesis in preeclampsia patients at late gestational weeks in the third trimester.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.44-54
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• 2023

Purpose: Uncertainty and restrictions on daily life have increased fear, stress, and depression during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Depression is the most common mental health problem in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of fear and stress related to COVID-19 experienced by pregnant women, as well as their levels of depression, and to examine the factors associated with depression during pregnancy. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, correlational study conducted among 153 pregnant women who visited a maternity hospital in Busan, South Korea. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection from December 18, 2021 to March 8, 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Results: Pregnant women experienced a moderate level of fear related to COVID-19, with an average score of 21.55±4.90. The average score for depression during pregnancy was 14.86±11.10, with 50.3% of the participants experiencing depression (≥13). The factors associated with depression during pregnancy were fear of COVID-19, contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, being in the third trimester of pregnancy, high stress levels due to difficulties experienced from social distancing measures, and unintended pregnancy. These five statistically significant factors explained 35.0% of variance in depression during pregnancy. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of depression in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to develop interventions to reduce anxiety by providing correct information and alleviating the stress of social distancing.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.27-37
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between maternal knowledge and social support on pregnancy stress among pregnant women in Korea. Methods: The participants in this study were 148 pregnant women in Korea, recruited from online communities on pregnancy and/or childbirth, from June 2019 to April 2020. The collected data were analyzed using the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression. Results: Participants were at average 18.25±8.28 weeks gestation, 56% were in the second trimester, 31% had one or more health issues in the current pregnancy (e.g., hyperemesis gravidarum), and 76% were first-time mothers. Participants had moderate levels of pregnancy stress (mean, 23.09±7.11 points out of 48) and maternal knowledge (mean, 14.42±4.67 points out of 21), whereas social support was somewhat high (mean 45.88±7.81 points out of 60). Pregnancy stress was weakly negatively correlated with social support (r=-.37, p<.001). Main source of pregnancy information (β=-.21, p=.011), marital satisfaction (β=-.18, p=.036), and social support (β=-.19, p=.038) were identified as significant factors affecting pregnancy stress, and these variables had an explanatory power of 22.7% for pregnancy stress. Conclusion: Based on these findings, nurses should assess pregnancy-related stress during pregnancy and consider main source of pregnancy information and marital satisfaction when providing education or counseling. Moreover, strategies to reduce pregnancy stress through social support are needed to improve the quality of life for pregnant women.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.116-125
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• 2023

The present study sought to examine the association between an infant's anthropometric outcomes with maternal Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) scores during the third trimester of pregnancy. This prospective cohort study was applying 130 pregnant women, at the pregnancy training center in west Tehran, Iran (November 2020 to July 2021). The maternal dietary intake, and body mass index (BMI), and social economic level were evaluated. The data about birth weight, birth height, head circumference, and, gestational age at birth were extracted from each child's health records. The ultimate sample included 122 (93.8%) pairs of women/newborn children. The participants, mean age was 28.13 ± 4.66 years with gestational age between 28 to 40 weeks and the mean of BMI was 24.62 ± 3.51. Our outcomes, after adjustment for confounding factors, suggested that those newborn infants in the highest quartile of maternal DII score had a significantly lower weight (p < 0.001) and height (p = 0.05), in comparison to those in the lowest quartile, but not head circumference (p = 0.18). Moreover, after adjustment for confounding factors, results suggested that those newborn infants in the First quartile of maternal AHEI-P score had a significantly lower weight (p = 0.018) and, in comparison to those in the higher quartile. It appears that newborn infants with lower maternal DII and higher AHEI-P scores may have a better anthropometric outcome. Further longitudinal and in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies, with a longer-term follow-up, is warranted to support the integrity of our outcomes.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.388-398
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• 2024

Objectives: A substantial proportion of women experience mental health challenges during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, are prevalent. Identifying causes and associated risk factors is imperative for early intervention and the prevention of mental health issues. Methods: This study utilized data from the 2018 Basic Health Research, which was conducted nationwide in Indonesia, using a cross-sectional approach. We focused on women aged 13-49 years who were currently or previously married, and had experienced pregnancy, including 8889 pregnant women and 77 012 women who had delivered between January 1, 2013 and August 31, 2018. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 was employed to assess CMDs. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Results: The prevalence of CMDs in pregnant women was 12.6%, while postpartum mothers exhibited a prevalence of 10.1%. Poor health status displayed the strongest impact on CMDs during both pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 12.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.01 to 16.60) and the postpartum period (aOR, 16.72; 95% CI, 14.85 to 18.82). Additional significant factors for both group include young maternal age, lack of education, unemployment, history of hypertension, and smoking status. Among pregnant women, CMDs was also associated with first-trimester pregnancy, previous pregnancy complications, and small upper arm circumference. For postpartum mothers, significant factors include living in rural areas, history of abortion, unwanted pregnancy, pregnancy complications, lack of antenatal care, spontaneous delivery, postpartum complications and contraceptive use. Conclusions: CMDs can impact in pregnant and postpartum women. Early diagnosis and management must be seamlessly integrated into primary healthcare practices.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 1998

Objectives : The change of sleep patterns commonly occurs in association with the pregnancy. This study was to investigate sleep habits during the course of normal pregnancy. Methods : Sleep habits questionnaire was administered to healthy women in their first trimester(TR1) of pregnancy and then the same questionnaire was repeatedly administered during their second(TR2) and third(TR3) trimesters. The following aspects were assessed : patterns of night sleep, daytime status, sleep posture, reasons for sleep alteration, and the experience of any particular parasomnias, as well as sleep problem-related treatment or medication. Data analysis was based on 26 women who maintaind good health throughout their pregnancy and completed the questionnaire three times. Results : In comparisons between each trimester and non-pregnant state, total night sleep time, daytime tiredness, and sleepiness were significantly increased in all trimesters. Sleep latency was significantly decreased in TR1 and TR2, but not in TR3. In addition, refreshed feeling on waking the following day was significantly decreased and the number of awakenings during night sleep was significantly increased in TR3, but not in TR1 and TR2. In comparisons between trimesters, there was a significant increase in sleep latency, daytime sleepiness and the number of awakenings during night sleep and a significant decrease in refreshed feeling on waking the following day in TR3 compared to TR1 and TR2. Over the course of pregnancy, the rate of lateral position during sleep was gradually increased and all the pregnant women took the lateral sleeping posture in TR3. The major reasons for sleep pattern alteration were nausea, vomiting and heartburn in TR1, urinary frequency, fetal movement and ache in hips in TR2, and urinary frequency, fetal movement, cramp in legs and backache in TR3. Conclusion : These findings are expected to be useful for educating pregnant women about sleep hygiene. In future studies, the underlying factors and mechanisms regarding sleep patterns during pregnancy will need to be clarified.