• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2016

In many fish species, including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), gonadal development occurs at the expense of stored energy and nutrients. Therefore, reproductive systems are inhibited by limited food supply. It has been well established that reproductive function is highly sensitive to both metabolic status and energy balance. Nothing is known about the possible mediated connection between energy balance and reproduction. Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide product of the Kiss gene has emerged as an essential gatekeeper of reproduction and may be possibly be linked to energy balance and reproduction in non-mammalians. Thus, in this study, the effect of fasting (10 days) on the expression of kisspeptin and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene were assessed in Nile tilapia (male and female) using qRT-PCR. In addition, plasma levels of estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in adult tilapia were measured by ELISA. In male tilapia, fasting reduced Kiss2 and GnRH I mRNA expression in the brain and 11-KT level in comparison with the fed tilapia (p < 0.05). In females, however, there were no significant differences in GnRH I mRNA expression and $E_2$ between fish subjected to fasting and those fed (p > 0.05). These data indicate the impact of nutritional states on kisspeptin as a potential regulatory mechanism for the control of reproduction in male Nile tilapia.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.118-122
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• 1997

We experienced a case of 51-year-old female patient who showed symptoms of persecutory delusion, auditory hallucination and hallucinatory behavior, severe insomnia, psychomotor retardation and social withdrawal, along with some clinical signs of the deficiency of various hormones those gradually progressed after massive postpartum vaginal bleeding 13 years ago. She was admitted to a psychiatric ward under the impression of psychotic depression. However careful history taking and evaluation of clinical feature gave rise to the possibility of underlying medical condition. Laboratory work-up revealed panhypopituitarism, hypoglycemia and hyponatremia. After replacement of thyroid hormone and cortisol for 1 week, her clinical symptoms including psychiatric symptoms were improved. Taken together, these findings were compatible with the diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome. On reporting this case, we would like to emphasize again the importance of differential diagnosis of medical problems causing psychiatric symptoms those are easily neglected in the clinical approach toward psychiatric patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.297-303
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• 1994

The effect of radiation on the steroidogenesis of rat ovary was investigated. For this purpose, female rats aged 7-8 weeks were exposed to a single dose of ${\gamma}$ radiation(320 rad or 800 rad) by the cobalt-60. At fourth(day of the first estrus) and eighth(day of the second estrus) days after irradiation, the concentrations of serum steroid hormones were determined by radioimmunoassays (RIA). The correlation between survival rate(Y) and radiation dose(X) was Y=-0.06X+100(r=0.89, n=10). Lethal dose$(LD)_{50(30)}$ and $LD_{20(30)}$ were 833.33rad and 333.33rad respectively. The weights of body and ovary was decreased significantly by the $LD_{50(30)}$ irradiation during the 4 days, but both weights were recovered at day 8. The serum levels of 17a-hydroxyprogesterone(170HP) and estradiol($E_2$) in the irradiated rats were not generally different from those of control. However, the levels of testosterone(T) and 19-norterstosterone(19NT) in the irradiated rat at $LD_{50(30)}$ and $LD_{20(30)}$ radiation doses were decreased, while progesterone levels in serum of the irradiated rats were slightly increased. These results suggest that irradiation may inhibit the first step of steroidogenesis, especially the conversion of P to T, in the rat ovary.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.7-12
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• 2018

In this review, we have tried to summarize the evidence and molecular characterization indicating that $20{\alpha}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD) is a group of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) family, and it plays roles in the modulation and regulation of steroid hormones. This enzyme plays a critical role in the regulation of luteal function in female mammals. We have studied the molecular expression and regulation of $20{\alpha}$-HSD in cows, pigs, deer, and monkeys. The specific antibody against bovine $20{\alpha}$-HSD was generated in a rabbit immunized with the purified recombinant protein. The mRNA expression levels increased gradually throughout the estrous cycle, the highest being in the corpus luteum (CL) 1 stage. The mRNA was also specifically detected in the placental and ovarian tissues during pregnancy. The $20{\alpha}$-HSD protein was intensively localized in the large luteal cells and placental cytotrophoblast villus, glandular epithelial cells of the endometrium, syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta, the isthmus cells of the oviduct, and the basal part of the primary chorionic villi and chorionic stem villus of the placenta and large luteal cells of the CL in many mammalian species. Further studies are needed to determine the functional significance of the $20{\alpha}$-HSD molecule during ovulation, pregnancy, and parturition. This article will review how fundamental information of these enzymes can be exploited for a better understanding of the reproductive organs during ovulation and pregnancy.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2002

A mutation in the promoter region of uncoupling protein 3 (UCF3), specifically the -55C longrightarrow T transition, may influence an individual's energy metabolism and body weight. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a weight reduction program on endocrine functions and body fat distribution, related to UCP3 promoter genotype. Ninety overweight pre-menopausal female subjects participated in the weight reduction program at Yonsei University Hospital, and were placed on a calorie-restricted diet (300 kcal less than their daily requirements) for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, all subjects on the program lost approximately 5% of their initial body weights and had lower Body Mass Index (BMI) values. Among the 90 women, 56 had a normal (without mutation) UCP3 genotype, while 34 women had mutations in the promoter region of UCP3. Despite similar weight reductions in both groups, a significantly higher decrease in abdominal adipose tissue was observed in the normal UCP3 genotype group, compared to the group with mutations. In particular, there was a significant reduction of fat at the lumbar 1 (Ll) level in the without-mutation group. Serum levels of total cholesterol, apolipoprotein Al were significantly decreased in the without-mutation group, by 4.4% and 5.7% respectively. Serum levels of hormones were not significantly changed in both groups artier the intervention. However, in the group without the mutations, the leptin level significantly reduced by 23.4% (p<0.001). Serum free fatty acid (FFA) concentration was significantly increased in the group with mutation following the weight reduction program. On the other hand, FFA responses were shown similar increases in both groups. In conclusion, although no difference was found in the magnitude of weight reduction in both groups, there were significant differences in body fat distribution and in endocrine function between the groups.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 2023

One of the ways to increase the production for aquaculture is through the cultivation of monosexuals by ensuring genital reversal from which energy for reproduction is diverted towards growth. Masculinization has been identified as one of the most prominent techniques, where sex development was directed from female to male. This approach only altered the phenotype and not the genotype. The red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) was a relatively new commercial commodity, and the males were known to grow faster than females. Hence, it was proposed to use monocultures comprising an all-male population to increase yield using steroid hormone, synthetic 17α-methyltestosterone. However, this technique generated residues that detrimentally affect human health, the environment, and cultivated organisms. Therefore, finding new safe natural steroid sources was essential, and one of which is exploring of natural hormones extracted from the viscera of sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra Jaeger). This study focused on the determination of male formation and testosterone levels among juvenile crayfish, after immersing in sea cucumber steroid extract (SCSE). A completely random design with factorial was used with two variables, encompassing the varied doses (0, 2, 4 mg/L, 2 mg/L 17α-methyl testosterone as control group) and immersion times of 18 and 30 h. The result showed the dose-dependent ability of SCSE increase the male genital formation and promote the testosterone level of juvenile crayfish. In addition, the testosterone was influenced by dose and immersion duration time, with the highest level of testosterone observed in treatments of 4 mg/L SCSE with 30 h immersion was 0.248 ng/mL, while the male percentage was 77%. In conclusion, the combination of dose and immersion time significantly affected growth and testosterone levels.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2002

Numerous hormones are involved in the regulation of reproduction. Among them, estrogen and progesterone are the most important ovarian steroid hormones regulating female fertility. On the other hand, diverse stressors impede female receptivity and fertility. Since norepinephrine(NE) and epinephrine(E) are released from the adrenal during stress, it might play a role in stress-induced disruptions of fEmale reproductive parameters. The present study was performed to analyze the changes in adrenal catecholaminergic activities in cycling rats. The tissue content and secretion level of catecholamines were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detector(HPLC-ECD). Adrenomedullary content of norepinephrine(NE) was increased on proestrus stage (59.47 $\pm$ 6.86 ug/gland), peaked on diestrus I stage(65.22 $\pm$ 5.99 ug/gland), and was nadir on diestrus II stage(41.63 $\pm$ 1.33 ug/gland). The highest E content was observed on proestrus stage(361.86 $\pm$ 15.58 ug/gland) while the lowest level was on diestrus II stage(285.58 $\pm$ 12.25 ug/gland). In addition to these observations, a significant reduction of the NE : E ratio was observed (1 : 4.81 on diestrus I vs 1 : 6.13～7.02 on other stages). In vitro secretion of adrenal NE and E was increased on proestrus stage, peaked on estrus stage, and decreased on diestrus II stage. Interestingly, the NE : E ratio in conditioned media was significantly increased on estrus stage (1 : 3.32 vs 1 : 2.34～2.65 on other stages. The biosynthesis of NE and E is mediated by tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase(PNMT) which acts conversion of tyrosine into DOPA and NE into E, respectively. These finding demonstrated that sex steroids, during setrous cycle, seem to be able to modify the adrenal catecholamines biosynthesis and secretion with stage-specific manner by modulation of the enzyme activities.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.187-193
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• 2000

Gonad and blood samples were taken from the cultured female Korean sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus from October to February between 1997 and 1999. Gonadosomatic index began to increase in November and reached the highest value in December (12.8$\pm$1.5) and January (14.8$\pm$3.5), and then decreased sharply in February (2.6$\pm$1.5, p<0.05). The ovarian oocytes developed to tertiary yolk stage and reached fully-Brown stage in December and January, and then underwent atresia without maturation and ovulation in February. The plasma estradio3-17 $\beta$ level increased from November, and reached the highest value in December (1,152.3$\pm$107.2 pg/ml) and January (1,315.4$\pm$99.5 pg/ml), after then decreased in February (P<0.05). The concentration of plasma 17 $\alpha$ ,20 $\beta$-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one was not significantly changed at low levels (86.6$\pm$6.5∼93.8$\pm$2.8 pg/ml) during the experimental period (P<0.05). All the fish with fully-grown oocytes in the ovary were matured and ovulated by HCG injection. The number of floating eggs were 325,000$\pm$26,000 at HCG 1,000 luhg and 195,000$\pm$35,000 at 2,000 lUikg. There was no difference in fertilization rate and hatching rate of the eggs (P<0.05). Considering these results, we could infer that the ovarian oocyte of the cultured Korean sea bass were not matured and ovulated because of the lack of gonadotropin surge. Moreover, HCG injection could induce oocyte maturation and ovulation in the cultured fish, and the effective dose was 1,000 IU/kg.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.179-188
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• 2000

The present study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of antler extract on hormone concentration, Ca, P and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in ovariectomized rats. Rats were ovariectomized bilaterally and were fed up with Ca- and P-free diet in order to induce osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was determined by the extent of density of bone mineral and lowering the concentrations of serum Ca and P. Male or female antler extract were administrated for 5 weeks to elucidate the protective and therapeutic effects for osteoporosis. The serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, calcitonin, osteocalcin, Ca and P, and the activities of ALP of ovariectomized rats were examined for 5 weeks. 1. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of the serum estradiol of the ovariectomized rat significantly decreased from 40.50$\pm$3.34 pg/$m\ell$ to 20.80$\pm$1.86 pg/$m\ell$ for 5 weeks, the levels of serum estradiol were a signigicant lower than those of control group (49.50$\pm$2.70~50.80$\pm$3.l3 pg/$m\ell$). 2. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum progesterone were didn't show significant differences. 3. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum calcitonin were a little higher than those of control group (0.64$\pm$0.03 ~0.68$\pm$0.04 pg/$m\ell$). 4. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum osteocalcin were little higher than those of control groups (0.28$\pm$0.02~0.31$\pm$0.02 ng/$m\ell$). In addition, the levels of serum osteocalcin of female antler extract administered group were little higher than those of male antler extract administered group. 5. The levels of serum Ca and P in osteoporosisinduced rats, administered with male or female antler extract, were little higher than those of control group. However, the levels of serum Ca and P in ovariectomized rats were significantly higher than those of control group (p＜0.05). 6. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats, the activities of serum ALP increased compared with those of normal control group. There were significant differences between the serum ALP activities of FA 1,250 and 625 groups (p＜0.05). These findings suggest a possible protective and therapeutic effects of female or male antler extract against bone loss in ovariectomized rats, associated with a significant increase of serum estradiol level.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.7129-7138
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• 2015

Background: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, is a common endocrine disorder in women. PCOS, which is associated with polycystic ovaries, hirsutism, obesity and insulin resistance, is a leading cause of female infertility. In this condition there is an imbalance in female sex hormones. All the sequelae symptoms of PCOS gradually lead to cancer in the course of time. It is heterogeneous disorder of unknown etiology so it is essential to find the exact cause. Materials and Methods: In this study both invasive and non-invasive techniques were employed to establish the etiology. Diagnosis was based on Rotterdam criteria (hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, PCOM) and multiparameters using buccal samples and dermatoglypic analysis and cytogenetic study for 10 cases and four age and sex matched controls. Results: In clinical analysis we have observed the mean value of total testosterone level was 23.6nmol/L, total hirsutism score was from 12-24, facial acne was found in in 70% patients with 7-12 subcapsular follicular cysts, each measuring 2-8 mm in diameter. In dermatoglypic analysis we observed increases in mean value ($45.9^{\circ}$) of ATD angle when compared with control group and also found increased frequency (38%) of Ulnar loops on both fingers (UU), (18%) whorls on the right finger and Ulnar loop on left finger (WU) and (16%) arches on right and left fingers (AA) were observed in PCOS patients when compared with control subjects. Features which could be applied as markers for PCOS patients are the presence of Ulnar loops in middle and little fingers of right and left hand. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay in exfoliated buccal cells, we found decrease in frequency of micronuclei and significant increases in frequency of karyolysed nuclei in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Chromosome aberration analysis revealed a significant increase in frequency of chromosome aberrations (CAs) in PCOS patients when compared with controls. Conclusions: From this present work it can be concluded that non-invasive technique like dermatoglypics analysis and buccal micronucleus cytome assays with exfoliated buccal cell can also be effective biomarkers for PCOS, along with increased CAs in lymphocytes as a sign of genetic instability. There is a hypothesis that micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations could have a predictive value for cancer. From this present work it can be concluded to some extent that non-invasive technique like dermatoglypics and buccal cell analysis can also be effective for diagnosis.