• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.301-309
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• 1997

The objective of this study was to determine the microtubule assembly and chromatin configuration during the first cell cycle in bovine oocytes following injection of spermatozoon, sperm head and tail. The microtubule and chromatin configuration was imaged with fluorescent labeled monoclonal ${\alpha}$-tubulin antibody and propidium iodide under laser scanning confocal microscope. Microtubule and chromatin dynamics in bovine oocytes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were not different from those observed during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Following ICSI, the microtubular aster was observed around sperm midpiece. During pronuclear formation, the sperm aster was enlarged and seen around male and female pronuclei. At mitotic metaphase, the microtubular spindle assemble astral poles and chromosomes were aligned on the spindle equator. At mitosis, asters were concentrated to each spindle pole and they filled the cytoplasm. After injection of the isolated sperm head, the microtubular aster was not seen around sperm head in any cases (0/18). Instead, microtubules were organized from the cytoplasm, which filled the whole cytoplasm during pronuclear apposition. These microtubules seem to move male and female pronuclei. These results suggest that isolated sperm head can develop into normal pronucleus in mature bovine oocytes, and competent to participate syngamy with the ootid chromatin. The functional microtubules following isolated sperm head injection in bovine oocytes appeared to be organized solely from maternal stores.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.141-150
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• 2019

Despite the development of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) including in vitro fertilization (IVF), the poor ovarian response and endometrial receptivity remains clinically a major unmet need. Although these problems are difficulties to solve in infertility treatment, there are no good therapeutic option yet. Traditional herbal remedies and acupuncture, therefore are being proposed as alternative treatment. Our group found that traditional herbal medicines such as Paeonia lactiflora L.(PL, 芍藥), Cyperus rotundus L.(CR, 香附子), and Perilla frutescens (PF, 紫蘇葉) could improve endometrial receptivity. In this study, we found out Yeosin-san (如神散) as an optimal herbal formula via combination of the previously established herbal medicines. Yeosin-san is a traditional Korean medical formula which was established by Ziming Jin (陳自明) and recorded in Furendaiquanliangfang (婦人大全良方) at first. The formula traditionally used for treating abnormal uterine bleeding and leukorrhea. It showed a highest effect on leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression and on the adhesion between trophoblastic cells and endometrial cells. In addition, it has been shown that the Yeosin-san not only increases the endometrial receptivity to improve the embryo implantation but also enhances the ovary function by expressing the angiogenesis-related genes. Here we suggest that Yeosin-san could be a novel and effective candidate for treating female infertility.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.77-86
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on the derivation of mouse ES cells from isolated blastomeres. Two-cell stage mouse embryos were obtained from superovulated BDF1 female mice. Collected embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage in culture medium supplemented with 0, 1,000, 2,500 or 5,000 U/mL of LIF. Cultured blastocysts were examined by counting the number of cells in the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) using differential staining method. When 2-cell embryos were cultured with 2,500 U/ml of LIF, the cell numbers of ICM significantly increased in comparing with those of the control($21.0{\pm}4.0$ vs. $15.9{\pm}5.0$, P<0.01) and 1,000 U/mL of LIF-containing group ($21.0{\pm}4.0$ vs. $16.6{\pm}4.9$, P<0.05). We used an ES cell establishment medium with 20% Knockout Serum Replacement and 0.01 mg/mL ACTH instead of fetal bovine serum. Establishing efficacy of ES cell lines were the highest in 2,500 U/mL of LIF-containing group as 36.7% (11/30). This culture medium was applied to the culture of isolated blastomeres and to derivate ES cell lines. Three ES cell lines (21.4%) from isolated blastomeres of 2-cell stage embryos were established. In further experiments, we could establish one ES cell line (4.0%) from single blastomere of 4-cell stage embryo. The subcultured ES cells and their embryoid bodies were characterized by analyzing gene expression for undifferentiation and differentiation marker gene using immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. In conclusion, LIF supplementation in culture medium could increase the cell number in ICM of blastocysts and support derivation of ES cell lines from isolated blastomeres.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.106-118
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• 2005

Purpose : Deoyeongjeon(DYJ : 大營煎) is used in female infertility, caused by　ovulation disorder. so this study is to examine what are the effects of the Deoyeongjeon(DYJ) on the vulation and Ovary in Rats Methods : 4weeks Female Sprague-Dawley 12 rats of weighting 160-l80g, were divided into three groups including the DYJ oral administration(4ml/kg) groups(4heads) and DYJ oral administration(8m/lkg) groups(4heads). then we observed changes in the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and estradiol(E2) and the histological changes of ovary and the immunohistochemical staining for progesterone receptor in ovary of rats. Results : 1. Blood FSH level significantly increased in experimental group as compared with control group. 2. In blood LH level, experimental group showed no efficacy as compared with control group. 3. In blood estradiol(E2) level, experimental group showed no efficacy as compared with control group. 4. In histological observations of ovary, ovulation increased in experimental group as compared with control group, which showed no efficacy. 5. In observations of immunohistochemical staining for progesterone receptor in ovary, immunohistochemical staining score (ISS) of atretic follicles significantly showed a tendency to decrease in experimental group as compared with control group. Conclusion : DYJ influences the pituitary gland and ovary to increase the ovulation of rats.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 1987

Alternative methods were used in the field of infertility as the latest means for the treatment of misconception. Artificial insemination, which has been commonly used already, IVF-ET and GIFT are also used as artificicial method for conception presently. Appling such methods to the patient, following three categories should be considered; first, there should be an understanding and an agreement from the patient, second, if possible, reduce the cost of hospital expense and relieve physical and emotional problems of the patient, and third, increcrsing the pregnancy rate. Under these considerations, complication and pitfalls of artifical inseminations are a big burden to the physian and the patient. Though the conicicental complications are relatively very rare, detailed laboratoy tests, carefull examinations, and follow-up studies are necessary. In the distribution of the age groups, 40.3% was in the 25 to 29 years group, 30 to 34 years was 45%. 35 to 39 years was 8% and only 3.2% was above the 40 age groups. The range of infertile periods were from 1 to 17 years, and half of the patients were over 5 years, the other group 20% in 3 years and 2 to 4 years were 10%. Among 159 cycles of artificial insemination, there were complications such as infection(1.9%) and discomfort(5%) and abnormal bleeding (0.6%). During pregnancy, clinical abortion (1.9%) and toxemia (2.5%) were shown. Sex of new born infants were, male (68%) and female (31%). Fortunately, there were no cases of psychological complication and genetic abnormality. Indications of artificial insemination for male factors were aspermia (2.5%), azoospermia (28.8%), oligospermia (26.4%) and asthenozoospermia (1.8%), for female factors were irregular cycle (11.7%) and dysmucorrhea.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.526-537
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• 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide and its eradication is mandatory. Direct acting HCV polymerase inhibitors, such as Sofosbuvir (SOF), is an effective regimen. However, it has some side effects like mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and the impairment of testicular function. It is important to evaluate the safety of SOF on the ovary, as there are no studies yet. Increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causes oxidative stress, which affects ovulation process, female reproduction, and fertility. Accumulation of SOF in the cells was demonstrated to promote ROS generation. Vitamin E (Vit E) is an antioxidant agent that has an essential role in the female reproductive system, its deficiency can cause infertility. We explored the effect of SOF treatment alone and co-treated with Vit E on ovarian ROS level and ovarian morphology experimentally using biochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Significant changes in oxidative stress markers; nitric oxide and malondialdehyde lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes; catalase, super oxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione, proliferating markers; proliferation cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 antigen and caspase 3 apoptotic marker were demonstrated. It was shown that where SOF induced oxidative stress, it also aggravated ovarian dysfunction. The essential role of Vit E as an antioxidant agent in protecting the ovarian tissue from the effect of oxidative stress markers and preserving its function was also displayed. This could be guidance to add Vit E supplements to SOF regimens to limit its injurious effect on ovarian function.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1463-1470
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• 2004

Paljinickmohwan(八珍益母丸) is used in female infertility. especially due to deficiency of qi and blood or Qihyulyanghe(氣血兩虛). An attempt was made to evaluate the influences of PJIMH on the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and estradiol(E2), the histological changes of ovary and the immunohistochemical staining for AT2 receptor in ovary of rats. The results of the study were as follows : Blood FSH level significantly increased in experimental group as compared with control group. In blood LH level, experimental group as compared with control group showed no efficacy. Blood E2 level significantly increased in experimental group as compared with control group. In histological observations of ovary, ovulation increased in experimental group as compared control group, which showed no efficacy. In observations of immunohistochemical staining for AT2 receptor in ovary, there is no difference between control group and experimental group. According to these results, it can be concluded that PJIMH influences ovary to increase the ovulation of rats.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.24-34
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• 2019

It was observed in the Subfertility Cases that Customized yinyang Balance Appliance (CBA) and Balancing Upper Cervical Alignment Technique of functional cerebrospinal therapy (FCST) for meridian and neurologic yinyang balance are theraputic. Four Subfertility cases were managed with the CBA, combined with acupuncture and herb-medicine. The other cases were managed with the Balacing Upper Cervical Alignment Technique, combined with acupuncture and herb-medicine. Clinical outcome measurement was based on subjective measures and clinical observations. Patients showed positive changes in subjective symptoms after the treatment and these effects maintained over the follow-up period. And each patient gave a birth to a male/female child. Further clinical and biological research with FCST therapy on hormone-related disordres is expected.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.989-993
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• 2010

Although numerous clinical observational studies have been conducted over a period of over 30 years, the clinical significance of $Ureaplasma$ infection is still under debate. The $Ureaplasma$ speices. is a commensal in the female genital tract and considered to have of low virulence; however, $Ureaplasma$ colonization has been associated with infertility, stillbirth, preterm delivery, histologic chorioamnionitis, and neonatal morbidities, including congenital pneumonia, meningitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and perinatal death. Recently, $Ureaplasma$ was subdivided into 2 separate species and 14 serovars. $Ureaplasma$ $parvum$ is known as biovar 1 and contains serovars 1, 3, 6, and 14, and $Ureaplasma$ $urealyticum$ (biovar 2) contains the remaining serovars (2, 4, 5, and 7-13). The existence of differences in pathogenicities of these 14 serovars and 2 biovars is controversial. Although macrolides are the only antimicrobial agents currently available for use in neonatal ureaplasmal infections, in the current clinical field, it is difficult to make decisions regarding which antibiotics should be used. Future investigations involving large, multicenter, randomized, controlled studies are needed before proper recommendations can be made for clinical practice.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.179-183
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• 2014

Reproductive losses in a herd can be huge. Fetal reabsorption or undefined infertility often remain undetected. Routine herds monitoring for exposure, controlling the introduction of potential agent carriers, appropriate biosafety procedures, and vaccination where possible are together the best security against abortion and stillbirth inducing disease. For biosecurity of local farms, we performed antibody titers of abortion and stillbirth related diseases such as bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Campylobacter fetus subsp venerealis. The blood samples were collected from 500 female Hanwoo over 1 year old of 100 farms in Jeonbuk eastern area. Champhylobater serological test was evaluated by the standard tube agglutination test (STAT) and other pathogen's antibodies were detected by indirect-enzyme linked immunoassay (I-ELISA). The seroprevalence of abortion and stillbirth inducing disease were BVDV 72.4%, IBRV 13.0%, N. caninum 1.2%, T. gondii 10.4% and C. venerealis 0.6%, irrespectively.