• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.247-255
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of extrusion pressure and particle size of feed ingredients on the growth performance and plasma hormone activity in juvenile olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Experimental diets were prepared with extrusion pressure manipulated by screw speed [low pressure (LP), 885 rpm/min; high pressure (HP), 708 rpm/min] and different dietary particle sizes [specific surface area: small (SS), $169.9m^2/kg$; large (LS), $67.4m^2/kg$] in a two-level factorial design. Four experimental diets (LP+SS, LP+LS, HP+SS, and HP+LS) were randomly assigned to 12 tanks (3 replicates) stocked with 20 fish (initial weight, 57 g) per tank. After a 4-week feeding trial, the observable trends of the main effects of extrusion pressure and particle size on growth performance showed that LP and SS enhanced fish weight gain. The plasma insulin-like growth factor-I level was significantly higher in fish fed the LP+SS diet than in fish fed the HP+SS diet. These results indicate that manipulation of the physical qualities of feed through adjustment of extrusion pressure and feed ingredient particle size may influence the growth performance of juvenile olive flounder, which should be considered in feed manufacture.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.285-291
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• 2023

Objective: Infertility can result from a diminished ovarian reserve, but a potential remedy exists in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration. This treatment involves both biological factors and tissue trauma mechanisms, which stimulate folliculogenesis, making it a promising and effective strategy. We assessed the impact of direct PRP injections into the ovaries on the fertility outcomes of women classified as poor responders. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from April 2021 to December 2022, focusing on patients classified as POSEIDON grade 3 or 4. PRP injections were administered into both ovaries. After 3 months, data were collected on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, and the numbers of oocytes, mature oocytes, and good-quality embryos following ovarian stimulation. We then compared the data from before and after PRP injection. Results: This study included 50 women, with a mean of 39 years (interquartile range [IQR], 35 to 43) and 4 years (IQR, 2 to 6) for age and infertility duration, respectively. FSH levels decreased after treatment, while AMH levels and the numbers of oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, and high-quality embryos increased. However, only the increase in high-quality embryos was significant. The pregnancy and spontaneous pregnancy rates were 20% and 14%, respectively. Notably, women with secondary infertility exhibited a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those with primary infertility. Conclusion: Ample evidence suggests that PRP can enhance ovarian function. However, further studies are needed to identify the appropriate candidates for this procedure, establish the optimal PRP preparation method, and standardize the procedure for its adjuvant use in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.217-223
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• 2014

Plasma ionized calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) concentrations are tightly regulated in the body and maintained within a narrow range; thus it is challenging to quantify calcium absorption under normal physiologic conditions. This study aimed to develop a mechanistic model for the parathyroid hormone (PTH) response after calcium intake and indirectly compare the difference in oral calcium absorption from PTH responses. PTH and $Ca^{2+}$ concentrations were collected from 24 subjects from a clinical trial performed to evaluate the safety and calcium absorption of Geumjin Thermal Water in comparison with calcium carbonate tablets in healthy subjects. Indirect response models (NONMEM Ver. 7.2.0) were fitted to observed $Ca^{2+}$ and PTH data, respectively, in a manner that absorbed but unobserved $Ca^{2+}$ inhibits the secretion of PTH. Without notable changes in $Ca^{2+}$ levels, PTH responses were modeled and used as a marker for the extent of calcium absorption.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.119-123
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• 1999

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment of bone and kidney-derived cells not only activates adenyly cyclase buy also increases intracellular free calcium, and translocates protein kinase C (PKC) from cytosol to plasma membranes. We have found that acute phorbol ester pretreatment significantly decreases PTH-induced calcium transients and the effect of phorbol ester was antagonized by staurosporine (ST). Although the major effect of ST in that study was the reversal of the action of phorbol ester, it appeared that ST may also have promoted the effect of PTH directly. To further investigate the observation, we examined the effect of ST on the intracellular calcium transients induced by PTH and $\alpha$-thrombin ($\alpha$-TH). For calcium transient experiments, UMR-106 cells were loaded with 2 mM fluo-acetoxymethylester for 30 min at room temperature. The cells were then washed and suspended in buffer containing 1 mM calcium. Fluorescence was detected at 530 nm, with excitation at 505 nm. ST alone did not cause calcium transients, but enhanced the transients elicited by PTH response. added 5 min before the hormone. Another protein kinase inhibitor H-7 likewise enhanced the calcium responses elicited by PTH, while genistein did not affect PTH response. Calcium transients elicited by $\alpha$-TH were also enhanced by ST. The results suggest that there might be tonically activated endogenous protein kinase(s) which inhibit calcium signaling of some calcemic agents.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.931-939
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of energy supplement on responses of plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) to growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) administration in normal protein-fed wethers, and to observe the effect of GHRP-2 treatment on hepatic growth hormone (GH) receptor in well-fed wethers. Plasma IGF-1 and 39-42 kDa IGFBP-3 during the HENP (CP, crude protein 0.34 and TDN, total digestible nutrients 1.83 kg/day DM, dry matter intake) treatment period were higher than in the LENP (CP 0.32 kg and TDN 0.87 kg/day DM intake) period (P<0.05). The response of GH was stimulated by GHRP-2 ($12.5\;{\mu}g/kg$ body weight/day) administration during both of the feed treatment periods (P<0.05). The area under curve (AUC) increment and average concentration of GH (0-180 min) with GHRP-2 administration was higher during HENP treatment than LENP treatment (P<0.01). During the HENP treatment period from day 1 to day 7 of twice daily GHRP-2 treatment, the plasma IGF-1 increment was increased on days 2, 6 and 7 of GHRP-2 administration (P<0.05). On the basis of ligand blotting, the proportions of plasma 39-43 kDa IGFBP-3 during the HENP treatment period only showed a significant difference on days 6 and 7 with GHRP-2 administration. No significant difference in the specific binding of $^{125}I-labeled$ oGH to hepatic membranes was detected between the saline and GHRP-2 treatments of the HENP-fed wethers. These results suggest that the nutritional balance between energy and protein may affect the endogenous GH / IGF-1 axis as well as plasma IGFBP-3 levels.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.225-233
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• 2000

The aim in this study was to obtain the basic data for estimation of optimal mating time and ovulation time by finding out the relationship between vaginal cytology and reproductive hormone profiles during the estrous cycle in 36 Korea Jin-do bitches. A characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estorous cycle were the high proportion of superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythroucyte in estrus, parabasal cell, small and large intermediate cell and leukocytes in diestrus, and parabasal cell and small intermediate cell in anestrus, respectively. Cornification index(CI) was the high proportion in proestrus and estrus, then it was decreaed in diestrus and anestrus. It indicated that the CI was significantly high proportion in proestrus and estrus in comparison with the other phases. Plasma progesterone concentration was below 1.0ng/ml at the first day of vulval bleeding in pregnant and non-pregnat bitches, and then it was increaed slowly. When Day 0 was timed from the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0ng/ml, plasma progesterone concentrations at Day 0 in pregnant and non-pregnant above 4.0 ng/ml, plasma progesterone concentrations at Day 0 in pregnant and non-pregnant bitches were $5.2{\pm}0.3ng/ml and 5.7{\pm}0.5ng/ml$$46.5{\pm}3.3 ng/ml$ in pregnant bitches and at Day 20 with $39.8{\pm}0.1ng/ml$ in nonpregnant bitches. It indicated that plasma progesterone concentration was higher in pregnant bitches than in non-pregnant bitches. Hereafter plasma progesterone concentration was decreased steadily. At Day 63 which is parturition day, plasma progesterone concentration was decreased below 1.0ng/ml with $0.8{\pm}0.2ng/ml$ in pregnant bitches whereas in the non-pregnant bitches at Day 75 were decreased below 1.0ng/ml with 40.5{\pm}0.4ng/ml$. Plasma progesterone concentrations was maintained below 1.0ng/ml during anestrus in all of them. The plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$ concentration was increased above 1.0 pg/ml at the first day of vulval bleeding and it showed a peak Day-1 with 38.2 pg/ml. Thereafter it was sharply decreased after Day 0, which was the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increase above 4.0ng/ml, and was maintained below basal levels. In relationship between CI and reproductive hormones, plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$concentration showed a peak at Day-3 and CI showed a peak at Day-1 which was the second day after plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$ peak, and plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0ng/ml at Day 0 which was the first day after CI peak. CI was first increased above 80% at Day-6 which was the third day before plasma estradio-17 $\beta$ peak and it was maintained above 80% between Days-6 and Day 3 during 10 days, and showed above 90% at Day-3 which was the day that plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$peak and was maintained above 90% between Day-3 and Day 3 during 7 days. In conclusion, ovulation in Koran Jin-do bitches occurred at the first day after CI peak, at the third day after plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$peak and the day when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml. And it was estimated that the optimal mating time was the day when the CI was maintained above 90% and plasma progesterone concentration was between 3.0~8.0ng/ml. Therefore plasma progesterone concentration measurement was used for determination of an accurate ovulation time and the optimal mating time but also vaginal cytology, which is low-priced with equipment and is the simple examination method, was reliable method for estimating estrous cycle, optimal breeding time and ovulation time in Korea Jin-do bitches.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.21-25
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• 2015

Gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNETs, also known as gastric carcinoids) are rare form of hormone-secreting neoplasms that present with varied clinical syndromes. There are four types of GNETs based on size, proliferation, localization, differentiation, and hormone production. Type I GNET is related to autoimmune atrophic gastritis and hypergastrinemia. Type II GNETs are related to multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)-1, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and hypergastrinemia. Type 3 GNETs are not associated with any background pathology, and type 4 GNETs are poorly differentiated tumors. The most useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for gastrointestinal NETs is plasma chromogranin A (CgA) levels. Endoscopic ultrasound is the method of choice to determine tumor size and depth of infiltration. For optimal management, the type, biology, and stage of the tumor must be considered. Here, we provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of GNETs.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.574-580
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• 1998

Changes in plasma levels of thyroid and sex steroid Hormones were examined during maturation and parturition periods in rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) cultured in net pens. Plasma L-thyroxine levels were $35.2{\pm}5.7\;ng/m{\ell}\;(n=\;5;\;mean\;{\pm}\;sem)$ at vitellogenesis stage and then significantly decreased to $20.5\;{\pm}\;4.2\;ng/m{\ell}$ at parturition stage (P<0.05), and rapidly returned to high level, $44.9{\pm}\;7.2\;ng/m{\ell}$ at resting stage. Plasma 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine levels were 12.9 $\pm$ 1.6 ng/ml at vitellogenesis stage, but significantly decreased to $3.7{\pm}0.7\;ng/m{\ell}$ at ovulation stage (P<0.05) and increased to $52.9{\pm}7.0\;ng/m{\ell}$ at jesting stage. Plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$ level showed the highest value ($4.3{\pm}0.9\;ng/m{\ell}$) at vitellogenesis stage, but the level significantly decreased to $0.3{\pm}0.1\;ng/m{\ell}$, during parturition stage (P<0.05). In vitellogenesis and ovulation stages, plasma testosterone levels were $1.8{\pm}0.3\;ng/m{\ell}$ and $2.1{\pm}0.7\;ng/m{\ell}$, respectively, thereafter the level significantly decreased to $0.1{\pm}0.1\;ng/m{\ell}$ at parturition stage (P<0.05). These findings suggest that thyroid hormones may have relation to maturation and parturition of mother rockfish.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2015

The gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonadal development and changes in hormones in plasma level of the indoor cultured grunt (Hapalogenys nitens) were investigated by histological study from August 2011 to October 2012. The GSI showed similar trends with gonad developmental stages during the culture periods. Changes in plasma level of estradiol-$17{\beta}$ of female H. nitens reached the highest value before the spawning period, and seasonal changes in plasma level of estradiol-$17{\beta}$ were similar in trends of oocyte developments and GSI changes. Testosterone levels of male H. nitens reached the highest value before and after the spent stage. Ovarian developmental stages of H. nitens could be classified into early growing stage, late growing stage, mature stage, ripe and spawning stage, recovery and resting stage. The testicular developmental stages could be divided into growing stage, mature stage, ripe and spent stage, and recovery and resting stage.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.819-826
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• 2013

The black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii is an important species for aquaculture in Korea. There are, however, no reports on the physiological responses to hypoxia in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute hypoxia on the physiological stress responses (plasma cortisol as the primary response, and plasma glucose, hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), sodium, chloride, osmolality, AST, ALT and total protein as the secondary responses) of the fish. The experimental fish were exposed to 0.5 ppm dissolved oxygen (DO) in the seawater via two methods (progressive stepwise decline (Exp. I), and direct decline (Exp. II)). A highly significant increase was detected in plasma cortisol levels due to the hypoxia treatments, and fish in Exp. I had hormone levels that were significantly higher than the fish in Exp. II. For plasma glucose, there was no significant difference between the Exp. I fish and the control fish, whereas Exp. II fish showed significantly higher plasma glucose levels than Exp. I fish and control fish. Ht values increased in both hypoxia treatments; however, Hb concentrations increased only in Exp. I. Although plasma chloride levels were unaffected by acute hypoxia, plasma sodium and osmolality levels increased in Exp. I. Progressive hypoxia (Exp. I fish) increased plasma AST, ALT and total protein. These results suggest that the value and direction of changes to the investigated parameters can be used to determine the resistance of black seabream to acute hypoxia.