• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.403-407
• /
• 2011

A form of polycystic ovary (PCO) resembling some aspects of the human PCO syndrome (PCOS) can be induced in rats by a single injection of estradiol valerate (EV). An increase in sympathetic outflow to the ovary precedes, by several weeks, the appearance of cysts, suggesting the involvement of a neurogenic component in the pathology of this ovarian dysfunction. To test the hypotheses that the change in sympathetic tone is related to an augmented production of hippocampal and/or ovarian nerve growth factor (NGF), and that this abnormally elevated production of NGF contributes to the induction of PCOS induced by EV. The animals were sacrificed after PCOS induction and the ovaries and hippocampus were sectioned and compared to the normal control. The expression of NGF was measured by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis in the ovaries and hippocampus. EV-induced PCOS showed significant increase of ovarian NGF expression. Immunohistochemical expression of NGF was confined to the follicular cells and interstitial cells. Hippocampal NGF expression was not significantly changed. In conclusion EV-induced PCOS was related to the ovarian sympathetic activation which was mediated by NGF.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.44 no.6
• /
• pp.790-798
• /
• 2020

Background: Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Methods: We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepian-drosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-β)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IκB, and nuclear p-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation. Conclusion: These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.71-84
• /
• 2010

Purpose: In the theory of traditional medicine, Glenditsia spina(GS) can resolve carbuncle, relive swelling, dispel wind and destroy parasites. This study was designed to investigate the effects of GS on gene expression of ovarian tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) rats. Methods: In this experiment, female rats injected with a single dose of 2 mg estradiol valerate(EV) and GS was given for 5 weeks. The genetic profile for the effects on ovarian tissue in PCOS rats was measured using microarray technique, and the functional analysis on these genes was conducted. Results: 985 genes were increased in control and restored to normal level in GS group. (B), 733 genes were decreased in control group and restored to normal level in GS group. (F). Metabolic pathways related in B group genes were Graft-versus-host disease, Allograft rejection, Autoimmune thyroid disease, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Small cell lung cancer, Type I diabetes mellitus. Metabolic pathways related in F group genes were Antigen processing and present, Adipocytokine signalling pathway, Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, Pancreatic cancer, Notch signalling pathway, Tight junction. The network of total protein interactions was measured using cytoscape program, and some key molecules, such as c-Fos, c-Myc, ABL1 related in B group, MAPK8, RASA1, CALR related in F group that can be used for elucidation of therapeutical mechanism of medicine in future were identified. Conclusion: These results suggest possibility of GS as anti-cancer and anti-hyperplasia drug in PCOS. In addition, the present author also suggests that related mechanisms are involved in suppression of proto-oncogene such as c-Fos, c-Myc and ABL1, and in regulation of cell cycle such as RASA1.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.22-27
• /
• 2012

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol applied during early and late follicular phase (MDP-EL) in comparison with standard GnRH agonist luteal long protocol (LP) in each non-obese and obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women undergoing IVF. Methods: Two hundred eleven infertile women with PCOS were recruited and randomized to undergo either GnRH antagonist MDP-EL (antagonist group) or standard GnRH agonist luteal LP (agonist group). IVF cycle outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: Total dose and days of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH) administered were significantly fewer in the antagonist group than in the agonist group. Incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was significantly lower in the antagonist group. However, IVF and pregnancy outcomes were similar in the two groups. When all subjects were divided into non-obese and obese subgroups, in non-obese PCOS subgroup, IVF and pregnancy outcomes were comparable in the antagonist and agonist groups but total dose and days of rhFSH were also significantly fewer in the antagonist group. Similar findings were also observed in obese PCOS subgroup. Conclusion: GnRH antagonist MDP-EL is at least as effective as GnRH agonist LP and may be a more patient-friendly alternative in controlled ovarian stimulation for PCOS patients undergoing IVF, independent of body mass index.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.6.1-6.6
• /
• 2016

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has now become more common in occurrence in women of reproductive age, particularly in urban and semi-urban population in India. So there is a need to investigate this phenomenon taking into consideration various aspects including possible treatment method to ameliorate/eradicate this syndrome, which has far reaching socio-economic impact and consequences, in view of infertility and irregular menstrual cycles frequently associated with this syndrome. Homeopathy is a branch of traditional alternative medicine which is gaining popularity in India and some other developing countries, as also in some of the developed countries in Europe. With this background scenario, we have made an attempt to treat cases of confirmed PCOS and tried to compare the relative efficacy of two potentized homeopathic drugs, namely, Lycopodium clavatum (Lyco) and Calcarea carbonica (Calc), most frequently used by homeopathic practitioners, selecting different potencies of the drugs, depending on condition/guiding symptom(s) of the patients. While the main focus was pointed on total/partial removal of cysts, data pertaining to different PCOS associated symptoms were also compared for the sake of learning if the two drugs had differential effects on these symptoms also. The study parameters in this investigation included: regularity/irregularity of menstrual cycle, presence/absence of acne, hirsutism, male type alopecia, acanthosis nigricans, body/mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio. Overall results provided clear evidences that both these homeopathic drugs had great ameliorating effects on PCOS, although each drug had a little different effect in respect of the individual parameters of this study.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.29-32
• /
• 2014

Objective: To investigate the causes of amenorrhea in Korean women. Methods: Medical records from 1,212 women with amenorrhea who visited the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, between January 1989 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Amenorrhea was categorized as either primary or secondary. Results: Primary amenorrhea was identified in 132 of the patients (10.9%) and secondary amenorrhea in 1,080 (89.1%). The most frequent causes of primary amenorrhea were gonadal dysgenesis (28.0%, 37/132); Mayer-Rokitansky-K$\ddot{u}$ster-Hauser syndrome (20.0%, 27/132); and constitutional delay and androgen insensitivity syndrome (8.3%, 11/132; 8.3%, 11/132, respectively). Secondary amenorrhea was due to polycystic ovary syndrome (48.4%, 523/1,080); premature ovarian insufficiency (14.0%, 151/1,080); and nutrition-related hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (8.3%, 90/1,080). Conclusion: In this retrospective study, gonadal dysgenesis was the most common cause of primary amenorrhea and polycystic ovary syndrome was the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea in Korean women.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.245-254
• /
• 2021

Objective: In humans, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen-dependent ovarian disorder. Aberrant gene expression in folliculogenesis can arrest the transition of preantral to antral follicles, leading to PCOS. We explored the possible role of altered gene expression in preantral follicles of estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in a mouse model. Methods: Twenty female balb/c mice (8 weeks, 20.0±1.5 g) were grouped into control and PCO groups. PCO was induced by intramuscular EV injection. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum (for hormonal assessments using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique) was aspirated, and ovaries (the right ovary for histological examinations and the left for quantitative real-time polymerase) were dissected. Results: Compared to the control group, the PCO group showed significantly lower values for the mean body weight, number of preantral and antral follicles, serum levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, and gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9 and BMPR2 (p<0.05). Serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in the PCO animals than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences (p>0.05) were found in BMP6 or BMP15 expression. Conclusion: In animals with EV-induced PCO, the preantral follicles did not develop into antral follicles. In this mouse model, the gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 was lower in preantral follicles, which is probably related to the pathologic conditions of PCO. Hypoandrogenism was also detected in this EV-induced murine PCO model.

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

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.51-55
• /
• 2002

Background : An increased frequency of reproductive endocrine disorders and polycystic ovary(PCO) has been reported in women with epilepsy. A possible role of the seizure disorder or, of the use of antiepileptic drugs(AEDs) has been suggested as the pathogenic mechanism. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of reproductive endocrine disorders, such as PCO or menstrual abnormalities, in a series of women with epilepsy, examining the possible relationships of these disturbances with different epilepsy syndromes and AED treatment. Methods : Thirty epileptic women, all of reproductive age and none pubertal, pregnant, or lactating, were evaluated by clinical endocrinological assessment, and pelvic ultrasonography. Seven patients were on valproic acid(VPA), nineteen on carbamazepine(CBZ), and four on diphenylhydantoin(DPH) treatment, respectively. Results : Menstrual irregularity was observed in 8 women(26.7%), dysmenorrhea in 7(23.3%), and premenstrual syndrome in 1(3.3%). Ultrasonographic examination revealed that one women(3.3%) showed polycystic ovary, 4(13.3%) had ovarian cyst(s), and 2(6.7%) had uterine myoma, respectively. There was no difference in the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities or polycystic ovary according to the different preparations of AEDs. Conclusions : Data from this investigation suggest that, in Korean reproductive age women, the treatment of AEDs and the kind of medication may not have a significant effect on the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities or ultrasonographic polycystic ovary.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.368-373
• /
• 2021

Objective: In this study we aimed to assess anorexigenic peptide levels in patients with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their effects on assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcomes. Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care university-based ART clinic. Eighty-three patients were included in the study. The PCOS group included 41 patients, and the non-PCOS group included 42 controls. The 2003 Rotterdam criteria were used for PCOS patient selection. The ART indications in the non-PCOS group were tubal factor or unexplained infertility. Venous blood samples were taken on the third day of the menstrual cycle to determine the serum anorexigenic peptide levels. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used for laboratory analyses. Results: In the PCOS group, serum obestatin levels were significantly lower than in the control group, but serum anorexigenic peptide levels were similar in PCOS patients with or without clinical pregnancy. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was diagnosed only in PCOS patients, and the obestatin levels of OHSS patients were significantly lower than those of other PCOS patients. Conclusion: Baseline anorexigenic peptide levels did not affect the clinical pregnancy rate in ART cycles. Obestatin may play a role in the pathophysiology of OHSS. This possibility should be confirmed in further research.