Dieckol, a Component of Ecklonia cava, Suppresses the Production of MDC/CCL22 via Down-Regulating STAT1 Pathway in Interferon-gamma Stimulated HaCaT Human Keratinocytes

Macrophage-derived chemokine, C-C motif chemokine 22 (MDC/CCL22), is one of the inflammatory chemokines that controls the movement of monocytes, monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. Serum and skin MDC/CCL22 levels are elevated in atopic dermatitis, which suggests that the chemokines produced from keratinocytes are responsible for attracting inflammatory lymphocytes to the skin. A major signaling pathway in the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-stimulated inflammation response involves the signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1). In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of dieckol and its possible action mechanisms in the category of skin inflammation including atopic dermatitis. Dieckol inhibited MDC/CCL22 production induced by IFN-gamma (10 ng/mL) in a dose dependent manner. Dieckol (5 and 10 muM) suppressed the phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of STAT1. These results suggest that dieckol exhibits anti-inflammatory effect via the down-regulation of STAT1 activation.

Effects of feminine cleanser Inclear on sperm motility: A prospective study / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to estimate the effects of Inclear, a feminine cleanser, on sperm motility. METHODS: Semen samples were obtained from infertile male patients. Following liquefaction, the raw semen samples were diluted with Ham's F-10 nutrient mixture medium containing 0.4% human serum albumin solution at a ratio of 1:3. The semen samples were subsequently centrifuged to separate the seminal plasma from the serum. The supernatant was discarded, and the pellet was resuspended. The sample was again centrifuged to remove cell debris, and the supernatant was removed. The final pellet was gently loosened by resuspension and incubated in medium alone as a control, and in a 10% solution of the medium plus Inclear. A sampling time of 30 minutes was selected on the basis of sperm transport studies. Sperm motility was evaluated with computer-assisted sperm analysis. RESULTS: A total of 20 samples were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 34.40+/-2.96 years. There was no difference in sperm concentration and motility in the two samples at 0 minute and 30 minutes of incubation. In both semen samples, the sperm concentration and motility decreased after an incubation period of 30 minutes. However, there was no statistical difference between the samples. Sperm concentration and motility were not significantly different between the control and Inclear samples after 0 minute and 30 minutes of incubation. CONCLUSION: Inclear has no negative effects on sperm motility. This product can be recommended to pregnancy planners for vaginal hygiene and as a vaginal lubricant.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Quercetagetin, an Active Component of Immature Citrus unshiu, in HaCaT Human Keratinocytes

Citrus fruit contain various flavonoids that have multiple biological activities. However, the content of these flavonoids are changed during maturation and immature Citrus is known to contain larger amounts than mature. Chemokines are significant mediators for cell migration, while thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) are well known as the typical inflammatory chemokines in atopic dermatitis (AD), a pruritic and chronic inflammatory skin disease. We reported recently that the EtOH extract of immature Citrus unshiu inhibits TARC and MDC production. Therefore, we investigated the activity of flavonoids contained in immature Citrus on TARC and MDC levels. As a result, among the various flavonoids, quercetagetin has stronger inhibitory effects on the protein and mRNA expression of TARC and MDC than other flavonoids. Quercetagetin particularly has better activity on TARC and MDC level than quercetin. In HPLC analysis, the standard peak of quercetagetin matches the peaks of extract of immature C. unshiu. This suggests that quercetagetin is an anti-inflammatory component in immature C. unshiu.

The Chloroform Fraction of Carpinus tschonoskii Leaves Inhibits the Production of Inflammatory Mediators in HaCaT Keratinocytes and RAW264.7 Macrophages

Inflammation is the immune system's response to infection and injury-related disorders, and is related to pro-inflammatory factors (NO, PGE2, cytokines, etc.) produced by inflammatory cells. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a representative inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by increasing serum levels of inflammatory chemokines, including macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC). Carpinus tschonoskii is a member of the genus Carpinus. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of C. tschonoskii by studying the effects of various solvent fractions prepared from its leaves on inflammatory mediators in HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells. We found that the chloroform fraction of C. tschonoskii inhibited MDC at both the protein and mRNA levels in HaCaT cells, acting via the inhibition of STAT1 in the IFN-gamma signaling pathway. In addition, the chloroform fraction significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide stimulation, except COX-2 and TNF-alpha. These results suggest that the chloroform fraction of C. tschonoskii leaves may include a component with potential anti-inflammatory activity.

External Application of Fermented Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Oil Alleviates Inflammatory Responses in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-induced Atopic Dermatitis Mouse Model

Allergic skin inflammation such as atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by edema and infiltration with various inflammatory cells such as mast cells, basophils, eosinophils and T cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is produced mainly by epidermal keratinocytes, as well as dermal fibroblasts and mast cells in the skin lesions of AD. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil can reduce inflammation in allergic patients. Fermentation has a tremendous capacity to transform chemical structures. The anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil have been described in many diseases, but the beneficial effects by which fermented olive flounder oil (FOF) modulates the allergic response is poorly understood. In this study, we produced FOF and tested its ability to suppress the various allergic inflammatory responses. The ability of FOF to modulate the immune system was investigated using a mouse model of AD. The FOF-treated group showed significantly decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine in serum. Also, the increased TSLP expression was significantly inhibited in the FOF group; the FOF-treated group was not appreciably different from the hydrocort cream treatment group. In addition, FOF treatment resulted in a smaller spleen size with reduced the thickness and length compared to the induction group. Splenocytes from mice treated with FOF produced significantly less IFN-gamma, IL-4, T-box transcription factor (T-bet) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) expression compared with the induction group. These results suggest that FOF may be effective in treating the allergic symptoms of AD. 5.

Predictive value of sperm motility characteristics assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis in intrauterine insemination with superovulation in couples with unexplained infertility / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether characteristics of sperm motility obtained by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) could predict pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI) in couples with unexplained infertility. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-three cycles of intrauterine insemination with superovulation were retrospectively analyzed. Semen analysis was performed with CASA before and after swim-up and the parameters were compared between pregnant and non-pregnant women. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate per cycle was 14.1%. Pregnant and non-pregnant women were comparable in terms of age, infertility duration, the number of dominant follicles. While sperm concentration, motility, and parameters such as average path velocity (VAP) and percentage rapid (RAPID) before semen preparation were significantly different between the pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups, there were no differences in sperm parameters when comparing the two groups after preparation. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve to measure sensitivity and specificity, the optimal threshold value for the predictors of pregnancy was revealed to be a concentration of > or =111x10(6)/mL, a motility of > or =51.4%, and RAPID > or =30.1% before preparation for IUI. CONCLUSION: Sperm parameters including concentration, motility, and RAPID before sperm preparation could have predictive value for pregnancy outcome after intrauterine insemination with superovulation in couples with unexplained infertility, and would be helpful when counseling patients before they make the decision to proceed with IVF/ICSI-ET.

Predictive value of sperm motility characteristics assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis in intrauterine insemination with superovulation in couples with unexplained infertility / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether characteristics of sperm motility obtained by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) could predict pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI) in couples with unexplained infertility. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-three cycles of intrauterine insemination with superovulation were retrospectively analyzed. Semen analysis was performed with CASA before and after swim-up and the parameters were compared between pregnant and non-pregnant women. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate per cycle was 14.1%. Pregnant and non-pregnant women were comparable in terms of age, infertility duration, the number of dominant follicles. While sperm concentration, motility, and parameters such as average path velocity (VAP) and percentage rapid (RAPID) before semen preparation were significantly different between the pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups, there were no differences in sperm parameters when comparing the two groups after preparation. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve to measure sensitivity and specificity, the optimal threshold value for the predictors of pregnancy was revealed to be a concentration of > or =111x10(6)/mL, a motility of > or =51.4%, and RAPID > or =30.1% before preparation for IUI. CONCLUSION: Sperm parameters including concentration, motility, and RAPID before sperm preparation could have predictive value for pregnancy outcome after intrauterine insemination with superovulation in couples with unexplained infertility, and would be helpful when counseling patients before they make the decision to proceed with IVF/ICSI-ET.

Fertilization, Embryonic Development, and Pregnancy Rate using Fresh and Frozen Testicular Sperm in Hypospermatogenesis / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the fertilization, embryonic development and pregnancy rate using fresh and frozen-thawed testicular sperm from hypospermatogenic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 84 cycles of ICSI were performed with fresh or frozen-thawed testicular sperm frm hypospermatogenesis patients. Of these, 55 cycles(65.5%) were performed with fresh sperm, and 29 cycles(34.5%) were performed with frozen-thawed sperm. Testicular tissue was frozen with the programmed cell freezer(Cryomagic I, Miraebiotech, Seoul, Korea). Fertilization was checked 18-20 hrs after ICSI. Embryo grade was assessed based on the day 2 and day 3 embryo morphology. Embryo grade was scored five groups, and good embryos were classified as grade I to grade II. RESULTS: The total percentage of fertilized embryos was 62.4%, the development of good embryos was 58.8%(290/493), and pregnancy rate was 39.2%(29/74). For fresh sperm, the percentage of fertilized embryos was 65.7%, the percentage of good embryos was 57.6%(204/354) and the pregnancy rate was 34.8%(16/46). For thawed sperm, the percentage of fertilized embryos was 54.4%, the percentage of good embryos was 61.9%(86/139), and pregnancy rate was 46.4%(13/28). Thawed sperm showed a higher percentage of good embryos and higher pregnancy rate than fresh sperm. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we obtained acceptable rates of fertilization and good embryos after ICSI with testicular sperm from hypospermatogenesis patients. Frozen sperm showed higher rates of good embryos and pregnancy than fresh sperm. Therefore both fresh and frozen testicular sperm are effective in ICSI for embryonic development and pregnancy in patients with hypospermatogenesis.

Fertilization, Embryonic Development, and Pregnancy Rate using Fresh and Frozen Testicular Sperm in Hypospermatogenesis / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the fertilization, embryonic development and pregnancy rate using fresh and frozen-thawed testicular sperm from hypospermatogenic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 84 cycles of ICSI were performed with fresh or frozen-thawed testicular sperm frm hypospermatogenesis patients. Of these, 55 cycles(65.5%) were performed with fresh sperm, and 29 cycles(34.5%) were performed with frozen-thawed sperm. Testicular tissue was frozen with the programmed cell freezer(Cryomagic I, Miraebiotech, Seoul, Korea). Fertilization was checked 18-20 hrs after ICSI. Embryo grade was assessed based on the day 2 and day 3 embryo morphology. Embryo grade was scored five groups, and good embryos were classified as grade I to grade II. RESULTS: The total percentage of fertilized embryos was 62.4%, the development of good embryos was 58.8%(290/493), and pregnancy rate was 39.2%(29/74). For fresh sperm, the percentage of fertilized embryos was 65.7%, the percentage of good embryos was 57.6%(204/354) and the pregnancy rate was 34.8%(16/46). For thawed sperm, the percentage of fertilized embryos was 54.4%, the percentage of good embryos was 61.9%(86/139), and pregnancy rate was 46.4%(13/28). Thawed sperm showed a higher percentage of good embryos and higher pregnancy rate than fresh sperm. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we obtained acceptable rates of fertilization and good embryos after ICSI with testicular sperm from hypospermatogenesis patients. Frozen sperm showed higher rates of good embryos and pregnancy than fresh sperm. Therefore both fresh and frozen testicular sperm are effective in ICSI for embryonic development and pregnancy in patients with hypospermatogenesis.

Efficiency of Percoll Gradient, PureSperm Gradient, and Swim-up Separation Techniques in Normal Semen Samples / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology using Percoll gradient, PureSperm gradient, and the swim-up method in normal semen samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten normal semen samples were divided into three fractions. Motile sperm were isolated with Percoll gradient, PureSperm gradient, and swim-up method. Sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology were determined before and after separation. RESULTS: The sperm concentrations were not significantly different among the three METHODS: Percoll gradient(34.3+/-9.4x10(6)/ml), PureSperm gradient(37.6+/-16.6x10(6)/ml), and swim-up(27.3+/-6.4x106/ml). There was no significant difference in sperm motility among the three METHODS: Percoll gradient(93.5+/-1.6%), PureSperm gradient(92.7+/-4.4%), and swim-up(95.7+/-2.7%). When sperm motility was measured 24 hr later, the results were similar among the three METHODS: Percoll gradient(81.7+/-15.5%), PureSperm gradient(84.3+/-12.2%), and swim-up(89.4+/-5.1%). Sperm viability and morphology were slightly higher in swim-up method than the other methods, but the differences were not statistically significant. Sperm viability datas were: Percoll gradient(85.5+/-5.5%), PureSperm gradient(85.6+/-3.7%), and swim-up(88.6+/-6.6%). Morphology datas were: Percoll gradient(82.0+/-10.7%), PureSperm gradient(73.9+/-9.3%), and swim-up(83.7+/-8.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The swim-up method resulted in viability and morphology that were slightly higher than the other methods. However, all methods were useful for sperm preparation in normal semen samples.

Comparative Analysis of Sperm Motility Using Cell Soft System-3000 and Sperm Quality Analyzer-V / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of CASA systems and to compare its results. METHODS: Fifty semen sampales were analysed. Concentration, motility and forward progression were evaluated simultaneously on the same semen samples using Cell Soft System-3000 (CS system) and Sperm Quality Analyzer-V (SQA system). RESULTS: Mean semen volume was 2.8+/-.2 ml. Mean value of sperm concentration, motility, forward progression using CS system were 83.4+/-5.7x106/ml, 52.3+/-6.4% and 48.6+/-3.4%, respectively. And mean value of sperm concentration, motility, forward progression using SQA system were 78.2+/-2.9x106/ml, 57.0+/-4.0% and 50.6+/-1.9%, respectively. There were no statistical significancy of sperm concentration, motility, forward progression between the two devices. CONCLUSION: SQA system variables well correlated with the CS system. As a screening test for semen quality, CS system and SQA system is considered as useful in the management of male infertility.

Light and Electron Microscopic Observation in the Frozen-thawed Mouse Testicular Tissues / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological aspects of testicular tissue before and after freezing-thawing by light and transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: Tissue biopsies were carried out on mouse testis for freezing. Samples in medium containing 20% glycerol were frozen by computer-controlled freezing program. The effect of freezing-thawing on the structural change of testicular tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The freezing-thawing procedure had no significant effect on tubular diameter. However, it caused folding of the lamina propria, and notable damage to Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The cells were detached, desquamated from the basal lamina and had increased vacuolization. Round spermatids, elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were less affected, and most of them maintained their normal structure. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and basal compartments in seminiferous epithelium was significantly altered by freezing-thawing procedure of mouse testicular tissues. Thus, we need to develop a more reliable method for the cryopreservation of testicular tissues.

Light and Electron Microscopic Observation in the Frozen-thawed Mouse Testicular Tissues / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological aspects of testicular tissue before and after freezing-thawing by light and transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: Tissue biopsies were carried out on mouse testis for freezing. Samples in medium containing 20% glycerol were frozen by computer-controlled freezing program. The effect of freezing-thawing on the structural change of testicular tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The freezing-thawing procedure had no significant effect on tubular diameter. However, it caused folding of the lamina propria, and notable damage to Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The cells were detached, desquamated from the basal lamina and had increased vacuolization. Round spermatids, elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were less affected, and most of them maintained their normal structure. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and basal compartments in seminiferous epithelium was significantly altered by freezing-thawing procedure of mouse testicular tissues. Thus, we need to develop a more reliable method for the cryopreservation of testicular tissues.

Effect of Cryopreservation on the Heat Shock Protein 90 Expression in Mouse Ovarian Tissue / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: Heat shock protein family is related to protective mechanism of cells by environmental changes. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of cryopreservation on the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) expression in mouse ovarian tissue. METHODS: Cryopreservation of mouse ovarian tissue was carried out by slow freezing method. The mRNA level of Hsp90 expression in both fresh and cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue was analyzed by RT-PCR. The protein expression of Hsp90 was evaluated by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein of Hsp90 were expressed in both fresh and cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue. The amount of Hsp90 mRNA was increased in cryopreserved ovarian tissue after 60 and 90 minutes after thawing and incubation. The amount of Hsp90 protein was increased in the cryopreserved ovarian tissue after 6 hours of the incubation in Western blot analysis. In immunohistochemical study, Hsp90 protein was localized in cytoplasm of oocytes and granulosa cells. Significant level of immunoreactive Hsp90 protein was detected in theca cells contrast to the weak expression in ovarian epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: This results showed the increase of Hsp90 expression in both mRNA and protein level in the cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue. It can be suggested that Hsp90 may play a role in the protective or recovery mechanism against the cell damage during cryopreservaion.

A case of thanatophoric dysplasia / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.

A Case of Crossed Renal Ectopia with Fusion / 대한비뇨기과학회지

When an ectopic kidney is located on the opposite site from its ureteral insertion into the bladder, the condition is known as crossed ectopia. Ninety per cent of crossed ectopic kidneys are fused to the ipsilateral kidney. Herein we report a case of crossed renal ectopia with fusion in a 20 year old male.

Clinical Observation on Urinary Tuberculosis Treated by Operation / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Two hundred four patients with urinary tuberculosis who underwent surgical intervention were evaluated during the period from 1970 to 1988. Surgical management included nephrectomy in 171 cases, nephrostomy in 35 cases, partial nephrectomy in 4 cases and reconstruction of ureteral stricture and contracted bladder in 57 cases. Of 267 cases, 3 cases of ureteral reimplantation and 6 cases of operation performed with intestinal segment were failed. For the success of operation performed with intestinal segment, creatinine lower than 2.0mg/dL was inevitable. Direct method of ureteral reimplantation were all successful but 1 case of Boari operation and 2 cases of antireflux method were failure. One case of Boari operation and 2 cases of operation performed with intestinal segment were dead. The causes of death were sepsis and acute renal failure.

A Case of Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia / 대한비뇨기과학회지

A 46-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of hemoptysis for 2 months. Taken from local clinic, multiple metastatic pulmonary nodules on both lung fields were noted on chest X-ray. On our evaluation for primary lesion, IVP showed suspected space occupying lesion at the upper pole of left kidney. Ultrasonogram and abdominal CT of kidneys showed bilateral renal solid masses and a simple renal cyst of right kidney. Bilateral selective renal angiogram showed a huge hypervascular mass on the upper pole of left kidney and a small hypervascular solid mass on the middle pole of contralateral mate kidney. Under the clinical diagnosis of synchronous bilateral renal cell carcinoma, right partial nephrectomy with marsupialization of right renal cyst and left radical nephrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed by Chevron's incision The patient was discharged from the hospital without any complication on 12th postoperative day. Three weeks after surgery, alpha interferon injection was started as 3 mega units intramuscularly once daily for 2 months and then 5 times per week, with cimetidine 200mg p.o. 4 times daily and continued until now for the control of pulmonary metastasis. On postoperative 10 months; control chest X-ray shows partial response of pulmonary metastasis.