Seung-Yup Ku

The OPG gene G1181C polymorphism, alone and in combination with the RANKL rs2277438 polymorphism, was identified as a genetic factor associated with BMD of the lumbar spine in Korean women.

Hormonal disturbances, such as hyperandrogenism, are considered important for developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in humans. Accordingly, directly hormone-regulated animal models are widely used for studying PCOS, as they replicate several key PCOS features. However, the pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS are still unclear. In this review, we aimed to investigate animal PCOS models and PCOS-like phenotypes in animal experiments without direct hormonal interventions and determine the unde

STUDY QUESTION: Do microRNAs (miRNAs) in granulosa cells (GCs) affect oocyte maturation during ovarian follicle development? SUMMARY ANSWER: Sophisticated regulation by miRNAs in ovarian GCs may improve oocyte maturation efficiency during ovarian follicle development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The meiotic competence of oocytes depends on the follicle's potential to undergo appropriate maturation and is an important factor in infertility therapies such as IVF. The exact function of the GCs during fo

Sex steroids influence the maintenance and growth of muscles. Decline in androgens, estrogens and progesterone by aging leads to the loss of muscular function and mass, sarcopenia. These steroid hormones can interact with different signaling pathways through their receptors. To date, sex steroid hormone receptors and their exact roles are not completely defined in skeletal and smooth muscles. Although numerous studies focused on the effects of sex steroid hormones on different types of cells, st

Conventional fertility preservation methods such as oocyte or embryo cryopreservation are currently insufficient to treat including those patients with prepubertal cancer and premature ovarian failure. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation presents as an alternative but has limitations with a potential risk of reintroducing malignant cells in patients who recover from cancer, those of chemotherapy prior to tissue cryopreservation. The so called "artificial ovary" aims to resolve this issue by transpla

Current investigations on the bioengineering of female reproductive tissues have created new hopes for the women suffering from reproductive organ failure including congenital anomaly of the female reproductive tract or serious injuries. There are many surgically restore forms that constitute congenital anomaly, however, to date, there is no treatment except surgical treatment of transplantation for patients who are suffering from anomaly or dysfunction organs like vagina and uterus. Restoring a

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of body mass index (BMI) as a predictor of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes. Two hundred twenty-three IVF-ET cycles in 164 patients under 37 yr using GnRH agonist long protocols were included in this retrospective study. All of the selected cases were divided into two groups by a cutoff of 24 kg/m2 and these two groups were compared in regard to the outcomes of IVF-ET. There were no significant differences be

BACKGROUND: The development and use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in regenerative medicine have been revolutionary, offering significant advancements in treating various diseases. These pluripotent cells, derived from early human embryos, are central to modern biomedical research. However, their application is mired in ethical and regulatory complexities related to the use of human embryos. METHOD: This review utilized key databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register

We investigated the expression of the mitochondrial ATPase6 gene whose product is active in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and compared it to the expression of Tfam, an important regulator of the transcription and replication of mtDNA. Our aim was to examine a possible relation between mitochondrial gene expression and Down syndrome. The expression of ATPase6 and Tfam was analyzed by RT-PCR amplification of the mRNA in cultured amniocytes from Down syndrome and normal fetuses. The band inte

BACKGROUND: Age at menarche is known to be regulated by genetic and environmental factors. To date, no menarcheal data are available on North Korean women. In this cross-sectional survey, we investigated age at menarche and its possible influencing factors in North Korean refugees. METHODS: Four hundred and eleven North Korean refugees were surveyed at a North Korean female refugee camp using a structured questionnaire within 3 months of immigration. Menarcheal age was requested and the data obt

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of body mass index (BMI) as a predictor of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes. Two hundred twenty-three IVF-ET cycles in 164 patients under 37 yr using GnRH agonist long protocols were included in this retrospective study. All of the selected cases were divided into two groups by a cutoff of 24 kg/m2 and these two groups were compared in regard to the outcomes of IVF-ET. There were no significant differences be