Identification of serum biomarkers for premature ovarian failure.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined when a female achieves menopause before the age of 40. Although many conditions are known to be causative for POF, the most common one is idiopathic. This study was undertaken to investigate the pathogenesis of POF using proteomic tools.

Impact of Exposure to Dim Light at Night on Sleep in Female and Comparison with Male Subjects.

Objective: Light pollution has become a social and health issue. We performed an experimental study to investigate impact of dim light at night (dLAN) on sleep in female subjects, with measurement of salivary melatonin.

Methods: The 25 female subjects (Group A: 12; Group B: 13 subjects) underwent a nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) session with no light (Night 1) followed by an NPSG session randomly assigned to two conditions (Group A: 5; Group B: 10 lux) during a whole night of sleep (Night 2).

Molecular circadian rhythm shift due to bright light exposure before bedtime is related to subthreshold bipolarity.

This study examined the link between circadian rhythm changes due to bright light exposure and subthreshold bipolarity. Molecular circadian rhythms, polysomnography, and actigraphy data were studied in 25 young, healthy male subjects, divided into high and low mood disorder questionnaire (MDQ) score groups. During the first 2 days of the study, the subjects were exposed to daily-living light (150 lux) for 4 hours before bedtime.

Exposure to dim artificial light at night increases REM sleep and awakenings in humans.

Exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) has become increasing common, especially in developed countries. We investigated the effect of dALAN exposure during sleep in healthy young male subjects. A total of 30 healthy young male volunteers from 21 to 29 years old were recruited for the study.

Effects of tobacco compounds on gene expression in fetal lung fibroblasts.

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of tobacco compounds on gene expression in a human fetal lung cell line (WI38). In the present study, we investigated the effects of tobacco compounds (nicotine, benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), and 2-Naphthylamine) on gene expression profiles in human fetal fibroblasts using cDNA microarray and real-time PCR. WI38 cells were cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2% 200 mM L-glutamine, and a 2% penicillin and streptomycin solution.

[Human multi-route exposure assessment of lead and cadmium for Korean volunteers].

Objectives: We wanted to evaluate the main route of exposure to lead and cadmium for the general population in Korea by using multi-route and multi-media exposure assessment

Methods: Samples of air at the homes, samples of the food and water and peripheral blood samples were collected from thirty volunteers living in Seoul (the metropolitan area), Yong-in (the suburban area) and Ansan (the industrial area) in 2001. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric methods were used for the determination of the Pb and Cd levels in the air, food, water and blood samples.

Results: The average intake of lead through the air, drinking water and food were 5.