Heterogeneity of IGF-1 Levels in Children with hCG-Induced Precocious Puberty.

Objective: Sex steroid stimulates growth hormone release during puberty. However, the role of IGF-1 levels in human-chorionic-gonadotropin-induced precocious puberty remains unclear.

Methods: A retrospective study reviewing thirty patients with precocious puberty due to human-chorionic-gonadotropin-secreting intracranial germ cell tumors was performed.

[The Effects of All-trans Retinoic Acid on the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Cartilage Damage Related Protease in Rats with Collagen Induced Arthritis].

Objectives: To investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on arthritis and the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and cartilage damage related proteases of the collagen-induced arthritis model (CIA) rats .

Methods: The CIA model of rheumatoid arthritis was induced with C2 and incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The rats were randomly divided into control group, CIA model group and two ATRA dose groups (ATRA 0.

[Estrogen Receptor Subtype-mediated Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays for Determining (anti) Estrogen Effect of Chemicals].

Objective: To establish gene assays for determining (anti) estrogen effect of environmental chemicals; and to compare the reactivity and sensitivity of two assays with different estrogen subtype.

Methods: Human estrogen receptor a (hERalpha) and hERbeta mediated reporter gene assays employing firefly luciferase (Luc) were developed. The expression plasmid hERalpha or hERbeta was constructed and transiently co-transfected into LLC-MK2 cells with pERE-minP-Luc2P reporter plasmid and the control plasmid pGL4.

[Establishment of a rotary aerobic culture system for in vitro culture of mouse testis].

Objective: To establish an in vitro model of cultured mouse testis using rotary aerobic culture.

Methods: Rotary aerobic incubation with optimized culture conditions was used for in vitro culture of mouse testis, and the morphology of the cultured testicular tissues was compared with that cultured in Transwell chambers. The changes in the testicular tissue structure were examined using HE staining, and the cell proliferation was assessed with BrdU staining.

[The effects of equol on enzymes related to testosterone synthesis and vimentin in the testis of perinatal mice by organ culture in vitro].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Equol on genes and protein expression of testosterone synthesis related enzymes and Vimentin in testis of perinatal mice in vitro.

Methods: Testes were isolated and cultured in infiltrating type rotating device for 72 h. The testes were randomly divided into five groups and treated with Equol (DMSO control, 0.